"What's the matter?"
Gui Xiang quickly hung up the dishcloth.
"I noticed Ershun's father has recovered well, and Ershun can help too. Our shop is idle from afternoon till evening. After running for so long, many customers have asked if we’d open at night. I think we shouldn’t let the opportunity go to waste."
Yang Yufen poured herself a glass of water to drink.
"So we’ll sell noodles in the evening too?"
Gui Xiang had been thinking the same thing but couldn’t manage it alone before.
"Yes, noodles are simple. When it gets colder, we can prepare a pot of lamb soup and add lamb noodle soup. That should be manageable. I’ll take care of the lamb supply, but I might not be able to stay in the evenings. It’ll be up to you all—just close up after selling."
"As long as it makes money, we don’t mind the work!"
Ershun's father chimed in eagerly.
"Ershun and I can help with washing vegetables and dishes, wiping tables, and sweeping the floor—no problem!"
Yang Yufen smiled and nodded. She’d inform the customers later. Right now, she was in a hurry to get home. Today was the first day her child was being sent to the Hu family for studies, and Yang Yufen took it very seriously. She wanted to see if there was anything she could prepare.
"You’re here so early?"
Professor Wen was pleasantly surprised to see Yang Yufen.
"I finished my tasks early and thought I’d come see if there’s anything I can help with."
"What a coincidence! I was just planning to clear out a space specifically for the children’s studies. We have desks and chairs, but we need to move things around to make room."
Professor Wen was holding Little Baby in her arms.
"Let me handle it. Just tell me where to move things. Dust from moving isn’t good for the little one."
Yang Yufen tied on her apron, rolled up her sleeves, and got ready to work.
After Professor Wen explained where things should go, Yang Yufen nodded.
"Alright, step back with the child. If anything needs adjusting, just let me know."
Seeing Professor Wen carry Little Baby away, Yang Yufen got to work.
The study area was near the windowsill, with good natural light—clearly, Professor Wen had put thought into it.
Even the TV was repositioned—visible from the study area but at a distance that made it less convenient for adults to watch, yet perfect for the children.
Moving things required cleaning and reorganizing, and setting up the desks and chairs also needed wiping down. By the time everything was done, it was almost time for the children to return from school.
"Without you, I might not have been able to set this up alone."
Professor Wen was impressed, even though she already knew Yang Yufen was capable.
The bookshelves were neatly arranged, the desks and chairs in order, and a mat was laid out on the floor to create a play area for Little Baby, making it easier for Professor Wen to teach.
"These are all old things—hand-me-downs from Dabao and Erbao."
Yang Yufen looked around, satisfied that nothing was missing, then headed to the kitchen to start cooking.
Professor Wen set the child down and joined her in the kitchen—one washing, the other chopping. By the time Hu Zhenghao returned with his younger brothers, the meal was ready.
"Wow! That smells amazing!"
The aroma of food greeted them as soon as they stepped inside. After a full day of school and running around, the children were starving.
"Wash your hands first. Grandma Yang made dinner."
Professor Wen brought out the dishes while Yang Yufen finished cleaning the pot.
"Grandma!"
Dabao and Erbao ran in and hugged Yang Yufen’s legs.
"Hey now, go wash up."
Yang Yufen poured water for them, and the children obediently washed their hands in the basin.
Hu Zhenghao had already set out the bowls and chopsticks.
"Line up! Youngest to oldest. Erbao, hold yours steady."
As the eldest, Hu Zhenghao naturally took charge, and the three younger boys followed his lead, carrying their bowls and sitting quietly, waiting for the adults to join.
"Zhenghao’s really growing into his role as the big brother."
Professor Wen smiled as she mixed formula for Little Baby.
"Zhenghao’s always been a good older brother."
Yang Yufen smiled too. Seeing the children healthy and happy was enough for her.
After dinner, Yang Yufen expected Professor Wen to start the children’s lessons, but instead, she had them finish their homework first. Those who finished early could play.
"It’s not time yet. Moving around after eating is good for them."
Noticing Yang Yufen’s confusion, Professor Wen explained.
Yang Yufen nodded, though she wasn’t sure what they were waiting for.
"It’s almost six. Zhenghao, is your homework done?"
Professor Wen’s sudden question made Hu Zhenghao, who had been scratching his head in frustration, brighten up instantly.
"Almost! Just wait, Grandma!"
He scribbled furiously. Dabao and Erbao grew curious, while Wang Xing’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
"It’s time for cartoons!"
Wang Xing happily told Dabao and Erbao.
"You know a lot, don’t you? What cartoons have you watched? Tell Grandma Wen."
Professor Wen smiled warmly at Wang Xing.
"I’ve seen Hailibu and Little Eggshell!"
Wang Xing answered proudly.
"Very good! Do you know what’s on today?"
Wang Xing shook his head. He’d been playing with Dabao and Erbao lately and hadn’t watched TV in a while.
"No idea."
"That’s alright. You’ll find out soon. Why don’t you tell Dabao and Erbao about the cartoons you’ve seen?"
Professor Wen’s gentle demeanor was contagious, putting everyone at ease.
Wang Xing nodded eagerly and began sharing his favorite cartoons with the younger boys.
Hu Zhenghao listened longingly but glanced at his homework and the clock. He took a deep breath and refocused—if he didn’t, he’d never finish.
Why? Why? Why is there so much homework today? I should’ve done more at school instead of playing!
Finally, just before 6:30, he finished. His handwriting wasn’t too messy—hopefully, it would pass his mother’s inspection.
As the TV turned on, cheerful music played, and the opening scene of the cartoon appeared—a majestic deer standing on a sunset-lit mountain.
"It’s The Water Deer! I’ve seen this!"
Hu Zhenghao blurted out excitedly before meeting his grandmother’s gaze.
"Let Dabao and the others watch first."
He nodded eagerly, secretly proud that he’d seen it before his younger brothers.
Meanwhile, Little Baby, now with a dedicated play area, crawled around happily, exploring new toys while the cartoon played in the background.
"You’re a lifesaver. I was worried about how to handle Little Baby once she started crawling, but you’ve solved the problem."
Not having to constantly hold and watch the child was a relief for Professor Wen, who didn’t interfere with the baby’s exploration.
"In the countryside, we either carry babies on our backs or let them play on the ground. There’s less to bump into out in the fields. The city’s different, so we have to make do with these setups."
Yang Yufen hadn’t expected the stored items to come in handy so soon.
