"◎A Wild Boar Can’t Appreciate Fine Grain◎"
The two little kids being held up by their Second Grandpa curiously eyed the elderly man who looked very old indeed, tilting their heads to ask, "Second Grandpa, is that Great-Grandpa?"
"Yes, yes, yes!" Old Master Jiang cut in immediately, snatching his cane and whacking his second son’s arm with it. "Who taught you to carry children like that? Put them down at once!"
Jiang Heling silently glanced at the merciless cane mark on his arm. "...And who do you think taught me?"
Still, he set the children down and clapped his hands. "Go play outside. Grown-up business isn’t for little ones."
Le Qing nodded in agreement—until she realized he was looking straight at her. "What are you still standing around for? Out."
"?" Le Qing pointed at herself. "Me?"
A child?
"Who else?"
In Jiang Heling’s eyes, this niece-in-law was far more likable than his two older nephews. Pretty, even-tempered, and not overly meek—nimble and straightforward, she outshone the pretentious Jiang family in every way.
He couldn’t fathom what had made this girl take a liking to his eldest nephew in the first place.
But a girl was still a girl. Even as a mother, she was a child in his eyes, especially now that he’d taken it upon himself to look after this family of three.
By then, the school administrators had arrived with security, only to pale at the scene in the office.
One wrong move, and they’d offended everyone.
Jiang Heling might’ve been unfamiliar to them, but the old man? They recognized him instantly.
Back when the youngest Jiang heir attended this kindergarten, Old Master Jiang had personally come to give instructions.
"Master Jiang, there must be some misunderstanding," the school leader hastily intercepted Le Qing and the kids before they could leave. "Are these two little treasures enrolling? We’ll arrange it immediately!"
Old Master Jiang ignored him, instead asking Le Qing, who was holding the children’s hands, "Sweetheart, what do you think?"
The term "sweetheart" nearly gave Jiang Heling a heart attack.
The last person Old Master Jiang had called that was Jiang Yu as a child—how many years had it been since then?
When his eldest brother married, it had been a business arrangement with little affection between them. Even after the wedding, they mostly lived apart, so Old Master Jiang had never grown close to that daughter-in-law either.
What was this sudden endearment for a first meeting?
But Old Master Jiang wasn’t being careless. After everything he’d been through, he knew his time was running out. If he kept worrying about propriety now, he’d die with regrets.
Though he no longer had the right to ask Le Qing to return to the Jiang family, in his heart, she would always be his niece-in-law.
Le Qing was just as stunned.
She pointed at herself again. "You’re talking to me?"
Not to the little girl?
"Of course." Old Master Jiang had calmed considerably, leaning on his cane with a gentler tone. "How do you want to handle the enrollment?"
Le Qing pressed her lips together.
The boldness she’d shown earlier while confronting the others had faded, replaced by unease.
But in the end, she chose to follow her instincts. "Sir, I don’t actually plan to enroll the children here."
Madam Li, who’d been simmering nearby, exploded. "Then why did you waste my time?!"
Jiang Heling shot her a glare. "Keep shouting, and I’ll take that business card of yours. Let’s see which company you represent."
Madam Li instantly clammed up.
Her chubby son, however, wasn’t so easily cowed. "My dad is Li Shunjian! He’ll beat you up!"
"Li Shunjian?" Jiang Heling searched his memory before finally placing the name. "Oh, the guy who parked outside our gate every day during New Year’s, stalking my eldest brother?"
Madam Li yanked her son back, clamping a hand over his mouth. "Shut up!"
Then, trembling, she addressed Old Master Jiang. "We’ll give up the spot. It’s yours."
Le Qing laughed. "You’ve got it backward. That spot was never yours to begin with."
Seeing that Old Master Jiang wasn’t stopping her, she continued, "But we don’t want it anymore."
She’d initially worried the old man might oppose this—after all, this elite kindergarten was the kind of place wealthy families favored.
Yet neither elder had interrupted her. Instead, they’d nodded along, endorsing her decision.
Jiang Heling scowled. "We’ll have a doctor check my big kid and little ones for injuries later. You’d better sleep with one eye open tonight."
His naturally stern face turned downright terrifying, reducing Madam Li to tears as she clutched her son.
"As for this teacher..." He gave the school leader a sidelong glance, leaving the threat unspoken.
"Rest assured, we’ll investigate her misconduct," the leader said, practically groveling.
This wasn’t just a school—it was a hub for the wealthy, where tuition bought not just education but connections. Many families paid the exorbitant fees purely for the networking opportunities.
When the youngest Jiang heir had attended, the school had reaped years of lucrative partnerships from the elite families drawn to his presence.
Now, having offended these two little scions, they stood to lose untold future benefits.
"Master Jiang, your grandson thrived here. We’ll discipline the teacher—this isn’t the school’s fault. Why not let the children stay—"
"I thought there was only one spot?" Le Qing interrupted. "Only one child could enroll?"
"Nonsense!" The leader berated the teacher. "Our admissions are by family. All your children in the same grade can attend—we’ll even open a special class just for them!"
So it was a family spot.
No wonder Madam Li had been so desperate.
"We’re leaving." Old Master Jiang made the final call. "My sweetheart’s word is law. Jiang Heling, deal with that Li family yourself."
So he hadn’t listened to a word of their pleading.
The old man cheerfully took his great-grandchildren’s hands. "Come, Great-Grandpa bought you lots of toys."
With that settled, there was little left to do.
Le Qing retrieved all their documents—and her bank card.
She’d prepared countermeasures, but those were for her past self, navigating the world alone. Now, things were simpler.
Old Master Jiang refused to ride back in his second son’s car. "I’m going with them. That thing’s too cramped."
Jiang Heling, who’d delegated the cleanup to bodyguards to hurry after them, could only stare.
"...I didn’t even bring the sports car because I knew you were coming. Drove you myself, and you call it cramped."
No wonder their relationship had always been rocky.
Some things never changed—like his father’s readiness to throw him under the bus.
Old Master Jiang thought for a moment and found it reasonable. He turned to his granddaughter-in-law and said, "Then let’s find someone to drive your car later. Don’t tire yourself out—ride with me in your second uncle’s car. He’ll drive, and it’ll be more comfortable."
Le Qing: "..."
Jiang Heling: "..."
Feeling that the situation was about to spiral out of control if this continued, Le Qing quickly interjected, "I’d rather drive myself. This car has a child seat installed."
"Did you hear that?" Old Master Jiang shot his second son a glare. What’s the use of a car worth millions if it doesn’t even have a child seat?
In the end, Old Master Jiang smoothly took the passenger seat in Le Qing’s car.
Meanwhile, Second Uncle, simmering with frustration, controlled the throttle as he followed behind, hauling a car full of toys. He was so annoyed he couldn’t even bring himself to curse.
Le Qing didn’t head straight home but stopped by the kindergarten near their residence.
Though this one wasn’t as well-equipped as the one downtown, it was quieter and closer to home—practically the same in her eyes. Still, she felt uneasy throughout the process. It wasn’t until all the formalities were completed, with the two elders beside her smiling approvingly without a single word of dissent, that she finally relaxed.
Since they had brought a truckload of toys for the kids, Le Qing wasn’t ungrateful. Noticing that they had accompanied her all day without complaint, she offered, "Second Uncle and Old Master, if you don’t mind, would you like to come over for dinner?"
"Not at all!"
How could they mind?
Le Qing hurriedly instructed Sister Wang to buy more groceries. To ensure the meals were always fresh, ingredients were purchased daily.
"From now on, don’t call me ‘Old Master.’ Just call me Grandpa, like Little Yan did," Old Master Jiang said earnestly. "You’ve had a hard time these past few years. Even though Little Yan is gone, the two children are still here. We’re family—no need to be so formal."
Le Qing had heard such words before, often as polite platitudes.
But she couldn’t doubt Old Master Jiang’s sincerity, because from start to finish, his attitude had been no different from any ordinary elder’s.
Even her adoptive parents had never once called her "daughter," yet here, she was being addressed as "dear girl."
It felt surreal to Le Qing.
Yet she also felt a twinge of guilt—after all, she hadn’t really suffered much.
Driven by this guilt, she secretly asked Sister Wang to buy even more groceries.
She knew the elders had bought toys for the kids, but she hadn’t expected so many. If not for the bodyguards helping carry them upstairs, they would’ve had to make multiple trips.
Once home, Le Qing poured water for the two elders. "Come, thank Great-Grandpa and Second Grandpa."
The little ones, sitting on the carpet, were dazzled by the mountain of toys. At that moment, they declared Great-Grandpa and Second Grandpa the greatest heroes in the world!
This was pure happiness!
"Thank you, Great-Grandpa! Thank you, Second Grandpa!" The younger sibling wiggled over to sit by the elders’ legs. "Let’s play together!"
Her older brother corrected her, "We should offer guests fruit and candy first."
"Huh?"
The little girl pondered for a second—she couldn’t very well give the grandpas their own gifts—so she put down the toy. "After eating, we’ll take Grandpa on the rocking car!"
"Don’t," Jiang Heling interjected, seeing Old Master Jiang’s eager expression. "You’ll shake him apart."
"Is that any way to talk to your father?"
"And is it any way to treat your son like a chauffeur and bodyguard?"
Father and son locked eyes, tension crackling between them.
The two children glanced back and forth, unsure if this was a fight or not.
The little girl observed Second Grandpa—he didn’t seem angry. Oh! It must be like when her brother got mad but still loved her.
"Don’t worry!" She grabbed both elders’ hands and pressed them together. "The rocking car is big enough for both of you!"
Jiang Heling recoiled, goosebumps rising. "Who wants to ride with him? No way! Absolutely not!"
Before he could finish, Old Master Jiang whacked him with his cane. "Who are you yelling at, you brat?"
Le Qing walked out with a fruit platter just in time to see the living room in chaos—cane swinging, voices raised, the kids cheering like a pair of overexcited cheerleaders, their voices hoarse from shouting encouragement.
The more they cheered, the more vigorously Old Master Jiang wielded his cane, while the forty-something Second Uncle dodged and weaved, clutching his head.
"..." She hurried over, stuffed empty milk bottles into the kids’ mouths to silence them, and effectively halted the elder’s impromptu performance.
Old Master Jiang set down his cane, straightened his clothes, and smiled benignly. "Just playing with the children."
Le Qing shot a glance at the fuming but helpless Second Uncle and forced a polite smile. "Please, help yourselves to the fruit."
"Of course, of course." Old Master Jiang, who’d had little appetite lately, eagerly grabbed a piece. Then he asked, "You’ve been living here for three years now?"
Le Qing sat on the carpet, tidying the toys to create a dedicated play area for the kids, and nodded softly. "Yes."
"Good, good. The children seem very happy—you’ve raised them well."
The little ones sucked on their empty bottles contentedly, chiming in, "Auntie is the best!"
Since Jiang Yan’s memorial had just passed, the elders tactfully avoided mentioning it.
Old Master Jiang grew serious. "Here’s the thing. By all rights, our family has no standing to ask anything of you or demand time with the children."
Le Qing blinked, her guilt resurfacing.
Truthfully, she felt she had no right either.
But since the elder had broached the subject, she decided to hear him out.
"However, the Jiang family believes in taking responsibility for one’s actions." Old Master Jiang huffed. "Jiang Yan’s father was wrong to throw money at people to bully them. We’ve already cut him off, so we hope you’ll allow us to visit the children regularly."
"Don’t worry—Jiang Yan’s father won’t know."
"..."
Le Qing understood now.
So the root of it all was that her late sister had fled with the children because Jiang Yan’s father had tried to buy her off.
She straightened slightly, her confidence bolstered.
Well, now she had even more legitimacy—after all, the children were officially under her household registration.
"Of course, you’re always welcome." Le Qing exhaled in relief. "About today’s matter... I didn’t choose that other kindergarten because I wasn’t familiar with international schools before."
After reviewing the materials Jiang Suizhi sent, she had researched online. Never having lived as a wealthy person, she hadn’t known about the unspoken rules in such places.
Though the faculty was undeniably excellent, after observing the attitudes of both teachers and parents, Le Qing worried the children might face isolation there.
At this age, their environment mattered more than elite education.
As for academics—any kindergarten could teach the basics.
She explained this because the two elders were reasonable people, and she wanted to reassure them.
To her surprise, Old Master Jiang waved it off dismissively. "What does it matter which one they attend? Don’t be like Jiang Yan’s father, pushing them so hard. Back in my day, I never even went to kindergarten. Look at your Second Uncle and the others—did they attend some fancy preschool?"
"I'm busy with work, and they're always making a racket at home, so I just dumped them in a kindergarten far away—who cares if it's fancy or not?"
Jiang Heling gritted his teeth: "I'm still here, you know!"
When children don't get along, the parents are to blame!
"What's it got to do with you?" Old Master Jiang shot him a glare before turning back to Le Qing with a kindly expression. "You've raised such adorable, well-mannered children. Just do things your way. If you ever need money or help, just tell Grandpa. They're all busy with work, but I’ve got nothing but time. If you’re working too, you could even hire me to babysit."
Le Qing was utterly flustered—she could never afford someone so distinguished.
"Don’t listen to his nonsense," Jiang Heling coughed loudly to assert his presence. "Some people can’t even take care of their own meals, let alone kids."
Before Old Master Jiang could start swinging, Jiang Heling added, "Le Qing, you heard it yourself—the old man doesn’t know the first thing about raising kids. None of us in the Jiang family have any right to question how you’re doing it. We can’t even manage ourselves properly, otherwise we wouldn’t have so much drama. So don’t be nervous or scared."
He continued, "We’re getting old, and some things are beyond our understanding now. Just being able to visit the kids is enough for us. If we ever do anything wrong, just say so—we’ll fix it. Don’t let yourself or the kids suffer."
He pulled a card from his wallet and slid it toward her. "We came in a hurry last time and didn’t even step inside, so we didn’t have time to prepare anything. The little ones got gifts, and you, the grown-up, should have one too. Consider it a small token from your uncle."
Le Qing’s eyes widened in shock. "No, Uncle, I can’t accept this."
"Why not?" Jiang Heling frowned. "I’m a lone wolf with no kids of my own. Jiang Suizhi’s practically my boss now, and his personality grates on me. You’re the one I find pleasant. I want to give this to you."
For once, Old Master Jiang didn’t argue with his son. He also produced a card. "Consider this a belated New Year’s red envelope. It’s the thought that counts, whether it’s a little or a lot."
Le Qing was speechless.
She never expected the Jiang family to love her—even if just for the children’s sake—to this extent.
Under the intense gazes of the two elders, she pressed her lips together softly. "Thank you, Grandpa, Uncle."
Even if this warmth was only because of the children, it was more tenderness than she’d ever known. She genuinely wanted them to visit often now.
Her collection box would soon hold two more little gifts.
How nice.
She had no intention of spending the money or using the cards—they’d just be keepsakes.
But since she’d accepted gifts, she ought to prepare something for the two elders in return.
When she’d bought Jiang Suizhi’s gift earlier, she’d added the salesperson’s contact. The woman, knowing Le Qing was a model, messaged her every other day asking if she needed anything.
Le Qing had spotted two items perfect for the elders—and within her budget.
But was Jiang Suizhi really the only younger generation left in the Jiang family now?
Worried her presence might stifle the elders’ playful interactions with the kids, Le Qing rubbed her eyes. "I’ll go help Sister Wang with dinner."
Once her figure disappeared into the kitchen, Old Master Jiang sighed quietly. "Such a good kid. Had a hard life before, and still does now."
They knew Le Qing had grown up alone, without family. So it wasn’t just for the children or Jiang Yan’s sake—they genuinely pitied her too.
A single day with her was enough to see how mature and kind she was. Any family would’ve treasured a girl like her.
That’s why they couldn’t bring themselves to demand the children return to the Jiang family. Unless Le Qing someday started a new life and decided to send them back themselves.
What a shame. She’d have made such a wonderful granddaughter-in-law.
With two important guests visiting, Le Qing and Sister Wang prepared a feast.
Jiang Heling stared at the spread in silence for so long that Le Qing grew uneasy. "Does it not suit your taste?"
She might not be able to whip up haute cuisine, but her home-style dishes were decent. And a few were Sister Wang’s handiwork—practically master chef quality.
Old Master Jiang scowled. "What, can’t appreciate good food when you see it?"
Le Qing bit her lip hard to keep from laughing.
Jiang Heling picked up his chopsticks with a sarcastic smirk. "I was just thinking—in over forty years, this is the first time I’ve eaten a meal made by family."
Their whole lives, it had always been nannies. And his father’s parenting philosophy? Just keep them alive.
Cooking for them? Forget about it.
Good food? They were lucky to get scraps.
Was this the legendary "generational doting" he’d heard about?
Just as he was about to dig in, a hand smacked his. "Don’t touch!"
"What now?!"
Old Master Jiang declared, "I haven’t taken pictures yet."
Le Qing choked. "Pictures?"
You’ve probably eaten everything under the sun—why photograph this?
"For posterity," Old Master Jiang cheerfully snapped away from multiple angles. "Might come in handy later."
Le Qing was baffled.
Then the old man’s phone rang. She noticed how he suddenly sat straighter, an oddly smug hesitation in his expression. "Yes?"
Meanwhile, at the Jiang family mansion, Jiang Hechang sat alone at an enormous dining table laden with gourmet dishes—the chefs’ desperate attempts to tempt the old man’s lately absent appetite.
"It’s late. Aren’t you coming back for dinner?" Jiang Hechang asked.
"Not coming. I’m eating now," Old Master Jiang replied.
Jiang Hechang: "?"
What, was some hotel food really that much better?
And if so, why wasn’t he invited?
Had his little brother usurped his place?
"Which hotel?" Jiang Hechang stood. "I’ll join you."
"Don’t bother," Old Master Jiang said. "Eight-star establishment. You’re not worthy."
Jiang Hechang laughed in disbelief.
Eight-star. Right.
Le Qing covered her mouth but couldn’t suppress a cough.
The noise tipped Jiang Hechang off. "Who was that?"
"Dad!" he roared. "Where the hell did Jiang Heling take you?!"
For the first time ever, Jiang Heling held the upper hand over his elder brother. Leaning toward the phone, he whispered like a villain, "Choose your next words carefully, or you’ll be eating gruel alone every night from now on."
"???"
The little ones, oblivious to the adults’ drama, pushed Le Qing’s water cup toward her, patting her back worriedly. "Auntie, drink water."
"Thank you." She sipped, steadying her racing heart, and murmured, "Let’s eat."
She’d figured out who was on the other end—and couldn’t help worrying he’d show up with money someday, demanding she stay away from his grandchildren.
Jiang Hechang clearly recognized the childish voices too, because he fell silent instantly.
Old Master Jiang knew the penny had dropped. "Alright, we’re done here."
"Wait a second." Jiang Hechang swallowed his pride. "Are you coming back tonight?"
This question immediately gave the two on the other side a new idea.
Go back?
Wasn’t there a vacant apartment right across the way? The owner was currently on a business trip abroad.
No reason not to take advantage of it.
"We’re not coming back," Old Master Jiang declared decisively. "You can entertain yourself."
The housekeepers at the old mansion watched as Old Master Jiang’s face turned pale, then flushed with anger. Tentatively, one asked, "Should we… continue serving the dishes?"
Jiang Hechang gritted his teeth. "Serve them. I’ll eat alone!"
A lavish spread of delicacies—seafood, meat, rare delicacies.
Hah. Some five-star treatment. He didn’t care for it.
Halfway through his meal, his phone buzzed. He picked it up to see a photo sent by Old Master Jiang.
The dining table wasn’t large, but it was packed with dishes, each one vibrant and appetizing. What really caught his eye, though, were the tableware—especially the two pastel blue children’s bowls placed side by side, along with tiny spoons and chopsticks.
Next to the bowls sat two half-filled baby bottles.
Suddenly, the food in Old Master Jiang’s mouth lost all its flavor.
As much as he hated to admit it, he was genuinely being excluded from the "inner circle."
That bootlicker Jiang Heling!
He’d always seemed shifty-eyed and untrustworthy!
No, he had to do something.
Finding an excuse to apologize… might work, right?
Old Master Jiang, who had never apologized in his life, was at a loss.
After dinner, Le Qing contacted the salesperson she’d added earlier—she could still make it in time to pick up the items.
"You go ahead. We’ll take the kids out for a walk to help them digest," Old Master Jiang said, clearly in no hurry to leave. "Don’t regular neighborhoods have play areas for kids and seniors?"
Regular neighborhoods…
Le Qing felt a sharp pang of self-awareness.
"Have the bodyguards follow them," Jiang Heling added. "We’ll just play for a bit and come back. We’re not going home tonight anyway."
Le Qing blinked. "Huh?"
"Isn’t the apartment across from us Jiang Suizhi’s place?" Old Master Jiang said. "He’s not in the country. I’ll stay here for a few days."
Oh.
Le Qing didn’t fully grasp this family’s dynamics, but she figured she’d never quite understand them.
With the two little ones about to start school, letting them run around outside was a good idea. She reminded Sister Wang to pack their water bottles before heading out.
The moment she left, the two elders immediately pulled out their phones to call Jiang Suizhi.
This was a last-minute plan—they had neither keys nor the passcode. How were they supposed to get in?
But as they held their phones, they hesitated.
They weren’t exactly close, and this grandson of theirs had severe cleanliness OCD.
"You call," Old Master Jiang said. "Your relationship has improved lately."
"You call," Jiang Heling refused. "Play the ‘respect your elders’ card. He’ll agree."
"…"
In the end, Old Master Jiang decided to exercise his grandfatherly authority and dialed.
"The number you have dialed is currently unavailable."
"?" Jiang Heling gasped. "Did he block you?!"
Old Master Jiang was equally stunned. His first call to his grandson, and he was blocked?!
"I told you, not a single decent one in the Jiang family," Jiang Heling muttered. "What now? Pick the lock?"
"…You’re right. Not a single decent one." Old Master Jiang switched to Plan B. "Which of your places is nearby? If it’s too far, we’ll just book a hotel. No way we’re going back."
They’d already boasted about not returning. If they slunk back now, Jiang Hechang would never let them live it down.
Old Master Jiang refused to let that happen.
Jiang Heling wholeheartedly agreed.
"We’ll figure it out later," Old Master Jiang said, picking up the kids’ water bottles. "Right now, I’m taking my great-grandkids to join the square dancers."
By the time Le Qing returned with the gifts, the two elders still hadn’t come back. She had no choice but to go looking for them.
At this hour, most people would have dispersed. Where were they?
Just as she stepped out of the building into the courtyard, she heard Little Le Jia’s puzzled voice:
"Great-Grandpa, aren’t we going home yet?"
"No rush. Let’s take another stroll. How about Second Grandpa gives you a piggyback ride?"
"Yay!"
"But remember," Jiang Heling cut in, "after I give you a ride, you have to say nice things for us."
"Right," Old Master Jiang added in a hushed tone. "When we see your auntie later, tell her: ‘It’s so late, it’s not safe for Great-Grandpa to go home. Let him stay over, okay?’"
"What about Second Grandpa?"
Old Master Jiang: "Second Grandpa can figure it out himself."
Le Qing: "…"
