When Nan Sheng returned to the house, Little Hou had already plated the dishes and set the table with bowls and chopsticks. The young man worked with impressive efficiency.
Nan Sheng patted the younger child’s head, checking that she seemed well, then went to check on the older one—she made sure neither was neglected.
Modern people really had the right idea—either not having children at all or just having one. When you had multiple kids, it was impossible to care for them all when they fell sick at the same time.
After entering the room, Nan Sheng found Sizhe completely unresponsive, still fast asleep. She touched his forehead and neck, detecting a slight fever, but his sweat had already broken—a good sign.
Just then, the family of five from downstairs arrived at the door. Hearing the voices outside, Nan Sheng hurried out to greet them.
Hua Fen winced at the sight of the table laden with meat dishes, her heart aching at the extravagance. Nan Sheng invited everyone to sit first, then took a clean bowl and served some food for her son.
Noticing this, Hua Fen asked, "Why isn’t Sizhe joining us for dinner? Is he feeling unwell?"
"He has a slight fever, but it’s not serious. He was sleeping so soundly, I didn’t have the heart to wake him."
After all this time together, everyone could see that Nan Sheng genuinely cared for her stepchildren. That alone earned her everyone’s respect.
Hua Fen hesitated to say it outright, worried Nan Sheng might take it the wrong way, so she simply sighed, "These children are so lucky to have you looking after them."
Nan Sheng smiled. "Let’s eat while we talk, or the food will get cold."
Hua Fen had two sons and a daughter, and this was their first time dining at the Lin family’s home. They were a bit reserved, so Nan Sheng took the initiative to serve them meat and buns.
The buns were all meat-filled, no vegetarian options, and soon their mouths were glistening with grease. Between bites of buns and sips of porridge, they helped themselves to the meat dishes—it felt even more lavish than a New Year’s feast.
Zhang Yiheng and Little Hou were no strangers to dropping by for meals, so they dug in without hesitation. Only Qiqi pouted in displeasure—her mother wouldn’t let her eat too much meat, calling it too greasy.
Tilting her head, Qiqi whined to Nan Sheng, "Mom, I want braised pork knuckle tomorrow! A big, fatty one!"
"You can have it once you’re better. If you’re still feverish, you’ll stick to light meals."
As Nan Sheng spoke, she served Qiqi more food. The mother-daughter dynamic made Hua Fen’s children green with envy. In their household, meat was a rare treat—maybe once every ten days—and they’d never dare ask for it daily.
Sob… Does the Lin family need another kid?
One who can eat a lot!
Only after eating his fill halfway did Zhang Yiheng speak up. "Sis-in-law, the boss asked me to pass on a message. He said not to worry about the military district—just focus on taking care of the kids at home. The Shen family matter has been settled.
"Though yesterday, some troublemakers caused a scene at Shen Yu’s place and got punished. Luo Hao took the blame for his men and is still in confinement."
Zhang Yiheng had initially been worried for his brother, fearing this incident might harm Lin Han’s career. But to his surprise, the higher-ups had unanimously sided with the Lin family.
Rumor had it Brigade Commander Gao, Shen Yu’s direct superior, was furious. He’d stormed into the division commander’s office demanding justice, only to slink back in defeat.
Nan Sheng had anticipated this outcome—she always thought three steps ahead. "When Lin Han gets back, he’ll have to properly thank the leadership."
After the meal, no one rushed to leave. Little Hou even insisted on helping with the dishes, refusing to take no for an answer.
Nan Sheng brewed a pot of tea and chatted with Hua Fen while Zhang Yiheng listed everyone who had spoken up for the Lin family, ensuring she knew who their allies were.
By the time the Shen family arrived, night had fallen.
Sizhe had just woken up. Nan Sheng reheated some food for him, and though he obediently sat down to eat, his appetite seemed poor.
At the sound of knocking, Little Hou, being closest to the door, got up to answer. Seeing Shen Yu and his family, he saluted and greeted, "Good evening, Regimental Commander Shen!"
Respectful as it was, his expression wasn’t exactly welcoming.
At the mention of "Shen," the room fell silent. Shen Yu spoke first. "We’ve come to apologize. Is Sis-in-law home?"
Hearing this, Nan Sheng told Little Hou to open the door wide—it wouldn’t do to leave guests standing outside. Besides Shen Yu’s wife and daughter, Shen Wen and Shen Wu had also come, each carrying gifts.
The moment Nan Sheng stepped forward to invite them in, the entire Shen family bowed deeply in unison.
Shen Yu said, "We’re sorry, Sis-in-law. Your children suffered because of us. After a night of reflection, Shen Wen and Shen Wu have realized their mistakes. We hope you’ll give them a chance to make amends."
Hua Fen nearly laughed out loud. Well, well. The Shen family’s really backing down. After getting beaten black and blue yesterday, they still have to come apologize today.
Zhang Yiheng, privy to the juicy drama, did his best to blend into the background. From now on, the once-proud Regimental Commander Shen would exist only in his memories.
The scene’s too beautiful—I can’t bear to watch!
Nan Sheng called Sizhe and Siqi to her side. "Since Regimental Commander Shen has said so, I won’t dwell on it.
"But my children were deeply wronged. I want Shen Wen and Shen Wu to apologize to them sincerely in front of everyone and promise never to bully the kids in this compound again."
Her request wasn’t unreasonable—to Shen Yu, it was far better than another beating. Despite the ointment slathered on him, the swelling hadn’t subsided, and every brush of fabric against his skin was agony.
He yanked his two sons forward and growled, "Apologize to them now! Say you were wrong and won’t ever bully anyone again!"
Shen Wen and Shen Wu were in pain and humiliated. At their age, pride ran deep—they couldn’t bring themselves to look at Sizhe and Siqi, their heads nearly touching the floor.
"We’re sorry, Lin Sizhe. We’re sorry, Lin Siqi. We were wrong, and we’ll never bully anyone again."
With her mother beside her, Siqi found her courage. Clinging to Nan Sheng’s leg, she huffed in dissatisfaction.
Sizhe, however, said, "It’s fine. But I think you should apologize to my mom. She’s a good person—not the ‘bad element’ or ‘stinking committee member’ you called her."
Shen Wen and Shen Wu had no choice but to apologize to Nan Sheng again, tears streaming down their faces—whether from pain or shame, who could tell?
Seeing Nan Sheng wasn’t pressing further, Shen Yu bid farewell. Nan Sheng escorted them to the door, marking the end of the farce—with the Lin family emerging victorious.
Once they were gone, Zhang Yiheng exhaled heavily. He hadn’t dared move a muscle earlier.
"Regimental Commander Shen will probably avoid me from now on. He came under cover of darkness, never expecting so many people to still be here."
This dinner had been worth it—good food, good company, and good entertainment!
Little Hou stifled a laugh too. The Shen family’s ninety-degree bows had looked like juniors paying New Year’s respects to their elders.
The Shen family had brought six gifts. Nan Sheng picked out a box of biscuits for Hua Fen to take home to her kids, and she gave Little Hou two items as well.
"Keep one for yourself and give the other to Luo Hao. Tell him I’ll cook him a feast once he’s out of confinement!"
"Thanks, Sis-in-law!"
Who wouldn’t love a capable and generous sister-in-law? Little Hou left in high spirits.
And that’s it?
Nan Sheng was still waiting for Lin Han to return, planning to have him bring back a pig to prepare a feast for their men.
