Eighties Housekeeper Little Wife

by Usui Takumii

not mine, asia novel and WATTPAD by 003 MIN. Beware MTL. Total: 104 chapters.

4. 16 to 20

Chapter 16

After Shen Huai and Bai Haiyun heard it, they couldn't help but exchange glances.

"Excuse me, are you the parents of the third-grade students?" Shen Huai asked.

The parents nodded, "Yes, are you here for the parent meeting too? Unfortunately, you're late. It's already over."

Shen Huai shook his head and said, "Have you seen Shen Qingxuan's parents?"

"They are at the back." The parents noticed Shen Huai's military uniform and the military car parked outside. They immediately remembered the rumors about Chen Yuan and assumed that her husband, who seemed to be a military member, was Shen Qingxuan's second uncle. They thought highly of them due to their military background.

"Okay, thank you." After thanking them, Shen Huai didn't return to the campus. He found it interesting how the parents mentioned Chen Yuan without any disgust and instead showed enthusiasm and admiration. He wondered about the English questions they mentioned. Were they referring to a person? Could it be a mistake? Bai Haiyun was concerned about Shen Huai's well-being, so he followed closely behind.

Shen Huai was filled with doubts as he finally found Chen Yuan surrounded by other parents. She was explaining the English questions and engaging in discussions about the test papers. Many parents were eagerly asking questions they didn't understand, extending the parent meeting while she was still present.

Chen Yuan confidently interacted with the parents, her expression exuding confidence and warmth. Her natural beauty made her stand out among the crowd, shining brightly.

Shen Huai didn't recognize her at first glance. She appeared completely unfamiliar, as if she was a different person. But upon closer inspection, he confirmed that it was indeed Chen Yuan, albeit transformed.

He couldn't believe how much a person could change in just one month. Dabao and Erbao were right—she was different from before.

Shen Huai didn't know why, but he realized that this woman was capable of disguise. It was reminiscent of their past encounters. Had she changed her strategy or taken a different approach? He observed the crowd with interest and called out in a cold voice, "Chen Yuan."

Chen Yuan heard someone calling her and looked over. She immediately recognized Shen Huai, as memories of their previous encounters flooded her mind. The encounter between them had taken place in a similar setting. The male protagonist's second uncle had returned unexpectedly early. Had the timeline in the original text not been too long? She had been so preoccupied lately that she had forgotten about such an important event.

1

Important character [Shen Huai], progress bar [-100].

As Shen Huai looked at Chen Yuan, a series of information indicators flashed before her eyes. She quickly assessed the value of this character through careful comparison.

The comparison revealed that the energy generated by [Shen Huai] could reach a ratio of 1:10, while Dabao No. 2 reached 1:6, Erbao 1:4, and Niuniu 1:1.5.

Although Dabao was the protagonist, he was still a child and not from her family. Therefore, his second uncle held the highest energy, indicating that if she boosted his happiness index, her energy supply would become more stable. Additionally, adults were generally more emotionally stable than children, making it harder for their energy levels to drop.

Chen Yuan calculated the value of the character in front of her, comparable to a potent energy supplement for a humanoid being. She had three children at once, and her eyes lit up with joy. She bid farewell to the parents seeking advice and made her way towards Shen Huai. "When did you come back?"

"Just arrived." Shen Huai's response consisted of only two short words. He noticed Chen Yuan's radiant expression and suddenly wondered if he had misjudged her. Her disguise didn't seem as flawless as he had thought.

"Ah, I see." Chen Yuan understood that the character didn't seem to enjoy talking much, and coincidentally, she wasn't in the mood to talk either. Her throat was dry from earlier, so she left it at that.

"?" Shen Huai had prepared a series of long-winded questions to cross-examine her and make work arrangements or take credit for attending the parent-teacher conference on behalf of the children.

But Chen Yuan didn't say anything more, just a single word. Or rather, a simple "uh." What did it mean? Did she have nothing else to say?

This was completely different from what Shen Huai had imagined. The woman before him seemed disconnected from their past encounters. His mind momentarily short-circuited, unsure of how to react. Chen Yuan's unexpected response caught him off guard.

In silence, Chen Yuan and Shen Huai walked out together, their expressions inscrutable. Bai Haiyun had been waiting by the classroom door the entire time. Observing the particularly quiet interaction between the couple, he sensed that something wasn't right. Did the meticulously planned opening fail to achieve the desired effect?

This was nothing like the behavior of a shrew. It seemed that she had changed too much, or perhaps her acting skills were just too good. They were all left dumbfounded.

In short, Chen Yuan's behavior was abnormal from all angles, and Shen Huai felt utterly perplexed. Not only did Chen Yuan ignore him, but even the three children seemed to ignore her. If he didn't know any better, he would think they were one harmonious family, with her as an outsider. It made him feel embarrassed.

Wang Junyi checked Shen Huai's injuries once more, confirming that there were no problems. They left the school together, while Shen Huai glanced at the furnishings in the classroom and noticed a newly purchased lamp on the desk. He couldn't help but take a second look.

Erbao, noticing his uncle's gaze, proudly said, "Isn't it beautiful? Second Aunt bought it. It's a high-quality imported product."

Shen Huai had already anticipated this response. He had doubted whether Chen Yuan would be willing to buy such an expensive item, but Erbao's confirmation, combined with her unusual behavior, didn't surprise him too much.

He had left a considerable sum of money with Zhang Guilan before his departure. "What about your milk? Did she buy anything for her family during this time?"

"No, the milk is still around, always asking for things. How could she possibly buy us anything?" Erbao began to recount what had happened at home since his second uncle left. Zhang Guilan had hidden all the food and drinks brought by Shen Huai's comrades, claiming that it was Chen Yuan who had taken them away. But soon after, someone threatened to call the police and have them arrested if they didn't repay the debt tenfold.

Erbao clenched his teeth, gesturing and acting out the scenes. Shen Huai felt pained as he watched. How did the children manage while he was away? Zhang Guilan's greed was truly shocking. He had believed that as long as he paid her enough in labor fees, she would take good care of the children. Little did he expect her to accept the money without fulfilling her responsibilities.

Chen Yuan, having finished cooking, called them to dinner. She brought out a deliciously fragrant pot of stewed fish. The fish had been bought fresh in the morning and was accompanied by dried vegetables, creating a mouthwatering aroma. The flavor was just right—lightly sweet, refreshing, and appetizing.

Apart from the fish stew, which required some effort, the other dishes were quick and easy to prepare. Chen Yuan's cooking skills were always efficient and reliable, so it didn't take long to have everything ready. The three children eagerly devoured their meal as if they hadn't eaten in ages.

Shen Huai watched the children eating so eagerly and wanted to remind them to slow down, but they seemed completely focused on their meal, oblivious to his presence at the table. He began feeling out of place.

At that moment, Chen Yuan turned to him and asked, "Shen Huai, would you like something to eat?"

The words sounded awkward in Shen Huai's ears. Their relationship had been strained, so how could he possibly feel comfortable eating her food? Even though he was hungry and the meal smelled delicious.

To eat or not to eat, that was the question.

3

Chapter 17

Whether to eat or not became a dilemma for Shen Huai. He was conflicted. If he didn't eat, he would definitely get hungry. But if he went to the army cafeteria, there was a high chance of not getting any food. Refusing to eat in front of the children would only further alienate them.

It had been a long time since he had seen the children, and it wasn't good to single out Chen Yuan as soon as he returned.

However, Dabao, Erbao, and Niuniu didn't seem to consider all these complexities. Seeing Shen Huai hesitate to serve the table, their greedy mouths couldn't be controlled. Erbao urged, "Second uncle, aren't you eating? If you don't eat, are we supposed to eat alone?"

"... "

Shen Huai felt helpless. The three children seemed distant and indifferent towards him, not caring about his presence at all.

Da Bao said, "Second Uncle, come and eat. Second Aunt's cooking is delicious. Our lunch boxes are different every day, and other students envy our food at school. They have never eaten so well."

Shen Huai noticed the delicious spread on the table. He had come back unexpectedly, and no one had informed Chen Yuan, so there was no time for her to prepare a surprise. Presumably, she hadn't expected him to be home. That's why there was no fake preparation. It seemed that she had been preparing for the family all along. It gave him a sense of reassurance. With this thought in mind, he looked at Chen Yuan, and his eyes were filled with complicated emotions.

Chen Yuan thought for a moment and looked at the stewed fish on the table. She turned to the children and said, "Your second uncle shouldn't skip meals, but because of his injury, he shouldn't eat greasy food, as it may hinder the healing process. So, let him have the lotus root slices and mixed cucumbers, alright?"

The children nodded and said, "Yes, second uncle, come and eat. We'll save the lotus root slices and cucumbers for you. We don't eat those, we only want the fish."

Shen Huai couldn't help but think, What filial children they are.

Although he could only eat lotus root slices and cucumbers, Chen Yuan's words provided him with an escape route, allowing him to sit at the table without feeling embarrassed. However, the process didn't unfold as he had imagined. It was hard for him to accept. Chen Yuan calmly picked fish bones for Niuniu, Dabao and Erbao focused on their meal, and no one paid attention to his slightly stiff movements.

The taste of the stewed fish was exceptional. The grass carp meat was tender and delicious, and the fish skin was crispy and golden. With simple seasonings like soy sauce, sugar, pepper, chives, and garlic slices, it surpassed the taste of any high-end restaurant.

Dabao and Erbao enjoyed eating fish without any worries. They savored the tender, snow-white flesh, relishing its rich flavor.

The main dish was the long flower rolls steamed on top of the stewed fish. The rolls were wrapped with chives and seasoned with oil and salt, emanating a delightful aroma. The texture of the noodles was exceptionally soft, and the taste was smooth and chewy. Alongside the crispy lotus root slices, it was a truly enjoyable meal.

Unknowingly, Shen Huai devoured five or six flower rolls. Only when he stopped did he realize that he had eaten too much. Why was this dish so delicious? When they were away, they usually ate pickles and steamed buns. Having bacon was considered a rare treat. Their living conditions were tough, and when they were on missions, the food was even worse. Sometimes they couldn't even drink a sip of hot soup. He had always thought that he didn't care much about food, but now he realized that it was because he hadn't tasted truly delicious food.

As for the cucumbers and lotus root slices, they were simple vegetables, but they were enjoyed with gusto. Shen Huai couldn't help but look at the stewed fish, the only meat dish on the table. For children who had never had the luxury of diverse food options, they couldn't dine elegantly.

He firmly believed that the stewed fish must be more delicious than the two vegetarian dishes, but he was too embarrassed to take it. So he could only watch the children, occasionally swallowing his accumulated saliva.

Chen Yuan noticed that food had an effect on Shen Huai and that his happiness index increased slightly. She had made the correct judgment earlier by understanding the thoughts of the main characters. It was a way to improve their happiness index, but she needed to ensure it was within their acceptance.

After the meal, Chen Yuan asked Dabao to copy the incorrect questions multiple times to reinforce his memory. Erbao handed her a Chinese test paper with a score of 48, feeling ashamed. The score was too low, and he was afraid to show it to his second uncle, fearing his disapproval.

Erbao thought that Chen Yuan had a good temperament. She always maintained an understanding attitude. If they made mistakes, she wouldn't scold or punish them. Instead, she gave them a chance to correct their errors, unlike someone who would beat them for their mistakes. Erbao genuinely believed that Auntie was really nice.

Shen Huai felt a tinge of sadness when he saw the paper handed to Chen Yuan. It had taken so long for the children to warm up to her. If he hadn't come back, they might have forgotten about him.

So he made up his mind and said, "I'll attend Erbao's parent-teacher meeting this afternoon."

"But you're injured. Rest well, it's not a big deal," Chen Yuan waved her hand, rejecting his suggestion. She couldn't let a wounded person attend a parent-teacher meeting. It would only decrease her happiness index. She might as well go by herself.

Shen Huai still wanted to go. "It's fine. I'll rest. Taking care of Erbao's parents is not a big deal. You've had a hard time during this period. I'll provide for your family's living expenses. You've been using your own money all this time. I'm sorry."

He knew that Chen Yuan's family wasn't well-off, and he had been able to spend so much money. Regardless of whether her intentions were sincere or not, they had achieved this much. Even if there was blindness in her eyes, Zhang Guilan was fortunate. No matter how much money he gave her, she would pocket it.

Shen Huai didn't have the time to settle the score with his stepmother, but he was determined not to treat Chen Yuan poorly. Whatever money he spent, he would bear the responsibility himself, and nothing would be missing.

Chen Yuan nodded and began calculating the expenses without hesitation. She recorded every expenditure for the month clearly. Reconciliation wasn't merely a verbal agreement. She wanted to figure out the financial situation.

Although she didn't care much about the money, she cared about the energy. Watching people serve dishes became a necessary skill for her. To ensure Shen Huai's peace of mind, she had to take the living expenses from him.

"16 pencils, 1.6 cents; two erasers, 4 cents; a pencil sharpener, 8 cents; 6 workbooks, 6 cents; two insulated lunch boxes, 6 yuan; an imported lamp, 38 yuan; two hero pens, household electricity bills... 2 rags, 5 porcelain bowls... 5 catties of pork bones, 3 catties of spinach... A total of 119 yuan and 3 cents."

As long as Chen Yuan spent money on her family, it was included in the account. It wasn't her personal money, but even this amount could sustain another family for two or three months. It seemed quite extravagant.

Shen Huai was also surprised to hear the detailed figures. He wondered if Chen Yuan had written down every transaction in a notebook to remember them so clearly until he returned.

However, it also highlighted the areas in his home that needed improvement. He had been negligent in the past. Upon careful consideration, every penny Chen Yuan spent wasn't wasted. It was the family's living expenses, and the money wasn't insignificant.

With a wave of his hand, Shen Huai gave Chen Yuan the 300 yuan he had saved. Some would be used for expenses before payment, and the rest would serve as future living expenses. He planned to give all the money he had originally intended for his stepmother to Chen Yuan in the future.

Chen Yuan accepted the money and arranged another room for him. The bedding and everything else were new, clean, and dry. After explaining matters to Shen Huai, he lay down on the bed, intending to take a nap. But as soon as he lay down, his body felt sore, and fatigue overwhelmed him. After a fulfilling meal, it was easy for a person to fall asleep.

He didn't wake up for the afternoon parent-teacher meeting, and nobody called him.

Chen Yuan organized Erbao's parent-teacher meeting herself. Initially, she had planned to give Erbao's head teacher a pen as a gift. However, she didn't get along well with Dabao's head teacher. Therefore, she decided to change the gift when the opportunity arose. She would give it to the new teacher, and Erbao's head teacher was different. News of something that had happened in the morning had reached her ears within a few hours. Erbao's head teacher taught math and had a child in the second class of the third grade. Although Dabao wasn't in the same class, his English grades were still mediocre. She had always been concerned about her child's English and wanted to find a good tutor to help. She was familiar with almost all the English teachers in the school, and their level was mediocre at best. She had already grown tired of the English teacher in Erbao's class, Huang Ru. She had done favors for her and given her many things, but the results were still unsatisfactory. She wanted to change teachers. She had heard that Shen Yaohui's parent-teacher meeting had received praise from other parents, which piqued her interest.

Before Chen Yuan had the chance to approach her, she had already approached Chen Yuan herself.

"Parent Shen Yaohui, are you interested in starting an English tutoring class? Your English level is so good. You must be able to teach the children. I think you are much better than the English teachers in our school. Their spoken English is not as good as yours."

The head teacher of Erbao's class was Zhao Yan. Although she wasn't present at that time, Chen Yuan had heard about her from others, so it should be accurate. Besides, if Huang Ru was willing to acknowledge her mistakes, then Zhao Yan must have some skills.

Upon hearing the suggestion, Chen Yuan pondered seriously. She had no plans to start tutoring, but she did want to improve Dabao's English. When Zhao Yan mentioned it, she realized that teaching one child was the same as teaching many. Why not give tutoring a try? Moreover, Erbao and Niuniu would also want to learn English in the future. They were already picking it up naturally. When they officially started learning, it would be much easier for them compared to children who had never been exposed to the language. Additionally, she could earn some extra income through tutoring. It would delay her original plan, but it would accomplish three things at once. The tutoring sessions could be scheduled for two hours in the evening after the children left school, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays.

In fact, there were already people coming to the house for tutoring, but the slots were almost filled, and in the future, there would be fewer and fewer available. Therefore, the schedule could be adjusted.

After contemplating for a while, Chen Yuan replied, "If any classmates from Dabao's school need English tutoring, I would be more than willing to help. We can discuss the details later."

Zhao Yan was overjoyed when she heard Chen Yuan's acceptance. Chen Yuan had agreed, and she was grateful. "If you start tutoring, I will enroll my child as soon as possible."

Zhao Yan was inclined towards Chen Yuan because she believed that Chen Yuan was better than Huang Ru. Finding a teacher within the school would come with too many complications, and it could easily involve personal relationships.

Sending her child to Chen Yuan for tutoring was a transactional relationship. There was no need to mix personal matters into it, making it convenient for her.

Chen Yuan took out the hero pen she had prepared and handed it to Zhao Yan. "Teacher, I hope you take good care of our second treasure. This is a small gift from me. Please accept it."

Zhao Yan wanted to reciprocate the gift, but she couldn't accept it from Chen Yuan. She quickly waved her hand and said, "I have seen the progress in your second treasure's performance. This time, the composition topic was just a fluke. If it had been a different topic, the child might have cried. Like Erbao, he's already quite strong. I understand his situation. He doesn't talk much in class, and he keeps his family matters to himself. Lately, I've noticed a significant improvement in him. It must be because of your influence as the second aunt. It's truly remarkable."

Seeing that she was unwilling to accept the gift, Chen Yuan had no choice but to let it go. She thought Zhao Yan was a good person, and she would be more dedicated to tutoring Erbao and handling his courses.

The parent-teacher meeting went smoothly in the afternoon. However, as soon as they returned home, they found an uninvited guest waiting for them—Zhang Guilan. It was obvious she had come to find Shen Huai. The news had reached her.

As soon as she entered the house, Shen Huai heard Zhang Guilan complaining, "Ever since you left, this woman has become unbearable. She made Dabao and Erbao sleep in the damp and moldy east room, while she slept in a spacious and dry bedroom by herself. She even instigated the children to steal things from my storage room. You have no idea who I am. I have lived frugally for so many years. If there's good food, I can't finish it in one day. Is that so? This woman is so cunning. She ate all the pork, fearing that I would take it. As a result, your father didn't even get to smell the meat. He has been given a bad name."

"This woman threatens us and makes our lives worse. You know your father used to have a good reputation, so he endured it. If it weren't for your sake, he would never allow a junior to crawl all over him and act recklessly. You must understand that the scene at that time was truly embarrassing. We had no dignity left."

"Furthermore, don't think that the changes in the family are genuine. This woman is just putting on a facade. What is she afraid of? She's most afraid of divorce from you. She fled all the way from a small town to the city. What is she? She just wants to establish herself in a big city, and the only person she can rely on is you. So she's most afraid that you won't want her, which is why she pretends to be virtuous."

"She gives the children a small advantage, and they quickly sing her praises. But these children will forget after a while. I won't get angry at them if it's not genuine. Shen Huai, remember, I'm doing all this for the sake of our family. I don't even care that much about my own children. I treat everything concerning Dabao and Erbao seriously. It shows that I, as a step-grandmother, am definitely not selfish. If you listen to others' gossip, then it deeply saddens me."

Zhang Guilan had heard from her neighbors that a military vehicle had driven into their alley that morning, so she guessed that Shen Huai must have returned. She hurried over to find him and accuse Chen Yuan, seeking some relief for her anger.

But she was too late. Shen Huai had returned in the morning, and now it was already afternoon. The little daughter-in-law might have said bad things about her. She would probably portray herself as a wicked stepmother, smearing her reputation. Those little brats wouldn't have anything good to say, and she didn't know if Shen Huai would believe them.

Zhang Guilan really couldn't let go of the 40 yuan in labor fees. From Shen Huai, she could not only get these benefits, but also potentially more. With her current retired income, she had little left, and she would have to live frugally in the future. She couldn't give up on this opportunity. Her success or failure depended on this. She had to make Shen Huai believe in her.

She decided to depict herself as a misunderstood person with good intentions. She would justify all her actions as sacrifices for the sake of her children.

"Huaizi, you really can't trust this woman. She's completely unreliable. If one day she gets what she wants from you, she'll leave without a second thought. Then who will take care of the children? It's not my job to clean up after a stepmother's mess. Although you're not my own child, I've never treated you poorly over the years. Isn't my character better than Chen Yuan's?"

A hint of displeasure appeared on Shen Huai's otherwise expressionless face. Zhang Guilan had been polite to him because she believed he had some power and ability as a soldier, not because ordinary people couldn't afford to offend her. But she had always treated his third brother and elder brother poorly.

To be honest, he didn't trust Chen Yuan before. However, when the options were narrowed down to Zhang Guilan and Chen Yuan, he would still choose Chen Yuan. If Chen Yuan didn't take care of the children, he would find another nanny to do so.

If he entrusted the children to Zhang Guilan again, they would likely return dirty, as if they were homeless.

"Aunt Zhang, if you have something to say, say it directly. There's no need to beat around the bush. Even though I wasn't at home, I could still see clearly. There's no need for you to say anything. Isn't the difference obvious?"

After Shen Huai spoke, he pulled Dabao and Erbao closer, holding Xiaodou Ding Niuniu in his arms. Their bodies were clean, their faces were plump, their complexions were rosy and glossy, and their clothes were tidy and new, without a trace of dirt.

Zhang Guilan was livid. "Aren't you afraid of the children becoming weak? What if I bathe them and they catch a cold? If such young children catch a cold, it could affect them for the rest of their lives. Yet, this woman bathes them. Fortunately, they didn't catch a cold this time. If something had happened, it would have been too late to regret."

Unable to bear it any longer, Dabao retorted, his face brimming with annoyance, "Then why did you replace our light bulb with such a dim one? We can't see anything clearly, and you told us to rub against the walls to save electricity. If we used too much electricity, you scolded us for wasting it."

He took out the previous 10W light bulb and handed it to Shen Huai.

Shen Huai's expression turned completely dark when he saw the light bulb, which wasn't even the size of his palm. The electricity bill for such a weak light, not to mention the money she had saved, all went into Zhang Guilan's pocket.

Dabao added fuel to the fire, saying, "The second aunt said that if we read for a long time under this kind of light, we'll ruin our eyesight. She wants us to grow up unable to see clearly."

"Aunt Zhang, how do you explain this? I didn't cut off your money. Where did the electricity bill go? If we can't match things up today, then I absolutely cannot agree."

Zhang Guilan became flustered and couldn't speak. Her eyes darted around guiltily, and she couldn't help but scold Dabao as a little beast without a mother.

This time, Shen Huai knew the difference. Chen Yuan's spending was clear and accounted for. Although it seemed like a lot of money, each expense was for the benefit of her children. This was how Chen Yuan handled things.

Zhang Guilan's face turned red. "I'm not stingy. You don't understand. I'm used to being frugal. The money I save can buy food for my children."

Shen Huai coldly replied, "Isn't it enough that I cover the food expenses alone? Show me a list of last month's expenses. Let me see where the money went. Return any extra money to me. You don't need to worry about taking care of the children in the future."

Zhang Guilan grew anxious. "Why are you like this? What kind of list does the family need? I spend money so sporadically every day. How can I remember everything clearly? Isn't this making things difficult for you?"

Shen Huai sneered, completely dismissing Zhang Guilan's words as an excuse. Why could Chen Yuan remember it, but she couldn't? Besides, Zhang Guilan should have a good idea of her daily expenses when she buys vegetables. Even if she can't provide specific information, she can at least give a general idea. It's obvious that she feels guilty and doesn't dare to say anything.

In the past, there was no comparison with Chen Yuan, and I could endure it as long as I could. But now, she has gone too far. His stepmother is truly foolish, wicked, and cunning.

"Aunt Zhang, I'll give you some time to figure out the money you took for yourself. It doesn't need to include labor costs, but you must return the rest of the daily expenses for food. Once this matter is settled, we can consider it over."

Zhang Guilan cherished money as her life, so she couldn't agree to repay the money. She angrily shouted, "I have a clear conscience. If you don't let me take care of the child, you'll definitely regret it in the future. What you see now is all fake. It won't be long before the truth reveals itself."

"You don't have to worry about that. You should still think about returning the money. I remember you used to cook for your children, and you were reluctant to use oil and add meat. You could make food last for three days, and I used the cheapest ingredients. So, you must have stolen a lot, right?" Chen Yuan had been listening outside for a while, and when she heard this sentence, she walked into the house and said.

Zhang Guilan glared angrily, "You... don't spout nonsense. It's not like that."

Dabao and Erbao hurriedly interjected and pointed out Zhang Guilan's previous behavior, "I make too much milk, and sometimes it goes sour. She said cooking was troublesome, unlike Second Aunt who makes fresh meals every time."

Zhang Guilan's face turned pale with anger, and she quickly left without saying anything. Chen Yuan thought that she wouldn't be able to refute anything, after all, what the children said was true.

After she left, Shen Huai couldn't help but apologize to the children, "I've treated you unfairly in the past, and I've been neglectful as a second uncle. But I promise you, this kind of thing will never happen again in the future."

"Well, we believe in you, second uncle. In fact, you've been very good to us, and we're content. We're happy to have you as our second aunt."

When Shen Huai heard that they were still fond of Chen Yuan, he couldn't help but bitterly laugh. He realized that he had failed in his duty as a second uncle.

At that moment, Chen Yuan suddenly asked, "How is your English, Dabao?"

"It's challenging." When Dabao heard this, he seemed to wear an expression of distress. English was really difficult for him. Despite rewriting his paper twice, he couldn't understand its meaning at all.

Chen Yuan also sensed that Dabao didn't enjoy learning English. Putting too much pressure on him would backfire. If they wanted to improve his grades, they first had to spark his interest in English.

So, she spent the entire night thinking about how to prepare some interesting games that would not only bring happiness to the children while playing, but also enhance their memory. This way, they could gradually increase the difficulty and ensure that the knowledge they learned would be firmly retained and not easily forgotten.

Before going to bed, Shen Huai felt a bit awkward. He and Chen Yuan were only a couple in name and had no emotional connection whatsoever. Although he could trust her for the time being, he didn't know if she was pretending or not. He also couldn't accept her, and it seemed like she had no intention of accepting him either.

Just as he was about to say something, Dabao said, "Second uncle, I've prepared a bed for you in the east room. Let's go to sleep."

Hearing this, Shen Huai realized that his room had already been arranged. He turned to look at Chen Yuan, but she ignored him and went back to sleep. Before leaving, she told him to turn off the lights. She was a ruthless woman. He had initially thought that he couldn't accept her, and it seemed that she had no intention of accepting him either.

After a while, he found himself alone in the huge living room. Well, it was time to go to sleep as well.

When he entered the East Room, Shen Huai wasn't sleepy because he had slept enough during the day. As he looked at the clean and tidy room, devoid of any unpleasant odors, he noticed that the quilt and bedding were all new. They carried a faint scent of sun, making it very comfortable to sleep.

He couldn't help but think back to how this room used to be damp and moldy, which his stepmother often complained about. Now it had a fresh appearance, and there was no sign of the dilapidation it once had. It wasn't because it hadn't been cleaned for a long time or lacked ventilation, leading to the dampness. In the past, his stepmother was responsible for managing the house, and she was too lazy to clean the room. She had no authority to accuse anyone of negligence.

But it wasn't solely Chen Yuan's credit for the room becoming clean again.

As Shen Huai pondered, he realized that when Chen Yuan came to the Shen's house for the first time, she didn't know that the room was challenging to live in. So her decision to let Dabao and Erbao live in that room wasn't intentional.

Originally, he thought Chen Yuan wouldn't have the patience to do these things. But now, she was managing everything in an organized manner. It was completely unlike the Chen Yuan he knew, which made him feel like he couldn't fully understand her.

It was impossible for Zhang Guilan to repay the money. Shen Huai decided that no matter what, he wouldn't get a penny from her, and he knew she wouldn't let him take care of her either. It was best to let it go.

With her daughter about to be a month old, Zhang Guilan would be very busy, and she wouldn't have time to focus on that little brat. Taking care of her daughter and children should be her top priority.

Shen Huai realized that Zhang Guilan would never return the money she took, so he went straight to Father Shen to inform him. Father Shen cared more about his reputation than anything else, so following Chen Yuan's example, he calculated all of Zhang Guilan's previous expenses. Dabao Erbao provided the prices of the food they had eaten, and they cross-checked it with the electricity bill from the Electricity Bureau. The total cost was nearly a hundred or two hundred dollars less than what Shen Huai had paid.

How significant was two hundred dollars? Compared to the suffering of Dabao, Erbao, and Niuniu, it wasn't much at all. Now, all Shen Huai wanted was for Zhang Guilan to own up to it and return the money.

Father Shen watched as all the evidence and people were gathered, leaving him with no room for denial. His face turned red with embarrassment. As an older man and a junior leader in his unit, this situation was humiliating. He always felt that he had no responsibility towards his sons and refused to give them or his grandchildren a single penny. He believed that they should fend for themselves.

Now that the money was missing from the account, he was put in an awkward position. He scolded old Mrs. Zhang for being poor, crazy, and greedy for money. Now that his son had found out, trouble was inevitable. Even though it was a small sum of money, Shen Changan cared about it. It seemed that there was no father-son relationship left between them.

Father Shen was truly at a loss and said helplessly, "Alright, let's not discuss it here. I'll make up for the missing money for you."

"Old man, you can't give him the money."

Zhang Guilan was desperate. Shen Changan's money wasn't hers to begin with, so what difference did it make if she repaid it herself? After a long argument, she still had to repay the money in the end.

Shen Changan lost all dignity in front of his son, but he suppressed his anger. As a rebellious person at heart, what he feared the most was the moral blackmail of reputation. It was the thing he cared about the most. So, the more Zhang Guilan disagreed, the more determined he became to return everything to Shen Huai. He didn't want a penny from his son, no matter how poor he was.

Shen Huai took the money and left. If Father Shen was short on money, Shen Huai would never ask for it. However, the Shen family's financial situation had always been good, much better than that of ordinary people, so Shen Huai couldn't tolerate it. It was unbearable for his children's expenses to be deducted while they were away.

There was also Zhang Guilan's labor fee, which he didn't ask for. With such an irresponsible person, Father Shen still had some face left. As for what they thought, it was their business. Shen Huai believed he could have a clear conscience.

As he walked out of the old house, Zhang Guilan's miserable cries echoed from the door, but it had nothing to do with him.

After Shen Huai went to the regiment, he happened to see Bai Haiyun secretly holding an aluminum lunch box, preparing to enjoy it in the duty room. When Bai Haiyun saw Shen Huai approaching, he panicked and tried to hide, but it was too late.

"What are you holding in your hand? Don't hide it. Let me see."

Shen Huai wondered why this kid was acting so suspiciously. Did he have something good that he needed to conceal?

Bai Haiyun was helpless and reluctantly opened the lunch box. Instantly, a strong aroma of dumplings wafted into his nostrils. The vibrant green color was eye-catching. The jade-like dumplings with their crystal-clear skins were neatly arranged in the lunch box, making one's mouth water.

"Isn't this from the restaurant we passed by yesterday? I heard it's delicious, so I bought it after waiting in line for a long time."

Buying the dumplings was no easy task. The queue for these jade-like dumplings was always long, and even if one wanted to buy them, they often sold out quickly.

Shen Huai raised an eyebrow. Bai Haiyun seemed extremely reluctant but still handed a new pair of chopsticks to Shen Huai. "Why don't you try it first?"

Without hesitation, Shen Huai accepted the chopsticks and took a bite. The dumpling had a little soup that burst into his mouth. The thin skin and generous filling made it incredibly delicious. The dumplings were filled with pork and green onions. Bai Haiyun really knew how to appreciate good food.

Bai Haiyun swallowed hard and asked, "Is it delicious?"

"Delicious!" Shen Huai nodded in agreement. It was the best dumpling he had ever tasted. Now he understood why the restaurant was so popular. With this kind of taste, it was no wonder people lined up for it. The unique color of the dumpling skin, reminiscent of spinach, added to its exquisite flavor.

"What's so delicious?"

At that moment, Regiment Head Hu and several leaders of the regiment entered the duty room. Their eyes were fixed on the glistening dumplings in the lunch box. They had been lured by the aroma. Their reaction was quite evident.

"These are jade dumplings."

Bai Haiyun felt like crying. It seemed he wouldn't be able to eat the dumplings today.

Unexpectedly, the regiment leader pinched one and put it in his mouth, while Shen Huai tasted another one. They unknowingly finished them all. "We have such delicious food in our group. That's great."

Looking at the empty lunch box, Bai Haiyun was left speechless. The leader next to him patted his shoulder and said, "Young man, don't be so stingy. Just eat it in one bite."

"..." Eating it in one bite, that was the whole box.

Shen Huai realized that everyone was interested in these dumplings. It seemed like a good idea for all three children at home to try them as well.

Considering it a rare treat, Shen Huai bought a box of dumplings. It cost an additional two yuan, which someone else had given him.

Holding the steaming jade dumplings, Shen Huai returned home happily. It felt as if he was about to present treasures to Dabao, Erbao, and Niuniu. However, as soon as he entered the room, he noticed a few strangers present. There were various colored doughs on the table, ready-made dumpling fillings, and Chen Yuan was making dumplings too. He was about to ask what was happening.

Out of curiosity, Erbao took a look at the food Shen Huai had bought. At first glance, it seemed unnecessary since their family couldn't finish it.

"?"

Chapter 18

"When I came back, I heard that these jade dumplings were delicious, so I wanted to bring them back for you to try. What's going on?"

Shen Huai had a faint feeling that the dumplings on the table resembled the jade dumplings he bought. They appeared to be more delicate in appearance, strengthening the notion that there was a close relationship between the two.

Dabao smiled and said, "Uncle, don't you know? The jade dumplings are actually Aunt Chen Yuan's recipe. The owner of Guozhi Hotel learned it from her."

A few unfamiliar students in the room greeted Shen Huai and smiled. One of them said, "Mr. Chen's craftsmanship is really exceptional. The jade dumplings are in high demand thanks to her secret recipe. Many have tried to replicate it, but only a handful of people can achieve the authentic taste. Some people try to modify the recipe without authorization or neglect the specific cooking time, resulting in dumplings that lack that special taste."

Among all the dumpling recipes that have been attempted thousands of times, only Chen Yuan's stands out as the best.

Shen Huai was stunned upon hearing this and couldn't help but glance at Chen Yuan a few more times. He didn't expect her to possess such a culinary skill. It reminded him that Chen Yuan hadn't cooked much before. Since their marriage, she had rarely cooked at home. The meal Chen Yuan prepared today was considered a special occasion. Despite being away from home for a month, he never expected her cooking skills to be so superb.

Had he known that his family was already accustomed to such dumplings, he wouldn't have bought them. He now felt a little unnecessary, which was quite ironic.

Shen Huai's skin had turned tan from being outside for a month. If one looked closely, they would notice a reddish tint on his face.

Seeing that everyone in the family was busy, he felt embarrassed to stand idle.

Dabao and Erbao cheered when they heard Shen Huai's words and immediately made space for their uncle. Making dumplings seemed like an easy task for the two children, as they had become quite skilled. Sometimes, when they were overwhelmed, they would assist Chen Yuan in making dumplings.

Shen Huai washed his hands and stepped forward to help, but his hands didn't seem as agile and obedient as he had imagined. When he saw others making dumplings, they seemed so nimble, but when it was his turn, he felt clumsy.

When Shen Huai squeezed the first dumpling he made, Dabao and Erbao burst into laughter. "Hahahaha, it's so ugly! We've never seen such an ugly one. Uncle, not a single one of our dumplings looks like that."

Perhaps because there were visitors in the house, the children didn't mention that their uncle was the most inept student when it came to making dumplings. The appearance of their dumplings was far superior to his.

Each dumpling was beautifully folded with even pleats and a round shape. However, the dumplings made by Shen Huai turned out misshapen with odd bumps, looking extremely unattractive.

Erbao remarked, "Aunt said that dumplings reflect beauty, and you, Uncle, are good-looking, but unfortunately, the dumplings you make are too ugly. Don't tell anyone when you go out, or they'll burst into laughter."

When everyone heard the child's innocent words and saw the extremely ugly dumplings, they couldn't help but burst into laughter at the stark contrast with the neatly shaped ones.

"..."

Shen Huai had to admit that he was indeed quite clumsy. Making dumplings was more challenging than he had anticipated. Observing Chen Yuan's nimble hands, it seemed as though every dumpling she made was crafted by a machine. They were all identical. He couldn't fathom how she achieved such precision.

1

While cooking dumplings, everyone expressed their dislike for the unappealing dumplings Shen Huai had made. They believed that it would affect the overall taste. Thus, they unanimously decided that the one who made the dumplings would not eat them. Consequently, Shen Huai was left pitifully holding a bowl of unappetizing dumplings and silently eating on the side.

Nevertheless, despite their unattractive appearance, the taste was still excellent. The dumpling skin was firm and chewy, with a hint of spinach flavor. Some dumplings even had colorful fillings made from carrots and beetroot, resulting in a delicious combination. They were stuffed with shiitake mushrooms and served piping hot, far surpassing the store-bought ones in taste.

The students savored the delectable dumplings they had made themselves, feeling the hot soup tantalizing their taste buds. It was an immensely satisfying meal. After lunch, it was announced that their study session had concluded.

As Shen Huai had some business with the army in the afternoon, he left with the students after dinner. Shortly after they left the Shen household, Jiang Yuexiang and Sister Wu, among the students, took the initiative to praise Chen Yuan for her dedication during Shen Huai's absence.

As witnesses from start to finish, they believed they had the right to speak. "Brother Shen, Xiao Chen is truly a wonderful person. Many people doubted her culinary skills at first, claiming her secret recipe was not worth trying. They couldn't see the difference. But in all fairness, we cannot deny her talent."

Upon hearing this, Shen Huai paid closer attention and asked calmly, "Sisters-in-law, what are you referring to?"

Jiang Yuexiang and Sister Wu were not talkative individuals, but during the time they spent with Chen Yuan, they realized she was genuinely good-hearted and worth getting to know. They presumed that rumors might reach Shen Huai's ears, so they wanted to lend a helping hand. Sometimes gossip could be detrimental.

They explained the reasons why others had ridiculed Chen Yuan in the past and said, "Sister Chen Yuan takes care of your three children, but she's under a lot of pressure. She manages the household on her own while you work outside. She supports the entire family and acts as a father and mother to the children. Finding such a hardworking and kind woman is like finding a needle in a haystack. You must cherish her because, honestly, we couldn't ask for more."

Shen Huai also realized that Chen Yuan never complained about her situation when she returned home this time. Instead, she was a bit distant and cold towards him. Although they had serious conflicts and entanglements in the past, they had resolved those matters one by one. Chen Yuan's dedication to the children, Dabao, Erbao, and Niuniu, treating them as her own, was truly remarkable. She had been generous. If she dwelled on the past, she would be resentful. The warmth she brought to the children couldn't be measured in money, and he was sincerely grateful to her.

Now that he understood, Shen Huai couldn't help but touch the scar on his head. He recalled the last scene when he saw Chen Yuan shouting and threatening him. It gradually merged with the events of his recent return. Something felt off. Regardless, he decided not to dwell on what went wrong. He felt ashamed and believed he should find a way to compensate Chen Yuan.

"Thank you, sisters-in-law, for reminding me. Those rumors are truly malicious and false. Chen Yuan is truly remarkable."

Jiang Yuexiang and Sister Wu were delighted to see Shen Huai's reaction. They felt that if he didn't cherish Chen Yuan, it would be his own loss. Sometimes, perspectives differ, and only you can understand your own experiences.

Chen Yuan planned to start an English tutoring class, and they immediately enrolled their children. They were a bit embarrassed about their children's English learning. With the city's strong support for foreign trade, learning foreign languages would be in high demand in the future. The foundation for this subject was crucial. They knew little about it, but when they heard about Chen Yuan's class, it was like a godsend. It was a coincidence.

Moreover, they learned that Chen Yuan was meticulous and strict in her teaching. Learning English wasn't like memorizing formulas. A strong foundation was essential. A strict teacher could produce proficient students. They trusted Chen Yuan to deliver the best education.

In the following days, parents from Wucheng Elementary School visited Chen Yuan one after another. Their purpose was clear. They had heard about her participation in parent meetings and were curious if the rumors were true. They wanted to know if she had any methods to improve their children's English grades.

To their surprise, as soon as they entered the courtyard, they saw Dabao, Erbao, and several other children who had come for English tutoring playing games in the yard. They didn't seem to be studying at all.

On the concrete ground, the children drew different grids using chalk. Each unit had one grid, the second unit had two, the third unit had one, and the fourth unit had two grids.

The game was called hopscotch, a popular game among children. The parents' expressions turned sour when they witnessed this scene. Did they send their children here to play games?

They couldn't help but feel disappointed. In their eyes, playing equated to not doing well, and playing games held no educational value.

Besides, they were paying for tutoring. If they wanted their children to play games, they could have done so at home instead of wasting their money.

Some parents contemplated leaving, but they still approached Chen Yuan to find out what was happening.

"Mr. Chen, we didn't send our children here to play games. We wanted them to learn. If they're here to play games, I'm taking my child away."

"That's right, my child is already playful. If they're just going to play games, it's pointless."

Chen Yuan listened to the parents' unfounded speculations and finally understood their excitement. She explained, "This is my teaching method, and it will greatly aid their English learning. Some children struggle with traditional methods. By doing this, their memory is enhanced, which is more effective than rote memorization."

She used Dabao as an example. He was performing poorly in English and found it challenging to learn. However, he enjoyed playing hopscotch outside because he had already mastered the basics of English. The game wasn't difficult for him. On the other hand, Erbao was younger and didn't know the pronunciation of the 26 letters yet. Comparatively, he excelled in the game and gained confidence.

By writing the letters of the alphabet inside each box of the hopscotch, the rule was that whoever hopped out of a box had to pronounce the letter written on it. Initially, it might be challenging to pronounce them correctly, but within a short time, six children who had never learned the alphabet managed to memorize all 26 letters. Chen Yuan suggested that once they memorized the letters, they could replace the boxes with simple words like the days of the week, colors, names of fruits, and family members. This method was effective and enjoyable. The children happily memorized the words.

The parents couldn't comprehend how playing a game could aid in learning. In their eyes, if their children played games at home, they would be less inclined to study. They couldn't believe Chen Yuan's words. After arguing for some time, they finally asked, "Enough talk. We just want to know if you insist on teaching in this manner. If our children are here just to play games, we'll take them away."

Chen Yuan felt that she had explained herself clearly, but unfortunately, the parents didn't understand the concept of muscle memory or why children rebelled against learning. It seemed they couldn't grasp the essence of her teaching. She sighed, "Yes, I insist."

"Alright, enough talking. I'm taking my child away now, and we won't be learning from you!"

After the parents voiced their opinions, they swiftly left the Shen household with their children.

Dabao, Erbao, and the other children saw the parents leaving, but they didn't understand what had happened. They stopped playing their game and looked at Chen Yuan, bewildered. They wondered if they had done something wrong.

Chen Yuan waved her hand and said, "Keep playing. Don't worry about them. I'll change the game for you tomorrow." When thoughts don't align, it's impossible to communicate.

Shen Huai went to a state-run shopping mall and visited the best brand-name counters. He stopped at the section displaying high-end ladies' watches.

In the window, there was a delicate and small silver-white watch with a stylish design, gleaming under the light.

"Please take that out. I'd like to see it," Shen Huai said to the salesperson.

"You have excellent taste, sir. This watch is our finest piece. It's a perfect gift."

The salesperson assumed that Shen Huai, being young, was purchasing a ladies' watch for his wife or girlfriend, so they enthusiastically recommended it.

Shen Huai nodded. "Wrap it up for me. That's all I need."

As Bai Haiyun ran errands on the first floor to make the payment, he was stunned by the price. He wondered why it was so expensive. Was it made of gold? And it was a ladies' watch. Who was the recipient?

It couldn't possibly be for the leader's wife.

Wang Junyi, seeing Bai Haiyun's reaction, commented, "It must be for the leader's wife."

Bai Haiyun pouted and said, "That's absolutely impossible. After the way she treated the leader, there's no way he would buy such an extravagant gift for her."

Wang Junyi replied, "Don't be so naïve. You don't know anything. Be careful. The leaders were displeased with your confrontation with your wife last time. No matter what, you can't speculate about their marriage."

"Whatever. I just don't believe it," Bai Haiyun retorted. Perhaps it was meant for another woman in the Shen family, but who else, other than Chen Yuan, was suitable for such a watch?

—

This was the first time Shen Huai had given a gift to someone of the opposite sex. He had never experienced this before and didn't know how to handle it. After returning home, he quietly hid in Chen Yuan's room and planned to tell her later, hoping to surprise her.

However, it didn't take long before Niuniu climbed into bed with a smile and headed straight for where the watch was placed. Like a little treasure hunter, she found the watch box and secretly took the watch out. In its place, she placed her pacifier.

Chapter 19

Chen Yuan heard Da Bao mention that his second uncle had prepared a gift hidden in his quilt, mentioning that he wanted to surprise him.

It seems that Shen Huai can give her something, indicating that his favorability towards her isn't too bad. This is a good sign and can help alleviate the grudge between the previous owner and him.

Curiously, I returned to the room, wanting to see what gift he had given me.

Chen Yuan searched and found a delicate box in the quilt. Just as she was about to open it, two little heads came over to watch, curious about what their second uncle had given to their second aunt.

Da Bao felt that the second uncle was quite open-minded. Knowing that pleasing the second aunt would make her happy, it seemed to indicate that their relationship as a couple wasn't in harmony, and it was becoming more and more unbelievable. Perhaps only a small part of the premonition was true, and it might not be accurate every time.

"Auntie, open it and take a look!"

"Okay."

Chen Yuan said and opened the box with her hands. However, what the three pairs of eyes didn't expect was to find a large pacifier inside, with suspicious milk stains on it.

"?"

This pacifier looked very familiar, very similar to the one the second aunt bought for Niuniu last time. Da Bao and Er Bao couldn't understand why the gift suddenly turned into this. The two children were stunned and ran out to call Shen Huai.

"Second uncle, it turned into a pacifier! Second uncle turned into a pacifier!"

Shen Huai, who didn't know when he became a pacifier, was speechless. He didn't need to be too serious about it, but he asked them, "Calm down, tell me slowly."

Da Bao took a deep breath and said, "Why did the gift you gave Second Aunt become Niuniu's pacifier!"

Shen Huai's face suddenly became embarrassed when he heard it. He didn't even need to think, the watch must have been taken by Niuniu. That child was truly mischievous, but he needed to let it go. It was normal for a child of the same age to be like this, gradually coming out of their shell and leaving behind the shadows of the past.

Eventually, he found the exquisite lady's watch in Niuniu's clothes pocket. The silly child was still playing around innocently, but with her making such a fuss, Shen Huai had no choice but to give the gifts directly.

"Chen Yuan, I've thought about it. I made mistakes in the past, but let's put it behind us. This gift is a small token of my appreciation. If you hadn't helped me take care of the children during this time, they would have suffered a lot. Both the child and I are very grateful to you."

Shen Huai sincerely expressed his gratitude. He knew how challenging it was to take care of children, and the three children were now receiving exceptional care, both in terms of their physical and emotional well-being. It was undoubtedly a significant improvement compared to before. The children didn't have a mother or father before he stepped in, and he understood the difficulty of helping them heal and overcome their past traumas. It wasn't easy for them to maintain their self-esteem and move forward without carrying the burdens of their past.

But Chen Yuan had managed this difficult task exceptionally well. The children might not be able to forget their past completely, but over time, the pain would fade away. Their experiences could become a driving force for their growth, making them mentally strong and brave enough to face challenges from society. Such children were always better off than being overly pampered from a young age.

Chen Yuan looked at the exquisite watch and couldn't help but feel its value. It seemed that the other party had put a lot of thought into selecting the gift. Just after accepting the gift, a line of reminder appeared: "Character [Shen Huai] Happiness Index +4."

Well, it was quite good. Indeed, interacting with him brought benefits. Although increasing Shen Huai's happiness index was challenging, the exchange rate couldn't be compared to what Da Bao and Er Bao could achieve. It was all worth it.

Moreover, Chen Yuan felt that since Shen Huai's return, she hadn't deliberately tried to increase his happiness index. His increased value was a result of the improved living standards of the children. This was directly related to their blood connection and social responsibility. In short, her efforts not only paid off for the children but also for Shen Huai. This outcome was truly fantastic.

However, the watch looked quite beautiful, and Chen Yuan felt that she should give Shen Huai a gift in return to further deepen his happiness index. Once he received his own gift, he might feel even happier, and a relationship required nurturing. She had a better understanding of this than anyone else.

"It's beautiful, I love it."

"Don't worry, if you like it, you can try it on. The length of the bracelet can be adjusted."

Seeing Chen Yuan accept the gift, Shen Huai smiled, and the tension between his brows and eyes eased. He thought that as long as it suited her, and when he saw Chen Yuan showing her wrist, he felt that the gift was truly fitting.

This watch looked beautiful, and it looked even more high-end and delicate when worn on Chen Yuan's slender wrist. Her fair complexion and the shining silver dial were captivating, making it hard to look away. It must be said that Shen Huai had a good eye for selecting gifts.

Da Bao and Er Bao had never seen such a beautiful watch before. They were dazzled by its radiant appearance. Their second aunt looked so beautiful, like a fairy from the heavens. Only such a beautiful woman could match such a high-quality item.

The next day, Chen Yuan went to the market to choose fabrics. She took a break from teaching and used her free time to make up for the cooking class in the morning. Jiang Yuexiang and Sister Wu heard that she was going to the market and eagerly decided to join her.

Their relationship with Chen Yuan wasn't as distant as it had been in the beginning. Occasionally, their titles changed from "teacher" to "sister," and their bond grew stronger. As their favorability towards her deepened, their admiration for Chen Yuan only increased. They realized that she was like a treasure, far more complex than she appeared on the surface.

Did she only know a simple dumpling recipe? Was cooking delicious food the only skill she had? When they witnessed her organizing and maintaining the household, it was like a blessing for those with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Everything was impeccably clean and tidy, like a spotless paradise. Their admiration for her grew with each passing day.

To describe it with one word, it was extraordinary; to describe it with two words, it was godly.

Whose stoves, pots, and pans didn't stubbornly accumulate old oil stains? Sister Wu's family had a stainless steel kettle that had been used for 20 years, handed down from the previous generation. It had become dirty and stained, with pulp stuck to the bottom of the kettle. Moreover, Father Wu was a thrifty person who didn't throw away items that weren't broken or leaking.

But this kettle covered in pulp became a headache. They had tried all sorts of detergents and stain removers, but it never got completely clean. That was until Chen Yuan shared her homemade stain remover formula with them. After mixing it with water, they soaked the kettle in the solution for a few hours. When they took it out and gently wiped it with a cleaning cloth, something magical happened—the oil stains in the pulp were washed away. The stain remover was non-toxic, non-corrosive, and had no strong odor, making it safe to use on kitchen utensils, furniture, and glass windows that were difficult to clean.

Sister Wu and Jiang Yuexiang were overjoyed. The stain remover was incredibly practical and convenient for homemakers. It saved them a lot of effort and time, and cleanliness was crucial for the well-being of their family members. They believed that if Chen Yuan's formula was sold to a manufacturer like Xiejieling, it would easily sell for hundreds of thousands. Its market potential was significant if promoted on a large scale.

Yet Chen Yuan simply gave it to them without hesitation, with a casual and straightforward tone, as if discussing what to eat that day. There were no secrets or reluctance. Could the girl not understand the value of this secret recipe? Of course, she understood its importance, and her genuine and down-to-earth personality made her all the more likable.

Sister Wu and Jiang Yuexiang appreciated Chen Yuan's authenticity and expressed their thoughts to Shen Huai, urging him to ensure that she lived a good life and not be influenced by gossip.

After this incident, when they returned home and used Chen Yuan's stain remover for household chores, the family members praised the cleanliness of their home every day. Their enthusiasm for doing housework reduced the friction and conflicts that used to arise. The benefits were immeasurable.

The two of them trusted Chen Yuan's ideas more, so this time, when they went out to the market, they decided to see what Chen Yuan was buying.

Little did they expect that Chen Yuan was buying fabrics. She wanted lightweight, soft, and breathable materials. As soon as she reached out, her high-end watch, given by Shen Huai, was revealed. Jiang Yuexiang and Sister Wu immediately noticed its extraordinary quality. They had been studying formulas together recently, and this was the first time they had seen her wear the watch, indicating that it was a recent purchase.

The two couldn't help but tease her, "This watch is so beautiful. Who gave it to you?"

Chen Yuan smiled and replied, "Who else? It's from Shen Huai."

Sister Wu chimed in, "He's really willing to spend money on you to buy such an expensive gift. In my family, even after being married for more than ten years, I've never received anything valuable. I remember when we got married, it felt like we were just supporting the household. Why? There was no sense of ceremony, just plain simplicity."

Jiang Yuexiang added, "Indeed, Xiao Shen is quite romantic now. Not many men are willing to spend so much money, and very few understand their partner's heart after spending it. We all envy you."

Upon hearing their comments, Chen Yuan smiled and said nothing. She understood Shen Huai's intention behind buying her the watch. It would be boring if she took it too lightly. In short, if she misunderstood the character's intentions, her happiness index would plummet. Keeping her distance was the right thing to do.

With summer approaching and the weather getting hotter, it was time to shed the autumn clothes and long pants and switch to lighter garments. The children's clothing also needed to be changed for the new season. Chen Yuan wanted to make a pair of pajamas for Shen Huai as a gift in return, so she selected the fabric.

Chen Yuan chose a fabric that was 92% and 95% pure cotton. 100% cotton fabric was not durable, so blending was the way to go. Adding 5% other materials such as polyester and spandex increased the fabric's toughness and wear resistance, making it less prone to pilling.

Jiang Yuexiang and Sister Wu didn't expect that choosing fabric could involve so many considerations. Previously, they would judge the quality of the fabric by its softness, smoothness, and thickness, but after washing a few times, various problems would arise, leading to disappointment. It was a common occurrence, just like how Sister Wu and her husband's shirts would wear out shortly after purchase. The shirts were not cheap, but they couldn't bear to throw them away and had to continue wearing them.

Sister Wu thought that this time, she could ensure the reliability of Chen Yuan's fabric. She decided to make a shirt for her husband.

Chen Yuan also selected a small piece of floral fabric for Niuniu and kept it to make a skirt. She saw the affectionate look in Sister Wu's eyes. Since she also had a daughter, she would need to make a skirt for her as well. Jiang Yuexiang chose the same fabric for the high temperature and her daughter.

The three of them bought a considerable amount of fabric, but they only spent a third of the price of ready-made clothes. They obtained the best quality fabric, and the cost-effectiveness was unbeatable. Of course, they managed to purchase the fabric at such low prices because of Chen Yuan's skillful bargaining. The fabric vendor was momentarily stunned, but in the end, they couldn't say anything, and the deal was made.

Jiang Yuexiang's jaw dropped, and Sister Wu felt that she had struck gold. Moreover, she couldn't help but feel sorry for the overpriced products she had purchased before. If she had gone shopping with Chen Yuan earlier, she would have saved a considerable amount of money.

After Mrs. Wu tasted the sweetness of shopping, she thought that everything in Chen Yuan's house was fantastic. After dinner, she visited Chen Yuan's house again and noticed her braiding Niuniu's hair.

Niuniu's hair was already quite long and, due to her good nutrition, it had become soft and shiny. Chen Yuan thought it would be a shame to cut it. Girls with beautiful long hair looked lovely, so she braided her hair into a fishtail braid, giving it a neat and beautiful appearance.

Sister Wu's eyes lit up when she saw it. Sister Chen's hands were incredibly skillful, and the braided hair looked exquisite. It was done layer by layer, and it only took a few minutes to create a unique pattern.

Within two to three minutes, Chen Yuan finished the hairstyle. Niuniu was already cute, but after the braiding, she resembled a doll even more.

"Sister, can you do magic? Can you teach my sister how to do it? I also want to braid my daughter's hair."

Feeling that she had lost her youth and was no longer in good shape, Sister Wu couldn't let her daughter resemble herself. She wanted her daughter to look completely different, ignoring her own image. When she saw other people's children looking so adorable, she couldn't help but feel envious.

"Of course, there's no problem. It's straightforward to learn."

Chen Yuan was incredibly accommodating. However, Sister Wu's dexterity was not on par with Chen Yuan's. It would take her a night of learning just to complete a simple hairstyle, and it would require more practice to improve.

Jiang Yuexiang heard that Sister Wu was learning how to braid hair, and she also wanted to learn. However, her own family wasn't as fortunate. Her son was lazy and had a big appetite.

Speaking of the high temperature, he also came to the Shen household to learn English, but this month, after Jiang Yuexiang learned the skill, she often prepared better meals for her family. As a result, her son lost a few pounds. He wanted to play hopscotch with other children, but his weight prevented him from keeping up. He would become breathless after jumping for a short while and feel uncomfortable all over. As a result, his learning progress was the slowest.

Chen Yuan also considered that not every child was suitable for hopscotch games. Therefore, she introduced another game called Snake Chess.

This game was more advanced and entertaining.

They needed a large cardboard, a black pen to draw 100 small squares on it, write 100 elementary school English words with specific serial numbers, and draw different numbers of ladders and snakes on each end of the cardboard.

Chen Yuan's drawing skills were impeccable, and the snake shape she drew was lifelike. Since it was a game for children, she drew two cute snakes with big eyes and long eyelashes.

The children would move forward according to the number they rolled on the dice and the corresponding English word. If they landed on a snake's head, they would be in trouble and have to go back to the previous position. The number of snakes exceeded the number of children. During the game, the children wouldn't feel that the difficulty was too high or that there was no hope. They would experience excitement throughout, and winning wouldn't be too easy.

Gao Gao was ecstatic when he saw the new game Chen Yuan brought out. He realized that he no longer had to jump around, as this new game could be played while sitting. He had never imagined that learning could be so enjoyable!

Da Bao and Er Bao were so lucky to have an aunt like her!

Gao Gao approached Da Bao and Er Bao, reenacting a classic scene from a book their grandfather often read to them. "Da Bao, Er Bao, let's get married in Taoyuan! Big brother, third brother!"

Da Bao and Er Bao: "?"

Chapter 20

When Dabao and Erbao heard Gao Gao's request, they immediately shook their heads like rattles and repeatedly denied it, saying, "No!"

After Gao Gao had bullied them before, although their relationship was not so tense now, they couldn't forgive him so easily, and they couldn't call him their brother.

Gao Gao anxiously said, "Why? Are you still holding grudges against me for refusing to promise to be your brother? It was my ignorance before, it was my fault. But now I know it was wrong. Please forgive me. In the future, if anyone dares to bully you, I will be the first one to stop them. After I become your brother, I will take care of all your matters, and I will protect you like a true brother."

"No, we don't want such a fat brother," Dabao decisively refused Gao Gao again, looking down at his bulging belly. Although Gao Gao was a little shorter than him, he was bigger in size and had a much larger appetite. They couldn't keep up with him and ate like little pigs.

These days, Gao Gao often ate at the Shen household. He ate almost twice as much as them. It was really excessive. If he became their brother and continued to eat at their house every day, their family's food supply would soon be depleted. It was not easy for Aunt Wu to earn money to buy food for the family. They were already eating well, and they needed to appreciate her efforts and save a little whenever possible. They couldn't bring a bottomless pit into the house anymore.

When Gao Gao heard that his brothers actually disliked his figure, he couldn't help but look down at himself. He saw Dabao and Erbao, who were slim with thin arms and legs, and realized that he was indeed overweight. He sighed helplessly and said, "Then I'll lose weight!"

"Wait until you lose weight!"

"Okay, we'll become brothers when I lose weight, and no one can back out then!"

Er Bao, understanding the discomfort of hunger, couldn't help but say, "Are you really not going to eat? Besides, Aunt Wu's cooking is so delicious. Can you really resist the temptation?"

Gao Gao seemed to be deep in thought. He subconsciously swallowed his saliva and after a while, he gritted his teeth and said, "I can do it."

In order to become brothers with Dabao and Erbao, Gao Gao showed his sincere determination. At first, the two children thought he was just making empty promises, but to their surprise, he took action that very day.

Chen Yuan's snake and chess game was very effective and popular among the children. However, as the game became more challenging, it became harder for them to learn. The effectiveness was starting to weaken. Chen Yuan realized that she needed to use a carrot-and-stick approach with the children. Children who failed to complete their homework would be punished by learning how to make snacks by themselves, but they wouldn't be allowed to eat what they made. The children who had completed their homework would enjoy the snacks. If they finished their homework, the snacks would become a delicious treat for everyone.

Today was the first day of implementing the reward and punishment method. There were a total of nine children in the family—Dabao, Erbao, Gao Gao, Niuniu, Wu Dasao's daughter Meimei, Erbao's classmate Ren's child Xiaonan, Su's son Qiangqiang, and two children from Wucheng Primary School who were in the third grade.

Although the tutoring class was still small, the monthly fee for each child was eight yuan. Many parents had heard about Chen Yuan before, but they refused to let her teach their children English because they were skeptical about her teaching methods. Although the number of children was not high, it was still easy to earn a few dozen yuan in pocket money every month.

Chen Yuan's original intention was to provide supplementary lessons for Dabao and Erbao. She felt that having more children wouldn't make a difference. In addition, Erbao's homeroom teacher had entrusted her with this idea.

As for those who didn't believe in her methods, Chen Yuan didn't mind if they didn't send their children to her tutoring class. Time would prove the truth. The results would be evident after the exams, and whether their grades improved or not would be known.

Er Bao looked at the pans of golden, crispy, and fragrant fried cat ears that were just taken out of the pot. He had been making them for a long time, but now he couldn't eat them in one bite. He looked at the other children who could eat them with envy.

Since he hadn't finished the homework assigned by Aunt Wu today, he could only watch others eat. Besides Erbao, there were two other children who hadn't finished their homework. They could eat the fried cat ears that Chen Yuan had given them as a reward.

As they bit into the cat ears, the children heard the satisfying crunch and felt the crispy texture. The taste of spiced pepper and salt filled their mouths, making it irresistible.

Er Bao watched Xu Xiaonan chewing a bag of cat ears, seeing him put them in his mouth and hearing the crunching sound. His mouth started to water uncontrollably. Meimei, being an older girl, couldn't cry just because she couldn't eat snacks like other children. She had to be strong and hold back her tears. At the same time, she looked at Niuniu, who didn't eat the cat ears, and resisted the urge to cry. She was several years older than Niuniu and knew that she had to be stronger. She knew she had to hold back her tears. The other children also secretly made up their minds to complete their homework next time and earn the cat ears through their own efforts. They were all ambitious children!

The temptation of food was powerful for the children. From the second day onwards, Dabao, Erbao, Gao Gao, and the others worked hard to complete the homework assigned by Chen Yuan, and the ambitious children received their rewards of cat ear snacks.

As they enjoyed the snacks, the children felt a deep sense of satisfaction. They realized that their hard work in studying and completing homework paid off, and that putting in effort was worthwhile. For the first time, the children understood why they had to study. Teachers and parents had been supervising them, but most of them were simply forced to do their homework. Very few children willingly did their homework.

Learning was a lot of pressure for some children, and they didn't understand the benefits of learning. Now, they suddenly realized that learning could bring them material rewards, and the joy of eating made them genuinely happy.

Dabao and Erbao's performance had improved significantly. Chen Yuan noticed that this hard-earned happiness could be converted into even more energy. She realized that she needed to use such methods more skillfully.

Gao Gao also received his own cat ears, but as he was about to pick them up and put them in his mouth, he suddenly remembered that he had made a weight loss agreement with Dabao and Erbao to become their brother. He looked down at the crispy and tempting cat ears, realizing that he was already overweight and couldn't afford to eat such fried snacks. Reluctantly, he gave up his love and handed his bag of cat ears to his good brothers, Dabao and Erbao.

Dabao and Erbao were taken aback. They couldn't believe what they were seeing. Did the high temperature actually want to share the rewards he received with them? They knew how greedy he was, but despite his own greediness, he was now sharing his most precious snacks with them. Both of them were inexplicably moved.

"Hey, I'm too fat to eat. You two enjoy them on my behalf," Gao Gao said, contemplating that if his good brothers ate the snacks for him, it would be almost like he had eaten them himself.

Dabao and Erbao watched Gao Gao's back as he left silently, holding the bag of cat ears in their hands. Their hearts felt a mixture of emotions. They felt that something extraordinary had happened today. Gao Gao actually wanted to share the rewards he received with them? They knew he was incredibly greedy, but now he was selflessly sharing his most precious snacks with them. They were deeply touched.

"Wait, maybe we were too harsh on Gao Gao. Is it too late to take back what we said about him losing weight?"

—

Wu Xiang is Chen Yuan's first VIP student, and he is also a profiteer of Jade Dumplings. Speaking of the streets of Wucheng, they are now full of Jade Dumpling stalls. This kind of snack has become a very popular trend. After all, the city has a population of over seven million, so the market is very large. Even if one person works tirelessly, it is impossible to attract all the customers.

Wu Xiang's first thought was that he had to learn this thing well and master it authentically. So far, the daily flow of people in his store can be compared to that of a well-established signature store. Just a few days ago, he urgently hired some catering waiters and converted the store next door into a restaurant. Now, he dares not say more, but at least a daily flow of seven or eight thousand is no problem. This figure was unimaginable before.

Wu Xiang has also made a lot of money, but he can't forget the diggers who helped him reach this point. He can't forget that he is where he is today because of their contributions.

He also felt that Chen Yuan must have more unexpected things up her sleeve. And indeed, he guessed correctly. Even the dipping sauce for dumplings can be turned into a trick.

So he decisively paid a lot of money and was able to learn other things. Wu Xiang acquired other staple breakfast recipes from Chen Yuan, such as sesame paste millet biscuits. The frying method gives the skin a crispy and non-greasy texture, and the layers inside the biscuits are countless. They taste like a perfect fusion of sesame sauce and sesame seeds. For breakfast, a bowl of bean curd brain accompanied by these sesame sauce biscuits is hot, fragrant, and incredibly satisfying.

In addition, Wu Xiang asked Chen Yuan to improve the methods of cooking porridge, stir-frying, seasoning, and marinating in their shop. These modified methods have elevated the taste to another level, and their business has been booming during all times except breakfast.

Wu Xiang's business is now becoming increasingly busy, so he can't come to Chen Yuan's place often. He can only occasionally send his wife or Sister Wu over. He promises that as long as Chen Yuan's pork is supplied by him this year, it's his way of rewarding her for helping him make a fortune.

According to him, this amount of money is nothing compared to Chen Yuan's assistance. Chen Yuan is his benefactor.

Since Chen Yuan started the cooking training class over a month ago, the gifts at her home have not stopped coming. Some students are more generous and give gifts to the teacher. In this era, gifts are relatively simple, usually consisting of two pounds of rice, three pounds of sugar, four pounds of eggs, and some tonic items like walnut flour and malt extract. Chen Yuan still has plenty of these good things at home. She hasn't finished them yet, and this morning, the truck from Wuxiang Hotel came to deliver pork again.

Many neighbors have noticed the large and small packages being delivered to Chen Yuan's house. Every day, a constant stream of people nearly breaks the threshold. They can't hide their envy and jealousy, especially when it comes to the pork. In the beginning, no one paid much attention to it, but after several deliveries, the neighbors finally figured it out. There are whole pork ribs in that truck, and it seems to be about 20 pounds. If they were to buy it, how much would it cost?

After inquiring about the details, the neighbors found out that it was a gift from Chen Yuan's boss and students. For ordinary people, this bit of meat is a huge sum of money, but for the wealthy, it's not worth mentioning. They seem to be sending gifts almost every ten or eight days.

One can't help but imagine having pork every day. It's an unbelievably abundant life.

Those who used to joke about Chen Yuan being just a rural woman now feel a sourness in their hearts, as if they have consumed two pounds of vinegar. Every day, as they pass by Chen Yuan's house, they can't help but stop and take a look. If looks could kill, they would have drilled a hole through her door.

Shen Huai's sister-in-law, Shen Lanlan, and her son, who is the son of her eldest daughter, also study at Wucheng Primary School. When she heard about the English tutor who was being hyped up by others, she finally concluded that it was her cousin's daughter-in-law.

Since they are relatives, they can easily talk to each other. She shouldn't feel embarrassed to ask for money for her children's tuition, right?

Shen Lanlan casually bought two kilograms of discounted apples at a stall and brought her children to Chen Yuan's house.

Chen Yuan was making sweet and sour pork ribs, and a few tutoring children had obediently completed their homework and were waiting for dinner.

At that moment, Shen Lanlan knocked on the door from outside. "Brother and sister, are you home?"

"Who is it?" Chen Yuan asked, coming to the door. It was a strange woman she didn't know.

After listening to the woman's self-introduction as a relative of Shen Huai, Chen Yuan allowed her to enter the house. Shen Lanlan confidently said, "Brother and sister, my daughter is smart. It won't be a loss for you to teach her. We are family, and I trust you. If she misbehaves, please help discipline her. My daughter will listen to you."

As Shen Lanlan spoke, she glanced at the table and noticed the students sitting around it. In the center, there were two prominent plates of sweet and sour pork ribs, emitting a tantalizing aroma. Her eyes lit up. She had heard that her younger brother and sister were capable, had a good family, and now she saw it with her own eyes. This wasn't just good, it was too good.

It was even comparable to a lavish New Year's Eve dinner for ordinary people. If people could eat like this every day, they must be incredibly wealthy. If they were that wealthy, they couldn't possibly struggle to pay their children's tuition fees.

In the future, her children could also eat and drink here like the other students.

Chen Yuan said to Shen Lanlan, "Yes, our tuition fee here is eight yuan per month. How long will your child need tutoring? Does she have any foundation in English?"

"What? Eight yuan? Brother and sister, I'm your sister!" Shen Lanlan was stunned. She thought that if she mentioned their family relationship, the other party would give her some face. After all, Father Shen and Uncle Shen were brothers, and they were very close. Whenever someone needed help, everyone would come together. But she never expected Shen Huai's daughter-in-law to disregard their relationship to such an extent and charge her for tutoring.

Chen Yuan replied, expressionless, not budging at all. "We don't seem to be blood relatives. Why should I provide supplementary lessons for your child without payment? There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world. I'm helping Shen Huai and the others because they bring me energy, but others don't have that connection."

"You've entered Lao Shen's house, we're family, and what you're charging is too expensive. Can't you make it cheaper? If I had a little money, I wouldn't owe it to you and would pay you later."

Shen Lanlan was confident that she would owe the money and never pay it back. She believed the other party would be too embarrassed to ask for it, and eventually, it would be forgotten. It was worth trying this trick, and she also believed that ordinary people cared about their reputation. Since they were relatives, they would surely agree to this level.

Little did she know that Chen Yuan remained expressionless and did not budge at all. "You can't take credit. Please take your child back."

This time, Shen Lanlan became anxious, and her voice frightened the other children in the room. "Your food is so good, and my family has more than enough of these two dishes. Do you need to worry about that one dollar? I didn't expect you to be this kind of person. Shen Huai, does he know that you've offended your relatives to this extent?"

A cold voice came from the door. "He knows."

As Shen Lanlan turned around and saw who had entered, her breath instantly caught in her throat, leaving her feeling suffocated and unable to breathe properly.