Chapter Eighty-One: Arrangements

(Thank you to all the esteemed patrons for your rewards, monthly votes, and recommendations.)

In Yang City, at a vintage restaurant beneath General Hill—one of the city's tourist attractions.

“Sister-in-law, eat up! Are you still angry because Xiaobai hung up on you?”

Bai Lingyue picked up a piece of vegetable and placed it in Bai Mama’s bowl, her eyes narrowing into a cheerful smile.

“That silly child.” Bai Mama couldn’t help but shake her head with a smile. “I was just wondering whose phone he used to call you.”

“Uh…” Bai Lingyue was taken aback. “Wasn’t it Brother Qing’s?”

“No.” Bai Mama shook her head. “It wasn’t Jin’er’s either. I know their numbers well.”

Bai Lingyue hesitated. “Then who…”

“What are you two fussing about? Have you nothing better to do?”

Bai Zhijun, enjoying his meal, glanced at the two women, speechless. “If it wasn’t their numbers, then it must be someone else’s. Qing knows so many people—do you know them all? Honestly, just eat!”

“Whoosh!”

Upon hearing Bai Zhijun’s words, Bai Mama squared off against him. “Tell me! Is there anyone Qing knows that I don’t?”

“Oh, well… that… um…”

Bai Zhijun was stumped, words caught in his throat. He quickly racked his brain for anyone Yang Qing knew, but—truth be told—his wife really did know them all!

It was all thanks to their silly child, Xiaobai.

In the past, their families kept to their own routines, but Bai Zhijun and his wife often brought rice, flour, vegetables, and other necessities to Yang Qing’s home, helping as much as they could—partly because they too came from humble rural backgrounds, with the honest kindness of country folk, and partly out of pity for Qiuer and her three siblings.

But at some point, Yang Qing changed dramatically, as if possessed by some spirit, becoming unfathomable even to his longtime neighbor. He created a show, sold it for profit, then opened a small shop that flourished, and even their own porridge stall took off alongside his.

Now their families were closer than ever, not relatives by blood but closer than kin. Their silly Xiaobai practically lived at Yang Qing’s house, almost becoming one of his children.

Bai Zhijun ate thoughtfully, while Bai Mama, waiting for his answer, grew impatient and glared at him.

“You’ve been thinking for ages—did you come up with anyone I don’t know? Speak up!”

Bai Zhijun, despondent, surrendered. “…I was wrong.”

“Pfft!”

Across the table, Bai Lingyue was sipping water when her brother’s unexpected confession made her spit it out, spraying him.

“Haha… Sorry, Brother, I didn’t mean to! Haha…”

“If it wasn’t intentional, then it must have been deliberate, huh?” Bai Zhijun sighed helplessly, wiping his face. Seeing Bai Lingyue laughing uncontrollably, he paused and said, “Have you really decided to stay and make your life in Yang City, not return home?”

“Mm!”

As the conversation turned serious, Bai Lingyue stopped laughing, gazing nervously at her brother and sister-in-law. “I’m not going back. I’ve told Mom and Dad, and they agree—since you and Sister-in-law are here, they feel at ease. What do you two think?”

She looked at the couple with anxiety and tension.

Though they treated her well, this was a major life decision, and she was unsure of their attitude. Having just graduated from university, jobless and without income, she still depended on them for food and shelter, so her worry was natural.

Bai Mama noticed the unease and gently took Bai Lingyue’s hand. “You’ve graduated, you’re an adult now. It’s good to have your own ideas. If you want to stay in Yang City, then stay. We respect and support your decision.”

“Mm… Mm! Thank you, Sister-in-law.”

The worry and uncertainty in Bai Lingyue’s heart melted instantly into gratitude, tears sparkling in her eyes.

“All right, such a grown girl now—don’t be shy, wipe up.”

Bai Zhijun handed her a tissue, looking at his sister seriously. “You staying here, your sister-in-law and I support you. Don’t worry about Mom and Dad—we’ve already discussed it. Once we save up a bit more, we’ll get a mortgage, buy a home, and bring Mom and Dad here too. But…”

He paused, watching Bai Lingyue’s emotions settle, and continued, “But for this year, don’t look for work. Stay home and review, and next year take the civil service exam.”

“Ah, but…” Bai Lingyue was surprised, quickly waving her hand. “I don’t mind taking the exam, but staying home without a job…”

“That’s not negotiable!” Bai Zhijun cut her off. “You’ve just graduated, your knowledge is fresh, so reviewing is easier. If you start working and get busy, not only will you lack time to review, but you might not even have the motivation.”

“…Fine,” Bai Lingyue agreed, head lowered, though she couldn’t help but protest. “But spending all day studying isn’t good—I’ll go crazy.”

“Why would you?” Bai Mama laughed. “Your year of reviewing, Xiaobai’s pick-ups and drop-offs will be your responsibility.”

“Mm,” Bai Zhijun nodded. “When Qing is busy, Chun’er and Xia’er will need you to take care of them too. And if reviewing gets too dull, you can help your sister-in-law or Jin’er at the shop.”

“That’s right!”

At Bai Zhijun’s words, Bai Mama’s eyes lit up. “Qing just mentioned a few days ago that he wanted to hire someone to help Jin’er at the shop. Lingyue would be perfect!”

“Uh, did he really say he wanted to hire someone?” Bai Zhijun was surprised.

Bai Mama nodded firmly. “He did.”

“Well, that’s great!” Bai Zhijun said happily. “Lingyue is perfect for this, and with her there, Qing and the rest of us will feel at ease—especially with so many kids in the house.”

“Mm, mm,” Bai Mama nodded. “That’s the best idea. Working at Qing’s shop won’t interfere with Lingyue’s studying.”

“Exactly! It’s settled. I’ll talk to Qing when I get back.”

“Mm, sounds good!”

Good? Settled? What is happening?

Bai Lingyue was dumbfounded, watching her brother and sister-in-law wrap up her affairs in a few sentences.

Couldn’t you show me some respect by asking if I, the person involved, agree?

And didn’t you just say I couldn’t look for a job? Now you’re arranging one for me yourselves!

Truly… words fail me!

…

Meanwhile, in the small courtyard, everyone was enjoying their meal in high spirits.

“Xier, sit down and eat, don’t wander around with your bowl!” Tan Jin’er watched her little sister circle the table, picking up food here and there, and sighed helplessly.

“Hiahia… Xier’s still little, Xier can’t reach the dishes!” Little Xier laughed.

“Come sit by me, and tell me which dish you want—I’ll get it for you,” Tan Jin’er offered.

Upon hearing this, Xier spun around even faster, shaking her little head. “No, Xier’s a big kid now—I’ll pick up my own food!”

Tan Jin’er: …

“Silly girl, you just want some little bear drink, don’t you?” Little Bai, her best friend, saw right through her and exposed her without mercy.

“Waa waa waa~ No! Xier doesn’t, Bai, you’re making things up!”

Little Bai: “Heh…”

“Hehe… Xier, sit down and eat properly. After we’re done, I’ll ask Brother to let us have little bear drink,” Xiao Qiuer promised knowingly.

Xier’s eyes lit up instantly, and she plopped herself down beside Tan Jin’er. “Okay!”

She then gazed expectantly at Yang Qing, as if seeking his approval for Qiuer’s promise.

Yang Qing, seeing her hopeful eyes, couldn’t bear to disappoint her. Smiling, he nodded, “All right, after you finish eating, each of you can have a bottle.”

“Hiahia… Thank you, Brother Qing!”

Tan Jin’er: ╯﹏╰

“Haha…”

Watching the lively and mischievous Xier, Li Dongning—experiencing this warm, carefree atmosphere for the first time—couldn’t help but laugh aloud.

“Whoosh!”

Just as Xier was eating, she heard his laughter and looked up, grinning at him. “Big brother, isn’t my sister’s cooking delicious? You’ve had three big bowls already!”

“Gah!”

Li Dongning’s laughter was abruptly stifled, his face flushed instantly.