Chapter Nine: A Meeting by Agreement (An Extra Chapter in Appreciation of "Pocket-Broken Pauper"'s Support)
“Big sister, come here quickly! I can’t get Winter’s little pants on her!”
The morning sun rose in the east, its gentle rays streaming through the windowpane and scattering dappled patterns across the floor.
Inside the small room, Little Autumn was sweating profusely with worry, while Little Winter sat demurely on the bed, nibbling on her finger with wide, innocent eyes fixed on her flustered sister, as if to say:
I can’t get my pants on. Why is that...?
Winter didn’t know either.
It wasn’t Winter’s fault, so sister, you mustn’t scold Winter.
Otherwise... Winter will cry, you know...
“Let me see...”
Responding to Autumn’s call, Little Spring and Little Summer entered together.
Then—
“Oh, it’s not that the pants are too small. Winter’s grown a little bit again, so they don’t fit anymore,” said Spring, furrowing her brows. She looked at the little pants in her hands and sighed with regret.
Today, they were supposed to return the money to the person who had saved their brother, and invite her to a meal. After discussing it, the three sisters decided to wear the new clothes that Yang Qing had bought for them two months ago.
They usually couldn’t bear to wear these new outfits—only tried them on once when they were first bought, and then kept them neatly folded in the wardrobe.
Spring remembered Winter’s set had cost over sixty yuan, but now, all of a sudden, she couldn’t wear it.
How heartbreaking...
“All right, we’re running out of time. Winter, put on your old clothes for now,” said Summer, glancing at the clock by the bed. It was nine o’clock. “Winter, dress yourself now.”
“Mmm...”
Little Winter’s eyes filled with tears of grievance. She looked at her three sisters in their new clothes, then at her own old ones, and her lips pouted.
But, though she felt wronged, she obediently started dressing herself.
“Oh, you’re all ready! Wow, all in new clothes—so beautiful!”
Yang Qing entered, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the three little ones. A pleased smile curled at his lips.
Anything from the system truly was amazing!
In just a week, the once-thin faces of the little ones had grown plumper, and their pale hair now shone with a healthy black luster.
Little Autumn looked even more adorable than before.
Little Spring and Little Summer were already budding beauties.
As for Little Winter...
“Oh dear, sweetheart, who upset you? Look at that pout...”
Seeing the pitifully pouting Winter sitting on the bed, Yang Qing hurried over, scooping her up and speaking softly: “What’s wrong? Will you tell your brother?”
“Mmm—brother... I can’t wear my new clothes anymore. Winter doesn’t have any new clothes to wear...”
Little Winter nestled in Yang Qing’s arms, on the verge of tears. He paused, glanced at Winter, then at the little outfit to the side, and suddenly burst out laughing.
“Haha... Don’t be upset! My darling is growing up, that’s something to be happy about!”
“As for new clothes—well, I was planning to buy you all new outfits today anyway. One set each, including little sneakers!”
“Brother...”
Yang Qing had barely finished speaking when Spring and Summer both called out at once.
“Yes? What is it?” Yang Qing smiled at the two.
Spring said, “Brother, I don’t need new clothes. Just buy them for Winter and Autumn.”
“Brother, Summer doesn’t need any either. I’ve got my school uniform.”
“Mmm... Autumn also... also...”
“All right—”
At these words, Yang Qing cut off Autumn’s hesitant refusal with a smile.
“I understand how you feel, but don’t worry. Your brother can earn more money now!”
“I’ll do my best to give you the very best. Seeing you all grow up healthy and happy is what makes me happiest. So...”
He gently stroked their little heads with affection, his voice soft: “From now on, let your brother worry about earning money. All you have to do is be happy, all right?”
“All right, but...”
“Enough, we’re running out of time. Go call Little White over, I’ll tidy up and come right after.”
“Okay! Winter, come down quick!”
The four little ones hurried out. Yang Qing looked at the slightly messy bed and began to tidy up.
Suddenly—
“Huh? What’s this?”
His hand brushed against something firm beneath the sheet. Curiously, he lifted the covers.
“Little Artists Training Class Registration Form—what’s this?”
“Spring, Summer... oh dear...”
Staring at the two forms in his hand, Yang Qing sighed deeply. He folded them neatly and put them back, but a decision had already formed in his heart.
...
Television station, Planning Department.
“Xue, work’s over. Want to have lunch together?”
“Thanks, but no.”
Qin Xue smiled, politely refusing her handsome colleague. She frowned slightly as she glanced at her silent phone.
It was already noon—why hadn’t Yang Qing called her?
Was the appointment for the afternoon, perhaps...?
Truthfully, she was quite looking forward to this meeting.
Perhaps it was because of the adorable children, or maybe the man who carried the burden of four little ones.
She couldn’t quite say, but she was eager nonetheless.
She glanced once more at her quiet phone, sighed, picked up a planning document, and got up to leave.
She decided to grab lunch first, and review the direction of the program she’d be discussing at the afternoon meeting.
With some soothing music playing, Qin Xue drove her white Tenghui car slowly out toward the gate.
As she turned a corner and prepared to accelerate, she caught sight of several figures sitting on a roadside bench out of the corner of her eye. Her heart leaped.
“Brother... do you want some ice cream? Autumn will give you a bite!”
“Haha... Thanks, sweetheart. You have it. Eat up!”
“Heehee—then I won’t be shy!”
“Heehee... Let me have a bite, Autumn!”
“Heehee, sure!”
“I’ve got mine too, silly. You eat yours.”
Little White laughed, then glanced at the TV station’s entrance. “Why isn’t big sister coming out yet? My bottom’s going numb from sitting here!”
Yang Qing grinned. “Haha, if your bottom’s numb, just stand up for a bit!”
Little White huffed, “Hmph, meanie! Are you going to make me stand as punishment?”
“Haha, no, I’m not!”
“Heehee... What does ‘punishment stand’ mean, Little White?”
“Um... It’s when...”
Yang Qing was listening to the children chat about school when a car horn suddenly sounded.
He looked up and, through the car window, saw a strikingly beautiful face.
“Wow! It’s the pretty big sister!”
Little Autumn squealed, pointing excitedly.
Spring, Summer, and Little White all turned at once, chiming in with a chorus of “Wow!”
So beautiful, so graceful!
Such a large, impressive car!
Inside, Qin Xue smiled and waved to Yang Qing.
“Miss Qin, hello,” Yang Qing said, carrying Little Winter as he approached.
Qin Xue laughed, “Miss Qin? Are you really going to be so formal with the person who saved your life?”
“Uh... no, I—”
Yang Qing was at a loss.
Qin Xue found his awkwardness amusing and said with a smile, “All right, I’m just teasing you. Get in the car!”
“Um, there might not be enough room—we have six people.”
“Oh, right.”
Qin Xue paused, then said, “Wait here. I’ll go park in the courtyard.”
“Okay, no rush. Take your time.”
“Mm.”
A few minutes later, Qin Xue emerged in casual clothes with a bag slung over her shoulder and a folder in her hand.
“Yang Qing, you look so much sturdier than when I first met you—you’ve recovered well!”
She gave him a thorough once-over and nodded in approval.
“Uh... th-thank you...”
Yang Qing’s face flushed with embarrassment—this was only the second time in his life he’d spoken with such a beautiful and refined woman!
The first time had also been with her, but back then he’d been too concerned about the two little ones in the hospital to pay much attention. Now, though—
“Sister!”
Little Autumn piped up sweetly.
“Little Autumn, you’re so adorable! Did you miss me?”
“I did!”
“Heehee... Sister, I’m Little White! I missed you so much too!”
“Is that so? Little White, you’re adorable as well!”
“Heehee...”
“Sister, I’m Spring. Thank you for saving my brother.”
“Sister, I’m Summer. Thank you.”
Spring and Summer bowed deeply to Qin Xue, expressing their gratitude. Qin Xue’s eyes grew moist as she looked at these sensible, lovable children.
She knelt and hugged them gently, then looked up at Yang Qing.
“Little Winter’s getting cuter by the day—let me hold her. You take my bag.”
Yang Qing hesitated. “Winter’s a bit heavy, you—well, all right, you hold her.”
Qin Xue retracted her sharp gaze and took Little Winter from him, giving her a kiss.
“Let’s go, weren’t you going to treat me to a meal?”
“Oh—yes, let’s go.”