Changes

"Grandpa, Grandma." Xu Wenwu said: "Die'er and I are deeply in love. After I pass my exams next year, I'll marry her!"

The Xu family was stunned. Mrs. Zhang was the first to react, smiling and saying: "Great! You've finally realized it, my boy. I like Die'er a lot, so I fully support this marriage."

Mrs. Wang nodded: "That's true. The girl has a sweet mouth and was always caring for me when she was here. She's a good girl—well-mannered and pretty—and she'd make a perfect match for our Wenwu!"

Although the old man favored his eldest grandson, Xu Wenwu, Wen Die was indeed an exceptional girl.

He said: "Mm, this girl is great. Since you've promised her, Wenwu, we can't let her suffer. Remember, she's the daughter of a high official, so we must handle this carefully!"

Mrs. Wang smiled: "I understand!"

"First, I'd like to have a matchmaker come and arrange things." Xu Wenwu said: "We need to get engaged as soon as possible. I don't want Die'er waiting anxiously for me!"

"Our Wenwu is right." Mrs. Zhang said: "Since both our families agree, I'll pick an auspicious date to formally propose marriage. This will put the young lady's mind at ease."

"Whatever suits Mother and Grandmother." Xu Wenwu agreed.

Joy filled the Xu household. How could they not be thrilled at this happy news?!

"Grandma, where are the other brothers?" Qibao asked.

"They said they'd stay at the townhouse and visit only on rest days." Mrs. Wang replied.

Qibao nodded.

Finally, the meal was served: meat, crayfish, fish—everything looked delicious.

Su Chenyu pulled Jing Chen to the table without hesitation: "Grandpa Xu, Granny Xu, I was thinking about your family's food even while I was away! Can't wait to dig in!"

Mrs. Wang smiled: "Help yourself. You and Jing Chen are welcome to stay a while. If you want something specific, just tell the kitchen—it's like your home now. And Ye Feng, sit down too. Don't always stand like that!"

Jing Chen gave a subtle nod toward Ye Feng, who then cupped his hands and said: "Many thanks, Madam!" He pulled up a chair and sat down. Truthfully, he'd been craving this food as well, but he rarely showed it.

They started eating without saying anything. They were really hungry and their chopsticks never stopped moving.

Mrs. Wang and her daughters-in-law, heartwarming for these young ones who were around their own children's age, couldn't help but feel their maternal instincts kick in. Alongside helping them peel off the fish, they repeatedly urged the youths to eat slowly, careful not to swallow any bones.

Amongst them, Jing Chen was the most poised with his meal, though his chopsticks moved at a steady pace. Even so, one could see he stood out from the rest.

Once the meal was done and their hunger sated, Qibao asked: "Grandpa, has anything happened while we were away?"

The old man replied: "No, it's been the same as always. Just some tourists from out of town asking about 'Wenwu' again. The patrol team managed to fob them off. But that boy Bai Zeyu still comes by sometimes, asking if Xu Wenwu has returned."

After resting for a bit—since they truly were exhausted—they all early retreated to their rooms to sleep.

The next day, Qibao woke up early. At this hour, Cui Cancan was just getting ready to go for a morning stroll. Noticing Qibao, she warmly greeted the young girl with a smile.

Qibao noticed: "Cancan, you seem to have lost more weight!"

Cui Cancan said happily: "Really? I've increased my exercise lately and feel much lighter and more energetic. Now, if I skip a day of running, I get uncomfortable. It's something I've never experienced before."

Qibao smiled: "That's great! You've improved a lot since coming to my home. Your personality also seems more open and cheerful."

Cui Cancan rubbed the back of her head, feeling a bit shy: "Before, everyone treated me with cold mockery. Since coming to Xujia Village, however, the villagers have been so friendly. They chat with me like we're all part of a big family. It feels like I've started a new life, and I really enjoy it."

Qibao grinned: "I'm glad you've changed for the better. At least I didn't waste my time helping you."

Cui Cancan said gratefully: "Qibao, I owe you a big thank you. Without you, I would probably still be the weak, easily-depressed girl I used to be. No one would respect me. During these days here, I've realized something, why should I let others see the worst in me? It's not fair to them either."

Qibao understood what she meant and grew more impressed by Cui Cancan. In just over a month, she had changed so much—it was like a completely different person. She was now more confident and outgoing.

Cui Cancan smiled: "Qibao, I'm going for a run!"

Qibao nodded, watching her run away with a slow smile. This is the kind of person who truly deserves help, she thought.

Qibao walked to the school entrance, where students were just arriving. The children greeted Qibao enthusiastically, and she responded to each one.

"Miss Qibao, what brings you here?" Madam He, Master He's mother, asked happily.

"Aunt He, I'm just taking a stroll and dropped by to see you and Master He." Qibao said.

Madam He smiled: "We're both doing well. I really enjoy my life now. Seeing these adorable and well-mannered children every day lifts my spirits!"

Qibao nodded: "That's nice. If you need anything, let us know. Do you have enough paper and ink for the school?"

Mother He replied: "We have had enough. Old Xu already brought over plenty. My child and I don't need anything. These days, there are many tourists in the village. Every morning, I have to be at the school gate to keep the children safe. Once all the students arrive, I lock the doors so outsiders don't disturb their lessons."

Qibao nodded: "Aunt He, you're always thinking ahead! You work hard."

Mother He smiled: "It's nothing. I'm at an age where I can't sleep late anyway. Might as well keep busy."

"Qibao! How come you're here?" Xu Huaer, who had noticed Qibao, beamed brightly and ran towards her.

Qibao, who hadn't seen Xu Huaer in a while, smiled and said: "I just came for a stroll."

"I have good news for you, Qibao." Xu Huaer said: "I sold one of my embroidered handkerchiefs. I'm so happy! My mother said it's all mine to keep, and she told me to save it!"

Qibao smiled: "Congratulations, Sister Huaer!"

"I can earn money on my own because you helped me." Xu Huaer said, grinning: "And Aunt Ru really cares about teaching. Thank you, and so do the other girls!"

Qibao said: "What are you thanking me for? I just gave a little help. You should really thank Aunt Ru!"

Xu Huaer nodded: "Yeah, Qibao, I know. But enough talk. I need to go inside. I'll be late if I don't hurry."

Qibao nodded. By then, she could hear the children's clear reading voices in the distance.