RYEY -Chapter 295 The House in Our Hometown Was Burned

Cheng Qiao smiled and tugged at Zhao Xiaobei’s hand. She barely remembered anything from her childhood, but thankfully, her uncle was there to recount the past events. Otherwise, she would have definitely been entangled by Zhao Jing and the others.

During this period, Ye Jun had been taking Cheng Liguo and the others sightseeing in the capital. Li Huan glanced at the calendar—it was already the sixth day of the lunar new year. Qin Guoqing was ready to return; his marriage leave and vacation were about to expire, and he had to report back.

Li Huan actually wanted to stay a bit longer. The university wouldn’t start for several more days, but with the grocery store about to open, Li Le needing to register at school, and the “Iron Ox” requested by the village still not confirmed to have arrived, he had no choice but to join the journey home. Ye Jun had someone buy soft sleeper tickets on the express train, ensuring at least one comfortable night.

But when it was time to leave, he couldn’t find Li Ming, which made Li Huan take a deep breath and let out a lion’s roar, almost deafening Cheng Qiao.

“Qiao, did you hide Li Ming?”

Cheng Qiao nodded. They were all her children, and she couldn’t favor some over others. Even if it meant more fatigue for herself, she wouldn’t let any of them be wronged.

“Qiao, don’t you understand that I worry about you? You still have school.”

“I understand, but you don’t understand one thing. Li Ming is still too young to be away from his mother. We had him to let him grow up happily, not to abandon him casually.”

“What kind of words are these? How is this abandoning him casually?”

“Li Huan, think carefully. If you were Li Ming, while your older brother, younger brother, and sisters were all here with mom at school, and you had to leave her alone, wouldn’t you overthink it?”

Li Huan fell silent. Indeed, Li Ming was such a mischievous child that all the kids in the family combined couldn’t match his mischief.

“But this child is too mischievous. You alone can’t handle him.”

“I’ve already discussed it with him. If he wants to stay here, he must obey me. Otherwise, I don’t have the energy to fuss with him. He agreed.”

“Then let’s try it. If you lose even a pound, I’ll take all four kids back immediately.”

Cheng Qiao smiled, glanced around, saw everyone eavesdropping, and blew a flying kiss. Li Huan’s anger vanished instantly with that gesture.

Li Ming had been hiding inside a wardrobe in the back courtyard, listening carefully. Now he understood that it was his own mischief that made his father displeased with him.

Reflecting on his behavior and comparing himself with Cheng Li and Ye Jing, he finally seriously self-reflected. He resolved never to be naughty again and vowed not to add any burden to his mother.

“Dad, you have to take good care of your health. The supplements I gave you must be taken every day, don’t forget, got it? And write to me every month.”

Cheng Qiao comforted Li Huan and immediately looked at Cheng Liguo, suddenly feeling a pang in her heart. In her previous life, she had never been close to Cheng Liguo and was instead friendly with Xia Fen and the others.

This life, she wanted to get close to her father, but the distance hindered their bond. Fate was cruel. Luckily, it wouldn’t be long before she could reunite with Cheng Liguo.

Cheng Liguo reached out and gently embraced Cheng Qiao:

“Dear daughter, boldly go do what you wish. Dad will always support you.”

Watching the car drive away, Li Ming climbed out of the wardrobe, grabbed Cheng Qiao’s leg, and teary-eyed said, “Mom, I’ll listen to you. I won’t be naughty anymore.”

Cheng Qiao affectionately patted Li Ming’s head. He was a little mischievous but otherwise excellent. She hoped he would be more discerning at kindergarten so he wouldn’t suffer any losses.

Li Huan and the others returned to Chuncheng. Mother Li and Li Le got busy preparing. Tomorrow, Qin Guoqing and Cheng Liguo would return to the Hexi Corridor. They would face rough conditions on the journey, so all supplies had to be ready.

When the morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, Li Le opened her eyes. She felt sore all over, and even her legs refused to cooperate.

Qin Guoqing quickly got up, looking at Li Le’s pained face, awkwardly scratching his head. Last night he had been carried away by passion and now wondered if there might be a child.

“Le Le, if there is a child, what will you do about school?”

Li Le gave him a glare. Her second sister-in-law had already given her medicine. Taking one pill afterward ensured there would be no child. Moreover, it was a concoction personally prepared, with absolutely no side effects.

“I’ll see you off.”

“No, I can go myself. You sleep a little longer, and don’t forget to write to me.”

Reluctantly, Qin Guoqing picked up the parcel. As he was leaving, he returned, put down the parcel, hugged Li Le, and kissed her fiercely before smiling, picking up the parcel, and leaving.

This time he really left, without even glancing back. He didn’t dare to, fearing that if he did, he wouldn’t return and would surely meet the wrath of his father.

Thinking of his father, Qin Guoqing steeled himself. Mother Li had already prepared breakfast. She glanced behind Qin Guoqing, saw no trace of her daughter, and smiled faintly.

Cheng Liguo did the same, taking a bowl of porridge and drinking it. Qin Guoqing wanted to explain something, but seeing they didn’t even ask, he swallowed his words. Everything was understood without saying a word.

“Travel safely. Write on time, got it?”

As the car started, Mother Li finally showed reluctance. Qin Guoqing took a deep breath, started the engine, and just as the car was about to turn, he saw a familiar figure at the door:

“Uncle Cheng, wait one minute!”

Qin Guoqing pulled the handbrake, jumped out, and rushed to the figure, hugging Li Le tightly with strong arms: “Be good. I’ll be back.”

Li Le, teary-eyed, watched the car drive away. She hadn’t expected Qin Guoqing to jump out and hug her. Her hidden vulnerability finally surfaced, and she hugged him back, urging him to stay safe.

Li Huan pouted, uninterested in this tender scene, turned, and went back, devouring three bowls of porridge and five large meat buns in one sitting, still unsatisfied, reaching for another bun.

But his hand touched only air. Xu Hui had quickly taken it away. This father had started missing mom so early in the morning—how would life go on like this?

After seeing Qin Guoqing off, Li Le calmed down and began packing. She had to register at school early next month and needed to take everything necessary.

After lunch, Mother Li was clearing the table when Shouhou dashed in. He had just gotten off the long-distance bus and ran straight to Li Huan.

“Shouhou, good timing. Hungry? Come eat something.”

Mother Li smiled, about to get food from the kitchen, but was stunned by Shouhou’s words:

“Brother Huan, hurry, hurry back. Your family’s house… has been burned!”