Gu Xingdong: "The teaching quality in the capital is indeed excellent."
Anyway, since He Zinian wasn't the one making the decisions in this household, and he had already reached an understanding with Old Mr. He, there was no need to argue.
As expected, as soon as he finished speaking, he heard Old Mr. He say, "There's no rush with transferring the school records. Firstly, the child is still young, and you have to be busy with company matters every day. Your mother and I are getting old and don't have as much energy. Secondly, your third brother is over there, so he can help look after the child to some extent. As for other matters, we'll discuss them when the child is older."
"But..."
Before He Zinian could say more, Old Mr. He interrupted him sternly, "I've already said we'll discuss it later. What more do you want?"
He had initially thought this son was just a bit troublesome, but now he realized that in terms of both intellect and character, he was far from adequate.
Seeing the old man getting angry, He Zinian, despite his unwillingness, chose to remain silent.
"The food is ready. Go wash your hands and let's eat," said Mother He, emerging from the kitchen with two dishes. She placed them on the table and cheerfully remarked, "Most of these dishes were made by Lishu today. Look, they are perfect in color, aroma, and taste. I was initially surprised, but then I realized I'd found a treasure."
He Ziyu: "I can attest to that. I've been to their home a few times, and my little sister's cooking skills are truly exceptional."
Chen Lishu brought out a plate of sticky rice spare ribs. Hearing their words, she pursed her lips and smiled, "I just tried to figure it out myself. It's good if I haven't embarrassed myself."
The He family had eaten all sorts of exquisite dishes. She knew her own abilities, but she was very happy with their recognition.
He Mingqi: "Little Aunt, you're amazing! Unlike my mom, who can only fry eggs and make fried rice. I can finally eat well this time. I'm so envious of my little brother for getting to eat delicious food every day."
Rui Rui: "My mom's cooking is delicious."
Everyone couldn't help but laugh at his proud little expression.
"Tomorrow, you'll accompany me to the courtyard house. My godparents are here, and so is Rui Rui. His future focus will definitely be more on this side. I want to get the house back first, so it will be convenient for our family to stay here in the future."
Gu Xingdong: "Yes, your consideration is correct."
Chen Lishu took off her shoes and got into bed. "I really didn't expect things to be resolved so smoothly, and to have gained godparents. It feels like a dream."
Gu Xingdong raised his hand and flicked her smooth forehead. Seeing Chen Lishu wince in pain, he smiled and said, "Can you confirm it's not a dream now?"
Chen Lishu covered the spot where she had been flicked. "Gu Xingdong, have you become bold? How dare you hit me?"
Gu Xingdong: "Don't falsely accuse a good person. I was clearly... Ouch! Why are you pinching me?"
"Shh," Chen Lishu placed her index finger on her lips, smiling like a little fox that had stolen some meat. "We're in someone else's home. Don't lose your temper and mind your image."
Gu Xingdong's eyebrows rose slightly, and he threatened, "Just you wait until we get home."
Chen Lishu glanced at the time, yawned, and pulled the quilt towards her. "Oh my, it's this late. Let's sleep. Don't think about unnecessary things."
With that, she closed her eyes directly. "Turn off the light."
Gu Xingdong: "..."
Looking at the quilt that had been mostly pulled away from him, Gu Xingdong turned and switched off the bedside lamp.
...
"Mom!"
An Jing frowned and scolded her daughter, who had rushed out of the room in a hurry, "You're so old, why are you still so impetuous?"
"No, Mom, look, this is the red envelope my little aunt gave me today." He Mingqi took out the money from the red envelope. There were twenty crisp new "Da Tuanjie" bills, totaling two hundred yuan.
Although the red envelope felt thick when she received it during the day, she had thought it contained at most twenty or thirty yuan. Besides, it wasn't appropriate to open it in front of everyone, so she had forgotten about it. When she remembered it before sleeping and opened it, she was truly startled.
An Jing looked at her husband, He Zifeng, beside her. "Lao He, this?"
Two hundred yuan at this time was nearly four or five months' salary for others. It was definitely not a small sum.
He Zifeng: "Xingdong and his wife are not the type to put on a show. Since it's for the child, accept it with peace of mind."
He Mingqi: "That's great! Dad, can I spend this money myself?"
An Jing: "Why do you need so much money?"
He Mingqi: "I promised little brother that I'd take him out to play during the holidays. As an older sister, I can't fail him at the crucial moment, right? If you don't give me the money, I'll ask Third Uncle for it."
An Jing: "You can have it, but I guarantee you can't spend it carelessly."
"Yes!" He Mingqi immediately stood up straight, saluted, and then happily returned to her room with the money.
The next day, after bidding farewell to Old Mr. and Mrs. He, Chen Lishu and Gu Xingdong went to the courtyard house.
As soon as they entered the alley, they saw several children running around wildly. They were all wearing tank tops and shorts, with plastic sandals on their feet, making a pattering sound on the cement ground. Under the sun, sweat dripped down their shining foreheads, but their spirits were undimmed. Three to five women leaned against doorposts, chatting and working on their needlework at a rapid pace. Occasionally, someone would say something, and the group would burst into laughter.
They soon stopped in front of a dark courtyard gate. The main gate and the couplets pasted on both sides of the gateposts were somewhat faded. The gate was half-open. As Chen Lishu walked in, she saw an old lady sitting under the eaves on the side, washing clothes. They made eye contact, and the old lady proactively asked, "Comrade, who are you looking for?"
It wasn't surprising that she didn't recognize her; she had only visited twice, and Chen Lishu didn't have a strong impression of her.
"Auntie, I'm the owner of this place. My surname is Chen."
Hearing her words, the old lady finally showed a flicker of recognition and quickly wiped her hands on the apron at her waist. "So it's Comrade Chen. May I ask why you've come?"
Chen Lishu: "Is everyone here? Please help me call them. I have something to discuss."
"Except for the young people who are at work, everyone else should be here. Please wait a moment, I'll go and call them for you."
The old lady then proceeded to knock on each door. Before long, more than a dozen people were standing in the courtyard.
"Due to work, my husband and I plan to move here. We have a larger family, so we will no longer rent out the house in the future." Chen Lishu stated the reason she had prepared.
Upon hearing her words, the expressions of everyone present became flustered.
"This is too sudden. Why are you not renting it out anymore? We had no preparation whatsoever."
"Yes, why the rush? Where are we supposed to find new housing?"
"You said there was a discount for paying half a year's rent in advance. We still have two months left."
Chen Lishu heard everyone's complaints and raised her hand, signaling them to calm down.