First spoiled, then love

Chapter 611 I Must Set an Example
On New Year's Eve, Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru's home was bustling with activity, with WeChat notification sounds coming and going, like a joyful prelude to the festival.

The two sat on the sofa, their phones glued to their hands, busy replying to congratulatory messages from relatives and friends.

Chen Qingrong smiled and said to Tang Xiaoru, "Looks like we're quite popular. The congratulatory messages are practically exploding on our phones."

Tang Xiaoru replied with a smile, "Of course! We are sincere to people in normal times, so we naturally receive so many blessings during the holidays."

As she spoke, she quickly tapped the screen and sent a large red envelope to the company group, which instantly drew cheers and thanks from her colleagues.

As evening approached, several elderly women, including Lin Yue, Wang Xiue, and Tang Chengshan, began to get busy. They gathered around the dining table, chatting about everyday life while skillfully making dumplings.

Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru also joined in, and the whole family busied themselves happily.

Not wanting to be left out, the two little ones, Chen Ning and Chen Xi, sat in their stroller and took dough and molds at the small table next to them, imitating the adults by "making dumplings." Although they got flour all over their faces, they were having a great time.

Looking at her two little babies, Wang Xiue's eyes were full of love. She said to Chen Qingrong, "Qingrong, look how cute these two children are. Time flies so fast, and the New Year is just around the corner."

Chen Qingrong hugged Chen Ning, letting him stand on her lap, and replied with a smile, "Yes, Mom, time flies so fast. I still remember when I was little, you and Dad were always busy preparing all kinds of New Year's goods, and I would fuss over you. Now it's our turn to prepare for the New Year for the children."

Tang Xiaoru chimed in, "Yes, we've become the main force in the family now. But with you guys around, we feel much more at ease."

The family chatted and laughed as they made dumplings.

At dinner time, a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner was laid out on the table, with fish, meat, vegetables and soup, all of which looked and smelled delicious.

Everyone sat together, raised their glasses, and wished each other a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

After dinner, the family sat happily in front of the TV to watch the Spring Festival Gala.

The two little ones, Chen Ning and Chen Xi, were also very excited. They were wearing new clothes, holding toys in their hands, and giggling from time to time.

Lin Yue and the other grandparents were overjoyed to see the children so happy.

Lin Yue pulled two large red envelopes from her pocket and said with a smile to Chen Ning and Chen Xi, "Come, come, my darlings, Grandma has given you red envelopes. I hope you will be healthy and happy in the new year."

Although Chen Ning and Chen Xi didn't quite understand the meaning of the red envelopes, seeing how happy the adults were, they clapped their hands excitedly and mumbled "Grandpa, Grandma, and Grandpa and Grandma" incoherently.

Of course, most people wouldn't understand, but Wang Xiu'e and the others, being elders, took it as what they meant.

That's how kids are; even though they're speaking baby talk, parents automatically translate it into adult language.

Chen Qingrong held Chen Ning and made him call out to Lin Yue and the others: "Ningning, quickly call out to your grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-great-grandparents, so they can hear our voices."

Little Chen Ning babbled and cooed, and although his pronunciation wasn't quite accurate yet, his innocence and joy touched everyone.

Everyone responded with smiles, and the whole room was filled with warmth and joy.

Tang Xiaoru watched this scene with tears of happiness glistening in her eyes.

She nestled gently against Chen Qingrong's shoulder and whispered, "Qingrong, I'm so happy. With you by my side, with my family, and with the laughter of my children, I feel like this is the life I've always wanted."

Chen Qingrong held her hand tightly and replied affectionately, "Me too, Xiaoru. With you, we have a home. In the new year, I will work even harder to make our home happier and warmer."

The family sat together, watching the Spring Festival Gala, chatting about everyday things, and enjoying this rare reunion and happiness.

Fireworks outside the window burst into bloom intermittently, illuminating the night sky and warming everyone's hearts. On this night filled with hope and joy, they believed that the future would be even brighter.

On the first and second days of the Lunar New Year, Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru followed traditional customs and did not go out to visit relatives and friends, but stayed at home to enjoy the rare family time.

On the third day of the Lunar New Year, the sun finally pierced through the thick clouds and shone on the snow-covered earth, adding a touch of warmth to this cold winter day.

They decided to take advantage of the rare good weather and visit Yang Bingbing's home with their two babies.

Early in the morning, Tang Xiaoru began preparing the babies' outfits for going out.

She first dressed Chen Ning and Chen Xi in thick thermal underwear, then put soft cotton-padded jackets on top, and put on hats, gloves and scarves, wrapping the little ones up tightly, leaving only their two big, watery eyes showing.

Watching from the side, Chen Qingrong couldn't help but laugh and said, "These two kids are almost like little snowmen. We have to be careful not to fall while they walk."

Tang Xiaoru rolled her eyes at him and pretended to be angry, saying, "It's all because of you! You insisted on waiting until the sun came out at noon before going out. Now look what's happened, the kids are all bundled up like bears." After saying that, she couldn't help but laugh herself.

At noon, with the sun shining brightly, the family of four set off in a grand procession.

The snow on the road sparkled in the sunlight, and occasionally children could be seen playing and frolicking in the snow, their laughter echoing through the air.

Upon arriving at Yang Bingbing's home, one is immediately enveloped in the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year.

Yang Bingbing and Yan Mo had been waiting for a long time, and when they saw Chen Qingrong's family arrive, they immediately greeted them warmly.

After exchanging New Year's greetings and pleasantries, the next step was to give each other red envelopes for their babies.

Chen Qingrong took out two large red envelopes from his pocket and handed them to Yang Bingbing and Yan Mo with a smile: "Here, these are New Year's gifts for the children. I wish them healthy growth and happiness every day."

Yang Bingbing and Yan Mo smiled as they accepted the red envelopes, and then handed over their own: "We also prepared some, hoping that Chen Ning and Chen Xi will become smarter and cuter in the new year."

Then, Chen Qingrong picked up Yang Bingbing's daughter, Zhongqiu, and they were very affectionate towards each other.

He teased Zhongqiu, saying, "Zhongqiu, how about becoming Daddy's daughter-in-law when you grow up?"

These words immediately drew laughter from everyone.

Upon hearing this, Yan Mo pretended to be angry and walked over, snatching Zhongqiu from Chen Qingrong's arms, saying, "Old Chen, get out of here, don't even think about taking Zhongqiu from our family. I can't bear to see her get married, she's my little darling."

Chen Qingrong chuckled and said to Yan Mo with a smile, "So you plan to let her be an old maid for the rest of her life? Don't regret it later."

Yan Mo pretended to think about it seriously for a moment and said, "It's not that it's impossible. It's not like her mother and I can't afford to support her. If she really doesn't want to get married, then we'll stay with her and spend our lives together. That would be fine too."

This remark drew another round of laughter from everyone.

Tang Xiaoru chuckled and interjected, "Old Yan, don't speak so soon. If you're not married by Mid-Autumn Festival, you'll be worried. After all, every parent hopes their child can find their own happiness."

Upon hearing this, Yan Mo sighed, feigning helplessness, "Oh dear, it seems I'd better find a good family for Zhongqiu soon, or it'll be too late." After saying that, he couldn't help but laugh.

Everyone sat together, chatting about everyday things and sharing their funny stories.

Zhongqiu and the three little ones, Chen Ning and Chen Xi, were also having a great time playing nearby. They may not understand what the adults were saying, but their innocence and joy were so real and infectious.

The sunlight streamed in through the window, warming everyone's faces.

On this afternoon filled with laughter, they seemed to forget the winter cold and fatigue, immersing themselves only in this rare reunion and happiness.

Two days before the Lantern Festival, a gloomy atmosphere suddenly descended upon Chen Qingrong's home.

Chen Xi, a usually lively and active little guy, unfortunately caught the flu.

She sneezes constantly every day, her little face flushed from the fever, which is heartbreaking to see.

After the doctor's examination, it was recommended that the child come to the hospital for intravenous infusions every day, and because the child was too young, the IV could only be inserted into the head.

This broke Chen Qingrong's heart. Every time he saw his daughter's pained little face, his heart felt like it was being pricked by needles.

To prevent Chen Ning from catching the flu, Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru decided to have Chen Xi sleep separately from them for the time being.

Chen Qingrong took the initiative to take care of Chen Xi, saying that he was worried about leaving Tang Xiaoru to take care of the child alone, fearing that it would be too hard on her.

Actually, what he was more worried about was that he wouldn't be able to bear seeing his daughter suffer.

That day, it was time for Chen Xi to receive her IV drip again.

Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru took her to the hospital and found a familiar nurse.

Chen Xi seems to have gotten used to coming to the hospital every day. Although there is still a hint of fear in her eyes, she is no longer crying as much as before.

She held Chen Qingrong's hand tightly and whispered, "Dad."

Chen Qingrong tenderly stroked her head and comforted her, "Don't be afraid, baby, Mommy and Daddy are here with you. The nurse is very gentle; she will give you the injection softly, it won't hurt much."

The nurse walked over with a smile and began preparing the IV equipment.

She chatted quietly with Chen Xi to distract her.

Chen Qingrong watched nervously from the side, his hands clenched into fists, seemingly even more nervous than Chen Xi.

Finally, it was time to give the injection.

The nurse gently took Chen Xi's little hand, wiped her forehead with a sterile cotton ball, and then quickly inserted the needle.

Chen Xi's body trembled slightly, but she quickly calmed down.

She bravely kept from crying out loud, simply closing her eyes tightly, as if enduring the pain of that moment.

Seeing this scene, Chen Qingrong felt a mix of emotions. He turned his face away and quietly wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes.

Tang Xiaoru watched speechlessly from the side. She gently touched Chen Qingrong's arm and whispered, "Do you have to cry every time? Are you even a man?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Qingrong turned around and looked angrily at Tang Xiaoru: "She's a piece of my flesh and blood, how can I not feel sorry for her? Don't you feel bad every time you see her getting acupuncture?"

Tang Xiaoru's lips twitched, and she said helplessly, "I'm her mother, isn't that my line? Why do you always try to take it from me?"

Chen Qingrong chuckled awkwardly and said, "It's all the same, it's all the same. Anyway, I feel really bad for her. Next time, you should bring her to get her shot yourself. That way, I won't have to watch over her, and she won't hold a grudge against me."

Tang Xiaoru glared at him, annoyed: "So you're going to make me hold a grudge against you, huh? You shameless Chen Qingrong!"

After saying that, she couldn't help but laugh. She knew that although Chen Qingrong seemed carefree on the surface, she was more sensitive than anyone else and loved these two children more than anyone else.

During the IV infusion, Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru took turns chatting with Chen Xi and telling her stories, trying to help her forget the pain.

Chen Xi gradually relaxed, and a long-lost smile appeared on her face.

Looking at their daughter's sensible little face, Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru were filled with joy.

They know that no matter what difficulties they encounter, as long as the family works together, there is no obstacle they cannot overcome. And this love and companionship will become the strongest support for Chen Xi's growth.

Time flew by, and the IV drip was soon finished. As the nurse gently removed the needle, Chen Xi burst into tears, and it took Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru a long time to calm her down.

As Chen Xi's flu gradually improved, the atmosphere at home became relaxed and pleasant again.

The little girl has regained her former energy, jumping and skipping around the house every day, which makes Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru very happy.

The annual holiday quietly came to an end amidst laughter and joy, and the new year of work and life is about to begin.

On the first workday, the morning sunlight peeked through the gaps in the curtains, quietly waking the sleeping city.

Chen Qingrong woke up early and smiled gently as he looked at Tang Xiaoru, who was still fast asleep beside him. He tiptoed out of bed and prepared to go to the kitchen to make breakfast.

However, as soon as he stepped out of the bedroom, he heard Tang Xiaoru calling from the bed: "Honey, I have to go to the company today. Can you help me put on my socks? I'm too lazy to move."

Chen Qingrong shook his head helplessly, turned back to the bedside, squatted down, picked up Tang Xiaoru's socks, and while putting them on her, complained, "If you don't want to go, then don't go. I can go by myself. You can just stay home and lie down. Look how lazy you are, you even need me to help you put on your socks."

Upon hearing this, Tang Xiaoru opened her sleepy eyes, sat up, and retorted with a smile, "No, although I've stepped down from my position, I'm still the general manager and I have to set an example for everyone. I can't let the company's normal operations be disrupted because of me."

After listening, Chen Qingrong smiled helplessly, his hands still busy as he helped her put on her long johns, saying, "Yes, yes, Manager Tang, you're right. You're the soul of our company; everyone's counting on you. But shouldn't your role model also include getting up on time and dressing yourself?"

Tang Xiaoru chuckled, nuzzled Chen Qingrong's shoulder, and said coquettishly, "Oh, honey, don't tease me. I was just tired from taking care of Chen Xi and Chen Ning yesterday, so let me be lazy today. Just this once, okay?"

Looking at her playful expression, Chen Qingrong's heart melted. He affectionately patted her head and said, "Okay, okay, I'll do as you say this time. But you can't do this again next time, or I really won't let you go."

(End of this chapter)