Rebirth and making money first

After deducting the banquet expenses from the gift money and the lottery ticket purchases, a careful calculation revealed a little over 1700 yuan remaining. Zhang Jing carefully put the money away. She felt incredibly sleepy, as if a mountain had fallen upon her. After forcing herself to wash up quickly, she collapsed onto the bed, ready for a good night's sleep.

In a daze, Zhang Jing could hear the soft whispers of a baby. Though childish, the voice was full of life. She strained her heavy eyelids and turned to see the adorable baby lying alone, playing.

Zhang Jing couldn't help but smile at the innocent look of the babies. She rolled over and sat up, facing the two children. She felt as if she had been injected with new energy and suddenly became energetic.

Just then, her mother walked into the room and said, "Are you awake? I'm going to Xiaobing's house now to help make dinner. I'll come back after dinner is ready and I've finished eating." Hearing this, Zhang Jing came to her senses and quickly advised, "Mom, why don't you not go over today? You've been busy all day, it's time to take a break."

However, the old lady shook her head and replied, "I would like to rest, but my son and daughter-in-law don't like to cook, and I can't let my grandson starve! I'll help them as much as I can. When I leave here one day, I won't have anything to worry about."

Zhang Jing felt a sense of helplessness after hearing her mother's words, yet was also deeply moved by her mother's love for her family. Finally, she told her mother to take some meat and vegetables from the refrigerator. She also told her that they were planning to go to Grandpa's house for dinner that evening, so they wouldn't be cooking at home.

After her mother left, Zhang Jing slowly walked to the sofa and sat down. She gently placed the red envelope containing the unused lottery tickets on her lap. After taking a deep breath, she carefully pulled out all the lottery tickets one by one.

The lottery tickets lay quietly in her hands, as if carrying countless unknown possibilities. She couldn't help but mutter to herself, "I wonder if these tickets will win the prize? But no matter what, they're all mine now." With a glimmer of hope and luck, Zhang Jing unceremoniously put all the lottery tickets into her backpack. She thought, if I could really win the jackpot, it would be a huge stroke of luck!

After a brief pause, Zhang Jing's eyes fell on the plastic bag Old Lady Xu had handed her. It looked a bit mysterious, wrapped in three layers of plastic—black, red, and white from the outside in. Zhang Jing wondered what was inside, and she had a vague idea it might be money.

When she finally mustered the courage to open the plastic bag, the first thing she saw was a thick stack of cash. A careful count revealed a full 20,000 yuan! Along with that, there was a bank card and a carefully folded piece of paper. With trepidation, Zhang Jing gently unfolded the paper, only to see the clear, powerful handwriting on it:

"This 2 yuan is a special gift for the children's hundred-day anniversary. Don't refuse it; it's not for you. Of course, you must not be greedy and pocket it; it must be used for the children's benefit! Also, there's 20 yuan on this card, and the password is ******. You might be surprised to see this, but don't feel sad or uneasy. This will be used for your funeral arrangements. Everyone will experience birth, aging, sickness, and death. This day, for me, is just a matter of time. So, don't be too sad."

Zhang Jing took a deep breath and then slowly continued to read. The words in the letter seemed to carry an invisible force, striking her heartstrings: "My funeral can be simple, no need for a grand ceremony. Bury my ashes in front of my parents' mausoleum in Shanghai, so that I can reunite with them again. My will has been made and properly arranged. Xiaojing, all my property will be inherited by you. Don't be sad. I have lived to this age and have experienced all the ups and downs, joys and sorrows in the world. I have seen it all clearly and open-mindedly. I sincerely hope to see you live a unique and wonderful life. You get married, start a family, and have lovely children. These are all things that are full of variables and beautiful things in the future. In the next two days, my lawyer will contact you and ask you to sign the relevant documents. Xiaojing, you must live a good life and manage every day with your heart! Remember, no matter what kind of people and things you meet, don't be easily influenced by others and lose your original intention!"

After reading this heartfelt message, Zhang Jing carefully folded the letter and placed it in the envelope. She then meticulously arranged the cash and bank cards on the table. She secretly decided to make further plans after meeting Mrs. Xu.

Suddenly, as if she had thought of something important, she quickly turned around and called over to Ah Chen, who was standing nearby. When Ah Chen approached, Zhang Jing asked, "Ah Chen, where is the red envelope that Uncle Zhang gave the child today?"

Achen scratched his head, thought for a moment, and then replied, "Oh, that red envelope? It seems my mother-in-law has put it away." Hearing this, Zhang Jing's heart finally settled down. As long as the red envelope was found, everything was fine. She also reminded Achen: From now on, all the money should be given to her. When she is not around, hide it in the bag and give it to her. Seeing Achen's agreement, she gave up.

Time flew by and it was evening. Zhang Jing and Achen, holding their child, walked towards their grandfather's house, chatting and laughing, ready to have dinner together. Just as they were about to reach the grandfather's door, they ran into Zhang Zhi walking towards them with Naituanzi. It turned out that Zhang Zhi was also going to Zhang Xiaobing's house with Naituanzi to eat.

When Naituanzi caught sight of the two little ones in Zhang Jing and her husband's arms, he instantly danced with joy, clamoring to go with Zhang Jing. Seeing Naituanzi's innocent and joyful expression, Zhang Zhi felt a little helpless, but she eventually smiled and let go of his hand. She let Naituanzi run happily towards Zhang Jing. She waved goodbye and turned to continue on to her brother's house.

The little one screamed excitedly all the way, running straight ahead like a madcap. The old man heard the cheerful noises from inside the house and quickly ordered the nanny to open the door. As soon as the door opened, everyone burst into a lively atmosphere.

At the dinner table, Grandpa's face was filled with affection as he inquired about the children's hundred-day anniversary. Zhang Jing, smiling, recounted the details, describing everything from the weather, to the friends and family who had come to celebrate, to the two little ones' amusing behaviors. Her daughter, Niu Tuanzi, wasn't to be outdone. Although her words were a bit incoherent, they heightened the atmosphere.

The old man was overjoyed after hearing this. He immediately took out two thick red envelopes from his pocket and handed them to Zhang Jing, saying, "This amount of money is not much, just a little gift from me. Please keep it." Zhang Jing hurriedly thanked him and took the red envelopes. At this time, the sharp-eyed old man noticed that Naituanzi was staring at the red envelopes in his hand and couldn't help laughing.

He gently scratched the tip of the little boy's nose and said lovingly, "Don't worry, little one, there's a share for you in this. But you have to promise me that you will take good care of your brothers and sisters in the future and never let anyone else bully them!"

When the little boy heard this, he immediately straightened his chest and answered confidently: "Don't worry, grandpa! I'm super powerful. If anyone dares to touch my brothers and sisters, I will beat him to death!" These bold words made the old man laugh.

He took out another red envelope, handed it to Naitianzi, and touched her head, "You must keep your word?" Naitianzi took the red envelope happily and said sweetly, "Thank you, grandpa! I keep my word. Let's make a pinky promise!" For a moment, the room was filled with laughter and joy.

After dinner, they saw the couple trying to take the children away. The old man said they should get a stroller, otherwise the children would be difficult to carry when they grow older. Zhang Jing said she had to go find one.

When we delivered the milk balls to Zhang Xiaobing's house, the room was indeed spacious. Zhang Jing's sister-in-law happily told her she wanted to go shopping with her niece and have her mother-in-law accompany her. The child was too young, so she wanted Zhang Jing to take care of her tomorrow. Her mother agreed immediately.

Zhang Jing said that it was difficult to take care of three children, and her sister-in-law said that she would go after lunch. The children were taking a nap and were not making any noise. Naituanzi said, "Auntie, I won't go to school tomorrow. I will help you look after my brother."

Zhang Zhi scolded her when she heard this: "Shut up! Why are you everywhere? Go to kindergarten! I'll take half a day off tomorrow, and we'll go shopping together at noon. Mom is old, so she'd better not go. There's a trade fair in Huangbeiling, so I'd like to take you there to see it."

When Naituanzi heard this, he wanted to go too, without even asking about helping Zhang Jing look after her younger brother. But when he saw that his mother didn't respond, he started crying.

When my mother heard this, she also said she wanted to go: "No matter how old I am, I don't need you to carry me on your back or hold me in your arms. I don't need you to pay for it either. So why do you still care about me?"

Zhang Xiaobing waved his hand and said, "All of you go! Let's just eat out. Second brother, why don't you take a day off and go in the morning. You can rest up when you come back in the afternoon. Bring the child with you too, so he can open his eyes. Just make sure he eats well and doesn't eat any junk food. Xiaodie and your aunt will help take care of your brother. If there's anything he likes, ask your aunt to buy it for him!"

Everyone thought this was a good idea, except for Naituanzi, who had tears in her eyes. "I'm not naughty at all. I'm very obedient. Can you take me with you? I have money!" He then took out a red envelope and showed it to everyone. Zhang Zhi took it and asked, "Where did you get it?" Naituanzi said, "Grandpa gave it to me. He asked me to look after my younger brothers and sisters!"

Zhang Zhi said, "Okay, stop crying. Let's go together tomorrow. I'll keep the red envelope for you!"

Milk ball was anxious: "That red envelope is mine!"

Zhang Zhi said, "What do you mean by 'your'? Even you are mine! Okay, I can take you to buy something delicious tomorrow. If you lose it, you can't buy anything!"

Mom took Milk Ball in her arms, coaxed her, and wiped her tears: "I will testify tomorrow that you must buy delicious food for your baby. Otherwise, I will not forgive her!"

"Grandma, she is disobedient and naughty, and she even snatched the red envelope that grandpa gave me. You should scold her!" Milk ball complained to grandma.

"Okay, okay, don't cry anymore. You won't be pretty if you keep crying. I'll scold her. Not only will I scold her, I'll also beat her." The old lady pretended to scold Zhang Jing: "Take out the red envelope. You should go to work tomorrow. We don't need you to take us there. Take the bus yourself."

Zhang Xiaobing asked with a smile, "You all have red envelopes? What about my son's? If not, I'll have my son show up at the old man's place and help him make up for the red envelope. Otherwise, we'll be at a loss!"

Everyone cursed Zhang Xiaobing:

"Do you still have the nerve to do that?"

"Are you sorry?"

"That's what they give to their own grandchildren!"

Zhang Xiaobing pointed at the milk ball and said, "This isn't my biological granddaughter, but I gave it to her, didn't I?"

Milk Ball retorted loudly, "Uncle, I hate you!"

Zhang Jing glared at Zhang Xiaobing and said, "Are you looking for trouble?"

The sister-in-law also scolded Zhang Xiaobing: "Don't joke around like that! Children will take it seriously! No matter how many times I tell you, you just won't listen!"

"Okay, okay, let's go home." As soon as the mother said that, everyone stood up and said goodbye. Milk ball pulled grandma: "Grandma, I want to sleep with you!" "Let's go!"

My sister-in-law is still telling Zhang Zhi what bag to get tomorrow...

Back home, after cleaning up the kids and the adults, I asked Ah Chen to look after the kids while Zhang Jing cleaned up and did the laundry. Then, Nai Tuanzi squeezed onto Zhang Jing's bed, wanting to sleep next to her.

Zhang Jing hadn't written a single word today, but she felt tired. Now that she was tired, she wasn't sleepy anymore. She realized that her son, Naituanzi, was snoring, and the mom next door was also snoring loudly.