People in the alley: A woman dressed as a man shouldn't be foolishly filial, Zhuang Chaoying

At night, Zhuang Chaoying and Huang Ling lay quietly in bed.

Moonlight shone on the curtains.

Huang Ling slightly raised her body, looked into the inner room to make sure they were all asleep, and then slowly turned to face Chao Ying, her voice very soft: "Chao Ying, Hua Lin has had a tough time these past few years."

I have an idea in my mind: after Tu Nan finishes her college entrance exam, I'll bring Peng Fei to Suzhou. The educational resources and conditions in your province are really disappointing. It's one thing if Hua Lin can't come back herself, but I can't let my child be trapped there for the rest of his life.”

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Chaoying froze, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought, and remained silent for a long time.

Huang Ling didn't urge him, but just quietly looked at him. For a moment, the only sound in the room was their breathing.

After a long while, Chao Ying finally spoke slowly: "Was this something Hua Lin mentioned to you, or was it your own idea?"

Huang Ling sighed softly: "This is my own thought. You don't know Hua Lin's personality; she's very strong-willed. As her sister-in-law, I also feel it's unfair to her. If it weren't for that good-for-nothing 'Catch America' back then, she wouldn't have had to go to the countryside."

Zhuang Chaoying: "Ah Ling, what are you thinking..."

Huang Ling squeezed his hand back: "Chao Ying, it's settled then. Once Tu Nan gets into university, we'll have Peng Fei come over. We'll raise him like a second son, which will also be a way of helping Hua Lin out."

Zhuang Chaoying unconsciously quickened the pace of fanning herself: "Ah Ling, I'm sorry you've suffered so much with me all these years, always thinking of my family."

Huang Ling shook her head slightly: "You're much better off now than before. I'm happy to help my sister's family, and I really like Pengfei! Once Tu Nan gets into university, Pengfei will come over and we'll raise him like a second son!"

Zhuang Chaoying's eyes reddened after hearing Huang Ling's words. The most important thing about his Ling was that she always considered his needs and stood in his shoes. Even if it meant suffering herself, she didn't want to make things difficult for him. She even helped him take care of his sister's family. Ling was truly a good woman.

He buried his head in Huang Ling's chest, tears streaming silently down his face.

Huang Ling gently stroked his buzz cut: "Okay, stop crying, go to sleep now, don't let Hua Lin hear it, she'll feel bad."

...

The next day.

It was already past 10 a.m.

After the family had breakfast, they sat in the house for a while longer.

As Hua Lin was about to leave, she squatted down, placed her hands on Pengfei's shoulders, and repeatedly urged him, "Pengfei, you must listen to your uncle and aunt. They don't earn money easily, so you must never ask for anything from them, understand?"

Pengfei hugged his mother tightly: "Mom, I know, I'll come back to see you in a while."

Huang Ling went out early in the morning and picked out some food suitable for eating on the road. At this moment, she came over with a net bag: "Hua Lin, take these to eat on the road, don't go hungry."

Zhuang Chaoying offered her bicycle: "I'll take you to the train station."

The two didn't say much along the way, only the soft sound of the bicycle chain turning.

Upon arriving at the train station, the crowds were bustling and the noise filled the air.

Zhuang Chaoying looked at Hualin: "Hualin, after Tu Nan finishes the college entrance examination, if there is a policy for returning to the city, let Pengfei come back. This is what your sister-in-law suggested."

Hua Lin's eyes lit up instantly. He grabbed Zhuang Chaoying's arm tightly, his voice trembling slightly, "Brother, really?" Zhuang Chaoying nodded vigorously.

Hua Lin could no longer hold back her tears and threw herself into her older brother's arms, sobbing uncontrollably, "Brother!~~~~~"

In this family, the parents' indifference and disdain, and the younger brother and sister-in-law's hostility towards them caused them a lot of grievances. Only the older brother and sister-in-law treated them sincerely.

Zhuang Chaoying had already absorbed the original owner's memories and knew the hardships Hualin had endured over the years. His eyes also reddened, and he gently patted his sister's back: "Alright, don't cry. Because you are my sister, and Pengfei is your son, the most important person to you in this world."

Your sister-in-law is kind-hearted; she can't bear to see her child's future ruined by limited educational resources in your province. If you want to thank someone, thank your sister-in-law. Ah Ling makes all the decisions at home; I wouldn't dare agree without her consent.”

Hua Lin nodded vigorously, gently wiping away her tears with the corner of her clothes, sobbing, "Brother, you must tell my sister-in-law when you get back that I am filled with gratitude for her, and I will never forget this kindness in my life. I really don't know how to repay her for thinking of me and Pengfei."

Zhuang Chaoying patted her arm and handed her the net bag full of food: "The train journey will take two days and two nights, so you have to stay alert. Once you get home, send a telegram as soon as possible to let us know you've arrived safely, otherwise everyone will worry."

"Okay, bro."

Hua Lin reached out a slightly trembling hand and took the net bag, his fingers gripping the handle tightly.

At that moment, a clear announcement came over the loudspeaker: "The express train No. 159, which passes through Suzhou and is bound for Guizhou Province, is about to begin boarding. Passengers, please proceed to the ticket gate for boarding!"

Zhuang Chaoying bought a platform ticket and accompanied Hualin to the train: "Have a safe journey, Hualin."

Hua Lin forced back her tears, nodded, and turned to board the train.

Zhuang Chaoying stood there, watching the train disappear into the distance, until it was out of sight before turning away.

,,,,,,

Zhuang Chaoying rode her bicycle slowly home.

As soon as I entered the courtyard, I saw Pengfei, like a little rascal, leaning against the cabinet, watching Tu Nan and Xiao Ting eat watermelon with bright eyes.

Pengfei spotted Zhuang Chaoying first and cheerfully called out, "Uncle!"

Xiaoting chimed in, "Dad, Pengfei doesn't eat watermelon!"

Zhuang Chaoying smiled and sat down on a chair. She took the fan Xiaoting handed her and gently waved it. "Pengfei, don't be shy at your uncle's house, eat up! What child doesn't love watermelon? Your uncle loves it too. Xiaoting, get another piece for Dad, he's so thirsty!"

"Hey!"

Xiaoting responded and then skipped over to grab two slices of watermelon.

Pengfei took the watermelon and ate it in big mouthfuls, then looked up at him again.

Zhuang Chaoying watched Xiaoting's busy little figure.

It's better when children are young; they're more obedient when you ask them to do something. Once they grow up, they'll probably talk back to you.

While they're still young, I should make sure to order these kids around a lot. As I thought about it, a mischievous smile crept onto my face.

He ate the watermelon his daughter handed him with gusto.

After finishing his meal, he got up and went outside to wash his face. The cool water made him feel much more refreshed.

At this moment, Lin Dongzhe also ran out and went to the pool to wash his hands.

Zhuang Chaoying looked at him and laughed: "Dongzhe, your parents have gone to work. They told me that you're in charge of this holiday."

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