"Dad, you probably don''t know yet, but I''m going to be a little singer!" Yuanyuan rushed in afterwards.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Lang followed, nodding repeatedly: "Big sister is going to be a little singer."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As the children chattered excitedly, Chen Men briefly exined to Yan Zhao about Yuanyuan recording a song for a movie.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Seeing that it was finally cooling down in September, the children gathered around their father. Yuanyuan lifted her head, smiling as she asked, "Dad, will youe with me when I go to record the song?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Zhao wiped his hands clean, his expression gentle: "Which day exactly? I''ll apany you all."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This dad was quite busy. Although he came home every day, it was usually around eleven or twelve at night, sometimes even one or two in the morning. Without fail, he would wake up at 6:30 AM to go to work.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Not just the children, but even Chen Men often only knew he hade home from the sound of the door opening in the middle of the night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Moreover, in Yuanyuan''s fixed impression, her father was someone who rarely came home. Like Yan Xishan, it was normal for him to be away for ten days or half a month. As for apanying her to record a song, Yuanyuan didn''t even dare to imagine it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She bounced on the spot a few times before asking, "It''s tomorrow, is that okay? Really okay?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"It''s fine. Dad loves listening to music, but it''s been a long time since I''ve heard any pop songs," Yan Zhao said seriously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Wang, who had just heard dad say he would sing for him tonight, immediately went to get the radio: "Dad, I bought a new tape with new songs. You can learn from it. Come quick, I''ll y it for you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
With a click, he turned on the radio. The song that came out was: "...Want to be flirtatious even with a wife, want to fear aging even with beauty."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Zhao''s brow furrowed again. This was currently the hottest song in nightclubs. No matter which nightclub they raided for vice, this song would be ying as soon as they entered, with hostesses hugging nouveau riche men, singing it tirelessly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Wang also sensed that his dad probably couldn''t sing this one. Seeing his father getting angry, he quickly switched to the next song. An even sweeter voice came from the tape recorder. Just from the voice, you could imagine the singer''s little figure swaying her hips: "My little sister just turned eighteen, she''s as pretty as a flower..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This was the second most popr song among the nouveau riche.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Zhao turned off the radio with a click and went into the kitchen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As soon as he entered, he said, "I''ve been too busytely, but I can take a break for the next few days. If there''s any housework to be done, just let me know."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Regarding the nature of Yan Zhao''s work, it could be said to be different paths to the same destination as Yan Xishan''s.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was said that recently they were carrying out a special campaign to crack down on prostitution. Every night, he would also go to nightclubs, but he was there to arrest prostitutes, arrest those soliciting prostitutes, raid pornographic video halls and the mobile "nightingales" in urban viges.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The only advantage was that no matter howte, Yan Zhao would definitelye home at night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Also, as soon as he came through the door, he couldn''t sit still and wanted to do chores.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, whether he did chores today wasn''t important. What Chen Men needed to know was, if Zhou Xueqin changed her mind and came back for Little Lang, would Yan Zhao give up the child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
If he really gave up, Chen Men would drive Yan Zhao away along with the child. But as long as he firmly said he wouldn''t give up the child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Then she absolutely wouldn''t let go either. She had be a stepmother, and having lived an extra lifetime, she had heard and seen that stepmothers just raise children for others, raising them for nothing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But after all, having lived an extra life, she had the ability to make her own life wonderful. As for Little Wang and Little Lang, she didn''t expect anything in return. It was like doing charity, what did it matter if she raised them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Also, why Little Wang was so resistant to going to school, Yan Zhao was after all his birth father, so she had to ask him about this too.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"We''re eating dumplings today?" Yan Zhao asked after surveying the cutting board.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
These dumplings were specifically requested by Yuanyuan -mb with vermicelli noodles and carrots. Not only was she starting school soon, but she was also about to go record a song. She wanted to eat her fill to have energy for the recording.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Seeing Yan Zhao''s hands itching to get started, Chen Men said, "Why don''t you make the dumplings for us?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She was just joking, but to her surprise, Yan Zhao took the dumpling wrappers and really started making them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Moreover, his dumplings looked even better than Chen Men''s - thin skin, plump filling, eighteen pleats. Those two rough,rge hands deftly folded the dumplings, one in each hand. In the blink of an eye, the cutting board was full.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The white, tender dumpling soldiers were arranged by him in a fierce formation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Prioritizing the most pressing matters, Chen Men first brought up Little Wang''s situation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Zhao''s reaction to this could be said to meet her expectations: "He doesn''t want to go to school? Let me give him a good thrashing."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A few days ago at the construction site, Little Wang, almost seven years old, weighed in at a mere 42 pounds. Such a skinny little monkey, and this man''s first instinct is always to beat and punish.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
If she really had a wicked stepmother''s heart, and added a few exaggerating words, wouldn''t Yan Zhao beat his son to death?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Forget it, forget it. I''ll guide Little Wang myself. There''s another matter..." Chen Men quickly exined the true intention of Zhou''s mother''s visit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"You''re saying Little Wang''s grandmother wants to take Little Lang away?" Yan Zhao''s hands paused in making dumplings. "That''s impossible."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The situation with Yan Zhao and Zhou Xueqin was like this: When they first got married, he had sent her to stay with his family in the capital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But after all, in the capital it was in a militarypound. ording to her words, the mother-inw and sisters-inw all bullied her and looked down on her, so Yan Zhao had no choice but to let her return to her own family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Because Yan Zhao was always on the battlefield and it was difficult tomunicate, not only did Zhou Xueqin never write to him, even when he came down from the front lines and struggled to make a call to the city from the mobilemand center, the head of the United Front Work Department had to personally send a car to bring Zhou Xueqin to the department before she would take his call.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, ording to her, she was taking good care of the children.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The photos sent to the army showed the children dressed neat and clean, looking very cute.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Wang was born in the first year of their marriage, and Little Lang was conceived during Yan Zhao''s second home leave. Under the family nning policy, they shouldn''t have had a second child. Zhou Xueqin wanted to abort, but Yan Zhao was on the front lines, and as thepanymander of the spearhead infantrybat formation, with over a thousand officers and men dying in the Vietnam War, it wasn''t guaranteed that everyone who went woulde back alive. The United Front Work Department didn''t allow Zhou Xueqin to have an abortion, and monitored her to ensure she gave birth to the child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After demobilization and returning home, as soon as he walked in the door Zhou Xueqin brought up divorce. Of course, Yan Zhao had fought bloody battles on the battlefield and only received 30,000 yuan in demobilization money, which was the highest amount among everyone in the army. Meanwhile, the nouveau riche were said to be able to earn 30,000 in a month if they were doing well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After the divorce, although they had one phone call, it was still about borrowing money.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Zhao wasn''t a fool. As soon as the divorce was finalized, he joined the police force. Although he couldn''t investigate Zhou Xueqin''s whereaboutspletely, he could find out about seventy or eighty percent. There were quite a few things, mainly because he didn''t have conclusive evidence yet, but if he did, there were still many people he wanted to deal with.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Of course, he had indeed wronged Zhou Xueqin by not being able to return home for years while on the battlefield.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In Zhou Xueqin''s words, she had lived as a grass widow for eight years.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But on Yan Zhao''s first day home, Little Wang had no shoes and was fighting barefoot with someone, while Little Lang was eating half a bowl of raw corn flour paste, wearing a little undershirt that didn''t even cover his belly, with nothing on the bottom half.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The child didn''t even have a pair of pants that fit. Yan Zhao took the children to buy clothes that very day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Even when Yan Zhao was on the battlefield, he didn''t smoke or drink, and regrly sent his monthly allowance back home. That was how Zhou Xueqin raised the children for him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Although because Zhou Xueqin had indeed been a grass widow for eight years, and he was indeed faced with divorce as soon as he returned, at that time he hadn''t yet investigated the situation clearly and had given the money to Zhou Xueqin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But for him, what''s past is past. His attitude towards this matter was very firm.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The children, he would absolutely never give to that family again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"In the future, if anyone from the Zhou familyes to the door, don''t waste words with them, just call the police directly. Especially Little Wang''s grandmother, if shees again, call me immediately," he said concisely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This was the first time Chen Men had mentioned Zhou Xueqin in front of Yan Zhao. She couldn''t very well say that Zhou Xueqin had also been reborn.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But she still had to ask what needed to be asked: "What if shees to the door herself to ask for the child? After all, she is Little Lang''s birth mother."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Zhao''s attitude towards Zhou Xueqin was very important.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men was very fond of Little Lang and Little Wang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Zhao was willing to continue investigating the case of Teacher Huang''s son being hit by a car, so his character seemed quite decent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But she regarded her two ex-husbands as tombstones. It wasn''t that she expected Yan Zhao to bepletely heartless, but if he still harbored pity for Zhou Xueqin, or was entangled and unclear...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Even though he had fought for her to get the house, Chen Men wouldn''t divorce him out of humanitarian reasons. But she had no intention of truly living as his wife. The children were the most precious thing; as for this dog of a man, she would just let him be and not bother with him anymore.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As a result, Yan Zhao said without hesitation, "While I''m here, Zhou Xueqin wouldn''t daree. If shees when I''m not around and you discover it, call me immediately."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"What if she tries to snatch the child? Would a phone call be quick enough? What if she quietly takes the child from school without a fuss?" Chen Men was getting a bit angry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Weren''t there plenty of news stories about divorced couples where one parent secretly took the child, leaving the other parent clueless and thinking the child had been kidnapped?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I''ll resolve her desire to take Little Lang once and for all," Yan Zhao said decisively. Seeing Chen Men remain silent, he repeated, "I guarantee that if there''s any sign of it happening, it will be dealt with once and for all!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As expected of a soldier, his words were truly decisive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Well, she would wait and see what he''d do if Zhou Xueqin really came to snatch the child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was only after marrying that Chen Men could understand why Zhou Xueqin had be so bitterly disappointed with Yan Zhao. His tone and way of doing things were indeedpletely out of sync with the naturally romantic, passionate Zhou Xueqin who loved to hear sweet nothings.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men had just put the buns in the steamer when she turned around and bumped into Yan Zhao''s broad chest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This man was actually standing right behind her, and she collided with him as she turned.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Because of his dark face and fierce appearance, Chen Men was so startled she stumbled backward, nearly falling onto the stove.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
His tworge hands suddenly caught her, but Chen Men also swung her arms, struggling to walk away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She always felt this man was strange, fierce and angry, as if he had a grudge against everyone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men instinctively tried to slip away, but Yan Zhao suddenly tightened his grip and asked in a hoarse voice, "Chen Men, are you afraid of me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Or are you angry?" he asked again after a moment''s hesitation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men thought to herself, "I''m an old auntie, why would I be afraid of you? Afraid of your big head, ghost."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But the way she was acting now did indeed seem like she was afraid of him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, Chen Men wasn''t afraid; rather, it was that Yan Zhao seemed shy, blushing at the drop of a hat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But his actions weren''t hesitant at all, they could be described as straightforward.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men felt that they weren''t familiar enough as husband and wife yet, and moreover, while sex could happen if she was willing, she didn''t want to get too emotionally involved with a man.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In her previous life, she had loved two men, and neither turned out well. She had been hurt deeply.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Besides, it was broad daylight, and the children were ying just outside. If he embraced her now, what would that look like?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After thinking for a moment, Chen Men chose one option between fear and anger: "I''m afraid of you. Please let me go."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Zhao''s entire body tensed up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The man''s face suddenly darkened, and it looked quite ugly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men quickly said, "Don''t keep talking about beating and disciplining Little Wang, then I won''t be afraid of you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mainly, she was afraid he''d get angry, and constantly mentioning disciplining the child wasn''t a bad habit she wanted to encourage in a man.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Zhao suddenly let go, not because of what Chen Men had said, but because Little Lang came bouncing in: "Mom, are the buns ready? I''m hungry."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The first batch of buns was about to be done. Little Wang''s dipping sauce was all vinegar. Although Little Lang was small, he loved spicy food, so his sauce was just chili oil. Only Yuanyuan was the mildest, not eating spicy or vinegar. The little girl didn''t even eat green onions, so Chen Men specially prepared the bun filling for her, and the buns even had a mark on them, made just for her to eat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I saw Dad hugging Mom," Little Lang stretched out his arms. "Little Lang wants a hug too."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Zhao had already gone out. Little Wang and Yuanyuan had smelled that the buns were ready and were likely toe in soon.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men knew all too well that for a remarried couple, harmony would make the children happy, but if they showed affection to each other, it could damage the children''s friendships. This bnce was particrly difficult to maintain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
So she quickly exined, "No, no, I just ate too many buns and felt ufortable, so he was helping me rub my stomach. Oh, my stomach hurts so much from eating too many buns."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Her intention was to use this to persuade Little Lang to eat fewer buns, as he had already grown as fat as a little piglet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But Little Lang pondered thoughtfully, stretched out all his fingers, and started counting: "Today I''ll eat eight, and when my tummy hurts, Dad will rub it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Why didn''t this child follow the script?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Having eaten too many buns, the children were all tossing and turning excitedly that night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Wang was even more excited than Yuanyuan next door, because Dad said he would sing for him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Dad sat cross-legged on the kang bed, with Little Wang sitting on hisp: "Dad, sing a song."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"What do you want to hear?" Yan Zhao asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Wang thought for a moment, then hummed: "Hengshui hundred years... Wan Lai Huang and Sui Tao Tao... Wolf run, wolf flow, barbaric Tao Tao vat water wing forget excellent also line"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Speak clearly," Yan Zhao said sternly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Wang got angry too: "This is a Cantonese song, that''s how it''s sung!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Zhaoid his son down t andy down himself: "Dad doesn''t know how to sing it yet. I''ll learn it and sing it for you another day."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Not just Little Wang himself, but how many people in all of Xiping City could sing "Wolf Run Wolf Flow" well? But Dad was so capable, he would surely learn it well another day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Wang was so looking forward to it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The next day was Saturday, and Yuanyuan was going to record her song, of course, still apanied by her proudest police dad.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They had agreed on 10 AM, but fearing they might bete, everyone left an hour early at 9 AM. They tried to hire a three-wheeler for half a day on the roadside, but all the vehicles that saw them sped up to escape, and not a single one was willing to stop.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The children were all getting anxious, especially Yuanyuan, who almost wanted to rush into the middle of the road to stop a car.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Finally, Yan Zhao ran after one and managed to stop it. The driver stopped the car and raised both hands: "Officer, please spare me, I haven''tmitted any crimes."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It turned out they couldn''t get a ride for so long because Yan Zhao was wearing his police uniform, and recently the police on Jindong Road had been exceptionally diligent, checking and arresting people everywhere, causing the whole district to be on edge.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Big sister is going to be a singer, that''s so cool," Little Lang said admiringly, looking at Yuanyuan who was holding her head high but nervously bouncing along with the three-wheeler.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Wang was unhappy: "Isn''t your brother awesome? I can eat fifty skewers in one go."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Lang''s mouth watered: "Meat skewers smell so good."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yuanyuan also became interested: "Brother, your belly is so big, you can eat fifty skewers?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I can also drink a lot, I can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk," Little Wang added.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yuanyuan''s voice got a bit louder: "Little Wang brother is really amazing."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Afraid his dad might hear, Little Wang shushed quietly: "This can''t be known by adults,e here, sit beside me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yuanyuan and Little Lang moved closer, full of admiration.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Like a real man, with one on each side, looking at his parents sitting at the back of the car, each at one end, seemingly not knowing each other, bouncing along with the vehicle, Little Wang felt incredibly cool.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The recording was still in that big courtyard, but today there were banners hanging on the main gate, with big red characters weing some star to record.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Many people were gathered at the entrance, all trying to peek inside. The family couldn''t get in, but when Yan Zhao called out in a deep voice for people to make way, everyone immediately parted to create a path when they saw a police officer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men''s family wasn''t allowed to go in.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The staff only called Yuanyuan in, leaving the rest to wait outside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This ce was also in the suburbs, with Qinchuan Group, Xiping City''s thirdrgest factory, just across the street.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Now people were also into chasing stars, and many from Qinchuan Group had snuck out to watch at the gate, everyone curious about what the staring today looked like.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At this time, Yuanyuan''s voice came from inside the courtyard, clear and bright.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As more people gathered, everyone found it more intriguing. The courtyard wall was low, and Little Lang, wanting to see the excitement, had already climbed onto his dad''s shoulders.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Wang didn''t like crowds and stood with his arms crossed, far from the crowd.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men looked at Qinchuan Group across the street. Last time she came, there was an empty plot ofnd, but today they wereying bricks, looking like they were starting some project.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Suddenly, she saw Yan Xishan''s shy red Xiali car parked outside Qinchuan Group''s gate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men was a bit curious. Yan Xishan had been locked up, so how was this shy car running around outside? Could it be that Hu Xiaomei had really sold the car?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Just then, two people came out from the construction site. One was Yan Bin, and the other wore a trench coat with his hair so oily that flies couldn''t evennd on it, slicked back even shinier than Chow Yun-fat''s.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men recognized this man as an acquaintance of Yan Xishan, named Chen Ping.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
For a while, he had called himself the Chow Yun-fat of Xiping, butpared to Chow Yun-fat, he was rather ugly, mainly because he looked so tacky.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
To show off his Pierre Cardin belt, he always walked with his hands on his hips, which made his buttocks sway from side to side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This look was too tacky, so the Chow Yun-fat nickname never really caught on.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He was talking andughing with Yan Bin, discussing the development of that plot ofnd, as well as matters rted to cement, sand, and steel bars.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men guessed correctly; Qinchuan Group wanted to build on the vacant lot, and Chen Ping and Yan Bin were there to discuss the construction contract.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Seeing themotion across the street, the two men stopped. Chen Ping''s gaze swept over Chen Men, but he hesitated and said, "Isn''t that Zhou Xueqin''s son?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Men thought he was talking to her, but she heard Little Wang snort behind her: "Go to hell!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This was a dirty, vulgar curse.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
How could Little Wang use such foulnguage?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It turned out that Little Wang, uninterested in themotion, was just tagging along with Chen Men.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yan Bin tried to pull Chen Ping away, suggesting they should leave, but Chen Ping wouldn''t budge. Instead, he walked towards Little Wang: "This little brat, Zhou Xueqin''s son, used to beat up my son when they went to school together."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Then he turned back, smiling, and asked Yan Bin: "His father is your brother, right? I''ve only seen photos, never met him in person. I heard the kid was given to his father''s custody. Since the child is here, his father must be around too, right? Why don''t we go meet your brother?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Why do you want to meet Yan Zhao?" Yan Bin said, "He''s not someone who can be corrupted by nouveau riche like you. Even that loser Yan Xishan couldn''t win him over, so save your breath."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Come on, he looks so handsome and dashing in the newspapers," Chen Ping gently smoothed his greasy slicked-back hair, apparently quite confident about his own appearance. "His wife used to say that Yan Zhao was nothing but a pretty face. Let''s just meet him."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Wang''s face turned red with anger, and Chen Men couldn''t hold back anymore: "Mr. Chen, I am Yan Zhao''s wife, and I don''t remember ever saying such things."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Oh, isn''t this Men?" Chen Ping seemed to have just noticed Chen Men, and spoke rather arrogantly, "That loser Yan Xishan was your ex-husband, right? He''s been locked up, hasn''t he? Are you doing alright?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
His information was severely outdated; apparently, he didn''t know about Men''s marriage to Yan Zhao. Yan Bin frantically nudged him: "She''s my brother''s wife now, you idiot. Stop talking nonsense."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Ping let out an "Ah," stunned for a while, then looked at Little Wang: "This kid isn''t...?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"This is my son," Chen Men said, pulling Little Wang close.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Pingughed for a while, probably processing thisrge amount of information. After a while, he finally said, "Little Wang, my son has transferred to Dongfang School. You two won''t be able to fight anymore. Remember to say hello to your father for me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Wang took a deep breath and ran off.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Watching Chen Ping drive away in his gaudy red car, Chen Men suddenly understood everything.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Ping and Yan Xishan were good friends. She had heard that Hu Xiaomei had sold Yan Xishan''s car recently, and it must have been sold to Chen Ping.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chen Ping''s son used to live in Jinxi District, in the same area as Little Wang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Now he had also transferred to Dongfang School, and it was probably Hu Xiaomei who helped arrange it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Little Wang''s aversion to school and tendency to skip sses might not be about avoiding school itself, but rather certain people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Skipping school was a big problem, but now that they had identified the root cause, it would be easier to address.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, with Yan Xishan in jail, Chen Ping immediately took over his car, and it was from Hu Xiaomei''s hands.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Did he know that Hu Xiaomei and Yan Xishan were only living together and hadn''t officially married?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
And did he know that if Yan Xishan really got a long sentence, or worse, died in prison, that car would belong to her daughter Yuanyuan?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0