My College Teacher is My Children's Mom

The other old folks were inspecting Xiaobao, showering her with compliments.

"The little girl is even prettier than on TV. I heard you guys make money from acting. Is that true?"

"Even if she doesn't act, she could earn money doing other things!"

"I remember Xiaobao came last time around Chinese New Year... I haven't seen her in over half a year, and she's still so pretty."

"Exactly, Xiaobao's a real beauty in the making. She'll definitely look better than a star when she grows up!"

"Xiaobao, well, I have a relative who wants to become an actor too. Do you think you could help out?"

As soon as this was said, Zhou Cuilan wasn't pleased.

"Help with what?"

"She earned it all through her own efforts. If your relative wants to be an actor, they should find their own way."

"Besides, being an actor also requires good personal qualities. If you don't have those, no amount of help will work!"

The atmosphere became tense, and Xiaobao quickly said, "I'll see what I can do. If I can help, I will."

Zhou Cuilan, however, said, "Don't help. That relative's daughter thinks she can become a big star just because she's pretty, but her character isn't great."

She continued to the old lady, "I'm just being direct. Facts are facts. If you get mad, that's on you."

The old lady gave an awkward smile, "Why would I be mad? I didn't want to get involved in their affairs to begin with."

"But they pleaded with me for so long, that's why I helped pass a message."

Zhou Cuilan's expression softened a bit, "You're just too soft-hearted. When they ask about it, just say we're not helping. Let it be."

The old lady sighed, "Let them be then."

The others came over to mediate, but Lin Dashan was growing impatient from listening to their chatter.

"Xiaobao, it's time to eat. Come, Grandpa will pour you some juice."

Since settling back in the countryside, they had helped relatives quite a bit.

Some things are feasible to help with, but others are pointless, and could earn you a thankless reputation.

In the past, it felt hard to refuse the old folks in the village.

Now, who cares whether you're pleased or not?

Lin Feng took off his apron and went to feed the chickens and ducks.

Raising them was messy and took up space, the yard needed cleaning every day. With so many at home, the old couple naturally raised a lot.

Fortunately, the old couple could still take care of themselves and handle feeding the chickens and ducks.

If not, Auntie's burden would be even heavier.

This year, Lin Feng gave Auntie two raises!

It's lucky the neighbors help out.

Otherwise, Auntie would've quit a long time ago, laying down her tools and leaving.

Lin Feng picked up a stainless-steel basin and walked to the small hill in the backyard, glancing around.

Thud, thud, thud, he bang the stainless-steel basin.

Then came a peculiar sight.

Chickens came running and flying from all directions, looking as though they'd been starving for eight hundred years.

Initially, Lin Feng was bewildered by the scene, but now he's used to it.

He even calls out, "Dinner's ready, dinner's ready."

After feeding the chickens, Lin Feng went to drive the ducks.

Getting them into the river takes care of it, and come evening, they'll return in flocks.

By the time all this was done, it was already noon, and Lin Feng went back to prepare lunch.

"Where's Xiaobao?"

"She's sleeping, call her when the food's ready."

The old couple were delightedly admiring the gifts Xiaobao and Sanbao bought them, clothes that fit perfectly.

The style of these clothes was available in shops outside, but because they were from their granddaughters, it made them happy.

"Do they look good?"

Zhou Cuilan wore a loose-fit linen and cotton set, matching the elegant demeanor of the lady.

Lin Feng smiled, "Looks great."

Lin Dashan also had a linen and cotton elderly set, which made him look younger.

He was extremely happy, continually exclaiming how well they fit and how nice they looked.

The clothes hadn't even been washed yet, but the old couple couldn't wait to show off.

"Dad, Mom, it's time to make lunch."

"Leave the food for us. We'll eat when we get back."

Three days later, as Xiaobao and Lin Feng prepared to leave, the trunk of the luxury car was packed with vegetables, meat, and some poultry.

Even though it couldn't hold any more, Zhou Cuilan was still looking for gaps to fit more in.

Standing nearby, Lin Feng called out, "Mom, that's enough, it's plenty."

Zhou Cuilan replied as she continued to pack, "How could it be enough? Besides, it's not just for you to eat but also for Xiaobao."

Lin Feng said helplessly, "Once we run out, can't I come back to get more? Or just buy some outside."

Zhou Cuilan glared at her 'ungrateful' son, "These are tastier than those outside!"

"What are you standing there for? Help me move this; I want to put these dried long beans here."

While mother and son were busy on one side, Grandpa and granddaughter were equally engaged on the other.

"Grandpa, this is a token of my appreciation, you keep it."

"Grandpa has money. You keep it for yourself!"

"This is Grandpa's little stash. Come on, take it secretly, don't let your grandma see."

"!!! Grandpa, I can't take your money!"

"Shush, keep it down, Grandpa saved this money but doesn't need to use it. You take it to buy whatever you want."

"!!! Grandpa, I really don't need it, I have money."

"I know you have money and earn your own."

"But this is Grandpa's gesture; it's not much, so you should take it."

"Grandpa, I really can't take it!"

"If you don't take it, Grandpa will be mad, understand?"

Lin Dashan put on a stern face, so Xiaobao had no choice but to accept it, "Thank you, Grandpa!"

Lin Dashan smiled warmly, "Good girl, focus on your studies, and if acting tires you out, then stop. Happiness is what's most important."

Xiaobao nodded, feeling her eyes moistening, "Grandpa, take care of your health. I'll come back to see you often."

Lin Dashan grinned, "Alright, Grandpa will be waiting for you in the countryside."

The car slowly pulled away, and the two elders stood in the sunset, their shadows stretched long.

Xiaobao leaned out the window to wave, "Goodbye, Grandpa and Grandma!"

The old couple waved back.

Their shadows gradually shrunk to a point, and soon vanished around the corner.

Xiaobao felt a bit melancholy; every meeting with the elderly is one meeting less, and who knows when they'll find the time for the next one.

Back in the city, father and daughter discovered Zhang Yuxi was ill and had been in bed for two days.

Lin Feng took a look and saw it was nothing serious; she was quickly recovering.

The next day, Xiaobao returned to school, and Zhang Yuxi forced herself up to go to work.

Since getting married, she had devoted herself to the education field. Though not hugely successful, she felt no regrets.

She could've advanced further, but she turned it down.

Advancing meant leaving the local area, which she wasn't willing to do. Besides, she wasn't seeking fame or fortune and was content with her current position.

Of course, part of the reason was also for the sake of her children!

Erbao married into the Qin Family, and Qin Jiang has been steadily advancing; even from a distance, she's heard about it.

Dabao married Cai Xia, and the Cai Family is well-known for their dignity, a fact recognized by everyone.

Now, Sibao married Xuan Jiayi, connecting the Lin Family to both business and political circles.

This old mother couldn't do much for them, so she chose to keep a low profile, avoiding attracting trouble.

In whatever capacity she could manage, in some other place, she'd be a 'good mother.'