The next day, everyone at the hospital already knew that Doctor Pan was remarrying Mu Chengfeng’s sister-in-law. That evening, Mu Chengfeng came home and mentioned that Pan Mengping’s two children had been taken away by their former maternal grandmother, and he would pay thirty yuan a month in child support until they came of age.
Since both parties had agreed, outsiders had nothing to say. Mu Chengfeng and Pan Mengping were both neurosurgeons, and they still had to attend the wedding banquet.
The wedding was set for the last weekend of the month. Everyone from the same department sent gifts, Jiang Xiaoyu and Hua Lianfang each gave two yuan as a gift money. The two children from Pan Mengping’s side did not attend, and the former mother-in-law’s family did not come to cause trouble, so it was clear everything had been settled beforehand.
After the banquet, Mu Chengfeng said he would return to the hospital for a while, and Jiang Xiaoyu went home first. In the afternoon, when he came back, he first went into the west room, then came out to split firewood and fetch water.
Jiang Xiaoyu went into the west room and found that item in the drawer under the cabinet. Her face immediately turned red and she quickly put it back, pretending she had seen nothing.
At night, she called him to turn off the light as usual. The lamp was blown out, but soon there was extra weight beside her, and her body temperature rose instantly. With a firm resolve, she closed her eyes.
The first time was still a bit embarrassing. After it ended, she fell asleep right away, her face burning hot. She wondered how she would face her “boss” in the morning.
The next morning, she jolted awake and found Mu Chengfeng still there. She didn’t even dare look at him. “I’ll go make breakfast.”
“Breakfast is already done, no need to rush.” Mu Chengfeng had already prepared it and gone back to rest for a while. “Are you alright?”
Jiang Xiaoyu’s face flushed again. “I’m fine.”
After that, their routine settled into a fixed rhythm every week. After a few times, she gradually became much more at ease.
School was about to start. Damei, Xiaojun, and Qingshan would all enter second grade and go together. Second Sister, at six years old, would enter first grade. The two younger boys would attend the newly reopened kindergarten.
Qian Chunmei encouraged Jiang Xiaoyu to apply as a kindergarten teacher. “Don’t worry about whether you’ll be accepted. All the families without foster children have applied. You should apply too.”
Ke Xiu also encouraged her. “You’re so good at telling stories, you’ll definitely make it. I can’t apply since I’m several months pregnant, otherwise I would too. Go quickly.”
Jiang Xiaoyu had already intended to go. It was the family-run kindergarten, and many people had applied, making competition fierce. Li Ruyi also applied, but she applied for the kitchen staff position instead of teaching.
Jiang Xiaoyu was known in the compound for being good with children, and she also had a high school education and the added advantage of having adopted Wangzhou. She was successfully hired. Now she could earn a salary while taking care of the children, and with the salary Mu Chengfeng gave her, she would be receiving two incomes.
Mu Chengfeng had planned to return home early to celebrate her new job, but Pan Mengping stopped him to talk.
Mu Chengfeng was already impatient. “What nonsense are you up to now?”
Pan Mengping’s attitude was calm. “Don’t be so hostile. We both earn enough to support our families. There’s no need for our wives to work. I told Ruyi not to go to work, but she used your wife as an example, saying that Jiang Xiaoyu can raise four children and still work, so she should be able to as well. You should also stop your wife from working.”
Mu Chengfeng: “…If you don’t let your wife give birth early, what is she supposed to do at home? Just wait for you to come back every day? That’s just unreasonable logic. I’m not you.”
Pan Mengping continued, “Once a woman starts working and earns money, she gains financial independence and becomes less obedient. Right now Jiang Xiaoyu is caring for you and the children, but after a few months of work, she’ll be exhausted and won’t treat you well anymore. You’ll regret it.”
Mu Chengfeng left the conversation unhappy, and returned home forcing a smile.
Jiang Xiaoyu could tell something was off. She cared about her husband’s well-being. After closing the door that night, she asked, “I got a new job, why aren’t you happy? Do you not want me to work?”
Mu Chengfeng quickly denied it. “No, Pan Mengping is just a stubborn chauvinist. He said some annoying things, it has nothing to do with you.”
He told her everything Pan Mengping had said.
“Ignore him,” Jiang Xiaoyu said firmly. “Now that I’m working too, if you’re willing to share housework and spend time with the children, I’ll be fine. But if I’m expected to do everything alone, I can’t stay smiling all the time.”
Mu Chengfeng thought for a moment. If his wife worked and was happier, that was better than her staying home unhappy while he benefited alone. “Alright. Tell me what you need me to do.”
Jiang Xiaoyu was already satisfied with that answer.
On September 1st, school and work both began. Early in the morning, Jiang Xiaoyu and the children got up together. After breakfast, Qingshan, Qinghe, and Xiaojun stood at the door calling Damei and Second Sister.
The children left together for school.
Qian Chunmei handed Qinghe to Jiang Xiaoyu. “Xiaoyu, please take Qinghe to kindergarten.”
Jiang Xiaoyu patted the child’s face and smiled. “I’ll bring him back after work. If you and Director Qian have overtime, don’t worry. Qingshan and Qinghe can eat at my place. I’ll keep track of the meals and settle the cost later.”
Qian Chunmei was deeply grateful. “Xiaoyu, thank you so much. Please don’t undercharge us.”
“I’ll keep everything accounted for,” Jiang Xiaoyu replied.
Qian Chunmei felt relieved. With this, she had no worries about adopting the two children.
It was Jiang Xiaoyu’s first day at work, and she didn’t want to be late. After a few final words, she set off with the three children, greeting Mu Chengfeng on her way out.