Seeing that Lou Xiangwen was about to cry and hug her, Qu Tantan, who hadn’t brought a handkerchief this time, hurriedly and awkwardly changed the subject. “So—so I just wanted to apologize to Brother Lou. You could’ve cleared things up already, but I ended up dragging you into it.”
Lou Xiangwen shook his head, eyes still red, and gave her an especially gentle smile. “If you put it that way, then I should be the one feeling ashamed.
“When I saw them fighting, as an adult I should’ve stepped in to stop them. But I was scared, so I didn’t go forward, nor could I think of a solution. Instead, it was you, Tantan. Even at your age, you were the one who came up with a way to drive those kids off and kept Lin Zhenmo from getting hurt.
“I think the rumor was worth it. Otherwise, we might not have been able to help Lin Zhenmo at all, and we probably would’ve been beaten up by a bunch of elementary schoolers.
“So you’re the truly amazing one, Tantan. I’m not going to take those rumors to heart, so you don’t need to apologize.”
He gently patted Qu Tantan’s soft, fluffy little head and said apologetically, “All that complaining earlier… I just thought those rumors were getting more and more ridiculous. It was kind of funny, honestly. I didn’t really take it to heart.
“I just didn’t expect… that you already knew about my reputation even before you moved in.” As he spoke, his eyes reddened again, and his voice grew hoarse. “I always thought you reached out to me because you didn’t know about the rumors…”
“That’s because what Dad said was right,” she replied.
Afraid he might really start crying again, Qu Tantan quickly lowered her head and began counting on her fingers. “For example, we haven’t even met the downstairs neighbors yet, but Lin Zhenmo and Aunt Wan are the same.
“Even though I sometimes think she’s not the best Mom, she’s trying hard to change now. She really does care about Lin Zhenmo; she just doesn’t know how to get along with him. And my Mom says that everyone makes mistakes, and we should give them a chance to change.
“Aunt Wan is very gentle. When she talks to me, she always crouches down and looks me in the eye. She can play piano, sing beautifully, draw, and she’s really good with crafts too.
“Lin Zhenmo is even more special. He’s not bad at studying. Actually, he’s really smart and learns super fast. When people bully him, he doesn’t back down or get scared. He faces it head-on. Even though he doesn’t say much, he really cares about Aunt Wan. The other day, he even whispered to me that he’s never seen her celebrate a birthday, so he wants to throw her one.
“He’s independent and brave, always solving problems on his own. He’s like one of those little geniuses in picture books. Oh! And yesterday when we were building snowmen, he was amazing! He made all these super realistic snow animals like elephants in no time. Jiajia and I were so impressed.
Qu Tantan stuck out her tongue playfully. “But Lin Zhenmo’s so smug about it. Jiajia and I both decided not to tell him.
“This is a secret between me and Brother Lou, okay? You have to promise not to tell Lin Zhenmo!” She winked at Lou Xiangwen and held out her pinky finger. “Come on, pinky swear!”
In a daze, Lou Xiangwen hooked his pinky with hers. That small, soft finger made him suddenly realize—this girl he’d already come to rely on like a friend was still so young.
She wasn’t even in elementary school yet, she was still in kindergarten.
She’d praised so many people and saw the good in all of them, yet hadn’t said a single word about herself. Lou Xiangwen couldn’t help but feel a soft ache in his heart. “Tantan is really smart too. You understand a lot of things. You’re amazing.
He wasn’t as good with words as Qu Tantan, but he meant every word. “I really like you, Tantan. I’ve secretly considered you my good friend for a while now.
“I never said it before, but… thank you for being here.”
This kid was like a little sun, lively and warm. She made it so easy to open up and feel comforted. Despite being so young, she was the one who always comforted him, a grown-up, and made him could talk to her about anything.
Sometimes, Lou Xiangwen forgot she was still just a child in kindergarten. Her emotional maturity made him feel like there was no barrier between them.
And that made him feel a little guilty.
But Qu Tantan didn’t care. After all, she had regressed, f course she knew more than others. Compared to her, Lin Zhenmo was the real genius, good at everything.
After complimenting each other for a while, they finally got to the main issue. But Wen Qingqing’s behavior was still baffling. They didn’t know her true background and couldn’t figure out what she might be planning.
All Qu Tantan could do was pat Lou Xiangwen’s shoulder sympathetically. “Maybe Sister Wen was just trying to scare you. Thinking about it too much will only keep you up at night. It’s better not to dwell on it. When she shows up again, you’ll know what she’s up to.”
That was the only comfort Lou Xiangwen could give himself. He let out a frustrated sigh and held Qu Tantan’s hand, ready to head downstairs.
But before they even got to the stairs, Lin Wan appeared at the hallway entrance. She peeked in, tucked the hair behind her ear, and smiled sheepishly. “I was looking for Tantan. I didn’t expect you’d really be here.
“I just ran into your Mom. She asked if we’d seen you, she’s looking for you to come home for dinner. Xiao Mo said he saw you two come upstairs, so I thought I’d check. Hope I didn’t interrupt your conversation?”
Lou Xiangwen shook his head quickly. “Not at all! I just lost track of time. Can’t believe it’s gotten so late.”
Qu Tantan let go of his hand and ran over to Lin Wan, tilting her head up to examine her curiously. Lin Wan looked like she wanted to cover her face but resisted and gave her a gentle look. “What is it, Tantan?”
“Aunt Wan, were you crying? Your eyes look red here.” Qu Tantan pointed to the corner of her eye, tilting her head in confusion. “Did Lin Zhenmo say something to upset you? You can tell me, I’ll go talk to him!”
Lin Wan chuckled. “No, of course not. It’s not XiaoMo…”
Lin Zhenmo emerged from behind her, face long and expression calm. He glanced over and said blandly, “What did you say just now?”
Qu Tantan immediately covered her mouth and shook her head, looking innocent. “I didn’t say anything at all. So what happened to Aunt Wan?”
“It’s the wind, outside’s really cold.” Lin Wan quickly offered an excuse. “Alright, Tantan, let’s head down. Your Mom’s still waiting for you to come home for dinner.”
Qu Tantan was still a little confused, but thinking it might be a secret between the mother and son, she just nodded obediently without asking further. However, when she walked up beside Lin Zhenmo, she noticed he quietly took a step back and turned his head away, seemingly deliberately avoiding eye contact with her.
Qu Tantan : ?
Huh? When did she provoke this little hedgehog again?
She scratched her head in puzzlement. As they followed them downstairs, she stretched out her finger and poked Lin Zhenmo’s back. He immediately tensed up and paused in his steps but didn’t turn around. “What is it?”
Other than avoiding her gaze, his tone didn’t seem to carry any other oddities.
“Did something happen between you and Aunt Wan? Or… are you mad at what I said before?” Qu Tantan quickened her pace to walk side by side with him and turned her head to study his expression. “I was just joking. Don’t take it seriously.”
“I didn’t,” Lin Zhenmo said expressionlessly, looking straight ahead. “Don’t look around while walking downstairs. It’s easy to trip.”
Qu Tantan : “…Oh.”
When they reached their floor, and were about to part ways with Lin Wan and her son, Qu Tantan tiptoed and whispered into Lin Zhenmo’s ear, “Lin Zhenmo, your ears are bright red! It’s even reached your neck!”
Then she immediately dashed into her apartment, mischievously slamming the door shut behind her.
Lin Zhenmo, realizing what had just happened, was left red-faced and fuming : “…”
Lin Wan paused, then couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. But as soon as she met her son’s blank expression, she awkwardly wiped the smile off her face, looked up at the ceiling, and pretended she knew nothing.
For a full half month, Lou Xiangwen went to work every day in anxiety, only to return empty-handed, again and again. But eventually, the final straw dropped.
That day, Father Qu came home early, visibly excited, and shared some big news: they had landed a major order! Not only that, a large company had taken interest in their fruit juice and wanted to invest in a partnership.
Father Qu was debating whether to accept the investment and scale up the shop. While he had once dreamed of growing the business, registering a company, setting up his own processing factory, and becoming a big boss, it had always seemed like fantasy. After being talked down by Uncle Qu and scolded by the old lady, he had withdrawn those thoughts.
After all, Father Qu came from a rural background and had little formal education. He didn’t really understand the world of business and had been learning everything step by step through trial and error.
But now, it was like a pie falling from the sky. All he needed to do was accept the investment, and he could start his own factory. The company’s representative had come personally, laying out a clear and convincing plan, trying hard to persuade him.
Though he didn’t understand why they were so interested in partnering with him, Father Qu had the contract reviewed and confirmed that there were no issues. He brought it home to discuss with Mother Qu.
Compared to her husband’s hesitation, Qu Mama was much more decisive. “Do it. All the benefits are right in front of you, and they’re not trying to scam you, why not accept?”
“But once we register a company, there’s no going back. What if it fails, and we go bankrupt…”
“Then we start over.” Mother Qu gave him a sideways glance. “Business isn’t some guaranteed path. You win some, you lose some. Who knows what the future holds? If you don’t grab the opportunity now, are you just going to wait and regret it later?
“You’re always so quick to advise Xiao Lou, sounding like some seasoned expert.
She gave his head a nudge with disdain and raised an eyebrow. “You said if he falls down, he can get back up again, he’s still young and has chances. So why, when it’s your turn, are you suddenly so timid and scared you won’t be able to stand up again?
“What, are you that much older than Xiao Lou? Old bones and creaky joints, already at the age where you can’t get up after a fall?”
Father Qu stared blankly at his wife, eyes welling up with emotion. “Wifey…”
“Don’t get all mushy. Here’s our passbook. Just go for it.” She stuffed the bankbook into his hands, then turned away slightly, a bit embarrassed but still speaking firmly, “Or are you saying you’ve lost even the courage and confidence to support your wife and child? Then I really would look down on you.”
“Of course I haven’t!”
Father Qu rubbed his eyes, straightened up, and pulled Mother Qu into a hug. “You’re the best, Wifey. When I really earn the big bucks, you can quit your job.”
“Quit my job to do what? Stay home and take care of you and Tantan?” Mother Qu rolled her eyes. “No thanks. That sounds boring as hell.”
“No, no!” Qu Papa quickly shook his head, revealing an awkward smile. “Back when we first met, didn’t you say you wanted to design jewelry? But your family made you become an accountant instead. I know you must have some regrets.”
Mother Qu was stunned.
Father Qu tried to ignore the heat on his face and pressed a fist to his mouth, mumbling, “So… when I have the money, I’ll open a jewelry store for you. You… you can pursue your dream too. Let’s not leave regrets for when we’re old.”
“You’re right. We’re still young. We still have the chance to chase our dreams, right?”
Mother Qu’s eyes turned red too. “You actually remembered that…”
“How could I forget anything my wife said?” Father Qu muttered, “I remember every single word we said when we first met. You didn’t even like me back then, thinking I was uneducated and from a poor family. If I hadn’t been so thick-skinned and kept chasing you, you wouldn’t have even seen me again after the first meeting.”
Mother Qu : “…” Wow, who knew this guy could hold such a grudge?
Even so, Mother Qu was still deeply moved. Her heart felt warm, and a gentle smile naturally appeared on her face.
The two teary-eyed ‘rabbits’ gazed at each other lovingly, it was like watching a pair of clueless newlyweds. Qu Tantan, who had witnessed the whole thing from the side, skillfully covered her eyes, jumped off the sofa, and ran into her room.
When she had just returned, worried she might forget some important turning points, she had written them down in her diary using a code that only she and the future Meng Jiajia would understand.
She flipped through the diary, confirming that this event had never happened in her past life. If it had, there was no way her Dad would have only started considering taking out a loan to start a business later on.
So, was it all triggered by the early appearance of the fruit juice?
After all, their juice really was popular now. It made sense that a company might see the potential and want to invest.
Qu Tantan marked this point with a check in her diary. Thinking about her sticky-sweet parents still cuddling in the living room, she couldn’t help but smile with gentle happiness.
In her memory, although her parents had loved each other deeply, they were very reserved and rarely showed it openly. After the incident, her Dad became silent and steady, while her Mom turned gentle and cautious, completely opposite to how they were now.
But being able to see her Dad and Mom like this now… it was truly wonderful.
Their future would definitely get better and better.
Qu Tantan firmly believed this.