Tao Wenrui had not been paying attention to Xiao Yanyan before, but now, his focus was entirely on her. "Father, Mother, is this child...?"
Tao Wang and Granny Tian were also a bit surprised. However,
Tao Wang replied, "She isn't slow-witted."
Granny Tian added, "She traps me into giving her eggs every chance she gets."
Tao Daniu chimed in, "She's been sharp since she was little."
Tao Erniu agreed, "Her older siblings all listen to her."
Tao Wenrui felt relieved, but then he asked, "Then why is she so happy? Does she not understand what my marrying someone else means?"
Xiao Yanyan thought to herself, *You’re the one who doesn't understand.* Aloud, she said, "Oh, Father, why are you so fussy? Can't I just want to see the bride? Grandma, do you want to see the bride?"
Of course she did. "Third Son, what does your wife look like? Is she as pretty as Yanyan’s mother?"
"Not quite as pretty as Yanyan’s mother, but she is very educated and has a graceful temperament."
Xiao Yanyan curled her lip in her mind. *Does having a "graceful temperament" entitle you to snatch someone else’s husband? Aren't there any other good men in the world?* "Wow! Really? Father, you are so capable."
Tao Wenrui was silent. *Is this child being sarcastic?*
Granny Tian puffed out her chest proudly. "Your father is the most successful man in our village."
Tao Wang patted Tao Wenrui on the shoulder with satisfaction. "It’s a good thing I gritted my teeth and sent you to school back then. Let’s go."
"Right." Tao Wenrui still felt Xiao Yanyan’s reaction was a bit odd. He took her from Tao Daniu’s arms. "How old are you this year?"
"Four."
"Do you want some candy?"
"Yes."
"Then I’ll go buy you some later."
"Okay."
"Did your mother teach you anything before you left home?"
"She did. Mother told me to stay close to Grandpa and Grandma."
"Your mother is right. Did she say anything else?"
"Mother said if I get tired of walking, I should let Big Uncle or Second Uncle carry me."
"Anything else?"
"No."
"Does your mother resent Father?"
"No. Big Aunt said my mother gets money without having to serve a man, and after thinking about it, Mother decided Big Aunt was right."
Tao Wenrui felt conflicted. He was glad Jin Xing thought that way, but he also felt like a sucker.
It wasn't over yet. "Grandpa decided you should use half your salary to support me, my siblings, and Mother. You’d better earn money well."
Tao Wenrui felt even more like a sucker. He was willing to support Jin Xing, but not that much. "Father, surely the countryside doesn't cost that much?"
"Yanyan’s maternal grandfather said that if you don't agree, he’ll have the four of them hang themselves at their own front door, and then he’ll drag their bodies to your military post to find you."
Tao Wenrui stopped talking.
Granny Tian took Xiao Yanyan from Tao Wenrui’s arms and passed her to Tao Daniu. "Let your Big Uncle hold you; Grandma needs to talk to your father."
"Okay. Father, remember to buy me candy."
"I will, in a bit."
"Thank you, Father. You’re so kind."
Granny Tian pulled Tao Wenrui a few paces away and whispered, "The Jin family doesn't know how much you earn. Just give them a little bit, that's enough."
"This..."
"It doesn't cost much to live in the village."
"But..."
"When Xiaoshan starts school or gets married, the Jin family will definitely ask you for money again."
"Alright then."
"What is this new wife’s family like?"
"They own two restaurants."
"No wonder they can afford to send a girl to school. When are you getting married?"
"Tomorrow."
"So soon? Did you two... you know? Is she pregnant?"
"No, we just want to be together sooner."
"I thought she was. Is everything prepared?"
"Yes, she took care of it all. She’s very capable."
...
When Xiao Yanyan heard the news, she jumped for joy. "Wow! I get to see the bride tomorrow! I get to see the bride tomorrow!"
Tao Wenrui: *...I think my second daughter has something wrong with her brain.*
Early the next morning, neighbors arrived to help. Xiao Yanyan followed obediently behind Granny Tian.
Among the women helping out, some were first wives, and some were new brides. The first wives all sympathized with Xiao Yanyan, while the new ones thought she shouldn't have come—she should have stayed in the countryside.
Xiao Yanyan glanced around and instantly knew who was a first wife and who had risen from being a mistress.
Soon, Tao Wenrui brought the bride home. Xiao Yanyan charged forward like a little cannonball. She grabbed Su Yuyao’s wrist the moment she reached her. "Wow! The bride is so beautiful!"
Everyone else: "..." *Is this child stupid?*
Tao Wenrui: "..." *I really don't want to admit this little brat is my daughter.*
Su Yuyao: "..." *This kid is not only greedy, she’s slow.* "You must be Yanyan, right? You’re very pretty too."
"Yup. Want some candy? I have lots." Xiao Yanyan let go of her hand as she spoke.
"No thank you."
"Then I wish you a son soon!"
"Thank you."
"Why are you so polite? We’re one family now, right? Right, Father?"
"Yes. Go find your Second Uncle; he has treats."
"Okay!" Xiao Yanyan skipped off to find Tao Erniu.
Everyone: "..." *She really does look smart for someone who isn't.*
After eating, Xiao Yanyan pestered Tao Erniu to take her out for a walk. He couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you even a little angry that your father is marrying someone else?"
"Not at all. Didn't Big Aunt say? Mother gets money without having to serve a man."
"..." *Fair enough.*
That night, after everyone had fallen asleep, Tao Wenrui took Su Yuyao to bed. And then... nothing happened.
Tao Wenrui was stunned. *How could he be failing when everything seemed fine?*
Su Yuyao was equally shocked. *How could he not be working? I clearly remember that in my past life, after that country woman arrived, she even bore him twins. Could it be... could it be that because I snatched him away, he’s become impotent?*
No! This couldn't be her fault! "Are... are you too tired?"
Tao Wenrui wanted to say he hadn't done enough today to be tired, but... "That must be it. Let’s get some sleep first."
"Okay."
Both closed their eyes, but neither could sleep. An hour later, they tried again, but it still didn't work.
They had no choice but to accept reality.
Tao Wenrui rubbed his face in frustration. "I’ll see a doctor. If... if it can't be cured, I won't hold you back."
Su Yuyao didn't want to let go. Tao Wenrui was the best option she could find. "Don't say that. Ours is a meeting of minds."
Tao Wenrui was moved. "I’ll go find a doctor tomorrow."
The next day, both of them had dark circles under their eyes.
Xiao Yanyan watched Su Yuyao as she ate her porridge. "Auntie, why don't you look as pretty as yesterday?"
Su Yuyao: *Who could look radiant after going through this?*
Granny Tian: "What do you know, child? Just eat. Third Daughter-in-law, you eat too."
After breakfast, Tao Wang began discussing plans for their return. Tao Wenrui hesitated for a moment. "Leave Yanyan here. I want to spend more time with her." If he couldn't be cured, the three children Jin Xing had already borne were the only children he would ever have.
Su Yuyao was furious. *He hasn't even seen a doctor yet, and he’s already looking for a backup plan.*
Xiao Yanyan jumped for joy. "Okay! I want to spend more time with Father and the pretty Auntie too. I like her so much!"
*If you dare snatch my fortune, I’ll make sure you live in an empty room. Let’s see how long you can last. Even if you do stick it out, it doesn't matter. A woman without heirs who hoards wealth is just working for someone else.*
*And that "someone else" will be one of us three siblings.*
*As for Father, since he dared to abandon his wife and children, he shouldn't waste his energy on romance. He should focus on earning the family fortune and building a future for us.*