e later, not as cunning as a fox. Back then, she still had the naivete of a young girl. The car stopped, and she stared blankly at Shi Yan getting out, lost in her own thoughts. A tinge of regret wash...On New Year's Day, according to Cheng Zhimin's original plan, she was going to host a banquet for guests and give the two children a legitimate identity. However, since Shu Tinglan was also at the Zhuo family, her background wasn't something that could be publicized openly, so Cheng Zhimin had to quietly cancel the banquet. In fact, it was also a process of compromise.

But Zhuo Hong's status and position were undeniable. Even without the old master, on New Year's Day, there was a constant stream of visitors coming to pay their respects.

First came the Lu family, Lu Kuò and Lu Yáo yáo greeted Zhuó Hóng and Chén Zhī mǐn before going to play with the children. Then came Zhuó Hóng's subordinates, who paid their respects and then left in a hurry. They didn't dare to interact much with Zhuó Hóng, fearing him.

Instead, several colleagues who live nearby came with their families.

One of them was the wife of a certain finance minister, surnamed Liu. She was close friends with Cheng Zhimin in her daily life. Hearing that her two grandsons had returned to Beijing for the New Year, she eagerly came to visit them, also bringing a large gift.

Aunt Liu Tai's came with her, whispering, "We've never told anyone about the children's mother. I don't know if she's the previous wife or someone new."

"He's supposedly a bastard, and they say he hasn't even changed his surname yet. Only Teacher Cheng would have the audacity to flaunt him, isn't she ashamed"

“Be quiet.” Liu Tai whispered, admonishing him. These words were fine to say within the confines of their own home, but they should never be uttered outside. Liu Tai knew his limits well.

He held considerable disdain for his two illegitimate sons in private, but when he saw Cheng Zhimin, he put on a facade of envy.

"Teacher Cheng is so lucky."

The few family members present this year naturally focused their conversation on the children, as it was a rare occasion for them to be together.

"The son is filial, he built a library and a Hope Primary School. Now there are grandchildren, it's really enviable."

Cheng Zhimin listened but did not smile, occasionally sipping tea. In front of others, she always maintained an elegant and dignified demeanor, as well as the bearing of a victor.

No matter what, they spoke the truth. Building the library and Hope Elementary School in her name gave her the glory she desired. Her family was also complete, with grandchildren who were intelligent, adorable, and caring.

"Teacher Cheng, where are the children Bring them out and let us have a look."

Cheng Zhimin took a sip of tea and said slowly.

"I stayed up all night for the New Year's Eve celebration, and woke up early today. Now I'm tired from playing and fell asleep. Let's do it another day; there will be many more chances to meet."

Everyone was taken aback, unsure why she had suddenly changed her mind and wouldn't let them see. Wasn't she the one who wanted to make a big splash with a grand feast earlier

Cheng Zhimin did indeed have a showing-off attitude before, but in recent days, getting along with her grandchildren has deepened her feelings for them. She's even reluctant to show them off anymore because she knows these ladies all have their own agendas and look down on the children's status as illegitimate. She can't bear the thought of her precious grandchildren being mistreated by them, she'd rather hide them away.

Just as they were speaking, the nanny came in, along with Mrs. Li and Li Yu to pay their New Year's greetings.

The weasel greets the chicken in the New Year, but it's not sincere.

Unable to refuse, I could only rise to meet him.

In the hall, the other ladies were all thinking, today was certainly lively, there was a good show to watch, this Mrs. Li wasn't someone to be trifled with.

As soon as Mrs. Li entered, she smiled and greeted everyone with the New Year's wishes.

"Happy New Year, Happy New Year."

Li Yu also followed the greetings of all the ladies, wishing them well and showing great propriety.

Cheng Zhimin praised

“Xiao Yu is prettier than ever.” To be honest, Cheng Zhi Min genuinely liked Li Yu. In her heart, she wanted a daughter-in-law just like Li Yu. She had a good family background, was beautiful, and competent. The only thing she didn't understand was how her son Zhuo Yu An felt. Wasn't Li Yu more beautiful than that Shu Ting Lan

After greeting everyone, Mrs. Li smiled and asked the question that everyone had just asked.

"Where are the two little ones Bring them out so we can have a look, I'm dying to see them!"

Cheng Zhimin repeated what he had just said: "I'm tired of playing, I fell asleep now, see you next time."

Then Mrs. Li did not press further, and suddenly changed the subject.

“I heard Xiaoyu say that she saw Yu An and his ex-wife having dinner in Senzhou the other day. Are those two children from his ex-wife”Li Tai was deliberately trying to annoy Cheng Zhimin. She was angry because back then, Cheng Zhimin, knowing her son was already married, encouraged Li Yu to chase Zhu Yu’an. Wasn’t that just leading someone astray

The result was that their own daughter was truly captivated by Zhuo Y uan, and these past few years, she hasn't been able to find a suitable partner properly, causing her life to be delayed. It is precisely because Li Tai is well-mannered that he didn't quarrel with Cheng Zhimin.

It was supposed to be over, but Cheng Zhimin suddenly brought back the two children from his previous marriage. Wasn't that slapping her in the face So Li Tai didn't give Cheng Zhimin any face either.

When Cheng Zhimin heard her refer to the children as "children born to my former wife," he felt extremely unhappy and couldn't help but say ...

Yu An and Ting Lan have been circling each other for a few years, they still can't let go of each other, so they've gotten back together. Now the children have both parents to accompany them and raise them together. There's no such thing as "ex-wife" or not, they are all family.

< Cheng Zhimin unconsciously began to defend Shu Tinglan and the children. >

My heart feels different now. After these few days together, and last night's New Year's Eve dinner, the countdown to the new year... She suddenly realized that a happy family life is far more important than those empty titles, status, face, or vanity. Life is lived behind closed doors. Who cares what others think

Last night, even Lian Zhuohong was unusually gentle towards her. How many years had it been since he'd touched her before last night

The nanny, hearing what Teacher Cheng had said, felt relieved. Finally, Teacher Cheng had come to his senses, it wasn't too late.

Mrs. Li didn't expect Cheng Zhimin to actually speak up for Shu Tinglan. You two are as good as new, aren't you So her daughter, Li Yu, was just a fool for falling for her temptations and chasing after Zhuo Yu'an. Mrs. Li's heart turned cold at once.

"Alright, then I wish Yu and Miss Shu a hundred years of harmony." It was laced with sarcasm. He thought to himself, "Cheng Zhimin, you really have gone mad. You don't know anything about Shu Tinglan's family background If her father's affairs were to get involved with your Zhu Hong, just wait and see how you two handle the fallout"

Mrs. Li had investigated Shu Tinglan's family background years ago, but she only kept it to herself out of respect.

Cheng Zhimin used to be extremely sensitive about this matter, especially when Zhuo Hong was being transferred back to the capital. Back then, she couldn't afford any blemishes on her record. Now, she has a more relaxed attitude and is not afraid of any investigation. If they really want to investigate, let them do so.

Cheng Zhimin let go of all the burdens in her heart, and she felt truly at ease. From now on, she would enjoy her retirement life to the fullest. She would devote herself to the library and Hope Elementary School, and spend time with her grandchildren. She was very content.

People are sometimes like that, once they let go of their obsession, their hearts become infinitely vast. but as soon as I opened the door, the nanny greeted me with a happy smile and said, "Yu'an, Teacher Cheng is back from his business trip."His mother, Cheng Zhimin, saw him and said with a smile: "Why...