Shen Meng's allocated house was in the County Committee Family Courtyard, not too big but not too small either, with a total of three rooms, a separate toilet and water tap in the small courtyard, and the kitchen was added later—it used to be just a little shed. But ever since she was allocated this house, it had already been repaired by someone.

Not far from the courtyard, there was also a bathhouse for the cadre, which was very convenient for taking baths in winter.

After the family arrived, Shen Meng took her children inside. Yu Xueli had already cleaned up the place and not only tidied it up but also bought some daily necessities, vegetables, fruits, and spare ribs.

"You've been driving for hours, rest for a bit. I'll start cooking, and after dinner, you can wash up and go to bed. Try to get an early night's rest after eating, driving is the most exhausting. Tomorrow morning you need to wake up early and go back."

"Alright, I'll tidy up the things from the car. You go ahead and boil some hot water; the little ones are tired too."

Shen Meng nodded at him.

When their family was moving in, many residents from the County Committee Family Courtyard were craning their necks to see, as they had heard this small courtyard was allocated and everyone was curious to see to whom it was given.

Qi Mingyue, who happened to be there today, knew that the courtyard was allocated to Shen Meng and Lu Zhenping. She hurriedly gathered up some items from her home and brought them over as soon as she heard the new residents of the small courtyard had arrived, thinking it was nearly noon and quickly had Aunt Chang prepare two more dishes.

After all the tiredness of the journey, ready-made food would mean they could rest immediately.

Shen Meng had just boiled some hot water when she heard knocking at the door. She went out to see it was Qi Mingyue and quickly invited her into the house.

"Aunt Qi, how come you're here? We were planning to go to your house to see you and Aunt Chang after we'd settled in tonight!"

"Hey, we're going to be neighbors from now on. Any time is a good time to talk, no need for ceremony. I just had Aunt Chang cook more food, in a while you can bring Zhenping and the kids over to our house for a meal, so you don't have to cook. Between cooking and washing up, when will you ever get to rest? I've made enough food at home; just bring a couple more dishes. I was thinking you have just moved in and the house must be lacking things, so I brought you some stuff. Take it and use it, hahaha. Bao Guo is still sleeping too, but I guess he will wake up soon, so I can't stay long. Tidy up here and hurry over for dinner, alright?"

"Aunt Qi, there's no need to trouble yourself, I..."

"Now that you're home, there's no need for formality with me. Oh, Ming Kai, did you hear Grandma Qi's voice and rushed out?"

Lu Mingkai was a lively child; he originally came out to pee, but when he saw Qi Mingyue in the courtyard, smiling and stretching out her arms towards him, he immediately smiled broadly and charged towards her.

"Grandma Qi, Ming Kai recognized your voice right away; I've missed you so much! My mom doesn't bring me to see you, and I've missed you so much I couldn't even sleep!"

"Hey yo, really? My dear boy, grandma also missed you. Your mom has been too busy, she doesn't have time. But now that you live here, you can come to see grandma anytime. As long as grandma is home, she'll play with Ming Kai, okay?"

"Okay, okay, okay! After we eat, I'll go to grandma's house. I also miss Grandma Chang and my little brother. I brought a doll toy for my little brother from the Provincial City. Wait for me, grandma, I'll go get it."

Shen Meng: "..."

Oh my, my good big boy, what are you pretending for? Was that toy you brought for your little brother? It's clear you bought it and don't really want it anymore.

Qi Mingyue had no idea what was on Shen Meng's mind; she only knew that this little one had a charm about her, not only speaking sweetly but also always thoughtfully concerned about others. She glanced over at Shen Meng, feeling that she was exceptionally good at guiding children, truly admirable.

Facing Qi Mingyue's approving gaze, Shen Meng felt immensely guilty; she hadn't taught the child the skill of sweet-talking, after all.

After a while, Lu Zhenping came out with several children. Lu Mingkai was holding a small doll, the size of an adult's palm, made of fabric, which looked especially adorable. Qi Mingyue felt a warm glow in her heart upon seeing it.

There was no time to delay. The whole family followed Qi Mingyue to her home.

It had been a long time since they had seen Bao Guo. As soon as the children arrived at the Li family's home, they rushed to see Bao Guo. The little guy soon woke up, his eyes bleary, blinking for quite some time. Upon seeing so many brothers and sisters, he was confused at first but, after Qi Mingyue carried him to the living room and gave him some water, he came to his senses.

Lu Mingkai immediately handed the little doll to him; Bao Guo was thrilled, clearly very fond of it.

After coaxing Grandma Qi and then the little brother, Lu Mingkai, with legs awkwardly twisted, quickly left the courtyard; he had been holding his need to urinate for quite a while and couldn't hold it any longer, especially when he heard the sound of his Grandma Chang washing vegetables, which nearly triggered him to let it all go.

The next morning, Shen Meng saw Lu Zhenping off to the gate.

"Go on in, it's pretty cold this early."

"It's not cold. I'm fine. Oh, and I've talked to Song Da Gui. If there's an urgent situation, he'll go to the Police Station to find Chen Du. He'll just mention that he wants to report something. You should tell Meng Li later, so she knows this name. Those tricycle drivers know all sorts of people. Considering what you said, I think there might be someone from the Police Station watching over you. Some things are inconvenient for you to handle personally. Be careful in every way."

Lu Zhenping rubbed her head and couldn't help but pull her into his embrace, his chin resting lightly in the hollow of her shoulder as he nuzzled her gently.

"Wife, don't worry. I've got an idea of anyone in the Police Station who's restless. You also be careful in Ning County. I've already arranged for two people to secretly protect the children. As long as you are all safe, I can be more hands-on in the Provincial City. I used to think that having you by my side would let me deal with them more freely, but now it seems there are deep waters here, possibly even involving people from Shangjing. I won't tell you more; I don't want you to worry too much. In any case, I'll handle it, wife."

Shen Meng gently patted his back.

If it were like the old days when they were still in the village without fame or influence, Lu Zhenping naturally could do whatever he wanted. But now, things were different; she had been in the newspapers.

Lu Zhenping released Shen Meng, kissed her forehead gently, then turned and got into the car.

After he left, Shen Meng went back inside the courtyard, locked the gate, and took out some clothes that she had thrown into the washing machine while using the outhouse yesterday. Now was a good time to hang them out in the courtyard to dry, and after that, she went back to sleep.

When she woke up again, it was after nine o'clock, and the children were still asleep. She yawned, checked on the children's room where they were sleeping sprawled out, washed up, then took out breakfast from her space and ate. The children woke up soon after.

After having them wash and eat breakfast, Shen Meng took them to Yu Xueli's home.