TFSRITA Chapter 145

While Yan Qing continued with her usual routine.

Every month, she would return to school to take exams, and the papers would be picked up by the family’s aunt.

Watching her grades steadily improve—from over 600th place, to the 400s, then to the 200s, and finally the 100s…

By the end of the semester, in the final exams, Yan Qing’s grades had reached first place in her class, ranking 85th in the grade.

Not exceptionally outstanding, but still a decent ranking within the entire school—at least in this school, being among the top 100 students usually meant a good chance at getting into a top university.

At this point, Yan Qing couldn’t help but be grateful for the Spirit Spring Water.

Although it wasn’t a miraculous cure, it did significantly improve Yan Qing’s physical condition, boosting her memory and comprehension skills, and enabling her to quickly absorb knowledge and perform well on exams.

The Lunar New Year was naturally spent at the Chu family’s house.

But not the usual Chu family—this was the old family home.

On the way there, Zhou Huaiya laughed and said, “We talked to Dad about it before—once Yangyang can handle things on his own, he and I will bring Zhao Zhao back here. The old family home is quite rustic, and people here are very kind to Zhao Zhao.”

The people outside were strangers, lacking any personal connections. Sometimes, a casual remark might unintentionally trigger memories of Zhao Zhao’s disability. But here, everyone was relatives and friends, mostly connected by blood ties.

Yan Qing looked outside—the scenery was beautiful, getting clearer and fresher the closer they got to the old family home. Far from the city, towering skyscrapers gave way to rolling hills, lush greenery, and various shapes of nature.

“It’s quite nice here,” Yan Qing said with a smile.

Suddenly, she felt a heavy weight on her shoulder. Zhao Zhao had already succumbed to sleep, leaning on her.

Zhou Huaiya tried to speak but quickly quieted down, smiling gently as she looked at her son.

The driver was Chu Yang, with Chu Heng riding shotgun. When he turned to look at his son, sleeping soundly against the girl beside him, he wore an amused expression and let out a contented sigh.

…

They arrived at the Chu family home.

Before they even got out of the car, Yan Qing sensed a lively atmosphere. Looking around, she saw a group of people, all with welcoming smiles and wearing simple clothes. A woman with a loud voice was cheerfully calling out, “They’re back, they’re back! Big boss is back!”

Chu Heng opened the car door, instantly amplifying the noise.

Zhao Zhao was startled awake, and Yan Qing whispered in his ear, “It’s okay, it’s okay…”

Chu Heng realized the situation and said, “You guys park at the door. I’ll walk back myself.”

Chu Yang nodded, driving away once he closed the door.

The only downside to living in the countryside was that it could be too noisy sometimes, especially during festive seasons when everyone came back home.

Fortunately, they were all very well-mannered. Outside, the noise was deafening, but once they entered the house, it quieted down.

The Chu family’s house was beautiful, standing out even among the village’s best.

Yan Qing followed them as they got out of the car.

A few people came out of the house and upon seeing them, their eyes lit up.

A middle-aged woman quickly walked over and warmly pulled Zhou Huaiya by the arm, “I wondered why it was so noisy outside; turns out the big boss and his family are back.”

Turning back to the house, she called out, “Dad, your eldest son’s family is back!”

An elderly man, about sixty or seventy years old, came out, smiling broadly when he saw them, “They’re home, Zhao Zhao, Yangyang!”

Zhao Zhao frowned, and Yan Qing leaned down to his ear, “That’s Grandpa. You need to call him.”

Zhou Huaiya eagerly looked at Zhao Zhao.

Zhao Zhao’s frown deepened, but he obediently said, “Grandpa!”

The old man’s excitement grew, but the first woman’s odd expression didn’t seem to focus on Zhao Zhao’s willingness to call Grandpa; instead, she stared at Yan Qing and exclaimed, “Where’s this girl from? Big bro, you said Zhao Zhao was supposed to be with my daughter!”

The woman’s words felt weird to Yan Qing, but she said nothing.

Chu Yang picked Zhao Zhao up and placed him in his wheelchair, instructing her to push him inside, “Don’t worry about it.”

Yan Qing nodded, followed the old man, and greeted him.

The old man smiled warmly in response, hesitated, but looked at Zhao Yang with concern. He croaked, “Yangyang, who’s this?”

“This is Yan Qing, who lives with us. My brother owes her a lot,” Chu Yang said with a black coat over his tall, imposing frame, yet his eyes softened as he supported the old man. “Grandpa, my brother only listens to her now.”

The old man’s expression shifted to seriousness, “Really skilled!”

“Yes!” Chu Yang nodded, his voice filled with concern. His brother was thoroughly smitten, and all he could do was hope that Yan Qing would eventually like his brother too—maybe become his sister-in-law, then have a child for them.

After all, he would always watch over them, making sure no one could bully them.

The old man smiled and, once they were inside, asked, “Young lady, are you thirsty? Should I get you some water?”

“No need,” Yan Qing smiled back, “We brought water with us, haven’t finished it yet.”

“Grandpa, where’s Zhao Zhao’s room? He wants to go in,” Yan Qing asked.

The noise was starting to annoy Zhao Zhao.

The old man eagerly said, “Upstairs, come on, Grandpa will take you.”

Yan Qing nodded.

Even though it was an old house, they had installed ramps for wheelchairs to make it convenient for everyone.

Chu Yang followed closely behind, keeping a watchful eye on his brother until he fell asleep, then quickly brought their luggage upstairs.