"You’re my dad, who else would I ask for leave from? I’ve got to trouble you with the company’s affairs."
Si Yu said matter-of-factly.
"Go on, what else?" Meng Jin asked.
Si Yu replied, "Dad, you can probably guess."
"You don’t need to worry about Zaozao and Chenchen, your mom and I will take good care of them, but you can’t just throw the whole company at me either."
Meng Jin hadn’t finished speaking before Si Yu interrupted, "Dad, you can’t just watch your daughter-in-law go to Changshui Village alone, can you?"
"That village is very remote, and there’s no transport; it’s a three-hour walk on the mountain path." Si Yu felt for Tang Yue, her strong personality meant that even if she couldn’t walk, or if her legs hurt, or if she got scratched somewhere, or if she was exhausted, she’d never tell anyone and would just tough it out.
Moreover, Tang Yue was intent on seeing Tang Jun and learning about his situation; without him by her side, he’d be even more worried.
"Okay, okay, I know you care about your wife, but three days, a maximum of three days, after three days, you know I also have matters at the company." Meng Jin reminded him, managing Si Yu’s company meant he had to work late at night.
"Alright."
Si Yu knew three days off was the limit. Though he initially requested several days, his bottom line was actually two days.
Now that he managed to get three days, Si Yu was naturally happy and said joyfully, "Thanks, Dad."
"Next time, don’t ask so early." Meng Jin hung up the phone, planning to cuddle Mo Xiaolin and take another nap, only to find she was already awake.
"Why are you up already? It’s still early."
Meng Jin said with a broad smile.
Mo Xiaolin replied, "I’m not sleeping anymore, I’ll make something for Zaozao and Chenchen to eat later, and take it to the company."
"Luckily I’m a music teacher, otherwise, I wouldn’t even have time for my grandchildren." Mo Xiaolin said, smiling, she was willing to get up at five for the kids, or even stay up all night.
"Xiaolin, how about we sleep a bit more?" Meng Jin wanted to catch some more sleep.
He used to not want to sleep much alone, it was too lonely, but now?
With his wife and kids warming the bed, Meng Jin wished he could take all the leave he hadn’t used before.
"Not sleeping."
Once Mo Xiaolin was up, she couldn’t fall back asleep.
Mo Xiaolin got busy in the kitchen.
In the Jianan Prefecture, at the Siheyuan.
When Tang Yue woke up, she faintly heard some noises and realized after a moment that she was back in the country, at the company.
Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she walked to the living room, where she saw Si Yu packing clothes in the early dawn.
"What time is it?"
Tang Yue instinctively glanced at the clock on the wall.
It’s only ten past five.
"Why are you up so early?" Si Yu said while packing clothes into a bag, "There’s still time, sleep a bit more."
"Not sleeping, we’re going to Changshui Village today, didn’t we say it would take a long time? We should leave early." Tang Yue yawned, thinking of Tang Jun quickly dispelled the sleepiness from her mind, she said, "What should we bring him, and the villagers rescued him, right?"
"We should offer something." Tang Yue wanted to talk about this with Si Yu yesterday, but she drifted to sleep shortly after.
"Xiao Yang has already thought it through for you, he plans to build roads for the village, construct a Hope Primary School, and donate books." Si Yu roughly knew Xiao Yang’s plans.
"By the way, when do we leave?" Tang Yue changed the subject, not wanting to continue the previous topic.
Last night, she called Jin Yan, and Jin Yan also said she wanted to accompany her to Changshui Village.
Confirming the time is necessary to inform Jin Yan.
"Six o’clock sharp, I’ve already secured a vehicle." Si Yu said, asking, "I’ve packed a few sets of clothes for you, check if there’s anything else you need; the conditions there might not be as good as home, I think it’s best to be fully prepared."
Si Yu brought along plenty of things like mosquito repellent and coils, knowing there could be mosquitoes in the village, and he packed sheets and blankets, aware of Tang Yue’s neat freak habits; wherever she goes, she always brings her own things.
"It’s enough, you’ve packed very thoroughly, we’re not going on vacation." Tang Yue leaned against Si Yu, saying, "Si Yu, you’re so considerate, thank you."
"Silly girl."
Si Yu kissed her forehead.
’Knock knock’
Before six, Mo Xiaolin arrived with breakfast, Tang Yue felt a bit awkward saying, "Mom, you’ve been working hard these days."
"Xiao Yue, you’re calling me mom, how is it hard work?" Mo Xiaolin said cheerfully, "I’m happy you let me take care of the kids."
"I cooked porridge, would you like some?"
Mo Xiaolin gestured with the porridge in her hand.
Tang Yue nodded, saying, "I’ll have some."
They were about to head out, so some white porridge would be good to warm their stomachs.
At six o’clock sharp, after Tang Yue glanced at her sleeping children, she set off with Si Yu.

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