Free Web NovelChapter 635: Returning to the Li Family
"Alright, Sis, let me know when you’re heading back. I’ll go with you," Xu Minglei nodded.
"Okay," Xu Mumu nodded.
The siblings chatted for a while, then the little one’s gaze was drawn to the books on his uncle’s table.
"Uncle, what is this?" The little one asked, curious about the pictures in the book.
His attention diverted by the little fellow, Xu Minglei patiently explained to him, using words he could understand.
"Sis, how much have you taught Doudou? He seems to know so much," after explaining for a while, Xu Minglei was a bit puzzled seeing the little one look as if he understood everything. Did his nephew really get it?
"We’ve been enlightening him lately. He’s very smart and has a good memory, so it’s hard not to teach him a bit more. Now he can recognize quite a few characters and can do simple addition and subtraction," Xu Mumu said with a proud smile, speaking of her son.
"Doudou is really that great now?" Xu Minglei was extremely surprised.
"Of course," Xu Mumu laughed.
Looking at his nephew, Xu Minglei thought his little brother was smart, but his nephew was even smarter.
"I’m the smartest. That’s what Great-grandpa said," the little one boasted, almost wagging his tail.
Over the past couple of days, Professor Song and Professor Jian were amazed by the little one’s learning progress. Knowing how smart and quick he was, they were planning how to teach Doudou.
After playing at the Xu Family for a bit, Xu Mumu took Xu Minglei and Doudou to the family’s little convenience store.
When they arrived, they saw the store was busy. Jiang Yuxiu was at the fast-food shop nearby, but business was slow at the moment. She was sitting with a cloth bag, knitting sweaters for her unborn child.
"Grandma, Mom and Dad, Sis-in-law," Xu Mumu greeted with a smile.
"Why have you all come here? Doudou, come to Grandma," Li Caixia said, putting away the money before picking up Doudou.
"Grandma, Doudou is heavy, don’t carry," the little one said seriously.
"Who says so? Doudou is not heavy at all. Granny will give you a kiss," Li Caixia adored her serious grandson, finding him utterly adorable.
After a kiss, the little fellow’s cheeks turned red, and he even felt shy.
With Xu Mumu and others arriving, the place became lively, and the little one instantly became the center of attention.
While chatting with the Xu family, Xu Mumu inquired about her grandparents’ situation.
Li Caixia had visited her family a few days ago and knew their situation quite well.
Listening to what Li Caixia said, Xu Mumu felt her heart sink. Her grandfather’s condition was worse than she expected, and it might not be long now.
"Are you really going back to visit in a few days?" Li Caixia asked Xu Mumu.
"Yes, we’ll go back to see them," Xu Mumu nodded.
"It’s good to visit. Your grandfather often talks about you," Li Caixia said, not feeling too cheerful either.
When Yin Yang returned at noon, Xu Mumu told him about it, and naturally, he supported it.
Having agreed on the return time with Xu Minglei, they planned to leave in three days. Xu Mumu placed the gifts she’d prepared in the car, while Xu Minglei helped with Doudou, only bringing along some clothes and supplements that Li Caixia had bought for the grandfather.
Sitting in the car going back, the little one remembered the place, his eyes filled with curiosity as he looked outside.
"Doudou, do you remember this place? We’ve been here before," Xu Mumu pointed at the museum not far away and told the little one.
"I know, Mr. Huo works here," the little one replied enthusiastically.
Besides the Old Xu family, Huo Qingze and his wife left the deepest impression on the little one.
"Correct, you have a good memory. Your Mr. Huo works here," Xu Mumu smiled and pinched the little one’s cheek.
The county wasn’t far from the village, and Huo Qingze’s dad had gotten him a position as the museum curator, so he moved his office here.
"Why bother remembering that guy," Yin Yang said, a trace of jealousy in his voice as he drove.
Xu Mumu couldn’t help but laugh, knowing how easily he got jealous.
Arriving in the village, they saw many new buildings. Development was fast here due to Yin Yang and others setting up enterprises, boosting economic growth. Many who had some spare money were already renovating their homes or buying houses in the county.
The area has become a well-known leisure tourist spot, with more money circulating as the economy flourishes.
Besides numerous guesthouses, several grocery stores and specialty shops were also opened, giving the place a unique character.
Roads connecting the nearby teams were completed, and as Xu Mumu and others drove into the Red Star Team, Yin Yang, familiar with the Li Family’s location, arrived outside their house in no time.
"Mumu, Yin Yang, Minglei, it’s you back," Mr. Li’s sister-in-law called out while hanging clothes and saw them first.
"Auntie," Xu Minglei called politely and helped carry the stuff inside.
"Doudou, greet Auntie,"
"Hello Auntie, I’m Doudou," the little one said curiously, looking at this aunt, noticing how crowded Granny’s family was.
"What a good boy Doudou is," Auntie’s eyes lit up seeing Doudou. The cute, well-cared-for little one had fair skin, resembling Yin Yang and appearing even cuter.
No other children in the village were as cute as Doudou, and all of the Li family’s cousins gathered to take a look.
The Li family had already split up, but their houses were close together, ensuring everyone knew if something happened.
As the grandfather’s health declined, everyone in the family came together to care for him again.
Though he stayed with the eldest branch, the other uncles remained devoted.
Upon their return, the Li family was delighted, and given the rush of their visit, there was no time to prepare. Mr. Li asked his wife and daughters-in-law to buy vegetables and meat from the village for lunch.
Xu Mumu, holding Doudou, came to her grandfather’s bed. Seeing the thin, fragile old man, her heart ached.
The grandfather didn’t refuse to eat; he just couldn’t.
"Grandpa, have some water," Xu Minglei brought a cup of water to his grandfather’s bedside, feeling deeply upset seeing his current state.
"Alright, Minglei, have a seat and rest. I’m already happy that you’re all back," Grandpa said with a gentle smile on his wrinkled face.
