Courtyard houses: Those who are capable are rewarded, and many children bring many blessings.

Niu Dazhuang wanted to hug the person and comfort her, but Lou Xiao'e noticed this and gave him a murderous look, scaring Niu Dazhuang back his outstretched arm.

These two aren't really on the same page!

She stopped Niu Dazhuang with a look, then gently patted Tan Yali's back, comforting her, "Mommy, haven't we made it through this? Good days are just around the corner!"

Tanya took out a silk handkerchief and elegantly wiped away the tear stains on her cheek.

"Hey, she really does have the air of a well-bred lady!"

"I'm sorry, I lost my composure just now. Dazhuang, let's put everything else aside, you still have to give Xiao'e an explanation."

Niu Dazhuang was afraid people would say that he stole someone's things, and the person accepted the loss without asking for them back.

The girl couldn't just sleep with him for free. Niu Dazhuang was completely in the wrong in this matter.

"I'm not getting a divorce anyway, I'll agree to anything else!" Niu Dazhuang stated his bottom line.

Tanya suddenly blurted out, "Dazhuang, do you have any connections overseas?"

"no."

"I have a simple idea, listen to it."

"oh!"

"I can call off Xiao'e's marriage to Xu Damao. I can also let Xiao'e be your mistress!"

"What happens next?"

"Three years. How many children Xiao'e can have for you in three years depends on you. After three years, all the property you acquired from the Lou family will go to Xiao'e. We'll move overseas. I've had enough of staying in China!"

"Just the two of you? What about Lou Bancheng?"

"Hmph! He's still thinking of having multiple escape routes, protecting the family business for his son. He won't leave unless absolutely necessary."

Niu Dazhuang thought for a moment and realized that three years later would be 65, the year before the storm, which would be a perfect window of opportunity.

"Sure, could you move to Hong Kong Island? I have a friend who also wants to go there, and you could look after each other!"

"What kind of friend is worthy of your trust?"

"A woman."

"Oh, I knew it, Dazhuang, I couldn't let you suffer a loss..."

Well, Tan Yali is much more ruthless than me. According to her plan, apart from the fixed assets that can't be moved, she's going to give Lou Bancheng a run for his money!

It's unbelievable how estranged this couple is.

Tanya seemed to sense his thoughts: "Do you think I'm too heartless and ruthless?"

"Actually, I had already scouted the locations. I could have emptied the other three properties in one night. But I couldn't resist and slept with Xiao'e. I softened. I couldn't let Xiao'e starve in the future!"

Hearing this, Lou Xiao'e felt a warmth in her heart, and she looked at Niu Dazhuang even more fondly.

Love grows over time; how can love develop without physical intimacy? Isn't that how young people get married these days?

Lou Xiao'e is the most typical example.

"You think the assets you leave behind can be given to Xiao'e? This kind of thinking is a typical example of not understanding the thoughts of these capitalist lords. Xiao'e will only have enough to eat and drink, and when she gets married, she will receive a dowry."

This dowry is less than a tenth of the Lou family's assets. Steal it! Empty the Lou family's house! Why should I risk my life to protect all the assets I've saved and leave them to his son from his first wife?!

So that's where the 'gnawing' (啃节) is.

That makes sense when you think about it. When danger struck, the first wife took the children and ran away. Once the danger was over, she shamelessly came back to inherit the family fortune.

Niu Dazhuang never expected things to turn out this way.

Since we're already here, why not spend some more time together? This time is different; Lou Xiao'e is sober, and her shyness is just like Qin Xueru's on their wedding night.

The two of them had their fun, but Tanya was left in an awkward position. She couldn't very well be sober and compete with Xiao'e for a man.

However, her embarrassment didn't last long; Niu Dazhuang's fighting strength was...

With this matter settled, Niu Dazhuang was in a great mood.

At night, the two sons lay in the middle, while Xue Ru and Niu Dazhuang each lay on one side.

"Dazhuang, Xiuru hasn't been back to her hometown for three years. She wants to go back for the New Year. What do you think?"

"You can handle this as you see fit."

"I was worried you'd think I was always thinking about my family, so why don't you find me a job too? The kids are older now, and Xiuru can take good care of them on her own!"

"Just stay home and take care of the kids. I don't need the meager earnings you make."

"Oh, Xiuru will be twenty-three after the New Year, which is the perfect time to have a baby..."

"It's Xiuru's turn to move around today, so why is it all her business?"

"Everyone else has their own children, how can Xiuru not be anxious!"

"From now on, if anything happens, let her tell me directly. It's not good for you to always relay messages!"

"She does want to tell you that you never gave her a chance to speak."

"Okay, let's make a rule from now on: every Saturday, we'll go to Huai Ru's place and hold a family meeting where everyone takes turns speaking. That way, we can maintain good communication."

"That's a good idea. You said it yourself, so don't let Ningru get entangled before we've even finished talking about it."

"You have to talk to Ningru about this. I can't refuse her request, or it would make me seem incompetent."

"That brat, she thinks she's all grown up now, and she doesn't listen to me much anymore. You need to teach her a lesson."

"Fine, I'll take charge. Anyone who disobeys will get a spanking!"

After the birth of their child, only Niu Dazhuang and Qin Xueru moved back to the courtyard house. Ningru and Xiuru moved to the small courtyard where Yu Li used to live.

The 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month is the Little New Year in northern China.

Niu Dazhuang was summoned to Su Wan's office.

"Have you heard the rumors below?" Su Wan asked seriously.

"I heard about it. You've done a good job keeping this a secret, even from me. Let's see how I deal with you tonight."

"Hehe... I've been promoted half a rank, shouldn't you be happy for me? Why are you still trying to punish me? Fengtai isn't that far, as long as you're willing, we can still see each other often."

Niu Dazhuang hugged Su Wan from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder and pressing his face against hers: "I can't bear to part with her!"

"Come on! I'm old and faded, I'm not as attractive as those young married women. Look at you, the other night, you and Su Ting were all lovey-dovey!" After saying that, she pulled Niu Dazhuang from behind.

"I have something important to tell you. I've secured the position of deputy head of the security department for you. Work hard, hone your skills for a few years, and when Lao Liu retires, Bai Hongyan will give you a push. Getting promoted another half a grade shouldn't be a problem."

"Ah! Hongyan is being transferred back?"

"You're all you think about is women. You have absolutely no political sense. What does Hongyan's return mean?"

"What does it mean?" Niu Dazhuang hadn't really thought about it.

"This means that Minister Bai has acknowledged what Bai Hongyan did in the past. She's now in my position, and she's two years younger than I was back then."

I have little hope of advancing any further in my life.

"You were transferred to the Fengtai branch; wasn't that a promotion?"

"Yes, isn't there a Party Secretary up there?"

"It's already pretty good, don't put too much pressure on yourself."

"Feeling good now, huh? Your beloved Yan'er is back!"