Xiao Yi listened to her scolding the entire time, always looking at her with a gentle, accommodating smile.
When she tired of talking, he considerately handed her the thermos. Xia Weiliang took a big gulp and continued, "I've made up my mind. I want her to voluntarily give up Meimei's custody."
Xiao Yi pondered for a moment and said, "You should understand that Meimei has parents, which doesn't meet the standard for adoption. Even if you have a private agreement, she might go back on her word. You won't have legal support, and with your public figure status, public opinion will be unfavorable."
He knew whether this plan was feasible or not. However, instead of discouraging her, he followed her train of thought and helped her analyze the pros and cons.
"I've considered all of that. I actually want her to hand over custody to the child's father. I've also learned from Xiao Shu that Meimei's father truly cares for her, but he's genuinely unable to raise her, which is why he went out to work and earn money to save more for his daughter's dowry."
She said, "I don't care about fame. I just want to help this little girl. As long as her father agrees, I'll sponsor her education and help her escape this unhealthy environment!"
Xiao Yi knew that in Meimei, she saw Zhao Cheng, and also herself.
He reached out and gently ruffled her hair, "Before that, shouldn't you understand Meimei's thoughts?"
"You mean she doesn't want to leave?"
Xia Weiliang waved her hand, "That's impossible! What's there to be nostalgic about?"
"Whether it's true or not, you can ask your godson."
He subtly gestured towards the side. Xia Weiliang then noticed the small figure sitting inside the doorframe.
Xiao Yi stood up, "I'm going in to rest. There are still a few more fields to till this afternoon."
Xia Weiliang gave a hum and then beckoned Zhao Cheng over, "Did you hear what we were just talking about?"
Zhao Cheng nodded slightly. Though only a teenager, his eyes held a maturity beyond his years.
In short, he was grown-up.
Zhao Cheng tilted his head and looked at Xia Weiliang, "Are you still going to adopt this sister?"
Xia Weiliang said, "If she's willing, I'd really like to help her. At least, to get her out of this environment."
In her opinion, having a mother who didn't want her and felt she was a burden would inevitably affect the child's physical and mental health.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Cheng said, "Perhaps, she doesn't want to leave at all."
Xia Weiliang paused, "But..." Su Dan Novel Network
Knowing what she wanted to say, Zhao Cheng slowly said, "Actually, I had a chance to study in town before. The village chief worked hard to get it for me. But I still refused. They thought I was just playing around and didn't want to study, but it was actually because..."
"Your mother," Xia Weiliang stared at him blankly, suddenly understanding.
"Mm." The young man smiled, revealing his pearly white teeth. "She's married in the next village, and she doesn't have any other relatives. What if she's bullied? If I leave, who will back her up?"
At that moment, Xia Weiliang's heart tightened. Looking at this half-grown child, speaking so earnestly about backing up his mother, she knew she would probably never forget it in her lifetime.
"I know the environment in town is good. The village chief has told me countless times, saying there would be dormitories, meat to eat, and thick cotton clothes to wear, conditions hundreds of times better than our village! But if I leave, I can only come back once or twice a year..."
As he spoke, he sighed heavily with an old-fashioned air, "Alas, my mother has a good temper and a soft personality. Even if she's wronged by that family, she won't tell me. She'll definitely report good news and hide bad news! I have to investigate thoroughly before deciding!"
Xia Weiliang realized that she had only just now recognized that Zhao Cheng was the one who thought the most.
She reached out and hugged his shoulders, pulling him tighter, "I told you, you just need to be a child! You're not allowed to think about any of the things adults should worry about!"
Zhao Cheng chuckled twice and suddenly said, "Liang Niang, I want to join the army."
"Joining the army is great! Defending the country, and the uniform looks so handsome!"
Which girl could resist a uniform?
Moreover, it would be a great experience for Zhao Cheng. She fully supported it with both hands and feet.
"But..." Zhao Cheng scratched his head and said, "If I really join the army, it will be even harder to come back and see you. I still have to fulfill my filial duties to you!"
Xia Weiliang was amused by his serious demeanor, "Your Liang Niang is still very young! I don't need your filial piety yet, just fulfill your duty to the country!"
Zhao Cheng's eyes lit up at this, "Okay!"
She reached out and ruffled his hair, looking at him with both pride and heartache, "You're so young..."
So young...
She really couldn't bear it!
Behind them, she vaguely heard sobbing. She was startled and turned around to see Xiao Shuai carrying the camera behind her, wiping his tears from time to time.
Zhao Cheng had, in a way, watched him grow up. He was like a skinny sprout back then. Now that he had finally grown tall and strong, he was going to join the army in a few years...
Thinking that the little guy would have a hard time, he also felt heartache!
Xia Weiliang chuckled and whispered into Zhao Cheng's ear, "Your Uncle Xiao Shuai can't bear to part with you either!"
Zhao Cheng looked at the camera, still a bit embarrassed, and scratched his head, "It's not a sure thing yet. I still have to study hard."
"That's truly admirable!"
Xia Weiliang pressed her cheek against his and vigorously ruffled his hair until it stood up like a bird's nest.
Thinking back to when she first saw Zhao Cheng and looking at him now, how could she not be proud!
"Liang Niang, take me to see that little girl," Zhao Cheng said. "Let me talk to her."
When Xia Weiliang looked at him again, she could no longer view him as just a child.
After a long moment, she smiled and nodded, "Alright."
They arrived at Sun Xiaomei's house in the afternoon. She had just returned from school and was preparing dinner at home.
The door was open, and thick smoke was billowing out.
Zhao Cheng quietly said that this was because wet firewood was used to cook.
Xia Weiliang glanced at the pile of things stacked in the yard – branches, straw, and scattered pieces of wood. Due to the weather, the clothes hanging in the yard were also damp.
In the kitchen, the little girl was cooking, occasionally blocking her nose and mouth with her arm, and then coughing hard.
Soon, she brought out a plate of fried rice. The rice was charred, and there were some vegetable leaves mixed in.
Seeing Xia Weiliang, she was taken aback and immediately stared at her defensively.
"I'm sorry, we came in because the door was open." Xia Weiliang smiled at her kindly and pointed at Xiao Shuai, "I promise, the camera isn't on."
Meimei glanced at the few people and then ignored them, sitting on a small stool and eating quietly.
Zhao Cheng frowned, staring at the food on her plate, "Um... you can ask others for some fermented bean curd sauce and make your own, it's very fragrant mixed with rice! I can eat three big bowls every time!"
Meimei froze and looked up at him.
The fermented bean curd sauce in the countryside was very particular. She hadn't expected him to know about it.
As if sensing the girl's thoughts, Zhao Cheng laughed heartily, "I had it much worse than you before!"
Xia Weiliang: "!"
Xiao Shuai: "!"
Did he have to be so blunt?!