Zhou Shi’s face instantly flushed red upon hearing their words, and she quickly said, “What are you talking about? These things just happened, and you’re already bringing this up. You really must enjoy gossiping. Li Ping is his own business; I have no such intentions. Please stop talking about it; it would be disastrous if someone overheard. Not to mention what others would say, even Mother wouldn't let me off the hook. I’ve decided to forget about this matter for the rest of my life, just take Xiaoshan and Xiaoyun, and when we save up some money in a few years, I plan to renovate the house. By then, Xiaoshan will be older, can find a wife, and that will be my life.”

“Third Sister-in-law, how can you think like that? Although Third Brother is my own brother, he passed away many years ago. You have managed on your own for so many years. Even if you leave now, you will have been worthy of our Lin family. Now that you’ve finally met someone who treats you well, and you’re still so young, why do you insist on spending the rest of your life alone? You still have a long road ahead.” Hongxia exclaimed.

Zhou Shi gave a weak smile and said, “Hongxia, I know you mean well, and all of you mean well, which is why you say such heartfelt things to me. To be honest, we are all women; only we truly understand how difficult the life of a single woman can be. My situation is much like yours; we both have to raise two children on our own. For years, others might not know what was in my heart, but you should understand best. If it weren’t for Second Sister-in-law’s family all these years, we would have sunk into unimaginable poverty. Sometimes, when life gets tough, I think about just finding any man to marry, but then I always recall the situations of women remarrying with children in tow—what good is it for the children to be baggage? I am truly afraid that if I marry poorly, I will ruin myself, let alone harm the children. For all these years, Mother has been trying to find someone for you, and you refused, haven’t you? It’s the same logic.”

Zhou Shi’s words brought tears to Hongxia’s eyes as she nodded repeatedly. This made Lin He feel that these two women were truly fellow sufferers sharing the same bitter fate; Zhou Shi’s words had voiced the deepest heartache within them.

Lin He looked at the few people present, hesitated for a moment, and then couldn't help but speak up, “Third Mother, please listen to what I have to say first, and think about it carefully. If you feel what I say is wrong, just dismiss it as a child speaking carelessly. I think what Eldest Aunt and Second Aunt said holds some truth. Now that Xiaoshan and the others are growing up, you shouldn't only think about the children. Think about yourself. If you genuinely feel that Uncle Li Ping is a good man, then follow what your heart tells you. Don't worry about this person or that person. You should live a life for yourself for once. If you can convince yourself, then nothing else is a problem; no one can stop you, not even Grandmother. As for Xiaoshan and Xiaoyun, they aren't tiny children anymore. If you wish to take them with you, as long as they are willing, Grandmother won't be able to stop it either. If you don't want to create hard feelings, we will help you persuade Grandmother until she agrees.”

Huang Shi and the others were stunned into silence by Lin He’s string of words, thinking that He’er was quite unusual today, as she usually wouldn't interject with such things. However, every word she spoke was logical. Zhou Shi, after hearing Lin He, also fell silent for a while, unconsciously asking herself: "Can I do this? Can I be so selfish as to only think of myself?"

“Third Mother, I think you can. My sister said that everyone in this world has moments where they are selfish, but as long as your selfishness doesn't negatively affect others, and you can handle the relationships involved, that isn’t called selfishness; it’s called great wisdom.” Chen’er suddenly popped up from somewhere and interjected.

Those who were silent were startled by her, then immediately burst out laughing. Huang Shi also smiled and chided, “This girl only knows how to talk nonsense without understanding the meaning. She just randomly uses what her sister tells her. She butts into adult conversations without knowing the beginning or the end. She’s slow-witted when it comes to doing chores, but she learns all this random stuff faster than anyone.”

Hongxia and the others also laughed because of Chen’er’s words. Chen’er didn’t seem to think she had said anything wrong. She walked over and said, “Third Mother, you must listen to me; I’m never wrong. Are you feeling a bit better now? Xiaoyun was just scared, so Yuanzhu and I took her to our house. We’ll bring her back before it gets dark.”

Zhou Shi also smiled and patted Chen’er’s head, saying, “What Chen’er said is right. Third Mother will listen to Chen’er. You take Xiaoyun; Xiaoshan can come pick her up before dark.”

Chen’er nodded, turned, and left. Zhou Shi watched Chen’er’s retreating back and said, “Second Sister-in-law, your two daughters are truly the envy of me—smart, beautiful, and kind-hearted. If our Xiaoyun can be half as smart as them when she grows up, I will be content.”

Huang Shi smiled and said, “That girl Chen’er seems smart, but she’s actually quite simple. Ah, never mind her. Let’s talk about what He’er brought up just now, Third Sister-in-law. What do you think? We are all here, just the few of us in the immediate family, so say whatever is on your mind. We won't laugh at you, and we won't tell Mother, don't worry.”

Zhou Shi thought for a moment, a hint of shyness on her face, and said, “Second Sister-in-law, what you all said is correct. In truth, I’m not completely against this matter, but this is likely not something I get to decide alone. It might be difficult to convince Father and Mother right away. If this leads to trouble, I would rather not bring it up at all.”

Huang Shi and Hongxia exchanged glances, and Hongxia laughed, saying, “Third Sister-in-law, He’er is right. As long as you agree yourself, that’s what matters. Don't worry about this for now. You stay home and take care of your health. When the time is right, I will go talk to Mother; I guarantee Mother will agree, and I absolutely won’t let her make a fuss.”

Huang Shi also nodded. Having Hongxia discuss this with Zhao Shi was the most appropriate course of action. Zhao Shi’s biggest concern was actually Hongxia remaining unsettled. She worried that Hongxia would be too discouraged by this recent event and give up on the idea of remarrying. As long as Hongxia explained things clearly to her, half the issue would be resolved. Thinking this, Huang Shi asked one more question: “Third Sister-in-law, if this matter does work out, what are your plans? Li Ping’s home is quite far from here. If you marry there, it might be difficult for you to visit often. Will the children be able to adjust to living there?”

Huang Shi was also worried. After all, the children were Lin family children. Although Li Ping seemed like a good man now, she didn't know his mother. Furthermore, Xiaoshan and Xiaoyun weren't his biological children; over time, if the household burden grew heavy, he might inevitably have other thoughts. In such a distant place, it would be impossible for their immediate relatives here to provide support. Also, Xiaoshan was already old enough to be working at Aunt Xu’s place, and it would be best for him to continue learning a trade there, as having a skill for a boy was better than only knowing how to farm.