It was an ordinary morning when Mrs.

Nangong returned from the market with Yingzi, their arms full of groceries.

The moment they stepped inside, they were met with the sight of belongings strewn everywhere in utter disarray.

Mrs.

Nangong was so startled she couldn't speak, immediately assuming a burglar had struck.

Just as she reached for the phone to call the police, Mr.

Nangong burst out of the bedroom and firmly restrained her hand from the receiver.

“Why are you back so early? There’s been a robbery, call the police quickly!” Mrs.

Nangong exclaimed, agitated.

“Shhh…” Mr.

Nangong placed a finger to his lips, gesturing for silence, and whispered, “Keep your voice down, don't let the neighbors hear.” “What neighbors? We’ve been robbed, call the police now!” Mrs.

Nangong stamped her foot in anger, wishing she could land a couple of solid punches on her husband to shock some sense into his dim head.

“No robbery, no robbery…” Mr.

Nangong forced a smile, gently taking the receiver from his wife and placing it securely back on the cradle.

He lowered his voice, saying, “I tossed these things out.

I was looking for the bankbook; I plan to withdraw all the cash today and move out tomorrow.” “What?” Mrs.

Nangong couldn't believe her ears.

She wondered why they were suddenly moving when everything seemed fine.

Had her husband gotten into trouble somewhere and was planning to run away? If he ran, he’d lose his job, and she was a full-time housewife—how would they manage their life afterward? Thinking of this, just like any housewife who dissolved into tears watching a soap opera, Mrs.

Nangong’s eyes instantly reddened.

With tears welling up, she pointed at her husband word by word: “Have you done something wrong outside? Or done something to betray me?” Mr.

Nangong made a calming gesture toward his wife, thinking how slow a woman’s mind was, always focused only on the patch of ground directly in front of her.

Telling her the truth now might cause a huge scene, not only preventing them from leaving but possibly costing Yingzi her life as well.

Nevertheless, he maintained his pleasant expression and said, “We’ll discuss this in detail after we’re on the road tomorrow.

After so many years of marriage, you must trust that I would never harm you, nor would I harm Yingzi.

Listen to me: quietly pack your things.

The moving company arrives at five tomorrow morning, and I’ve already found a new place.

There’s just one condition: you absolutely cannot let that family next door know, absolutely, absolutely, absolutely…” Mr.

Nangong stressed the word ‘absolutely’ three times.

Seeing his earnest plea, his wife knew something major must have happened.

Since she couldn't get a clear answer now, she simply agreed to his request and went inside to start packing.

While her parents were talking, Yingzi was in the restroom, so she hadn't heard a word of their exchange.

Seeing her parents packing, she assumed they were preparing for a trip, never once considering moving house.

Therefore, that afternoon, she prepared her favorite preserved plums and sour plums for Xiao Shu as usual.

After school, Xiao Shu arrived at Yingzi’s house as always, and the two sat on the balcony, sharing the preserved plums until every last bit was gone.

Finally, Xiao Shu patted her stomach, still wanting more, and said, “Truly a delicacy of the mortal realm! Beautiful young lady, could you prepare another box for tomorrow?” Yingzi smiled sweetly, adopting an air of utmost refinement, and deliberately winked at Xiao Shu.

“Of course.

Absolutely no problem! I can even accompany it with beautiful music, dedicating a solo dance to the long-lived Comrade Li Xiao Shu!” “Hahaha, wonderful! I’ll be waiting,” Xiao Shu exclaimed happily, clapping her hands.

However, she did not know that this final promise would never come to pass.