Hai Tong found her husband practising Tai Chi in the back courtyard.
She asked with a smile, “Why have you started practising Tai Chi too? I thought you were out running. Where is Grandma?”
She had not seen Grandma when she came out.
Normally, at this time, Grandma would be in the courtyard doing her Tai Chi.
“She went over to Lao Ba’s place. Some of her medical reports are ready today, so she asked Lao Ba to go with her to the hospital to collect them.”
Hai Tong gave an understanding “oh”. “I knew Grandma wouldn’t be able to stay still. Now that Lao Ba has someone he likes, and she’s right here in Dongguan, no more flying back and forth. It would be strange if Grandma could sit quietly.”
“Did she tell you to take leave again and stay home with Beibei?”
Hai Tong stood to one side watching her husband go through the Tai Chi forms. She had not yet learned the movements herself.
For her usual exercise, she either ran or used the gym. She had always thought of Tai Chi as something for older people like Grandma.
“I can’t take leave this morning to look after the child at home. I will take Beibei to the office with me. When I am busy, the secretary can watch her for a bit.”
Hai Tong said, “You get on with your work. I will take Beibei to Da Yi’s house. Let Da Yi look after her for half the day. When Grandma is back, I will pick her up again. I am sure Da Yi will be delighted.”
Shang Wuhen and his three siblings had all produced boys. Now Madam Shang had come to prefer little girls even more. She even said she finally understood how eagerly the Zhan family had longed for a granddaughter.
When all the children in the house were sturdy, mischievous boys, a soft, sweet little girl seemed even more lovable.
“I have to go to the vegetable market this morning. It would not be convenient to take Beibei, otherwise I would have brought her to the office.”
Today Hai Tong was taking several clients to visit their vegetable market in person before they could sign the contracts.
Their company was no longer only supplying vegetables. It had diversified, though vegetables remained the main business, with deliveries to schools, companies, and the like.
When Zhan Yin finished his Tai Chi and stopped, Hai Tong picked up the towel he had brought out and handed it to him to wipe away his sweat.
“It would still be better to send her to Da Yi’s house. Da Yi is always saying she wants us to bring Beibei over for a meal.”
Zhan Yin thought that rather than them looking after their daughter themselves, it was better to let Madam Shang take care of her. Madam Shang would be happy to have Beibei.
“Da Yi’s little grandson has not started kindergarten yet. He and Beibei can play together.”
Hai Tong hummed in agreement. “I will phone Da Yi in a little while and ask her to come after eight to collect Beibei for play. Grandma should be back by midday.”
“Grandma loves to be out and about. Let her do as she wishes. For a while we kept restricting what she could do, and she grew very restless. I do not know when my parents will return. I will call them shortly to ask.”
“Once Lao Qi and Lan Ruoruo are engaged, they should be able to come back. Or perhaps they want to stay a bit longer in Yang City. We can manage here. There is no need to hurry them.”
Hai Tong said, “Are we still running? I will do a couple of laps. The two little ones will need to leave for school soon. Keep an eye on them.”
Zhan Yin walked with her. “I will join you for another couple of laps. They can look after themselves. The driver is waiting to take them to school. There is no need to worry.”
When it was only his own son, Zhan Yin would still glance over now and then. With Su Meng there, the two boys had company, so he did not need to bother at all.
Though both boys were very naughty, as eldest sons in their families they still had the intelligent, steady side of big brothers.
They were also brighter and more sensible than others their age. When paternal affection was not overflowing, Zhan Yin did not need to concern himself with his son.
The couple then ran together in the back courtyard.
When they had finished their two laps and returned inside, Baobao and Su Meng had just shouldered their schoolbags and were being led out, one on each hand by the housekeeper.
“Dad, Mum, good morning.”
Seeing his parents coming in hand in hand, Baobao paused to greet them.
