My College Teacher is My Children's Mom

Back at the hotel, Wen Xiaoya's parents couldn't help but discuss their future son-in-law's character and demeanor.

"Lin Jie is a good kid, and his family is decent, too," the mother said. "You can tell his mom genuinely likes Xiaoya from the bottom of her heart, and the brothers get along very well."

"Most importantly, his older brother seems to be quite wealthy," Wen Xiaoya's father added, nodding. "Yes, and Lin Jie will be developing his career in Jingcheng, which makes it convenient for us to look after them."

Marriage wasn't just a matter between two people; it involved both of their families. As the bride's family, they were naturally more concerned about the groom's. Before they came, they had thought it wouldn't matter if his family's circumstances were a bit poor. As long as his parents were good people and Lin Jie was sincere with their daughter, they would accept it. Now, after meeting them, they were quite satisfied—much more so than they had expected.

Meanwhile, Xiaoya called her best friend to tell her the good news: her marriage to Lin Jie was settled, and her parents no longer opposed it.

Yu Zheng had returned from out of town. Ever since his aunt's death, Yu Zheng had come back every year. First, to visit the graves, and second, to reunite with his relatives. He proposed in the group chat that the cousins get together, suggesting Lin Jie bring Wen Xiaoya along so everyone could meet.

「The following night.」

The cousins gathered for a meal. Xiao Bao wasn't just the treasured darling of her own household. In the eyes of the other Lin family members, she was also cherished like the moon surrounded by stars. As the saying goes, the things you want most are often the hardest to obtain, which only makes them more precious. Lin Rui and Lin Jiajun had tried for so long that they had resigned themselves to the fact that having a daughter was a matter of fate, not effort. So be it. It was fine to dote on someone else's child instead.

When Lin Feng and Zhang Yuxi arrived, everyone was waiting for them. Lin Rui, who hadn't been seen in a month or two, seemed to have gained a lot of weight. His eyes, already small, were now even smaller, and when he smiled, he resembled a Maitreya Buddha.

His temper had also mellowed considerably, and he had become much more easygoing. For one thing, chronic health issues had started to surface over the past year, requiring him to take medicine regularly, maintain a bland diet, and keep a calm disposition. For another, his two children were at a truly trying age. The eldest had been accepted into a decent university, but the younger one's grades weren't good, and he didn't want to go to university, preferring to attend a vocational school instead.

The father and son had argued over this many times. Lin Rui finally understood how Lin Dahu must have felt and realized how difficult it was to be a father. In the end, they reached an agreement. After graduating from vocational school, his son could do whatever he wanted; whether he achieved greatness or mediocrity was up to his own making. In this, he was much like An Lan—he had finally come to terms with it.

Once a person lets go, many problems solve themselves. As the proverb goes, "Originally, there is nothing. Where can dust alight?"

He stood up. "Look at you, coming all this way and bringing the little one! Come here, let me hold you!"

Beside him, Du Yan asked, "You haven't been drinking, have you? Don't get your alcohol breath on the child."

Lin Rui chuckled. "How could I? When have you ever seen me drink?"

Xiao Bao, nestled in Lin Rui's arms, didn't cry or fuss, simply staring at him with curiosity.

Lin Jiajun couldn't help feeling envious again. "I guess my dream of having a daughter just isn't fated to be."

He and Lin Rui were truly out of luck when it came to having daughters. Lin Rui's health was failing, and in Lin Jiajun's case, it was Wang Lu who couldn't conceive again. At their age, they feared passing on some unforeseen illness to a new child. It was better to just stick with raising their two sons. Now, they could only hope for a granddaughter.

Lin Jiajun smiled and said, "Xiao Bao will definitely be beautiful when she grows up!"

Wang Lu nodded. "Yes, she will."

In the past, neither Wang Lu nor Du Yan had strong feelings about having a daughter. But then one day, upon realizing it was no longer possible, they began to yearn for one.

Yu Zheng and Sun Rou quickly urged Lin Rui to pass the baby over so they could have a look. Sun Rou took her. "Oh, my little sweetheart, you're getting more and more adorable! Come on, give us a smile!"

Xiao Bao grinned, drooling a little. Sun Rou quickly used the soft towel tucked under her chin to gently wipe it away.

"Is she teething?" Babies usually drool when they're cutting teeth.

"Yes," Lin Feng confirmed. "She's grown two teeth."

Yu Zheng was curious. "She's only five months old, isn't she? Teething this early?"

Wang Lu asked with concern, "Have you asked a doctor? It seems very early."

"I've asked the doctor," Lin Feng said. "He said that with sufficient nutrition and good physical development, some babies can start teething this early. The average is around six months."

Hearing this, everyone relaxed. As long as it was normal, it was fine.

Lin Feng and Zhang Yuxi sat down next to Lin Jie and Wen Xiaoya.

Yu Zheng smiled. "Around here, it seems only Director Lin and Lin Jie are drinking tonight. Shall we order some drinks?"

Lin Feng shook his head. "I'm not drinking. It's up to Lin Jie."

Lin Jie waved his hand dismissively. "I'm not drinking either!"

"Then we'll have soft drinks or juice," Yu Zheng said with a smile. "So, what's the entertainment after we eat? Karaoke or cards?"

Zhang Yuxi turned to Wen Xiaoya. "What would you like to do? That's pretty much all we do for fun around here."

Wen Xiaoya smiled. "I'm fine with anything. Whatever makes you all happy is fine with me."

And so it was decided: they would play cards at the KTV!

While eating, Lin Jiajun said, "Should we play for high stakes tonight?"

Yu Zheng and Lin Rui thought there was no point.

Lin Feng offered a faint smile. "I'm fine with whatever."

Lin Jie shook his head. "I can't afford to play at your level."

"Don't worry," Lin Feng said with a smile. "If you lose, it's on me!"

Before Lin Jie could respond, Lin Jiajun had already sealed the deal. "Alright, it's settled then."

After dinner, Xiao Bao was nearly asleep. Lin Feng called Dabao, telling him he could come pick her up. "The older kids are shopping nearby. We'll hand Xiao Bao over to them in a bit."

Yu Zheng laughed. "Now that the older ones can look after the younger one, it must be much more convenient for you two."

"It really is," Zhang Yuxi nodded.

By the roadside, Lin Feng gently handed Xiao Bao to Dabao. "If she gets hungry, make her some formula. Follow the amounts and water temperature I told you about. Be careful when you change her diaper so you don't wake her up, or she'll get fussy. Text Dad when you get home, and make sure one of you stays with Xiao Bao while she sleeps."

After giving his detailed instructions, the older kids said goodbye to everyone and left in the car.

"Let's go," Lin Rui said. "I have a friend who opened a KTV with a great atmosphere!"

When they arrived, the friend came over. After Lin Rui made introductions, they were shown to the best private room. "Don't give us a discount," Lin Rui told him. "Just charge us what you normally would."

Once they were settled, Lin Rui said to the staff, "Just bring us some drinks and fruit, please."

The women sang while the men played cards. Yu Zheng, Lin Rui, Lin Feng, Lin Jie, and Lin Jiajun played in rounds. After a while, even Wen Xiaoya joined in, but Zhang Yuxi still hadn't.

"Sister-in-law, why aren't you playing?"

Zhang Yuxi waved her hand. "I'm not playing. This isn't fun for me."

Lin Jie leaned over and whispered, "Sister-in-law is amazing at cards. She can count them. Whenever she plays, it's a guaranteed win."

Zhang Yuxi let out a timely sigh, as if to say, How lonely it is to be invincible.

Wen Xiaoya was astonished. "Sister-in-law, that's so cool! If only I were that good!"