Zhou Zhehan immediately slowed his pace. Although Zhou Yue Shen had never been harsh with them, his sharp gaze was enough to make a child cry. Zhou Zhehan was still afraid of his father.

Once he passed Zhou Yue Shen, he quickly dashed into the kitchen to wash his hands.

After Zhou Yue Shen had walked by, Si Nian waved him over, saying, "Zhou Yue Shen, come over here. Let's make dumplings together."

Zhou Yue Shen glanced at her for a moment and agreed, saying, "Alright."

He walked over and sat down next to Si Nian.

Zhou Zhehan soon ran over, washing his hands, and squeezed into the space between Zhou Yue Shen and Si Nian.

Complaining about the tight fit, he said, "Dad, move over a bit so I can sit too."

Zhou Yue Shen gave his youngest son a glance and shifted a little to make room for him.

Zhou Zedong, carrying his younger sister, came over, looked at the two of them and then at his younger brother sitting in the middle. He pursed his lips and sat down on Si Nian's other side.

"Big Brother, look at me making dumplings," Zhou Zhehan said, holding up a piece of dough and showing it off to Zhou Zedong with a flourish.

Zhou Zedong glanced at the wrinkled dough but said nothing.

Zhou Zhehan didn't mind and continued, "Let's have a contest to see who can make the most dumplings."

"Mom, who do you think will win, me or Big Brother?"

Si Nian smiled and replied, "I don't know who will win, but I'll be cheering for both of you."

Zhou Zedong, who had been reaching for another piece of dough, paused and glanced at Si Nian. Meeting her gaze, his face flushed slightly, and he quickly looked down, not saying anything. However, his pace noticeably quickened.

Zhou Zhehan nodded enthusiastically and declared, "Then I'm definitely going to win!"

He might not be as good as his brother at studying, but when it came to making dumplings, he was sure he was better!

As for why, Zhou Zhehan didn't know, but he had an inexplicable confidence about it.

"I want big chunks of meat!" Zhou Zhehan declared, stuffing a large amount of filling into his dough.

Zhou Zedong said nothing, but he added some meat to his own dough. However, unlike his younger brother, he wasn't going to be careless; too much meat would make the dough tear.

Si Nian glanced at Zhou Yue Shen, initially thinking he might not be good at making dumplings, but she was surprised to see his technique was quite skilled.

She raised an eyebrow and looked over at Zhou Zhehan, who had overloaded his dough with meat, causing it to burst open. The little guy looked a bit guilty, glancing around to see if anyone noticed his mistake. When he thought no one had seen, he pinched off a bit of dough to patch it up.

In contrast, Zhou Zedong was focused and serious, his head bowed as he carefully pinched the edges of his dough.

Da Huang, the family dog, sat nearby, watching the dumpling-making with interest.

Just then, a sharp voice came from outside the door, "Elder Brother, where's your Da Huang? Did you butcher him? That big dog looked fierce, and it wouldn't be good if it bit someone."

Upon hearing the voice, everyone inside the house, including Da Huang, turned towards the door with a frown.

Da Huang thought, "What? Did they say I'm dead?"

Si Nian frowned and looked towards the door, where Zhou Tingting was entering, carrying a large bundle of bags.

So soon, and she's already causing trouble again?

It's surprising she still had the nerve to come here.

The two little ones eyed Zhou Tingting warily as she walked in. Zhou Yue Shen's expression grew colder as he saw her, and he asked, "What are you doing here?"

Zhou Tingting noticed the family happily gathered around the table making dumplings and felt a surge of resentment. Her own situation was dire—her mother-in-law had lost her job, her younger brother-in-law was in prison, and they had to spend money every month to send him funds.

The pressure had all fallen on her and her husband.

Yesterday, she had a major argument with her husband and was kicked out.

Zhou Tingting had no place to go, so she had to return to the countryside in a dejected manner.

She knew that ever since her relationship with her elder brother had soured, the Li family had begun to look down on her. They were constantly insinuating and scolding her, calling her a harbinger of misfortune.

Zhou Tingting felt extremely frustrated. After hearing that the Zhou family helped Si Nian's family make money selling braised meat, she was scolded even worse. To make matters worse, her husband had kicked her out.

Zhou Tingting was overwhelmed with resentment. However, she believed that if she could mend her relationship with her elder brother, her husband would eventually come to seek her forgiveness and ask her to return.

So, after much deliberation, she decided to come back.

Fortunately, today was relatively smooth; she didn't encounter the big dog at the door. Otherwise, she wouldn't have dared to enter so recklessly.

Seeing that the entire family was casting displeased looks her way, Zhou Tingting, ever thick-skinned, approached and plopped herself down at the table. Looking at the dumplings, she said, "Brother, what else could I come for but to see you and the kids? I've been so busy and haven't been home in a long time. I know I was wrong before, and I'm sorry. Don't hold it against me. After all, I'm still your sister."

Zhou Tingting said this in a pitiful tone, glancing at the meat filling on the table. The trip was inconvenient, and the only transport she had was to the town, from which she walked all the way here, carrying her things, feeling both tired and hungry.

Not being shy, she smiled and said, "I'm starving. Let me have some dumplings, will you? Sister-in-law, could you serve me a bowl?"

She even addressed Si Nian as "sister-in-law" with an obsequious tone.

Si Nian couldn't help but feel a shiver. As the saying goes, "When someone comes with nothing to offer but their own company, they're either up to no good or just plain scheming."

Clearly, that was the case with Zhou Tingting.

Before Si Nian could respond, Zhou Yue Shen's voice was low and stern: "Do you have no hands?"

It was not her place to order Si Nian around.

Zhou Tingting's smile faltered. Normally, she would have exploded at such an attitude from Zhou Yue Shen, but today she was unusually submissive, forcing a grin as she replied, "Oh, right, I'll cook it myself."

As she carried the dumplings to cook, the two little ones immediately drooped their shoulders, their faces clearly showing their displeasure. The previously warm atmosphere was shattered, and they were clearly unhappy with their aunt.

Unfortunately, Zhou Tingting seemed oblivious to their reactions. She cheerfully brought out bowls and chopsticks for everyone.

"Brother, I've been kicked out by my in-laws. I might need to stay with you for a few days. Don't worry, I'm definitely not here to cause trouble. I've now seen the true colors of the Li family and won't argue with you because of them anymore."

She pretended to wipe her tears and glanced at Zhou Yue Shen, only to find him utterly indifferent and unmoved.

Zhou Tingting bit her lip and suddenly burst into tears.

"Brother, please let me stay for a few days. I know I disappointed you with how I treated Sister-in-law before, but it was all because of the pressure from the Li family."

Then she turned to Si Nian, pleading, "Sister-in-law, please let me stay. I'm willing to work hard for you, do whatever you need. I'll leave after a while, really!"

Si Nian remained silent and looked at Zhou Yue Shen.

Zhou Tingting was his sister, so Si Nian felt it was better for him to handle this situation.

Given the events that had already affected her reputation in the village, though she didn't care much, it wasn't good to let the gossip spread.

Si Nian felt that this was something Zhou Yue Shen needed to address.

Meanwhile, Zhou Tingting continued to cry while helping herself to the dumplings.

She was quite particular, picking only the nicely made dumplings.

Zhou Zihan immediately recognized those as ones made by his mother!

The little guy's mood soured instantly. He wanted to leave the table, not wanting to see his annoying aunt.

Zhou Tingting frowned. Zhou Zihan used to be so timid, scared stiff at the sight of her.

But now, he seemed emboldened, actually daring to show her a scowl.

It was one thing for her brother and Si Nian to give her attitude, but for a little kid to do so—what audacity! She suspected this change in him was Si Nian's fault.

Unable to hold back, she said, "Brother, look at how badly this child has been brought up. He doesn't even greet his own aunt and dares to give me attitude. I wonder how you're raising him."

Zhou Yue Shen suppressed his irritation and responded with even more coldness, "I'm the one who raised them. If the older ones don't behave well, what can I expect from the younger ones? I don't have any spare rooms for you. You should leave."

His tone remained stern, unaffected by Zhou Tingting's attempts to curry favor.

Despite her repeated foolishness, Zhou Yue Shen couldn't entirely disregard his sister. Though he had hoped that marriage would improve her behavior, it seemed to have regressed after his marriage to Si Nian.

Zhou Tingting felt uneasy, realizing that her previous actions might have frightened the children. She assumed this was what Zhou Yue Shen was referring to.

She sheepishly said, "Brother, I know I was wrong and I'm sorry. But don't you remember that Sister's death anniversary is coming up soon? I came back mainly for that."

As she mentioned her deceased sister, Zhou Tingting managed to squeeze out a couple of tears, "Sister has been gone for so long, and now it's just the two of us left. She wouldn't want to see us like this."

She looked at Zhou Yue Shen, who remained unmoved, and felt a pang of resentment. How could her own brother be so unwilling to let her stay, even for a couple of days?

Zhou Tingting felt as if she had been betrayed by the whole world, her heart breaking into pieces.

"If it's because of what I did to my sister-in-law before that you can't forgive me, then I'll go outside and kneel until you're willing to forgive me."

Saying this, she put down her bowl and chopsticks and made as if she were about to leave.

Three, two, one—someone stop me!

Zhou Tingting felt anxious. She didn't actually want to kneel; she was just trying to scare them into giving in. After all, it was New Year's Day, and there would be many passersby outside.

Seeing the family's lack of sympathy, Zhou Tingting felt her frustration mounting. She was infuriated that they remained indifferent.

Seeing that no one was responding to her threats, Zhou Tingting rolled her eyes in exasperation. Realizing that she had already said something she couldn't take back, she gritted her teeth and genuinely prepared to kneel.

The moment her knees hit the ground, Zhou Tingting felt a level of humiliation she had never experienced before. At that moment, her pride felt utterly crushed.

Kneeling inside the house might have been an act, but outside, there would be passersby. Being seen like this would not only disgrace the Zhou family but also thoroughly ruin her own reputation.

At this critical moment, Si Nian spoke up, "Alright, get up. I can't accept such a grand gesture."

Zhou Tingting's face twisted for a moment. Seeing her brother's indifferent expression, she forced a smile and said, "So can I stay? Sister-in-law, you're busy taking care of the children and preparing meals for my brother. Surely, you can't manage everything alone. If I stay, I can help you. Don't worry, I won't be a freeloader."

She was thinking that staying could also give her the chance to learn some skills. With her mother-in-law out of work, if she mastered the braised meat recipe, she wouldn't have to worry about earning money in the future.

Zhou Tingting felt that all the grievances she was enduring were worth it. She considered it a form of enduring hardship for future gain. Of course, she didn't dare to say this openly. Instead, she adopted a genuinely apologetic and conciliatory attitude.

Si Nian asked, "Is that so? Are you speaking sincerely?"

Zhou Tingting replied with a forced smile, "Of course, I am."

Si Nian turned to Zhou Yue Shen and said, "Alright, since your sister is so sincere, let's keep her. Otherwise, if she's out there kneeling, people might think we're being too harsh as brother and sister-in-law."

Her words struck a nerve, and Zhou Tingting's face turned red with embarrassment.

Zhou Tingting was so angry she almost ground her teeth to dust.

Zhou Yue Shen watched Si Nian for a while and saw that she was indeed serious about this decision. He didn't say anything further.

The once pleasant atmosphere of making dumplings was completely ruined by Zhou Tingting's presence. Even the most delicious meat seemed to have lost its flavor.

Zhou Tingting went to scoop out the dumplings. As soon as she picked one up, Zhou Zehan couldn't help but say, "This one was wrapped by Dad for Mom."

Zhou Tingting gritted her teeth in frustration. Seeing Zhou Yue Shen glance over, she quickly forced a smile and said, "This one is for Sister-in-law." She then shot a glare at the little one.

That nosy little brat.

Zhou Zehan wasn't afraid of her anymore. He used to be scared, but not now, because his mom and dad would protect him!

When Zhou Tingting reached for another dumpling, Zhou Zehan immediately pointed out, "This one is from my brother to Mom!"

"And this one too, I wrapped it for Mom. I didn't wrap any for you."

"You!" Zhou Tingting was so furious she nearly threw the bowl.

"Mommy, your mother died long ago. You're just pretending to be her now!"

Ignoring Zhou Zehan, she decided to focus on picking out the good-looking dumplings, leaving the ugly ones behind.

Once the family finished scooping out their dumplings, Zhou Tingting quickly tossed a few of the finely wrapped ones into the pot.

Zhou Zehan, having placed his dumplings, turned around and stared at the dumplings she was cooking, his eyes wide.

"What now?" Zhou Tingting was on the brink of losing her mind.

"Those are wrapped by Mom for me! Waaaaah, you can't take them!"

Zhou Tingting: "?"

After dinner, Zhou Yue Shen went upstairs to install a bathtub for Si Nian.

As soon as Zhou Yue Shen was out of sight, Zhou Tingting's expression changed completely. She plopped down on the sofa like she was the boss and started directing the older and younger kids who were watching TV.

"Big brother and little brother, is this how you usually laze around? You should help out more, don't you know? Country folks don't let their kids sit idle like this."

Zhou Tingting continued to give orders: "Big brother, go get a glass of water for your aunt."

"Little brother, sweep the floor. Can't you see how dirty it is in here? And that filthy dog! Who knows how many parasites it has! Hurry up and clean everywhere inside and out. Ugh, it's unbearable."

The two little ones exchanged glances and stayed put, not moving an inch.

Si Nian came downstairs, and upon hearing this, looked at Zhou Tingting with a smirk: "Didn't Aunt say she was here to work for us? Why are you suddenly putting the kids to work? Xiao Dong and Xiao Han rarely get a day off. They need to rest so they have the energy to study."

Si Nian finished speaking with a friendly smile towards Zhou Tingting. "Since Aunt is so sincere in apologizing and willing to work for me, even going so far as to kneel, as the sister-in-law, I should show some magnanimity and not pretend not to see. Given that, I'm giving you this opportunity. The house is indeed a bit dirty, so please sweep and mop it thoroughly. Also, with the New Year approaching, the windows inside and out need to be cleaned. After that, wash the dishes in the kitchen. We're running low on firewood, and since you're free and not working, you can gather some. Today is a rare sunny day, so after collecting the firewood, please also clean Da Huang's doghouse so he can stay warm for the winter."