Chapter 486: Chapter 486

Perhaps it was the influence of the assertiveness of Chuchu and Mai Qiqi in this matter that made everyone at school, and even in the village, fearful yet respectful towards Mai Qiqi whenever she came to help. This left Mai Qiqi feeling rather uninterested.

Another week passed. After consulting with Xiao Huaili, Mai Qiqi notified the village chief and the school principal, Huang Yan, before leaving here with Xiao Huaili and his siblings, along with Chuchu and her son.

Mai Qiqi decided to adopt Xiao Huaili and his sister and take them to Beijing for their education.

The people of Huangjia Gully and the army families were green with envy when they heard, feeling that Xiao Huaili and his sister were unbelievably lucky. This pair, who had no one to care for them and didn’t know where their next meal would come from, were going to study in Beijing. It was also rumored that Mai Qiqi’s family was wealthy and influential, and since Mai Qiqi was a generous person, the siblings were bound to have an enviable life ahead.

Xiao Huaili’s second uncle’s family wanted to find Xiao Huaili, but after being warned by the village chief and worried about antagonizing Chuchu and Mai Qiqi, they quietly returned home without mentioning the matter again.

Since the two babies were still attending the kindergarten in the family area, they naturally had to notify the school of their return to Beijing. The babies, being sentimental, had made many good friends in just a month and inevitably had a farewell.

Chuchu let them tearfully say goodbye to their friends and even gave them some snacks. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ Nove1Fire.net

Since they were taking Xiao Huaili and Erya, Chuchu and Mai Qiqi had a hard time managing everything. Worried about any accidents on the way, Chen Ke took leave from the army to escort them back to Beijing.

At the airport, in the vast, bright, and busy hall, Xiao Huaili felt anxious and nervous. He tightly held his sister’s hand and stayed close to Mai Qiqi.

Ever since Mai Qiqi asked if he would like to go to Beijing with his sister, Xiao Huaili had been in a daze.

Beijing, such a distant place, only existed in textbooks.

But now he was going to Beijing with his sister. He was both excited and anxious, afraid of causing trouble for Aunt Mai, and fearful of being looked down upon in Beijing as a country bumpkin.

So along the way, he kept his mouth shut and tripped over himself several times.

When Xiao Huaili fell once more on the smooth floor, Chuchu looked at him awkwardly, shook her head slightly, and whispered to Chuanqi and Hunter, who then ran towards Xiao Huaili.

Mai Qiqi asked Chuchu with concern, "What’s wrong with Little Lizzi? Isn’t he going to keep falling all the way back to Beijing?"

Chuchu chuckled, "He’ll get used to it after a few falls." Whether she meant getting used to falling or adapting to a new environment was unclear.

Chuanqi and Hunter stretched out their little arms, trying hard to pull Xiao Huaili.

Xiao Huaili, both embarrassed and anxious, was worried about disgracing Aunt Mai and afraid of tripping Chuanqi and Hunter. He quickly said:

"Let go, I’ll get up myself."

As he tried to get up, he almost slipped again, making Chuanqi and Hunter burst into laughter, and seeing them laugh, Erya, who was about to cry, also started laughing, while Xiao Huaili’s face turned as red as an apple.

He sneaked a glance at Mai Qiqi and Chuchu, relieved to see they were talking and not paying attention to him.

Chen Ke, with a stern face, wasn’t watching them at all.

Chuanqi curiously asked, "Little brother, are you falling because you didn’t eat enough?"

Xiao Huaili bashfully replied, "No, I’ll be more careful next time."

Chuanqi blinked and thought for a moment before taking out two candies from his backpack and handing them to Xiao Huaili.

"Eat some candy. My mom says eating candy takes away nervousness."

Hunter nodded beside him, agreeing.

Xiao Huaili thought it over, reached out, and took the candy from Chuanqi’s hand. He really didn’t want to keep falling; it was too embarrassing.

Chuanqi grinned, "You’re welcome."

The candy slowly melted in his mouth, with a sweet creamy taste spreading, calming Xiao Huaili, and after that, he indeed didn’t fall again.

Later, Xiao Huaili formed a habit of carrying candies with him, eating one whenever he felt nervous, and it truly helped.

Chen Ke escorted them all the way to Beijing, and due to the journey, he first dropped Chuchu and the twins off at the old residence.

"Big brother, Sister Erya, I’ll visit you with my brother in a couple of days," Chuanqi waved her little hand.

Erya said urgently, "Chuanqi Hunter, you must come to visit my brother and me." In a strange place, seeing familiar faces was reassuring.

Hunter, acting like a little adult, assured them, "Don’t worry."

Mai Qiqi reassured Erya and Xiao Huaili, "In a couple of days I’ll take you to see Chuanqi and Hunter, and Aunt’s house is really fun too."

Chen Ke drove silently towards the Mai Family, listening to Mai Qiqi gently telling Xiao Huaili and his sister all about the Mai Family, thinking how he never expected such a blur of a girl to have such a gentle side.

The car soon stopped at the entrance of the large courtyard where the Mai Family resided. Mai Qiqi got out of the car to register the information for Xiao Huaili, Erya, and Chen Ke with the sentries.

A playful yet disdainful voice sounded in her ear, and Mai Qiqi finished writing the last stroke before looking up.

By her side stood a meticulously dressed girl, who was haughtily scrutinizing Mai Qiqi with her catlike eyes.

Rough skin, sallow complexion, dry hair, and an unrefined outfit.

Xu Jiaojiao inwardly sneered; this Mai Qiqi was really rough, no wonder that scheming girl Chu Xueli managed to steal her spotlight. It’s a mystery what An Zihao still sees in her.

Naturally, Mai Qiqi noticed Xu Jiaojiao’s expression, too familiar with the thoughts of these women in Beijing. She also knew that her rush over the past two months in Huangjia Gully had left her tanned and rough, not to mention she was dressed for comfort due to the traveling today.

Mai Qiqi thought for a moment, but couldn’t recall who this woman in front of her was, so she calmly asked, "Who are you? I don’t know you."

Xu Jiaojiao nonchalantly said, "My dad is Xu Shengyuan, and my grandpa is Xu Xiangda. I am Xu Jiaojiao."

When did the Xu family have such a shallow person?

Mai Qiqi frowned as she thought carefully. She knew several people from the Xu family, and was even friends with Minister Xu’s eldest daughter, Xu Qian, but she had no impression of the Xu Jiaojiao in front of her.

Could she be an illegitimate child?

But illegitimate children usually aren’t so bold, let alone show up at her doorstep trying to act superior. Mai Qiqi thought there was something off about this Xu Jiaojiao.