Lin Changhe nodded, thinking of the Health Bureau's intention to build a pharmaceutical factory, and asked an extra question.
Cheng You said, "I heard Director Yang mention it. Coincidentally, my maternal grandfather's village grows medicinal herbs, so there might be opportunities for cooperation in the future."
"Grow medicinal herbs?"
Lin Changhe had been retired for a long time, and coupled with his poor health, his daily activities were limited to the vicinity.
He hadn't kept up with the pulse of the common people for a long time.
"Perhaps you'll have opportunities to cooperate with the pharmaceutical factory too."
Cheng You smiled and agreed. Director Yang had asked her for the medicinal recipes before, but she really couldn't give them.
Later, after discussing it with Qi Chengyan, she now had a way to deal with it.
She wanted to hand over the Condensing Dew, but she couldn't, as there were no guarantees.
With Zhenzhen's matter taken care of, a large stone was lifted from Cheng You's heart.
Uncle Li looked back at Lin Changhe's lonely figure and said, "Dad, why don't you come home and stay with me for a while? I've also planted some medicinal herbs in my backyard, and you can help me manage them."
It wasn't that he really needed Lin Changhe to do anything, but he knew that if he didn't say it this way, Lin Changhe would definitely not go.
He had been stubborn his whole life and hated to be a burden to others.
Even though he had no children, he was unwilling to accept the caregiver arranged by the state.
As expected, Uncle Li's words made Lin Changhe hesitate.
Cheng You also persuaded, "Grandpa Lin, I'm short-handed over there. If you're willing, you can come with Uncle Li and help us out."
Lin Changhe considered for a moment and confirmed again, "Are you really swamped over there?"
He didn't want to be waited on when he went there.
"We are really swamped. If I need to find someone to help, I can only look for someone who understands some medicinal principles, but such people are rare, and finding someone new will only cause more trouble," Cheng You said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Lin Changhe finally agreed.
"Then you two wait, I'll go up and pack some things."
He was an old man, simple and frugal, and didn't have many things to pack. He just took a few sets of clothes and some medicine, locked the door, and came out.
"Let's go."
There were just enough for two bicycles. Uncle Li took Lin Changhe, and Cheng You took Zhenzhen. They all headed back to Shiqiao Village together.
Upon reaching the village entrance, someone saw Lin Changhe and asked, "Cheng You, where are you going?"
Cheng You stopped her bicycle and took out the household registration book from her pocket.
"I've registered Zhenzhen's household, and also changed her surname."
Several people curiously stepped forward and discovered that her surname had been changed to Lin.
"Why is it Lin?"
Zhenzhen said in a childish voice, "Because my grandpa's surname is Lin!"
She pointed at Lin Changhe.
Uncle Li chuckled and explained, "Our family has officially adopted Zhenzhen and registered her household registration. From now on, she is my daughter Lin Zhen. I'll host a simple meal at home in a few days for everyone to come and get acquainted."
Everyone had their own thoughts. Just a few days ago, some people had speculated that the old Wen family would probably take Zhenzhen back.
Who knew this girl was so lucky. Now she was adopted by Uncle Li and had also latched onto Lin Changhe's coattails.
This child had great fortune.
After all, Uncle Li had no children of his own, and many people wanted to send their children to him.
Learning skills was one aspect, and another was the belief that after Uncle Li and Aunt Li passed away, everything in the Li family would belong to her alone.
Now, it was good. Uncle Li not only had Cheng You as a disciple, but he also had a daughter.
Regardless of what they were thinking, everyone offered their congratulations.
And so, the news spread throughout Wujing Village.
Zhao Lifang heard about it and secretly sighed, thinking Cheng You was truly fast.
Cheng Tao, on the other hand, sneered, "The child isn't even from his Li family. What right does he have to make the decision to adopt the child?"
"What right? He has the right because Uncle Li's father-in-law was the previous county magistrate. If the old Wen family is so capable, they can try to get the child back."
Zhao Lifang's eyes were tired today from watching Ye Changfu's reunion, then watching Zhang Yunmei tear into Ye Changfu, and then seeing Cheng Tianhua and Song Yulian's divorce.
If she had to watch the old Wen family come to snatch the child again tomorrow, she would just go back to the commune.
Wang Hongxia brought a bowl of chicken soup from inside.
Cheng Tao thought it was for her and said weakly, "Mom, I can't drink it right now."
"Who said it was for you?" Wang Hongxia glared at her.
Then, she placed the chicken soup in front of Zhao Lifang.
"Lifang, Mom stewed this soup for you. Drink it while it's hot."
Zhao Lifang glanced at it but didn't touch it.
"Mom, I drank a bowl of your chicken soup today, and tomorrow you'll want me to repay you with a chicken. This isn't worth it."
She knew her mother too well. Offering flattery without reason meant something was up.
Wang Hongxia's expression froze. "What kind of talk is that, child? Is Mom that kind of person? Your belly is getting big, you need to nourish yourself properly, or the baby will be malnourished."
"Even if the baby is malnourished, what does it have to do with you? This child isn't surnamed Zhao."
Zhao Lifang curled her lips. She didn't believe Wang Hongxia had no ulterior motives.
After what had happened before, she was more wary of her own family than of outsiders.
They certainly didn't have any good intentions.
Wang Hongxia clutched her chest, feigning distress.
"You are my child, how could I not care about you? Lifang, you can't be ungrateful. From childhood to adulthood, Mom has never let you suffer any grievance. Since you think Mom doesn't care about you, then in a couple of days, Mom will go back to the commune with you and take care of you specifically."
Zhao Lifang raised an eyebrow. "Take care of me?"
"Yes! Your second brother happens to work at the supply and marketing cooperative there. He can move into your place and take care of you, which will be more convenient for his commute."
Zhao Lifang let out a cold laugh. This was her true intention.
"Then should I also transfer the house to Zhao Yunlin?"
Wang Hongxia's face stiffened. "Lifang, Mom is doing this for your own good. Think about it, if the child is born and Vice Director Qian doesn't honor his word, what will happen? It's better to transfer the house to your second brother, and let him keep it for you. After the child is given to the Qian family and you successfully obtain the goods, Mom will have your second brother return the house to you."
Before, Zhao Lifang only thought Wang Hongxia was greedy, but every action she took now was pushing the boundaries.
"Mom, this is the house I earned with my own body! And now you want me to transfer it to my second brother?"
Wang Hongxia quickly explained, "It's not to your second brother, just for him to temporarily keep it. In the future..."
"Keep my foot! You're stupid, don't treat others like fools! Mom, tell me the truth, is Zhao Yunlin the only one of your biological children? Were my elder brother and I adopted? I know you're biased, but you don't have to drain me dry and use me as a stepping stone for Zhao Yunlin!"
"You!" Wang Hongxia's face turned ashen with anger. "When have I ever drained you? I just said, I'm letting your second brother keep it..."
"Keep it? With your shameless character, would you even return it to me? You must be dreaming!"
Zhao Lifang's face contorted with rage, wishing the person in front of her wasn't her own mother!
Otherwise, even with her pregnant belly, she would have torn her apart.
Wang Hongxia immediately became furious, rolled up her sleeves, and her expression changed.
"I gave birth to you, and I can't even ask you for something? Zhao Lifang, if you truly want to sever ties with us, then return all the money I spent raising you for all these years!"