"You're the best at raising children." Su Shen could not help but praise Gu Zi.
He now appreciated the effort it took to raise the three children, realizing it wasn't an easy task.
Gu Zi smiled, acknowledging the compliment. While her initial motive might have been the value of the gift, her primary concern was whether it suited the brothers' tastes. Only then would the gift hold sentimental value and endure over time.
Items from the Republic of China era might not be as ancient as those from earlier dynasties, but they were known for their fashionable designs. With proper care, these two pocket watches could become valuable assets for the two boys in the future.
"Mommy is the best. Mommy, help me take it off. I want to put it away. I will protect it well," Su Li chimed in eagerly.
Su Li wore the pocket watch around his neck, inspecting it with fascination. Afterwards, he rushed over to Gu Zi and asked her to help him remove it.
Gu Zi agreed and noticed that Su Li had an odd posture as he approached her. She took off the pocket watch and handed it to him before inquiring, "What happened to your leg?"
Su Li didn't evade the question. Instead, he rolled up his pants to reveal his scraped knees. He confessed, "I fell off my bike just now, but Dad taught us how to reduce the impact. I applied it when I fell, so it didn't hurt too much. I'm fine."
Gu Zi rolled up his other pant leg and found bruises on both knees. Although there was no bleeding, it was evident that he had taken quite a fall from his bicycle.
Fortunately, Su Shen had previously taught them how to minimize injury during an accident, and Su Li had managed to apply what he had learned. Gu Zi requested Su Shen to fetch the first aid kit, and once he handed it over, he retreated to the kitchen.
Gu Zi helped Su Li sit down and disinfected his injuries with some medicine.
Su Bing was somewhat oblivious. He had been looking forward to his mother's gift today and hadn't paid much attention to his younger brother behind him.
Now, in retrospect, he recalled hearing an unusual noise behind him after leaving the school gate.
"Mom,
"Su Bing, there's no need to blame yourself. This was your brother's fault. It's not your responsibility."
Before Su Bing could even voice his thoughts, Gu Zi already knew what he wanted to say.
After hearing Gu Zi's comforting words, Su Bing felt somewhat reassured. At least, his mother didn't hold him responsible for failing to look after his younger brother. Nonetheless, he secretly resolved to be more attentive to his younger sibling in the future.
Gu Zi addressed Su Li, "I know you didn't fall on purpose, but I still have to scold you because you didn't ensure your own safety. Su Li, remember, safety always comes first, understand?"
Su Li nodded earnestly. In front of Su Le, the favor-seeking expert, he seized the opportunity to extend his arms and exclaimed, 'Mommy, hug me!"
Gu Zi couldn't resist his sincerity and affection, and her stern expression quickly softened as she hugged him.
"Go do your homework," she reminded. "Remember the lesson from today!"
Su Li nodded vigorously. Mommy smelled wonderful! After releasing his mother's embrace, he proudly glanced at Little Lele and then scurried away, his face flushed.
Su Bing, the eldest, was playing with Su Le at the side. She felt that her second brother was a master at seeking affection.
Su Le saw that her beloved mother had been snatched away. She frowned slightly and pouted angrily. She didn't want her mother to carry her now.
Gu Zi pretended to be nonchalant and teased, "Oh, Lele doesn't want Mommy anymore. Alright, I'll only carry your big brother and second brother from now on. Mommy doesn't want Lele anymore."
Upon hearing this, the little girl swiftly pushed away her big brother, Su Bing, who was sitting beside her and playing. She turned around and threw herself into her mother's arms, calling out affectionately, "Mom! Lele's mom! "
Su Bing shook his head. It seemed that the second and third children were both vying for their mom's favor. He was still the best. He was mature and would not make things difficult for his mother.
Su Bing brought a glass of water for Gu Zi and asked eagerly, "Mom, you've worked hard. Would you like some water?"
Gu Zi smiled and accepted the cup. "I was just feeling thirsty."
After finishing her drink, Su Bing returned to take the cup and then fetched a broom to sweep the floor.
Gu Zi noticed her eldest son's eagerness to help and realized he was trying to gain her attention.
She pulled Little Lele closer and said with a helpless smile, "The three of you are experts at seeking affection, but you each have your own unique style." During dinner, Gu Zi discussed something with Su Shen.
When the two boys heard the proposal, they found it quite appealing. It would be extremely cool for their father to drive them!
Moreover, they weren't worried about their father refusing. Ever since their mother arrived, they had never seen their father decline her requests..