Transmigrating into the Genius Cannon Fodder’s Aunt

Chapter 35.3 – To Start a New Life, A Courtyard House is Indispensable (III)

The reason Xia Mian didn’t join them was that she and Ning Shaoyun were taking Xiao Feng, Chenchen, and Huizhu to the kindergarten. While the house and other preparations could be done gradually, starting kindergarten was something that needed to happen right away.

Chenchen already had two years of kindergarten experience, so adjusting to a new environment and making new friends wasn’t a major concern.

Mao Huizhu, who was a year older than Chenchen, had grown up in a small county town. However, thanks to the sense of security Xia Wenyue had provided her daughters, the girl was merely curious about new environments but did not feel timid in the slightest.

Xia Wenyue planned for Huizhu and Chenchen to be in the same standard class. That left Xiao Feng, who would have to start in the junior class on his own.

As Xia Mian held Xiao Feng’s hand, she suddenly understood the feelings of a worried mother. What if this child, who already had some emotional scars, got bullied and didn’t tell anyone? Would he dare to speak up to the teacher? What about using the bathroom?

Her Xiao Feng had finally started to open up, but what if he got bullied again?!

Xia Mian was so troubled by the endless uncertainties that she nearly reconsidered. “Actually, it wouldn’t hurt to start a year later. Xiao Feng is still quite young.”

Seeing Xia Mian’s worried expression, Ning Shaoyun chuckled in amusement, “You have to trust them. Children are more resilient than you think.”

“When Chenchen first started kindergarten, I stood outside the gate for almost the entire day.”

“And how did Chenchen do? Did he cry?” Xia Mian thought it might be a good idea to get some advice.”

Chenchen immediately perked up and said defensively, “No, I didn’t!” He straightened up, trying hard to cover his embarrassing history. “Mom’s wrong! I never cried! All the other kids were crying, but not me!”

Ning Shaoyun smiled without saying anything, and Xia Mian didn’t press the issue. She just said, “Well, Xiao Feng is a little brother and will be going to kindergarten for the first time, so we’re counting on Chenchen to look after him!”

Chenchen, already prepared for this, patted his small chest and declared, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of my little brother!”

Xia Mian thought for a moment and then said, “When we get home, I’ll teach you a few self-defense moves.”

Ning Shaoyun burst out laughing. “Be careful, or you’ll have the teachers calling you in every day.”

Xia Mian gently ruffled Xiao Feng’s tuft hair. “But our Xiao Feng is so well-behaved. That won’t happen, right?”

Xiao Feng happily swung Xia Mian’s hand back and forth.

Since Ning Shaoyun had planned to live here permanently, enrolling Chenchen in school was part of her plan. The kindergarten was just in the next alley, right next to Longcheng Street First Elementary School, surrounded by green brick walls painted with a giant rainbow and cute animals. The two words ‘Longcheng Kindergarten’ were playfully hidden among the colorful pictures, making it obvious even to children who still hadn’t learned to read that this was the kindergarten.

The kindergarten had already started its term, and at three in the afternoon, the children were just waking up from their nap and were playing happily in the yard. Slides, seesaws, rocking horses, and climbing frames were all in use, with the kids patiently taking turns while two senior teachers watched over them.

Xiao Feng held onto Xia Mian’s hand, watching intently. Huizhu had never seen this kind of scene before either, and even Chenchen, who had attended a prestigious kindergarten before, found this one different and was curiously observing.

A group of children was playing eagle catch chickens. Xiao Feng stood by, clinging to Xia Mian’s leg in worry every time it looked like one of the chicks was about to get caught, while Chenchen stomped his foot, shouting, “Bad eagle!”

Mao Huizhu, full of energy, asked, “Sister Mian, can we play with them tomorrow?”

Xia Mian smiled and replied, “We have plans tomorrow, so you’ll have to come to school by yourself. Can you do that?”

Mao Huizhu hesitated for a moment and then said, “I’ll ask my mom when we get back.”

The children’s joyful laughter echoed through the kindergarten, and Xiao Feng unconsciously started laughing along with them.

Seeing this, Xia Mian dismissed her earlier thought of delaying Xiao Feng’s start in school. Ning Shaoyun was right—she needed to trust this child. After all, even in his previous life, he had grown into an outstanding person despite the difficult circumstances.

The kindergarten enrollment process was quick. This era wasn’t as particular as the future would be. As long as there were slots available, even non-local children like Xiao Feng and Huizhu could attend after paying the necessary tuition fees.

After registering, Xia Mian and Ning Shaoyun took the three carefree kids to buy backpacks and other school supplies. Chenchen and Huizhu needed them the most, while for Xiao Feng, being in the junior class, would spend most of his school hours playing with his classmates.

Although Xiao Feng didn’t fully understand, Xia Mian still made sure to buy everything he needed, including a set of colorful markers that caught his eye.

Oh, and they also didn’t forget to buy three water guns. As they walked home, each child carried a small backpack and a water gun filled to the brim.

Mao Huizhu was unfamiliar with the toy, so she tentatively started pulling the trigger, and poor Chenchen, standing beside her, was suddenly sprayed in the face with water, leaving him startled.

Xiao Feng was also momentarily stunned, unsure of what to do, until he saw Huizhu, who had just discovered the fun, press the trigger again…

Chenchen got sprayed once more. At first, he was in disbelief, but seeing that Huizhu was still eager to continue, he didn’t hold back. “Just wait!” he exclaimed, aiming his water gun at Huizhu and spraying her back.

“Hahaha…” Huizhu wasn’t one to back down, and the two children started an intense water fight.

Xiao Feng, who had been at a loss just moments ago, saw how much fun the other two were having and finally relaxed. He started toddling along behind them, happily spraying water at trees and walls as he went.

Ning Shaoyun chuckled, “Xiao Feng doesn’t seem suited for this kind of aggressive game.”

“Haha, that’s because he’s a little angel in charge of healing!”

Watching the three children happily playing and laughing, Xia Mian suddenly felt a sense of peace. This was going to be their home. Now, all that was left was to get the courtyard house across the street!

At lunch, Ning Shaobai promised to help her buy the courtyard where Zhou Qianqian was living, so she could do whatever she wanted tomorrow. His exact words were, “Little angel who respects the elderly and cares for the young, please don’t bully the old lady too much tomorrow. After all, we still need to buy her house.”

Xia Mian clicked her tongue and shook her head. Her understanding was spot-on—Ning Shaobai was indeed quite black-bellied.

Author’s Note:

Xia Mian: I am a little angel who respects the elderly and cares for the young. The villain here is the black-bellied Ning Shaobai!