Chapter Twelve: Mi Tao’s Mother, the Charming Nan Li

After dinner, Yan Peng drove back home, while Zhou Chen took Huanhuan and Chaochao to the gymnasium again. They walked a couple of laps around the playground to aid digestion, then played soccer with the two children for a while. After resting for a bit, Zhou Chen finally drove them home.

Upon arriving, they found that Nan Li had returned earlier.

“You’re back! Hey, what have you been up to? Why are you so dirty?”

Nan Li pulled Huanhuan and Chaochao closer and noticed that their new clothes from the morning were already stained, and their faces were covered with patches of dust.

“Mom, I played soccer with sister and Dad,” Chaochao exclaimed happily. After several hours of play, he showed no signs of fatigue and was full of energy.

“You’re filthy,” Nan Li muttered, then turned to Zhou Chen. “Take Chaochao to bathe; I’ll wash Huanhuan.”

Although Nan Li usually took care of Chaochao most of the time, Zhou Chen always handled their baths. After more than half a month, he was already accustomed to it.

“All right, Chaochao, come with Dad to take a bath.”

After a busy hour or so, Zhou Chen finished bathing and saw Nan Li putting their dirty clothes into the washing machine.

“Honey, our previous housekeeper has quit. I hired a new one today. She came by this afternoon—very diligent and reliable. And guess what? Her daughter is actually Huanhuan’s classmate at school. Isn’t that quite a coincidence?”

Nan Li wiped her hands and sat beside Zhou Chen, talking about the new housekeeper.

Zhou Chen showed a surprised expression. Earlier, he had wondered why the housekeeper wasn’t Mi Tao’s mother but an unfamiliar woman. He thought the story might have taken a turn.

But it wasn’t a plot change; the timing just hadn’t come yet. Now, Mi Tao’s mother had arrived.

“Really? That’s quite a twist of fate.”

Zhou Chen knew a bit about Mi Tao’s mother from the TV series. Though somewhat cunning, she was fundamentally a good person—hardworking, reliable, and conscientious. Even the picky Lieutenant Princess in the show acknowledged her capabilities, which was high praise.

As for the scheming, in today’s world, who doesn’t have a little? Especially when it’s for their children. As long as no harm is done, what does it matter?

The situation of Mi Tao’s family in the drama was more realistic, reflecting the circumstances of ordinary families.

Parents with little education or skills don’t expect much from their children—after all, who else can they rely on?

Parents would do anything for their children; nothing should be surprising.

“I think so too. She said her family just transferred here from a county town this semester. We know her background, so she’s more trustworthy than the previous housekeeper.”

Nan Li was more emotional by nature. Though she had only met her a few times, she already had a good impression of Mi Tao’s mother.

Zhou Chen asked, “Will she come every afternoon to clean?”

Nan Li nodded. “Yes, two hours every afternoon. But since you’ve been busy writing your novel lately, I arranged for her to come on Saturdays and Sundays as well for two hours. She’ll just prepare lunch and then leave.”

“That sounds good.”

Zhou Chen naturally had no objections. Because of his writing, he hadn’t been doing much housework lately—it was all Nan Li’s responsibility.

However, Nan Li was soon to take on the acting director position, which would keep her busy with performance targets. She might have to work overtime on weekends, so it was unrealistic to expect her to do housework like these past days.

In this situation, having Mi Tao’s mother come on weekends to help was perfect.

“I’ve already discussed the wages with her. I’ll handle the payments; you don’t need to worry about it.”

Zhou Chen gently squeezed Nan Li’s shoulder. “You’ve been working so hard lately, honey. Don’t worry—your husband will start making money soon. Luxury cars are already calling your name.”

“You’re just bragging.”

Nan Li lightly tapped Zhou Chen but smiled happily. Though a strong woman at work, she didn’t mind doing housework at home. Yet, what truly reassured her was her husband’s understanding and care during those times.

“I’m not hoping for luxury cars. If you can earn enough to buy Huanhuan a few dolls, I’ll be satisfied.”

“Nan Li, you really underestimate your husband. How much do a few dolls cost? We’ll have dolls, luxury cars, and so much more.”

Zhou Chen felt underestimated. After all, it was a blockbuster novel. Even in this world, it couldn’t just earn pocket change.

Just as he was about to say more, his phone vibrated. Looking down, he saw a message from his writer’s assistant.

“Damn, who just tipped me a Silver League?”

Nan Li noticed Zhou Chen’s stunned expression and asked curiously, “What’s going on? What’s a Silver League?”

Zhou Chen quickly explained, “A Silver League is a reader’s tip to the author—one million points, equivalent to ten thousand yuan. The author and platform split it fifty-fifty.”

Nan Li was amazed. “So you get five thousand yuan from just one Silver League?”

“That’s right. My wife is smart.”

Zhou Chen looked a little proud. “See my strength? Although the book isn’t published yet, this Silver League tip plus previous rewards have already earned me quite a sum.”

Through Zhou Chen’s explanation, Nan Li understood the process of writing novels—the signing, recommendation, publishing, and so forth.

Just as he was about to boast to Nan Li, his phone rang again. It was Yan Peng.

“Hello, what now?”

Zhou Chen answered, slightly annoyed. This guy really called at the worst time.

“Bro, you saw the Silver League, right?”

Zhou Chen’s expression changed. “You mean, you were the one who tipped that Silver League just now?”

“Yeah. Bro, I read your novel after I got home. It’s amazing! I didn’t expect you to write so well. I’ve even recommended it to my friends.”

Seeing Nan Li giggling beside him, Zhou Chen’s face darkened. He had been boasting, only to find out it was Yan Peng who tipped him. It was embarrassingly awkward.

“Just read it, don’t tip. I’ll transfer the ten thousand yuan to you later.”

“No way, bro. I tipped you because the novel’s really good. If you give it back to me, what’s the point? Okay, I gotta go read it again and then promote it in my gaming group and forums.”

Without waiting for Zhou Chen to respond, Yan Peng hung up.

“*Ahem*,” Zhou Chen coughed twice and said to the stiflingly amused Nan Li, “Laugh all you want. Yan Peng is really good at making a mess.”

Nan Li stopped laughing and instead took Zhou Chen’s right hand, placing it against her cheek.

“Honey, you’re the best. I believe your novel will become a huge hit, and then you’ll buy us many, many things.”

Pulling Nan Li close, he kissed her gently. “Enough talk. I’m going to update the novel now. The first Silver League—though from Yan Peng—means I have to add more chapters.”

“Go ahead, honey. Good luck.”

Watching Nan Li raise her hand as if cheering him on, her adorable expression made his heart flutter. If only the time and place were right, he would…