Reborn with a Space: Building a Fortune Amidst Famine

The item in her hand was probably a notebook, and without thinking, she directly put it away.

She noticed another notebook under the book she had left open. She put that away as well.

The two boys had also picked out a few books, and she casually took two magazines, holding her daughter's hand to meet up with the sons.

At the checkout, all four of them were scrutinized thoroughly, finding nothing wrong before they were allowed to pay.

As they emerged from the library, Qi Yan sighed, "Mom, this feeling is terrible, as if we are thieves."

Su Yuanyuan didn't know how to respond to her son's words.

The four of them then moved on to the supermarket, where that sensation was absent.

They bought some toys and supplies, some indeed better than those back home. Bringing them back might allow some knowledgeable person to study them.

There's no choice; being behind in everything means having to resort to these disreputable actions.

The four of them returned to the hotel with large and small bags.

Actually, some of the group would also go out shopping, and Su Yuanyuan was invited but refused.

She had a purpose, taking the kids around. She didn't want to mix with them.

So she appeared particularly unsociable. The people here had some stature, and refusal didn't sit well with them.

Moreover, they had already learned Su Yuanyuan's identity and looked down on her in their hearts. Thus, no one interacted with them.

Seeing the four of them back with loads of shopping bags, they looked at them with disdain — a small-minded mindset, bringing back lots of things every day was a bit embarrassing.

Su Yuanyuan couldn't be bothered with them and took the kids straight upstairs.

After they left, people below began discussing them.

"It's really embarrassing."

"Who wouldn't say so? Coming here just to shop and buy things every day. Truly lacking vision."

"Alright, stop it. In the future, let's not associate with her when we go back."

A few women gathered, all disparaging Su Yuanyuan.

In truth, they were jealous — beautiful, young, a capable husband, and three children. In many ways, a life better than theirs.

When women get jealous, it can be troublesome. The most apparent is verbal exclusion.

The others, even if silent, didn't want to offend these familiar people over someone they didn't know well.

The four returned to their room, putting away today's purchases into their own bags.

They didn't plan to go out again, opting instead to bathe and change clothes.

When they went downstairs, they noticed that the others were no longer there.

They sat in a corner, listening to the piano and chatting softly.

It wasn't until dinner time that the rest returned.

They too were laden with bags and felt a bit embarrassed seeing Su Yuanyuan looking at them.

Su Yuanyuan just glanced at them and ceased paying attention, instead continuing to read the newspaper to the children.

At dinner, it was confirmed; they were leaving the afternoon after tomorrow.

"Mom, are we going home?"

"Yes, we are. Why? Do you miss home?"

"Yes, it feels so uncomfortable here. It's better at home."

Su Yuanyuan laughed. She had once wondered if she would need to force a change of mind if the children were drawn here.

This time, she need not worry; all three children had no fascination with this place.

The next day, the four didn't go out, while the rest spent the whole day outside.

The four mostly sat in the lobby, watching people come and go.

"Mom, if Yuan Xi saw a foreigner, she'd surely be shocked."

"Perhaps not? It's just their appearance, isn't it?"

"That's novelty enough, though."

"We marvel at them, and they marvel at us too, don't they?" Qi Wen teased her second brother.

"Mom, when we return, will Dad spend time with us?"

"Of course, at least he can take you out for exercise every evening."

Qi Yan spoke, "Mom, the three of us discussed it; we want to learn martial arts."

Su Yuanyuan nodded, "That's doable. Discuss it with your dad when we get back; he might already have plans. I don't know."

All three nodded. Their mom getting hit left a deep mark on them.

They selectively forgot it was mom who hit someone else.

They just felt that if they were strong, they could protect mom.

"Mom, I saw kids attending school here. Will we study when we go back?"

"You can, but if you do, we might not live with Dad. Of course, I mean when he's busy."

"Why?"

"There are no schools at the garrison. If you want to study, you must go to the city, and your dad may not come home from work daily."

All three kids were troubled. They wanted to go to school like other kids, but also wanted to see Dad every day.

"Alright, don't worry. Let's ask Dad's opinion."

"Mom, will you accompany us to the city for school?"

"Yes, I'll always be with you until you grow up and don't need me."

All three children thought simultaneously, how could there be a time they didn't need their mom?

But they didn't say that, choosing to listen to Dad. Dad's advice was surely the most fair.

That evening, more than ten officials and their families came to host them.

Su Yuanyuan didn't really like these occasions. Fortunately, she was just accompanying, not needing to socialize.

The four of them were eating steak when the same official from before approached again, carrying a glass of red wine.

"Madam, please enjoy the wine. Steak pairs authentically with red wine."

Basic etiquette remains essential. "Thank you. I don't drink."

James raised an eyebrow at her fluent language, "You could try it."

Qi Yan put down his cutlery, gracefully wiped his mouth, "Sir, my mother doesn't drink, but thank you for your kindness."

This surprised James even more. How could this little kid speak a foreign language so well? How old was this kid to speak as if it were his mother tongue?

"Little one, can we get acquainted?"

"Thank you, sir. My name is Tan Qiyan, pleased to meet you."

Without Dad present, he considered himself the man of the house; it was better for him to handle this.

Even though he knew he was still young, hiding behind mom felt terrible. He didn't want to experience that again. He said a man of the house should protect his mom and siblings. Qi Yan had already planned in his heart.