Fang Qijun didn’t press her grandson further. Instead, she shifted the topic to housing arrangements.

Qin Yi and she were both sharp minds. One round of sparring was enough—they’d grasped what mattered.

“When it comes to housing,” Tian Deming chimed in eagerly, “forget renting. Let’s buy a place outright in the county town. Get a big one—it’ll double as their future marital home.”

“What nonsense!” Fang Qijun shot him a glare, clearly annoyed. “These kids aren’t even adults. Besides, Xiao Yi will head to a first-tier city for college. He might settle there after graduation. Why rush to buy?”

Qin Yi was the only child of Tian Ke, Fang Qijun and Tian Deming’s sole daughter. Naturally, the elderly couple doted on him. Their life savings—over half a million yuan—were set aside for his wedding.

Years ago, Tian Ke and Qin Zhigang were a harmonious couple, envied by all. But tragedy struck. Qin Yi lost his father in the summer of ’98 and his mother in the spring of ’03. The grandparents’ hearts ached for their five-year-old grandson. Even Tian Deming, a strict disciplinarian, spoiled him rotten at first.

When Qin Yi arrived, he barely spoke. He showed indifference to everything except meals, nearly convincing them he was depressed. Years of tender care finally brought him back to normal.

The Lin family’s mother and daughter were instrumental in his recovery. Thus, Fang Qijun and Tian Deming didn’t oppose Lin Jin as their grandson’s future wife. They just feared he’d taste forbidden fruit too soon and neglect his studies.

“That makes sense,” Tian Deming said, stroking his stubble as he nodded. “Xiao Yi will likely move to his grandfather’s place later. Housing there is sky-high. Our savings cover only the down payment—the bulk must come from him.”

“Don’t mention him!” Fang Qijun snapped. “That damn soldier Qin Guozhong! Always preaching Party members must endure hardships first. His own child suffered to death from it! And he got our daughter killed too!”

At the mention of Qin Yi’s grandfather, Fang Qijun’s rage flared. “Why do you think I broke ties to bring my daughter’s child back? Tian Deming, use your brain!”

“My daughter died because of him! My grandson won’t suffer the same fate!”

“This is my daughter’s child! Why should he go to that man’s side?!”

Seeing his wife’s fury escalate, Tian Deming knew he’d stirred a hornet’s nest. He apologized with a bitter smile, urging her to calm down and sit.

Fang Qijun finally settled her anger, sitting stiffly on the oak sofa, still fuming.

Mother and daughter shared a deep bond. She hadn’t opposed her daughter marrying soldier Qin Zhigang—he seemed to truly love her. But later events filled her with regret.

Since then, she vowed never to let her children embrace such values.

Fang Qijun was just an ordinary mother. She’d only wished her daughter a peaceful, joyful life—helping others within her means—not dying exhausted on a cold operating table, her life frozen forever at thirty-two.