A reborn mother longs for her daughter's happiness.

Chapter 84: A Chance Encounter at the Start of the Semester (Supplement)

Autumn, like a mischievous painter, freely splashes paint across the earth, turning the world into a vibrant tapestry. The leaves gradually don their golden robes, and the autumn wind occasionally joins the fun, making one's heart itch with its gentle breeze. In this poetic and ever-changing season, Li Yuan and Liu Xuan are taking their three children—Li Shiqing, Liu Yixin, and Liu Qicheng—to school to begin the new semester.

As Li Yuan drove, she muttered to herself, "Autumn comes along to join the fun as soon as school starts, as if it's afraid that the children won't have enough atmosphere for going to school."

Liu Xuan responded with a smile, "That's great! The autumn air is crisp and refreshing, and the children will be in a good mood going to school."

The three children in the back seat were quite busy. Li Shiqing and Liu Yixin, two best friends who had just started eighth grade, were huddled together chattering away. "Shiqing, do you think we'll get a super handsome new teacher this semester?"

Liu Yixin asked with sparkling eyes. Li Shiqing rolled her eyes at her: "You, all you know is looking at handsome guys. You'd better improve your math grades this semester, or Mom will start nagging again."

Liu Yixin stuck out her tongue: "Ugh, math is so difficult, it's like a stubborn little monster. But I'll try my best, maybe the new teacher is charming and I'll get excited and conquer math."

At this moment, Liu Qicheng, the clever little devil, chimed in: "Sis, what's there to worry about in your second year of junior high? I'm only in elementary school, which is a place full of joy."

Li Shiqing reached out and pinched his cheek: "You little brat, you have to study hard in elementary school, don't just think about playing all day."

Liu Qicheng retorted, "No, I don't think so. I have lots of friends at school, and we can play super fun games during breaks."

Liu Xuan turned around and looked at them: "Alright, alright, stop arguing. You all need to behave well at school, especially Shi Qing and Yi Xin. The second year of junior high is a very important year."

Li Yuan chimed in, "Yes, don't be like last semester, procrastinating on homework and being careless in exams."

Li Shiqing sighed helplessly: "Mom, last semester was an accident, but I'll definitely change it this semester. I've thought it all out. I'm going to make a super perfect study plan and arrange every course in an orderly manner."

Liu Yixin chuckled to herself, "You, a super perfect plan? I'd be impressed if you could stick to it for a week."

Li Shiqing pretended to hit her: "Don't underestimate me, I'm very determined this semester."

The car slowly drove towards the school, and the scenery along the roadside kept receding.

Looking out the window, Liu Qicheng exclaimed excitedly, "Wow, so many fallen leaves, flying like butterflies!"

Li Yuan smiled and said, "Honey, this is the beauty of autumn. You should be like these fallen leaves at school, leaving behind beautiful traces even after you fall."

Soon, they arrived at the school gate. The parking lot was already full, with parents and children bustling around. Liu Xuan finally found a parking space, parked the car, and the family got out.

Li Shiqing and Liu Yixin tidied their school bags and uniforms. Liu Yixin suddenly became nervous: "Oh no, I think I forgot to bring my new stationery. It's all my fault for being so careless when packing last night."

Li Shiqing comforted her, "Don't worry, maybe it's in the corner of your schoolbag. Let's go to the classroom first, and if we really can't find it, we'll think of something else."

Liu Qicheng held Liu Xuan's hand and looked around curiously: "Dad, this school is so big! The older brothers and sisters are all so tall."

Liu Xuan said with a smile, "When you grow up, you'll be as tall as your older brothers and sisters."

Stepping into the school, a familiar yet fresh atmosphere filled the air. The bulletin boards displayed various activities for the new semester and photos of outstanding students. Pointing to the photos, Li Yuan said to the three children, "Look, these older brothers and sisters are role models for you. Work hard!"

Li Shiqing and Liu Yixin headed towards the second-year junior high school building, while Liu Qicheng followed Liu Xuan to the elementary school section.

On the way, Li Shiqing said to Liu Yixin, "This semester we have to participate in several club activities, we can't just stay in the classroom studying all day."

Liu Yixin nodded repeatedly: "Okay, okay, I want to join the painting club, what about you?"

"I want to join the literary society, and I want to write some stories about autumn."

When they arrived at the classroom door, they saw their homeroom teacher busy inside. Li Shiqing and Liu Yixin went into the classroom and greeted the teacher.

The teacher smiled and said, "Welcome back! We have many new challenges this semester."

In the primary school section, Liu Xuan led Liu Qicheng to his classroom. Liu Qicheng was overjoyed to see all sorts of toys and books in the classroom: "Dad, this classroom is amazing!"

Liu Xuan put his schoolbag on his seat and told him, "Listen to your teacher and get along well with your classmates."

Liu Qicheng patted his chest and said, "Dad, don't worry, I'll definitely be a good student."

Looking at his son's innocent and adorable appearance, Liu Xuan couldn't help but laugh.

After chatting with other parents in the eighth-grade classroom for a while and learning about their children's situations, Li Yuan went to check on Liu Qicheng in the elementary school section. She arrived outside the elementary school classroom and saw Liu Qicheng sitting upright in his seat through the window, his eyes curiously observing everything around him.

Li Yuan and Liu Xuan had just successfully sent their three children to school, their hearts still filled with anticipation and a touch of worry for the new semester. Hand in hand, they strolled slowly towards the parking lot, the autumn sunlight bathing them in a golden veil, creating a warm and beautiful scene.

"Honey, do you think the children will really perform well according to plan this semester?" Li Yuan asked Liu Xuan, tilting her head slightly.

Liu Xuan gently squeezed her hand and said with a smile, "Don't worry, our little darlings are all very clever. Even if they're a little mischievous sometimes, they'll definitely get through it smoothly."

Just as they were chatting and laughing, a figure suddenly appeared in front of them, like an untimely dark cloud obscuring the warm sunlight.

Li Yuan looked closely and realized it was her ex-husband, Wang Qiang. Wang Qiang was wearing a wrinkled shirt, his hair was a mess like a bird's nest, and his eyes exuded an undisguised sourness.

Wang Qiang broke the silence first, saying sarcastically, "Oh, isn't this Li Yuan? You seem to be living a pretty good life, the whole family of five happily sending the kids to school. It's truly enviable."

Li Yuan frowned, but tried to remain polite as she replied, "Wang Qiang, it's been a long time. The children's schooling is a big deal, and of course we must take it seriously."

Wang Qiang sneered: "Hmph, value? You're really living the high life now, you've found a new husband and your work seems to be going smoothly too, right?"

Liu Xuan stepped forward to protect Li Yuan and said, "Wang Qiang, how we are doing now has nothing to do with you. We've all moved on with our lives. Why do you have to talk like that?"

Wang Qiang, however, jumped up like a firecracker that had been lit: "How can it be nothing? I just can't stand seeing her living such a good life. Back in the day, when she was with me, she wasn't living this glamorous life."

Li Yuan sighed helplessly: "Wang Qiang, what's past is past. We broke up because of personality clashes. Now I'm very happy with Liu Xuan, and I'm working hard. All of this is what I've achieved through my own efforts."

"Hard work? Do you think I'd believe that? You probably used some underhanded methods." Wang Qiang's words became increasingly harsh.

Liu Xuan couldn't help but raise his voice: "Wang Qiang, don't make baseless accusations here. Li Yuan's achievements at work are obvious to all. She works hard every day and has put in a lot of effort."

Wang Qiang crossed his arms and glanced at her sideways: "Oh, you're quite protective of her. You think you got a great deal? She might dump you one day, just like she dumped me."

Li Yuan said angrily, "Wang Qiang, how can you still be so unreasonable? We broke up because you were idle all day, didn't do anything productive, and didn't care about the family. Now that I've finally started over, you come here to cause trouble."

By this time, some passersby had stopped to watch. Wang Qiang seemed to realize his lapse in composure, but still stubbornly said, "I'm causing trouble? I just came to see how well you're doing. I didn't expect you to have really risen to prominence."

Liu Xuan took Li Yuan's hand and said, "Honey, let's not waste time with him here. This kind of person can't stand to see others doing well."

Li Yuan nodded and was about to leave when Wang Qiang called out from behind, "Go on, but don't be too smug for long. You'll run into trouble sooner or later."

Li Yuan and Liu Xuan ignored him and headed straight for the parking lot. After getting into the car, Li Yuan let out a long sigh: "I really didn't expect to run into him here, and cause such a scene. What bad luck."

Liu Xuan comforted him, "Don't pay attention to him, he's just jealous. Look at your work now, you did such a great job on that project last time, and your boss praised you highly. Besides, our family is happy and harmonious, and our children are well-behaved and sensible. What he said is completely nonsense."

Li Yuan smiled and said, "Thanks to your support, otherwise I really wouldn't know how to face him."

Liu Xuan started the car and said with a smile, "Don't worry, I'm here. Let's just treat him like a passing breeze, and let it go. Let's not let him ruin our good mood."

The car slowly drove away, while Wang Qiang remained standing, watching the departing vehicle. His jealousy and resentment grew even more pronounced as he muttered, "Hmph, just you wait..." But his figure appeared so forlorn and comical in the autumn sunlight, like a pitiful man abandoned by the times and happiness. Meanwhile, Li Yuan and Liu Xuan, carrying their happiness and aspirations, continued their journey towards a hopeful future, leaving this little episode far behind.