Family Promises and Childhood Vows

Mrs. Li's heart melted at Fu Bao's words. She couldn't help but gather the little girl into her arms, feeling the warmth of her embrace.

Touched by Fu Bao's sincerity, Mrs. Li looked into her eyes and said earnestly, "My dear, it's natural for a girl to marry when she grows up. It's a significant event in life. Every person has their own family and children to raise. But what I hope for most is that when you do marry, you won't forget about me. I hope to live long enough to witness your wedding and hold your children in my arms."

"Grandma, I don't want to marry. I want to stay with you!" Fu Bao clung to Mrs. Li, nestling into her embrace. With innocence in her voice, she added, "Besides, I'm afraid no one will treat me as well as you do. So, I don't want to marry anyone!"

Listening to Fu Bao's playful protest, Mrs. Li chuckled, her heart warmed by the affection shared between them.

"Fubao, it's natural for you to want to stay with us, but you'll understand when you grow up. Marrying someone is an important part of life. I'll make sure you find someone who will treat you just as well as we do."

"No! I don't want to marry anyone!" Fu Bao began to pout, knowing this would amuse Mrs. Li.

"Fubao, isn't it hard to say? Instead of marrying someone else, why don't you just marry your fourth brother? That way, we can all stay together, wouldn't that be wonderful? He'll take care of you even better than he does now!" Li Xiaolei, still toiling in the fields, made this earnest proposal.

Mrs. Li looked at him with a mix of fondness and exasperation. "Enough! How many times do I have to tell you that you're siblings? You can't marry your younger sister!"

"Why not? I love Fubao. Why can't I marry her?" Li Xiaolei's innocence shone through his confusion.

Mrs. Li was momentarily lost for words, her mind preoccupied with the topic of marriage.

However, the mention of marriage sparked a memory in Fu Bao's mind. She suddenly realized that the little boy from the Huo family hadn't been seen since the day of the full moon celebration!

Although the Li family didn't dwell on it, Fu Bao couldn't shake off the thought. After all, Huo Zirui was just a toddler back then. How seriously could he have taken their playful betrothal?

Moreover, the Huo family had reportedly prospered in business and relocated to the county seat a few years ago. It was plausible that Huo Zirui had encountered other girls in the city, thus forgetting about Fu Bao.

Regardless, the Li family didn't press the matter. Over time, the memory of the Huo family faded, and they continued to dote on Fu Bao.

"Let's head home for dinner, Grandma. You and Xiaolei have been busy all morning," Fu Bao suggested, clinging to Mrs. Li's arm. "Aunt Zhao hasn't gone far, let's catch up and see what she's up to!"

At the mention of Aunt Zhao, Mrs. Li's expression soured. "What's so special about that troublemaker?"

Fu Bao nodded with a mischievous grin. "Yes, she's definitely having a bad day!"

Mrs. Li chuckled again, dismissing Fu Bao's innocent remark as childish banter. After all, how could someone's luck be determined by such superstitions? Fortune-telling was nothing more than a charade.

But as noon approached, Mrs. Li couldn't ignore Fu Bao's rumbling stomach any longer. It was time to head home for lunch.

Walking along the narrow countryside path, Mrs. Li and Li Xiaolei escorted Fu Bao home. Li Xiaolei was the first to spot Aunt Zhao and pointed her out to the others. "Grandma, Fu Bao, look, there's Aunt Zhao up ahead!"