The Useless Stepmom Brings Her Kids to Reality TV Shows to Photograph Them

Chapter 446: Free Labor is Good

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Xiao Yi gulped the porridge. “No! I had breakfast at seven. Then, I came to the shop and helped my mom with the chores. I cleaned, organized the utensils, and decorated the store. So, my energy was low. Now, I’m replenishing myself.”

Xiao Yi burped.

Li Zexin raised an eyebrow doubtfully. “Really?”

“Yeah, do you have nothing to do today? If not, you can help out in the shop.”

“Sure. That works for me. Ms. Lin will come to get me in the afternoon anyway. Oh, by the way, we’re flying to Yan City tomorrow. We won’t be back until after the Spring Festival. We’ll only see each other on the show.” Li Zexin looked conflicted. “This is the first time our whole family is going on a trip together. I can’t miss it.”

“Of course! Why would you miss it?” said Xiao Yi. “Do you have anything else to do? If you need my help, just tell me. I can help you if it’s possible for me.”

Xiao Yi thought Li Zexin had come to meet him because he needed to get something done, so he could go on a trip.

Li Zexin shook his head. “What kind of important thing would I have for you to help with? What I meant is that if I go on the trip, I won’t be able to wish you a Happy New Year in person. This is my first year in the Dream Team. I won’t be able to wish my senior teammates a Happy New Year either. Don’t you think it would be impolite?”

Xiao Yi sighed. “What nonsense is this? Where did all this come from? Do you think we’re some kind of sect where there’s an initiation ceremony? We all are around the same age. We are teammates and not master and disciple.”

Li Zexin sat cross-legged. “If you put it that way, I feel relieved. I was thinking that maybe I could wait until I come back to wish you all a Happy New Year. That way, on New Year’s Eve, I could send everyone a red envelope as a gesture of respect. ”

Xiao Yi patted Li Zexin’s head. “You’re not even a regular member yet, and you’re thinking about indulging in extravagance.”

“0w, that hurts!” Li Zexin shrank back. “Do you understand the sense of ceremony? Maybe it’s just a few bucks, but these things make a festive atmosphere during special occasions.”

“Our team doesn’t go for that. It’s better to focus on improving your skills.

Strive to become a regular member soon and not hold back the team.”

“Then can we do a video call on New Year’s Eve? A group video call, I mean?” Li Zexin asked.

“Yes, but I can’t guarantee that everyone will have the time. I don’t have a problem, but during the trip, try to spend more time with your family. Don’t just think about gaming. You can play games when you return.”

“Got it, Master.” Li Zexin smiled.

Outside the Sweetheart Inn, it was so cold that the water had frozen. Despite that. a long line of customers waited.

Xiao Yi and Li Zexin stood at the window and looked outside.

“Don’t these people feel cold?” Li Zexin murmured.

“My mom said it’s like this every day. We’ve expanded the store and increased the staff, but they still have to queue up.”

“Why not implement a reservation system? People can place an order and pick a time to get their orders. Those who haven’t made a reservation won’t be able to just buy on the spot.”

“It won’t work. We considered this method long ago. Among the customers, some elderly people don’t use mobile phones to make reservations. There are also passersby and tourists. Tourists’ schedules aren’t fixed.”

“That’s true.” Li Zexin felt he had said too much. Xiao Yi would have obviously considered every alternative.

“Thank you for the idea anyway,” Xiao Yi said.

“Hey, why are you thanking me? I haven’t done anything useful…”

“You helped out with the chores.” Xiao Yi put his arm around Li Zexin. “Free labor is good.”

“Working for my idol is a dream come true. Please, use me as much as you want as free labor. The more you use me, the happier I become.”

“Hey, both young masters seem quite enlightened today. Can I take a break and have you take over for a while?”

“Okay.” The two of them said at the same time and burst out into laughter.

At Royal Water Bay, Auntie Huang called her children who lived in the capital.

She told them not to worry about her spending the New Year alone this year. She told them that she had planned to go on a trip with the Li family.

Her son’s voice on the other end of the phone choked up. “Mom, do you sometimes feel that having me as a son is like having no children at all?”

“Silly child, how could that be? I’m content if you and Menmeng are happy. I’m afraid I might burden you someday. This way is much better. I can support myself and even save some money in case you need support.”

Back when she lived alone in her hometown, Auntie Huang also felt lonely. Even though her son sent her videos from far away during festive occasions, it wasn’t the same as having him present.

Later, Auntie Huang started working as a housekeeper in Yun City. Her first job was at the Li family villa. She met several other housekeepers who thought that the Li family might be very messy because only men lived in that house.

So, no one wanted to apply for the job. However, Auntie Huang realized that it was completely untrue. She did hope that the Li family could be livelier.

The children and Li Yanchen weren’t home most of the time. The kids had school, and Li Yanchen was always away on business trips. Sometimes she wouldn’t even see the homeowners for a whole month.

It wasn’t until Lin Wan got married and came over that the Li family finally felt like home.

“Mom, you don’t need to save up for us. We might not be fully able to repay your kindness, but we just hope you stay healthy and happy. After the Lantern Festival, I’ll come home to handle some matters. I’ll personally thank the Li family for treating you as a family member.”

“You’re coming back for the Lantern Festival? I’ll prepare your favorite shepherd’s purse soup dumplings and vegetable dumplings,” Aunt Huang said cheerfully.

“Alright, Mom.”

“Let’s hang up for now. I need to see if there’s anything else to tidy up at home.” Aunt Huang hurriedly ended the call.

On the other end of the call, Little Huang was a little disappointed. He didn’t even get to call a full three minutes with his mother. He used to think his mother needed him, but these days, she was always in a hurry. It felt like she had a new family.

Aunt Huang put down her phone. She smiled happily.

“Auntie Huang, would you like to come with me to the countryside?” Lin Wan came downstairs.

“Are you going to pick up Xiao Bao?” Auntie Huang asked.

“Yes. Do you want to come with me? We can be back in the afternoon,”said Lin

Wan. “I’ll show you where Mama Bao lives.”

“Sure.” Aunt Huang took off her apron. “Should I change?”

“No need. You look beautiful anyway.” Lin Wan had other plans.

As they warmed up the car, Lin Wan called Auntie Bao to inform her that they were on their way to pick her up. Auntie Bao was still at her neighbor’s place. She wasn’t ready yet. She had thought Lin Wan would only arrive in the evening.

Auntie Bao bid her neighbor farewell and hurried back home.

Lin Wan told her it would take about an hour to arrive and advised her not to cook too much to avoid wasting food. An hour would be enough time for Auntie