Chapter 296: Let's Talk After the Baby Is Born

Matsumae Shinchun blinked. She didn't expect Chitose to ask that.

After she understood what Qiansui said, she opened her mouth subconsciously and immediately answered her:
".What are you talking about, Chitose, how could this happen?"

"That's good! That's good!" Yang Kui Chitose breathed a sigh of relief and felt relieved.

Just after answering, Matsumae Shinchun seemed to remember something and frowned.

"Wait. It seems"

"Like what?"

"It seems that even if I have no objection to this kind of thing, my family will probably mind it."

"What? Why is this?!"

"Because in the eyes of my family, actually..."

Matsumae Shinharu was a little embarrassed to say it out loud in front of her good friends.

Yang Kui Chitose was particularly anxious and kept asking:
"What is it, Xinchun, please tell me! Tell me!"

"If the teacher and you, Chitose, have a child in the future, it will be considered an illegitimate child in the eyes of the family. The Matsumae family is very strict in this regard."

".What? Why?"

"Chitose, Chitose, don't be angry! This situation is just my family's opinion, you don't have to care about it."

In fact, when it comes down to it, it all comes down to who you decide to marry in the end.

Matsumae Shinharu looked at Chitose who lowered her head in front of her, feeling a little worried, and kept calling her name.

"Thousand years old, thousand years old, thousand years old?"

".Yeah, I'm listening."

"Just now, Chitose, you..."

Yang Kui Chitose's expression couldn't be described as happy, nor unhappy, but just a little annoyed. She put her hands behind her back and kicked the snow on the ground in the yard, "Xingchun will definitely not feel that way, right?"

“I definitely won’t.”

"It's still very upsetting to talk about this. Although I know that marriage is not something you can decide, Xinchun, I still feel very depressed! This makes our current relationship very unfree."

"It mainly depends on the opinions of my family." Matsumae Shinchun lowered his head and added in a low voice.

Yang Kui Chitose turned her head to look at her, "Are those people in Xinchun's family close to you?"

Matsumae Shinchun shook her head. "The only people I'm not close to are my father, my aunt, my grandparents. I feel like they're a little distant from me. As for those 'family members' I mentioned, they're even more distant to me."

"Why do you care about their opinions, Xinchun?"

"After all, they are family members. As part of the family, their opinions should also be considered."

Yang Kui Qiansui thought for a moment, "Xinchun, are you sure that Brother Shu will take over your current position in the future?"

"This is for sure. It was decided by my father, aunt, and grandfather. After I graduate, we will announce the fact of my engagement."

"So Brother Shu will be the head of the Matsumae family from now on?"

"Yeah," Matsumae Shinchun nodded gently, "but it's a little different."

"different?"

"Because my family needs me to be involved in future matters. In other words, my family won't fully trust the teacher at the beginning, so they need me to watch over them."

Yang Kui Chitose felt that everything was confusing, and she suddenly took Matsumae Shinchun's hands:
"After saying so much, the person who has the most say in the Matsumae family from now on will be you, Kokoharu!"

"It was like this at the beginning, so to speak."

"If that's the case, then Xinchun, you are the mistress of the Matsumae family. Now the most powerful say in the Matsumae family lies with your father, your aunt, and your grandfather. So why are you afraid of what your family members say, Xinchun?"

"Is it?"

"Of course! From now on, you, Xinchun, are the one who has the final say in the Matsumae family! So you don't need to think about all those worries and doubts just now, okay! Whether they agree or not, whether they listen or not, it's all up to you, Xinchun!"

Matsumae Shinharu actually disagreed with Chitose's words.

In her ideal, family decision-making should respect everyone's opinions.

That’s what counts as a “family”.

But if you think about it carefully, Chitose was right in fact.

Because whether it is grandpa or father, they always have the final say.

My father said that we should break off relations with the Jiuhua family, and everyone just raised some objections at most, but in fact, they still followed what my father said.

In the past, any major decisions made by the Matsumae family were always discussed first, and the final decision would be made by his father.

Matsumae Shinharu nodded in approval.

Yang Kui Chitose looked at her a little embarrassedly: "Now that we've come to this point~ Xinchun-chan~"

Regarding the matter of having children, Matsumae Shinchun was still very embarrassed, "I definitely won't stop Chitose or anything. I should say that I treat everyone equally, just like a teacher treats everyone."

Yang Kui Chitose was relieved, "That's good, that's good!"

Once this matter was resolved, the two returned to being good friends as usual.

Chitose Yangkui has been curious about whether what Fujii Itsuki said about Matsumae Shinharu being able to call out to the foxes on the mountain is true, and she keeps asking her questions.

"Qi Sui wants to see the snow foxes on the mountain?"

"Yes, yes!"

Matsumae Shinchun did not give a clear answer, but smiled and led her to the snow-covered stairs at the back of the yard.

There is an open space on the right side of this side, and there seem to be some stone bowls placed on the open space.

Matsumae Shinchun then returned to the room and took out a bell and a bag.

She raised the bell and shook it towards the snowy forest. Not long after, Yang Kui Qiansui saw all the foxes on the back mountain running down, playing and rolling the snow on the mountain.

Yang Kui Chitose's eyes widened. There must be more than twenty of them, right?

There are white snow foxes and deep red red foxes.

The ears, body, tail, and paws are all furry.

These snow foxes surrounded Matsumae Shinchun in a circle, all looking at her and crying.

It is said that the voice of a fox sounds like a baby.

It sounds like this, it's true.

Moreover, the fur of these foxes is shinier than the other, and it is obvious that they are well-fed and a little fat.

"By the way, Xinchun, where is your Baihua?"

"Lord Baihua is in the main hall. He should be enjoying the worship of tourists and resting under the fox statue." Matsumae Xinchun put the food in the bag into the stone bowls.

"Oh. What about these foxes?" "They are all released to roam freely in the mountains since they were young. Foxes are symbols and messengers of God in the Matsumae family, so someone comes to feed them regularly every day. As long as you ring the bell, they will come down the mountain. Chitose, do you want to feed them?"

"Is this okay?"

"What's wrong?"

Chitose Yangkui took the small bag from Shinharu Matsumae and found that it contained some commercial food similar to dog food and cat food. She grabbed a handful and bent down slightly, but before she could put it in the bowl, a fox came to her hand and started eating.

Yang Kui Chitose immediately laughed, and couldn't help but reach out and gently stroke the snow fox that came close to her, "Oh, they are so cute!"

The snow fox pressed its furry cheek against Qiansui's palm, narrowing its eyes slightly, looking very enjoyable.

Qiansui carefully fed the foxes with the food in her hand, grabbed another handful and put it into the stone bowl. As she moved, more foxes gathered around her, rubbing against her legs gently, and they were so well-behaved that her heart almost melted.

"These foxes look so healthy and their fur is so beautiful."

Yang Kui Chitose sighed and couldn't help but reach out and touch them. She found that these foxes were not afraid of people.

Matsumae Shinchun smiled, stood aside, and explained softly: "These foxes have been accustomed to being cared for by humans since they were young. They are one of the guardians of the Matsumae family. They are part of the Matsumae family just like humans."

Chitose Yangkui became more and more excited as she fed the little foxes. Surrounded by the little foxes, she soon forgot the fact that she actually didn't like foxes.

At this time, Fujii Itsuki came over. He walked all the way from the front yard to the back yard. Seeing the scene around Chitose, he was also shocked:
"Why are there so many foxes?"

Yang Kui Chitose continued to feed the baby with great interest, and said to Fujii Itsuki while feeding:
"Brother Tree, Brother Tree! You don't know! They are not only friendly, but also very smart!"

Looking at Chitose's happy expression, Fujii Itsuki couldn't help but bend down and gently touch the head of a snow fox.

The snow fox narrowed its eyes, as if enjoying the caress, and appeared particularly docile.

At this time, Matsumae Xinchun asked with concern from behind: "Teacher, have you discussed the matter with Aunt and the others?"

"Yeah." Fujii Itsuki gently scratched the fox's chin, listening to it purring. "I know you were a little worried, Xinchun, but it's all over, and your family didn't make it too difficult for me."

".Someone must have said something very unpleasant."

"This is normal."

Fujii Itsuki stroked the snow fox, his voice soothing: "Family affairs are bound to have disagreements, and sometimes it's unavoidable to hear some unpleasant words, but don't worry too much. I know you don't have to be embarrassed, this has nothing to do with you."

"But it's all because of Xinchun."

"You have to give to gain. I have already convinced everyone of my engagement with you."

Surprise and delight quickly flashed in Matsumae Shinchun's eyes, "Really? But..."

"You're still unwilling to believe the teacher?" Fujii Itsuki smiled.

"It's not that I don't trust you, teacher! It's just that there should be more obstacles in this matter. There will be many people in your family who will put obstacles in your way."

"This matter was decided by your grandfather. The situation is not as complicated as you think. When I went to meet those people, they did give me some difficult questions, such as how to prove my ability and so on."

Fujii Itsuki sighed softly and continued:

"Indeed, they asked a lot of questions about my personal abilities, but don't forget that although I am just an ordinary teacher, I also graduated from Beijing University and have made some achievements in the field of education. I showed them the projects I participated in when I was at Beijing University, as well as my plans for future educational development. Most importantly, I showed them some of my connections. These things are enough to prove that I am capable of taking good care of you and let them know that I am not without background.

"In fact, my professor at that time thought it would be more appropriate for me to go into politics rather than be a teacher in an ordinary school."

Matsumae Shinchun was stunned for a moment, "Then why did the teacher last year——"

"Xinchun wants to ask me why I have all those things above and still have to go back to my hometown, right?"

"Um"

"Because what I just said was just to scare them."

"what?"

"It's half true, half false," Fujii Itsuki shrugged nonchalantly. "It's true that I've been at Kyoto University for so long and I know a lot of people, but you know, I don't really like that kind of struggle and complicated environment. The professors think it's better for me to go into politics because they think I have the ability, but that's not the life I want.

"The reason why I was so depressed that I returned home was because my dream was shattered. I didn't have the feeling I wanted in Tokyo, and the identity of a 'teacher' at that time really disappointed me."

He paused, his eyes softened, "After I came back, I finally understood that being a teacher was the choice I made since I was a child. Although it's simple, I feel that this kind of life makes me feel more at ease, and it also allows me to truly influence some people's lives.

"Besides, it's because I'm a teacher that I can meet a student like you, Xinchun. This is a wonderful fate, isn't it?"

"."

"Xinchun, please don't be sad. I told you I don't mind."

Matsumae Xinchun lowered her head and bit her lip, then nodded after a long while, "Okay."

"You don't have to feel guilty about my resignation. To be honest, I am already very satisfied to be able to bring you to graduation."

Fujii Itsuki paused and said in a relaxed tone, "Besides, since I have decided on this path, I have already been prepared to face anyone. This is not a grievance, but my own choice."

Matsumae Shinchun raised her head, with a complex look in her eyes, "Teacher, can you really be so determined? Even if you face resistance from the Matsumae family in the future, and your future job is no longer your dream, will you have no regrets?"

Fujii Itsuki smiled slightly, and said firmly: "No regrets. Everyone has their own life choices, and I am no exception. Besides, Xinchun, I don't think this is a big obstacle. There will always be friction and conflicts between people. What's important is how we face and resolve them, and how to find our own belonging in new choices, rather than avoiding them."

Matsumae Shinchun was silent for a moment, and finally nodded gently, "Thank you, teacher."

Fujii Itsuki looked at her, put his hand on her shoulder, and said softly:
"The same goes for you, Xinchun. No matter how complicated the road ahead is, as long as you have a direction in your heart, there is nothing to fear."

"Ok!"

"Besides, I won't be the only one to shoulder the work of the Matsumae family in the future, right? We are working together, and I hope you can help me keep an eye on things in the future."

A warmth surged in Matsumae Shinharu's heart and she took a deep breath, as if she had found inner peace and strength on this winter evening.

"Also, ahem."

Fujii Itsuki secretly glanced at Yang Kui Chitose who was still playing with the snow fox nearby. After realizing that she was not paying attention to them, he quietly approached Matsumae Shinharu's rosy ears and said:
"Your aunt told me that your grandfather has been a little anxious for many years because your father refused to have another child even if he was beaten to death."

".Impatient." Matsumae Shinchun's face turned red, knowing what he was anxious about, "How anxious is Grandpa?"

"Isn't there a gap of several months after you graduate?"

"Why, why are you so anxious? What about college?" Matsumae Shinchun lowered her eyebrows, her face as red as an apple.

".According to your aunt, let's talk about it after the baby is born."

"."

"What if it's still a girl?"

"I asked this question as well, so let's give birth to another one."

"Or is it?"

".continue."

After hearing this, Matsumae Shinchun was shocked, and the blush spread all the way to her neck. "Grandpa, how could he say such a thing so casually?"

".But why do I feel like you are looking forward to it, Xinchun?"

"Ah? I, I didn't!"

(End of this chapter)