Chapter 141: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 141: Warmth (2)
Xin'er was still fine, cherishing the current days of worry-free food and clothing. As for Zhen'er, being younger and less mature, he had recently become picky and even left leftovers in his bowl, which was not a good habit.
As soon as Zhen'er heard it, he knew his sister was talking about him. Thinking about his wasteful behavior, he couldn't help but blush. He tugged at his sister's sleeve and said softly, "Big sister, Zhen'er knows he was wrong. I won't waste food anymore. Please don't be angry, okay?"
Where would Mo Yan get angry with him? Listening to his childish words, her heart had long softened, but she still needed to teach him what was right: "It's good that you know you were wrong! In the future, before wasting food, think about the hardships we endured in the past. If you can't remember, go and see those people on the street who have no clothes to wear and no food to eat. Remind yourself constantly not to waste."
Zhen'er nodded vigorously. "Zhen'er listens to big sister. If Zhen'er wastes food again in the future, I'll punish myself by not eating for a whole day."
Mo Yan looked at his serious expression and suppressed a smile. "This is what you said yourself, and your second sister and I heard it!"
"Yeah, Zhen'er is a man of his word!"
Xin'er covered her mouth and chuckled, winking at her big sister. Mo Yan smiled and patted her head.
Afterwards, Mo Yan bought a few more pounds of pork and a block of tofu. She had originally wanted to buy two crucian carp to make soup, but after looking around, she didn't see any fish for sale, so she had to take her siblings home.
When preparing lunch, Mo Yan initially wanted to do it herself and let Xin'er assist, but Li Xiu and her niece were embarrassed to sit and wait for the meal, insisting on coming in to help.
The kitchen was not spacious, and with four people squeezed inside, it became a bit crowded. Mo Yan sent Xin'er and Li Yan out to help, leaving her alone with Li Xiu to cook.
While chopping vegetables, Mo Yan spoke to Li Xiu, who was washing the pot, "Aunt Li, Grandpa Li said your embroidery skills are excellent. Xin'er really likes embroidery, but she doesn't have a master, so her embroidery skills haven't improved. If you have time, could you teach her?"
Talking about her best skill, embroidery, Li Xiu's eyes lit up with a strange radiance. However, thinking of her dirty past, that radiance dimmed. "I, I can't, I..."
Mo Yan paused, seemingly unaware of her self-doubt in her words. "Can't? Could it be that Aunt Li's embroidery skills cannot be passed on?"
"N-no!" Li Xiu hurriedly explained when she heard this, "I, I'm afraid I won't teach her well."
Mo Yan smiled and said, "It's okay. Just teach her some basic stitching techniques and skills. If she doesn't learn well, it's because she's not smart, not because you didn't teach well!"
"This..."
Li Xiu couldn't find an excuse to refuse under Mo Yan's sincere gaze, and deep down, she didn't want to refuse either. So, she solemnly nodded and said, "Yan'er, rest assured. I will teach Xin'er seriously."
Mo Yan thanked her happily, "Aunt Li, that's settled then. If Xin'er doesn't learn well, don't go easy on her."
Li Xiu smiled shyly and agreed.
As they worked and chatted, they got along very well, and Mo Yan gained a deeper understanding of Li Xiu.
Just as Li Zhong had said, Li Xiu was gentle and somewhat introverted. If Mo Yan didn't ask, she wouldn't say much. This lack of social skills also explained why no one was willing to speak up for her when she was framed in the embroidery workshop.
However, judging from her words and actions, her character should be fine.
Li Xiu also had a good impression of Mo Yan. She was open and cheerful, understanding, and even though she knew about Li Xiu's past, she didn't show any discrimination. Li Xiu could feel that Mo Yan genuinely didn't mind her past, not just being polite on the surface.
The atmosphere in the kitchen was harmonious, and before they knew it, they had finished cooking six dishes and a soup. The six of them sat around the table, eating and chatting cheerfully, filling the air with laughter and joy.
Li Zhong kept serving Li Xiu, watching his daughter eat with relish, his eyes full of love and satisfaction. Their family was finally reunited!
As Li Xiu ate, tears unknowingly streamed down her face. She quickly wiped them away with her sleeve, afraid of affecting everyone's mood.
After lunch, Li Xiu and her niece clamored to wash the dishes, and Mo Yan didn't compete with them. The kitchen was a good place to bond.
"Yan'er, come here for a moment. Grandpa Li has something to tell you."
Mo Yan was about to return to her room but was stopped by Li Zhong. Seeing his serious expression, she followed him to the yard, feeling a bit puzzled...
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