Qiao Xiaoshan didn't know what was wrong with him these past few days. He even dreamed about Ma Yulan while sleeping at night, and even got his pants wet.

He didn't tell anyone about it, feeling ashamed and shameless. So what if she's a little good-looking? How could he have such a filthy thought?

Tao Chunfang threw a handful of noodles into the pot, cooked them briefly, scooped them out, added a spoonful of meat broth, and placed two slices of meat on the table.

"Eat!"

"My sister-in-law is still the best to me!" Qiao Xiaoshan sat down and started eating noodles.

Qiao Dashan watched his younger brother wolf down his food and said, "Eat slowly, no one's going to take it from you. If I didn't know, I'd think you hadn't eaten breakfast!"

Qiao Xiaoshan coughed several times after his shortcomings were exposed again.

"Our chili oil is so spicy, it almost choked me to death."

Su Chenhao said, "Eat slowly, no one's going to take it from you. You can't eat spicy food, yet you poured so much chili oil. Who else would be spicy if not you?"

Qiao Xiaoni recalled that morning, Qiao Xiaoshan had taken six fried dough sticks, saying it was too hot inside and he would eat outside. He was also carrying a bowl of tofu pudding. Logically speaking, he shouldn't be that hungry!

Unless he didn't eat breakfast, where did the fried dough sticks go? His eyes involuntarily swept towards the courtyard next door. Ma Yulan occasionally passed by the gate, but she never went in to eat breakfast.

The two didn't interact much during the day. She had been worried before, but she didn't expect it to actually happen. What should she do now?

Ma Yulan is still in mourning, so she can only get married in two years. Plus, she has a child and a mother-in-law to support.

If my second brother gets together with her, the burden in the future will definitely be heavy. They will have to have children, and their parents may not agree to the marriage.

I wanted to talk to him about this last time, but I was interrupted. Then one thing after another came up, and I forgot about it.

Thinking of this, Qiao Xiaoni walked over and sat down opposite Qiao Xiaoshan.

"Second brother, are you familiar with Ma Yulan next door?"

Qiao Xiaoshan dropped his chopsticks, quickly picked them up, wiped them with his hand, and then looked at the noodles in front of him. They seemed to have no flavor, and he couldn't explain why.

"Why are you asking this? I've only borrowed things from them a few times."

"She's quite pretty. Do you have feelings for her?" Qiao Xiaoni didn't like beating around the bush. There were only family members in the house, so there was no need to hide anything.

Qiao Xiaoshan choked on the noodles in his mouth and had to drink a large bowl of water to recover.

What did you say?

"I want to hear the truth." Qiao Xiaoni's expression was solemn. She wanted to know how far their relationship had progressed. Was it unrequited love, or had they already secretly taken steps towards each other?

"Xiaoshan? You've taken a fancy to the widow next door?" Qiao Dashan walked over with a serious expression. "She even has a child with her. Are you out of your mind?"

Qiao Xiaoshan got angry and said, "Brother, I'm not crazy. I just felt sorry for her."

Qiao Xiaoni said, "Second brother, I hope you understand that pity is not love. If you don't understand some things, what if the other party misunderstands?"

Besides, given her circumstances, have you thought about what will happen in the future?

"I..." Qiao Xiaoshan didn't know what to say.

Qiao Dashan could tell from his younger brother's expression that the boy had truly fallen for the widow. In his eyes, his brother was still too young. How could he possibly support several people? Even if the family's circumstances had improved, it was only because his sister had changed for the better, and besides, things had only just started to get better. He didn't want his brother to cause trouble for the family.