"I'll tidy up your room for you. You can rest for a bit. We're not usually home; it's mostly just Mom and my younger brother here. Save my phone number; call me if you need anything."
“Okay.” After exchanging contact information, Meng Zhiyuan went into one of the rooms.
As the people dispersed, the once cramped hall became empty, and the aroma of food filled the small house. Meng Wan looked at the "family" group on her phone and slightly curled the corners of her lips.
After a pause, Meng Wan walked towards her future room. She had expected it to be a small and cramped room, but it was surprisingly clean and tidy, with a large window that would provide plenty of natural light during the day.
Their doting on Tang Zhiyi exceeded her expectations. Unable to describe her feelings, Meng Wan turned her gaze to Meng Zhiyuan, who was making the bed for her.
"Is this the master bedroom?"
"Yes, the sheets and blankets have all been washed and dried. As for the room, Mom cleans it every day, so it's always spotless." Meng Zhiyuan straightened the mattress, then stood up and patted non-existent dust off his hands.
"There are only three rooms, where will you stay?"
“I live in the dormitory. Zhili, Zhilian, and Zhiyao share a room, and my parents share another room.”
"You guys are really good to Meng Zhiyi."
Meng Wan's unintentional remark created an awkward atmosphere.
"Don't overthink it. Since you've decided to stay here, you have everything Zhiyi has, and we won't treat you differently. Everything is usable; just tell me what you need, and I'll try my best to get it for you."
"No need, everything is fine." Knowing that Meng Zhiyuan had misunderstood, Meng Wan had no intention of explaining.
For her, the Meng family was merely a refuge before she came of age. To put it bluntly, while Meng Zhiyuan might have played a part in her staying there, she was mostly just looking for some amusement in her boring life.
She was quite curious about how those who had fallen from grace would behave.
"Then I'll head out first. I've put your suitcase by the bed."
"Wait." Meng Wan called out to Meng Zhiyuan before he left.
"What's wrong?"
"Let me clarify first, I have no ill intentions. I'm just going to be living here for a while, and I think it's better to ask about some things first."
“You’re part of the family too, there’s nothing you can’t ask.” Meng Zhiyuan closed the door.
"Before coming here, the Tang family gave me your information, which showed that Meng Zhiyao has autism, right?"
"Yes," Meng Zhiyuan readily admitted.
"But don't be afraid. Zhiyao is very well-behaved. She usually likes to stay quietly in her room and draw. She won't attack anyone. Zhiyao's behavior is our oversight. We didn't notice it when we were well-off, and now there's nothing we can do to treat her."
Meng Zhiyuan smiled slightly, his eyes softening. "Even so, Zhiyao is still a good child, so I hope you won't look at him with strange eyes."
"You two have a very good relationship."
Meng Zhiyuan walked over, and Meng Wan froze on the spot, feeling the numb sensation of her head being ruffled.
“I can’t judge Zhiyi’s situation, but since you’re willing to stay, I will do my best to make sure you have a good life.”
Meng Wan had only ever seen that kind of resolute look in one person's eyes. It was as if there was a cliff behind them and a sea of fire in front of them, and there was no other way but to get through it.
The two didn't say anything more. The meal was simple, yet unexpectedly delicious. Although the Tang family had a chef with a million-dollar annual salary, for some reason, Meng Wan felt that today's meal was better than any other meal she had ever eaten.
"I don't know what you like. Is the food alright?" Qin Yi asked cautiously, while Meng Boqun silently placed the few meat dishes in front of her.
"It's delicious, your cooking is excellent."
Seeing Meng Wan's demeanor, Qin Yi knew she wasn't just being polite, and she finally felt a little relieved.
"Eat more if it's delicious." Meng Boqun picked up a piece of meat for her.
"Just tell Mom what you want to eat, and Mom will make it for you."
Meng Wan nodded. The meal was a warm exchange, a rare experience in her 17 years of life. Perhaps it was the pleasant atmosphere, or perhaps she couldn't refuse the hospitality, but despite having a small appetite for delicacies, she ate a whole bowl of rice.
If the eldest son of the Tang family finds out, another batch of Tang family chefs will have to leave.
The awkward atmosphere dissipated somewhat after the meal. Meng Zhiyuan returned to school, while Meng Wan also used the excuse of packing her luggage to go back to her room. She didn't have much luggage and finished packing quickly.
Lying in bed, the blankets smelled of sunshine and laundry detergent, and the small fan whirred softly. Even without air conditioning, it didn't feel hot.
The whispers of the Meng couple drifted in from outside, along with the sounds of various houses outside the window. For Meng Wan, who had always lived in a quiet villa area, this evoked a sense of nostalgia, a distant memory of a similar experience she had when she was very young…
Just as the Meng family's prosperity wouldn't last forever, the Tang family wasn't powerful from the start. When Meng Wan was very young, she also went through a difficult period, but she was lucky and within two or three years she was living the life of a young lady, which she still enjoys today.
For some reason, that period of time, which had been almost forgotten, was suddenly brought back to mind.
"Asleep?"
"She's asleep."
"The child is probably tired too, don't disturb her, poor child..."
"I think she really likes stir-fried pork. I'll go buy some more tomorrow."
"Okay, how is Zhili feeling today?"
Meng Wan only heard a sigh, and then knew nothing more.
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