Chapter 39: More and More Hope
The dark red wild boar meat bobbed back and forth in the bubbling broth.
The aroma of the meat was irresistible, and its glistening appearance was incredibly tempting.
She couldn't help but laugh and took a few steps closer, peering into the pot to see what was inside.
"Sister-in-law, you've worked so hard! Can I lend a hand and help with anything?"
His voice carried genuine enthusiasm and initiative.
Niu Chunqiao sat by the stove, silently adding firewood, her face expressionless as she busied herself with her work, not uttering a word or raising her head to respond, seemingly not intending to pay any attention to her.
Standing to the side, Chen Xiaoping chuckled and replied, "No need, it'll be ready soon, don't bother me."
Even though all those ingredients were found by my sister-in-law.
But we can't let that make people think our family is too casual.
Taking advantage of the pleasant atmosphere, Qiao Wanyin casually offered a compliment.
"My third sister-in-law's cooking is really delicious, she's so skilled!"
The words slipped out of her mouth, and before she even realized what was happening, the other person was stunned for a moment.
Chen Xiaoping was clearly surprised by her sister-in-law's words, and a shy smile involuntarily appeared on her face.
This is……
Did hitting your head and getting some new ideas come to you?
I've never heard her say anything nice before.
I've always only ever heard her complain, but now she's actually learning to encourage others?
Chen Xiaoping realized what she meant, smiled, and replied.
"Then take the wild vegetable soup out first, be careful not to burn yourself."
She handed over the tasks she was assigned.
After saying that, Qiao Wanyin picked up the bowl of bright green soup next to her.
The broth was a deep, dark color.
Her hands trembled slightly, but she still held the bowl of thick soup steadily.
Standing there, a sense of helplessness and melancholy welled up in her heart.
She knew in her heart that her sisters-in-law still held deep grudges against her.
Even after spending some time together, they remained cold and distant towards her.
Those subtle expressions and deliberate avoidance already said it all.
It will be difficult to change this view in a short period of time.
She knew that her identity made her unwelcome in this family.
Even though I tried my best to be humble, I still couldn't win their acceptance.
If we insist on staying, everyone will feel very uncomfortable.
So at this moment, even if I feel reluctant to part with you.
She could only suppress her emotions and decided to temporarily leave the occasion.
"The meat is here!"
Just then, a cheerful and lively voice came from inside the house.
This is Chen Xiaoping's unique voice.
She walked out, one hand holding onto the edge of the steaming basin, calling out as she went.
Not long after, Chen Xiaoping brought out a large bowl of fragrant wild boar meat from the kitchen.
The aroma is strong and enticing.
When the large basin was placed in the center of the table, the rim of the pot was still wobbling slightly.
As soon as I stepped outside, the aroma filled the entire courtyard.
The wind seemed to have caught the influence as well, becoming much gentler.
The old cat hid under the window and sniffed.
The children couldn't wait any longer, their eyes fixed longingly on the bowl of meat.
His eyes were wide open, and his face was full of anticipation.
Their little hands nervously rubbed the hem of their clothes.
Several of the younger children had already started drooling quietly, their lips pressed tightly together.
After what happened last time, Qiao Cunliang didn't dare to say anything like "women and children can't sit at the table".
Last time, it caused a family war because he made such an old-fashioned and rigid request.
Several daughters-in-law stood up to refute him, and several children started crying.
Although he was the eldest son in his family, in modern society...
He clearly felt that his ideas were gradually falling behind the times, so he simply became smarter and stopped bringing up such old things.
Everyone gradually sat down around the table, arm in arm, huddled together.
People sat close together, bowls next to bowls, and the area around the dining table gradually became lively.
"Let's eat! Let's eat!"
Qiao Cunliang took the lead in making the announcement, his voice loud and powerful.
"Xiao Fu, don't be shy, eat more."
Fu Lian nodded, his voice clear and bright.
"Thank you, Uncle."
"Don't be shy, eat up!"
As Zhu Junxia spoke, she urged her son and daughter-in-law on.
Although her hair was starting to turn gray, she was in good spirits, and she was especially kind and approachable when she was with younger people.
Seeing that no one else had started eating yet, she said this eagerly and then picked up a piece of meat and put it into her grandson's bowl.
Everyone was already starving.
Upon hearing this, they all picked up their chopsticks and began to eat.
The clinking and clattering of porcelain bowls rang out one after another.
The little children had oil all over their faces, their mouths smeared with dark brown soup, and their hands covered in grease.
But they all laughed heartily, seemingly oblivious to the danger.
Laughter chattered and echoed from the yard to outside the house.
They flew back and forth in the open space outside the courtyard wall, almost drowning out the chirping of the little sparrows in the old locust tree!
Zhu Junxia watched her family enjoying their meal together and couldn't help but feel deeply moved.
"This is wonderful! How long has it been since our house has been this lively?"
Her gaze slowly swept across the faces of everyone at the dinner table.
Upon hearing this, everyone calmed down a bit.
Qiao Wanyin pursed her lips gently, her expression slightly calm.
Long-forgotten fragments of memories began to surface in her mind.
Scenes flashed through my mind like a revolving lantern.
Memories gradually surfaced in my mind.
She seemed to see that sunny afternoon, her mother still alive, the whole family sitting together around an old-fashioned long table covered with a bright red cotton cloth...
That happened on the original owner's twelfth birthday.
It seems like the family was having such a happy meal together on the original owner's twelfth birthday.
Later, when the original owner got a little older...
Especially as they grow older, their minds gradually mature.
However, his temperament became increasingly unpredictable, and he began to frequently lose his temper.
The once harmonious family lost its peaceful atmosphere because of her willfulness and stubbornness.
She placed a steaming piece of meat into Zhang Sufang's bowl with a gentle smile on her face.
"Mother, things will definitely get better and better for our son in the future."
"Yes," Zhu Junxia nodded, a hint of tears welling up in her eyes, "Life will definitely get better and better."
Her voice was choked with emotion.
As a mother, she knew better than anyone how difficult her daughter's upbringing had been.
But now, seeing my daughter finally become sensible, considerate of her family, and think about the family, I feel indescribably moved.
The child has really grown up and is now able to say heartwarming things.
How could this not fill a mother with hope?
Things will definitely get better and better!
After dinner, night quietly fell.
The moon had unknowingly risen above the treetops.
Out of basic courtesy, Qiao Wanyin accompanied Fu Lian to the door and watched him leave.
A cool night breeze blew by.
The air was filled with the unique fragrance of the countryside.
Just as the two stood at the door, each in silence.
Qiao Wanyin suddenly spoke, breaking the silence.
"Have you reflected on your actions? Do you even know where you went wrong?"
Fu Li'an frowned.
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