"Ah, Yang Yichen, you are really too clever! Next time, you should prepare the pot, and we can enjoy it like this again. It will be even better with both spicy and non-spicy options!" While speaking, Liu Qingxi picked up a piece of meat and dipped it generously into the chili sauce.
The fiery sensation in her mouth was irresistible, opening up her appetite and making her want to eat more and more.
Tender slices of meat and fresh vegetables; she had never eaten so heartily for such a long time.
Compared to Liu Qingxi's eating style, Yang Yichen exuded an aesthetically pleasing demeanor. With her long fingers holding the pristine white bamboo chopsticks, she elegantly brought the food to her mouth, her movements graceful yet not slow at all.
As Liu Qingxi glanced up, she couldn't help but be mesmerized. She had never seen anyone eat in such a captivating manner.
Cough, cough, she really couldn't think of any beautiful words to describe it.
Looking over at the Wen Family, Liu Qingxi finally understood why Yang Yichen possessed such refinement.
Because dining with Liu Qingxi was a rare opportunity for lively interaction, the Wen Family dismissed their servants and took care of everything themselves. Crimson's lips became even more vibrant after tasting a bit of chili.
"Ah, no, no! I'm getting older; I can't handle spicy food like you young people can. I'll stick to peanuts and sesame!"
Although it was delicious, just that one bite made Wen Family feel a fiery sensation in their stomachs.
However, after simmering for a whole morning, the essence from the bones had fully infused into the broth, making it fragrant and delicious. Everyone enjoyed quite a bit.
As the person who initially suggested this meal, Liu Qingxi occasionally ordered dishes and meat, inviting everyone to eat. Especially the tender white tofu, which she boiled vigorously in the pot for a while until it soaked up all the broth—absolutely delightful.
Taking a bite made Liu Qingxi squint her eyes in happiness; she hadn't had this in ages!
Oh right, it seemed like they had bought some soybeans at home! Hmm! She could try making it herself later!
Laughing, they spent over an hour enjoying this meal. In the end, everyone slumped in their chairs, unwilling to move.
"Burp!" A loud belch escaped from Liu Qingyan, who quickly covered her mouth and glanced around furtively.
Then everyone's gaze turned toward her; wasn't this just like giving herself away?
"Hahaha! From now on, I like to eat at Aunt's house!" The Wen Family laughed heartily, disregarding their image.
It had been many years since they had such a relaxed moment. Kid, at the age of seven or eight, was at his cutest.
Due to health reasons, the Wen Family had not been able to care for Yang Yichen during his childhood. Now, seeing Liu Qingyan felt like a reflection of the young Yang Yichen.
At this moment, her gaze toward Liu Qingyan was filled with affection, as if she wanted to make up for all the years of maternal love that had been missing.
Yang Yichen's dark eyes moved slightly, and the corners of his lips lifted gently, presenting himself as a quiet and handsome young man.
From then on, Liu Qingxi didn’t need to worry about cleaning up; everything was left to Cook.
By this time, it was already afternoon. Liu Qingxi felt it was about time and proposed to take her leave.
The Wen Family, as always, felt reluctant: "Qingxi, wait! After you finish this hot pot, you'll feel warm all over. It's really nice!"
"Aunt, if you want to eat in the future, you can have Cook make it. I've already given them the recipe!"
"Great! When it's done, I'll invite you over!"
After sending off their guest, the Wen Family looked up at their son, whose gaze seemed impossible to pull back, and smiled silently.
"Yichan, aren't you planning to go back for the winter?"
"Does Mother think this place is not good?" Yang Yichen's retort left Wen Family speechless.
After thinking for a moment, she continued: "This place is great; it's comfortable to live in. It's just that your father's side might be a bit much!"
"What difference does it make whether we go back or not? We live our own lives; as long as we're happy!"
Such a simple statement gave the Wen Family an immense sense of security. When did their son grow up? He had responsibility and capability now; he could protect those he cared about!
However, that being said, someone from the Wen Family wrote a letter and had it sent back. The weather was cold, and her son was weak, so he wouldn't return to Biqi Town during winter. She stayed here to take care of him.
With a thousand worries set aside, she turned a deaf ear to the disputes outside and lived a leisurely life, as if picking chrysanthemums by the eastern fence.
At Liu Qingxi's doorstep
A short old lady shivered in the cold wind, her gray hair blowing chaotically in the breeze. She occasionally looked up to peer inside, stamping her feet and rubbing her hands to fend off the biting chill.
As she drew closer, Liu Qingxi could see the old lady's drooping eyelids clearly. Her aged face appeared even paler, and her trembling body indicated that she had been waiting there for quite some time.
Perhaps the cold wind had numbed her for too long; her movements were stiff, and she didn't even notice Liu Qingxi's footsteps returning.
It was Liu Qingxi who took the initiative to call out to regain her attention.
"Grandma, why are you here? Have you been waiting long?"
"No, not for long at all!" Qin Family chuckled nervously.
Liu Qingxi noticed her stiff movements but chose not to expose her lie.
In fact, as soon as Liu Qingxi left, the Qin Family arrived just in time to miss each other.
However, Liu Qingxi's courtyard was relatively independent; even the nearest neighbors were a bit far away. When she inquired, everyone knew nothing about Liu Qingxi's whereabouts.
Fearing that she would miss Liu Qingxi's return and with a deadline looming, the Qin Family didn't dare to delay any longer. They needed to resolve things quickly so they could sleep peacefully.
Last night, she had been sleepless; in fact, she hadn't slept well for several nights in a row.
Her pale complexion contrasted sharply with her reddened eyes. The burdens of life had caused this elderly woman, who should be enjoying her later years, to hunch over more and more, creating a twisted posture.
In the dim light, Liu Qingxi felt a pang of sorrow in her heart. How much suffering had this old woman endured!
She spoke little and quickly poured out some of the contents from the bag, finding a basin with a leaking corner to put them in, igniting it with a Fire Stone.
"Grandma, hurry up and warm it up!"
This was charcoal brought from the Yang Family. The Wen Family knew she hadn't prepared any, so they insisted on giving her a bag when they returned. They had bought plenty at home and could get more if needed.
Girls should take care of themselves; they must not get cold, or else they would regret it later when they fall ill in old age.
The Qin Family felt uneasy, but the pile of issues on their son's side weighed heavily on their hearts. How could they sit down and warm themselves by the fire?
Finally gathering her courage, she recounted the situation: "Qingxi, you are the only one who can save them now. This is Grandma's plea!"
She knew that what she was doing was not right, but what other choice did she have?
Liu Qingxi had anticipated this outcome!
When she first arrived in this era, she cherished the little warmth from the Qin Family. However, as time passed, she realized that in the hearts of the Qin Family, the First Branch and Second House were what mattered most.
Poor her at that time, blinded by appearances, shedding tears of emotion each time.
But just for the warmth she once received from the Qin Family, Liu Qingxi would not turn her away. Ha ha, she truly was an easily satisfied and kind-hearted person.
"Grandma, I can help with this, but I have one condition!"
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