Farm Girl's Manor
Chapter 141 Warmth (2)_1

Chapter 141: Chapter 141 Warmth (2)_1

Xin Er was alright, she cherished the days when there was no worry about food and clothing, but Zhenzhen was still young and fickle, and lately she started to be picky about her food and liked to leave leftovers in her bowl, which was not a good habit.

When Zhenzhen heard this, he knew his sister was talking about him. Remembering his wasteful behavior made his face turn red with embarrassment. He tugged at his sister’s sleeve and pleaded, "Big sister, Zhenzhen knows he was wrong, and will not waste food anymore. Please don’t be angry, alright?"

How could Mo Yan be angry with him? Hearing his childish and tender voice, her heart had already melted away, but she still needed to teach him a lesson, "It’s good that you know you were wrong! Before you waste food again, think about the hard days in the past. If you can’t remember, just look at those people on the streets who have no clothes to wear and no food to eat, always remind yourself not to waste."

Zhenzhen nodded vigorously, "Zhenzhen will listen to big sister. If Zhenzhen ever wastes food again, punish him by not allowing him to eat for an entire day."

Mo Yan tried to suppress a laugh as she saw his serious expression and said, "These are your own words, and both your second sister and I have heard them!"

"Mmm, Zhenzhen is a man of his word!"

Xin Er covered her mouth to hide her giggles and winked at her big sister. Mo Yan smiled and patted her head.

After that, Mo Yan bought a few pounds of pork and a block of tofu. She had also wanted to buy a couple of crucian carps to simmer into soup but after wandering around, she didn’t find any fish for sale, so she had to take her siblings back home.

When it was time to make lunch, Mo Yan had intended to cook by herself with Xin Er’s help, but Aunt Lixiu’s nephew did not feel comfortable just sitting and waiting for the meal, insisting on helping out.

The kitchen wasn’t spacious, and with four people it was a bit cramped. So, Mo Yan sent Xin Er and Liyan out, and cooked with just Lixiu.

As Mo Yan chopped vegetables, she spoke to Lixiu who was washing the pans, "Aunt Li, Grandfather Li said your embroidery skills are very good. Xin Er likes embroidery a lot, but she has had no teacher, and her needlework skills have not improved. Could you teach her if you have time?"

When the topic of embroidery, which she excelled in, was brought up, a different kind of light shone in Lixiu’s eyes. However, thinking about her sullied past, that light faded, "I, I’m not capable, I..."

Mo Yan paused for a moment as if she didn’t notice the self-doubt in her voice, "Not capable? Are you saying that Aunt Li’s needlework skills can’t be taught to others?"

"No, no, that’s not it!" Lixiu, upon hearing this, hastily explained, "I, I’m afraid I won’t teach well."

Mo Yan smiled, "That’s alright. Just teach her the common needlework and techniques. If she doesn’t learn well, that’s because she’s not adept, not because you didn’t teach well!"

"This..."

The sincerity in Mo Yan’s eyes left Lixiu without excuses to refuse, and deep down she didn’t want to refuse. She nodding gravely and said, "Yanyan, rest assured, I will teach Xin Er seriously."

Mo Yan happily thanked her on behalf of Xin Er, "Aunt Li, that’s settled then. If she doesn’t study diligently, please don’t be too lenient with her."

Lixiu smiled shyly and agreed.

As the two worked and chatted, they found the conversation very enjoyable, and Mo Yan gained a deeper understanding of Lixiu.

Just as Lizhong had said, Lixiu was soft-spoken and somewhat introverted. If Mo Yan didn’t ask, she wouldn’t talk much, and her poor social skills explained why no one had come forward to help her when she was framed at the embroidery shop.

Yet, from what she could tell, Lixiu’s character seemed blameless.

Lixiu also had a very good impression of Mo Yan, who was generous, cheerful, and empathetic. Even knowing about her past, Mo Yan showed no prejudice, making her feel genuinely unconcerned about her history rather than offering mere polite superficiality.

The atmosphere in the kitchen was harmonious, and before they knew it, six dishes and a soup were prepared. The six of them gathered around the table for a lively meal, filled with joyful laughter.

Lizhong kept adding food to Lixiu’s plate, delighting in seeing his daughter enjoying her food, his eyes brimming with love and satisfaction. Their family had finally reunited!

As she ate, Lixiu’s eyes began to tear up involuntarily. She quickly wiped them away with her sleeve, not wanting to dampen everyone’s mood.

After lunch, Aunt Lixiu and her nephew vied to wash the dishes. Mo Yan did not compete with them – the kitchen was a great place to foster relationships.

"Yan girl, come here for a moment. Grandfather Li has something to tell you."

Mo Yan was about to return to her room when Lizhong called her back. She turned and saw his solemn expression, and, puzzled, followed him to the yard...