Chapter 22: A Warm Family Dinner

“Sister? She hasn’t corrected you on what to call her?”

Xiao Hanting’s tone was unreadable. He didn’t really care about the issue, since the children weren’t Lin Qinghuan’s biological kids. Maybe she just wasn’t ready to be a mother yet.

But to outsiders, they were a married couple. It did seem odd for the children to call her “sister.”

“Father, we want to call her ‘mother,’ but she hasn’t agreed yet. We can’t just call her that without permission. What if she gets upset?”

Da Bao looked cautious and worried. He loved having a lively home. If he and Xiao Bao drove their sister away by being foolish, they would be heartbroken.

Xiao Hanting chuckled and rubbed their heads. “Da Bao is so considerate. Take it slow.”

In the kitchen, Lin Qinghuan stir-fried the last of the greens. Once she served the rice, they could eat.

Since it was late and only the bedroom had candles, she brought the dishes to Xiao Hanting’s room.

They only had three sets of bowls and chopsticks for the three of them. Luckily, she had brought some from the Lin home. Otherwise, they’d be eating with their hands tonight.

She ladled out chicken soup for each of them. “I made a lot, so drink up. From now on, we’re a family. We need to support each other.”

Lin Qinghuan gave a genuine smile. Even blending into this unfamiliar family was better than staying with the Lins.

Lin Qingyu was visibly relaxed, no longer on edge like he was at the Lin house.

“I can’t move my legs. You’ll have to take care of everything around here. It’s hard on you.” Xiao Hanting’s lips twitched, as if helpless.

Before, mentioning his legs would darken his face like it was a great humiliation.

But years had passed, and life had worn down his edges. Now he could mention his leg injury with acceptance.

“What’s so hard about that? You’re a scholar. Maybe when your legs heal, you’ll pass the imperial exam and bring back the top prize.” Lin Qinghuan joked half-seriously.

She didn’t know what had happened to him in the capital back then, so she sidestepped the topic.

“Mm, I will!” Just three short words, but they carried deep resolve.

There were only two chicken drumsticks. Lin Qinghuan gave them to the children. Compared to other kids their age, they were thin and looked malnourished. They needed a good meal.

“Sister, we don’t want the drumsticks. You and brother should have them. Today is to welcome you, so the best food should go to you.”

Xiao Bao stared fixedly at the greasy drumstick, then resolutely looked away and pushed it toward Lin Qinghuan.

Both children were so well-behaved. Lin Qinghuan loved them dearly. It felt like being a mother without the pain of childbirth.

“There’s plenty of chicken here. Brother and I can eat anything. You two eat them. We’ll have drumsticks again in the future. You can give them to us next time.”

Da Bao and Xiao Bao were just kids. After a little back-and-forth, they couldn’t help picking them up and eating.

They wolfed them down as if eating the most delicious thing in the world.

“Sister, the chicken you stewed is so fragrant. I’ve never had such a tasty drumstick.” Da Bao’s mouth was full of chicken, but he still mumbled praise for Lin Qinghuan.

This meal was very harmonious. They nearly finished the whole chicken, and even the greens were cleaned out.

“Burp~” Xiao Bao couldn’t help letting out a burp, patting his little belly shyly.

This must have been the fullest meal they’d ever had.

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