"Mom, we just got here, let’s rest a bit first, no need to rush," Pei Yan said upon catching his mother’s gaze.
"It’s been so long since I felt this good, I couldn’t hold it in. Sorry, Yunyun, if it made you uncomfortable," Mrs. Pei, being smart, quickly understood and apologized.
"It’s fine, just not used to it," Qin Yun shook her head.
Qin Yun was originally the last Taotie on earth, having no family at all. Although the original host had family, it might as well have been nonexistent.
In reality, Qin Yun had never truly felt familial affection.
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Pei remembered what Old Pei had told her about Qin Yun’s background and was overwhelmed with maternal feelings, seeing how thin she was.
"Yan, take good care of Yunyun. I’ll go make something delicious to nourish her. Being this thin is not acceptable," Mrs. Pei said, getting ready to head to the kitchen.
"Mom, she eats quite a lot, let Uncle Li help with the cooking," Pei Yan glanced at the eagerly looking Qin Yun and suggested after some thought.
"Alright," Mrs. Pei nodded, puzzled.
Seeing Mrs. Pei head to the kitchen, Qin Yun felt a bit bored and asked, "Aren’t you going to show me around?"
Pei Yan stood up, "Let’s go."
The Pei Family villa was huge. Qin Yun noticed it when she arrived by car, and now, stepping outside, she realized what she saw before was just a small part of it.
Compared to where Pei Yan used to live, though, it was still small, but overall it was alright—fresh air, no noise.
Qin Yun took a deep breath, "It’s quite well placed."
Pei Yan responded, "I had someone check it out. It’s average but still livable."
"No need for high standards, extremes lead to reversals. It’s more than sufficient for them," Qin Yun chuckled, continuing the walk.
Pei Yan nodded, seemingly agreeing with her view.
The two strolled through the villa and found it had quite a few interesting things, prompting an admiring comment, "No wonder it’s your home."
"It’s your home now too. My mom would be more than happy for you to stay as long as you like," Pei Yan smiled with his eyes.
The fall days were getting shorter; they had been outside for less than an hour, and it was already getting dark.
"Let’s head back. Dinner should be ready soon. Although she doesn’t cook often, her skills are quite good. You’ll probably like it," Pei Yan remarked, glancing at the sky.
"I just wonder how much there will be," Qin Yun licked her lips, having not eaten much all day. She really would have starved if not for the snacks.
They returned just as Mr. Pei came back from the company.
"Back already?" Mr. Pei greeted warmly.
Pei Yan greeted, "Dad."
Qin Yun hesitated for a moment and then also greeted, "Dad."
After all, he had given her shares in the Pei Group. Isn’t it said that those who provide for you are akin to parents?
So, calling him "Dad" wasn’t wrong.
"Let’s all head inside. She called specifically to have me come home early because she’s cooking tonight; dinner should be ready now."
Mr. Pei led the way, with Pei Yan and Qin Yun following him.
Upon entering the dining room, the table was already filled with an array of dishes. Mrs. Pei walked out with the last bowl of soup, smiling as she saw them return, "I was about to call you all back, didn’t expect you’d come back together."
"No one’s standing, sit down and eat," Mr. Pei instructed.
"Eat more. Look how skinny you are," Mrs. Pei piled a bowl full of food for Qin Yun before stopping.
"Okay," Qin Yun nodded earnestly.
The table brimming with dishes smelled delicious, compelling her to lick her lips as she began to eat heartily.
Mrs. Pei occasionally used serving chopsticks to add food to her bowl; throughout the meal, Qin Yun ate the most enthusiastically.
Pei Yan and Mr. Pei left the table early.
Mrs. Pei, influenced by Qin Yun, couldn’t help but eat an additional bowl. Overly full, she laughed, "Watching you eat makes me hungry, it’s quite fulfilling."
She wasn’t usually a foodie, but tonight, seeing Qin Yun eat made her doubt if her cooking was truly that good.
Though Old Pei and Pei Yan often said her dishes were tasty, experiencing it like this was a first.
Since neither of them were big eaters, they never felt much of a sense of accomplishment.
Qin Yun mixed the sauce with rice, ate another bowl, and smiled with her peach-blossom eyes, licking her lips, "It’s delicious!"
"As long as you like it, come back often and I’ll cook for you," Mrs. Pei was overjoyed by the flattery.
Gradually, seeing Qin Yun still eating made her nervous, worrying she was overeating to make her happy. She quickly advised, "If you’re full, stop eating, overeating could upset your stomach."
"It’s fine. Even if there were another table, I could eat it all, I’m perfectly comfortable," Qin Yun blinked innocently at Mrs. Pei, looking pitiful as if being told not to eat.
Mrs. Pei, softhearted yet concerned for Qin Yun’s health, persuaded, "Mom’s not stopping you from eating, just worried you’ll feel uncomfortable later. If you enjoy it, stay longer, and I’ll cook for you every day."
"I’m fine, I usually eat this much," Qin Yun shook her head, feeling an almost imperceptible warmth.
Since she didn’t understand what it was, she paid it no mind.
Mrs. Pei ultimately couldn’t resist Qin Yun’s unconscious charm, sighing, "Alright then, one more bowl, if you like it I’ll make more tomorrow."
Qin Yun immediately beamed with joy, glad to have another bowl.
Mrs. Pei quietly considered checking the medicine cabinet for stomach medicines.
Otherwise, perhaps having a private doctor visit might be better.
Unaware of Mrs. Pei’s thoughts, Qin Yun was finishing up her meal.
Mrs. Pei, keeping an eye on Qin Yun’s wellbeing, only relaxed once she was sure there was no adverse reaction.
Recalling how much Qin Yun had eaten, she couldn’t help but sigh, wondering how much hardship she endured, how could she not be allowed enough food even on reality shows?
Until the shows aired did she realize Qin Yun’s large appetite wasn’t due to hunger during filming but her normal amount, far exceeding what was perceived.
Realizing she might not have been fully satisfied that evening, Mrs. Pei began making extra food every time, needing Uncle Li’s assistance to finish cooking.
Mrs. Pei had already arranged for Mrs. Zhang to tidy up Pei Yan’s room.
Not only that, but Qin Yun’s pajamas, skincare products, and toiletries were also prepared and placed in Pei Yan’s room, without arranging a separate guest room.
Pei Yan was called to the study by Mr. Pei, likely to discuss something, while Qin Yun chatted casually with Mrs. Pei downstairs.
Around ten, as Mrs. Pei prepared for her beauty sleep, Qin Yun returned to her room to freshen up and rest. She rolled up her hair, undressed, and prepared for a bath.
Just as she reached to grab the bathroom doorknob to open the door.
The bathroom door opened.
Steam from the newly finished shower rushed out at once.