Yaya glanced at the half apple in Lin Xiaoguai’s hand, wanting some for herself, but remembering it belonged to her brother, she withdrew her gaze and said to Little Niangao, "Don’t cry, brother, mashed apple is also very tasty."
"Mom will make milk banana paste for the baby tonight, okay?" Knowing her son’s stubbornness, Lin Xiaoguai coaxed.
Knowing that nothing could change his mother’s decision, Little Niangao reluctantly looked at the caramelized apple and nodded a bit downheartedly.
Beside them, Yaya swallowed, her mouth watering. Milk banana paste? That sounded delicious.
"Auntie will save some for Yaya too, Yaya can come over to eat tomorrow, okay?" Lin Xiaoguai said gently, noticing her reaction.
Yaya’s eyes brightened at her words and she nodded vigorously, while also flattering, "Auntie, you are really nice!"
During this period, through Yaya’s words, Lin Xiaoguai had learned more about her family’s situation.
The conditions at Yu Xiaomiao’s house were not good, to say the least. They could not guarantee three meals a day; aside from Wang Guozhong, who could have white rice at every meal because of his training, Yu Xiaomiao and Yaya’s staple food was sweet potato rice, and they relied on the military canteen for vegetables. Yu Xiaomiao, to save money for the children’s schooling, couldn’t even afford to buy them snacks.
The reason for their plight was not only because the family had only Wang Guozhong as the breadwinner and Yu Xiaomiao was jobless, but also because of the trouble caused by Yaya’s grandmother.
That old lady was particularly shameless and could not distinguish right from wrong, even daring to make a scene in front of leaders. Wang Guozhong and his wife were really at their wits’ end and could only use money to keep her quiet. As a result, most of Wang Guozhong’s allowance was used to subsidize the old lady, leaving his own family struggling.
Lin Xiaoguai genuinely liked Yaya. Her cheeky character was one thing, but also, the girl, though seemingly carefree and thick-skinned, was actually very sensible and had never complained to her parents.
Smart as well, though she liked to scrounge food, she never did so recklessly or from strangers; if not for familiar people, she would not show her greedy side. Even during her first visit to Lin Xiaoguai’s house, she didn’t directly ask for food but playfully hinted, which seemed more like trying to amuse.
Thus, Lin Xiaoguai was always eager to feed Yaya.
Moreover, the girl was really funny. Lin Xiaoguai usually just smiled, but because of Yaya, she had laughed till her stomach hurt countless times.
Even she found it strange as her sense of humor was usually quite high; in her past life when with friends, while others laughed uproariously, she would only manage a stifled chuckle.
Perhaps because of the unfulfilled desires of her past life, she had developed a greater tolerance for children, but Lin Xiaoguai preferred to attribute it to the relationship she had with Yaya.
When Shen Chi arrived home, he easily noticed the difference in his wife, who seemed more vigorous and genuine in her smiles.
He observed her for a while, then finally couldn’t help asking, "Did you happen upon some good news?"
Startled, Lin Xiaoguai then smiled and said, "Indeed, it’s a good thing."
Shen Chi wanted to ask more, but Lin Xiaoguai sent him to the bathroom; she had prepared another medicinal bath for him, a companion to the previous ones, necessary every week.
As Lin Xiaoguai closed the door behind her, Shen Chi’s attention turned to the steamy bathroom with a tub filled with black medicinal liquid, his emotions unreadable.
There had been a mishap during a recent exercise, and he had to enter the fray, worried his leg injury would flare up. But, surprisingly, the anticipated excruciating pain did not materialize, only a tolerable soreness.
Recalling the relief he felt the day after the last medicinal bath, Shen Chi couldn’t help but think Wanwan was clearly hiding something from him.
Yet, he wasn’t upset about it; just as there were things he didn’t wish to share with Wanwan, it seemed reasonable that she would have her reservations too.
It must be said that although Shen Chi could be petty about many things, he showed unusual tolerance in certain matters.
Like with Shen Mincheng, despite the latter neglecting him over the years, taking his money to support others, even knowing he was just an adopted son, Shen Chi still regarded him as his own father, with no illusions or longing for his high-status biological father.
The only time he felt resentment was when Wanwan, thanks to Wang Zhaodi, nearly miscarried.
For an ambitious man like Shen Chi, who had big plans for the future, such tolerance was truly inconceivable.
Even considering his interests, Shen Chi should not have ignored his biological father, let alone from a moral standpoint.
Now, towards Lin Xiaoguai, Shen Chi showed the same tolerance. Partly because Lin Xiaoguai was managing the medicinal baths for him, but also largely influenced by his emotions.
Men, no matter how smart or cool-headed, excluding those with twisted personalities and flawed characters, generally turn from hardened steel to soft around the fingers, showing limitless tolerance towards the women they love, once they fall in love.
As long as she isn’t looking to start anew with someone else.
Of course, at this moment, Shen Chi was not yet aware; he was still confident he could keep his reason separate from his emotions.
Putting aside these thoughts, Shen Chi looked forward to the medicinal bath.
Although he didn’t regret the injury, since he had achieved what he desired, as a man, he absolutely minded not being strong enough.
Such a condition with lingering effects, affecting his combat capabilities, was precisely what bothered him.
Especially since he had not yet won Lin Xiaoguai’s heart.
He hoped to be seen as a powerful and capable man in her eyes, someone she could rely on.
This was the desire to perform, inherent in men.
Thus, knowing he might regain his strength, how could Shen Chi not be thrilled?(To be continued. If you series, please visit qidian.com to vote for it as a recommended read, or give it a monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)