Chapter 131: A Promise Between Men
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Su Bing started clearing the table and wiping it down. He didn’t want their stepmother to come back and find a messy table.
He could tell their stepmother was a neat person. Since her arrival, the house not only became spotless, but it also smelled delightful everywhere. Even the scent of osmanthus permeated from the dandelion in the courtyard.
Su Li nodded and opened his school bag. Suddenly, his nose twitched, and he informed Su Bing, “Our stepmother must have made us something delicious. There’s a unique aroma of meat!”
The two brothers entered the dining room, unveiling the mosquito net covering the dishes. The sauce-red color and tantalizing aroma pleased their senses.
Beside the plates lay a note, written in elegant handwriting.
“This dish is called Squirrel-shaped Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish, made from mandarin fish! Hope you enjoy your meal!”
Following the dish’s name were the reheating instructions and some notes, meticulous in detail.
With bright eyes, Su Li exclaimed, “It really looks like a squirrel! Big brother, our stepmother is so lovely!”
Su Bing didn’t say anything, but his expression confirmed Su Li’s words. He replaced the mosquito net over the dish.
When the sky was about to turn dark, Su Bing steamed rice and reheated the Squirrel-shaped Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish according to the note. He also stir-fried some vegetables, preparing dinner for himself and his brother.
At that moment, Su Shen returned from outside. Seeing the beautifully prepared dish, he felt a sense of pride; his wife truly was remarkable.
He joined his two sons for dinner. The Mandarin Fish was crispy on the outside, tender inside, with a sweet and sour flavor, and the three of them finished everything.
After dinner, Su Shen called Su Bing and Su Li to the living room for a chat. Both brothers sat up straighter, lowering their heads, not daring to meet their stern father’s eyes.
Su Shen noticed that Su Li’s eyes were red and asked what happened. Su Bing and Su Li truthfully recounted what had just occurred.
Su Shen was moved as well. Gu Zi was indeed a kind woman, but her kindness brought about a certain warm strength.
Such a woman would stir any man’s emotions. Therefore, Su Shen was even more aware that he had to treat her well.
He told his sons, “We’ll be getting married tomorrow. I thought I should tell you both.”
He had been reading many books on parent-child relationships recently and had sought advice from others.
Although the boys were still young, they should feel involved in family matters and understand the decisions made by adults.
Su Bing and Su Li looked at their beloved father. They felt a sense of importance, something they had never experienced before.
This feeling made them clearly understand that their father had never seen them as burdens.
However, boys express themselves subtly, especially between men. Often, a glance or a gesture is enough to convey their thoughts.
They didn’t need excessive verbal communication. Su Bing succinctly said,
“Dad, I wish you and our stepmother a happy marriage!”
Su Li hesitated with his small hand raised, saying, “Dad, as the men of the Su family, we’ll protect our stepmother and little sister.”
It wasn’t just Su Li’s words; it reflected Su Bing’s thoughts and even Su Shen’s intentions.
This statement was more like an agreement among the Su family men, a manifestation of responsibility!
Su Shen stood up, patting the shoulders of his two sons reassuringly. “As your stepmother said, take care of yourselves first, nourish your bodies, eat when you should, got it?”
Both brothers nodded quickly. But Su Li remembered something and said, “But
Dad, why does stepmother say you also need to take care of yourself?”
Su Li thought their stepmother was exaggerating. His dad was tall and robust; where would he need to take care of himself?
With that said, the room fell silent, filled with an awkward atmosphere. Su Shen rubbed his forehead, spoke softly, “Go to bed early. Goodnight!”
The woman always thought he wasn’t capable, hence she wanted to take care of him, but he couldn’t explain that to the children.
Su Bing didn’t quite understand the situation either, but he wasn’t interested in figuring it out. He advised Su Li, “Don’t be so curious. If you don’t understand something, keep quiet.”
Su Li felt a bit aggrieved but replied, “Okay,” though he was still puzzled: What did Dad need to take care of?
In Little Lin Village, at the Lin family’s house.
After finishing their meal, the family sat in front of the house, enjoying the cool evening.
People from the neighborhood gathered when they heard that the Lin family’s daughter had returned, marveling, “Gu Zi is truly beautiful.. No wonder Boss Su is rushing to marry her!”