Chapter 530 A Comforting Sight
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Despite not shedding a tear, Lin Hun looked as though he was on the verge of crying due to the relentless questioning. He knew he had to call for Gu Zi’s help; otherwise, things would take a turn for the worse.
“Ahem, Su Li,” Gu Zi, getting the cue, said, “Stop pestering your uncle. Go wash your hands in the kitchen and help your grandmother serve the dishes. We’re about to have lunch. Su Bing, you go too.”
Upon hearing their mother’s command, the eldest child, who was known for his intelligence, immediately stood up. He took Su Li by the hand, who was eager to say something more, and led him towards the kitchen. Su Li was given no chance to utter another word. He felt a discomfort akin to the sensation of needing to defecate but being unable to do so.
Standing there, Lin Hun took a sip of water, hands on his hips, and let out a deep sigh of relief. His world had finally regained its tranquility. At that moment, Lin Cheng emerged with a lunch box in hand, beckoning Lin Hun to join him. They climbed onto the truck, which started up and gradually moved away from the shop.
Mother Lin and Aunt Yang unfolded a round table that had been stored against the wall. With the help of Su Bing and Su Li, the lunch dishes were served in an instant. Gu Zi, cradling Su Le, moved to join them. Everyone else followed suit, serving themselves and settling down to eat lunch.
Su Li’s eyes roamed over the delicious spread before him, finally settling on a plate of stir-fried garlic sprouts with cured meat. He picked up a piece of the meat, half fat and half lean, wrapped in wilted garlic sprouts. He took a bite, followed by a mouthful of rice. The aroma of the cured meat mingled with the garlic sprouts, blending perfectly with the taste of the rice. It was pure satisfaction.
He reached for a second helping of the stir-fried dish. Today’s meal was prepared by his grandmother, whose culinary skills had improved significantly. However, it still fell short when compared to his mother’s cooking.
Despite his preference for his mother’s dishes, he didn’t want to burden her. He was happier seeing her enjoy ready-made meals. Even if the food wasn’t as tasty, he was content.
He took a third serving of the stir-fried dish, but this time, he didn’t put it in his mouth. Instead, he placed it in his mother’s bowl. “Mom, have some cured meat. It’s really delicious. You should eat more.”
To Gu Zi, a modern woman, cured meat might not be as nutritious as fresh meat. However, for Su Li and many others of his time, cured meat was considered a delicacy. The Su family, being pork sellers and well-off, had no shortage of fresh pork, especially after Gu Zi’s arrival. Hence, cured meat was not a necessity in their household.
However, in many rural households, refrigerators were a luxury they couldn’t afford. Fresh meat was a rare treat, and most of the time, they had to make do with aged cured meat to satisfy their cravings and supplement their nutrition.
Gu Zi was well aware of this. Su Li always gave the best to his mother. He was a good child, always caring for and cherishing those who treated him well. Gu Zi believed that raising a child who showed gratitude for the little things in life was a comforting achievement.
She felt happy, taking a bite of the cured meat in her bowl. She thanked Su Li, saying, “This piece of meat must be the tastiest in the dish. I love it.” Su Li’s cheeks flushed as he continued to eat his meal.
As the eldest brother, Su Bing naturally didn’t want to fall behind in showing his affection for their mother. However, his actions were often more mature.
After eating to his fill, he asked his mother if he could feed his little sister. “Mom, let me feed Lele. You should eat.”
Had Su Bing asked to feed his sister from the start, Gu Zi would have refused. Firstly, she enjoyed feeding the little girl herself, and secondly, she believed that Su Bing, still a child, should be allowed to enjoy his childhood without worrying about sharing her burdens.
However, when Su Bing offered to take over after eating his fill, Gu Zi had no reason to refuse. Having someone else hold the baby certainly made things easier for her.
Gu Zi handed Su Le over to Su Bing. At that moment, Li Hua stood up and said, “Oh, I almost forgot. I saved something special for you. I’ll go get it. Otherwise, you might be too full to enjoy it after the meal.”
Li Hua left the table for the kitchen. Gu Zi looked up, her gaze following Li Hua. “What’s the special treat? I’m quite thirsty. Thank you, sister-in-law!”
Su Bing and Su Li, hearing that there was something saved for them, had their attention drawn away from their meals.