At this time, Auntie Wu had already returned to the house, brimming with enthusiasm, pouring water for us and offering all sorts of snacks.
"Have some of these snacks for now, I’m going to start cooking, and you’ll eat with us at home later."
"That’s right, eat at home." Yang Wuzhu chimed in from the side.
Xiaoxiao, feeling a bit embarrassed by the overwhelming warmth of Auntie and Uncle Wu, did not say anything. This was Yang Ming’s relatives’ home, so she followed Yang Ming’s lead.
"Auntie Wu, please don’t trouble yourself, we’ll be leaving soon." Seeing that Auntie Wu was about to start cooking, Yang Ming quickly intervened to stop her.
"Oh, that won’t do, it’s your first visit and you must have a meal." But Auntie Wu completely disregarded Yang Ming’s words and went straight to the kitchen.
Faced with Auntie Wu’s warm invitation, Xiaoxiao and Yang Ming exchanged smiles, knowing that they would definitely be staying for the meal. Standing up, she said to Uncle Wu, "Uncle, you guys chat. I’ll go help Auntie Wu with the cooking."
Following Auntie Wu into the kitchen, Xiaoxiao added, "Auntie Wu, let me help you cook."
Uncle Wu’s wife paused for a moment upon hearing this. She had heard rumors about Yang Ming’s wife and thought she was a difficult person to get along with.
She was surprised to see her offer help in the kitchen. Smiling, she said, "You are the new bride; we can’t have you helping out. Why don’t you sit down and keep me company for a chat?"
Xiaoxiao smiled at Auntie Wu, "How am I still a new bride? It’s been several months since I married in. Let’s do it together; it’ll be faster that way."
"Alright then." Seeing Yang Ming’s wife so willing, she didn’t insist further. They would indeed be quicker working together.
The two of them got busy in the kitchen. Auntie Wu was truly generous, taking out the best food she had at home, including the wild chicken she had brought.
This reminded Xiaoxiao of the first time she went to her eldest uncle’s house for a meal. The aunt’s demeanor had been rather unwelcoming, yet she cooked all the meat that Xiaoxiao had brought.
Families really do have their own ways; although their characters differ, their styles are quite similar.
Xiaoxiao even witnessed a scene of a beautiful woman killing a chicken. Auntie Wu was indeed impressive, her eyes not blinking an inch during the process. If it were Xiaoxiao, she wouldn’t have been able to do it.
As Xiaoxiao helped wash the vegetables, she felt at ease and started chatting with Auntie Wu.
"Auntie Wu, why haven’t I seen your child around?"
When Uncle Wu’s wife heard this question, her hands, which were plucking chicken feathers, halted, and she didn’t respond right away.
Not hearing a reply, Xiaoxiao turned toward Auntie Wu. Why did the atmosphere suddenly change? Had she asked something she shouldn’t have?
Soon Auntie Wu recovered and resumed plucking the chicken feathers, speaking in a lower tone, "We don’t have children yet."
The response caught Xiaoxiao off guard. She realized she was the least adept at conversation. Uncle and Auntie Wu had been married for at least six or seven years; that many years without children would certainly invite ridicule here. They must be suffering inside.
She had inadvertently touched upon their wound. She really should smack her own mouth. What should she do now, how could she make amends? The topic had already been broached, how could she console Auntie Wu?
As she was pondering, she heard Auntie Wu’s comforting words first, "Oh dear, don’t worry about it, Auntie Wu is absolutely fine."
Looking at Auntie Wu’s feigned smile, Xiaoxiao earnestly wanted to help her, but she wasn’t a doctor.
"Auntie Wu, it’s actually quite normal not to have children. Have you guys seen a doctor?"