That night, the Wen Family held a family meeting, and after it ended, all the younger members fled the Wen Family in a frenzy.
Even Wen Zelin, who had been in charge of searching for Wen Lan, never imagined the backstory would be this absurd...
Qin Xiao and Xiao Li went straight home after the funeral, and on the way back, Qin Xiao wanted to bring up some topic to distract Xiao Li. But before he could speak, Xiao Li asked, "Uncle, is Mom making hotpot tonight?"
When you’re feeling down, you really need a warm hotpot to dispel the chill.
Qin Xiao chuckled, "Recently, my sister-in-law has been quite supportive, joining Mom for hotpot dinners every night. There should be hotpot tonight too, but we need to RSVP first."
As Qin Xiao spoke, he dialed his mom’s number. As soon as Qin’s mom heard they were coming for hotpot, she was overjoyed and immediately started preparing more dishes.
Normally, anyone with any connection should pay respects at Elder Wen’s funeral. For the Qin Family, apart from Qin Xiao and Xiao Li, others should have come, but since it was kept low-key and no friends or relatives were notified, it was unnecessary.
Even He Jie’s mom, Wen Xin, and distant relatives of the Wen Family didn’t attend.
The car drove back home, and Xiao Li and Qin Xiao first went home to change clothes. They wore all black for the funeral today.
Wearing such outfits to eat would affect one’s mood. Back home, they both enjoyed a nice bath and changed into casual wear before heading to Qin’s mom’s place, hand in hand.
As they passed the neighboring villa, Professor Jiang smiled and commented, "Ah, youth is all about affection! In the past, my wife and I held hands just like that when we strolled."
Qin Xiao and Xiao Li stopped deliberately to chat with Professor Jiang for a bit before continuing to Qin’s mom’s place.
When they arrived, as soon as they entered the villa, the aroma of hotpot broth and the tang of dipping sauce hit them.
Xiao Li let go of Qin Xiao’s hand and dashed into the dining room. The table was already filled with dishes, and Qin’s mom was still in the kitchen, with the broth boiling in the pot...
Seeing this, Xiao Li hurriedly went over to help, dividing the broth into two pots to place on the table...
Qin’s mom’s dining table was a long one, and the whole family was sitting down to eat hotpot; dividing into two pots made it more convenient.
As the broth was being set on the table, He Jie just returned, with a reluctant Qin Tan following behind her. For original chapters go to nοvelfire.net
After accompanying He Jie for several days of hotpot, Qin Tan truly didn’t want hotpot anymore, but He Jie recently got into hotpot, so he didn’t dare refuse!
Because he always wanted a daughter, not a son, showing it too openly really ticked He Jie off.
He Jie’s temper had been quite bad these days, knowing he didn’t want to return for hotpot, yet still forcing him...
Upon entering the dining room and seeing things mostly set up, with Xiao Li still helping, He Jie felt a bit embarrassed, "Ah... I’m almost embarrassed, coming back every day to ready-made meals."
Xiao Li placed the coriander down, "Sister-in-law, don’t think I’m really helping much; I only helped with one dish. I just arrived."
He Jie chuckled lightly at this.
Qin’s mom just finished washing her hands and came out, saying with a smile, "As long as you’re willing to come back daily to eat, even if it’s ready-made meals, so what?
I just love doing this for you. Let me tell you, I’ve been pondering new recipes lately. Can’t have you eating hotpot all the time..."
As Qin’s dad passed from the living room, the Qin brother duo instantly felt petrified hearing Qin’s mom.
Now not only Qin Tan wanted to flee, but Qin’s dad and Qin Xiao wanted to flee too.
They really didn’t want to experience Qin’s mom’s dark experimental hotpot phase again!
The three here were full of resistance, but the three women on the other side were quite enthusiastic...
Hearing about new recipes from Qin’s mom, Xiao Li eagerly asked, "Mom, what are you thinking to try?"
Qin’s mom replied happily, "I imagine stir-frying is too challenging for me.
So I’m thinking of trying barbecue.
What do you all think?"
He Jie’s eyes lit up upon hearing barbecue, "Wow... Barbecue sounds great, Mom... Just let me know when you’re going to try making it, and I’ll come back for a taste test."
Qin Tan quickly jumped in to stop her, "Honey, remember you’re still expecting, do ease up on barbecue!" Especially taste-testing; the risks are too big!
Of course, he didn’t have the guts to say that last part...
He Jie glanced coolly at him, knowing his true fear—that she’d drag him back for the taste test...
Hmm... she’s determined to make him join!
After a glance at Qin Tan, He Jie couldn’t be bothered and turned back to chat with Qin’s mom and Xiao Li about the barbecue.
Tonight’s hotpot saw the women chatting away, sitting together closely, changing the seating arrangement.
Of course, Qin’s dad’s seat remained the same. During family gatherings, he always sat opposite Qin’s mom at the ends of the long table.
What changed was Xiao Li and He Jie’s seats; they swapped with the kids, leaving the kids to their husbands, as they joined Qin’s mom.
The result was the men and kids left the table while the women continued their chat...
On their way home from Qin’s mom’s place, Xiao Li was still quite energized; previously not keen on cooking, she only knew a bit and wasn’t interested. But now, Qin’s mom sparked her enthusiasm.
Maybe women, when gathered, can always find something exciting to do.
Seeing Xiao Li’s high spirits, Qin Xiao chuckled and asked, "Just that happy?"
Xiao Li nodded, "Happy, chatted quite a bit with Mom and Sister-in-law...
I have the late shift tomorrow, so Mom said she’ll do it at noon so I can join.
Uncle, do you have work tomorrow? Can you come back at noon to be our guinea pig?"
Qin Xiao laughed and nodded, "I do have work, but I’ll come back to be the guinea pig."
Smiling at his words, Xiao Li remarked, "I noticed your resistant look at Dad and Mom’s earlier.
Holding the sleepy Mianmian, Qin Xiao turned to face Xiao Li, "Don’t you know why?"
After an exchange of glances, Xiao Li covered her mouth, laughing heartily. After a while, she suppressed her laughter, "How would I know? I’m not your mind reader..."
Saying that, she happily walked ahead with her hands behind her back.
Qin Xiao quietly followed a step behind, cradling Mianmian, while Xiao Li turned to tease him, "Uncle, are you dragging because of Mianmian?"
Qin Xiao smiled without saying anything, freeing a hand to hold Xiao Li’s, walking back together.