The Han Family has a secret. Except for the late Mr. Han, only Han Jingchen knows. But the person Mr. Han had been grateful to all his life might just end up being disappointed.
The situation is becoming increasingly mysterious, but no matter how difficult it gets, Han Jingchen will not give up. He is determined to get to the bottom of it.
He got up and stood in front of the window, gazing at the sky, contemplating the information he had gathered, and sorting through the sequence of events in his mind. A terrifying thought emergedâhis own father, intelligent all his life, might have been duped in a moment of confusion.
The more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. If it were true, then what would that even mean?
The hand resting on the table below the window clenched unconsciously. He silently vowed: Hopefully, they are all fine, otherwise, he would make sure they all pay for it together.
*
While Xinyan was cooking, He Jinxuan went out for a bit and came back with a kneading board and two rolling pins, one large and one small, in his arms.
Xinyan burst into laughter, "What can I say, are you thinking of me, or just thinking of your three stomachs?"
He Jinxuan laughed at her words, naturally unwilling to admit it was for her convenience. Just as he was about to speak, Ye Sili said with a smile, "Now we can enjoy some of Sisâs zhajiangmian."
Little foodie Ye Siyan perked up when he heard about eating zhajiangmian too, "Yes, eat zhajiangmian."
Everyone laughed, and the atmosphere was so warm that He Jinxuan wanted it to stay that way.
Xinyan thought about Ye Siliâs schooling, "Brother He, have you inquired about Siliâs schooling?"
Ye Sili is bright, and his mother had taught him a lot before. Xinyan had also guided him significantly during that time. At his current level, he could easily start second grade.
He Jinxuan was peeling garlic in his hand, "I inquired about it. He can register in September. I also explained his situation. The principal of the childrenâs school said they could give him an entrance test at that time. If heâs as capable as I described, they might allow him to skip a grade."
Xinyan listened intently, "Hmm, Sili is smart. With a bit of effort, he might go straight to third grade. But itâs best to let things take their natural course; heâs still young, after all. What about Siyan?"
He Jinxuan placed the peeled garlic into a bowl, "He can start kindergarten in September, given his age."
After speaking, he perceptively brought out a bucket of water to wash the new kneading board and rolling pins and set them aside to dry, saving Xinyan from the chore.
Using the mushrooms she picked today, Xinyan made a dish of chicken stewed with mushrooms, stir-fried a zucchini, and finally made an egg and spinach soup.
Little foodie Ye Siyan was the happiest eater, though the other two werenât far behind, finishing all the dishes and bowls. He Jinxuan, being considerate, took on the task of dishwashing.
Xinyan didnât stop him, happy to enjoy the leisure.
Luckily, his small courtyard was far from others; otherwise, the aroma might have drawn someone over.
After cleaning up, He Jinxuan awkwardly said, "I have something to ask you."
Xinyan had never seen him so hesitant before, "Whatâs the matter?"
He Jinxuan cleared his throat, "In a few days, thereâs a batch of goods to be delivered to the South from the factory, and the security department has to escort it. I want to go with them this time."
As soon as Xinyan heard that, she guessed his intentions, "Are you asking me to look after Sili and Siyan for you?"
He Jinxuan nodded sheepishly, "I originally wanted to ask my mom to come over, but today the family divided, and under those circumstances, I couldnât bring it up. I know youâre busy with your studies, so I hesitated to ask."
Xinyan wanted to tease him, so she said directly, "If youâre hesitant, why did you still bring it up?"
He Jinxuanâs face flushed instantly, but since his skin was dark and it was night, Xinyan didnât notice and just watched him smilingly as his expression constantly changed.
Suddenly, she couldnât hold back her laughter, "Alright, I was just teasing you. No worries, my studies arenât that busy. Cooking for them is fine, but during the day, Iâm powerless since the class teacher definitely wonât allow me to take leave."
He Jinxuan nodded in thanks, "Iâve already arranged it with the kindergarten. Let Sili bring Siyan over there to get accustomed, so you wonât have to worry about them."
Xinyan thought for a moment, "When are you leaving? I have a competition in the province next week, and I hope it doesnât clash."
He Jinxuan replied, "I probably wonât leave before next Friday."
Xinyan, hearing this, said, "Thatâs fine then. I should leave Tuesday afternoon, compete on Wednesday, and be back by Thursday at the latest."
With things settled, He Jinxuan knew he couldnât stay much longer, "Think about it over the next few daysâif thereâs anything you need me to bring back, I can help you with that."