Xinyan awoke to the aroma.
When she finished freshening up and came out, Han Jingchen and He Jinxuan were already waiting there.
Xinyan greeted them with a smile, "Morning."
Han Jingchen looked at his daughter and teased with a smile, "Itâs still early, the sunâs already shining on your butt."
Xinyan chuckled as she sat next to him, "Then why didnât you wake me up?"
Han Jingchenâs eyes were full of affection, "I wanted you to sleep a bit more; you probably slept late last night."
At this moment, He Jinxuan promptly handed over a cup of honey water, "Drink some water."
Xinyan took the water, "Thanks."
She took a sip, "Honey water?"
He Jinxuan nodded gently, "Yes, worried you might not be used to the new place."
After that, Xinyan watched the two begin their childish antics again and took a big sip of honey water, "Do you two find this amusing?"
Han Jingchen pretended not to understand, "Yanyan, after breakfast, Dad will take you to see the place near the school; those craftsmen are still working these days. If you find anything unsatisfactory, just let them know."
Xinyan nodded, "Alright."
She understood her dadâs pointâbetter to check it out first, so they wonât have to redo anything after renovations are complete.
At this moment, Sister Chen walked in, "Mr. Han, the meal is ready."
Han Jingchen nodded, "Letâs eat."
As they headed to the dining area, he introduced, "Sister Chen, this is my daughter, Han Xinyan."
He then said to Xinyan, "This is Aunt Chen I mentioned last night."
Xinyan nodded to Sister Chen, "Hello, Auntie."
Sister Chen and her husband were always grateful to Han Jingchen; without the monthly fifteen-yuan salary from him, they hardly knew how they would manage. Seeing Xinyan greet her, she replied, "Oh, hello, hello, miss."
Xinyan felt a bit awkward and said with a smile, "Aunt Chen, weâre like family, no need to be so formal. You can call me Xinyan or Yanyan."
Sister Chen felt that the miss who had just returned was just as approachable as Mr. Han, "Oh, okay."
Breakfast was plentiful, including porridge, soy milk, fried dough sticks, buns, and chive pockets, though the portions werenât large.
Han Jingchen pointed to the chive pockets, "Try them, they really taste great."
Sister Chen asked, "Xinyan, would you prefer porridge or soy milk?"
Xinyan replied with a smile, "Aunt Chen, Iâll have soy milk; I can serve myself."
She wasnât familiar with the practices here, so didnât say anything about sitting down to eat together, smiling as she took the spoon from Sister Chen. "Dad, did Aunt Chen make all these?"
Thinking this seemed a bit too laborious.
Han Jingchen passed over a fried dough stick, "The dough sticks are store-bought, but Aunt Chen made the buns and chive pockets. You should try them."
After serving her own portion, Xinyan casually served a bowl of porridge for Jinxuan.
Because Sister Chen knew Han Jingchen and Su Jingsongâs preferences, she served them porridge, leaving only the bowls in front of Xinyan and Jinxuan empty at the table.
Sister Chen intended to ask Xinyan first and then Jinxuan, but unexpectedly, as Xinyan took the spoon, she turned to the kitchen to prepare to bring out boiled eggs.
Yet, Xinyanâs gesture of serving porridge to Jinxuan annoyed Han Jingchen, who switched the two bowls of porridge, staring displeased at his own bowl and then at the one served to Jinxuan.
Jinxuan dared to be angry but not speak up, especially while being in someone elseâs domain, and could only watch helplessly as the porridge was switched.
Su Jingsong held back laughter; he truly couldnât fathom how the mighty commander of their family could act like a child?
This action amused Xinyan but also made her feel a slight pang, "Alright, when youâve finished yours, Iâll serve you more."
After saying this, her eyes unexpectedly grew moist. She lowered her gaze to take a sip of soy milk, hoping they wouldnât notice.
Han Jingchen was preoccupied with his display to Jinxuan and didnât notice his daughterâs unusual state, but Jinxuan, who was always attentive to Xinyan, noticed it. He probably understood why Xinyan felt this way and decided he wouldnât vie for the future father-in-lawâs attention any more.
Sister Chenâs culinary skills were indeed impressive; both the buns and chive pockets were genuinely delicious.
Earning this position wasnât solely due to Han Jingchenâs kindness; it clearly also depended on genuine talent and heartfelt sincerity.
After the meal, Han Jingchen said, "Letâs go and check the house, see what it needs, and Iâll take you shopping to pick out what you like."
At this time, even in the city, cars werenât commonly seen, so there was no traffic, and they arrived at the place quickly.
On the way there, Han Jingchen made sure to point out the schoolâs location to Xinyan, "The house is really close to the school, and unlike crowded yards, itâs a single gate per household. Thereâs a police station right at the end of the alley, so itâs safer to live here."