Chapter 5

Home with Superpowered Children

(That seems to be Wei Lai’s plush toy; how did it end up with this child?)

“He gave it to me.”

A spark of joy flashed in Qing Ting’s eyes as she turned and replied with a charming smile, “Is there something you need, Auntie?”

“Xiao Ting, you brought Wei Lai back home, didn’t you?”

Xu Xiang recalled that her son hadn’t taken an umbrella when he left earlier, yet now Qing Ting held one.

“Yes,” Qing Ting nodded. “Wei Lai didn’t have an umbrella, so I accompanied him back on my way home.”

(Maybe Wei Lai thanked her by giving away his beloved plush toy?)

It could be partly true, but another reason was losing a bet.

“Would you like to come inside for dinner and stay awhile?”

Setting aside the plush toy issue, Xu Xiang thought that if they could keep Qing Ting for dinner, they’d have a chance to casually inquire about it later.

“No, thank you, Auntie. My parents are waiting for me at home for dinner.” 

Holding tightly onto the Pikachu gift from Wei Lai, Qing Ting took a few steps back, said her farewells, and quickly headed off.

With Wei Lai’s parents around, she felt awkward playing Gomoku chess. Moreover, knowing that Wei Lai gifted her the plushie made it even more uncomfortable to accept the invitation.

Since they couldn’t play Gomoku without the chessboard and she didn’t want the plushie either, there was no reason for Qing Ting to stay longer.

Breathing in the fresh post-rain air, Qing Ting ran towards her home, a hint of regret flashing in her eyes.

Xu Xiang stood at the doorway, watching until Qing Ting disappeared from view before turning back inside.

Wei Lai had anticipated Xu Xiang’s return; as soon as he heard the door open, he called out without taking his eyes off the TV. “Mom, you’re back. What’s for dinner tonight?”

“Don’t watch too much TV. Have you finished your homework?”

“I completed it at school,” Wei Lai replied with a pout, recalling how Qing Ting ‘captured’ his eraser. 

Although he also ‘captured’ hers, he still felt unsatisfied.

“Well then, come help me in the kitchen.” 

Xu Xiang placed the wet umbrella aside, picked up an apron hanging by the kitchen door, and walked in while tying it around herself.

“Oh, okay,” Wei Lai responded nonchalantly and followed Xu Xiang into the kitchen.

As usual, Xu Xiang washed the rice and poured it into the electric rice cooker before starting to prepare the evening meal.

Xu Xiang had married Wei Zikang at a young age, which led to her having a son as old as Wei Lai now. Despite her age, she appeared like a woman in her early twenties.

Apart from her youthful looks, Xu Xiang was often quiet and unassuming. However, once she donned an apron, her figure became more pronounced, making Wei Lai wonder if his childhood pudginess might have been influenced by her.

It could also be attributed to an old saying: mothers tend to be particularly clumsy in certain aspects.

After adding vegetables to the wok, Xu Xiang stir-fried them briefly. She then tasted a leaf with chopsticks, furrowing her attractive eyebrows as she realized she had added too much salt.

Pouring some water into the wok, Xu Xiang turned to Wei Lai and said,

“Remember to remind me next time to use half the amount of salt. Oh, did you give your yellow mouse to Xiao Ting?”

The scene replayed, unfolding again through Wei Lai’s eyes.

Just as Xu Xiang was about to scoop a spoonful of salt, Wei Lai quickly intervened, “Use only half the amount of salt, just like you mentioned earlier.”

“Alright,” Xu Xiang nodded, accustomed to her son’s ability. 

She added half a spoonful of salt to the pot, humming softly as she continued cooking. Wei Lai, however, was now faced with the dilemma of explaining how he gave away his Pikachu.

“Oh right, Wei, where’s your yellow mouse?”

“I lent it to someone.”

“To a boy or girl?”

“A girl. Once I’ve given something away, I won’t take it back.”

Xu Xiang smiled warmly at Wei Lai, her eyes filled with affection.

Feeling like his thoughts were transparent to her, Wei Lai suddenly couldn’t bear staying in the kitchen any longer. He turned and quickly ran upstairs to his room.

The sight of her shy son truly brought a tender smile to Xu Xiang’s face.

With one hand on her chest and the other resting under her chin, Xu Xiang watched Wei Lai leave, her gaze full of indulgent love.

Just as Wei Lai closed his bedroom door upstairs, the main entrance opened downstairs.

Wei Zikang walked in, immediately removing his shoes to slip into slippers, ready to unwind after a long day.

“Honey, I’m home.”

“Mm-hmm, go relax on the sofa for a bit. Dinner will be ready soon… Move aside, don’t embarrass yourself.”

“Where’s our son?”

“He’s gone upstairs.”

“Alright, then I’ll go find him.”

After entering the kitchen, Wei Zikang quickly gave Xu Xiang a peck on the cheek. As expected, she gently pushed him away, and he headed upstairs to seek out Wei Lai.

At the bedroom door, he knocked softly.

“Son, can I come in?”

“No, talk from the doorway.”

“Alright. Could you please review the client’s requirements? When I call them later, remind me of their preferences.”

“It doesn’t matter what you say; they ultimately preferred the first design option anyway.”

“Great, thanks son! Daddy loves you.”

The sound of slippers faded away as Wei Lai lay on his bed, reading a comic book, inwardly grumbling.

This family… Mom always seems to know everything about me. It feels like there’s no privacy at all.

And Dad, day after day, just wants to use me for shortcuts – not very adult-like at all.

***

Upon returning home, Qing Ting casually placed her umbrella in a corner.

Holding the Pikachu plushie gifted by Wei Lai, she walked into the living room, noticing it was unusually quiet.

Her mother -Wu Xin – was cooking in the kitchen, while father – Qing Hua – sat on the sofa with his head bowed, scrolling through his phone.

Is it happening again?

Qing Ting blinked, observing the scene, gently stroked the Pikachu’s head, and quietly moved towards the kitchen, standing silently behind Wu Xin.

(I’m so furious! How could he forget our wedding anniversary?)

So that’s what it’s about.

The corners of Qing Ting’s lips curved slightly as she stealthily circled around to stand behind Qing Hua.

(This damn delivery still hasn’t arrived; they promised two days, and it’s already been three.)

It seems Dad isn’t at fault then?

Nodding, Qing Ting knew what she had to do.

Sneakily slipping out of the house, she rang the doorbell.

“Excuse me, is Qing Hua at home? You have a package!”

After announcing this, Qing Ting hid her face behind the Pikachu plushie and quickly ran back inside, taking cover behind the door.

“I’ll get it!”

In the living room, Qing Hua heard the commotion outside and rushed eagerly to the door, only to find no one there.

Wu Xin approached the doorway, looking angrily at her husband.

“What nonsense have you bought now?”

From behind the door, Qing Ting whispered softly, “It’s your wedding anniversary gift.”

Wu Xin paused, looking at Qing Hua with surprise, “So you didn’t forget after all.”

“Of course not, I placed the order three days ago,” Qing Ting continued whispering.

“You bought it three days ago?”

“Uh, yes, but I didn’t expect their delivery to be so slow.”

Qing Hua approached his wife, sheepishly explaining.

“Forget it, the thought is what matters most. It’s okay if the gift doesn’t arrive today.”  

Wu Xin’s anger subsided as she turned to head back to the kitchen for cooking.

Before taking more than two steps, another voice came from behind her, “But my dearest wife, how can you say no to this gift? It symbolizes my love for you.”

This line gave Wu Xin goosebumps, causing her to turn and look at Qing Hua.

Blushing, Qing Hua quickly glanced towards Qing Ting hiding behind the door and loudly said:

“Xiao Ting, I never said that sentimentally; don’t make things up!”

“Hehe, well, Dad will surely express it during dinner anyway.” 

Qing Ting playfully stuck out her pink tongue, hugged Pika tightly, and dashed upstairs like a whirlwind. At the top of the stairs, she couldn’t resist turning back, winking twice at her parents.

“Mommy and Daddy, Happy Anniversary! No more squabbles now, okay?”

Ah, kids these days!

Wu Xin and Qing Hua exchanged glances, suddenly feeling as empathetic as their daughter, understanding each other’s unspoken sentiments without words, shared a warm smile.

*****

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