Su Bing's hands clenched into fists, worried that at any moment, Gu Zi would do something excessive to him.
Gu Zi looked at Su Bing with a gentle smile and said, "I didn't realize you don't know how to cook. I'll take the time to teach you in the future."
The tension in Su Bing's heart suddenly eased. He looked at Gu Zi in surprise and saw her bending down to pick up some sweet potatoes from a basket.
She didn't scold him.
She didn't hit him.
She even smiled and said she would teach him to cook.
Su Bing's heart began to beat rapidly. He took a deep breath and realized that he had been too nervous earlier, to the point where he almost forgot to breathe.
Gu Zi picked a few more large sweet potatoes, washed them, and placed them in the pot. When the sweet potatoes were cooked, she took them out and handed one to Su Bing, saying, "Peel the skin off this sweet potato."
Gu Zi glanced at the still steaming sweet potato and added, "Be careful; it's quite hot."
Su Bing raised his eyes to look at Gu Zi, his heart racing like a startled deer.
Su Li quickly ran over to help.
Gu Zi noticed that the sweet potato was ready. She mixed it with powdered milk and cooked it in the pot, turning it into sweet potato porridge. In no time, the pot emitted a fragrant milk aroma.
Su Li eagerly sniffed the air, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl up.
Gu Zi found some flour she had bought earlier, thinking of making a few pancakes so that the two children could take them to school.
She quickly stir-fried some shredded potatoes and placed them on a plate.
On the side, Su Bing saw Gu Zi crack four eggs into a bowl, whisk them, and then turn them into egg pancakes, cutting them into small pieces.
Gu Zi washed the pot clean and waited for the water in the pot to evaporate before wiping the pot with oil. Then, she greased the pan with some oil before placing the thin pancake inside. Soon, the pancake turned a golden orange color. She added egg pancakes and shredded potatoes on top of the pancake, along with some homemade sauce from the previous night. She then rolled the entire pancake up.
She made a total of six potato and egg pancakes. Afterward, she handed two of them to Su Bing and Su Li, saying, "Each of you gets a bowl of sweet potato porridge and one pancake for breakfast. Take the remaining ones to school for lunch."
As Gu Zi spoke, she scooped two bowls of sweet potato porridge for them and asked them to go to the dining room to eat.
Then, she packed the lunch box and placed it in front of the two brothers. She turned around and went into the kitchen to scoop herself a bowl of sweet potato porridge.
She didn't eat much for breakfast. A bowl of sweet potato porridge was enough.
As she took the first bite, the fragrant, sweet, and soft taste filled her mouth. This dish was indeed perfect for breakfast.
After finishing her meal, she noticed that the two children hadn't finished theirs. She said, "Today, I'll be taking Lele with me to the city. If I haven't returned by the time you finish school, prepare your own meals."
Su Li, who had been eating with his mouth full of food, immediately became nervous upon hearing Gu Zi's words.
He had heard stories about child traffickers kidnapping and selling children, and the thought of his sister...
Su Li didn't dare to think further. He looked to Su Bing for help, but his elder brother remained calm as if nothing was wrong.
Just as he was about to speak up to remind his elder brother, Su Bing simply said, "Alright."
The half-eaten pancake in Su Li's hand fell onto the table. The once delicious treat lost its appeal as he stared at Su Bing, raising his eyebrows. However, Su Bing continued eating his meal, paying no attention to him.
Su Li felt a sense of panic. He thought that his elder brother must be afraid of that woman, so he dared not object. Just as he was about to speak, Su Bing stuffed the pancake back into his mouth.
Silently, Su Li enjoyed his pancake.
This pancake was really delicious!
His big brother had agreed, his little sister should be safe!
...
Gu Zi went upstairs and woke Lele up. After helping Lele wash up, she dressed her in a lovely princess dress and changed into fresh clothes herself. Then, she took Lele out with her.
Lele had always stayed at home and had never ventured far. Now, she followed Gu Zi onto the public bus heading to the city. Excitement filled her as she leaned against the window, her big, grape-like eyes fixed on everything outside.
The road wasn't entirely smooth, and Gu Zi was starting to feel a bit drowsy. However, Lele, in her eagerness, remained wide awake. She gazed at everything outside with unblinking curiosity.
The passengers on the bus couldn't help but praise Lele for her adorable and well-behaved demeanor.