Heartfelt Bonds and Unexpected Generosity

The eldest Li Xiaojun also spoke up: "Mom, my brothers and I are already proficient at our tasks and can assist Dad and Grandma. Please go back and tend to Fu Bao."

Observing Lin Yanfen's hesitant stance, Mrs. Li raised her voice: "Did you hear that? Hurry back to the house! There's too much oily smoke here, and it's not good for Fu Bao to be exposed to it and then return home!"

Noticing Lin Yanfen and the recently-born little one looking visibly anxious, the two male chefs exchanged puzzled glances.

Had Lin Yanfen become so fragile after giving birth? It was one thing to observe confinement practices, but restricting her from the kitchen seemed excessive!

In the Li household, there was gossip aplenty about Lin Yanfen, who seemed to shun any form of labor. While some struggled to make ends meet, Lin Yanfen enjoyed the lifestyle of a noblewoman, courtesy of the Li family. It was a peculiar sight indeed.

Faced with relentless criticisms from the old lady Li, Lin Yanfen had no choice but to retreat from the kitchen. The barrage of complaints was simply too much to bear.

Stepping out of the kitchen, Lin Yanfen was greeted with the sight of a woman entering the yard with her child and a sizable bag of belongings. To her surprise, it was Jiang Lixia and her son.

Indeed, they had arrived.

The Huo household had been preoccupied with their affairs in town. Yesterday, as the day waned, Li Chengyuan and Mrs. Li ventured out to procure vegetables and wine. In the hustle and bustle, they had forgotten to extend invitations for the full moon wine celebration. To their surprise, guests arrived unannounced at their doorstep.

Feeling a pang of guilt, Lin Yanfen warmly welcomed them, apologizing for the oversight. "Lixia, you're here! I'm sorry, Chengyuan completely forgot to invite you to our gathering yesterday. He's a bit forgetful at times, you know. Please forgive us."

Jiang Lixia smiled graciously and reassured her, "It's quite alright. I understand how busy you've been these past few days. It's only natural to forget things. Please don't blame yourself. Otherwise, I'd feel too embarrassed to come over! Oh, by the way, where's little Zirui? Here, I brought this as a full moon gift for Fu bao!"

Lin Yanfen's eyes widened in surprise as she beheld the array of gifts, ranging from practical items for the children to a luxurious can of malted milk essence.

Feeling overwhelmed by Jiang Lixia's generosity, Lin Yanfen hesitated, "Lixia, these gifts are far too extravagant. We can't possibly accept them."

Nonsense!" Jiang Lixia insisted, thrusting the bags into Lin Yanfen's hands. "I brought them for a reason, and I won't take them back. You must accept them! For Fu bao, I've prepared a golden lock and silver bracelet to bless her with safety and health, along with several sets of adorable clothing. And don't forget your sons; they deserve gifts too!"

Amidst the abundance of presents for all her children, Lin Yanfen felt even more humbled. "This is too generous, Lixia. How can we possibly repay you for your kindness?"

"How embarrassing! Where do you think you're going? I'll worry alongside you if you keep up this act!" Jiang Lixia put on a deliberate frown and nudged Huo Zirui forward. "Yanfen, do you recognize this little rascal? He's been itching to come over. Last night, he spent a whole hour picking out his outfit just to impress Fu bao. If you turn him away like this, it'll break the poor kid's heart."

With Jiang Lixia's prompting, Lin Yanfen reluctantly accepted the gift and turned her attention to Huo Zirui.

Despite his tender age of three or four, the boy stood taller than his peers. His double-lidded eyes, high nose, and delicate features hinted at the handsome young man he would one day become.