Family Bonds and Frog Soup: A Shared Delight

It turned out that the frog was specially caught for Fu Bao. The old lady Li couldn't help but feel a mixture of amusement and exasperation as she affectionately patted Li Xiaolei's head, "You little rascal! Next time, make sure you stay longer. If you scare Fu Bao again, I'll have to hold you accountable!"

Li Xiaolei sheepishly stuck out his tongue, bending down to address Fu Bao, "Fu Bao, I'm sorry for scaring you. I promise I won't do it again."

Fu Bao lifted her small face, her sweet smile illuminating the room as she replied, "It's okay, brother. Thank you, brother. Later, when the frog is steamed, let's all share it together. Grandma will eat it too!"

She couldn't bear to enjoy such a big frog all by herself.

The old lady Li couldn't help but feel touched by Fu Bao's thoughtfulness. She leaned down, planting a gentle kiss on the little pink cheek, and said, "If you don't want it, all the good things are saved for Nanny!"

"Yeah! Brother didn't eat it. My brother had eaten it. Now my younger sister grows up and eats more." Li Xiaolei chimed in, his nurturing instincts instilled in him since childhood by his family, deeply ingrained in his mind.

To him, his sister was adorable and well-behaved, the best sister anyone could ask for. If anyone dared to bully her, he would fight tooth and nail to protect her.

The large frog was taken away by Mrs. Li. After cleaning it, the innards were removed, cut into small pieces, then seasoned with chopped green onions and ginger before being steamed for a few minutes.

Rural children didn't have many snacks, often resorting to catching frogs, digging out bird eggs, or skirmishing for small game to satisfy their cravings. It wasn't easy for Li Xiaolei to catch such a big frog, and he himself was reluctant to eat it.

Mrs. Li brought out the steamed frog, waiting until it wasn't too hot before serving it to Fu Bao. "Little one, you finish this. If it's not enough, we'll have your fourth brother catch another one!"

Fu Bao obediently shook her head, "This is enough, grandma. I can't eat so much. Will you and my fourth brother eat with me?"

"Grandma won't eat it, this is for you. Eat it quickly, it won't taste good when it's cold," Mrs. Li affectionately rubbed Fu Bao's little head, her heart filled with warmth and love for her granddaughter.

Li Xiaolei, standing beside them, nodded in agreement. "Yes, Fubao, eat quickly. If you like it, Brother Xiaolei will catch another one later, even bigger than this!"

Observing Fu Bao's reluctance to eat if her brother didn't join, Mrs. Li understood her granddaughter's intentions. She smiled and encouraged, "Come on, Fubao, don't wait too long. Eat while it's hot. It's tastier that way."

Fubao, seeing Xiaolei's refusal to eat, pretended to be upset, crossing her arms. "Hmph, if Brother doesn't eat, then I won't eat either!"

Xiaolei, though tempted by the delicious aroma, held back to let his sister enjoy it first. He was touched by her thoughtfulness, feeling proud to have such a kind sister.

Mrs. Li's heart melted once more at her granddaughter's generosity. She praised Fu Bao for her kindness and maturity beyond her years. Fu Bao, picking up a piece of meat with her chopsticks, offered it to her grandmother, saying, "Grandma, here, have some!"