Warm Family

As soon as Song Zihao got home, he noticed the unfamiliar face of Song Zhiyao. After just one glance, he immediately lowered his head.

His behavior confirmed what Song Ruyun had said earlier—that he was far too timid.

Thinking of the environment he'd grown up in, it made sense. Their father had left when he was only five, and this family had been filled with women ever since. That was enough to shape his personality into what it was now.

"Song Zihao, you're always nagging! I'm going to teach you a lesson today!" Song Ruyun reached out and twisted his ear, clearly determined not to let him off so easily this time.

She scolded him relentlessly, but Song Zihao didn't talk back. He just kept dodging, lowering his head and occasionally glancing at Song Zhiyao.

It was obvious he was curious about this elder sister of his—but too afraid to stare. Every time their eyes met, he quickly looked away.

Lai Yanling, however, wasn't surprised at all.

"Zhiyao, they're always like this. Let's eat first," she said, scooping rice and filling a bowl with vegetables for her.

There weren't many pieces of meat in the stir-fried pork with peppers, but she made sure half of it went into Zhiyao's bowl.

After serving, Lai Yanling turned toward the two siblings who were still chasing and teasing each other. "Alright, enough! Don't create a mess on your eldest sister's first meal at home."

"I got it, Mom! Song Zihao, hurry up and greet her. And you better start changing your cowardly ways—our eldest sister is amazing," Song Ruyun huffed. She had forgotten she hadn't greeted her either.

Just as she was about to scold Zihao again, a timid voice suddenly called out, "Eldest sis!"

"Now that's more like it," Song Ruyun said with satisfaction, clearly pleased with herself for being such a good influence.

She had no idea that the truth was something else entirely. Sometimes, ignorance really was bliss.

Only Song Zhiyao could hear Song Zihao's inner thoughts at that moment:

[Eldest sister has a great personality and looks even prettier than Luo Meixin. Luo Meixin must be so jealous of her. She's also calmer than Second Sister… She really is my eldest sister—Song Zihao's!].

From the moment he saw Song Zhiyao, Song Zihao had liked her.

Zhiyao didn't expect such a persona of him.

Who would have thought—despite his timid and clumsy appearance—this younger brother actually had his own quiet depth. It seemed he wasn't exactly how Song Ruyun described him. 

This family life was going to get more interesting.

When all the children were finally seated, Lai Yanling said warmly, "Now that your eldest sister is home, you all need to get along with her. She's smarter than any of you, so you should listen to her."

The moment she finished speaking, Song Ruyun frowned. She liked her eldest sister, sure—but that didn't mean she believed Zhiyao was smarter than her.

"Mom, I've always been the top student at school. What about Eldest Sister?" she asked with a confident expression, glancing at Song Zhiyao with proud look.

She didn't actually know much about Zhiyao. The Luo family hadn't wanted her to come back, and Luo Meixin would never compliment her mortal rival.

But how could Lai Yanling not know her children's personalities?! She glanced at the quiet Zhiyao beside her and tapped Ruyun lightly on the head.

"Your eldest sister is only two years older than you—and she's already graduated college this year. What do you think?"

"What do you mean, graduated college?" Ruyun's jaw dropped so wide it could've held a whole egg.

"My eldest sis is that amazing?" Even the usually quiet Song Zihao couldn't hide his shock.

"Your sister got into university at sixteen and graduated in just two years. She's starting work at the First Central Hospital in the provincial capital tomorrow," Lai Yanling said casually as she continued placing more food into Zhiyao's bowl.

"Zhiyao, eat more. Try Mom's cooking. Just tell me what you like—Mom may not be good at many things, but I can cook."

Song Zhiyao looked at her mother's warm gaze and noticed that neither of her siblings was unhappy about the meat in her bowl.

Instead, they seemed proud—excited, even—to hear how accomplished she was. They didn't seem to mind giving her more meat; in fact, they felt it was only fair for someone so outstanding to eat more meat agreeing their mother words.

Zhiyao wasn't used to eating alone, and she could see tonight's stir-fried pork was all the meat the family had.

She silently placed a few pieces into each of their bowls. Before they could react, she said calmly, "Eat together."

Though her tone seem cold, the three of them felt something warm bloom in their hearts.

She cared about them. That was the thought all three shared in that moment.

Because her words left no room for argument, everyone began to eat in unison.

Song Zhiyao finally tasted Lai Yanling's cooking. The stir-fried pork with peppers was a simple home-style dish, yet it was the most delicious she'd ever had.

The spicy aroma of the peppers, the tender meat marinated just enough to retain its flavor—it all blended perfectly. The garlic and black beans added just the right depth.

Even the stir-fried green beans stood out. Unlike the yellowed ones she used to eat, these remained crisp and green, bursting with freshness in every bite.

The food at the Luo house had always been bland or overly salty—no matter how fancy the dish was, she could only force it down.

Tonight, however, every bite was so good she ate faster than usual, though her movement has usual elegance.

Seeing how much her daughter enjoyed the meal, Lai Yanling felt a deep joy. Finally—finally—she could show her love in a way that mattered. She vowed to cook more delicious meals in the future, so her daughter won't think of leaving.

She didn't dare ask why Zhiyao hadn't stayed with the Luo family. But she was glad—grateful—that her daughter had come back.

There wasn't much conversation during the meal, but the warmth at the table said more than words.

When they finished eating, Song Ruyun suddenly said, "It's been a long time since we've had a peaceful meal like this!"

Whenever Luo Meixin had eaten with them, she nitpicked everything. She had to eat the most meat and always created drama. their mother ate less for her but Ruyun didn't care.

Ruyun had often argued with her, not just for herself but for her younger brother too. Every meal had felt like a battleground.

Lai Yanling felt a little guilty hearing that. It was her indulgence that had turned Luo Meixin into someone so domineering.

Still, what Ruyun said wasn't wrong. Tonight really had been the best meal the family had shared—not because of the food, but because of the atmosphere.

"Ruyun, Zihao, take your eldest sister out to buy some daily necessities," Lai Yanling said, pulling out some money and receipts.

The family had spent a lot recently to secure a job for Luo Meixin. Money was tight, and they still had debts. But Lai Yanling didn't hesitate to take out money for her daughter.

She had noticed earlier that Zhiyao brought only a few clothes—nothing else.

"Also, show her around. Let her get familiar with the neighborhood," she added.

Zhiyao hadn't expected such thoughtfulness. She had planned to ask if there were any extra supplies at home.

"Don't worry, Mom! I'll take Eldest Sister shopping—and let everyone see that she's way better than Luo Meixin!" Ruyun declared, still unable to let go of her grudge.

"You brat!" Lai Yanling chuckled at her second daughter's unfiltered attitude.

Watching their interaction, Zhiyao couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. Liao Shujuan had always been cold and strict with her—there was never a moment of warmth like this.

Maybe… just maybe… that could change now.