When it comes to adult pleasantries, sometimes it’s hard to tell what’s genuine. In any case, the neighbor was complimenting Jiang Wanyi on her youth.
And she really did look young. If she changed her clothes, you’d have no idea how old she was.
"He really is my brother..."
Jiang Wanyi felt a little guilty, and it was clear she was normally a very honest person. Telling such a harmless little lie still made her feel awkward.
But what truly made Jiang Wanyi feel embarrassed were the things Chen Yuan had done.
’He wasn’t her husband, nor was he her brother, yet he had actually massaged her...’
Given their supposed relationship, the female neighbor stopped talking about ways to increase milk production and shifted the topic to the baby.
When they reached the ground floor, the female neighbor said her goodbyes and left. The two of them continued down to the parking garage.
With Chen Yuan holding the baby and Jiang Wanyi driving, it had the distinct feeling of a family of three on an outing.
As Jiang Wanyi drove, she watched Chen Yuan playing with the baby in the rearview mirror.
She unconsciously recalled what the female neighbor had said in the elevator.
’If I really found a husband like him, my life would probably be very happy. At the very least, I’d have someone to help share the burden.’
She sighed to herself. ’In my current situation, I can only blame it on my poor luck and terrible taste in men.’
They arrived at a nearby mall and went to a mother and baby store, where the task of shopping fell to Chen Yuan.
He bought some small bags for storing milk, which came with a complimentary small funnel.
In addition, he also bought baby powder and calamine lotion...
Trailing behind Chen Yuan the whole time, Jiang Wanyi felt completely useless.
"How long have you been using the bottle and the nipple?"
"I don’t think I’ve changed them since she was born."
"Let’s get rid of the old ones, then. Time for a new set."
"Okay, I’ll listen to you."
Chen Yuan picked things out quickly. In just over half an hour, he had bought everything they needed.
"Hang on a second."
Just as they were about to check out, Jiang Wanyi spoke up and walked over to another section. Chen Yuan saw her pick up two bras.
The style was rather plain, with clasps on the cups to make nursing easier.
After paying, the two left the baby store and prepared to head to the supermarket on the lower level to buy some groceries.
But before they even stepped into the supermarket, Jiang Wanyi’s brow furrowed, though it was mixed with a hint of delight.
"Let’s head down first," Jiang Wanyi whispered to Chen Yuan.
"What’s wrong?"
"I’m starting to feel full."
After Chen Yuan had massaged her at noon, Jiang Wanyi felt less reserved when talking about it.
"Let’s go to the car. She’s probably going to be hungry any minute."
"Okay."
They quickened their pace and returned to the car. Jiang Wanyi got into the back seat with the baby, while Chen Yuan waited outside.
A few minutes later, a prompt appeared.
[Task Complete: Reward 600 yuan cash, Nutritional Recipes]
’The baby’s full already?’
’Tongzi’s methods are really something else. Just one session, and it’s already had such an effect.’
The reward was credited, and the relevant knowledge flooded into his mind.
The "Nutritional Recipes" was a general term, divided into three categories: recipes to increase milk supply, recipes to replenish qi and blood, and baby food recipes. It was incredibly comprehensive.
CLICK—
The car door opened a crack.
"Brother..."
"What is it?"
Jiang Wanyi, still holding the baby, whispered:
"Where did you put the things we just bought?"
"They’re in the trunk. Why?"
After a moment’s thought, Jiang Wanyi said:
"The bra I bought... can you get one out for me?"
"You bought two, which one should I get?"
"They’re the same, so either one is fine."
Chen Yuan opened the trunk, took out one of the bras she had just bought, and handed it to Jiang Wanyi.
Taking the bra, Jiang Wanyi handed the baby to Chen Yuan.
About five or six minutes later, Jiang Wanyi emerged from the car, the delight on her face impossible to hide.
"I have to give you a huge thumbs-up. You’re amazing."
"Did it work?"
Jiang Wanyi nodded. "You know, I didn’t stop feeding her just now—she stopped eating. I think one feeding is enough to get her full now. There shouldn’t be any problem."
"It could also be that she wasn’t that hungry, so she ate a little less. But it should still be a lot better than before."
"It’s so much better! How long has it been since we left the house? And there’s still 100 milliliters at home! I never dreamed it could be this effective."
"Then let’s keep up the good work."
"Okay."
The two of them went back into the mall’s supermarket. The baby was in her stroller, which Jiang Wanyi pushed, while Chen Yuan pushed a shopping cart, selecting the items they needed.
This time, their shopping was much more focused. They just had to pick out ingredients based on the recipes.
"Let’s get a health kettle."
"Whatever you say. I can make you some drinks."
"It’s not for me. I can use it to make you some things to replenish your qi and blood."
"You even know about this stuff?" Jiang Wanyi said in surprise.
"I’ve learned a thing or two. I guess I’m just too versatile."
Jiang Wanyi smiled gently. "I’ll do whatever you say."
’Watching Chen Yuan expertly select their items, Jiang Wanyi felt that with him by her side, she could truly afford to be a simpleton.’
’She wouldn’t have to worry about a thing; he could take care of everything for her.’
’She’d had this feeling before, back before she got her doctorate. With her dad around, she never had to worry about a thing. If a problem came up, she’d just call him, and he could solve anything for her, just like a superman.’
’But as she got older, started her own family, and her parents aged, it became her turn to shelter them from the storm. That feeling was long gone.’
’Especially after her divorce. Juggling a career, a child, and worrying about her parents’ health had become a constant weight on her mind. It had been many years since she’d felt so taken care of.’
’What was I even thinking? How did my thoughts end up here?’
’How could he be the same as my dad...?’
"This should be about enough. Think the fridge at home can hold all this?"
Chen Yuan’s voice pulled Jiang Wanyi back to reality.
"It should fit, more or less."
"Alright, let’s get these then."
After they finished shopping, seeing that it was getting late, the two of them grabbed a bite to eat in the mall for dinner before heading home.
Chen Yuan got out of the car holding the baby, opened the trunk, and took out their purchases and the stroller.
Jiang Wanyi locked the car, still holding something in her hand. He took a closer look and realized it was her bra.
’The one she changed out of earlier?’
Jiang Wanyi noticed Chen Yuan’s gaze and, looking a little embarrassed, quickened her pace for a few steps to stuff the bra she’d taken off into a shopping bag.
"Let’s go."
Chen Yuan held the baby with one arm and carried their bags with the other, while Jiang Wanyi pushed the stroller. The two of them entered the elevator together.
Chen Yuan’s gaze drifted, intentionally or not, to the bra before he realized what had happened.
’The one she was wearing must have gotten wet from the milk, so she couldn’t wear it.’
’Nothing more needed to be said. Tongzi had performed a great service.’