“Mother, are we eating snake meat tonight?” the eldest son asked on the way back.
Everyone looked at Liu’s mother expectantly.
They hadn’t eaten meat in so long they’d almost forgotten its taste.
But whether they could eat it depended on her.
After thinking carefully, Liu’s mother gritted her teeth.
“Fine. We’re eating meat tonight!”
“Eldest daughter-in-law, you cook. Add some potatoes and stew it.”
Wang Shi nodded excitedly. “Yes, Mother, I’ll do my best.”
“Yay!” The children jumped with joy.
Seeing her in a good mood, the children gathered around her asking for fruit.
She handed them each one but reminded them,
“These were found by your uncle and aunt. Remember their kindness. If anyone turns ungrateful, I’ll beat you!”
The children nodded eagerly.
“I’ll be filial to Uncle and Aunt!” Yicheng declared proudly.
“Me too!”
“And me!”
Shen Qingge watched from afar with a smile.
Liu Ji’an followed her gaze. So… his wife liked children?
Then maybe they could…
Back at the shelter, Wang Shi prepared the snake meat while Wen Shi washed the potatoes.
Opening the bag, Wen Shi frowned.
“This is strange.”
“What is it?” Wang Shi asked.
“I feel like… the potatoes aren’t decreasing. Didn’t we eat a lot yesterday?”
Wang Shi nodded. She had noticed too—the food never seemed to run out.
“Don’t tell anyone,” she whispered.
Wen Shi agreed.
“If others knew, we’d be in trouble.”
“Could it be Mother?” Wen Shi wondered.
“I don’t think so,” Wang Shi said. “If she had extra food, she wouldn’t hide it.”
“Then… could it be a household spirit protecting us?”
Shen Qingge: …
Wang Shi shook her head. “Let’s not ask. As long as we have food, it’s enough.”
Just then, Feng Shi appeared.
“What are you talking about?”
Seeing her sly look, Wang Shi knew she wasn’t up to anything good.
“I’ll help,” Feng Shi said, eyeing the meat.
Wen Shi quickly pulled the basket away.
“You should rest.”
Feng Shi tried to argue, but Wang Shi intervened.
“If you want to help, go light the stove.”
Reluctantly, Feng Shi complied—but kept watching them closely, afraid they’d sneak bites.
Soon, the food was ready.
“Dinner time!” the children cheered.
They waited properly for the elders before eating.
Liu’s father looked at the full table.
“Life is finally looking up… If only we had wine.”
Liu’s mother tossed meat into his bowl.
“You want wine too? Dream on.”
He chuckled.
Once they started eating, no one spoke.
Even plain salted snake meat tasted like a feast.
The large pot was quickly emptied.
Everyone was still unsatisfied.
Only Fourth Girl still had a few pieces left in her bowl.
“Fourth Sister, why aren’t you eating…?”