Previously, Zhong Qing had been completely indifferent to her children.
But now she not only attended the parent-teacher meeting, she was generous enough to give candy to all the kids.
Children might not understand, but the adults could tell at a glance that the candy wasn’t cheap.
Still, considering Zhong Qing’s background before marriage, it made sense.
As the saying goes, when you eat someone’s food, you soften toward them.
No matter what they had thought of Zhong Qing before, at least now they wouldn’t openly criticize her the way Zhao Xiulan did.
“The kids are greedy—it must’ve cost you quite a bit.”
Zhong Qing smiled lightly. “It’s nothing. They’re all Xiao An’s friends. Besides, you’ve all helped our family before. It’s just some candy—it’s not worth mentioning.”
That statement stunned them even more.
Even after Zhong Qing walked away holding Pei Le’an’s hand, the other parents were still bewildered.
Had Zhong Qing truly changed into a different person?
Pei Yanshen picked up the mother and son and drove them home. Along the way, Xiao An kept sneaking glances at Zhong Qing.
He wasn’t stupid. Of course he knew she gave him candy to help him ease his relationship with his classmates.
But the old Zhong Qing would’ve found him annoying at best—how could she have been so thoughtful?
The snacks and clothes she’d given him and Xiaoyu earlier were still untouched.
Before they even entered the house, Pei Leyu rushed into Zhong Qing’s arms holding a drawing.
Recently, whenever Zhong Qing was home, she spent time with her—reading storybooks and teaching her how to draw.
Just looking at how affectionate Leyu was now proved her efforts were working.
Zhong Qing hugged her in surprise and took the drawing.
It depicted their family of four, along with Grandpa and Grandma Pei.
Xiaoyu and Xiao An stood in the middle, holding hands with her and Pei Yanshen.
She and Pei Yanshen were holding hands too, like two big trees protecting them.
Seeing Leyu’s expectant eyes, Zhong Qing’s heart melted.
“Is this for Mommy?”
Shyly, Leyu grabbed Pei Yanshen’s hand with one hand and Zhong Qing’s with the other, making them hold hands just like in the drawing.
The warm, delicate touch settled into Pei Yanshen’s palm. He paused, glancing sideways at Zhong Qing as she lowered her head with a gentle smile, coaxing Xiaoyu.
His Adam’s apple bobbed. His fingers unconsciously tightened, instinctively rubbing the warmth in his grasp.
Only when Zhong Qing pulled her hand away to lift Xiaoyu did he withdraw as if nothing had happened, though his fingertips still burned faintly.
He went to park the bike, masking the fleeting disappointment in his eyes.
Xiao An stood silently to the side, watching everything.
A vague ache rose in his chest.
…He had once drawn pictures like that for Zhong Qing too.
And what had she done?
She’d looked disgusted and tossed them aside without a thought.
He wasn’t jealous of Xiaoyu. He loved his sister.
He just… felt sad.
Biting his lip, Xiao An stormed past Zhong Qing and into his room.
Yet even inside, traces of her were everywhere.
Snacks she bought sat on the desk. New clothes hung untouched in the closet.
He angrily reached out, intending to throw them away.
But halfway through, his hand stopped awkwardly in midair.
He stared at the clothes.
One glance.
Hmph. That woman only knows these little tricks. He wasn’t as easy to fool as Xiaoyu.
Another glance.
But they were already bought… wouldn’t it be a waste not to wear them?
One more glance.
No one’s watching. Maybe I’ll just try them on. Just try them…
Though alone in his room, he moved like a thief, afraid someone might see.
Looking at himself in the mirror wearing the new clothes, something stirred in his chest.
It had been a long time since he wore new clothes.
Most of his clothes were hand-me-downs from neighbors—always too big or too small, never quite comfortable.
But the ones Zhong Qing bought fit perfectly.
He gently stroked the fabric, reluctant to take them off.
Suddenly, a knock sounded at the door, startling him. Before he could react, Zhong Qing pushed it open.
“Xiao An, would you like to come draw with Mommy and Xiaoyu?”
Seeing him in the clothes she bought, her eyes brightened slightly—but she didn’t expose his embarrassment.
“Xiaoyu’s waiting for you.”
Blushing furiously, Xiao An avoided her gaze but followed her out anyway.
“I’m only doing this to accompany Xiaoyu!” he muttered.
Seizing the rare moment when both children were sitting quietly, Zhong Qing didn’t leave Pei Yanshen out either.
To give the children a good family environment, both parents were essential.
Pei Yanshen accepted the paper and pen she handed him and quietly stayed beside the mother and children.
It was the first time such a warm scene had appeared in this home.
Something hard in his chest slowly melted, and his gaze softened.
For a fleeting moment, he thought—
If life could continue like this, it wouldn’t be so bad.
Even Grandpa and Grandma Pei didn’t have the heart to interrupt. They silently went into the kitchen to cook.
The dishes were mostly made according to Zhong Qing’s tastes.
After taking a bite, Father Pei froze.
“Old woman, your cooking’s getting better and better!”
Mother Pei snorted. “Smooth talker. I cooked it the same way as always. What difference could there be?”
She’d told him to teach their son how to speak nicely and nurture his relationship with Xiao Qing.
Instead, the old man used all his sweet talk on her!
Father Pei placed a piece of ribs into her bowl. “Try it yourself if you don’t believe me!”
She hadn’t taken it seriously—but after a bite, she froze too.
The flavor was indeed richer than before, with a lingering sweetness.
Yet the cooking steps hadn’t changed at all.
Even the rice seemed more fragrant.
There wasn’t some new way to cook rice, was there?
Mother Pei pondered for a long time but couldn’t figure it out.
Meanwhile, Zhong Qing kept her head down and focused on eating, pretending she didn’t exist.
Over the past few days, she had quietly replaced all the household water with spring water from her space.
Food cooked with that water naturally tasted far better.
But aside from herself, she had no intention of revealing the secret of her space to anyone.
However, the warmth in this household didn’t last long.
Zhong Qing hadn’t sought out Qiao Jiangyue—
But Qiao Jiangyue came knocking first.