Shen Ning reached out and scooped Xiaohua into her arms, surprised to find the child even thinner and smaller than she appeared.
Just as the old saying goes—there wasn't two ounces of meat on her entire body.
Xiaohua was startled by the sudden embrace, instinctively wrapping her tiny arms around the woman's neck.
Her small face showed wide-eyed astonishment.
She couldn't believe Niang Niang would hold her.
The two boys behind them were equally surprised.
"What are you standing around for? Let's go home."
Shen Ning hoisted the carrying basket onto her back and started walking home. Within a few steps, the young boy behind her could no longer contain himself.
"Why did you give them the Guamian!"
Little Li Jianguo fumed with anger, his voice tinged with resentment.
Shen Ning could easily guess what was going through his mind.
Their family was already impoverished with barely anything to eat, yet she had given away their noodles.
Being so generous to others—using things bought with their father's money to curry favor.
When Shen Ning glanced back, she saw the expression on his face: bitterness, unwillingness, and resentment.
His hatred for her had clearly escalated!
How difficult it was to earn this little brother's favor!
"Do you want people to spread rumors that you three are thieves, pickpockets, that you've grown a third hand?"
She spoke in an extremely calm tone, her indifferent gaze sweeping over him. "Your father is a hero. Do you want to be a coward and tarnish his reputation?"
To a six or seven-year-old child, these words carried immense weight.
"No, I'm not!"
Li Jianguo couldn't understand—he had only picked up some branches that had fallen on the ground.
How could that make him a thief!
"You gave all the food to them! What are we going to eat?!"
So it was hunger driving his outburst.
"Don't worry, didn't I tell you? We're going home to make something delicious!"
Xiaohua cautiously glanced at Shen Ning and timidly asked, "Niang Niang, will there really be something tasty?"
"Of course, you'll know when we get home.A faint smile appeared on Xiaohua's face, mixed with a hint of flattery. She liked this version of Niang Niang.
As the four of them reached their doorstep, they saw the two men from earlier already waiting there with bundles of firewood.
"Third Brother's wife, we've brought the firewood. Look—all dry wood!"
"Mine too, Third Sister-in-law, take a look."
Shen Ning smiled. Both bundles were neatly cut and tightly bound—her Guamian had been well spent.
"Thank you, Uncle. Thank you, Brother. No need to check, I trust you completely!"
Her words visibly pleased both men.
Who said Third Brother's wife was difficult to talk to?
Wasn't she quite articulate!
Tian Wu chuckled twice, scratching his head as he said in his rough voice, "Third Sister-in-law, if you ever want to trade for anything else, just come find us!"
They clearly thought this was a good business opportunity—every household had firewood, so getting noodles felt like getting something for nothing.
Who wouldn't want more deals like this?
Shen Ning was already thinking about earning more points to buy more supplies.
But she maintained her pleasant smile.
"Certainly, certainly."
The two men carried the firewood inside and then took their leave.
The sky gradually darkened, signaling dinnertime. Today, the children and she had only eaten one egg each, and they were long since hungry.
"Jianguo, you tend the fire. Jianjun, you play with Xiaohua for a while. I'll make something delicious for you!"
She made a round through the inner room as cover, then brought out three packs of Pao Mian she had bought earlier.
The three children stared curiously at the three paper-wrapped packages in her hand.
The thick firewood burned slowly and vigorously, quickly bringing the water in the pot to a boil.
They watched as she tore open the packages, took out three large yellow discs, and dropped them directly into the pot. Could this thing actually taste good?
Could it be better than the snow-white Guamian?
After adding the noodle discs, she tore open the seasoning packets and poured them in.
However, she used only two packets' worth, adjusting for taste—she preferred her Pao Mian on the lighter side.
But the moment the seasoning hit the broth, an intense, domineering aroma instantly captivated everyone's senses.
The three children stared wide-eyed, inhaling the fragrant air in deep breaths.
What is this? How can it smell so incredible!
She used chopsticks to separate the noodles, cooking them until soft—that was all it took.
"Jianguo, take them to wash their hands. It's time to eat."
She served each bowl with two or three chopstickfuls of noodles, ladled broth over them, and a big, steaming bowl of cooked Pao Mian was ready.
The three children, having washed their hands, were already seated properly at the table, eagerly watching her direction.
"Be careful, it's hot. Eat slowly."
After speaking, she scooped out the remaining broth from the pot, quickly rinsed it, then filled it halfway with water, letting the firewood in the stove burn slowly before sitting down to eat.
The three children were amazed by the contents of their bowls.
Each ate with intense focus.
They had never tasted noodles so delicious and magical—curly, springy, not coarse grain, without any odd flavors, and wonderfully soft.
Especially the broth—it was truly delicious, with a hint of chicken flavor.
By the end, not only had they finished the broth in their own bowls, but they also drank up every last drop of the extra bowl of broth she had set aside.
[Ding! Li Xiaohua's favorability +5]
The sudden mechanical voice in her head made Shen Ning's eyes light up, and she instinctively glanced at Xiaohua.
As if sensing her gaze, Xiaohua looked up and met her eyes.
[Ding! Li Xiaohua's favorability +5]
She gave a shy smile.
Heavens, how could there be such an adorable little girl!
Auntie wants to kiss you—!
Her chopsticks moved faster than her thoughts, adding another portion of noodles to Xiaohua's bowl.
Xiaohua was delighted, her eyes sparkling even brighter.
"Niang Niang, eat."
Though clearly craving it, she obediently tried to offer the noodles back to Shen Ning.
It was likely out of fear—a instinctive reaction.
Original host, what a sin you've committed!
"Our Xiaohua is so well-behaved, eat more." Shen Ning ruffled her little head gently. "From now on, Niang Niang will make lots of delicious food for you, okay?"
Easily cheered by Shen Ning's few words, Xiaohua nodded eagerly.
"Thank you, Niang Niang!"
[Ding! Li Xiaohua's favorability +5]
Good grief, she really wanted to hug the little girl and nibble her cheeks—how could she be so utterly adorable!
"Niang Niang, today's noodles are delicious! I really like them too! Thank you, Niang Niang!"
Li Jianjun quickly expressed his feelings as well, his small frame sitting bolt upright.
His eyes still held a trace of unease as he looked at Shen Ning.
As if anticipating something.
Fortunately, Shen Ning didn't disappoint him, smiling gently at him, "You're welcome, I'll make more delicious food for you tomorrow!"
[Ding! Li Jianjun's favorability +2]
[Total favorability: 17]