Meng Shining felt at a loss, casting a pleading glance at Ji Yao.
Ji Yao smiled and stepped forward, separating the two. All right, all right, take your seats. We’ll eat and chat at the same time.
The elders of both families sat at the main seats. Meng Ci’an sat to Meng Shining’s right, and Jiang Wenyan sat to her left.
Meng Shining had no idea how to complete this task. She could not suddenly stand up while eating and shout, Jiang Wenyan, you are useless and incompetent. That would be too abrupt and would only accelerate her being sent to a mental hospital.
She lowered her head, deep in thought, as exquisitely plated dishes were brought in.
Meng Shining swallowed. She slept until the afternoon and skipped lunch. Even though she had eaten a little before leaving, her stomach growled at the smell of food.
Forget it. Eating is the most important thing. She couldn’t skip a meal just for a task.
The adults discussed engagement matters, from hosting guests to the placement of items, occasionally asking the opinions of the two people involved.
Jiang Wenyan’s expression remained calm, giving few hints of emotion, occasionally agreeing quietly.
Meng Shining simply ate and nodded throughout.
After a while, Jiang Wenyan’s cold voice rang out. I am full. Everyone, please continue.
Meng Shining’s mind lit up. She had been focused on eating but was also watching Jiang Wenyan’s movements. He had barely touched his food and had eaten only about a fist-sized portion of rice.
Now he says he is full?
She had an idea. She lightly tapped the table and said loudly, Jiang Wenyan, you are really useless and incompetent.
The room fell silent. Meng Ci’an frowned. He had warned her not to speak recklessly.
Just as he was about to scold her, Meng Shining continued, I’ve already had three bowls, and I could eat a fourth, yet you say you’re full after one bowl. If that isn’t useless, what is?
Her childish words made Jiang Baiyu laugh. Shining, well done, you can eat so much.
Meng Shining exhaled in relief. She had been tense while saying those words.
This stage should, probably, be passed.
Keeping her head down, she did not dare to look at Jiang Wenyan’s face.
Task complete, first stage check-in progress 2 out of 7.
The system sounded its alert. Meng Shining proudly showed off to Bao Linglong. How’s that? Am I the smartest host you’ve ever seen? Who could be as clever as me?
Bao Linglong ignored her.
After finishing her third bowl, Meng Shining put down her chopsticks, ready to wipe her mouth.
Jiang Wenyan’s calm voice spoke. You could still eat a fourth bowl, so why stop to wipe your mouth?
Meng Shining froze, turning to see Jiang Wenyan’s unamused face, and twisted her lips. Midway break, isn’t that allowed?
Of course, he said, checking the time on his wrist.
You’ve been on a break for a minute. You should be able to continue with the fourth bowl.
I have never seen anyone eat four bowls. You, the useless one, are showing me something new.
Meng Shining was confused. In her memories, Jiang Wenyan was barely capable of saying anything. How is he so talkative during a meal today?
Serve another bowl of rice to this young lady, Jiang Wenyan said, pressing the service bell and quietly instructing the waiter.
Meng Shining looked at Jiang Wenyan, wishing she could throw him into a pigpen.
A pig? She felt like a pig being force-fed.
Jiang Wenyan’s gaze shifted to Meng Shining. Her head screen lit up again.
The screen showed a pigpen, with a pig in a pink princess dress circling endlessly.
Then a man in a blue uniform carrying a large bucket appeared.
The man entered the pen, controlled the pig in the dress, forced open its mouth, and poured the contents of the bucket inside.
As he poured, he laughed maniacally. Eat, you said you could eat four bowls. Eat, eat.
Jiang Wenyan frowned. That voice was clearly his own.
The man remained with his back to the screen. After emptying the bucket, he turned with a grim smile. It was Jiang Wenyan’s face.
Meng Ci’an watched expressionlessly. Seeing the man’s face, he could hardly suppress a smirk.
But he didn’t enjoy it for long. A pig in a suit appeared on screen, squealing. Why only feed my sister? Is Meng Ci’an not worthy of Jiang Wenyan’s feeding?
Meng Ci’an’s smile faded, and his expression darkened.
Meng Shining couldn’t help but snort in laughter.
Jiang Wenyan looked at the fourth bowl in front of her, unable to meet her eyes. The previous image had embedded itself in his mind.
He observed the siblings. Even if reduced to feeding pigs, he would not feed these two.
Meng Ci’an’s desire to take Meng Shining to a doctor strengthened.
Meng Shining looked at the fourth bowl. She could not eat it.
Turning to Meng Ci’an, Brother, you’ve been drinking and barely eating. Have some rice to settle your stomach.
She placed the bowl in front of him. I’ll eat one less bowl. I’m just worried about you.
Ji Yao, sitting next to Meng Ci’an, smiled. My baby has grown up, knows how to care for others.
Wen Xian smiled at Jiang Wenyan. My boy benefits, getting such a good wife in Shining.
Seeing Meng Ci’an unmoved, Ji Yao lightly nudged him. Your sister cares about you. What are you waiting for, eat!
Meng Ci’an glanced at the obedient Meng Shining, picked up the rice, and took a few symbolic bites.
Jiang Wenyan said nothing more, his expression returning to its usual coldness.
He was certain that the random screen above Meng Shining’s head was linked to her thoughts.
He carefully observed his parents and Meng Shining’s parents’ reactions from the screen’s appearance to its end. Their eyes did not linger on her head.
The screen representing Meng Shining’s thoughts could only be seen by him.
Now knowing what the screen meant, he had to find its pattern.
Why it appeared remained unexplained.
That morning he had a mental check with a friend. Everything was normal.
Since he had no issues, the problem must be Meng Shining.