That evening, when Yan Jin’er rode her bicycle back to the entrance of her home, she already smelled the fragrance of food wafting from the kitchen. She thought it was either Madam Song or Father Song who had returned early.
“Dad, Mom, I’m back.” As soon as Yan Jin’er stepped through the door, she happily shouted, but no one responded.
That was awkward.
She looked toward the kitchen and discovered that the person busy inside was not her parents at all, but a tall woman with eyebrows and eyes somewhat similar to Father Song’s. Only then did Yan Jin’er realize it was the Song family’s elder sister, Song Qingran.
Yan Jin’er quickly and politely greeted her, “Hello, sister. I thought it was Dad and Mom who came back.”
Song Qingran casually responded with an “Mm,” looking at this clearly more childish stepsister who was eleven years younger than her. She did not mind her at all and even treated her like a child as she coaxed her, “It’s almost done cooking. Go wash your hands and play with Zhaozhao.”
After parking her bicycle properly and obediently washing her hands, Yan Jin’er walked up to Song Qingran. Just as she was about to help with the fire, she was handed a little chubby baby. “Go play outside.”
Yan Jin’er had no choice but to stiffly hold the soft little baby and walk out into the courtyard. She had never played with such a small child before and was afraid she might make the child cry.
Holding Zhaozhao, the two stared blankly at each other. Zhaozhao was not shy at all and thought Yan Jin’er was playing a staring game with her, so she burst into her own giggles.
Seeing this, Song Qingran in the kitchen felt her heart soften.
Yan Jin’er could only end up playing a peekaboo game with Zhaozhao outside. Zhaozhao was quite easy to soothe; in no time, she was laughing loudly while standing up, and Yan Jin’er also unconsciously laughed along.
Not long after, Father Song and Madam Song returned. Both of them were very happy to see Song Qingran bringing Zhaozhao back.
After Song Qingran greeted them, she said, “Dad, Li Wen was on duty today, and I happened to buy some meat, so I came back to have dinner with you.”
“Good, good, good. Then cook that remaining fish in the tank too. Let’s make a good meal tonight and have a proper family dinner,” Father Song said as he discussed with Madam Song about killing the remaining fish to make fish soup so everyone could nourish themselves.
Father Song and Madam Song both went into the kitchen to help. Yan Jin’er was left alone to play with Zhaozhao. Father Song went to kill the fish, while Madam Song and Song Qingran cooked the remaining dishes.
At the dining table, Father Song and Madam Song sat on one side, while Yan Jin’er and Song Qingran sat on the other. As for little Zhaozhao, after playing for a while, she clung tightly to Yan Jin’er.
Yan Jin’er fed Zhaozhao some specially made steamed egg custard, spoon after spoon, until she herself started feeling hungry.
“Has Zhaozhao been taken care of by you recently? Is work tiring? You’ve lost weight recently, haven’t you?” Father Song asked worriedly as he looked at his daughter, who seemed thinner than before.
Song Qingran smiled gently. “It’s alright. During the day, her grandparents take care of her most of the time. After work at night, Li Wen and I take care of her together, and Zhaozhao is very well-behaved. It’s not very tiring.”
Song Qingran and Li Wen had a free love marriage. Li Wen had fallen in love at first sight when Song Qingran delivered food to Father Song. After a series of tests from Father Song, the two eventually got together. Their relationship was very good, and after marriage, Li Wen also treated Song Qingran with great care.
“Work isn’t very tiring either. I’m usually just busy during mealtimes,” Song Qingran added. She worked as a sales clerk at a state-owned restaurant, sitting at the counter taking orders and collecting money—a relatively easy job.
Father Song and Madam Song finally felt relieved upon hearing this, worried that Song Qingran might be keeping difficulties to herself.
After Yan Jin’er finished feeding Zhaozhao, she also fed her a few spoonfuls of fish soup. The little chubby Zhaozhao became so happy that she waved her little arms and legs. After finishing a small bowl, she still wanted more. Just as she was about to pout, Song Qingran took her away. “Jinbao, you should eat first.”
Yan Jin’er immediately abandoned the tearful little chubby baby and began eating the food left for her.
After dinner, Yan Jin’er took the initiative to handle the dishwashing task. Father Song and Madam Song played with Zhaozhao while chatting casually with Song Qingran.
At bath time for little Zhaozhao, she stuck tightly to Yan Jin’er, as if she believed they had already formed a friendship and must bathe together.
What could be done? Yan Jin’er could only brace herself and go along. After a round of bathing instructions, she felt it was actually quite simple and that she could manage it herself.
So she confidently carried Zhaozhao into the bathroom, undressed her, placed her in the basin, washed her hair, and washed her body in one smooth sequence. Yan Jin’er felt a strong sense of accomplishment.
But accidents were always unexpected. Just as they were about to put on clothes, Zhaozhao refused to cooperate. She felt she hadn’t finished playing yet, and besides, only she had played in the water—her aunt hadn’t yet.
Then the scene that followed could be imagined. Yan Jin’er hurriedly and clumsily got her dressed.
When Yan Jin’er finally carried the clean little dumpling back to her mother, everyone was stunned.
Yan Jin’er’s hair was messy and dripping wet, her clothes were soaked and still dripping onto the floor, and her face looked completely dazed and lifeless.
“Dad, Mom, sister, she bullied me.”
“Oh dear, how did you end up like this? Hurry and go take a bath and change clothes, you unlucky child,” Madam Song said helplessly. How could such a big person be reporting on a child who didn’t understand anything?
After the family chatter, the night gradually deepened, and everyone drifted into sleep.