Gu Linchen called the three children over. Xige’er was the fastest, rushing into his father’s arms like a sugar-coated missile, burying his head in his chest. Earlier, he had been so fascinated by the toy in his little uncle’s hand that he hadn’t even noticed his father.

Gu Linchen had already noticed his son’s curiosity about Huzi’s toy. Huzi and Xiu Ge’er followed closely behind. Huzi, half a year older than Xige’er, was noticeably taller with a boisterous, tiger-like appearance, while Xiu Ge’er was quiet and gentle, a bit shy.

Linchen smiled at Huzi and asked, “Huzi, what game are you playing?”

“I’m playing hide and seek with the Great Marshal!” Huzi proudly raised the cricket in his hand, sticking his chin up high, clearly showing off.

“Would you mind playing with Xige’er too?”

Huzi furrowed his brows but eventually nodded, though reluctantly. Linchen could tell he wasn’t too happy about sharing but understood he was a guest at someone else’s house, enjoying a feast, and had to be polite. ‘Smart kid, already knows how to adapt to situations—he’s got a bright future,’ Linchen thought.

Still, he didn’t want Xige’er to be at a disadvantage. “Xige’er, since Huzi and Xiu Ge’er are willing to play with you, shouldn’t you share something nice with them too?”

Xige’er understood immediately. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch of candies, handing one to Huzi.

Huzi grabbed it and popped it into his mouth instantly. “So sweet!” he exclaimed, eyes fixed eagerly on the remaining candies in Xige’er’s hand.

Xige’er then offered one to Xiu Ge’er as well.

“Thank you, Xiao Xi,” Xiu Ge’er said politely but didn’t eat it right away. Instead, he glanced at Third Aunt Gu for approval.

Linchen understood right away. ‘This child must not receive much affection at home,‘ he thought with a sigh. ‘Sadly, the status of ‘ger’ is low in many households, even in rural families.*

“Go ahead, it’s very sweet,” Linchen encouraged gently. Only then did Xiu Ge’er carefully place the candy in his mouth.

“Xige’er, why don’t you share some with your big aunts and Uncle Tian too?” Linchen suggested after noticing the two young girls sneaking curious glances toward the candies.

“Oh, candy too? Looks like Linchen spoils Xige’er quite a bit,” Third Aunt Gu teased while watching her daughters happily receive candy.

Gu Linchen’s Mother smiled knowingly. “Well, we only have Xige’er for now. Of course, we have to spoil him a bit more.”

Third Aunt Gu nudged, “Big Sis, aren’t you worried about them having more children soon? After all, Xige’er is a ger.”

Linchen’s smile instantly vanished, and his face turned serious. “Third Aunt, to me, a ger is no different from a man. Xige’er is my child, and I’m even happier that he is a ger.”

Seeing Linchen’s displeasure, Third Aunt Gu pressed her lips together and said no more.

After settling the children to play together, Linchen returned to the kitchen. Soon, the aroma of cooking meat filled the air, drawing the children inside. Huzi, especially, stuck close to Linchen, eagerly following him around the kitchen.

To avoid accidents, Linchen told them, “If you want to watch, line up properly in front of the stove.” The three obediently stood in line, gulping as they watched the food cooking.

When Gu linchen’s returned, he was surprised to see so many guests. Gu Linchen’s Mother quickly explained the day’s events, and he reacted with both shock and joy before heading inside to change clothes.

Linchen served the dishes on the table: a large plate of stir-fried pork, a big bowl of braised pork ribs with potatoes, a pot of radish and bone soup, a generous plate of garlic sprouts with pork liver, shredded radish stir-fried with intestines, and a plate of stir-fried cabbage.

Everyone’s mouths watered at the feast before them. Since there weren’t enough seats, some had to stand while eating, but no one complained as they all enjoyed the delicious meal, their faces glistening with oil.

The three children had been craving food for a while. Standing together at the table, only Xiu Ge’er’s head barely reached above it, but he still couldn’t see the dishes clearly. Xige’er and Huzi were even shorter, unable to reach the table at all and needing adults to help them with the food.

Gu Linchen first served Xige’er a small bowl of bone soup. The broth was milky white and smelled delicious. Xige’er sipped it slowly, savoring each mouthful. Huzi, on the other hand, was noisily demanding his Third Aunt to fill his bowl with meat. Xiu Ge’er, meanwhile, stood quietly, eating the white rice in his bowl. Whenever Third Aunt Gu added a piece of food to his bowl, he accepted it without fuss. If she didn’t, he simply continued eating his rice without complaint.

Seeing this, Gu Linchen felt sorry for him. The boy was polite, quiet, and never caused trouble. After giving Xige’er a piece of pork rib, Linchen also placed one in Xiu Ge’er’s bowl. Xiu Ge’er, thinking it was his mother who gave it to him, looked up to thank her but was surprised to see it was Linchen instead.

“Thank you, Brother Linchen,” he said softly.

“Go ahead and eat. I’ll give you more,” Linchen replied, touched by his good manners, and continued serving the two children.

Gu Linchen especially liked ribs and pork liver. The ribs were tender and meaty, while the pork liver was soft and nourishing. Before serving himself, he made sure to give Xige’er and Xiu Ge’er a generous portion. The two little ones happily ate plenty of ribs and pork liver without fussing over the other dishes. They were easy to please, eating whatever was served.

By the end of the meal, everyone was full and satisfied, some even feeling a bit overstuffed.

“Haha! Linchen, you’ve really made a name for yourself now. We’re lucky to enjoy such a feast!” Third Uncle Gu said, patting his full belly, clearly impressed by the delicious meal.

“Indeed! The pork liver and intestines were cooked perfectly, not the least bit gamey. Truly delicious!” Second Uncle Gu added with praise.

“I’m just glad you all enjoyed the food. I was worried I might not have hosted you properly,” Gu Linchen replied humbly.

Third Uncle Gu laughed heartily, “Haha! Look, big brother, Linchen even knows how to tease us now!”

Gu Linchen’s, smiling, chimed in, “Alright, stop teasing him already.”

Meanwhile, Gu Linchen’s Mother, Feng Ge’er, and the two aunts quickly cleaned up the dishes. Since Second Uncle and Third Uncle lived nearby—just a 15-minute walk—they lit torches and headed home as the sky darkened.

After a busy afternoon, everyone returned to their rooms to rest.

Feng Ge’er sat on the bed, holding a wooden hairpin in his hand, lost in thought. It was the first gift he had ever received, and it was from his husband. The longer he looked at it, the more he cherished it.

“Mom.”

“Mom.”

“What’s the matter?” Feng Ge’er finally responded, turning to look at Xige’er, who was lying beside him, eyes wide open.

“Huzi’s little uncle said he would play with me!” At those words, Xige’er’s small face lit up with a joyful smile.

Feng Ge’er placed the wooden hairpin under his pillow, gave it a gentle pat, and then rested his head on the pillow, right where the hairpin was. He looked at Xige’er and asked, “So, does that make you happy, Xige’er?”

“Mm! I’m happy!”

“Mom is happy too.”

Seeing the bright smile on his child’s face, Feng Ge’er’s eyes felt warm with emotion. He was also truly happy today. The father and son exchanged laughter, their simple home filled with warmth and joy.

Meanwhile, Gu Linchen thought about using the mystical spring water to help improve his family’s health. As usual, he entered his personal space, this time holding a large basin. He filled it with the special spring water and carefully carried it out, tiptoeing like a thief, and poured it into a water bucket outside. Returning inside, he refilled the basin and repeated the process. After three or four trips, both water buckets were full. Only then did he set down the basin and return inside without going out again.