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Tan Sanyuan hadn’t responded yet.
Tan Erqian, with a stern face, spoke up first. “It’s that Chen Shian again. This morning, on our way to the school, we ran into him. He threw a snowball at Sanyuan, and at first, we thought it was nothing. But when we got to the school, we realized Sanyuan’s inner clothes were soaked through. So, I brought him back here to change.”
Wan Chunmei, upon hearing this, quickly walked over and pulled on Tan Sanyuan’s clothes. When her hand touched them, she immediately felt how wet they were, especially his back, which was cold to the touch. She was furious. “That Chen Shian! He’s no longer a child, yet he’s bullying little kids! He totally deserves to be dunked in cold water!”
Tan Erqian was aware of the incident with Chen Shian falling into the cold water, but he didn’t mention it. He didn’t want Wan Chunmei to know that he hadn’t gone to help.
Of course, he hadn’t wanted to help in the first place.
Meanwhile, little Tan Qiyue, who had been playing on the bed, suddenly became quiet upon hearing their conversation. She turned her head slightly and stole a glance at her brother, who was changing his clothes. Her brow furrowed just a little.
Her brother had been bullied…
Wan Chunmei unbuttoned Tan Sanyuan’s outer coat, her expression full of concern as she said, “Sanyuan, why didn’t you tell me your clothes were wet?”
Tan Sanyuan, staring at the flames in front of him, had a calm and composed expression, as if he didn’t mind. “I thought it was just a small patch that got wet. I figured I’d warm up by the fire at school.”
Wan Chunmei paused for a moment. Deep down, she understood that Tan Sanyuan had been trying to avoid her washing his clothes in the cold winter, so he didn’t want to mention it.
Tan Erqian, knowing this, added, “If I hadn’t noticed, you would’ve been cold all day.”
Tan Sanyuan didn’t reply, nor did he refute the statement. His quiet demeanor only made one feel even more sympathy for him.
Tan Qiyue quietly watched, her brows now furrowed in clear displeasure.
After a while, Tan Sanyuan’s clothes were changed.
He had always been frail, and Wan Chunmei, feeling uneasy, brewed some ginger tea for him to drink.
Tan Qiyue saw this and reached out her hand toward her mother.
Wan Chunmei directly handed the bowl to Tan Sanyuan, gently tapping the tip of Tan Qiyue’s small nose. “My good child, you’re too young to drink ginger tea.”
Tan Qiyue’s face immediately showed a look of disappointment. Her big, watery eyes drooped sadly, and her chubby little hands dropped, no longer waving.
Seeing her like this, Tan Sanyuan’s heart softened. He walked over, holding the ginger tea, squatted down, and softly asked, “Come on, don’t be upset. Third Brother will feed you some.”
Tan Qiyue suddenly looked up at him. Her large, shining eyes seemed to sparkle, and her little pout lifted into a bright smile.
Even Tan Sanyuan, usually so serious and composed, couldn’t help but smile. He scooped up a spoonful of tea and blew on it.
Wan Chunmei laughed and said, “Sanyuan, don’t spoil her too much. A little child doesn’t need ginger tea.”
Tan Sanyuan held the spoon to Tan Qiyue’s lips, saying gently, “Mother, it’s just a taste. It’ll be fine.”
Wan Chunmei, standing up to set aside the dirty clothes, laughed and said, “Alright, alright. Sanyuan, out of all the brothers, you’re the one who spoils little Qiyue the most.”
Tan Qiyue pouted, took a sip of the ginger tea, and, feeling satisfied, reached her hands out to Tan Sanyuan, signaling that she wanted to be held.
Tan Sanyuan finished his tea in one gulp, then gently picked Tan Qiyue up and replied to Wan Chunmei, “She’s our only little sister, so of course we spoil her the most.”
Tan Liujin, who had been sleeping nearby, turned over in his sleep.
Wan Chunmei almost laughed out loud. “Sanyuan, since you’re back today, don’t go to school. Stay home and rest for the day.”
Tan Sanyuan nodded. “Mm.”
Tan Erqian, who was also not leaving, collected the large radishes from the ground and helped Wan Chunmei wash them.
Fortunately, he had grown tall and strong, so he could wash the radishes quickly and cleanly. As he worked, he chatted with Wan Chunmei. “Did you know? Dr. Li gave Third Brother a nickname.”
“A nickname?” Wan Chunmei asked while slicing the radishes.