Chapter 127.2

The small basket woven by Li Yufeng could no longer carry Xiao Roubao. Han Cheng borrowed tools and boards from a woodworker and took the time to make a small dining table for the dragon and phoenix twins. Su Xiaoxiao had given him suggestions based on 21st-century children’s tables, not expecting him to actually make it. He managed to complete it in about a week. The craftsmanship wasn’t perfect, but the surface was polished smoothly, without worrying about it being rough, and it was stable.

Han Cheng put the heavy and plump Xiao Roubao inside, the size was just right: “In the future, if we’re not at home and Xiao Roubao starts to know how to walk and run around, you can lock him here with this strap and see if he still doesn’t behave.”

Xiao Roubao couldn’t understand his dad’s words yet. He thought this was a new toy his dad made for him, happily exploring it left and right.

Su Xiaoxiao carried Xiao Tangyuan into another picture, and it was really pleasing to see two small buns sitting side by side.

“This little guy can’t be tied down. You have no idea; just yesterday afternoon, I left for a moment to use the bathroom, and he went to grab Huahua. He even pulled out the feather from its tail,” Su Xiaoxiao pinched Xiao Roubao’s plump face. “Aren’t you a little troublemaker?”

The lifespan of a chicken is at most six or seven years. Hua Hua is at least five or six years old, an old mother hen. She hasn’t been laying eggs much lately and seems a bit lazy. But Hua Hua was the first animal the kids raised, and there’s an emotional attachment. Similarly, Zhou, Fen, Mian, and Fan also developed feelings for the chickens. Initially, they raised them for meat, but over time, a silent agreement formed not to discuss eating them. Although Mian and Fan were already three-year-old roosters, they stopped hatching chicks. Keeping them around was a waste of food, and they should have been on the dinner table by now, but no one brought up the matter.

“Han Cheng, what should we do with these chickens? Zhou and Fen can lay eggs, but Hua Hua is quite old, and Mian and Fan are not small either.” Su Xiaoxiao was genuinely worried, and the idea of eating them was hard for her to accept.

Han Cheng said, “In a few days, I’ll talk to them and suggest swapping Hua Hua for another one. They should agree.”

Poultry is not a pet after all, and it is impossible to accompany them all the time. This is the only option.

…………………
The next day was the twins’ first birthday, and the whole family took a day off. They got up early, washed up, and had breakfast, and Xiao Zhuzi and Xiao Yu’s family arrived early after having their breakfast.

Su Xiaoxiao had Han Cheng beat ten eggs early in the morning, add flour, and bake two simple egg cakes. They were already emitting a tempting aroma from the “oven.”

In fact, most people don’t have the habit of celebrating birthdays these days. Both adults and children in the family don’t celebrate birthdays. Xiao Roubao and Xiao Tangyuan also had no intention of celebrating, let alone eating birthday cake. Most likely, they would just have a bowl of longevity noodles. ^[1]Longevity noodles, also known as “寿面” (shòu miàn) in Chinese, are a type of noodle dish often associated with Chinese culture and tradition. These noodles are symbolic of longevity … Continue reading

Su Xiaoxiao also had a sudden idea to bake an egg cake for everyone as a sweet treat later.

After Dundun Yaya and their grandmother arrived, Su Xiaoxiao and Han Cheng placed two clean and plumb cubs in the middle of the small bamboo bed. 

Everyone gathered around the bed. Su Xiaoxiao asked each person to take out something and put it on top.

Su Xiaoxiao held Xiao Tangyuan, and Han Cheng held Xiao Roubao without letting go. Su Xiaoxiao handed out two red envelopes, counting them as hers and Han Cheng’s. She said, “Each person can only put one thing; whatever you want to put, go ahead.”

Xiao Doubao had already thought of putting his favorite little chicken backpack with all things on it: “Mommy, I’ll put this~~”

Su Xiaoxiao nodded and said, “Okay.”

Xiao Zhuzi put on the jade pendant left by his grandmother.

Xiao Fantuan put on a painting he had drawn himself.

Xiao Yu placed a big apple, wrinkled but untouched for a long time, that he had been reluctant to eat.

Zhao Xianfeng and his wife were the most ruthless. Zhao Xianfeng initially tried to put his own sidearm on the table, but Zhou Yuhua scolded him and only allowed him to put the gun holster on after a good beating.

Zhou Yuhua herself didn’t fare any better, placing a surgical knife with a sheath on the table.

As others followed suit, just as Fantuan had predicted, one person put a book, another a pen, one an abacus, and another a dictionary. Soon, the table was filled with various items.

The twins didn’t know what everyone was doing and looked curiously at the things on the small bed.

After everyone finished putting away the things they brought, Su Xiaoxiao and Han Cheng finally let go of the twins.

Su Xiaoxiao said, “Xiao Roubao, Xiao Tangyuan, pick two things from the table that you like the most. Let Mommy see what you choose.”

Xiao Roubao didn’t disappoint. The moment Han Cheng let go, he went straight for the large apple placed by Xiao Yu, picked it up, and started nibbling on it. His satisfied appearance made everyone burst into laughter.

Xiao Yu was particularly happy to see his younger brother choose his big apple and said, “Xiao Roubao, that’s great!”

Grandma Dun Dun said, “Very good. Xiao Roubao will definitely have a worry-free life in the future, with no concerns about food and drink.”

Beside Xiao Yu’s big apple was Zhao Xianfeng’s sidearm. Without much thought, Xiao Roubao also grabbed the sidearm into his arms.

Zhao Xianfeng laughed heartily and said, “Good kid, you have vision and ambition. When you grow up, follow Uncle Zhao to defend your country!”

Xiao Roubao seemed dissatisfied with the inedible item he had chosen, casually tossed it aside, and earnestly continued to nibble on his big apple. Zhao Xianfeng was once again caught off guard, bringing more laughter from the others.

Xiao Tangyuan, on the other hand, was more refined. Looking at the table filled with items, she didn’t seem to like anything much. Su Xiaoxiao guided her, “Xiao Tangyuan, aren’t there many fun things on the table? Don’t you like any of them?”

Understanding the word ‘like’, Xiao Tangyuan turned her head, looked at her mom, and reached out to be carried, saying, “Ma~”

Su Xiaoxiao’s heart melted, and she continued to guide her, “Xiao Tangyuan likes Mommy, right? What about these things on the table? Doesn’t Xiao Tangyuan like them?”

Xiao Tangyuan turned around, tilted her little head, and thought for a moment. He climbed up in front of Xiao Zhuzi, grabbed the jade pendant he had placed, and reached out for his brother to hold it. “Ge~Ge~” ^[2]“Gege” (哥哥) is a Mandarin Chinese term that translates to “older brother” or “big brother” in English. It is commonly used to address or refer to an older male … Continue reading