Chapter 32: Don’t Want To

“Forget it. Maybe they didn’t want me because I’m a girl. Why should I go looking for them?” In this era, sons were valued more than daughters, and families abandoning baby girls were all too common.

“Why would you think that? What if your biological parents have been searching for you all this time?” Zhao Han asked, barely holding back her heartache.

“They picked me up in the county. If my real parents were really looking for me, they would have found me by now,” He Yashu replied calmly.

Zhang Fugui had fled with his family years ago, only to find that war was everywhere. He shamefully returned with his entire family to their ancestral home and found Yashu in the county. Her late grandfather had told her the story, and she never forgot it.

“Maybe they got the wrong information. Back then, news didn’t travel as easily as it does now,” Zhao Han explained weakly. They had thought their daughter was dead, unaware she had been suffering so close by. Just thinking about it tore Zhao Han’s heart apart.

“I have a loving husband and a sensible daughter now. I’ve reached an age where I no longer need my parents. I’m already content with life as it is.” He Yashu suspected Zhao Han knew her real parents—why else would she be making excuses for them? She spoke subtly.

“I understand. Yashu, I’ll head back now,” Zhao Han said, eyes red as she turned away quickly, afraid Yashu would see her emotional state.

“Aunt Zhao, won’t you stay for lunch?” Yashu still offered polite hospitality. After some small talk, she finally lay down in relief.

She had just gotten rid of Zhang Fugui’s family. If another set of “birth parents” like them showed up, she wouldn’t be able to handle it. Living a simple life like this was better.

She browsed a few of Zhong Youliang’s books like Quotations from Chairman Mao and started feeling sleepy. She remembered that Liang Xiao was bringing the kids for lunch, so she lazily went to the kitchen to start preparing.

Zhong Youliang had brought back two pineapples last night—perfect for making sweet and sour pineapple pork. She also planned to make chicken soup for pregnant Liang Xiao. The kids loved steamed egg custard, so she’d add some veggie pancakes and stir-fried greens too.

He Yashu busied herself in the kitchen, arranging each dish neatly. Looking at the table full of colorful, fragrant dishes, she felt quite pleased. She even picked some flowers from the yard, placed them in a vase, and put them in the center of the table—it instantly elevated the whole setup.

“Wow, so much delicious food!” Xiao Zhongling and Cheng Xuan and Cheng Hao ran in excitedly. Cheng Hao drooled at the sight of the food.

“My mom can make so many yummy things!” Zhongling said proudly.

“Auntie, you’re amazing,” Cheng Hao added cheerfully.

“Alright, go wash your hands and come eat,” Yashu said with a smile, tapping their heads playfully.

“You really are the best cook. I envy Youliang and Lingling,” Liang Xiao said contentedly after eating.

“Just come over if you want to eat. I’ll cook for you. We’re just growing veggies here, I’ve got nothing else to do anyway,” Yashu replied, clearly enjoying the compliments. Who doesn’t like being praised?

“I can’t do that. I’ll eat your family into poverty,” Liang Xiao said while looking at the generous spread—they only ate like this during major holidays.

“Nonsense. That chicken was from your house anyway,” Yashu said disapprovingly.

“Auntie, once I start earning money, I’ll buy you lots of pineapples. Pineapple dishes are just too tasty!” Cheng Hao said, mouth greasy from eating.

“Look at you—trying to butter her up now because you don’t like my cooking,” Liang Xiao teased.

“Mom, I’m not saying that, but you have to admit auntie cooks better than you,” Cheng Hao said mischievously.

“Alright, alright, just eat already,” Liang Xiao said, half embarrassed, half amused.