Chapter 47: A Secret with Zhou Xiaochuan  

This was… millet porridge!  

Zhou Chongshan was, of course, familiar with millet porridge, but he had never seen one this thick, with such a deep golden color.  

Earlier, Jiang Rou had extinguished the fire, leaving only a few embers to keep the porridge warm.  

The millet porridge had been covered for a full fifteen minutes.  

During that time, the natural porridge oil had risen to the surface, forming a thin golden film.  

This was the best, most fragrant, and most nutritious part of the porridge.  

Jiang Rou picked up a small bowl and began scooping out the porridge.  

Zhou Chongshan stood beside her, watching in mild astonishment. His expression froze for a moment as he blurted out in surprise,  

“You made all of this? The dishes and the millet porridge? You managed to finish everything in such a short time?”  

“Millet porridge is simple and easy to make. It doesn’t take much effort. And it’s good for the stomach—Xiaochuan is still sick, so this will be good for him.”  

Jiang Rou’s voice was soft and gentle.  

Hearing this, Zhou Chongshan fully understood.

His gaze fell upon Jiang Rou, becoming even gentler and more tender.  

…  

At the dining table.  

The golden millet porridge was placed in front of Zhou Xiaochuan and Zhou Xiaohua.  

Jiang Rou reminded them,  

“Xiaochuan, you’re still sick, so you can’t eat anything too greasy. Have some of this millet porridge first—it’s good for your stomach. We’ll take care of your health for a few days, and once you’re better, you can eat whatever you want.”  

“Xiaohua, you should try some too. This millet porridge is sweet. You’ll definitely like it.”  

Hearing that it was sweet, Zhou Xiaohua’s dark, round eyes lit up.  

She was small and short, barely reaching the table even while sitting on the highest stool.  

Stretching out her little hand, she picked up a spoon and scooped up a spoonful of the millet porridge.  

She pursed her lips and blew on it gently before taking a bite.  

The soft and smooth porridge slid down her throat in an instant.  

A warm, subtly sweet flavor spread from her throat all the way down to her stomach.  

Sweet!  

It really was sweet!  

Zhou Xiaohua blinked in disbelief.  

The sweetness in the porridge wasn’t like the taste of white sugar sprinkled on top. It was mild, blended into the porridge itself—a gentle, nourishing sweetness that caressed her taste buds.  

Zhou Xiaohua smacked her lips, utterly delighted.  

Her sparkling eyes were filled with joy and excitement.  

However…  

Just as she was feeling so happy, Zhou Xiaohua suddenly pushed her small bowl forward.  

She pushed the millet porridge in front of her toward Zhou Xiaochuan.  

“Brother, you eat it! This is delicious! You should have it all!”  

“Xiaohua only needs one bite! The rest is for Brother!”  

Zhou Xiaohua, usually a little glutton, would gobble up anything Zhou Xiaochuan gave her—steamed cornmeal buns, mantou, White Rabbit Creamy Candy—without hesitation.  

But what had happened last night had truly scared her.

She didn’t want her brother to end up like that.  

She wanted him to get better soon so he could carry her around and play with her again.  

She wanted him to be just like before—healthy and strong!  

Jiang Rou’s words had made perfect sense to Zhou Xiaohua. Since eating this would be good for her brother, she had to give it all to him.  

Zhou Xiaochuan had always cherished Zhou Xiaohua. He gently pushed her small bowl back to her.  

“Xiaohua, you eat. Brother has his own.”  

“No! Brother must eat it all. Brother has to eat this so he can be healthy!”  

For the first time, the soft and delicate little girl was so firm. She stubbornly insisted on giving all of her millet porridge to Zhou Xiaochuan.  

Jiang Rou watched the two children, her eyes softening with affection and tenderness.  

These two little ones, so deserving of love, must never meet the same tragic fate as before.  

They should grow up well and live a life full of happiness.  

Seeing the two of them pushing the bowl back and forth, neither willing to eat, Jiang Rou spoke gently.  

“This bowl is for Xiaochuan. This bowl is for Xiaohua. Both of you should eat—there’s plenty more in the pot. You can have as much as you want.”  

Zhou Xiaohua blinked, processing what Jiang Rou had just said. Then, understanding, she gave her a shy yet joyful smile.  

Finally, she held her small bowl with peace of mind.  

There was more in the pot!  

Her brother could eat as much as he wanted!  

She would only eat this one bowl—just this small bowl!  

It was sweet. So delicious!  

Zhou Xiaochuan lowered his head and drank his porridge as well. The warm millet porridge flowed into his stomach, gradually soothing his cold and uncomfortable body.  

At the same time, he tasted that lingering sweetness on his tongue.  

After just one sip, he completely understood why Zhou Xiaohua had been so happy.  

This millet porridge was truly delicious!  

Especially the thin layer of porridge oil floating on top—it was incredibly fragrant.  

After one bite, he couldn’t help but take another… and another…

Zhou Xiaochuan held his spoon and quietly lifted his eyes, sneaking a glance at Jiang Rou. Afraid of being noticed, he quickly withdrew his gaze.  

This woman… didn’t seem so bad after all.  

She had her good points… She was kind to Xiaohua and cooked well.  

Like… a mother…  

Zhou Xiaochuan brooded over the thought.  

…  

That day, the Military Camp was bustling with activity, and Zhou Chongshan was so busy that he couldn’t step away.  

Right after lunch, before he even had time to put down his chopsticks—let alone help Jiang Rou wash the dishes—Song Yan rushed over in a hurry, calling for him.  

“The military headquarters is about to hold a meeting. You must return immediately.”  

Zhou Chongshan only had time to exchange a few quick words with Jiang Rou before leaving in a rush.  

Jiang Rou glanced at his departing figure.  

Tall and long-legged, broad shoulders and a narrow waist, walking with an upright posture—even his back looked good.  

Then, she recalled that their marriage report had already been approved.  

This man now had her name written beside his.  

The more she looked at him, the more satisfied she felt.  

…  

Inside the house.  

Zhou Xiaochuan had not fully regained his strength, so Jiang Rou insisted he stay in bed to rest.  

Zhou Xiaohua, on the other hand, eagerly wanted to help Jiang Rou.  

In the courtyard, Jiang Rou filled a basin with water and placed the used bowls and chopsticks inside.  

She handed Zhou Xiaohua a small rag and carefully rolled up her sleeves.  

After washing one bowl herself, she demonstrated the proper way to clean it.  

“Xiaohua, did you see that? This is how you wash dishes. You need to use the rag to wipe them completely clean.”  

Zhou Xiaohua clenched her small fists and nodded seriously, her eyes full of determination.  

“Good girl, well done. You learned it after just one try. These small bowls will be your responsibility, then.”  

Jiang Rou’s gentle voice filled the air.  

Zhou Xiaohua beamed with joy, feeling both excited and motivated.  

Jiang Rou watched the little girl carefully scrubbing the dishes, her small hands moving earnestly.  

Satisfied, she stood up and walked into the house.  

She had given Zhou Xiaohua the task of washing dishes mainly to keep her occupied—because she had something private to discuss with Zhou Xiaochuan.

In the Bedroom

Zhou Xiaochuan, lying in bed, simply couldn’t stay still.

He turned onto his side, lying close to the window, watching the movements in the courtyard and overhearing the conversation between Jiang Rou and Zhou Xiaohua.

Seeing Jiang Rou turn around and go inside, Zhou Xiaochuan immediately turned over, pulled the blanket up, and sat properly, pretending as if he knew nothing.

His sharp black eyes, like those of a wolf cub, instantly avoided Jiang Rou’s gaze when she entered, as if he didn’t even dare to look at her directly.

Under the blanket, his hands clenched into fists with force.

The nervousness and unease of the young boy—he thought he had hidden them well.

But in reality, they were written all over his face, in the way his eyebrows tensed and then relaxed repeatedly.

Jiang Rou saw through it at a glance.