Chapter 108.2

When the three cubs arrived, breakfast was ready, and Su Xiaoxiao was still busy in the kitchen. She added the morning-purchased conch and scallops to the coarse salt, sautéed them with cinnamon and star anise, topped them with a layer of ginger and green onions, and buried them with salt before coming out to have breakfast.

Su Xiaoxiao looked cheerful as usual but spoke less than usual. She kept serving food to Li Yufeng.

Li Yufeng finally stopped her after she had eaten too much, saying, “My daughter, I’ve sorted Xiao Roubao and Xiao Tangyuan’s clothes and shoes into four separate piles. When you take them, you can easily tell which clothes belong to Roubao or Tangyuan. There are about ten extra diapers. Since the weather is hot now, you don’t need to wash them every time you use them. You can soak them and wait until you have time to wash them. Anyway, you can let them dry in the sun for a while.

I’ve saved some herbs, like chicken gizzards and such, in the utility room. If the children get indigestion after eating porridge, you can stew some lean meat soup or cook porridge for them. It helps digestion.

I’ve made new clothes for Fantuan, Zhuzi, and Xiao Doubao from the fabric meant for the August 15th gathering. Once the weather cools down, they will wear these clothes, and each of them will have a new backpack. Children’s backpacks are often susceptible to damage, so if you’re unsure how to repair the old ones, you can store them away and use the new bags instead. I’ll take care of the repairs when I return next time.”

Li Yufeng rambled on a lot, from the issues that a few children at home should pay attention to to the vegetables in the field that need to be loosened and dewatered. She explained everything she thought needed to be remembered.

Su Xiaoxiao tried to hold back her tears, not wanting her mother to worry. But Li Yufeng’s words made her unable to contain them. Without any warning, tears streamed down her face, startling Han Cheng, who put down his chopsticks and hugged her, saying, “Don’t cry, don’t cry.”

Li Yufeng also didn’t want her daughter and her family to feel sad. Seeing her daughter cry made her cry too.

The children, who were already reluctant to see their grandmother leave, naturally started crying too.

What was supposed to be a peaceful breakfast turned into a family crying session. Moreover, the two little ones, who were sound asleep, seemed to sense something and joined in with their cries.

Han Cheng, who was originally hugging his wife, could only go inside the room to see the two little babies. When the three brothers heard their younger siblings cry, they all followed Han Cheng and ran inside.

Su Xiaoxiao wiped away the tears from her face, took a few deep breaths, and hugged Li Yufeng. “Mom, let’s not cry. Chinese New Year is coming soon, and we’ll see each other again.”

Li Yufeng wiped her tears too. “Yes, don’t cry. Everything will be fine. If you’re struggling, don’t force yourself. Talk to Han Cheng. There’s always a solution.”

Su Xiaoxiao nodded. “Mom, I understand. Please don’t worry.”

…………

Su Xiaoxiao packed salt-baked conch and scallops for Li Yufeng, repeatedly advising her that seafood shouldn’t be kept for long and that it should be consumed by noon.

Having lived with them for so long, Li Yufeng understood that a simple meal like pancakes and eggs could suffice, followed by a nap. However, knowing it was her daughter’s intention, Li Yufeng brought along a smaller portion for herself, leaving more for them.

Most of the gifts sent during the Mid-Autumn Festival hadn’t been touched yet. Su Xiaoxiao packed everything she could for Li Yufeng, even adding some money and food coupons into the box of mooncakes without her noticing, instructing her to take it all back.

Reluctant to leave the twins, Li Yufeng held one in each arm for a long while before finally leaving with a sense of reluctance.

Su Xiaoxiao remained at home and looked after the two little ones. She was only able to accompany them to the doorstep of their house.

Initially, she intended to go with Han Cheng and the kids to see her mother off at the station.

At the doorstep, Yali handed a bag of items to Li Yufeng, mentioning that they were specialties from their hometown intended for Zhuzi. She wanted to give it to Da Bao and Xiao Bao, whom Zhuzi always mentioned to her.

Li Yufeng accepted the gifts meant for the children without refusal, given the strong relationship between the two families. Therefore, she did not feel the need to display any formalities or courtesy towards Yali.

Once they were far away, Su Xiaoxiao waved and shouted loudly to her mother, “Mom, have a safe journey!”

Li Yufeng didn’t dare to turn back, but she raised her hand and waved goodbye.

Su Xiaoxiao watched as their figures became increasingly blurry.

Yali gently stroked her arm and said, “Your mother is really kind. My parents passed away early. I truly envy you. Zhuzi is fortunate to have such a grandmother, and I’m happy for him.”

Su Xiaoxiao wiped away her tears and smiled, saying, “Yes, they are really good.”

How fortunate she was to have encountered such wonderful family members in this life.

“It’s alright. If you’re ever too busy, just call me anytime or let the kids come over and inform me. You don’t have to be polite. I have plenty of free time. I missed the chance to take care of Zhuzi when he was little. I don’t know how babies grow up. Since I won’t have any more children, consider this an opportunity for me to make up for that regret,” Yali said.

Su Xiaoxiao nodded. “Thank you, Yali.”

Yali responded, “If we were going to be polite to each other, how many times do I have to thank you?”

The two beautiful mothers with different charms and styles smiled at each other, expressing everything without words.

Perhaps raising four kids wouldn’t be that difficult after all.