Not long after, the sound of panting footsteps came from outside the room.

Zhao Xiaoling struggled in, carrying a large bucket of hot water.

“Brother, your face-washing water is here!” she called brightly toward Qingyun’s room.

Qian Chunhua frowned slightly as she watched Zhao Qingyun effortlessly enjoy all the comforts of the household—he didn’t even need to fetch his own water; his little sister delivered it for him.

She understood that this was simply how their family operated—things had always been this way.

Since arriving in this household through transmigration, Qian Chunhua had already argued with the elders earlier that night.

When it came to the children, she decided to stay quiet for now.

These habits could be changed gradually over time.

She didn’t want to appear too out of character and raise suspicion among the family.

As she was lost in thought, little Zhao Qingfeng toddled in on his short legs, following behind Zhao Xiaoling.

He walked straight to the washbasin and began washing his face all by himself.

Seeing how obedient and thoughtful Zhao Qingfeng and Zhao Xiaoling were, Qian Chunhua felt both comforted and saddened.

These two children had been neglected for too long by the original host, which was likely why they had developed such sensible, well-behaved personalities.

Qian Chunhua sighed deeply.

She made up her mind—she would love and care for these two children more in the future so they could feel the warmth of a mother’s affection.

After the children left the room, Qian Chunhua quickly retrieved three boxes of milk and five steamed buns from her personal storage space.

These foods had been stashed away during her emergency prep days, packed while still hot and needing no reheating.

She had a vast variety of supplies in her space—from stuffed buns and fried dough sticks to gourmet dishes from high-end hotels.

But tonight, plain steamed buns were the safest choice—other foods might give off an aroma that could raise suspicions.

The buns she carefully prepared were just enough for herself and the two children.

As for Zhao Qingyun, she didn’t plan on giving him any.

He looked strong and well-nourished—clearly not lacking.

Besides, considering his age, it would be hard to explain where the food had come from.

Qian Chunhua headed to the kitchen and fetched a pot of hot water.

She carefully placed the boxed milk in the water to warm them up slightly so it wouldn’t be too cold to drink later.

When the siblings returned to the room with clean hands and faces, their eyes were immediately drawn to the white, fluffy steamed buns on the table.

Zhao Xiaoling unconsciously swallowed her saliva and glanced at her mother.

Zhao Qingfeng, even more excited, pointed at the buns with shining eyes and shouted, “Mom, Mom—it’s white flour buns!”

Smiling, Qian Chunhua picked up two buns and handed them to Zhao Xiaoling and Zhao Qingfeng. “Hungry, aren’t you? Go ahead, eat.”

Zhao Xiaoling froze.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at the bun in her hand, as if she couldn’t believe she was allowed to enjoy something this delicious.

In the past, white buns were only for her older brother Zhao Qingyun.

She and Zhao Qingfeng were lucky just to get a taste of rough, coarse cornbread.

“Yes, Mom saved these just for you two,” Qian Chunhua said softly, her heart aching as she looked at her daughter.

She gently pressed the buns into their hands. “Eat up. Don’t go to bed hungry.”

Zhao Qingfeng instantly lit up.

He took a bite, closed his eyes, and savored the sweet, fluffy taste.

He let out a contented sigh and said to his sister, “Sis, this bun smells so good—it even tastes sweet!”

Zhao Xiaoling nodded, her mouth so full she couldn’t respond.

Qian Chunhua slowly chewed on her own bun.

Compared to the cold rice porridge from dinner, this tasted heavenly.

Before transmigrating, she hadn’t cared for steamed buns—thought them bland and dry.

But now, she found them wonderfully fragrant and soft.

The milk had reached the perfect temperature.

Qian Chunhua inserted straws into two boxes and handed them to the children.

They received them joyfully, their cheeks glowing with happiness as they munched on buns and drank milk.

Zhao Xiaoling polished off two large buns in one go, while Zhao Qingfeng eagerly finished one and reached for another.

Qian Chunhua quickly stopped him—he was still small, and one bun was plenty.

Worried they might overeat, she deliberately pretended to still be hungry so they would think she needed the remaining food.

Sure enough, the sensible children left the last bun for her.

Once they had eaten their fill, Qian Chunhua helped the children wash up and get ready for bed.

Suddenly, Zhao Xiaoling stood by the bed and her face went pale. “Oh no, Mom…”

Qian Chunhua’s heart tensed. She sat up and asked quickly, “What is it?”

Zhao Xiaoling’s voice trembled as she stammered, “The buns… the sweet milk… I… I forgot to give some to big brother…”

In their household, it was customary that any good food went to the eldest brother first.

Tonight, she had forgotten that.

Qian Chunhua let out a breath of relief—it was just that.

Looking at Zhao Xiaoling’s anxious face, her resentment toward the original host deepened.

She gently reassured her, “Don’t worry, Xiaoling. Your big brother already ate dinner and isn’t hungry.”

“These buns and milk were specially prepared for you and your little brother. Now hop into bed, no more worrying.”

Zhao Xiaoling finally relaxed.

She climbed onto the bed and curled up at the foot of it, ready to sleep.

Qian Chunhua’s gaze fell on the small figure huddled at the foot of the bed, and her heart softened.

She called out softly, “Xiaoling, come sleep beside Mom.”

Zhao Xiaoling’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really, Mom?”

She was afraid to miss the chance—afraid her mother would change her mind.

Qian Chunhua nodded with a warm, motherly smile.

Overjoyed, Zhao Xiaoling grabbed her quilt and climbed into bed next to her younger brother Zhao Qingfeng, lying snugly beside him.

She slept on the side near the wall with her own quilt, while Qingfeng and Qian Chunhua shared another.

Qian Chunhua touched both quilts and found them thin and stiff—barely warm at all.

It was only early winter now, but as the season grew colder, these quilts wouldn’t be enough.

In the original host’s memory, even during the coldest winters, they had only this one quilt—there was no other option.

Qian Chunhua resolved to find an opportunity to get thicker quilts for the children and herself.

Otherwise, they might freeze when true winter arrived.

She cradled Zhao Qingfeng in her arms, gently patting him to sleep.

Though his eyes were closed, the curve of his lips revealed his joy and contentment.

When she touched his little feet, they were ice cold.

So she placed them against her own stomach, using her body warmth to warm them up.

Though she dearly wanted to pull a thick comforter out from her storage space right away, she resisted—for fear the children were still awake and might notice.

Once they were fast asleep, Qian Chunhua quietly got up.

She took out a heavy, two-meter-wide, 8-jin (4 kg) thick quilt from her space—prepared for just such harsh weather.

She gently spread the quilt over the thin blankets, and warmth enveloped them immediately.

As for other heating measures, it was too late at night to deal with them.

She decided to wait until the next day.

Lying back down, she wrapped her arms tightly around Zhao Qingfeng and finally closed her eyes with contentment.

Transmigrating into this world came with its share of hardship and struggle, but the greatest blessing of all… were these three children.

Qian Chunhua’s heart was full of gratitude and peace.