Chapter 13 The days ahead are still long—let us take our time and live them slowly.

Wen Xiuyi was finally allowed through the door.

"You, you, you—ah..." Wen Xiuzhu, trailing behind, shot Mrs. Li a glare.

Mrs. Li, sharp-eyed, immediately noticed the meat in his hand; her eyes gleamed as she reached out for it.

"You bought meat?"

"This is from Eldest Brother, brought as a token of respect for Father and Mother."

Mrs. Li, already weighing how best to prepare the meat so she could have an extra bite or two, instantly felt as if the meat were burning her hand upon hearing this. Her expression changed dramatically.

Brought by Eldest Brother—this was trouble. Bringing gifts for no reason surely meant he was up to his old tricks, trying to win over the old couple again. She had to keep an eye on things, make sure the old lady didn't get confused; after all, this household didn't belong to Eldest Brother's family alone.

At this point, meat and such were no longer important. Mrs. Li thrust the meat back into Wen Xiuzhu's hands and hurried inside.

Wen Xiuzhu looked at the meat, now back in his possession, and followed after her.

Inside, the atmosphere was strange. Old Man Wen and Mrs. Luo sat cross-legged on the kang, neither of them acknowledging Wen Xiuyi, who quietly found himself a little stool and sat down.

Mrs. Luo frowned but said nothing. Old Man Wen kept his head down, not even sparing him a glance.

The only one who paid him any mind was his son, Datou, who pressed tightly to his side.

As Mrs. Li entered, she made sure to pull along Third Brother's wife, Mrs. Cai, and once inside, stood silent in a corner.

When Wen Xiuzhu entered carrying the gifts, everyone turned to look at him.

Mrs. Luo noticed the meat in his hand, while Old Man Wen, catching a whiff of alcohol, also lifted his head.

“Father, Mother, these are gifts from Eldest Brother, brought to honor you,” Wen Xiuzhu announced.

Mrs. Luo immediately lost interest, and even Old Man Wen took a reluctant last look at the wine bottle before lowering his head again.

After a while, Mrs. Luo finally spoke. “Take your things back. We’ve already divided the family. From now on, you live your life, we live ours. No need for your filial offerings. The less contact between us, the better for everyone.”

Wen Xiuyi sighed inwardly. What sins had his predecessor committed? Still, he understood the importance of family ties in the old days. Even if it meant forcing the issue, he had to open this door today. No matter how much he could ease the situation, at least he wanted the family in the old house to stop seeing his family as enemies.

“Father, Mother, I’ve come today to admit my mistakes. I was foolish before and did foolish things. After what’s happened, I’ve come to my senses. From now on, I won’t do it again. I’ve taken a stall by the docks and will run a small business to support my three children, and earn money to honor you both.”

Just to be safe, Wen Xiuyi decided to say everything at once. Whatever would be, would be—after all, whether he took the risk or avoided it, the outcome would be the same.

Mrs. Luo didn’t accept the gifts; she just looked at Wen Xiuyi and asked, “What trick are you up to now? I advise you to give up on whatever scheme you’re plotting. Our family has nothing left for you to ruin.”

Wen Xiuyi rubbed his hands nervously—a habit of his when anxious.

Afraid Wen Xiuyi might sweet-talk the old couple like before, Mrs. Li quickly chimed in, “That’s right, Eldest Brother, this isn’t just your family. Our second and third branches have plenty of people too. Don’t you agree, Sister-in-law?”

Suddenly put on the spot, Mrs. Cai stole a glance at Mrs. Luo and could only nod. She was soft-spoken and usually went along with whatever Mother or Second Sister-in-law said. In the past, Eldest Sister-in-law looked down on their humble origins and never spoke much to them, so she dared even less to say anything about the main branch’s affairs.

Still, Second Sister-in-law had a point. If Father and Mother favored Eldest Brother’s family as before, their own days would be difficult.

Wen Xiuyi knew as well that these wounds wouldn’t heal overnight. No point in saying more; he was here to make his position clear, and there was a long road ahead—time would tell.

Wen Xiuyi simply stood up, took Datou’s hand, and said, “Father, Mother, this meat and wine were bought in town today especially for you. Now that I’ve delivered them, it’s time to take Datou home. Yaoyao and Xiaojun are waiting for us to eat. I’ll be going now.”

Knowing no one would try to stop him, Wen Xiuyi finished speaking and slipped out with Datou in tow.

Once outside, he breathed a sigh of relief, patting his chest to calm his nerves. He’d been so tense—terrified the old couple would see through him.

Looking down at his son, Wen Xiuyi scooped Datou up in his arms. “Daddy’s good boy, let’s go home and eat!”

Datou cackled with laughter in his father’s embrace.

Inside, Wen Xiuzhu stood awkwardly, unsure whether to set the gifts down or keep holding them.

“Put the wine in the cabinet and hang the meat in the kitchen. Second Daughter-in-law, cook some cabbage with it for the children tomorrow,” Mrs. Luo finally said.

Mrs. Li gladly agreed, tugging at her dazed husband to snap him out of it.

As long as Father and Mother didn’t give any more money to the main branch, she didn’t care. And with meat to eat, why not enjoy it? As for Wen Xiuyi’s words, none of them believed them anyway.

Once the others had left and only the old couple remained, Mrs. Luo sat in silence, her face grim. Old Man Wen took a slow drag from his pipe before sighing, “Let it go. What’s the point in worrying? Everyone has their own fate. We’ve one foot in the grave already—how much more can we manage?”

Mrs. Luo rolled her eyes. “Who said I was going to manage him?”

Old Man Wen pursed his lips, muttered something she couldn’t make out, but Mrs. Luo saw clearly enough when he reached for the wine.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Old Man Wen sheepishly withdrew his hand, grumbling, “Can’t I even take a look? Really now.”

Mrs. Luo shot him a glare and simply locked the wine away in the cabinet. Old Man Wen gazed longingly after it but dared say nothing, finally leaving with his hands clasped behind his back.

Wen Xiuyi and Datou made their way home, laughing together. As soon as they entered, a delicious aroma greeted them.

Datou wriggled free, dashed into their makeshift kitchen, pressed himself against the stove, and inhaled deeply with his eyes shut, as if trying to suck all the fragrant air into his belly.

“Careful, don’t burn yourself. Go sit over there—the food’s almost ready,” Wen Jun scooped Datou up by the armpits and set him down on a stool beside the table.

When Wen Yao lifted the lid off the pot, an irresistible, fresh scent of fish filled the whole room.

“So fresh, truly fresh!” Wen Xiuyi, utterly enchanted, leaned over the stove to sniff. It was indeed wild river fish, pure and untainted—just the smell alone made his mouth water.

Wen Yao, pleased with everyone’s reaction, ladled out the fish soup.

The broth was milky white and rich, with no hint of fishiness. A single taste filled the mouth with a deep, savory flavor. The fish itself was tender and silky, while the radish simmered with it had soaked up the fresh taste of the fish, its clean sweetness melding perfectly. If it weren’t so hot, Professor Wen could have eaten three pieces in one bite!