CHAPTER 54: CHAPTER 54: IT’S NO BIG DEAL, NOT WORTH MENTIONING

Sister Zhao saw Xinyan’s expression and started to laugh: "It’s nothing, just keep it; we’re all neighbors living together. Although Director He hasn’t been here long, he often helps everyone."

Xinyan felt it was hard to refuse, so she accepted it with some embarrassment: "I’ll definitely pass this on to Director He."

Sister Zhao handed over the eggs: "Oh, it’s not a big deal, not worth mentioning."

In the morning, they all heard what Director He said to the Qiao family’s wife. Everyone was still at home at the time, and even if they didn’t crowd over, Director He didn’t keep his voice down, so they heard everything clearly.

That Bai Cuilin was really too much, we’re all neighbors here, what are they doing?

You’ll see, when her husband comes back from his hometown and finds out about this, Bai Cuilin will surely get a beating.

Granny Xie quickly handed over a handful of small onions she was holding: "These are some small onions I grew in a pot myself, they haven’t grown much yet, but I’ve picked a small handful, just to add some freshness and flavor."

Xinyan thought this was just what she needed: "Little Siyan only had porridge for lunch, I was just thinking about what to make for dinner that he would eat more of. With these onions, it will be much easier."

They chatted in the yard for a while, then both said they had things to do at home and left.

Xinyan glanced at Ye Silai standing at the door: "This makes things easier, we don’t have to go out now."

As soon as she spoke, they heard some noise from inside and hurried in. Little Siyan had propped himself up into a sitting position, and not only was there no crying as Xinyan had imagined, but when he saw them come in, he gave them a sweet smile: "Sister, brother."

Xinyan quickly walked up: "Just woke up, need to pee?"

Ye Siyan replied crisply: "Yes."

Then he stretched out his arms: "Sister, hug."

Xinyan looked at his sweet demeanor and thought to herself: This child is really a comfort.

She had no idea that in the days just after losing his mother, Little Siyan cried and shouted "I want mommy" countless times, but the harsh reality brought only scolding instead of gentle comfort. In a few short months, he learned to read people’s expressions and words.

Ye Silai really seemed like a small adult. Hearing his brother’s words, he quickly fetched the small chamber pot from the corner: "Use this, so you won’t have to go out and catch a chill."

Looking at these two sensible kids, an unwarranted pang of sadness arose. They shared similar experiences, and a touch of compassion grew in the heart.

Luckily, they had a loving uncle who truly cared for them, unlike her own experiences of enduring others’ scorn and living so harshly.

After Little Siyan took care of his needs, he stayed snuggled in Xinyan’s arms, very reliant on people.

Xinyan gently comforted him: "Little Siyan, go play with your brother for a while. Sister will get you some water."

However, Little Siyan hugged Xinyan even tighter. Helpless, she wrapped him up again in the blanket they used before, preparing to heat up some water in the kitchen, thinking: And he’s the chief of the security department, yet there’s not even a thermos at home. That’s how they’re living.

Thinking this in her heart, she said aloud: "Silai, how come there’s not even a thermos at home? How did you drink water when it was cold before?"

Upon hearing this, Ye Silai slapped his forehead: "Oh no, I forgot to tell Uncle."

Xinyan asked confusedly: "Tell him what?"