Chapter 74: Chatting with the Pan Family
Sheng Wanze had never given much thought to these domestic details when he visited before. Usually, his contributions were limited to a few handfuls of White Rabbit milk candies, some tins of fruit, and military-issue canteens. At most, he’d used his connections to pull a couple of skirts for Sheng Wanyan, but the idea of buying clothes for the entire household had never crossed his mind.
It was clear that a man really did need to get married. With a wife by his side to handle the social graces, life simply became smoother.
“Girls are more considerate,” Mother Sheng said, giving her son a sharp, warning look. “You’d better be good to Xiaoyue in the future. If you aren’t, don’t expect me to acknowledge you as my son.”
Sheng Wanze repeatedly promised he would treat Pan Yue with the utmost care.
“Once you’re married, you’ll have a little family of your own,” Mother Sheng continued, her tone softening with a hint of melancholy. “It’s time you took on that responsibility.” Her son had finally reached the age of marriage, and it made her realize just how quickly the years had slipped by.
“I know, Mom.”
“As long as you have a plan. I’m looking forward to seeing you two settled and having children. Grandchildren give us something to look forward to.”
Sheng Wanze nodded. He understood his mother’s hidden worries. Every time he was injured on a mission, he kept it a secret, terrified that the news would be more than his parents could handle. Perhaps once there were grandchildren to dote on, his parents would find comfort and hope, even if something were to happen to him.
Mother Sheng didn’t dwell on the sentiment for long. She turned her attention back to the kitchen, having taken the day off specifically to ensure the Pan family received a proper welcome.
As for why she hadn’t asked Sheng Wanyan to take leave to help? Mother Sheng was firm on that point. This was her son’s business and her duty as a parent; there was no reason for his younger sister to be run ragged over it. Wanyan already worked hard to care for the four elders in Wanze’s absence, and he couldn’t be allowed to take her labor for granted.
Furthermore, she didn’t want the Pan family to look down on her daughter or assume she was a tireless workhorse who never complained. Most importantly, taking too much time off would reflect poorly on Wanyan’s record. Her daughter’s priority was to work hard and contribute to the country.
“Here, chop this meat,” Mother Sheng commanded, handing the heavy knife to her son. It would be a waste of a perfectly good man to let him sit idle while there was work to be done. She had worked hard to bring him into this world; she might as well get some use out of him.
Grandpa and Grandma Sheng chipped in with smaller tasks, washing and picking over the vegetables. Even in their sixties, they were quite capable. In the countryside, women their age still worked the fields, and thanks to the “special water” Wanyan provided, their health was better than ever.
Sheng Wanze took the two pounds of fresh pork down from the hook and began chopping away as instructed. Mother Sheng’s menu was ambitious: braised fish, braised pork, meatballs, egg custard, a cabbage and tofu soup, two cold dishes, and two stir-fried vegetables.
“Meat’s done, Mom.”
“Good. Smash the cucumbers for me, then prep the onions, ginger, and garlic.”
Mother Sheng took the minced meat and began the laborious process of rolling meatballs. Wanze didn’t dare complain; he simply kept his head down and followed orders.
Sheng Wanyan didn’t intentionally stay late, but she followed her mother’s silent instructions and arrived home at her usual time. She understood her mother’s intentions perfectly. As a mother, she was balancing the scales for both her children, and as a daughter, Wanyan wasn’t about to undermine that effort. She loved her brother, but she wasn’t his servant. Unless something catastrophic happened to him, Sheng Wanze had to fulfill his own duties as a son. She wasn’t a saint; she knew that for siblings to stay close, responsibilities had to be shared fairly.
She arrived carrying two kilograms of assorted pastries and two kilograms of melon seeds. The moment she stepped inside, she realized the house was already packed.
The living room was small, and with eleven people—adults and children combined—the space was at its limit. Mother Sheng had thoughtfully closed the bedroom doors to provide a bit of privacy and prevent the guests from feeling like they were intruding on the family’s personal quarters.
“Mom, I’m home!”
“Good, take a breath and rest for a second.” Mother Sheng almost asked her to help in the kitchen out of habit, but remembering the Pan family was watching, she bit her tongue.
“Uncle Pan, Aunt Pan, hello Sister Xiaoyue,” Wanyan greeted them with a polite smile.
Pan Yue hurried forward, taking Wanyan’s hand with genuine warmth and pulling her down to sit beside her. “Yan’er, you’re finally off. Are you exhausted?”
“Not at all. I picked up some cakes on the way; everyone, please help yourselves.” Wanyan set the treats on the table and made a point of offering three pieces to the Pan children first.
“Thank you, sister!” “Thank you! You’re so beautiful!”
The youngest, little Pan Linwu, was only five years old. He was a chubby, bright-eyed boy who looked at Wanyan with pure adoration. Wanyan was caught off guard by the sudden compliment, unsure of how to react.
“This little brat always has an eye for the pretty ones,” the second sister-in-law laughed, playfully poking her son’s head. Little Linwu wasn’t bothered; he just kept staring at Wanyan.
“Sister Sheng, please don’t mind him. He has no filter,” the sister-in-law apologized with a smile.
Wanyan shook her head, smiling. “It’s quite alright. Children have a knack for telling the truth.” She reached into her pocket and produced eight White Rabbit milk candies, distributing them among the three kids.
The eldest brother’s children, ten-year-old Linwen and seven-year-old Linxin, were remarkably well-behaved. Linwen thanked her politely for every treat, while little Linxin was shy, peeking at Wanyan from behind her brother’s arm.
Noticing the girl’s wide, curious eyes, Wanyan pulled a cherry-shaped hairpin from her pocket. Linxin’s face lit up at the sight of it, though she didn’t reach for it until her mother gave her a subtle nod of approval.
“Thank you, sister~”
“You’re very welcome.” Wanyan found herself genuinely liking the children. They were a far cry from the ill-mannered brats who grabbed things and threw tantrums when they didn’t get their way.
Aunt Pan looked at Wanyan with an appreciative smile. “It’s been a while, but Yan’er has truly grown into a beautiful young woman. Your mother is very lucky to have such a daughter.”
