Chapter 2: Stunning

“A-Ci, this is the sister, Yuwei, that I mentioned to you,” Ying Sisi said.

Qin Yanci nodded slightly. “Hello.”

Li Yuwei gave a stuttering response. “Eh, hello.”

The stepmother, Song Hanmei, walked out of the main room at the sound of the commotion. The moment she saw Qin Yanci, her eyes went blank with sheer amazement.

Sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, with sharp, well-defined features.

With looks and a stature like this, one probably couldn't find a second one in all of South City and East City combined, could they?

Yuwei insisted that because he had been sent to the countryside for ten years, he had already been assimilated by low-quality villagers, and she had been pestering him to refuse to get engaged.

How was this appearance "low-quality"?

Just by standing there, she knew he was high-class.

Ying Sisi quietly took in Song Hanmei's greedy and regretful expression.

Though she felt quite uneasy inside, she didn't show it on her face, instead saying obediently, “Auntie, this is A-Ci.”

Song Hanmei snapped out of it and said enthusiastically, “Yanci, come, come sit in the house. Sisi, your cooking is good; make a bowl of noodles for Yanci to line his stomach.”

“Okay.” Ying Sisi turned and went into the kitchen.

Behind her came Song Hanmei's almost fawning voice: “Yanci, you've been at the Northwest Farm for so many years; you're considered a veteran. Our Yuwei works at the subdistrict office; let her tell you about the current employment policies.”

“Mom, you tell him.” Li Yuwei was avoiding Qin Yanci like the plague and turned to walk away. She couldn't understand why Qin Yanci didn't treat Ying Sisi the way he had treated her in her past life. Following behind Ying Sisi, she asked curiously, “Sister, was it awkward meeting Qin Yanci? What did you guys talk about?”

“A little awkward. We didn't talk much. He doesn't like to speak, and I didn't want to keep initiating conversation, fearing he'd find me talkative.” Because Li Yuwei had been constantly showing her kindness, Ying Sisi answered all her questions.

Li Yuwei didn't believe that a simple chat would have brought Qin Yanci back: “Can you recount what happened then?”

How could Ying Sisi bring herself to do that? Using Qin Yanci as a shield, she said, “My ability to organize words is very poor, I can't explain it clearly. How about we call A-Ci over to repeat what happened? I'm just afraid he won't cooperate.”

“Better not call him!” Li Yuwei waved her hands hurriedly.

Qin Yanci had a dual personality and bipolar disorder; if he became impatient, he might beat both of them.

In her past life, she had nowhere to run.

But Ying Sisi could just hide in the countryside and never come back—who would marry Qin Yanci then?

She worried that if she asked too much, Ying Sisi would become suspicious. Using an excuse that she had things to do, she left, ignoring Song Hanmei's calls.

Ying Sisi closed the door and continued making noodles. She secretly ate a large bowl herself before starting on Qin Yanci's portion. She poached three sunny-side-up eggs under the noodles, added two slices of beef, and carried the bowl to Qin Yanci in the main room.

“It's rare for Yanci to visit, and you only give him two slices of beef? People who don't know better would think our family is stingy. Yanci, eat this first, I'll go get you some more.” To show her generosity, Song Hanmei went into the kitchen herself.

Ying Sisi smiled and pointed at the noodles.

Qin Yanci understood. He used his chopsticks to flip the noodles, revealing a stack of poached eggs. He froze for a moment, his eyes flashing with a hint of disbelief and a trace of pleasant surprise.

A warm current flowed gently through his heart, melting the indifference on his face.

From childhood until now, this was the first time someone had fed him three eggs at once.

An almost imperceptible smile surfaced at the corners of his mouth. “Did you eat?”

Ying Sisi nodded. “I'm already full. Eat quickly.”

When Song Hanmei returned and saw the two sitting close together talking, she felt displeased and cursed inwardly, calling her a vixen.

Facing Qin Yanci, she greeted him with a smile again. “Yanci, here, have some beef.”

“Thanks.” Qin Yanci finished the noodles and prepared to leave.

“I'll see you out,” Ying Sisi said.

(End of Chapter)