Chapter 2: None of Them Are Normal

In the evening, Wang Shi returned after leading Xu Da out for the whole day.

The back basket was covered with dry branches; one look told you there was something inside.

As soon as she got home, the sky darkened. Wang Shi set down the back basket and the homemade simple bow and arrow in her hand, lit a torch, and stuck it into the wooden stake by the stove to provide light.

Then she picked up the flint and, somewhat unskillfully, started a fire, setting up the pot—

She actually steamed all the rice bran in the house!

Xu Yue was startled for a moment, then obediently squatted by the stove to help add firewood.

This counts as exchanging labor for food, right?

Although the food tasted terrible, it was better than nothing.

Wang Shi carried the stuffed-full back basket inside with one hand. Seeing her well-behaved little daughter squatting by the stove tending the fire, her free hand reached out and ruffled the girl's fluffy head.

Among this whole family, the most worry-free one was this adorable little thing before her eyes—obedient and clever, never crying or making a fuss, and even taking the initiative to help.

Especially that little milky voice calling "Mother, Mother"—it made her, a single Admiral who had always wanted a cute little daughter, wish she could lay out all the mechas in the universe before her to play with as she pleased.

Seemingly thinking of something, Wang Shi glanced toward the eaves.

Xu Da still had that look of utter dejection, scraping his mud-caked straw sandals on a stone. That expression of disdain mixed with reluctant resignation made her displeased.

She had never seen such a fussy man. Didn't he look at the current conditions? Having shoes to wear was already good enough, yet he actually dared ask her why she didn't get him boots?

"Come tend the fire!"

Wang Shi bellowed. Xu Da spun around reflexively, raising both hands to protect his face. One could see what a huge shadow Wang Shi's two fierce slaps that morning had left on him.

He had never seen a woman who dared hit her husband!

"Tsk~" Seeing his appearance, Wang Shi sneered, then turned her face. Facing her little daughter before her, she smiled with utmost gentleness.

But Xu Yue guessed that her Mother might have been a fierce person before. So even though she tried her best to show gentleness, that murderous aura all over her made her smile look more like an unquestionable threat.

"Good girl, You Niang. Go sit inside the room, let your Father tend the fire." Wang Shi looked at her little daughter's pure little face and couldn't resist planting a kiss on her lips.

Xu Yue froze. Fortunately, she was small now and the room was dark. She obediently stood up and walked toward the main hall. Wang Shi didn't notice, still immersed in the beautiful fantasy of how cute her daughter was.

Passing by Xu Da, who was putting on his straw sandals, Xu Yue also obediently called out: "Father."

Xu Da, who had looked utterly hopeless since waking up, saw this cute little girl and his expression softened somewhat. He gave her what he thought was a handsome, elegant smile.

Little did he know, his face, ravaged by hardship, could only be called regular-featured at best—dark and rough. Such a smile on such an ordinary face made one's heart shudder.

Xu Yue forced a sweet smile back at Father, then rushed in one breath into the pitch-black main hall, feeling her way to the table and sitting on the small stool.

The kitchen grew busy. Wang Shi directed Xu Da to tend the fire and steam the rice on one hand, and on the other, wielded a kitchen knife to expertly process the wild rabbits and pheasants she had caught in the back basket.

Looks like there's a treat tonight!

Xu Yue was full of anticipation.

But then, in the darkness, a figure suddenly pounced on her, enveloping her in a full embrace and letting out a "hehe" laugh of success.

Xu Yue was startled at first, but after hearing that laugh, she just wanted to roll her eyes.

"Big Sister!"

She grumbled in dissatisfaction, but unfortunately, her little milky voice carried no威慑力 (deterrence/威慑力).

The girl behind her clamped onto her little round waist like hugging a doll, rubbed her face against hers, then released her and walked around to face her.

Eight-year-old Xu Er Niang had a melon-seed face, phoenix eyes, a straight nose, a small mouth. She was already shooting up in height, a head taller than Xu Yue.

Those phoenix eyes full of Eastern charm were now staring infatuatedly at Xu Yue, as if looking at her most beloved treasure.

She's definitely a lolicon!

Xu Yue thought miserably.

Sure enough, the moment she thought this, Xu Er Niang's hands reached for the two little buns on her head, coaxing: "Oh my dear little sister, let Big Sister do your hair, okay? Guaranteed even the Goddess of Light will fall for you!"

Xu Yue: "."

Help!!!

Fortunately, Wang Shi arrived in time. She placed the cooked rice bran on the table, her dark eyes casting a cold sidelong glance at Xu Er Niang.

As the apex predator of the household food chain, that one glance successfully made Xu Er Niang, who had been wearing a weird smile, shrink her hand back.

"Sit down and get ready to eat." Wang Shi's tone carried an inherent commanding presence. Xu Er Niang obediently sat down next to Xu Yue.

"You Niang." Wang Shi specially served a bowl of rice and handed it to Xu Yue, nodding her chin toward the woodshed next door, "Be careful."

Xu Yue practically fled, jumping off the stool, hugging the bowl of rice bran with both hands, solemnly nodding her round little head at Mother, and toddling on short legs to the woodshed door.

The door was ajar. The person inside heard the footsteps outside and let out a beast-like low moan from their gagged mouth.

Xu Yue pushed the door open; firelight streamed in.

Seeing her face clearly, the youth bound in the corner instantly went quiet. His slightly red eyes lit up in a flash, as if seeing his closest kin. His mouth let out excited "huh-huh" gasps, his eyes full of joy.

Hmm, this was a strange phenomenon. Xu Da Lang showed hatred and aggression toward everyone in the family, yet toward Xu Yue, his gaze was always strangely attached.

Only she could smooth down the fur this violent youth bristled.

"Big Brother, time to eat." Xu Yue said softly.

The youth's gaze slowly fell on the pottery bowl in her hand. Seeing the rice bran inside, his two thick, black sword-like eyebrows instantly furrowed.

He hated this food, but his body screamed wildly for him to eat.

Xu Yue felt his conflicted, complex emotions—she could truly empathize.

"Big Brother thinks the rice bran tastes bad too? But we have to fill our stomachs."

Xu Yue whispered as she approached, not daring to let Father and Mother next door hear her complaints.

After all, Wang Shi and Xu Da had already tried so hard just so the three siblings could have something to eat!

Xu Yue pulled the cloth strips stuffed in her brother's mouth out, then tilted her head and tentatively asked: "Big Brother, eat by yourself?"

Xu Da Lang looked at her with his slightly red eyes and nodded.

Only then did Xu Yue dare untie his hands.

The moment his hands were free, he picked up the bowl and poured it into his mouth, finishing it in a few big gulps, handing Xu Yue an empty bowl.

Xu Yue looked at those eyes that held nothing back from her. Though reluctant, she still retied his hands.

Xu Da Lang thought it was a game with her. He grinned, offering his hands to her to be tied, letting out a pleased "purr" from his throat.

But this time, Xu Yue didn't gag his mouth, because she had told him not to bite people randomly, and he had nodded in agreement, looking exceptionally serious.

She'd trust him just this once.

(End of Chapter)