BXBX NOVEL Chapter 328 - 328: Celebrating New Year
Lin Wan and Yang Ruoxi had wanted to take a walk around the village, but it was December, and the wind was bone-chillingly cold.
In the end, they went inside and tiptoed to the study. They put on the heater to warm themselves.
“Wanwan, I’m your sister from now on. I’m your big sister.”
“Are you taking advantage of me? We’re only a few months apart.”
“Still, I’m your big sister. Do you remember when I asked you to call me your sister, and you accused me of taking advantage of you? Now, I might really become your sister,” said Yang Ruoxi. “There is definitely something between my father and Mama Bao. Look at how well they get along with each other. He doesn’t smoke or drink. He cleans after himself and knows how to cook. He is also very kind. I think Mama Bao will be happy.”
“Xixi, I know that Papa Yang is a good person. Mama Bao, too. I really hope they can be happy together. If they really end up marrying each other, I’ll call you Sister Xixi.”
“It’s a deal, then!”
In the kitchen, Yang Yiren and Auntie Bao sat facing each other. There was a large cutting board between them which was full of shredded radish and some dough.
“I’ll call you Baobao from now on. My mother asked me to bring her along, but I told her you might be busy.”
“You can always bring her here. I don’t mind. I like having someone to talk to.
Just give me a call before you come, so I can be prepared.”
“Alright. We can hang out more often in the future.”
Li Yanchen headed straight to Xuecheng Village after work. He didn’t tell Lin Wan he was coming because he wanted to give her a surprise.
In the kitchen, a tray of steamed buns was ready. When Auntie Bao lifted the lid, the steam rose up and filled the kitchen.
“Can you go and call the children?” asked Auntie Bao. “I’ll take the buns out.”
Yang Ruoxi and Lin Wan ran to the kitchen when they heard Yang Yiren call them.
“It smells so good!” said Lin Wan. She reached out for a bun.
“Wanwan, wash your hands first!”
Untie Bao smiled. “Here. Eat it.”
Lin Wan blew on the bun and took a bite. “This is so good!”
“You eat too, ” said Auntie Bao and put some buns on the plate for Yang Yiren and Yang Ruoxi.
They took one each.
Yang Ruoxi had never tried steamed buns made in this way before. She remembered Lin Wan saying that the steamed buns from the electric steamer didn’t taste the same.
“Blow on it first,” said Lin Wan. “Be careful. It’s hot.’
Yang Ruoxi blew on it and took a bite. “Wanwan, this is the steamed buns you were talking about? Why do you call it a Mantou?”
“We used to call it that.”
“Look at this one. It doesn’t have folds. The smooth ones are called Mantou. I only found out when I went to shops to buy steamed buns that those without fillings were also called Mantou,” said Auntie Bao.
“Oh, right… This one doesn’t have folds either!” Yang Ruoxi looked at the steamed buns.
Yang Yiren looked at her daughter. “Xixi, didn’t I explain it to you when grandma made steamed buns? You forgot it?”
Yang Ruoxi only realized then that she was not his real daughter. She was the Yang Ruoxi of another world. “Oh… yes! I forgot. Dad, are the steamed buns made by grandmother this delicious?”
“Not as delicious as Baobao’s. It’s difficult to control the concentration of alkaline water. The ones your grandma makes are a bit sour, but the fillings balance it out. These steamed buns turned out just right,” said Yang Yiren.
Yang Ruoxi had never eaten steamed buns made by her grandmother. She didn’t dare say anything more for fear of exposing her origins. She did notice that her father called Auntie Bao “Baobao”.
“Aww… you called her Baobao. Is that your nickname for her?” asked Yang Ruoxi.
Lin Wan laughed.
Yang Yiren smiled in embarrassment.
“I like it!” said Lin Wan. “Baobao sounds so nice.” “Stop laughing at us, you two!” said Auntie Bao. “We’re just happy. Mama Bao, you should eat too.” Yang Ruoxi handed her a steamed bun.
By the time Li Yanchen arrived at the Lin family’s old house, it was already dark.
He parked the car and jogged all the way with his bag. When he pushed open the door, he heard people talking and laughing in the kitchen.
He didn’t know that Yang Yiren and Yang Ruoxi were also visiting. He thought that they might be Lin Wan’s friends from the past. He felt anxious.
Li Yanchen coughed loudly. Nobody seemed to hear him at the door.
He sighed and walked in. Everyone was stunned to see him at the kitchen door.
“Mr. Li, why are you here?” asked Lin Wan. Her mouth was full to bursting.
Yang Yiren was also surprised to see Li Yanchen. He was helping Auntie Bao put fillings in the steamed buns.
Yang Ruoxi was also stuffing a bun in her mouth.
Li Yanchen smiled in relief.
“Mr. Yang, Auntie Bao… I’m so sorry I came here uninvited. Are you all making steamed buns? It smells so delicious.” Li Yanchen walked over to Lin Wan. “You’re just in time. The second tray is almost ready. Sit down and try some.”
“What are you doing here?” Lin Wan still did not understand why Li Yanchen was here. He was supposed to be at work! Couldn’t he even spend one night without her?
“I’ll go wherever my wife goes..”