Chapter 1873: 095, Mother and Daughter Meet_2

Responding to Xiao He, Lin Yuan leaned in to check the shredded pork in the pot and nodded continuously, “Xiao He’s skills are indeed getting better and better, this Beijing-style shredded pork is fried excellently.”

Receiving Lin Yuan’s praise, Xiao He chuckled happily.

Looking at Xiao He’s innocent smile, Lin Yuan suddenly felt reluctant to tell her about Lady Chen’s situation, so she just stood by with a smile, watching her fry the shredded pork in the pot and prepare the various seasonings.

Every step was done in an orderly fashion. It must be said that in the realm of cooking, Xiao He is quite talented. Lin Yuan only needs to provide her with a recipe and let her taste the dish once, and she can make it about 80% similar.

With relentless practice afterward, she can achieve 99% similarity.

Once Xiao He finished arranging the Beijing-style shredded pork and handed it over to the waiter to serve, Lin Yuan took her out of the kitchen to sit on a stone bench in the backyard.

Originally, Lin Yuan’s sudden appearance was somewhat unusual, and now being pulled out by her without a word, Xiao He felt even more anxious, nervously asking, “Big sister, do you have something to say to me?”

Lin Yuan smiled bitterly, blinked her eyes, and decided to ask about Xiao He’s thoughts first, before deciding whether to tell her that Lady Chen was in the main hall.

“Actually, there’s nothing much, Xiao He, you and Weiwei are of the same age. Now, she has Xiao Linzi by her side. Have you ever thought about your future?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Lin Yuan regretted it. Even a circuitous question didn’t have to use marriage as a shield!

Sure enough, Xiao He blushed and awkwardly twisted the corner of her clothes.

Lin Yuan really wanted to slap herself, but since the words were already spoken, she couldn’t take them back, so she had to continue asking, “Xiao He, you are my sworn sister now. As your big sister, it’s not too distant for me to ask, right? Sigh, if only your mother were still around…”

Lin Yuan quietly breathed a sigh of relief, admiring herself for finally steering the conversation back to the main topic.

Xiao He bit her lip, her face so red it seemed about to bleed, yet she still lifted her head to meet Lin Yuan’s gaze, “Big sister, you are my mentor and my sister. How could I feel distant when you help organize my life’s affairs? I am beyond grateful!”

Lin Yuan was stunned, not expecting the usually quiet Xiao He to say something like this, but her heart felt warm.

“Grandma is muddled, and my second uncle and aunt are really worried. To be honest, my aunt specifically instructed me during the New Year, urging me to ask you and mom for help. It’s just that, I’m too embarrassed…”

It turned out that Sister-in-law Guizhi had also mentioned such things to Xiao He.

Lin Yuan’s lips curved slightly. When she initially took Xiao He under her care, she did promise to take good care of her. However, since Sister-in-law Guizhi didn’t bring it up, she thought she couldn’t claim that responsibility on her own.

But Lady Liu, after acknowledging Xiao He as a goddaughter, had always considered Xiao He’s lifelong affairs as a vital matter. She must have discussed it privately with Sister-in-law Guizhi.

Oh dear! It seems the topic has veered off course again!

Lin Yuan quickly pinched her palm, cleared her throat, and said, “Your aunt’s reminder is correct. With your mother not around, if you have any problems, talk to me and mom. Don’t be shy. Sigh, it’s been nearly two years since your mother passed, right? Xiao He, there’s no outsiders here. Be honest with big sister, have you ever resented your mother?”

After speaking, Lin Yuan watched Xiao He cautiously, fearing she might miss even the slightest change in her expression.

At first, Xiao He was stunned, then a trace of sadness flashed in her eyes, and her voice lowered a bit.

“Resent her? She is my mother. She gave birth to me, raised me. Even if she abandoned me, what can I say? Ultimately, it’s my father’s fault. If he didn’t love drinking, or wasn’t abusive to her, maybe things wouldn’t have turned out this way.”

As she spoke, Xiao He’s eyes started to glisten, revealing emotions she had buried deep inside—bitterness, frustration, grievances, and other unspeakable feelings.

If Lin Yuan hadn’t brought it up today, Xiao He probably wouldn’t have talked about it with anyone, nor shown her emotions in front of anyone.

Unable to resist, Lin Yuan pulled Xiao He into her embrace, this poor child, bearing so much at such a young age.

Nuzzled in Lin Yuan’s embrace, Xiao He’s emotions finally released, and she began to sob softly.