Chapter 20: Mother Smells So Good
Xie Jinghao listened to what she said, only letting out an awkward smile. As a sister-in-law, she absolutely had no intention to instigate the division of her brother and sister-in-law's household. However, she thought it was good that Shen Meng harbored such a thought; the situation was nearly at the breaking point like a thin sheet of window paper that just hadn't been punctured yet. Anyway, she stopped short of continuing on the topic and said no more.
Lu Mingkai nudged the enamel cup forward a bit; he had already taken several sips and wanted his sister to have some too. The brown sugar water was sweet and very tasty.
As he was about to push the cup toward Lu Mingfang, he felt a bit apprehensive and looked up at Shen Meng and Xie Jinghao.
"Ming Fang, have a couple of sips and then give some to your third aunt," Shen Meng said gently, looking at Lu Mingfang. The little girl glanced at her and for some reason accepted the cup – her mother's smile was so beautiful, it warmed her heart.
Shen Meng sized up the two children. Lu Mingfang's hair was dry and yellow, her clothes ragged, and the pair of shoes on her feet were worn through, with cotton batting poking out – even her big toe was exposed. Clearly, they were the same pair of shoes worn from winter through to summer.
In contrast, Lu Mingkai was scrawny, but clean and tidy; one could tell he was well cared for. Shen Meng thought of Lu Mingyang and Lu Mingliang and knew that the little fellow must be under the care of his older siblings. She felt comforted by this fraternal affection and was relieved to see that the main children in her family group were still on the right path.
"Jinghao, I have a favor to ask of you. You know my sewing isn't that great. I got a piece of fabric before and would like to make a winter jacket for Ming Fang. I have some cotton stored here; can you see if it's enough?"
Saying this, Shen Meng stood up, took the piece of green peony patterned fabric she had shown Lu Mingfang before from the kang cabinet, and then got down to fetch a bag of cotton from the wardrobe. Of course, this cotton was secretly taken from her space – genuine Xinjiang cotton.
"My heavens, that's a lot of cotton. Elder sister-in-law, where did you get this from?"