Chapter 23: Climbing Up the Pole
Shen Meng watched Lu Mingkai, who still appeared somewhat timid, and beckoned to him,
"Ming Kai, come here."
Lu Mingkai hesitated for a moment before slowly shuffling towards her, his blood relations and a child's yearning to be close to his mother still burning brightly despite his fear.
"Mom."
Shen Meng got off the kang and took Ming Kai into her arms, then sat down with him diagonally on the kang. The three-year-old child felt almost prickly to the touch on her lap, too skinny. She stroked Lu Mingkai's hair.
"Ming Kai, were you asking about dinner because you're hungry?"
Lu Mingkai cuddled in his mother's embrace, inhaling her sweet scent, and felt almost lightheaded.
"Mom, I'm not hungry. I was just asking. Mom's cooking is really delicious. I want to eat the meals you make."
"Alright, later on Mom will cook for you, making you plump and white like a little piggy, okay?"
"Hehe, okay, Mom, you're the best."
"Silly child."