The smell of chicken soup greeted Su Wanqing as soon as she pushed open the door. Sunlight streamed into the modest apartment, warming the worn wooden table already set with bowls and chopsticks.
Her mother bustled out of the kitchen, apron tied at her waist, ladle in hand.
"Qingqing, you're back! Wash your hands quickly. The soup will get cold."
Her father folded his newspaper, squinting at her with the seriousness he reserved for every matter involving money.
"Out all morning again? You can't be throwing coins around just because you feel like it. Recklessness ruins families."
Wanqing set a small basket of steamed buns on the table and smiled.
"I didn't waste anything. I brought these."
Her younger brother, Su Ning, popped up from his chair the moment he spotted them.
"Buns!"
He snatched one and stuffed it into his mouth before their mother's ladle could swat his hand.
"Su Ning!" Mother scolded, though her lips twitched. "Wait for your sister to sit down."
The boy chewed happily, cheeks puffed like a squirrel.
"It's good!"
Wanqing laughed softly and reached over to tap his forehead.
"Eat slower. You're not fighting for food."
Her father cleared his throat, but the sternness in his eyes had softened.
"Habits matter more than bargains. Remember that."
"I know, Dad," Wanqing said gently as she took her seat. "I'll spend wisely."
Her mother set a steaming bowl of soup in front of her.
"Your father always nags, but he only worries. Just eat."
---
The clink of chopsticks and the warmth of shared food wrapped around them, a simple comfort Wanqing had once thought she'd lost forever.
Halfway through the meal, her phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the caller ID. Su Meiling (Cousin).
Her smile thinned. She swiped to answer. "Meiling."
"Qingqing!" Meiling's voice was sweet, almost too sweet. "It's been so long. How are you? I heard you've been very busy."
"I bought food for the family," Wanqing said evenly.
"Oh, food, of course." A tinkling laugh came down the line. "But I also heard you were at the bank today. With so much to manage, aren't you worried? Uncle has experience with finances. You should let him help. Family is family."
At the table, her father's brows knit. Her mother looked puzzled. Su Ning nearly dropped his chopsticks.
Wanqing stirred her soup slowly. "Thank you, but there's no need. My father manages his household just fine. And I'll handle my own matters."
There was a pause. Then Meiling's voice turned coaxing.
"Oh, don't take it the wrong way. We just worry about you. If it ever feels overwhelming, Uncle could take the burden."
Wanqing's lips curved in a cool smile. "Family does help each other. Which is why everything I have is under my parents' names."
Silence. Then a brittle laugh.
"Qingqing, you always know how to joke."
"I wasn't joking," Wanqing said lightly, and ended the call.
---
Her father frowned. "Your cousin?"
"Yes." Wanqing slipped the phone back onto the table. "Curious, as always."
Su Ning snorted. "More like jealous. She can't stand it when you do better than her."
Her mother sighed, shaking her head. "Relatives talk too much. Don't waste your thoughts on them. Eat while it's hot."
The family returned to their meal. Soup steamed gently. Pork gleamed in its sauce. Chopsticks clicked against bowls.
Wanqing lifted her bowl, the warmth of the broth seeping into her palms. Her parents and brother were chatting casually again, as though nothing had happened.
To them, it was just another meal.
To her, it was a vow.
This time, I'll protect this table, this warmth, and the people at it — no matter who tries to interfere.
Her gaze softened as she looked at them. Her family was her first investment, and the most precious one she would ever make.
---
✨ End of Chapter 2 ✨