Getting caught peeking, yet not getting scolded—and even getting to taste the food—was something Yao Mei wouldn't dare dream of, even in her sleep.
Xu Wannin saw the little girl hesitating, torn between fear and curiosity. Smiling, she picked up a piece of meat from the pot and waved it a little to tempt her.
Yao Mei swallowed hard, taking a cautious step closer. She tilted her head up, looking adorably obedient.
Xu Wannin blew on the piece of chicken to cool it, then fed it to her. The little girl chewed slowly, taking tiny bites, reluctant to swallow. She'd never eaten anything this good in her life.
Xu Wannin bent down, gently pinching the girl's soft cheek. What kind of monster was the original Xu Wannin? She thought bitterly. How could anyone be so cruel to such a sweet kid?
"Is it good?"
Yao Mei nodded hard, eyes sparkling as she stared at the meat still bubbling in the pot.
"Mom's about to cook some cornbread. Once it's done, you can eat as much as you want."
The little one sat obediently beside the stove, helping to feed the fire.
Xu Wannin's movements were quick and practiced as she slapped rounds of cornbread onto the sides of the pot. Her lips curved with satisfaction—one daughter already won over. After this meal, the other two should come around too. After all, no one could resist her cooking.
The smell of simmering chicken and sweet corn spread through the courtyard. Neighbors began whispering, wondering which family was lucky enough to be stewing meat today.
A few passing young intellectuals teased Gu Jun, saying he must be having a feast again.
Gu Jun's expression was smug, though his eyes carried a hint of disdain and annoyance. That stupid woman had promised to sell him her child to raise money, then backed out at the last minute. She was probably scared he'd be angry and was now cooking meat to win him over.
He'd gladly take the food—but she'd get no kindness in return. So what if she came from a well-off family? He thought proudly. She still loves me to death, like a fool, completely under my thumb.
Back at the youth commune, Gu Jun didn't bother getting his own meal, waiting expectantly for Xu Wannin to bring it to him—unaware she'd already served the chicken at her own table.
The steaming bowl of braised chicken and potatoes was piled high, the rich aroma filling the room.
The cornbread was thinner than usual, golden and crisp, glowing faintly in the lamplight.
Xu Wannin, confident in her cooking, smiled as she looked at the three people at the table—only to realize none of them had picked up their chopsticks.
"Mom… can I really eat this?"
Yao Mei fidgeted with her fingers, tilting her head, her cautious eyes making Xu Wannin's heart ache. The original woman really was heartless. How could she ruin such good kids like this?
In her past life, Xu Wannin had been busy flying across the country for work, no time to even think about marriage. She liked children, but as a single woman terrified of childbirth, this new life was… oddly convenient.
Since she was here, she'd do her best—these kids would grow up healthy and happy, no matter what.
She gently stroked Yao Mei's hair, then picked up a tender, sauce-covered chicken leg and put it in her bowl.
"From now on, Mom will cook you something good every day."
The little girl grinned sweetly, picking up her chopsticks—only for Da Chun to stop her.
"Idiot! You're just gonna eat whatever she gives you? What if she put something in it?"
Da Chun glared at Xu Wannin. He'd overheard her once asking the barefoot village doctor for medicine that could make people sleep.
He and Yao Mei had cried and screamed earlier, ruining her plan to sell them off. Maybe now she wanted to drug them and sell them while they were unconscious.
Old Lady Lin set her chopsticks down, sighed, and took out three yuan, pressing them into Xu Wannin's hand.
"I don't care what you do outside or how you live, but please—don't harm these two children. They're your own flesh and blood. They call you 'Mom,' for heaven's sake."
Xu Wannin nearly burst into tears. Damn it, the original body really ruined everything. No one trusts me anymore!
Fine—she'd prove herself.
She picked up a piece of chicken and ate it in front of them. The rich flavor exploded in her mouth, the tender meat melting on her tongue. So good it could make you cry.
Then she grabbed another drumstick and handed it to Da Chun, scooped some soft, shredded chicken breast into Old Lady Lin's bowl.
The old lady was almost sixty—she should eat light, no fatty skin.
Lin froze. Her eyes flicked with disbelief. The daughter-in-law she'd barely spoken to in five years… was giving her food? Could she really have changed?
Da Chun also stared blankly. It was the first time Xu Wannin had ever given him food.
Every other woman in the village treated their sons like treasures. He'd always envied those boys so much it hurt.
Yao Mei saw Da Chun dazed and quickly snatched her chance—grabbing the chicken leg and taking a big bite. Grease smeared around her mouth as she happily tore into it with her hands.
"It's sooo good! Grandma, big brother, hurry and eat! I've never had meat this delicious!"
She alternated bites of chicken and cornbread, her shiny little eyes sparkling with joy.
Even the cornbread was crispy and fragrant. Who knew Mom could cook like this?
Seeing that neither Lin nor Da Chun had moved, Xu Wannin put down her chopsticks, cleared her throat, and said seriously, "Mom, Da Chun, I know I was terrible before. I hurt you both. Please… give me another chance. Watch what I do from now on."
It sounded exactly like something out of a '70s motivational speech, and she almost cringed at herself.
A faint shimmer appeared in Old Lady Lin's eyes. "Ning, it's good that you've come to your senses. You gave the Lin family a son and a daughter—no matter what happens, I won't let you suffer."
Then she picked up a piece of the braised chicken. The meat was so tender it melted in her mouth. She'd lived decades and never eaten anything this flavorful.
Turns out my daughter-in-law can actually cook! Even the cornbread is incredible.
When the meal ended, the two kids were so full their bellies were round, and even Old Lady Lin's pale face had regained a bit of color.
The soup had been cooked with ginseng, astragalus, and goji berries—perfect for nourishing the body. Xu Wannin had been a top-tier chef for state banquets in her previous life; whipping up a few medicinal dishes was nothing.
As she cleaned up the dishes, her mind drifted to the plot of the book she'd fallen into.
The male lead belonged to the female protagonist. She was just the villainess side character. Their divorce was inevitable. She didn't care about the man—but she would keep the children.
In the story, the male lead's career would skyrocket in the army. They had a military marriage—every advantage would be on his side.
She was just a countryside youth with no job, no income—there was no way the kids would be awarded to her.
But it was 1977. After the Spring Festival, the college entrance exam would be reinstated for the first time in years. Getting into college back now was like crossing a single-plank bridge over a stampede—every successful candidate was rarer than a PhD in her old world.
If she wanted custody of her kids and a better future for them, she had to get into college and return to the city!
Once her mind was set, she wasted no time. After cleaning up, she packed some chicken and a few cornbreads into a basket and headed toward the youth commune.
Inside the house, Da Chun watched her every move, pouting so hard he could hang an oil bottle from his lips.
"Grandma, she's going to see that bastard again!"
"Don't you talk about your mother like that!"
Old Lady Lin sighed as she watched her daughter-in-law's fading silhouette. "No matter what she's done, she's still your mom. Others can criticize her—you can't."
She had thought her daughter-in-law had truly turned over a new leaf and wanted to live a proper life.
But now… she wasn't so sure.