Si Nian smiled and agreed, bending down to pat Zhou Zedong's head. "You guys start eating. I'll pack some more and bring it back here so we can all have lunch with Daddy, okay?"
Zhou Yue Shen cleared the documents from the table and stepped forward, his voice low. "You all eat. I'll go back and prepare the rest."
Si Nian's packing seemed ample, but there were three kids to feed. Zhou Yue Shen couldn't just eat in front of them and didn't want Si Nian to make another trip. Her suggestion was practical, and the kids were eager for it.
Having his family with him for lunch was a new experience. Zhou Yue Shen was used to eating alone, followed by either work or a brief rest. The routine had become monotonous, but the presence of Si Nian and the children brought a refreshing change to his otherwise dull life.
Si Nian glanced at him and quickly said, "No, let me go. You've had a long day."
"Mom, I'll go," Zhou Zedong suddenly stepped forward. He had initially considered saying he could do without the food, but he knew his parents wouldn't let him just stand by while they got food for him. As the oldest child, Zhou Zedong felt it was his responsibility to help out. His parents worked hard every day, and he didn't want to just wait for them to bring him food.
Without waiting for a response, he dashed out of the office.
Seeing his older brother's determination, Zhou Zhehan glanced at both Zhou Yue Shen and Si Nian, then quickly followed, saying, "Bro, I'll come with you."
As Zhou Zedong ran out, Zhou Zhehan caught up to him, adding, "Let's go together. We'll run fast and eat with Dad and Mom!"
Normally they ate at home, but having lunch at the pig farm was a novel experience for Zhou Zhehan. He ran swiftly, even faster than his older brother, talking nonstop without catching his breath.
Si Nian watched the two little ones dash out and exchanged a bemused glance with Zhou Yue Shen.
The lunch box was opened and neatly arranged on the table. It contained a bowl of soup, two dishes of stir-fry, and two servings of rice. The creamy soup was filled with tender, well-marbled pork, soft and starchy yam, floating oil droplets, and goji berries. Just looking at it made one's mouth water.
Si Nian placed the soup in front of Zhou Yue Shen and said, "Zhou Yue Shen, you didn't get enough rest last night. Drink this soup and replenish your strength..."
Before she could finish, there was a commotion at the door. She turned to see Yu Dong and the factory workers standing there with meat in hand.
The group stood frozen, their expressions blank. Were they talking about their boss?
Seeing their silence, Si Nian straightened up and asked in confusion, "Is it because I'm here that you're not speaking?"
The group of workers exchanged uncertain glances until Yu Dong was pushed forward. Yu Dong, caught off guard, met their gazes and felt a pang of frustration. These troublesome young men!
He forced a smile and said, "No, it's nothing. Sister-in-law, you're here at just the right time..."
He stole a glance at Zhou Yue Shen, sweating nervously. Why did he always end up in these awkward situations? He had forgotten about this matter, only to have Si Nian bring it up in front of everyone.
The great reputation of the boss was at risk of being ruined!
Wiping his sweat, Yu Dong continued, "Boss, Sister-in-law, these are the meats we saved for today. Since you mentioned you and Aunt Lin were planning to make some braised meat, I thought I'd bring these over for you to check if they're enough. If not, I'll save some more tomorrow and bring it over."
YOU ARE READING
Reborn in the 1980s: I became a stepmother in the 1980s
RomanceOnce she opened her eyes, Si Nian became the fake wealthy daughter straight out of a period drama, only to be sent back to the countryside to marry a divorced man in place of the real wealthy daughter, and on top of that, she had to raise a bunch of...