Rebirth of an Abandoned Woman

Chapter X

Cooking

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Shi Lian had only come because of her stepmother’s instructions. Because of her quiet nature and Sang Wan’s unfamiliarity towards her, Sang Wan was left in an uncomfortable situation. Similarly, as a girl who put her own safety first, there was nothing she could say to her sister-in-law. But luckily, with the chirpy little girl, the awkwardness between the two was not that bad; they were at least able to have a few conversations with each other.

Except for Shi Rui, the visit was torturous for both Sang Wan and Shi Lian; it was an act that they both had to follow.

But not long after, Gu Fangzi came in with a broad grin on her face. Seeing the three in the chamber, she clapped and laughed. “Wow, cousin-in-law, it’s so lively here! My cousin-in-law sure is easy to get along with, to become so familiar with the two other cousins, who are rarely together, so soon after getting married into the family!”

Gu Fangzi’s voice was both delicate and clear; it was sweet like the chirps of an oriole. Once the three heard Gu Fangzi’s voice, the atmosphere within the chamber brightened.

Sang Wan greeted her with a “Cousin-in-law,” before inviting Gu Fangzi to take a seat. The other two cousins went on to greet Gu Fangzi. With that, the chamber became more lively and comfortable.

“That isn’t the case! Cousin, I’ve always wanted to play with you! But unfortunately, cousin is always either busy handling the business with Cousin Fengju or accompanying Aunt Wang Shi! By the time cousin returns, the sky is always dark, so Shi Rui wants to go but can’t go! Shi Rui has long heard that cousin has a pet oriole. Shi Rui really wants to see it!” Shi Rui blinked her large sparkling grape-like eyes and smiled, oblivious to the fact that her words brought about embarrassment to a certain person.

Gu Fangzi’s face suddenly flushed and her expression turned sluggish. Although there wasn’t a person in the Shi Family who didn’t know about her relationship with Shi Fengju, which Wang Shi had tolerated, for a little girl to talk about her and Shi Fengju in front of Sang Wan, she couldn’t help but feel a little odd.

While Shi Rui’s mouth had been moving, Shi Lian had been holding the teacup tightly as she admired the blue and white flowery designs. Her gaze was so focused on the teacup that she was in a world of her own.

Shi Lian might be able to act foolish, but Sang Wan, on the other hand, was not as fortunate. Acting as if interested, Sang Wan smiled at Shi Rui. “I’d love to go and see the flowers. Although I’m not sure which flowers bloom at this season, why don’t we go and take a look when the weather is good?”

Shi Lian raised her head slightly and glanced at Sang Wan before dropping her head down to carry on with her admiration of the teacup.

Relieved, Gu Fangzi added, “Yes! Just as cousin-in-law Sang Wan said, when the weather is great, let us all go to the flower garden! The flower garden in the Shi family has lots of different flowers that bloom beautifully every year!”

The little Shi Rui loved a lively atmosphere, so hearing Gu Fangzi’s words, Shi Rui laughed and applauded. After a few moments in deep thought, she suggested, “Yesterday, Shi Rui walked past the garden and saw that the cape jasmine was blooming beautifully in the fragrant garden! A whole lot of them, big and as white as snow! Also, the fragrance could be smelled from far away! Big sister Sang Wan and cousin Fangzi, why don’t we go there and play tomorrow?”