While the kids went to wash their hands in the kitchen, Xu Yinchen stepped forward, pulled a chair next to Qin Lian, and looked at her silently.
Noticing his gaze, Qin Lian looked up. "Do you need something?"
He glanced at the small stool she was sitting on, which had no back support and looked uncomfortable, and said, "Sit here instead."
Qin Lian blinked in surprise and glanced at the chair he was holding out. The stool was small and unstable, but wouldn't it be even worse for him?
"It's alright. I can manage. Besides, if you sit on this stool, wouldn't it be more difficult for you?" she said, waving her hand casually.
But Xu Yinchen didn't budge. "I'm used to it. You sit here," he repeated, firm and matter-of-factly.
Hearing the non-negotiable tone in his voice, Qin Lian gave in. She stood and took the chair, her eyes following him as he sat down on the small, awkward stool.
With his broad frame sitting on it, he looked completely out of place.
She couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.
…..
After washing their hands, when the kids sat down to eat, Qin Lian didn't move to serve them.
She let Xu Shen take the lead, allowing him to serve his younger brothers himself. If she acted too nice too soon, she knew they would see it as an act and become defensive.
She wanted to get closer to them but understood that she needed to give them space to warm up to her on their own.
This was one of the things she had learned from the orphanage's Director.
The second child widened his eyes as he took his first bite of the porridge. It was warm, creamy, and subtly sweet, with a hint of savory flavor that balanced the dish perfectly.
The vegetables were tender yet retained a slight crispness, seasoned just right. Even though it was a simple meal, it was the most delicious porridge he had ever eaten.
Compared to this, the porridge the Aunt made for them was horrible, bland, lumpy, salty, and sometimes even burnt.
He couldn't help but shovel mouthful after mouthful into his mouth, eating enthusiastically. When Qin Lian saw his excitement, a soft smile appeared on her lips.
Watching the children enjoy the meal, she finally sighed in relief.
Xu Yinchen also took a bite and nodded in satisfaction. It was, without a doubt, the best meal he'd had in years.
Before this, he had only eaten to survive, never caring about the taste. But for the first time in years, he truly felt satiated while eating.
"Xu Shen, right? I know your name," Qin Lian said, breaking the silence. "But since I'm going to live here from now on, as the eldest brother, wouldn't you introduce your siblings to me?"
Xu Shen paused in the middle of eating, wiping his mouth awkwardly.
Before he could respond, the second one interjected, "My name is Xu Wei. I'm five years old. And this is my younger brother, Xu Hao. He's two years old. Since he can't introduce himself, I'll do it for him!" he added proudly.
Qin Lian's smile deepened as she observed Xu Wei's confidence and the way he seemed to enjoy playing the role of an elder brother.
At least the second one is still as cheery as ever. "Xu Wei, what a lovely name," she said warmly.
Xu Wei blushed at the unexpected praise, his face turning slightly red.
She turned to Xu Hao, who was keeping his head down, gripping his spoon awkwardly as he scooped up porridge with small, unsteady hands. With each attempt, the porridge dribbled down his chin while some landed on his clothes and the table.
With a gentle smile, she said softly, "And why can't Xu Hao introduce himself? Isn't he two years old already? Shouldn't he get a chance to do so?"
Xu Wei blinked and replied matter-of-factly, "Because he can't speak."
Qin Lian was taken aback. She didn't know this. She hadn't expected the little one to speak properly anyway. However, she was caught off guard by the fact that he could not speak at all.
Her gaze shifted to Xu Yinchen, who cleared his throat and explained, "He isn't mute. The doctors said it's because of trauma and he…" His eyes flicked toward the children, and he stopped speaking.
A wave of understanding and pity washed over Qin Lian as she nodded. Even though Xu Yinchen didn't complete his words, she knows the reason.
Losing parents, the experience must have been devastating for a child so young.
Before she could say anything, Xu Shen interrupted coldly, shooting a sharp glare at Xu Wei. "Stop talking and eat. If you're done, go upstairs and study," he said curtly.
Hearing his brother's stern tone, Xu Wei immediately lowered his head to his bowl and began eating hurriedly, as though afraid his food might be taken away.
Qin Lian didn't say anything more, allowing the children to eat in peace. As she quietly finished her own meal, her thoughts grew heavier.
The children's condition was worse than she had imagined. She had only one thought: now that she had a second chance at life, she wouldn't let them suffer either.
After dinner, Xu Shen quietly gathered his and his brothers' utensils and washed them before heading upstairs to their room.
This time, Qin Lian didn't stop them.
The children had seen too much in their lives. If she tried to get close to them too soon, they would only push her away.
….
After finishing her meal, Qin Lian began clearing the table.
Seeing her tidying up, Xu Yinchen stepped forward and said, "Let me do it. You should go upstairs and change your clothes; you must be tired."
Qin Lian paused, suddenly realising how exhausted she was.
Earlier, she hadn't noticed, but now the weariness was creeping in, making her head feel light.
She unconsciously touched her forehead and winced in pain. Her wound was still fresh, and the pain flared up again, making her dizzy.
She glanced down at her clothes and realized she was still wearing the same outfit she had traveled in. No wonder she felt sticky and uncomfortable.
Setting the dishes back on the table, she nodded. "Then… Thank you. I'll go upstairs and take a bath."
As he picked up the dishes, Xu Yinchen hummed in response and added, "I put your bag in the bedroom upstairs. It's on the right side."
Qin Lian blinked in surprise. She hadn't even noticed when he had taken her bag upstairs.
Was it when he went to call the children for dinner?
For a moment, she stood there, touched. It was such a small gesture, yet it meant more to her than she had expected.
She had never experienced someone taking care of her like this. She had always lived alone, learning to rely on herself.
Even when she was in a relationship, she was the one making all the efforts, believing that this was just how love worked. She never expected her boyfriend to take care of her or put her first.
Their relationship had always felt mechanical.
They only met on Sundays, as she worked six days a week and even did a part-time job on her only day off.
Still, she made sure to call him every day, maintaining the connection even when life was busy. She had thought he was a supportive and understanding boyfriend, as he never got angry when she was busy.
Even though he made no effort in the relationship, just his presence had been enough for her.
But who would've thought that while he gave her less than the bare minimum, ignoring her calls, making no effort, doing nothing, he was busy cheating on her with her best friend.
That bastard.
The mere thought of him made her blood boil again, but when her gaze landed on Xu Yinchen's handsome face, she took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down.
It's alright.
Let bygones be bygones. Such scumbags don't deserve her attention.
She watched as Xu Yinchen carried the dishes to the kitchen to clean them.
A warm smile tugged at her lips as she turned and headed upstairs, with a strange flutter stirring in her chest.