Shen Lexi was in the middle of taking care of the manor.
She no longer allowed her son to help her.
She had several excuses to stop him.
First of all, he was Clan Chief.
Second of all, Shen Wenwan was always there to help her.
Third of all, his help wasn't needed.
Even when Shen Liqian had a little free time or a break to help with chores, Shen Lexi shooed him away without giving him a chance.
It seemed Shen Liqian had come again to offer his help.
Just as Shen Lexi was about to reject him, Shen Liqian summoned the cauldron out of his Storage Ring.
It landed with a loud thud, drawing Shen Lexi's eyes to it.
Shen Liqian smiled.
"It's for you, Mom.
"I never had a chance to get you anything good over the past eighteen years, so allow me to spoil you and Father.
"It's a very good cauldron!
"I'm sure you can't even guess its name!"
Shen Lexi widened her eyes in surprise.
She smiled sweetly.
"You didn't have to go out of your way to give me a present, Qian'er.
"You are more than I could have asked for…
"It's best you focus on cultivation treasures for yourself and others."
Shen Liqian's heart squeezed.
In the hard times when he hadn't shown any talent, she was there for him and ready to offer him anything.
Now that good times had come, she still didn't want anything for herself and would rather see him obtain everything instead.
Shen Liqian's stomach teemed with butterflies.
He walked forward and took his mother's hand, placing it on the cauldron's rim.
"It's your cauldron, and I won't take 'no,' just like you will never let me take care of the manor itself."
Shen Lexi wanted to argue back, but Shen Liqian's expression was that of his father when he stubbornly decided on something.
She could rarely change his decision when he looked this way.
Now her son was the same.
Shen Lexi sighed and smiled wide.
"It's a very nice pot!
"I will be able to make a lot of soups and meals for the little ones who come to your cultivation sessions!
"Thank you for such a wonderful present, Qian'er!"
Her smile was that of a pure maiden.
Shen Liqian: (＝⊙＿⊙＝)
Zhiyin: (=⊙ω⊙=)
Soup?
What?
Did she really think this was a pot for cooking?!
Once those thoughts hit Shen Liqian, his lips pressed into a thin line.
Zhiyin burst out laughing upon seeing him this way.
Ahahaha!
It was the first time he had heard her laugh like this.
Shen Liqian unconsciously craned his neck in her direction and called out to her.
"Zhiyin!"
"Zhiyin?" Shen Lexi tilted her head.
Ah.
Shen Liqian realized his mistake.
However, it wasn't like he couldn't weasel his way out of this one.
Before he replied to his mother, Zhiyin suddenly became visible to her.
Out of nowhere, a crimson cat appeared, startling Shen Lexi.
But the cat looked so adorable, and its fur so smooth, that Shen Lexi was immediately put at ease when she took a proper look at it.
"I'm Shen Zhiyin, Liqian's guide.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance."
The cat's voice was that of a refined and elegant woman.
She arched her neck and looked up, yet Shen Lexi felt as if she were the one looking up instead.
Her demeanor and speech were so refined that Shen Lexi didn't know how to reply.
She eventually said, "Um, nice to meet you.
"My name is Shen Lexi, Qian'er's mother."
Zhiyin didn't show any displeasure and instead appreciated such a simple introduction.
"That much I am aware of.
"You have raised Liqian into a fine man.
"It is a joy and honor to assist him on his cultivation path."
Shen Lexi smiled brightly before realizing she was conversing with someone so profound.
She clasped her hands over her stomach and bowed low.
"Thank you!
"Qian'er has always been a well‑behaved and understanding child."
Although Shen Liqian had reincarnated with his memories intact, he had grown up in a good household that didn't curse him at any point in his new life.
His parents always supported him and loved him from the bottom of their hearts.
That was what made Shen Liqian such a considerate chief.
Therefore, it only made sense for Zhiyin to commend Shen Lexi.
Zhiyin nodded.
"Yes.
"He's excellent to work with and to watch over.
"I wouldn't ask for anyone else."
Hearing the two of them speak about him like that felt awkward and strange.
Shen Liqian flushed, his face red.
He kept looking from his mother to Zhiyin, but the two acted as if he weren't here to begin with.
Once they found common ground, their conversation flowed, and they became close friends out of nowhere.
"I decided to reveal myself as a courtesy to you and your husband for being so understanding of Liqian.
"Neither of you ever asked him for the details of his enlightenment or what it entails.
"And now, the idea of asking about this cauldron and where it came from hasn't crossed your mind.
"Instead, you told him straight not to spoil you but to arm himself instead.
"You're a great woman, and I see you as a great friend."
Shen Liqian held his breath.
So much praise at once could trouble his mother.
Just as he thought, Shen Lexi stood with tears sparkling in her eyes.
She had no idea how to reply.
Every reply that came to mind felt inadequate or simply weak.
"Mom…" Shen Liqian whispered, clenching her hand.
Shen Lexi wiped away her tears and looked at Zhiyin.
"Your words mean a lot."
She now understood where Shen Liqian was obtaining his profound knowledge, and she couldn't help but feel happy that it came from such a great woman herself.
Shen Liqian only hoped Zhiyin wouldn't suddenly drop "I am a Primordial Empress" out of nowhere, as that would frighten his mother.
Smiling, Zhiyin jumped onto the cauldron's rim and walked around with feline grace.
"It's a cauldron for alchemy, Lexi.
"You have a talent for alchemy, and Liqian believes it's the best among the women of the Shen Clan.
"Bias or not, that doesn't concern us.
"You can become a great alchemist to support your family and the clan."
When Shen Lexi heard she could assist her family even while staying in the house, her eyes turned sharp and decisive.
"Please, tell me more!"
Zhiyin arched her neck.
"With pleasure."