DLRC – Chapter 109 Like Meeting the Mother-in-law

“Brother, are you living here now?”

The car slowly pulled up outside Jiang Aihua’s small courtyard. Looking in the rearview mirror, Huo Mingwang saw Mingxia curiously taking in her surroundings.

He didn’t get out of the car, just sat there with a smile as he watched her, feeling both nervous and a little expectant.

“Do you still remember why I said we’re here?”

Mingxia’s bright, watery eyes blinked once. She nodded. “I remember.”

“When you see her, don’t get too worked up. Back then, she was just like you—sick. That’s why she became like that. But she’s recovered now, and the person she used to be is back.”

Huo Mingwang had explained to Mingxia that the reason Yu Wei had a drastic personality change years ago was because she had a mental illness, just like Mingxia. It was the kind of illness that could take years to treat and still might not fully heal.

But since Yu Wei had come to Luzhou, her condition had been cured. That, he said, was why she had left him six years ago—to seek treatment.

Mingxia had been silent for a long time after hearing that. Although her own psychological condition was very serious, when she wasn’t having an episode, she could understand things quite clearly.

She knew what it felt like when an episode hit—how overwhelming it was, how the emotions took over beyond her control. The things she said during those moments weren’t really her speaking; they were things she couldn’t help but say.

So, lying in bed and thinking for a long, long time, she realized—she could understand why Yu Wei had left her brother.

Her brother said Yu Wei’s illness was better now. He promised it would never relapse, and that nothing like what happened six years ago would happen again.

He said her temperament now was just like when they first got married—gentle, thoughtful, always smiling.

And most importantly, she had given him a lovely little baby. Mingxia was now an aunt.

Though her fear of Yu Wei hadn’t disappeared completely, she was curious about that baby. Honestly, she wanted to see him.

So, she agreed to come with her brother today.

After mentally preparing herself, the two of them finally got out of the car. Huo Mingwang walked slowly with his sister up toward the building. As they passed through the courtyard, they saw Jiang Aihua.

She curiously glanced at the girl beside him, then gave them a warm smile before going back into her house.

Upstairs, on the second day after returning from the hospital, Yu Wei received a message from Huo Mingwang.

He said he was bringing Mingxia over—to help her let go of her inner fears, and to let her meet Yu Hui.

Yu Wei didn’t refuse, but inside, she was an absolute mess of nerves.

That morning, she’d gotten up especially early. It had taken her forever just to pick out what Mingxia might like to wear—she made so much noise that she even woke up her son.

After soothing Yu Hui back to sleep, she went to the market and bought the freshest ingredients she could find.

Since she didn’t know what Mingxia liked to eat, Yu Wei figured she’d just ask once they arrived.

She had also baked some cakes and pastries the day before—made a whole variety, hoping at least one would suit Mingxia’s taste.

After all, what teenage girl doesn’t love good food?

Her biggest fear now was that Mingxia might relapse the moment she saw her. What if she got so frightened that she had to be hospitalized again?

Yu Wei was really worried, but Huo Mingwang had told her, “The only way to eliminate fear is to face it.”

So she agreed to meet. But she hardly slept a wink that night, just waiting anxiously for the siblings to arrive.

She suddenly found it funny—why did meeting a little sister-in-law feel like meeting a mother-in-law? Honestly…

Just as her thoughts were spiraling, the door was finally knocked.

Knock knock—

Yu Wei’s mind went completely blank. She quickly strode over and opened the door. The tall, upright man stood in front of her.

Behind him stood Mingxia.

“H-hi, Huo Mingwang! And… Mingxia.” Yu Wei snapped out of it and forced a very awkward smile, waving stiffly. “Um… you’re here pretty early. I just got back from the market, actually.”

She scratched her head awkwardly, exchanged a glance with Huo Mingwang, then looked at the girl behind him. “Uh… do you want to come in?”

Huo Mingwang didn’t say anything, but as he held Mingxia’s hand, he could feel sweat suddenly pooling in her palm.

The moment Mingxia saw Yu Wei, her breathing became uneven. She felt suffocated.

Her chest was rising and falling rapidly. Seeing this, Huo Mingwang quickly pressed his hand to her back, rubbing it gently to soothe her.

Mingxia tried hard to calm herself—she didn’t want to have another episode in front of Yu Wei.

Feeling her brother’s warm hand comforting her from behind, she relaxed a little, but she still didn’t dare move forward. Instead, she clung tightly to the back of his shirt, not daring to spare Yu Wei even a single glance.

She truly… truly felt like she couldn’t breathe… it was unbearable…

“Who’s this pretty lady?”

A soft, sweet little voice suddenly broke through the tense, eerie silence in the room.

Yu Hui had heard the commotion outside and came toddling out. When he saw Huo Mingwang—who he recognized—and the unfamiliar pretty young girl behind him, his curiosity peaked.

Yu Wei finally remembered her little charmer. Without thinking, she bent down and scooped him up.

“Huihui, Mommy forgot to tell you—today, a very pretty big sister is coming to visit us.” Yu Wei smiled, then glanced at Mingxia, who was still staring at her brother’s back as if she wanted to burn a hole through it.

Yu Wei’s smile grew warmer. “Huihui, this is your aunt—your little auntie.”

Yu Hui scratched his head, puzzled. “Mommy, why is big sister called ‘Gu-gu’? Is it the same as that ‘Gu-gu’?”

He pointed to the birdcage in the corner of the living room, where a bird was chirping cheerfully.

Yu Wei sighed. “She’s Gūgu (aunt), not gūgū (coo-coo).”

She didn’t have time to explain more. She turned to the siblings and said, “Come in,” before heading into the house with Yu Hui in her arms.

After hearing the door shut behind them, Yu Wei leaned in close to Yu Hui’s ear and whispered, “Huihui, later on, you have to talk to your aunt a lot, say nice things, chat with her, okay?”

People with psychological illnesses usually couldn’t resist soft, cute kids like Yu Hui. When around little ones, they often relaxed, and their emotions stabilized a bit.

“But why, Mommy?”

“Because she’s your aunt. She’s Uncle Huo’s little sister… so… just listen to Mommy and be nice to her, okay? Be friendly and warm.”

Yu Wei remembered she hadn’t yet told Yu Hui that Huo Mingwang was actually his father. Explaining how Mingxia was his aunt would definitely be complicated.

But now wasn’t the time to go into all that. Thankfully, Yu Hui never questioned his mom. He copied her tone and whispered, “Okay, Mommy! I’ll talk to Auntie lots and lots!”

Yu Wei, satisfied, poked his little forehead with her finger. Then she put him down, straightened up, and looked at the two guests behind her. Her voice was a little stiff.

“Um, I’ll go start on lunch. Is there anything you like to eat?”

Huo Mingwang raised an eyebrow. “So early? You’re already starting lunch?”

Yu Wei gave a sheepish laugh. “There are more people today, so I want to make a few extra dishes. I have to start early.”

Huo Mingwang nodded and didn’t say more. He led Mingxia to a chair and said to her, “Play with Yu Hui for a bit. I’ll come back soon.”

Mingxia looked up at him like a frightened deer. “Brother…”

“Don’t be scared. I’m just going to the kitchen. I’ll be right back.”

She bit her lip. He reached out and patted her shoulder before getting up and heading for the kitchen, where Yu Wei was already poking her head out and waving.

He walked quickly to join her, while Mingxia sat stiffly on the chair, not daring to move her eyes. She looked exactly like a nervous schoolgirl sitting up straight in class.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Yu Wei was close to a breakdown.

“I think your sister’s still scared of me… I’m so scared she’ll relapse while she’s here…”

Huo Mingwang sighed and reached out to ruffle her hair. “What are you afraid of? I’m here.”

“Ugh, what good is just having you here? If she gets triggered, she won’t even recognize you!” Yu Wei turned to dig through her vegetable basket, asking as she did, “Hey, what kind of food does your sister like?”

“She’s not picky. But she doesn’t like spicy.”

Yu Wei nodded. “Alright, no chili today then.”

Honestly, Yu Wei really liked spicy food. She couldn’t handle anything too hot, but when cooking—especially meat dishes—she usually liked to add a few peppers for flavor.

Since Mingxia didn’t like spicy food, it was best to skip the chili for this meal.

“Even if girls aren’t picky eaters, they must still have favorite dishes, right?” Yu Wei asked again, unwilling to give up.

Huo Mingwang stood by her side, watching as she took out the vegetables from the basket one by one. He stepped forward, took a cabbage, and helped her wash it.

“She really isn’t picky when it comes to food, but she does have quite a sweet tooth.”

“Sweet tooth?” A lightbulb went off in Yu Wei’s mind. She slapped her thigh and exclaimed, “Oh! I left a bunch of pastries and cakes on the table outside! Hurry up! Let your sister go pick something—there’s all sorts!”

She pushed Huo Mingwang out of the kitchen. “Don’t get in my way here. Go check on your sister. I’m worried she won’t feel comfortable with just Yu Hui there.”

Huo Mingwang had no choice. He turned to glance at his sister, who was sitting motionless in the chair with her back to them, then leaned down and kissed Yu Wei on her smooth, fair cheek—then pecked her lips lightly before walking away, finally satisfied.

Yu Wei was stunned by the sudden kiss, her mind going blank. Once she regained her senses, she quickly glanced toward the living room—fortunately, Mingxia had her back to them. Otherwise…

Stupid man!

Yu Wei returned to the kitchen to prepare lunch while Huo Mingwang walked over and sat next to Mingxia.

Seeing her brother had finally returned, the anxious weight in Mingxia’s heart slowly eased.

“What’s Auntie Sister’s name?” Lost in thought, Yu Hui came running over with Xiaobai in his arms. He looked up at Mingxia with big misty eyes and asked curiously.

Yu Wei: “…”

Huo Mingwang chuckled, peeled an orange from the fruit plate, and handed it to the little guy. Yu Hui grinned as he accepted it—and then offered it to Mingxia.

“Auntie Sister, this is for you!”

The curiosity and scrutiny on his little face were openly innocent, yet so endearing.

Huo Mingwang walked over and hugged Yu Hui. “Mingxia, do you know who he is?”

Mingxia looked at the orange in her hand and nodded. “He’s… Yu Hui, right.”

Her brother had already told her—there was a little boy here, his son, named Yu Hui, an especially lovable child.

“Before we came, I told you I wanted you to meet two very important people.”

Mingxia blinked. “Mm, he must be one of them.”

“Right, his name is Yu Hui.” After Huo Mingwang spoke, Yu Hui smiled sweetly at Mingxia and nestled in his father’s arms like a little angel, melting Mingxia’s heart.

“My name is Yu Hui, so does that mean Auntie Sister is called ‘Auntie’?” Then wouldn’t that be the same name as his bird?

Looking at the little guy’s innocent, pure face, Mingxia smiled faintly and took the orange from his hand. “Thank you, I’m Mingxia.”

She lifted her eyes and focused her attention on Yu Hui. Only then did she realize this was a very well-behaved, soft, and adorable little dumpling. Even with her cold personality, she couldn’t help softening a bit when looking at those big sparkling eyes.

She didn’t continue smiling, but a warmth of familiarity began to radiate from her. Maybe it was the blood relation—she naturally felt goodwill toward such a beautiful little dumpling.

And she was beautiful—Yu Hui had never been able to resist pretty girls.

“Then why can’t I call you Sister Mingxia? Why do I have to call you Auntie Sister?” Why did Mom give the same name as his bird to Sister Mingxia? So strange.

The little guy’s mind couldn’t make sense of all that, nor could Yu Wei explain it now—she didn’t have the time or energy—so she let him keep guessing.

Mingxia took a light bite of the orange, and the cool, sweet flavor spread into her heart.

This fruit wasn’t sold in the north. It was her first time trying it, and it tasted amazing.

“Huo Mingwang!”

Though she was in the kitchen, Yu Wei was still keeping an eye on the living room. She called out loudly, clearly noticing Mingxia’s body stiffen for a moment, then relax again as Yu Hui resumed talking to her.

“I told you to bring some cake and dessert for Mingxia—why are you just sitting there like a fool?” she scolded after Huo Mingwang returned.

Huo Mingwang didn’t mind. “Sorry, I forgot. I’ll go now.”

In fact, the table already had plenty of fruit and desserts laid out. But Mingxia, being such a well-behaved girl, hadn’t taken any despite the rich sweet aroma in the air. She hadn’t even turned her head—just sat there the whole time.

Huo Mingwang walked over to the table and pointed to the pile of pastries, gesturing for Mingxia to take whatever she liked.

“Take whatever you want. It’s all edible.”

Mingxia paused for a moment, then finally noticed the mountain of pastries on the side table. Her mouth instantly started watering.

It was a reflex—she couldn’t help it.

But Mingxia didn’t reach out. Instead, little Yu Hui put Xiaobai down and ran over to the table, enthusiastically trying to serve her.

“Auntie Sister, my mom made all these cakes! They’re super delicious! Which one do you like?”

The little dumpling asked excitedly. But Mingxia was too embarrassed to admit she liked sweets, so she stayed quiet and didn’t reach for any.

Yu Hui was confused and scratched his head. Then he remembered what Mom said—to talk to Auntie more—so he added, “Auntie Sister, I really like this butter tart. Want to try it?”

He waited a bit and, seeing no reaction, added again, “It’s really, really good! Super tasty! My favorite cookie!”

“Just try it!”

Mingxia kept looking at Yu Hui’s face—his sincerity and affection were obvious.

But that’s just how kids are—transparent in all their emotions.

Her heart was moved—not only by his words but also because she had always loved sweets.

But…

Still, she couldn’t bring herself to reach out.

Just as Huo Mingwang was about to help her, Yu Hui raised his tiny hand and placed the butter tart right into hers.

“Auntie Sister, are you shy? Let me get it for you!”

He held the cookie high in his little hands. “Smell it! It’s really fragrant!”

Mingxia was touched. The moment he lifted his arm like a treasure and handed her the treat, her heart wavered.

But reason still prevailed—she instinctively looked at Huo Mingwang.

He smiled, nodded at her encouragingly.

Only then did Mingxia hesitate, then finally, under Yu Hui’s expectant gaze, take the butter tart.

She slowly unwrapped the package, first inhaling the sweet aroma, then picking out one cookie with her fingers.

As soon as she tasted it, one thought floated through her mind: this was the most delicious cookie she’d ever had in her eighteen years of life.

“Isn’t it yummy, Auntie Sister?” Yu Hui looked up excitedly at her.

He didn’t believe anyone wouldn’t like cookies made by his mom. And judging by Mingxia’s reaction, she definitely liked them!

He could tell!

Sure enough, Mingxia looked at his little face and finally gave a gentle nod under his gaze, her expression filled with quiet satisfaction—not obvious, but noticeable.

Especially in those jewel-like eyes of hers, which sparkled faintly.

She looked at Yu Hui’s rosy face and held out a cookie to him. “Want one?”

Yu Hui shook his head. With a wave of his little hand, he pushed the cookie back to her mouth. “I’ve eaten too many butter tarts already. I shouldn’t eat any more.”

Mom said too many sweets could stunt his growth, and he’d already had plenty before. Though he still wanted more, he could control himself!

Mingxia ate the tart and felt her mood lift even more.

This place wasn’t as scary as she had imagined—and the sweets were so delicious she almost didn’t want to leave.

Chopping sounds came from the kitchen. It was the weekend, and with Yu Hui at home, the job of creating a lively atmosphere naturally fell to him.

The little guy took Mom’s instructions seriously and did his best to welcome his aunt with enthusiasm. He played his part perfectly as a little charmer, loosening Mingxia’s reserved heart.

“Why are they called Gu Gu and Ji Ji? Who named them?”

They were playing with the birds. Huo Mingwang left them alone and went to help Yu Wei in the kitchen—and sneak a few bites of tofu while he was at it.

“I named them! Both of them!” Yu Hui said proudly. Then scratched his head. “But, but I don’t know why they’re called Gu Gu and Ji Ji. They just are!”

Mingxia nodded thoughtfully. Yu Hui released the birds, startling her so much she jumped up from her crouch and stepped back.

“Auntie Sister, don’t be scared! That one’s Gu Gu. Don’t you want to play with it?”

Mingxia waved her hands in panic, afraid the bird would fly onto her. But Yu Hui confidently held them in his palms, one in each hand.

Amazingly, the birds stood quietly in his hands, not flying or pecking, which stunned Mingxia.

“Auntie Sister, look!” Yu Hui’s proudest skill was this—these pearl birds only listened to him and loved playing with him the most.

They didn’t even listen to Mom that much!

Mingxia, now curious, was eventually lured into playing with the birds. Xiaobai was jumping excitedly nearby. The two pearl birds, noticing Xiaobai, stayed obedient and didn’t fly around.

Overall, lunch was a lively and harmonious meal.

With Huo Mingwang’s help, Yu Wei made six dishes in total, each with generous portions. There was no way they’d finish it all—only Huo Mingwang had the appetite to eat twice as much as Yu Wei. Still, the leftovers would have to wait until the next meal.

During the meal, Yu Wei’s enthusiasm was impossible to hide.

She didn’t know why, but after meeting such a shy, reserved, and awkward Mingxia, she felt a deep sense of guilt well up inside.

She felt sorry for Mingxia—this girl’s personality was truly heartbreaking.

She picked up a piece of crispy pork and placed it on Mingxia’s plate. “I saw you take this a few times. You must like it, right?”

Mingxia was startled, her heart beginning to tremble again. But she held back and didn’t react—nor did she speak.

Yu Wei wasn’t offended. She smiled gently and placed a shrimp on her plate.

“This is good too. Try it.”

Yu Wei’s repeated gestures of kindness made Mingxia extremely nervous. But looking at Huo Mingwang’s relaxed expression, she didn’t dare ask him anything. In the end, she just gave a tiny nod.

“Th…thank you.”

Seeing she didn’t refuse, Yu Wei finally relaxed and kicked Huo Mingwang under the table.

Why was this man just eating and saying nothing?

But Huo Mingwang felt that whatever existed between Mingxia and Yu Wei should be resolved between them directly. If he got involved, it might only complicate things.

Yu Hui, seeing how warmly his mom treated Mingxia—offering her food—grew even more curious.

“Auntie Sister, I’ll serve you too!”