HLM -Chapter 1126 Parent-Child Activities

Breakfast couldn’t include the baked cake—it took too long to bake, easily over an hour.

Father Bo and Mother Bo prepared millet porridge and pan-fried buns in the kitchen. The small buns had two fillings: leek with egg and beef. Dale and Little Bartier ate with such gusto that their mouths were covered in oil.

Wang Bo preferred the beef buns, made with high-quality veal. They were tender and fragrant, and the first bite would release bursts of juicy oil—it was simply irresistible.

There were also a few side dishes: pickled radish, salted duck eggs, chili sauce, and Mother Bo even made a bowl of vegetable salad. However, Mother Bo’s eyesight wasn’t as sharp as it used to be, and a small green caterpillar had made its way into the salad.

Wang Bo picked it out to show his mother. But between them sat the little girl. When he extended his chopsticks, she thought he was trying to feed her, looked up without checking, and popped it into her mouth.

She even acted shy while eating: “Teacher, don’t do that! I’ve grown up—I don’t need anyone to feed me.”

Little Bartier sitting opposite saw what was on Wang Bo’s chopsticks. He gasped and wanted to warn the little girl, but Wang Bo quickly gave him a warning glance.

Rubbing his stomach, Little Bartier said, “I’m full.” He realized that if he told the truth, the little girl would probably be furious.

Curious, the little girl asked him, “Brother Bartier, why did you eat so little? Are you anorexic again?”

Thinking ahead to getting hungry later, Little Bartier took another plate of beef buns and said, “I’ll eat in the bedroom; I have homework.”

Dale didn’t notice anything amiss. She continued devouring her food while sneaking glances toward the baking room.

Occasionally, she’d jump down from her high chair and run to the baking room to check if the cake was done.

To check if a cake was baked, you could gently shake the pan: if it wobbled, it wasn’t done; if it stayed firm, stick a toothpick in the side—if it came out without wet batter, the cake was ready.

Zhuang Ding and the little princess eagerly followed her, while the chubby cat brothers climbed onto the oven’s insulating layer, hanging upside down, intently watching the little girl poke at the cake.

By the time breakfast was over, the sides of the cake in the oven were full of holes, all made by the little girl with a toothpick. Unfortunately, the cake still wasn’t done.

Half an hour after finishing breakfast, the cake was finally baked. By then, the little girl had already run off to play with her friends in town, but Zhuang Ding and the others patiently waited by the oven.

Eva, experienced in baking, didn’t need to test it—she checked the cake’s color and nodded. “It’s ready. The cake can come out.”

The freshly baked cake was plump, steaming, fragrant with eggs and sweet sugar. Though Wang Bo had eaten enough, he still cut a piece for himself.

Food earned through effort always tasted sweeter; he felt he had never tasted such delicious cake before.

Eva said, “Put it in the fridge. It tastes even better chilled. Dip it in butter—it’s a perfect match.”

Zhuang Ding whined impatiently. Usually composed like a queen, he now licked his lips eagerly. They didn’t care if the cake was hot or cold—having some to eat was enough.

A few cakes had “bloomed” with cracks, which Eva said was due to the little girl constantly opening the oven to check.

They baked a batch of cakes on Saturday, which was eaten in a single day—having many mouths to feed was certainly a challenge.

Sunday, with nothing to do, Wang Bo baked more cakes. This time he followed Eva’s lead, making all sorts: yogurt cake, Black Forest cake, mousse cake, fruit cake, and more.

The entire weekend was spent in the baking room. Wang Bo found it very enjoyable—making desserts with Eva was more meaningful than doing other things together. However, too much baking eventually took away the fun.

On Tuesday after school, the little girl said, “Sister, it’s your time to shine.”

Eva asked curiously, “Time to shine? What do you mean?”

“The school is hosting a parent-child kitchen activity on Friday. There will be lots of baking projects—you can show off your skills.”

Wang Bo realized this was an interactive event for parents and children at the elementary school. The school often held such events, at least once a quarter. Previously, it had been a parent-child talent show, and Eva and the little girl had sung a duet, receiving thunderous applause.

Eva shrugged. “Unfortunately, darling, I’ll be taking Tilpela home on Friday. Her depression has improved a lot, so I can’t stay to join the activity.”

Dale panicked. “That won’t do! You’re my sister—you can’t skip attending with me!”

“Let your brother-in-law go,” Eva said casually.

Wang Bo looked regretful. “Sorry, my dear little girl, I have a meeting that day. But don’t worry—your uncles and aunts will go with you.”

Father Bo laughed. “Sorry, son, we’ll attend this event, but as guests. Your mother and I will demonstrate the charm of Chinese cuisine!”

Mother Bo, asserting her authority, slammed the table. “Alright, son, enough talk. You must go. If you don’t, who will translate for your parents?”

Dale said, “Yes, yes! Brother-in-law, you go then.”

Out of respect for being called brother-in-law, Wang Bo canceled his trip to the Four-Town meeting. Honestly, he was curious to attend such an event—he had never been before, as Eva usually went.

The school had a large activity room temporarily converted into a kitchen, with two range hoods installed.

Tables were set up with rice, flour, oil, and various condiments—everything was provided by the parents, like a neighborhood party. Students organized the activity, and parents brought ingredients for their own projects.

Wang Bo had planned to cook some Chinese dishes, but since his parents were the featured guests showcasing Chinese cuisine, he couldn’t upstage them—so he baked cakes instead.

Several teachers entered the activity room. The children politely greeted them: “Good morning, Ms. Michelle.” “Good morning, Mr. Wilson…”

A teacher smiled: “Thank you for your greetings, children, but where are the parents?”

Wang Bo quickly said, “Good morning, teachers.”

Father and Mother Bo, who had basic English, followed suit: “Good morning, teachers.”

The teachers and parents were astonished at this family. Wang Bo looked a little dumbfounded—what are you looking at me for?

Then the children began greeting them: “Good morning, Uncle Naruser.” “Good morning, Aunt Kenia.” “Good morning, Mayor…”

Wang Bo: “…”

Father and Mother Bo realized: “Son, are you out of your mind? You embarrassed us by following along!”