Chapter 100 - The Beginning & Ending
My daughter inexplicably developed anorexia; she feels nauseous with anything she eats. Despite consulting numerous doctors and trying various medications, there's been no improvement. Later, I even hired several chefs to prepare special meals for her, but to no avail.
This morning, I stumbled upon an online post raving about a restaurant called Spring Noodle Soup, complete with a photo of customers lined up, eagerly waiting their turn. Upon checking, I discovered it wasn't far from us. Skeptical about such a modest eatery, I nonetheless decided to give it a shot and took my daughter there.
Jiang's mother, aware of the situation, looked at the pale, hungry little girl beside Xia Qin, her eyes brimming with compassion. “Oh, dear child, what has happened to you?” she exclaimed. “I'll go speak with my son immediately!”
“Please, have a seat, sister. It'll just be a moment,” she said to Xia Qin, who was visibly relieved. “Thank you so much,” Xia Qin replied gratefully.
Jiang's mother quickly seated Xia Qin and went off to the kitchen to inform Jiang Hao. Shortly after, Jiang Hao emerged alongside his mother.
Upon laying eyes on Xia Qin, Jiang Hao was taken aback by her elegance. Her distinguished presence was unmistakable; she was clearly no ordinary woman. Jiang's mother eagerly introduced her son to Xia Qin, “Sister, this is my son, Jiang Hao. He's the one who made the Spring Noodles you saw in the photo!”
Xia Qin turned around at the sound. After Jiang's mother's introduction, she gazed at Jiang Hao's youthful face, her surprise evident, mingled with skepticism. Jiang Hao seemed far too young, and she couldn't help but temper her expectations.
“Hello, Mr. Jiang, I'm Xia Qin,” she greeted him. Her manners remained impeccable, as she promptly introduced herself and extended her delicate hand in greeting.
Jiang Hao, perceptive as he was, had already noticed the flicker of doubt in Xia Qin's eyes. The skepticism she harbored caused his impression of her to diminish somewhat.
He hadn't asked for her presence; it was she who had sought him out. What grounds did she have to doubt him?
Jiang Hao ignored Xia Qin's outstretched, delicate hand, his attention captured instead by the adorable little girl standing beside her.
The sight of the little girl's wan, sallow complexion and her lackluster spirit stirred something in Jiang Hao.
His heart ached for her. Such a sweet child, afflicted with anorexia—how could it be?
In that moment, Jiang Hao offered a tender smile, sidestepped, and made his way to the little girl's side.
His reaction left Xia Qin feeling awkward, but despite her dissatisfaction, she held her tongue, offering a slight smile and retracting her hand to alleviate the discomfort.
Jiang’s mother watched the scene unfold and couldn't help but chide him.
“This child!”
Jiang Hao gently touched the little girl's hand and softly inquired,
“Little sister, what's your name?”
The little girl gazed up at him with her big, round eyes and responded in a sweet, soft voice,
“Hello, big brother, I'm Xin Er!”
“Oh! So your name is Xin Er, little sister!”
“What would you like to eat? Big brother can make it for you.”
Xin Er looked at Jiang Hao earnestly and replied,
“Xin Er doesn't know.”
“Not sure? Well then, big brother will make a variety of tasty dishes, and you can choose whatever you like when it's ready. How does that sound?”
“Okay, thank you, big brother!”
“Alright, Xin Er, take a seat and wait just a little while. Big brother will whip up something delicious for you in no time!”
They continued their conversation, oblivious to the world around them.
The source of this c𝐨ntent is freewe(b)nov𝒆l