Seeing Zhang Wan'er's troubled expression, Chen Lishu feigned helplessness and shrugged before saying, "If you're not willing, then forget it. Besides, this breakfast was prepared by you early this morning, how could I steal your credit?
Alright, hurry up and go call them for breakfast. You don't need to worry about me, I'll figure out a way to get the forgiveness of the two elders myself. They've always doted on me, and I'm sure they won't make things too difficult for me!"
Hearing Chen Lishu's words, Zhang Wan'er's alarm bells rang. That's right, the people in the family had always pampered Chen Lishu. Who knew if they would soften if Chen Lishu acted submissively? All her carefully designed plans would be in vain!
With this thought, Zhang Wan'er could only grit her teeth and agree to Chen Lishu's request, "Do as you wish. I just hope the atmosphere at home can be better, which is beneficial for the children's growth. I'm a mother now, and naturally, I don't want the children to become sensitive and suspicious because of these matters. Most importantly, I don't want this home to be cold and distant!"
Chen Lishu nodded, then walked to the door. When she saw the table full of delicacies, she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. It was truly difficult for a young lady like Zhang Wan'er to stoop so low and do such awkward things for the sake of her mission's success.
"These dishes are for Aunt He. Her taste is rather strong, but she's recuperating now, so she can't have much oil and salt. Therefore, I've added some vinegar to her dishes to greatly enhance the flavor.
This one is for Aunt Li. A while ago, when I came to make medicine for Aunt He, I found that she quite liked Chinese food like noodles and rice, so I made her a bowl of plain noodles..."
Zhang Wan'er thoughtfully introduced each dish she had prepared. Chen Lishu's lips curved upwards slightly. She then picked up the food for Madam He and smiled at Zhang Wan'er, saying, "Thank you for your thoughtful effort. I'll go and apologize to the He family properly first."
After saying this, Chen Lishu's expression faltered for a moment. Then, she frowned at the bowl of noodles on the table, her face showing a hint of worry as she asked, "The noodles aren't very tasty when they're cold. Why don't you bring the noodles over too? We can coax both elders together."
Zhang Wan'er was taken aback and then said urgently, "We have to coax them together again? Then let's just sit at the dining table and eat together!"
Chen Lishu shook her head and smiled, "I'm truly sorry, but I'll be saying some heartfelt words later. If there are outsiders present, I might not be able to say them. So, could you trouble me to bring this bowl of noodles to the study as well? And call the elders out for breakfast."
Unable to find a reason to refuse Chen Lishu, Zhang Wan'er could only hesitantly agree, "Then... alright."
Zhang Wan'er brought the food directly to the study, while Chen Lishu called out to Madam He and Li Xiulan, "Mom, don't sleep anymore. I have a good show to watch, hurry up and come to join the fun!"
The two elders of the He family and Li Xiulan rubbed their eyes groggily and followed Chen Lishu to the study. When they saw the table full of food, they were stunned.
Chen Lishu winked at Zhang Wan'er, signaling her to help say a few words. Upon receiving the signal, Zhang Wan'er's face showed a meaningful smile, and she said, "Uncle and Aunt, Chen Lishu made this breakfast for you early this morning. She has something important to tell you, so I won't disturb your family reunion. I'll leave first!"
After saying this, Zhang Wan'er went to the door. She looked back at the still somewhat awkward group and carefully closed the door for them, then stood guard at the door. She didn't believe Chen Lishu could pull off any tricks under her nose! As long as the food in the bowls was touched when Chen Lishu and the others came out, it would prove that her plan had succeeded.
Zhang Wan'er thought her plan was brilliant, but she didn't realize that Chen Lishu in the study was indeed playing a trick of substitution.
After Zhang Wan'er left, Madam He quickly put away her cold expression and warmly held Chen Lishu's hand, asking with a frown, "What are you two up to again? What are you secretly planning by yourself? And is this whole table of food really made by you?"
Chen Lishu opened her mouth, but before she could explain the truth, the secret door behind her slowly opened, and He Zinian walked out. When he saw the table full of food, he let out a cold snort, "A weasel paying a new year's visit to a chicken, it means no good!"
Hearing his unpleasant words, Grandpa He impatiently picked up the stick in his hand and hit him, "What nonsense are you talking about? This was prepared by your sister early this morning. You're saying this before even tasting it! What's wrong with you this morning?!"
After being hit, He Zinian immediately abandoned his aloof and disdainful demeanor. Like a cunning child, his eyes widened, and his voice was filled with grievance, "Dad, what are you doing? I didn't say anything about Lishu!
Lishu has been busy with the competition lately. Didn't we initially forbid her from getting up early to make breakfast for our family? We said this kind of thing should be handled by the maids. Since that's the case, it means these dishes weren't made by Lishu, so I naturally wouldn't say anything to hurt Lishu."
"How would I know your convoluted thoughts? I just think saying such improper things early in the morning is asking for a beating! And what do you mean by that? Do you know something? Good, you brat, you've learned to hide things now!" Grandpa He said angrily, then picked up his cane again, ready to hit He Zinian's backside.
He Zinian's eyes widened instantly, and he dodged behind Chen Lishu, muttering, "Dad, don't you think your behavior is a bit too unreasonable?
With what happened early in the morning, I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't just knock on your door while you were sleeping, right? You'd both think I was crazy!"
Seeing the father and son about to brawl, Madam He shouted with exasperation, "Alright, you father and son, stop fooling around. Someone is watching our every move outside. Let's talk inside! Don't let Zhang Wan'er discover something she shouldn't!"