"Mother..."
Er Bao nestled into Feng Jin's embrace, calling out "Mother" in a soft, sweet voice. His mother hadn't held him like this in a long time, and the feeling was deeply missed.
The longing for familial affection was instantly ignited. Even Er Bao, who was naturally reserved, couldn't help but want to be closer to Feng Jin, his small body leaning in further towards his mother.
"I'm sorry. Mother has been busy taking care of your younger brother and has neglected you both. It's Mother's fault. Can you forgive Mother and not blame me, okay?"
Upon realizing her mistake, Feng Jin chose to apologize to her children. She didn't assert her authority as an elder but treated them as equals, seeking their opinions.
"Mother... Mother, Da Bao misses Mother. Mother, stay with me."
Da Bao simply expressed his true feelings. He wasn't blaming Feng Jin, but he felt sad that his mother hadn't spent much time with him lately. He was also worried that if she had a new little brother, she wouldn't like him anymore.
He had been constantly worried, wishing for his mother to spend more time with him.
"We don't blame Mother."
Er Bao was very perceptive and understanding. At such a young age, he could comprehend Feng Jin's feelings.
Feng Jin was deeply moved by Er Bao's few words. Er Bao was so sensible it made her heart ache.
Even when he felt wronged, he never spoke of it. His very understanding made her wonder if he was truly unhappy.
"Er Bao is so good. But Mother doesn't want you to be so sensible. Mother doesn't want you to hold back your feelings. You and your brother are both Mother's treasures. Sometimes, Mother doesn't want you to be so sensible; Mother wants you to grow up happy."
Feng Jin took her children's hands and sat down, speaking to them earnestly.
Da Bao was outgoing and uninhibited in expressing himself, so there was little to worry about.
Her greatest concern was Er Bao. This child was naturally quiet and rarely spoke his mind, always keeping things to himself.
She worried that if he continued this way, Er Bao would suffer many injustices. She didn't need Er Bao to be so understanding.
At his age, he should be mischievous and playful, a time when a child's nature is at its most vibrant. She didn't want Er Bao to suppress his emotions and extinguish his childlike innocence. What joy could childhood hold then?
"Mother,弟弟 doesn't talk, doesn't say anything!"
Da Bao gestured animatedly, expressing his dissatisfaction. He had long been impatient with Er Bao's habit of answering questions with just one word and remaining silent for long periods. Now that Mother was here, he had to make sure she properly educated Er Bao.
Er Bao lowered his head in silence. He understood many things in his heart and disdained to voice them, consistently choosing silence.
"Did you hear what Mother just said?"
A mother knows her child best. Feng Jin could tell from Er Bao's expression that he was somewhat resistant to what she had said.
Perhaps in Er Bao's heart, he didn't feel that his actions were wrong in any way. Perhaps this was also a part of a child's nature.
Was she being too strict? Was it better to let children develop according to their own natures without interference?
Er Bao nodded obediently. His usual sensible nature prevented him from refuting Feng Jin's words. He simply complied outwardly, also to avoid making his mother worry too much.
Feng Jin sighed helplessly. She wondered who this child's stubbornness came from. Once he made up his mind about something, even if you talked until your lips were worn out, it would be difficult to change his mind.
This disposition was so similar to Ling Mo Han's. It seemed these father and son were truly alike.
"Er Bao, what Mother says is for your own good. Mother knows Er Bao is very smart and will surely understand what Mother means. If you think Mother has said something right, then listen to Mother. If you think Mother is wrong, then just pretend Mother didn't say anything."
This child had his own firm ideas. If Er Bao didn't agree with what she said, even if she talked herself hoarse today, he wouldn't take a single word to heart.
Pressing further would only be counterproductive. It was better to let things take their natural course. Perhaps with gentle words, Er Bao might listen to a word or two.
Er Bao nodded obediently, not wanting to worry Feng Jin. "Mother, I'll remember."
However, he still held onto his own convictions, believing his thoughts to be correct. But to avoid making his mother worry, he spoke agreeably, following her wishes.
Feng Jin smiled faintly, her suspended heart still unsettled. A mother's only wish was for her child to live a peaceful life.
"Shall Mother take you out to eat something delicious today?"
"Okay, great! Mother, let's go quickly." Da Bao cheered and excitedly agreed, reaching out to pull Feng Jin and head outside.
Although Er Bao didn't outwardly show much, he couldn't suppress his inner joy, a faint smile playing on his lips.
...
"Mother, I want this fish..."
"Mother, I want this roast chicken..."
"Mother, I want this beef..."
Da Bao found everything delicious and ordered it all, without worrying about not being able to finish it.
Feng Jin looked at the table full of dishes and worried if they could finish it all. More importantly, she noticed that Da Bao was very focused on food, preferring to eat one extra bite than miss out on one.
Look at his now plump body and his slightly protruding little belly. The contrast with Er Bao beside him was very stark.
She almost doubted if these two children were twins. The difference was becoming increasingly apparent. If not for their identical faces, she would have doubted if Da Bao and Er Bao were truly brothers.
"Mother, this is delicious, hurry and eat."
Da Bao placed a piece of fish into Feng Jin's bowl with his chopsticks. The food here was truly delicious, especially this fish, which was incredibly flavorful. After the first bite, he craved a second, finding it endlessly memorable.
"Da Bao, eat slowly. It's okay to eat less, but don't overeat."
Feng Jin said with slight concern, truly fearing that Da Bao would stuff himself.
"It's okay, Mother..."