Especially since Tao Tao, this child, is so well-behaved and sensible, it's truly heartbreaking.
Jin Lan fetched two cushions to raise Tao Tao's seat. This time, Tao Tao could reach the food while sitting, though picking up dishes was difficult. Jiang Yan picked up a chicken wing for her and said, "I was just in a bad mood, it has nothing to do with you. I apologize for being harsh with you."
Tao Tao blinked her beautiful big eyes and looked at her timidly, saying, "Mommy, it's okay. If you're unhappy, you can take it out on me."
Tao Tao's voice was soft and childish, melting hearts.
"I'm not your mommy, don't call me that... And what do you mean, if I'm unhappy I can take it out on you? No one should take their unhappiness out on others, understood?" Jiang Yan said somewhat awkwardly.
Tao Tao nodded as if she understood, then said, "But, the older brothers and sisters at the welfare institute, when they're unhappy... they take it out on Tao Tao. They hit Tao Tao, they pinch Tao Tao, and then they laugh."
Although Tao Tao was timid, her ability to express herself was not weak, and her words were clear and coherent. It was just her eyes that were too timid, clearly indicating she had been bullied for a long time.
Jiang Yan was so angry she almost slammed the table, "Someone hit and pinched you?"
Tao Tao nodded cautiously, "Mommy, I don't want this. I'll just eat vegetables. This delicious food is for Mommy and Daddy to eat."
Tao Tao, living in the welfare institute, had long been accustomed to fawning and currying favor. This was how she could endure less beatings.
"If you don't give it, you get beaten?" Jiang Yan asked with a dark expression, completely ignoring the fact that the child had called her mommy.
Tao Tao nodded.
"So you're so small because you only eat vegetables!" Jiang Yan's anger flared as she thought of a group of older children bullying this little one.
What kind of welfare institute was this? It should be called a wolf's den, raising a pack of wolf cubs!
"Sometimes there aren't even vegetables. I have to go outside and find wild vegetables to eat," Tao Tao said truthfully after thinking for a moment.
Jiang Yan's fists were clenched so tightly they were hard.
Jin Lan watched his wife's indignant expression and remained silent. He knew that someone as soft-hearted and kind as Jiang Yan would inevitably sympathize with Tao Tao.
He thought to himself, this whole mess was caused by his sister's misdeeds. He really wanted to know what was going on in her head. Perhaps he should arrange a full neurological examination for her.
"Eat, eat the best. I'm telling you, children need to eat more meat to grow fast! There's plenty of meat here, eat as much as you want." Jiang Yan placed three chicken wings on the small plate in front of her.
Tao Tao hesitated for a moment, then cautiously picked up a chicken wing with her fork and took a bite. The tender and fragrant taste spread through her mouth. This chicken wing was truly delicious. She couldn't help but take another large bite.
"That's more like it. Eat without worry, there's a lot here," Jiang Yan said, picking up a chicken wing for herself and eating it, afraid the child would feel burdened.
Jin Lan also picked up a chicken wing and ate it. The three of them gnawed on chicken wings simultaneously. Tao Tao finally felt at ease, smiled happily, and finished a chicken wing with joy.
"Do you not have parents?" Jiang Yan then served the child some shrimp.
Tao Tao stopped eating when she heard her question and shook her head, saying, "I've been here since I can remember. The院长妈妈 said I was abandoned at the welfare institute's doorstep by my parents."
Jiang Yan and Jin Lan exchanged glances. Jiang Yan became even more indignant. What kind of parents were these? She struggled to have children, yet someone gave birth to such a cute child and abandoned her. The world was truly ironic.