Chapter 321: I Might Not Have Time

"My mom’s doing great. She wanted to come back to Beijing this time, but it’s too hot, and the train ride is three days long. The kids are too young to endure that, so she stayed home."

"If we have time off for the New Year, we’ll all come back together."

’The "we" she mentioned definitely didn’t include Qin Wenhao.’

’After all, who knew if Qin Wenhao would be away on a mission.’

’Of course, her own work schedule was unpredictable. If she was busy then, she wouldn’t be able to come back either.’

But Mrs. Qin was thrilled to hear her say that.

"It’ll be wonderful to have you back for the New Year! Oh, right, your older brother and Gao Lan are getting married at the end of the month. Will you two have time to make it?"

Just as Fu Mingxue was about to answer, Qin Wenhao beat her to it. He said bluntly, "We’re busy."

Fu Mingxue: ...?

’Couldn’t he have been a little more tactful? With that tone, people would think he was deeply unhappy about the wedding.’

"I’m sorry, Mom. After this break, the factory is starting a new project. It’s a really important one, so I’ll be swamped. I probably won’t be able to get away."

Just as Mrs. Qin was about to say it was fine, Mr. Qin spoke up. "Your work is the most important thing."

Mrs. Qin: ...?

’He makes it sound like I’m so unreasonable.’

"Mingxue, your work is the priority. If you can’t make it, you can’t make it. It’s really no problem."

Qin Wenze chimed in, "Just focus on your work, sister-in-law. Our wedding reception is really just a simple family dinner. Having you here today is just as good."

Seeing this, Gao Lan nodded quickly. "We don’t mind at all. Your work is more important."

Just then, Aunt Li came over.

She announced to everyone, "Dinner is ready!"

Mrs. Qin immediately took Fu Mingxue by the hand. "Come on, let’s eat."

Fu Mingxue got up to follow.

Then, she noticed something. "Mom, where are the two children?"

"The older one is at the youth center, and the younger one is at preschool. They’ll be back this afternoon."

’They really have a full household.’

The table was laden with dishes for lunch.

Gao Lan came from a modest background.

So when she saw the table overflowing with twelve different dishes, she was inwardly stunned—her own family didn’t even eat this well for the New Year.

’The Qin family is so well-off!’

She silently vowed to herself—with such a good family, she would never be ungrateful and self-destructive like Qin Wenze’s ex-wife.

’On the contrary, she was very easy to please.’

’She would definitely treat the two children well and be a good stepmother.’

’Of course, she also hoped to have one or two children of her own.’

’She loved children.’

Mrs. Qin placed some food on Fu Mingxue’s plate. "Mingxue, have some of this pork knuckle. It’s incredibly tender. This is Aunt Li’s specialty."

Fu Mingxue nodded. "Okay, Mom. I can serve myself, thank you."

Mrs. Qin then turned to Gao Lan. "You have some too. It’s delicious."

Gao Lan nodded immediately. "My—Mom!"

But Qin Wenze had already put some on her plate for her.

’Fu Mingxue glanced over and noticed that Wenhao’s older brother seemed to be treating his wife differently this time.’

By the end of the meal, Fu Mingxue was stuffed.

She said with a smile, "Aunt Li, your cooking is getting more and more amazing!"

Aunt Li was naturally pleased to hear that. "I’ll write down the recipe for you. You can take it with you in a little while."

"Oh, thank you so much, Aunt Li! I’ll have my mom try it out when I get back."

From the side, Qin Wenhao pulled a pen and paper from his pocket. "I’ve got paper right here. Go ahead, Aunt Li!"

His expression was surprisingly earnest.

Aunt Li immediately began reciting the recipe—