Chapter 41: Even a Mottled Sow is Called Ruhua

With Lin Zhixiang’s single word of permission, everyone could finally begin to eat. Looking at the table brimming with dishes, Mo Yu’s lips twitched involuntarily; this morning meal was simply too extravagant.

"Big Brother Mo, you should drink more chicken soup; it’s good for your health. And these dishes—I specially checked the recipes for them, all beneficial to your recovery."

"Alright." Mo Yu was slightly startled, a trace of astonishment passing through his heart. So this entire feast had been prepared specifically for him?

"Elder Sister, I want to sit next to you," Lin Wuyue said softly, resting two tiny hands on the edge of the table.

Lin Chuwei was momentarily taken aback, her gaze instinctively turning toward Lin Zhixiang—an ingrained gesture of respect toward their father.

In their household, seating arrangements during meals were strictly fixed: the boys sat on Lin Zhixiang’s left, the girls on his right, and the order was invariably from oldest to youngest.

"Go ahead," Lin Zhixiang nodded.

Lin Chuwei immediately smiled and walked over to the little fellow, while Lin Qiyue stood up and moved the child’s chair right beside Lin Chuwei’s.

No sooner had the little one been settled in the chair than he leaned heavily toward Mo Yu.

Startled, Mo Yu quickly reached out to steady him, whereupon the little fellow naturally wrapped his arms around Mo Yu’s sleeve.

"Older Brother, Seventh Aunt’s family has a sow named Ruyu—"

The dining table fell into instant silence, only to erupt into uproarious laughter a moment later.

Mo Yu felt a flicker of surprise; he truly hadn't expected the little one to explain this to him.

"Xiao Wu!" Lin Chuwei gritted her teeth, glaring daggers at Lin Wuyue, who refused to let go of Mo Yu’s arm.

She felt like crying. What a little traitor!

"Alright, Big Brother understands," Mo Yu said with a smile, gently patting the little fellow’s head.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Lin Chuwei gnashing her teeth in frustration, and a wave of amusement washed over him. At last, he understood why this lass was so terrified of people calling her by her given name.

"Older Brother, don't laugh at Elder Sister, okay? Elder Sister is much prettier than that sow," Lin Wuyue blinked his wide, innocent eyes and whispered.

With a shriek of dismay, Lin Chuwei snatched the little fellow back into her lap. "Xiao Wu, eat your food right now!"

Suppressing a smile, Lin Qiyue looked at Lin Wuyue, who was now pouting grievously, and remarked, "Xiao Wu, you dare to speak the truth right to Elder Sister's face? Careful she doesn't beat you."

Lin Wuyue nodded with a vague understanding, and in a voice so tiny it was almost inaudible, he piped up, "Mm-mm, Second Older Brother, I'll remember. Next time I'll wait until Elder Sister isn't around to say it."

Sitting back down with a look of utter despair, Lin Chuwei complained, "Father, your method of naming us is far too casual."

"Eat your meal," Lin Zhixiang said in a deep voice, eating with profound concentration, though in truth, his conscience pricked him slightly.

Mentioning their names was a sore subject; not just Lin Chuwei, but all the other children chimed in with grievances. "Exactly, Father, you really were too casual with our names."

Mo Yu looked curiously at the indignant siblings, yet remained silent, knowing well that he was merely an outsider.

"Big Brother Mo, do you want to know the story?" Lin Chuwei suddenly turned her gaze toward Mo Yu, her lively, expressive eyes instantly betraying her inner schemes.

Mo Yu’s lips twitched again. He truly hadn't expected this lass to be thinking of silver at a time like this!

Yet, he still replied, "I am indeed curious."

With a rare display of coy hesitation, Lin Chuwei rubbed her hands together. "Well, Big Brother Mo, you see, this really counts as our family's deep secret. If you want to know, just one tael of silver will do. Really, it's an absolute bargain!"

The mouthful of soup Lin Zhixiang had just taken nearly sprayed across the table. This girl!

"Ahem, Ruyu, do not speak while dining."

Lin Chuwei emitted a soft huff, completely ignoring the warning. "You already said it." With that, she cast a hopeful glance at Mo Yu, her eager little eyes making it utterly impossible for him to refuse.

"Very well."

"Elder Sister is amazing!" The moment Mo Yu’s words fell, save for Lin Qiyue, all the other children stared at Lin Chuwei with glowing eyes, filled with undisguised adoration.

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Thank you all for your comments; they make me feel like I am not writing into a void. Mwah~