I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s-Chapter 20: Mother Smells So Good

Xie Jinghao listened to what she said, only letting out an awkward smile. As a sister-in-law, she absolutely had no intention to instigate the division of her brother and sister-in-law's household. However, she thought it was good that Shen Meng harbored such a thought; the situation was nearly at the breaking point like a thin sheet of window paper that just hadn't been punctured yet. Anyway, she stopped short of continuing on the topic and said no more.

Lu Mingkai nudged the enamel cup forward a bit; he had already taken several sips and wanted his sister to have some too. The brown sugar water was sweet and very tasty.

As he was about to push the cup toward Lu Mingfang, he felt a bit apprehensive and looked up at Shen Meng and Xie Jinghao.

"Ming Fang, have a couple of sips and then give some to your third aunt," Shen Meng said gently, looking at Lu Mingfang. The little girl glanced at her and for some reason accepted the cup – her mother's smile was so beautiful, it warmed her heart.

Shen Meng sized up the two children. Lu Mingfang's hair was dry and yellow, her clothes ragged, and the pair of shoes on her feet were worn through, with cotton batting poking out – even her big toe was exposed. Clearly, they were the same pair of shoes worn from winter through to summer.

In contrast, Lu Mingkai was scrawny, but clean and tidy; one could tell he was well cared for. Shen Meng thought of Lu Mingyang and Lu Mingliang and knew that the little fellow must be under the care of his older siblings. She felt comforted by this fraternal affection and was relieved to see that the main children in her family group were still on the right path.

"Jinghao, I have a favor to ask of you. You know my sewing isn't that great. I got a piece of fabric before and would like to make a winter jacket for Ming Fang. I have some cotton stored here; can you see if it's enough?"

Saying this, Shen Meng stood up, took the piece of green peony patterned fabric she had shown Lu Mingfang before from the kang cabinet, and then got down to fetch a bag of cotton from the wardrobe. Of course, this cotton was secretly taken from her space – genuine Xinjiang cotton.

"My heavens, that's a lot of cotton. Elder sister-in-law, where did you get this from?"

Xie Jinghao's surprise was understandable. Had she known Shen Meng had such good quality items before, Liu Sanjin, her mother-in-law, would certainly have taken them away and not allowed her to keep them till now.

"Before, their dad sent some cloth tickets. After buying the fabric, I slowly saved up cotton. Ming Fang is a girl, others her age already have clothes they can wear out. My own daughter doesn't have a single piece; that doesn't sit well with me. I've been saving up for a long time without telling the kids. I was afraid I wouldn't save enough, and they'd have gotten their hopes up for nothing."

Lu Mingfang looked at Shen Meng in surprise. She hadn't expected the previous mention of making her clothes to be true. When they moved, she returned the fabric to her mother... She hadn't dared to touch it since then, but now her mother was actually letting third aunt make clothes for her. The fabric was so soft and with so much cotton – she didn't know how long her mother must have saved it for. She heard that some families start saving for their daughters from a young age, just so they can add two decent quilts by the time they get married.

"Mother..."

Shen Meng watched Lu Mingfang's eyes moisten with tears and gently ruffled her hair. Although she wanted to hug and kiss her, she was aware that the little girl was still somewhat afraid of her; excessive affection might scare her.

Xie Jinghao, seeing how Shen Meng cherished the child, felt happy for the kid and immediately expressed her willingness to help.

"Alright, then I'll leave this task to you. Any leftover fabric, please make a pair of cotton shoes for Ming Fang. Once I'm feeling better, I'll go to the Cooperative Society to see if there's any fabric left and make clothes for the boys. You can keep any excess fabric to make little shoes for the child. The due date is in December, right?"

"Yes, at the end of December. Elder sister-in-law, you're really kind. Take good care of the children and have a nice life with my older brother. In the future, things will surely get better. As for making clothes, I think I'll come over to your place to do it. I have a big belly now, no need to work, and once I've finished with house chores, I'll have the time."

Shen Meng naturally knew what she meant; if the fabric and cotton were taken to Old Lu's house, would they ever be returned?

"Okay, then I'll thank you in advance. Xiao Gang is still little; later on, I'll bring him over to play with Ming Kai."

"Ah, sure. You should rest for a bit, elder sister-in-law. I'll be heading back then."

Shen Meng didn't let her leave immediately, handed her the brown sugar water that Lu Mingfang had taken a few sips of, and watched her finish drinking before letting her go.

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After Xie Jinghao had left, there were only the mother and her three children remaining in the room. This moment was actually quite awkward, mainly for Shen Meng. Although she had previously imagined having children of her own, it definitely was not under these current circumstances. After all, these two children had suffered quite a lot from the original owner's torment. If she appeared too enthusiastic, it might raise suspicions, as Lu Mingyang in the original book was very shrewd.

"Ming Fang, you're a good child. Mom hasn't done well these past few years. You, along with Mingyang and Ming Liang, have taken such good care of Ming Kai. Mom thanks you all. Xiao Kai, you must remember the kindness of your brother and sister. In the future, when you're capable, you must repay them, understand?"

Lu Mingfang's head was lowered, and tears "plop, plop" fell downwards. Lu Mingkai, looking at the woman speaking with such tenderness, couldn't help but reach out his little hand.

"Mom."

Shen Meng reached out to hold Lu Mingkai in her embrace, gently rubbing the top of his head with her chin.

"Ah, my son, Mom is here!"

Taking advantage of this warm moment, Shen Meng freed one hand and gently embraced Lu Mingfang.

Lu Mingkai had grown up with his brother and sister and was rarely held in the arms of the original owner. When he went out to play, he had seen other children lying on their mothers' shoulders, little bottoms being gently patted. He was so envious when he saw it.

Now he was also in Mom's embrace; the little fellow couldn't help but snuggle up a bit more, taking a deep inhale. Mom smelled really nice, and she was soft; it felt so good to be held by Mom, and he couldn't help but "hehe" a couple of times.

Lu Mingfang leaned against Shen Meng, her lips pursed tightly, wanting to lean closer but not daring to do so. In any case, she felt like this afternoon was unreal, like a dream.

Lu Mingyang and Lu Mingliang, who had gone out to collect firewood, were walking back home carrying the firewood. At home, there were only Ming Fang and Xiao Kai, along with a mean woman who might hit them at any moment; they were very worried.

After entering the home, they threw the firewood on the ground and hurried to the west room. Not seeing anyone there, they both panicked a bit and quickly ran to the east room. In the few steps it took to get there, Lu Mingliang had already pictured the tragic state of his brother and sister in his mind.

When the two of them, pale-faced, rushed into the east room and saw their brother and sister in the arms of their stepmother in a very warm scene, they exchanged looks, feeling as if they had seen a ghost.