Yun Bixue was just about to get up when Ji Qiongxin pushed her back onto the couch. "Don't busy yourself, you can't get tired. What do you like to eat? I'll prepare it for you."
Yun Bixue could feel her mother-in-law's enthusiasm and kindness, but she felt very uneasy at not doing anything at all.
After the pickled fish had been served, Xie Limo pulled Yun Bixue over to the side. "Mother, watch the television if you're bored. I can't manage by myself, and I need Bixue's help."
Hearing Xie Limo's words, Yun Bixue finally heaved a sigh of relief. She rushed into the kitchen with Xie Limo.
Ji Qiongxin pretended to be unhappy and whined, "Child, why don't you feel bad for my daughter-in-law? What if she feels tired?"
"Mother, enough. She's not used to you being like that. She'll feel intimidated." Xie Limo had been familiar with his mother's temperament since his childhood. She usually appeared indifferent like a goddess, but after getting to know someone, she would be fully devoted to treating them well.
His mother regarded only a few people like that. One of them was his father, and the other was him. Now, she was treating her daughter-in-law that way too.
He felt glad deep down. Bixue had lacked motherly love since her childhood, and he felt more thrilled than anyone else at knowing that his mother treated her well. However, Bixue would definitely not be able to adapt to her initial display of over-enthusiasm.
Thus, they both needed time and space to accommodate and adjust to each other's personalities.
Ji Qiongxin pondered and nodded. "You're right. Go and get busy. I'll watch some tv and update myself on Ning An City's affairs."
When Xie Limo entered the kitchen, Yun Bixue was patting down on her chest and exhaling audibly. He stepped forward and encased her in his arms from the back. "Why? Do you not like Mother?"
"No, I think your mother is truly great. For a moment, I felt that I was experiencing motherly love, but for some reason, I feel afraid, like I shouldn't try to welcome these feelings. Hey, do you think I'm a coward?" She'd always heard that the relationships between mothers and their daughters-in-law were difficult to manage, but she genuinely felt so fortunate to have met not only a husband who pampered her, but also a wonderful mother-in-law.
Her mother-in-law's concern and gentleness could certainly melt her heart, and it made her feel as though she was re-experiencing her mother's love.
Xie Limo gave a soft sigh and hugged her even more tightly. After the two of them got together, he learned about her past. Therefore, he pampered and doted on her, showering her with all the love that she had lacked.
However, he still couldn't replace the form of indulgence that could only be offered by her parents. He only wished for her to be happy.
Yun Bixue enjoyed the warmth from his embrace and quickly suppressed her feelings. She turned around and said, "Limo, it's almost noon. Mother must be starving, so let's hurry and get cooking!"
Xie Limo nodded, and the couple worked harmoniously. After a while, eight dishes, and a century egg congee were completed.
"Aunty, the dishes are done. But I'm not sure if they'll suit your taste." Yun Bixue passed the chopsticks to Ji Qiongxin before scooping a bowl of rice and placing it before her.
Ji Qiongxin's eyes lit up. "Yes, these are all things that I like."
Xie Limo chuckled by the side. "Mother, you have no idea. Ever since she found out that you were coming, she's been so nervous. She asked me about everything—about what you liked to eat and your favorite color. She insisted on buying everything personally, saying that it's only respectful to select everything in person."
Yun Bixue lowered her head in embarrassment and eyed Xie Limo with disapproval. Should he be saying that?
Xie Limo met the challenge and complaint in Yun Bixue's dainty eyes. An indulging glint of light flashed across his exquisite eyes, and he continued, "Mother, you shouldn't tease her. She's shy. Yesterday, she was even looking everywhere to prepare her makeup."