Chapter 12

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Meng Wei sat down beside Meng Yao and said unhappily, “Mother! You can’t just focus on Jiao and ignore Yao!”

With tears in her eyes, Meng Yao looked at Ning Jia pitifully.

Ning Jia’s heart softened. She said softly, “Meng Jiao just came back and isn’t familiar with our family. I need to take care of her. Meng Yao, you’re the most sensible girl, aren’t you?”

There was nothing else Meng Yao could say. She quickly nodded and said, “Mother, I can do it myself.”

Ning Jia turned around and scooped some food for Meng Jiao.

Meng Wei scooped some food for Meng Yao and said, “Mother! You have two daughters now. You have to be fair to them.”

After saying that, Meng Wei glared at Meng Jiao. After all, Meng Jiao came back to the family after a long time. Although she was the real daughter, Meng Wei had no feelings for her. Unlike Meng Yao, who had followed him around since he was young.

“How can you talk to your mother like that!” said Meng Tang. He came downstairs and walked to the dining table. When he heard his son’s words, he could not help but glare at Meng Wei.

Meng Tang had always been serious and did not speak much.

When Meng Jiao saw Meng Tang come over, she quickly stood up and respectfully called out, “Father!”

Meng Jiao’s polite manner surprised the others.

Meng Tang’s serious expression could not help but ease up. He said with a pleasant expression, “Sit down and eat.”

Meng Jiao obediently sat back down.

The Meng family valued rules the most. In her previous life, Meng Jiao had made mistakes many times.

Meng Wei and Meng Yao did not expect Meng Jiao to be so self-aware and polite.

“Jiao, did you always stand up when your family came to eat at your house in the past? Is that a conditioned reflex?” Meng Wei smiled and said.

Meng Jiao understood that Meng Wei was picking on her because he did not stand up to welcome his father.

‘Wei is at a high risk of “chuunibyou” disease. He was not evil, but not much. His mouth and mind were not on the same line. He could be easily manipulated and bewitched by Meng Yao.’ Meng Jiao thought.

Meng Jiao lowered her eyes and said softly, “I’m responsible for cooking in my previous home and I can’t eat at the table.”

Meng Tang and Ning Jia’s faces turned ugly as they glared at Meng Wei.

Meng Wei opened his mouth wide and asked angrily, “They didn’t even let you eat at the table and you still want to cook for them?”

Meng Jiao nodded lightly and smiled at Meng Wei. She asked, “Wei, do you like to eat braised dishes? I know how to make braised pork. I can make it for you another day.”

Meng Wei waved his hand repeatedly and said, “I can’t let you do that. I can’t.”

The women in Meng Wei’s family, from old to young, had never done any house chores. He could not let his sister cook braised pork for him. Even if he thought about it, he would be guilty and his father would punish him heavily for that.

Ning Jia felt sad and distressed. She held Meng Jiao’s hand and said patiently, “Jiao, you’re the young lady of the Meng family. You don’t have to do these things. Your hands can’t do rough work anymore. Otherwise, it won’t look good.”

Ning Jia looked at Meng Jiao’s hands carefully. Fortunately, Meng Jiao’s fingers were slender. Although Meng Jiao’s skin was a little rough, it was not deformed or thick. It was still very good-looking. Meng Jiao would be fine after taking care of herself.

Meng Jiao smiled and said, “Mother, I was forced to cook in my previous home. But if I can cook for you, it’s a gift from me. I don’t know how to thank you for bringing me back. This is the most sincere way I can think of.”

Meng Wei was touched. He hurriedly said, “It’s okay, it’s okay. You’re fine. It’s good that you’re back.”

He now found Jiao pleasing to the eye. Previously, he was just as worried as Meng Yao. He was worried that he would bring back a wild girl who would embarrass him everywhere and make him unable to raise his head in front of his peers.

Meng Wei did not expect that although Jiao was as skinny as a pole, she was extremely sensible. She was so sensible that he felt a little ashamed of himself.

“You’re our daughter. You don’t need to thank us,” Meng Tang said gently.

Ning Jia’s eyes were a little wet. She said, “Your father and I were the ones who have let you down. We let you suffer out there for so many years and suffered so much.”

Meng Jiao gently held Ning Jia’s hand and said, “Mother, it’s okay. Didn’t they say that the worst of times will pass? I’ve suffered all the hardships, so I won’t have any more hardships to suffer in the future.”

Ning Jia could not help but laugh when she heard that. She pinched Meng Jiao’s meatless cheeks and said, “My dear, you are really good with expressions.”

Meng Yao finally realized that this country-bumpkin girl could not be underestimated. She thought, ‘I was too naive and thought too simply of Jiao. It seemed that I had to put in 120% of my energy and properly fight with that girl. Otherwise, I’d be the one who was going to be chased out of the house!’