That northern project was an operation to take down an interprovincial human trafficking ring. And Lu Jiao, as an experienced commander, was actually the perfect choice for this operation, but he never received the notice to make the arrest.
Actually, he intentionally said all that for Uncle Wang Zhen to hear. He just wanted to remind him to keep work and life separate, and that he shouldn't get special treatment just so he could spend a few more days with me.
Of course, Uncle Wang Zhen understood exactly what he meant. He glanced at him, a little annoyed. "How do you think I got to be the leader around here? Is it by being sentimental?"
Uncle Wang Zhen continued, "We all know you're good, so I send you out every time. But anyone who didn't know better would think you're the only person on the team. It's not good to be in the spotlight all the time. You have to give other people a chance, too."
Lu Jiao understood immediately. It was because he'd been taking on too many missions lately. A few of the guys under him were starting to complain, and Uncle Wang Zhen was probably taking that into consideration. He didn't say anything else and just focused on preparing the tea. His movements were smooth, and in no time, the fragrance of tea began to fill the air.
The two of them chatted about other things for a bit. After a while, Wang Yuan ran upstairs from downstairs, shouting, "Dad, big bro, come down and eat."
As the three of them headed downstairs, Lu Jiao stopped Wang Yuan, who was skipping along. He asked her how her schoolwork was going.
The little girl's face fell instantly. "Big bro, can we please not talk about this at dinner time? You're going to make me lose my appetite."
Uncle Wang Zhen chuckled at that and patted his daughter on the head. "Your mental game is weak," he teased. "It's okay if we're not great at school, but we still have to eat, right? Even if you came in dead last, you'd still have to eat. How could you possibly lose your appetite?"
Auntie Wei, who was bringing out a dish, happened to overhear this. She immediately put the plate down and snapped at Uncle Wang Zhen. "Could you please wish for something good for a change? I spend every day teaching her to aim high, and you're over here saying it's fine to be last. You're doing this just to spite me, aren't you? You'll see how you feel when she actually comes in last. And you're the one who has to go to the parent-teacher conference. See if you're not embarrassed then."
Uncle Wang Zhen quickly tried to explain. "I was just kidding. Besides, there's no way my daughter would ever come in last. Right, Xiao Yuan?"
But Xiao Yuan had already slipped away downstairs, wanting nothing to do with their bickering.
I stood off to the side, unable to stop laughing. Lu Jiao went into the kitchen to help bring out the rest of the food. I followed his lead, grabbing the chopsticks and passing them out. Xiao Yuan climbed up on a cabinet to get some drinks. Uncle Wang Zhen and his wife were still blocking the stairway, arguing. The topic had already shifted from who their daughter gets her bad grades from to how their brilliant older son obviously got his good genes from them.
I looked at the warm, lively scene at the dinner table. Lu Jiao was bent over, scooping rice into everyone's bowls, while Xiao Yuan was busy passing out drinks. With the sound of the couple's bickering in the background, I suddenly felt incredibly at ease.
This is what a family is supposed to feel like, I thought.
I remember the matchmaker telling me that Lu Jiao was an orphan. But at least he has a family like the Wangs, unlike me. Even though I have a family, it's as if I don't. All because my mom had wanted a son back then. But she ended up with me, a daughter. And because of that, no one in my family ever really liked me.
Thinking about this, I subconsciously touched my belly. It doesn't matter if this baby is a boy or a girl. I'm going to love them with all my heart and let them grow up surrounded by love. Just like this.
Auntie Chen's cooking is absolutely incredible. There were six dishes and one soup, with meat and vegetables. It was enough to make your mouth water just looking at it. The fish soup had been simmered until it was thick and creamy white, and it smelled amazing.
We had all just sat down when Auntie Wei ladled a big bowl for me. "Here, this is good for you. Hurry up and try some. If you like it, you should have Lu Jiao learn how to make it from Auntie Chen so he can cook it for you at home."
I took a taste. It was incredibly savory with a light fragrance of radish. I nodded quickly and said it was delicious.
Auntie Wei immediately turned to Lu Jiao. "Did you hear that? Your wife says it's delicious."
Lu Jiao readily agreed to learn well from Auntie Chen later, promising he would.
A family meal is always so joyful and harmonious, but the pleasant atmosphere didn't last long. Halfway through the meal, we heard a knock on the door. Auntie Chen put down her chopsticks to get the door. Before we even saw the person, their voice came through first.
"Auntie Wei, isn't my timing perfect? I could smell the delicious aroma from the doorway. Let me see what delicious food you're making."
It was Gu Shunyin, holding a file folder. She followed Auntie Chen inside, and as she pushed open the door, she saw our whole family having dinner. And there was me, the person she detested the most. Her smile suddenly froze on her face.
"Auntie Wei, I came to drop off some hospital documents. I didn't realize you were having guests over for dinner."
I quietly sipped my soup and smiled without saying anything.
Uncle Wang Zhen said to Auntie Chen, "Get an extra bowl and chopsticks for Shunyin."
Gu Shunyin quickly replied, "Oh, I feel so bad about that," while cautiously glancing at Lu Jiao.
Auntie Wei stood up and enthusiastically pulled her over. "What's there to feel bad about? Every guest is welcome."
Auntie Chen also set out a bowl and chopsticks, saying, "You used to come eat with Lu Jiao all the time. Why are you being such a stranger today?"
Gu Shunyin pulled a stool over to Lu Jiao's right side and sat down with a smile, saying, "Well, it's just that I saw you had a guest today."
Auntie Wei served her a bowl of rice. "What guest? We're all family here. From now on, Lu Jiao and Lin Yao should come over often. Isn't that right, Lin Yao?"
I smiled and replied, "Thank you, Auntie Wei. In that case, I won't hold back."
Auntie Wei was delighted and said, "That's the spirit."
She and Auntie Chen just love it when the house is lively on weekends, cooking a big meal for the young people. Since their eldest son wasn't home, they poured that affection onto Lu Jiao and the other kids, especially since Lu Jiao's parents are no longer around. He's a bit younger than their own son, but he always rushes to help with household chores. Auntie Wei has long considered him half a son.
With Gu Shunyin's arrival, the topic of conversation shifted to her. Uncle Wang Zhen, sitting at the head of the table, asked, "Little Gu, what has your father been busy with lately?"
Her father is also a doctor and her mother is a university professor.