Chapter 11: Two Little Wolf Cubs

“Let me introduce you—this is Lu Lin, your older brother; he is seven years old this year. This is your younger brother, Lu Chen, who is five.” After the meal, Lu Feng formally introduced the two children to Fu Xiaoxiao, speaking seriously even to the kids. “Lu Lin, Lu Chen, this is my wife, Fu Xiaoxiao. From now on, she will be your Mom Lu.”

Lu Feng didn’t tell the children that Fu Xiaoxiao was specially hired to take care of them; he didn’t want them to look down on her because of that.

The boys fell silent, lowering their heads bashfully; they couldn’t bring themselves to say those two words.

“No need to force it. Just call me Aunt Fu,” Fu Xiaoxiao shook her head at Lu Feng, cautioning him not to rush.

She understood—it was impossible to say those words to a stranger.

The word “Mom” was like a burn on the tongue.

“Aunt Fu,” Lu Lin and Lu Chen immediately called out obediently when she said so.

“I have to go on a mission tomorrow. You must listen to her and behave. If anything happens, wait for me to come back,” Lu Feng said, looking at the two boys.

“Dad Lu, we’ll behave,” Lu Lin said. He knew that Lu Feng, like their biological father, always went on dangerous missions, and no one knew when he would return.

Fu Xiaoxiao secretly observed the two boys. They were so well-behaved in front of Lu Feng, but she wondered if their true thoughts would come out when he was gone.

Having grasped the basics of the first day, Fu Xiaoxiao felt confident about this job.

Just as she was about to rest, she remembered the iron box and took it from the cabinet.

Carefully opening it, inside was only a small traditional undergarment and an old-fashioned key—a worn copper key scratched and weathered from time.

She picked up the undergarment. This must have been the little garment she wore when she was sent to the Fu family. The edges were bordered with colorful silk thread, and the center was embroidered with the words “Longevity and Prosperity.” Running her hand over the embroidery, she felt the raised texture; the craftsmanship was exquisite.

To own such a garment, it seemed her birth mother’s circumstances had not been poor.

During that dark and sensitive era, her mother likely entrusted her to the Fu family for protection.

Looking at the only two items in the iron box, Fu Xiaoxiao was sure her birth mother must have left more with the Fu family.

When the opportunity arose, she would definitely reclaim her mother’s belongings.

—

The next morning, Fu Xiaoxiao woke early and went to the kitchen to make a few egg and vegetable pancakes for Lu Feng, so he would have a full meal before setting off.

—

Lu Feng woke to the aroma drifting from the kitchen and sat up immediately. Fu Xiaoxiao had gotten up so early just to make him breakfast?

Accustomed to solitude for so long, he had long forgotten what it felt like to be cared for.

A flicker of surprise and warmth crossed his usually calm eyes. He was somewhat at a loss, as if a soft spot inside him had been gently touched, sending ripples of warmth that lingered.

Fu Xiaoxiao came out of the room carrying the egg pancakes and met Lu Feng’s gaze.

“I didn’t know when you’d leave, so I made some pancakes for you to eat if you get hungry on the way,” she said, handing him the aluminum lunchbox. “Eat these now—make sure you’re full before you go.”

Lu Feng’s lips trembled slightly. After a moment, he managed to say, “Thank you.”

“Sorry to leave you alone right after we married. When I come back, I’ll make it up to you,” he said apologetically, looking at Fu Xiaoxiao.

He wanted to tell her to just focus on the kids and not worry about him, but the words caught in his throat for some inexplicable reason.

“You’ve already done everything for me. There’s no need to make it up,” Fu Xiaoxiao replied, already very satisfied with her work.

The boss was away, and all she had to do was cook for the two boys and earn a high salary every month. This was a dream job for her.

The more sensible Fu Xiaoxiao was, the more guilty Lu Feng felt.

She glanced at her watch and reminded him, “It’s already 5:30.”

Lu Feng quickly picked up his chopsticks and ate the two egg pancakes in a few bites, grabbed his luggage, and prepared to leave.

“Be safe. We’ll wait for you at home,” Fu Xiaoxiao called after him.

Lu Feng paused, didn’t turn back, raised his hand in a wave, and disappeared around the corner.

—

After Lu Feng left, Fu Xiaoxiao sat in the courtyard, peacefully enjoying her breakfast, when her eyes caught sight of two figures. She smiled softly.

“You’re awake—why not come out to see your Dad Lu off? Breakfast’s warming on the stove. Hurry and wash up and come eat.”

Lu Lin and Lu Chen opened the door and came out, their small mouths pursed as they looked at Fu Xiaoxiao.

“Dad Lu has already left. You don’t have to pretend anymore,” Lu Lin said coldly, his gaze piercing as if trying to see through her.

“Pretend?” Fu Xiaoxiao blinked. “Who’s pretending in front of you?”

She was just making breakfast; it wasn’t like she was acting.

“You’re just like Aunt Li. If you don’t like us, you don’t need to pretend to like us in front of Dad Lu. We’re not your children. You’re only nice to us to show off for him. Now that he’s gone, you can stop pretending,” Lu Chen said, his eyes full of the same resistance as Lu Lin’s.

Fu Xiaoxiao leisurely ate her breakfast and glanced back at the two little wolves with a smile.

This was their true nature.

Yesterday’s obedience was because of Lu Feng.

“Do you want the truth or polite words?” Fu Xiaoxiao asked with a smile.

“The truth,” Lu Lin and Lu Chen’s eyes flashed. This woman really was something...

“The truth is, I don’t like you, but I don’t dislike you either,” Fu Xiaoxiao said, taking the last bite of pancake and setting down her chopsticks.

Seeing the boys’ stunned faces, her smile deepened.

“Let’s be clear today so you don’t have to be on guard around me every day. Here’s the deal: I have nothing to do with you. I won’t be nice to you without reason, but I won’t bully you without reason either. I promised Lu Feng I’d take good care of you—that’s my promise to him,” Fu Xiaoxiao said frankly.

The parallel gazes made Lu Lin and Lu Chen feel something different.

It wasn’t like the way other aunts scolded them; it was more like adults negotiating with adults.

“Whether you like me or not is up to you, and I respect that. But I hope you respect my efforts. For example, I got up early to make breakfast for you. I hope you don’t waste it just because you don’t like me,” Fu Xiaoxiao smiled.

“We would never waste food,” Lu Lin looked at Fu Xiaoxiao seriously.

They understood better than anyone how precious food was.