Self-awareness

Father Qiao asked him back, “Can you take care of her until the end?”

Xiaoran was speechless.

Father Qiao said, “Xiaoran, if you love her, you have to make her independent. During this period of time, let her fiddle in the kitchen. No matter what she does, we’ll praise her for doing well. Let her live in a generous environment and remember her birth at all times. Humans can’t forget their roots.”

Falcon looked at Father Qiao appreciatively. “I’ve always been curious what kind of family would nurture a girl like An’an who can endure hardship and still maintain her elegance in adversity. Seeing you today, I understand.”

Father Qiao was a scholar, but he had the blood of a soldier in his bones. Falcon was a soldier, but he also had the romance of a scholar in his bones.

Therefore, when the two of them met, they really regretted not meeting earlier and connected well with each other.

They were in harmony in the living room.

But there was a pinging sound from the kitchen. Qiao An was busy.

It was not that she did not know how to cook, but she had not cooked for many years and was unfamiliar with her skills. Moreover, she could not help but feel guilty when she suddenly revealed her culinary skills in front of her two fathers.

Huo Xiaoran listened to the sounds coming from the kitchen and panicked. He stood up several times in frustration but sat back down under Father Qiao’s gaze.

Father Qiao’s words made Xiaoran think about it repeatedly, but there was no answer.

Could he accompany Qiao An to the end?

If he were young and hot-blooded, he would definitely nod without hesitation. However, after experiencing so much separation, he already had a sense of helplessness toward fate.

He couldn’t promise to stay with Qiao An until the end.

What if he was sick? Had he had an accident?

He found he had to arrange Qiao An’s life for the rest of her life.

After a long time, Qiao An came out with her masterpiece.

The dining room was filled, which showed that Qiao An had put in a lot of effort. However, the color of the dish made the children, who were used to exquisite food, frown in disdain.

“Why is this dish this color?” Angel said.

“Because Mommy made this,” Joey said.

“The color is ugly, and the taste shouldn’t be much,” Ki Ki said.

Then, the three children picked up their chopsticks and placed a mouthful of food into their mouths.

Joey immediately spat it out. “It’s salty.”

“Raw, not ripe,” Angel said.

Ki Ki forced himself to swallow before asking suspiciously, “Why do you suddenly want Mommy to cook?”

Xiaoran said, “Because Grandpa said that people have to maintain an independent personality at all times.”

The children seemed to understand.

Qiao An came out with the rice. “How does it taste?” she asked with a smile.

Just as the children were about to tell the truth, Huo Xiaoran flattered her. “Yes, it’s much better than I expected.”

Qiao An glanced at Father Qiao smugly and said proudly, “Dad, do you believe that I can cook now?”

Father Qiao smiled meaningfully. “Yes. It would be better if it could last.”

Qiao An sat beside Huo Xiaoran, who kept picking up the most successful dish she had made for her. Meanwhile, he poured the salty and raw dishes into his bowl.

Ki Ki looked at his daddy and suddenly asked him in confusion, “Daddy, what do you expect Mommy to cook?”

Ki Ki cursed silently. Could there be anything worse?

Huo Xiaoran said shamelessly, “It’s already not easy. A beautiful woman like your mommy would be a vase in other families. She has to take care of you and do housework in my house, so you can’t make Mommy angry.”

Ki Ki shook his head helplessly. The taste of the food made it difficult for him to swallow. He stared at his mommy another way. “Mommy, is it delicious?”

Qiao An looked up with a bright smile. “Although it can’t compare to the nanny’s, it’s still healthier and more environmentally friendly than the shops outside. So make do.”

Father Qiao said, “You really don’t know your place at all.”

Qiao An lowered her head.

The children took a few casual bites and left the table.

After lunch, Huo Xiaoran stood up very consciously to clear the dishes. Qiao An pressed his hand. “Brother Xiaoran, let me do it.”

Huo Xiaoran said, “It’s been hard on you to cook. Let me do it.”

Qiao An glanced at Father Qiao uneasily. Father Qiao said to Xiaoran, “Xiaoran, let An’an do it. She’s been eating, sleeping, and eating these past few days. At least, she can exercise this way.”

Qiao An muttered unhappily, “Dad, am I your biological child?”

Father Qiao said, “It’s because you’re my biological child that I have to ask you strictly. An’an, once a person falls into a habit, no one will obtain happiness from you except for yourself. Over time, some people will alienate you.”

Qiao An thought for a moment and agreed that her father’s teachings made sense. She obediently picked up her bowl and chopsticks and entered the kitchen.

Huo Xiaoran lowered his head and followed Qiao An in.

When he entered the kitchen, Xiao Ran did not forget to close the kitchen door. This way, the kitchen was isolated from the outside world.

“An’an, let Hubby wash it.” He walked over and washed An’an’s hand under the tap, then wiped it clean for her.

Qiao An looked at Xiaoran in distress. “Brother Xiaoran, my father doesn’t allow me to be lazy.”

Xiao Ran kissed her face. “You’re not lazy. I want to do it myself.”

Qiao An hugged Huo Xiaoran from behind and said coquettishly, “What my father said makes sense. Brother Xiaoran, I can’t be a rice worm. I’m the only person who’s so happy. I should be the sun and bring happiness to everyone around me.”

Huo Xiaoran said, “An’an, but I feel very happy.”

Qiao An blinked playfully. “Really?”

Huo Xiaoran said, “When you went to the countryside to learn farming for me, I felt that I was the happiest person in the world. However, that happiness contained too much heartache. I don’t want you to suffer for me.”

“Then what can I do to give you relaxed happiness?”

“Like now. You hug me and wheedle. When you look at me, your eyes are filled with stars. Hubby will feel extremely happy.”

Qiao An smiled sweetly.

Then, Qiao, An said mischievously, “Old Man Qiao just can’t stand me. After he treats this place as his home and gets familiar with his friends, I won’t acknowledge him.”

Xiaoran pinched Qiao An’s nose. “Seeing how innocent you are in front of Dad, I’m jealous of Dad. An’an, you can occasionally make a fuss in front of me.”

Qiao An smiled shyly. “I’m afraid your good impression of me will be ruined.”

Huo Xiaoran suddenly picked her up. “You don’t know how much I like to see you being naughty. This is good, An’an.”