Chapter 260 - 99: There’s a Problem with Your Thinking
"Here, Jing Qi." Qin Mei offered the boiled egg to Jie Jingshan.
Jie Jingshan looked at the egg Qin Mei was offering but didn’t take it. She gazed at Qin Mei, her young face earnest. "Fourth Sister-in-law, Fourth Brother left that egg for you."
"I already had some congee, so I can’t eat the egg. You need the nutrition right now." Not giving Jie Jingshan a chance to refuse, Qin Mei pressed the egg into her hand.
"I’m not hungry, Fourth Sister-in-law." Jie Jingshan felt a bit helpless, but a warmth spread through her heart. ’Fourth Sister-in-law always gives her eggs to me.’ She thought back to Aunt Zhang. When they were on good terms, she would give Aunt Zhang any nice things she had, always thinking of her first. If it weren’t for everything that happened after her incident, she would have never known she had given her heart to the wrong person.
"Studying is hard work and taxes your brain. Training is tough and drains your energy. Jing Qi, you need proper nutrition for both. An egg with milk is very nutritious. You eat the egg first. I’ll go mix some powdered milk for you." Qin Mei stood up and walked toward Jie Jingshan’s room.
"Fourth Sister-in-law," Jie Jingshan called out, stopping Qin Mei. Words of gratitude formed on her lips, but she swallowed them. Her sister-in-law didn’t like to hear such things. "Make an extra cup."
"Alright." Qin Mei smiled and nodded. ’This is Jing Qi’s way of showing her gratitude, her way of expressing her feelings. I can’t refuse, or she’ll feel burdened.’
If she showed Jing Qi a bit of kindness, Jing Qi would want to repay her tenfold.
’Jing Qi is such a kind girl,’ Qin Mei wondered. ’Why would Aunt Zhang betray her?’
Jie Jingshan set her book down, cracked the egg, and began to peel it. She ate it in small bites, a warm feeling spreading through her chest.
"Fourth Wife of Jing!" Granny Yu’s voice boomed. "Fourth Wife of Jing!"
"Granny Yu," Qin Mei called back. She had just mixed two cups of powdered milk in enamel mugs, and she handed one to Jie Jingshan.
Jie Jingshan, who had just started on the egg yolk, began to choke. She took the enamel mug from Qin Mei and took a large gulp of the milk.
Qin Mei was still holding her own mug and hadn’t taken a sip when Granny Yu burst in. Parched, she snatched the enamel mug from Qin Mei’s hands, tilted her head back, and chugged a large mouthful. She stared at Qin Mei, stunned. "Is this... milk made from powder?"
The corner of Qin Mei’s mouth twitched, but she managed a smile for Granny Yu.
"Oh, Fourth Wife of Jing, I’m so sorry! I thought it was just water. I didn’t realize it was milk made from powder," Granny Yu said, looking guilty. ’Powdered milk is so expensive!’
"It’s alright. Go ahead and finish it," Qin Mei said with a smile. ’What else can I say? Granny Yu already drank from it. Even if she gave it back, I wouldn’t drink it now.’
Granny Yu looked quite embarrassed as she stared down at the milk in the enamel mug. But then she remembered why she’d come looking for Qin Mei and instantly felt justified. ’I’m here to bring her a small fortune, so what’s the big deal about drinking one cup of milk?’
Granny Yu finished the rest of the milk in the mug, wiped her mouth, and smacked her lips, savoring the taste. "No wonder powdered milk is so expensive. The milk it makes is delicious."
Qin Mei simply smiled without saying a word. Noticing that Jie Jingshan was upset, she gave her shoulder a comforting pat.
Pouting, Jie Jingshan didn’t seem comforted at all. Qin Mei prompted her, "Jing Qi, drink up. I need to wash the mugs when you’re done."
Jie Jingshan was annoyed that Granny Yu had drunk the milk meant for her sister-in-law.
Even though she was upset, she didn’t let it show. Jie Jingshan finished her drink and handed the mug to Qin Mei.
Qin Mei took the two enamel mugs to a nearby sink to wash them. Granny Yu followed her, watching her wash the mugs. "Fourth Wife of Jing," she said, her voice filled with excitement, "I didn’t drink your milk for nothing. I’ve come bringing you a small fortune!"