Chapter 222 Hot Pot (1/2)

Yu Hao stared blankly at the yellowed booklet in his hand, then at Yan Yu's cold face, but a warm little sun shone in his heart.

He knew that for someone like Brother Yu, even a single word was too much.

To be able to personally give him something, that's a tremendous gesture!

He solemnly stuffed the booklet into his innermost pocket, patted it vigorously, and then chuckled as he sat down again.

However, Yan Yu's indifferent "no" was like an invisible thorn, instantly extinguishing the warmth that had just risen in the room.

Yu Hao was in a state of panic. He went over what he had just said in his mind several times, but he still couldn't figure out which word he had said that had offended this man.

The air in the main room suddenly became awkwardly quiet.

Ruan Tang's dark almond-shaped eyes swept over the faces of the group, finally settling on Yan Yu's taut profile.

She knew exactly what was going on.

The older brother noticed something.

She felt that way too, a faint feeling, like a melody drifting in the wind, singing that after this meeting, perhaps they would be separated by mountains and rivers, and never meet again.

She didn't like this feeling.

Ruan Tang stretched out her fair and delicate hand and gently hooked it around Yan Yu's stiff sleeve from below, her fingertips drawing circles on his wrist almost imperceptibly.

"elder brother."

She tilted her head back and spoke in a soft, sweet voice.

"Let's have hot pot together for lunch."

This sudden remark stunned the other two men in the room.

Yan Yu lowered his eyes, his gaze falling on the little girl's small, palm-sized face.

His reflection was clearly visible in those clear, bright almond-shaped eyes.

It's full of dependence, and a hint of... a little bit of willful tantrum because I don't want to face parting.

His seemingly impenetrable defenses were easily breached by her, revealing his most vulnerable spot.

All the severance of cause and effect, all the sorrow of parting, vanished in the face of his little girl's soft "I want to eat."

The chilling coldness emanating from him, capable of freezing people, melted away in an instant.

Yan Yu raised his large, calloused hand and gently rubbed the top of her head. His voice was deep and resonant, as if it were echoing in his chest, filled with undisguised doting affection.

"good."

With just one word, the temperature in the room instantly warmed up.

Upon hearing the word "hot pot," Yu Hao's eyes lit up instantly, and his earlier slight annoyance vanished.

These days, being able to enjoy a steaming hot pot of meat in a copper pot is like living the life of a god!

"Hot pot is great! Hot pot is great!" He rubbed his hands together excitedly. "My sister-in-law's suggestion is absolutely brilliant!"

Yu Hang, who was standing to the side, watched in silence as Yan Yu indulged Ruan Tang so naturally. His understanding of this man was once again refreshed.

His silly younger brother has a really sharp eye; he's chosen the right person to follow.

Yu Hang stood up and addressed Yan Yu and Ruan Tang in a steady and firm tone: "How could I possibly accept that? Brother Yan, sister-in-law, I can't let you spend money on this meal. I'll go to the supply and marketing cooperative and see if I can get some good meat."

As a soldier, he was never in the habit of taking advantage of others, especially since the other party was his younger brother's benefactor.

Upon hearing this, Yu Hao immediately jumped up from the kang (a heated brick bed), patting his chest and guaranteeing, "Yes, yes, yes! My brother will go get the meat, and I'll go to the tofu shop! The tofu from our Jixiang brigade is absolutely amazing. Add some frozen tofu, and it'll soak up all the broth in the hot pot—my goodness..."

As he spoke, he involuntarily swallowed.

Ruan Tang burst out laughing at his greedy look, her dimples appearing and disappearing.

Yan Yu had no objections, only saying to Yu Hang indifferently, "Not too much."

Yu Hang nodded, and the two brothers put on their coats and rushed out to shop.

Once the door was closed, only Ruan Tang and Yan Yu remained in the main room.

The two finished their breakfast at a leisurely pace. Yan Yu cleared the dishes, and Ruan Tang followed closely behind him.

"Brother, let me help you." She said, reaching for the empty bowl on the table.

Yan Yu stretched out his long arm, but instead of touching the bowl, he wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up in his arms.

Ruan Tang gasped and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.