Translator: Kingbao Editor: DarkGem
Qiao Anhao deliberately emphasized on the word "calming", while her gaze remained focused on Han Ruchuâs face. She could distinctly spot the shock that flitted through her eyes and a hint of anxiousness.
Madam Qiao was aware that Han Ruchu had sent Qiao Anhao the swallowâs nest. When she heard Qiao Anhao asking for food, she said indulgently, "Ruchu, you have spoiled her! Sheâs starting to treat the Xu family as her own home, even demanding for food now!"
"My mother loves her for that." Xu Jiamu smiled before turning to face his mother. "Right, mum?"
Han Ruchuâs late response attracted everyoneâs attention. The housekeeper behind her regained her senses instantly, silently nudging Han Ruchuâs elbow. In a low voice, she whispered, "Mrs. Xu, donât just eat the cake, little master asked you something. Sheâll think that you are treating her as an outsider."
Han Ruchu snapped out of her daze, hurriedly lowering her lashes to conceal her anxiety. Her red lips curled into a smile. "What rubbish, Iâve always wanted Qiao Qiao as my daughter."
Calmly, she turned to her housekeeper. "Auntie Yun, I remember we still have some swallowâs nest at home, heat it up and bring some over."
"Yes, Madam Xu." With a turn, the housekeeper headed into the kitchen.
Qiao Anhao took in the entire exchange, a quiet smile etched on her face. Internally, she smirked.
The swallowâs nest was heated in an instant, and it was the same as the one given to Qiao Anhao previously.
When the housekeeper placed the swallowâs nest in front of Qiao Anhao, the latterâs gaze turned bright and sharp as though agitated. Her grip loosened slightly, and the chopsticks in her hand fell to the floor with a small thud.
"Qiao Qiao whatâs wrong? Too touched by the swallowâs nest?" Qiao Anxia smiled cheekily as she teased.
Xu Jiamu bent to pick up the chopsticks, passing them to the housekeeper before getting a new pair for Qiao Anhao.
Qiao Anhao lifted her head, her eyes clear of the fleeting emotion. Pouting, as though unhappy from Qiao Anxiaâs tease, she reached over to grab Xu Jiamuâs chopsticks. She replied to him in a tender and sweet voice, "Thank you, brother Jiamu."
But the instant she lowered her head, her eyes frosted over, and she tightened her grip on the chopsticks.
The men at the table didnât seem interested in the swallowâs nest, so they didnât touch it. Mrs. Qiao took two bites before turning to praise Han Ruchu. " This is really nice, I can see why Qiao Qiao misses it."
Han Ruchu smiled. "Auntie Yun brewed this personally, the bird nests were also specially picked, theyâre natural and healthy."
Qiao Anxia said, "Picking bird nests is indeed a skill! Many people have been selling inferior goods which not only do not aid the body but may also cause cancer!"
Ever since the swallowâs nest was served, Qiao Anhao had been silent, but at this moment, she added causally, "It may even kill."