Transmigrated as Cannon Fodder — I Rise to Female Lead Through Hard Work-Chapter 13: Softhearted

Anmin hummed a little tune, her voice carrying a hint of joy, and her steps were brisk. Her eyes occasionally glanced ahead, and Yi Roujing knew that the Ding Family was very happy about Ding Ancheng’s homecoming.

Li Hongying plucked and slaughtered the wild duck from yesterday. The wild duck eggs were salted yesterday but weren’t ready to eat yet. Not knowing Ding Ancheng would return today, there wasn’t much good food at home. Although Li Hongying noticed the items sent by Yi Roujing’s family, she...

Yi Roujing wasn’t sure how to face someone unfamiliar and also followed Anmin into the kitchen.

"Mom, what delicious food are you making?"

"Stewing a duck," Li Hongying replied.

Yi Roujing pointed to the items in the basket and said, "Cook braised pork, fry some eggs, add two vegetable dishes, and with the duck soup, it should be enough."

Li Hongying was a bit flustered seeing Yi Roujing planning to use up all the good stuff in one meal. She felt both happy and heartbroken. Happy because Yi Roujing valued Ding Ancheng, heartbroken because of the rare ingredients.

However, with Yi Roujing’s assurance, Li Hongying became even more enthusiastic in preparing the meal, handling everything with extra care because good ingredients deserve to be cooked well.

"Go and serve some water to my brother and the others," Anmin saw Yi Roujing lingering in the kitchen and was slightly annoyed, "Have some sense."

Yi Roujing was a little confused. She thought Anmin was contradictory, telling her before not to be so eager.

Yi Roujing also didn’t want others to think she had changed too much, so she obediently took an enamel mug and went to the courtyard.

Ding Weihuo was inquiring about Ding Ancheng’s recent events, and Ding Ancheng answered everything, albeit with very brief words like "Mm," "Yes," "Correct," and the like.

Hehe, so aloof. I wonder how the heroine and hero’s happy life goes on like this. His words are so scarce; doesn’t it bore them to death?

Yi Roujing put down the enamel mug and turned to leave, only to be stopped by Ding Weihuo, "Ancheng’s wife, you and Ancheng should go sit inside. We’ll call you when lunch is ready. Go on, go on."

Ding Weihuo stood up, pulled Ding Ancheng, and pushed him into the house, not forgetting to beckon Yi Roujing inside as well.

Oh heavens, why does it feel like Ding Weihuo is my own father?

Once the door was closed from the outside, it became quiet.

"What did you do?"

Yi Roujing looked up and was met with Ding Ancheng’s scrutinizing gaze.

"Hey, I didn’t do anything," Yi Roujing replied, "Oh..."

Yi Roujing folded one arm across her chest, placed the other hand on top, and supported her chin thoughtfully, "Maybe it’s because of the lavish lunch later. The main dishes were brought by my family, and I happened to get that wild duck yesterday."

Ding Ancheng sat on a chair next to the bed, and the room went quiet again.

Seeing the calm demeanor, Yi Roujing relaxed and sat by the bed’s edge, asking, "When are you going back?"

Ding Ancheng’s gaze swept over, pausing a few seconds on Yi Roujing before replying, "Tomorrow afternoon."

"Oh," Yi Roujing nodded and then froze; that means he was staying the night. Although this room was currently hers, its rightful owner was Ding Ancheng. She wondered if Anmin could accommodate her for a night.

"I’ll go to Anguo’s room tonight," Ding Ancheng said, standing up and heading toward the door.

Yi Roujing’s eyes lit up. As Ding Ancheng turned around, he couldn’t miss the joy in her eyes. He furrowed his eyebrows and, as if compelled by something, asked, "Are you happy?"

"Right..." Yi Roujing caught herself just in time and quickly shifted the topic, "Sorry."

Ding Ancheng raised his right eyebrow slightly, his lips curling with a hint of sarcastic amusement.

Yi Roujing sighed, "I shouldn’t be ungrateful, and thank you. If it weren’t for your help at the time, who knows what would have happened to me."

"You..." Ding Ancheng could see the sincerity in Yi Roujing’s eyes, and for a moment couldn’t find the words to scold or mock her.

After all, Yi Roujing was slightly raising her head at that moment, her eyes earnest and serious, her fair and clear skin almost flawless, her blush pink lips softly pressed together, and her expression charmingly captivating.

Ding Ancheng averted his gaze, thinking he might be going crazy. How could he feel a bit moved just because this woman acted all cute? "Stay here for a while, I’ll go out first."

The door opened and closed without any pause, leaving Yi Roujing uncertain, wondering what Ding Ancheng meant by not giving a direct response.

Ah, the bed is indeed comfortable. Yi Roujing lay down to rest for a while, after all, perfectly justified.

"Brother, why did you come out?" Seeing Ding Ancheng enter the kitchen, Anmin was surprised.

Ding Ancheng gave the little girl a glance, "You want me to stay in the room?"

"Brother, you worked so hard to come back from the county; you should take a good rest," Anmin explained with a smile.

"Really?"

"Yes," Anmin nodded vigorously, thinking that this would show Ding Ancheng her sincerity.

The atmosphere at home had changed, very different from three months ago when he left. This change could be felt even from his little sister, though he didn’t know what had happened during this time.

"Did anything happen at home?"

"Oh, right, Sister-in-law fell into the water a few days ago. She was going to the county to find you, but then Bai Wei auntie discovered her and had someone bring her back home," Anmin replied truthfully, "Sister-in-law developed a high fever and lay bedridden for five days before fully recovering; she just started working yesterday."

Ding Ancheng was taken aback; he was genuinely surprised as Roujing hadn’t mentioned a word about this, not even a single complaint. Knowing her nature, how could she not bring up such grievances? Strange...

A large bowl of stewed wild duck, a plate of braised pork, a plate of fried eggs, a plate of spinach salad, and a plate of braised peas; today’s main course was steamed white rice.

Mixing the braised pork sauce with the rice, Yi Roujing ate two full bowls before putting it down. Even though last night’s meal was good, today’s braised pork was exceptionally delicious, melting in the mouth and being delicately sweet without greasiness. One must admit, Li Hongying’s culinary skills are truly exceptional.

Yi Roujing looked up, satisfied, only to meet a pair of deep eyes opposite her, with hints of curiosity and a faint smile. She quickly reined in her expression.

Ding Ancheng lowered his gaze; the rice in his bowl was nearly finished. Everyone in the Ding Family ate to their heart’s content during this meal.

After lunch, they rested for a while, and Yi Roujing went to work with the others. Ding Ancheng didn’t idle either, he helped out too. Though he didn’t count for work points, his help made things easier for the family.

"Ancheng is back."

"Oh, Ancheng."

"Ancheng must have come back to see his wife, haha."

...

On the way to the warehouse, surrounded by many people, no one passed by without greeting Ding Ancheng. For those older, Ding Ancheng replied with "Yes," "Correct,"...

For the younger ones, he just nodded, keeping up his reputation for being taciturn.

Tsk tsk, Yi Roujing secretly clicked her tongue. This man truly is sparing with words.