Return of the Antagonistic Lady Boss

Chapter 859 - 833: She’s Still Growing

"Do you want me to learn how to cook?" It’s always felt a bit odd that the lady of the house doesn’t cook. While sitting by the window reading, Qian often saw the other housewives downstairs carrying groceries through the community. Compared to them, she seemed a bit negligent in her role.

"No need. It’s easy to find a local helper. No need for live-in help, just need someone to handle three meals a day and simple housekeeping. Mainly because I’m extremely busy these days. If I’m home, there’s no need to hire someone."

"Won’t this diminish your sense of accomplishment when bragging to your friends in the future?"

Other people’s wives have some signature dishes; Qian is known for creatively causing havoc in the kitchen.

"Let’s not talk about bragging..." Yu Minglang still remembers last time he was busted for his extravagant boasting.

"Life’s value isn’t solely reflected in cooking. You might not be good at culinary skills but can see through people’s hearts, and I don’t even have to brag. Just take a stroll around our yard, and you’ll absolutely have face."

Having a capable wife fills him with pride.

Those soothing words did the trick; Qian was feeling cozy.

When she’s happy, Qiang is delighted too, as Qian offered a back-scrubbing service. One thing led to another, and by the time the two headed out for skewers, it was past 10 PM.

A happy life is enjoying barbecue daily, plus having a wife who showers with you. This treatment Yu Minglang wouldn’t trade for any amount of money; it’s like living a celestial life!

The two found a nearby grill, only to bump into acquaintances.

"Second Brother?" Yu Minglang instantly recognized his second brother’s family.

Panpan, already in the upper class of kindergarten, seemed like a little handsome guy, sporting a side-swept hairstyle like Second Brother, very calm despite his young age.

The child had a communication barrier due to his father’s ex-wife’s abuse, but after much effort from the stepmother Da Yi, he neared normal kids, albeit quieter and rarely speaking. Fortunately, his intelligence wasn’t low; he memorized all 300 Tang poems at a young age and was progressing through the Complete Tang Anthology, according to Da Yi.

Qian suspected the child’s intelligence might be higher than average, but neither Da Yi nor Second Brother wanted to have him tested, so it’s been postponed.

Upon seeing Qian and her husband, Second Brother nodded, "Was just about to call you, but you came on your own."

It’s that kind of rapport.

Yu Minglang brought Qian over, and Panpan smiled slightly at Qian and greeted them as auntie and uncle, which for him meant they were among his favorites.

For unfamiliar or disliked people, he wouldn’t even bother with a greeting.

Qian was always curious about this family’s dynamics.

Three people who rarely spoke ended up together.

Second Brother was a man of few words, Da Yi was also reserved, and Panpan spoke less than ten sentences a day. Qian suspected their home was perpetually silent.

"There aren’t any barbecue joints near your place? Why come over here?" Yu Minglang’s location and Second Brother’s place are in completely opposite directions, raising Xiaoqiang’s curiosity over their visit.

Their area is relatively well-equipped; all life essentials are self-contained, especially since Second Brother is a pilot, their conditions are even better.

"Da Yi wanted to eat here." Second Brother always went along with his wife’s wishes. Though they’d already eaten dinner and were ready to rest, Da Yi restlessly paced at home craving skewers from Qian’s area.

They’ve eaten together before; now missing the taste keeps her uneasy like heartburn.

"Wow, that’s rare. Aren’t you someone who rarely prioritizes culinary cravings?" Qian was surprised, as Da Yi was very easygoing about food and clothes—minimal material and culinary desires—a very easygoing person.

This sudden craving, unable to survive without fulfilling it, was akin to Liumei and Shi Tou’s personality.

Da Yi found it odd too.

"I don’t know what’s gotten into me; I’ve been craving meat lately."

Not only during the day but also sometimes at midnight.

When Second Brother was home, he could bring them out, but when he wasn’t, she’d stock up the fridge with braised beef and chicken feet and munch away at night.

One evening, Panpan got up to pee and got scared; the fridge light reflected on his mom’s face as she gnawed on chicken feet. Oh dear! Frightening!

"I’ve gained several pounds, and if this continues, I’ll have to buy new clothes." Despite not caring for appearances, Da Yi fretted over clothing costs.

"No worries, a bit more weight is healthy," Second Brother mentally added another reason: a good handle to hold.

The group ordered a table full of skewers, and Qian witnessed Da Yi devouring skewer after skewer—astonishing compared to her usual self.

"Second Brother, you starving Da Yi?" Qian couldn’t help but ask, given Da Yi’s eating style.

Second Brother was puzzled too; despite their freezer always being packed, Da Yi, though thrifty, wasn’t frugal with meals, especially with Panpan growing up. But why Da Yi ate so much lately baffled him as well.

Hearing Qian’s remark, Da Yi abruptly ceased her eating, feigned fullness, yet her eyes still fixated on the skewers, making Qian feel profoundly guilty.

"No worries, eat up, she’s still growing, at 23, it’s time for a growth spurt; eating promotes growth." Second Brother devised an excuse.

Qian wanted to ask, "What if the growth spurt is horizontal rather than vertical?"

But she wisely stayed silent.

If Da Yi’s eating was interrupted, Second Brother’s personality wouldn’t express disapproval openly but would definitely confront Xiaoqiang in private.

Mid-meal, Da Yi suddenly recalled something.

"Qian, today when picking up Panpan, I ran into the big boss who mentioned your competition matter. Can I be your assistant?"

Big Boss had a goddaughter, Hu Meijing, teaching at the kindergarten, who was also his late elder son’s fiancée. He’d occasionally visit Hu Meijing, coincidentally running into Da Yi fetching her child.

"You’re already graduated. During this period before your graduate entrance, can you join my competition?"

Qian was unaware she could take an assistant.

"Big Boss checked the rules and found it possible. This professional competition caters not only to students but also socially employed workers, including hospital psychologists, even EAP from foreign enterprises and government personnel—the scope is wide."

EAP stands for Employee Assistance Program

Psychology has varied applications and career choices, but entering such sectors demands at least a master’s degree—bachelor’s offers little prospects.

Da Yi starts grad school in September, so she’s ineligible for the competition. Mr. Liu, aware of the sister-in-law and mentor relationship between her and Qian, suggested she assist Qian, helping with paperwork and gaining experience.