Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 75 - 43 Eating Privately_1

Chapter 75: Chapter 43 Eating Privately_1
Lian Manman and Wu Lang exchanged glances, both finding it very strange. They had been working in the fields, and although it was supposed to be Lady Zhou and Lian Xiuxiu cooking at home, they would usually wait until they returned, leaving the cooking to Lady Zhang and Lady Zhao. Even if Lady Zhou was to cook, it was still too early for that.
A thought struck Lian Manman, and she signaled Wu Lang with her eyes. Without a word, they both deliberately lightened their steps and hurried towards the Upper Room.
They soon heard the laughter of Lian Xiuxiu.
As Lian Manman reached the doorway of the Upper Room, she burst through the front door and saw Lian Xiuxiu tending the fire below the stove with Lady Chiang holding a spatula, flipping the oilcakes in the iron pan. The oilcakes were white, clearly made from refined flour, one side already fried to a golden brown from the generous amount of oil, which bubbled and sizzled away.
They were secretly indulging in a little feast, Lian Manman realized.
Startled by the door, Lady Chiang looked up to see Lian Manman and Wu Lang. Her hand froze in place, and embarrassment spread across her face as she struggled to find the right words.
Lian Xiuxiu’s face, on the other hand, turned dark in annoyance.
"You two aren’t working in the fields, so what are you doing back so early? You’re just trying to slack off," Lian Xiuxiu stood up and pointed accusingly at Lian Manman and Wu Lang. She didn’t exhibit the guilt or embarrassment one might expect from being caught sneaking a treat.
Lady Chiang, at first unsure of how to react, saw Lian Xiuxiu’s behavior and forced a smile.
"Well, since you’re back, you might as well stay. Manman and Wu Lang are still children after all, they should rest if they’re tired," Lady Chiang said gently.
"The master sent us back to water the fields," Wu Lang said.
"Aunt, sister-in-law, are we having white flour pancakes for lunch?" Lian Manman feigned excitement, "That’s wonderful, we will go tell the master right now, he’ll be thrilled."
Lian Xiuxiu’s expression darkened further. Just this morning, Lian Jizu and Lian Huahua complained about not having enough to eat for breakfast, so they discussed making something. Lian Jizu mentioned he had brought back half a bag of white flour. Lian Huahua suggested Lian Xiuxiu should inform Lady Zhou without mentioning her own wish to eat, using Lian Shouren and Lian Jizu’s appetite as an excuse.
Concerned for her eldest son and grandson, Lady Zhou didn’t object. As they started making the dough for the pancakes, it was obvious not only Lian Shouren and his son would be getting them, but Lady Gu, Lian Huahua, Lian Duoduo, and Lady Chiang would be hoping for some to fill their stomachs—Lian Xiuxiu included. That’s why Lian Manman saw the pot full of white flour pancakes.
"What nonsensical talk is that? These pancakes are for your big brother and Jizu, not for you," Lian Xiuxiu snapped back immediately.
As soon as Lian Xiuxiu brought up Jizu, she herself didn’t seem bothered, but Lady Chiang’s face turned red.
"Then, let’s have pancakes for lunch, there is also..." Lady Chiang whispered.
"Even if there is, it’s not for them," Lian Xiuxiu said defiantly, hands on her hips, "Look at you two in the mirror, do you look like those who deserve white flour pancakes? The flour is what Jizu brought back, you can cry all you want but it’s not for you. Didn’t you two come back to water the fields? Go on with your work."
"Aunt..." Lady Chiang seemed to want to intercede for Lian Xiuxiu but was at a loss for words.
Wu Lang’s face turned beet red with anger.
"Aunt, do you really look down on us that much!"
Lian Manman tugged at Wu Lang, signaling him to hold his tongue.
Wu Lang was puzzled; knowing Lian Manman’s temper, she would have already started arguing with Lian Xiuxiu. He wondered why she was stopping him from speaking now.
"Brother, let’s water the fields," she said.
Lian Manman carried the filled water jug with Wu Lang and both headed outside.
"Manman, Wu Lang," Lady Chiang called after them with a smile, offering them each a pancake, "Here, take them and eat."
Lian Manman and Wu Lang had not yet taken them when Lian Xiuxiu became irate.
"Jizu’s wife, why are you giving pancakes to them? Don’t worry, they wouldn’t dare tell anyone," Lian Xiuxiu said.
Lady Chiang looked at Lian Xiuxiu helplessly before turning back and saying to Lian Manman and Wu Lang with a smile, "Your uncle’s health isn’t good, these pancakes were meant for him, and there are only so many. Your sister-in-law has decided to give you two, so eat them while they’re warm and then get back to work."
Lady Chiang was clearly more diplomatic and tactful than Lian Xiuxiu.
Lian Xiuxiu felt there was no need for Lady Chiang to do so, but she also felt the need to give her face. Nevertheless, she came over and snatched one pancake.
"One is enough for them," Lian Xiuxiu said, pointing at Lian Manman and Wu Lang, "You two had better be grateful."
Wu Lang was about to leave with Lian Manman, not wanting to accept the white flour pancake, although its aroma kept enticing him.
Yet, Lian Manman stared at the white flour pancake, refusing to move.