Rebirth: I Am Not the Movie Queen This Time-Chapter 40 Eating Meals

Jiang Kechu could never have imagined that at the young age of twenty-six, he would be called "uncle" by someone, especially a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl. He felt his temples throbbing.

It seemed he saw the teasing in Wan Chu’er’s eyes, and his heart skipped a beat—this girl was doing it on purpose!

Indeed, Wan Chu’er did it intentionally. She deliberately called Jiang Kechu "Uncle," and after saying it, she felt good about the term.

This set a clear boundary between them as they were now of different generations; there could be no further inappropriate relations.

Seeing Jiang Kechu’s restrained expression, Wan Chu’er loudly called out again, "Uncle Jiang, is there any particular reason for your visit to our house?"

She had just seen the sorrow on Bai Zhixi’s face; even after so many years, mentioning her father and mother still stirred emotions.

Jiang Kechu better have a good excuse; if he just came for a visit, it would have been better not to come at all, rather than upsetting Bai Zhixi.

Seeing Wan Chu’er’s intense scrutiny, Bai Zhixi quickly intervened, saying, "Chuchu, don’t be rude. Comrade Jiang has brought some condolence money from the military."

Condolence money?

Weren’t those given at the time of the sacrifice? Why are they still being given after so many years?

Jiang Kechu, feeling the piercing gaze of the young girl, knew she wasn’t easy to fend off and explained, "Many in the army were taken care of by Commander Wan. Hearing I was coming here, everyone collected some money and goods for me to bring over."

Wan Chu’er was silent for a few seconds before coolly responding, "Oh, so you came because it was on your way."

The people taken care of by her father hadn’t shown up over the past six years. Now that their lives were improving, what use were these so-called condolence monies?

Both Bai Zhixi and Jiang Kechu clearly understood the dissatisfaction in her tone.

Jiang Kechu’s eyes flickered, but he remained silent.

Bai Zhixi, thinking her daughter was being somewhat thoughtless, quickly pushed Wan Chu’er into a room, saying, "Chuchu, read some books; Mom will make dinner soon."

Then, turning to Jiang Kechu, she said, "I’m sorry, Comrade Jiang, I’ve spoiled Chuchu. She lost her father at such a young age..."

Facing a kind-hearted and grieving widow of a martyr, what could Jiang Kechu say? He solemnly replied, "Don’t worry, it is indeed our oversight."

Glancing at the house filled with jars of pickles and Wan Chu’er’s firmly shut bedroom door, Jiang Kechu thought for a moment then said, "If there’s nothing else, I should leave now. If you need anything, feel free to call the number I just gave."

He had just left a phone number with Bai Zhixi.

Bai Zhixi quickly tried to get him to stay, "It’s time for dinner, you probably haven’t eaten yet. Stay and eat here before leaving, I can have it ready soon."

Jiang Kechu waved his hand in refusal, "No need; I’m not hungry yet."

Bai Zhixi persisted, "You’re a comrade from Shiguo’s troop, it’s rare for you to visit, and you brought so many things. How can you leave without even eating? Shiguo would definitely blame me if he knew."

It wasn’t easy for her to have a guest come from so far away; Bai Zhixi’s attitude in insisting Jiang Kechu stay for a meal was sincere and enthusiastic.

...

Eventually, Bai Zhixi convinced Jiang Kechu to stay, as he could not find an excuse to refuse her.

Inside the room, Wan Chu’er was all ears listening to the noises in the living room.

When she heard Jiang Kechu reluctantly agreeing to stay for dinner, she snorted.

"You’re usually so eloquent, Jiang Kechu, I didn’t expect such an awkward moment for you."

Thinking of having to share a meal with Jiang Kechu soon, Wan Chu’er’s thoughts grew complex again, and she didn’t turn the page of the book she was holding for a long time.

Soon, Bai Zhixi’s voice came from outside.

"Chuchu, come out for a moment."

Wan Chu’er walked out puzzled, and Bai Zhixi handed her a small basin and a pair of chopsticks, saying, "Go to the basement and bring up a pickled cucumber." freewebnøvel.coɱ

There really wasn’t much at home to serve guests with, but Bai Zhixi thought that the pickled cucumber tasted quite good, so she decided to offer it to Jiang Kechu.

Wan Chu’er quickly guessed Bai Zhixi’s intention, glanced covertly at Jiang Kechu sitting nearby, and reluctantly said, "Mom..."

Bai Zhixi pushed her a bit and coaxed, "Go quickly, once you’re done, I’ll make you more."

This pushed Wan Chu’er directly to the door. Not wanting to say anything more in front of Jiang Kechu—she didn’t want to provide him with a chance to laugh at her—she reluctantly made her way to the basement.

Jiang Kechu, though silent, observed every move of Wan Chu’er clearly, and couldn’t help a slight curl of his lips.

With nothing else to do, he listened to Bai Zhixi bustling in the kitchen, then stood up and looked at the wall’s photo frames.

The vibrant photo of two-year-old Wan Chu’er caught his eye first, and he recognized Little Wan Chu’er instantly, thinking to himself that she was quite cute as a little girl.

He shifted his gaze to other photographs. There was a prominent one of Wan Shiguo in military uniform. Jiang Kechu’s expression turned serious, considering that he had no direct contact with Wan Shiguo.

Wan Shiguo had died a year before he enlisted; his platoon was named after Wan Shiguo.

His trip to Wutong was initially for another matter, but when his old superior learned he would be coming to Wutong, he gathered a bunch of things for him to bring over, hence ending up at the Wan family’s home.

In his previous life, a similar scenario had occurred, only then Wan Chu’er and Bai Zhixi were having a falling out, and Wan Chu’er was hardly home, so they never encountered Jiang Kechu.

Jiang Kechu’s attention was drawn to another photo where Wan Shiguo wore a loving smile, perching Xiao Chu on his neck with her hair in sprouting braids and a wide gap-toothed smile.

He contemplated that Wan Shiguo must have truly adored Wan Chu, and she must hold a significant presence in her heart, hence her fierce demeanor earlier was quite understandable.

Wan Chu’er picked the smallest pickled cucumber. After entering and seeing Jiang Kechu looking at the photos on the wall, she couldn’t help but snort, then turned around and entered the kitchen.

Bai Zhixi was quick in cooking. She made three bowls of noodles with tomatoes, some spinach, and topped each with a poached egg, presenting an appetizing and flavorful appearance.

She quickly washed the diced pickled cucumber, placed it on a plate, and called her daughter to help bring it to the table.

Bai Zhixi greeted Jiang Kechu with a smile, "Mr. Jiang, our home is quite simple, there’s not much to offer, I’m sorry."

Jiang Kechu glanced at the noodles on the table and kindly remarked, "The noodles look great; I do like noodles quite a bit."

These words weren’t mere politeness; Jiang Kechu indeed liked noodles. Wan Chu’er placed the vinegar bottle on the table, near Jiang Kechu.

He also liked vinegar!

Seeing the vinegar bottle, Jiang Kechu raised an eyebrow, considering the girl quite perceptive for getting him the vinegar, and quietly said, "Thank you."

Wan Chu’er paused, irritated at herself, wondering why she had voluntarily got the vinegar for Jiang Kechu!

Unable to take the vinegar back, she just frowned, lowered her head to eat her own noodles, thinking to quickly head to school after finishing; she always seemed to make mistakes in front of Jiang Kechu.