Chapter 58 Growing up
"So you have nothing to do?"

Xu Hongdou noticed that Chen Mo had been looking at her and couldn't help but speak.

"What's the matter?" Chen Mo blinked.

"It's okay. Just go and do your own thing. Don't stare at me here and disturb Lingling from doing her homework." Xu Hongdou said.

"What does my watching you have to do with affecting Lingling's homework?" Chen Mo didn't understand.

"Anyway, find something serious to do."

“I think what I’m doing now is the right thing.”

"Chen Mo." Xu Hongdou said Chen Mo's name calmly.

"Okay, okay, you're so beautiful that no one can see you."

Chen Mo stood up muttering, but he actually didn't plan to stay here for too long.

Lingling was doing homework, and it was not good for him to play with his phone on the sofa because Lingling would see it as soon as she looked up.

But just sitting there was not a good thing. Chen Mo's jokes like this actually disturbed Lingling a little.

The child had difficulty concentrating when doing homework, and now when the two of them were saying these words, Lingling's eyes were secretly glancing at them.

"I'm leaving. Don't order takeout at noon. Come to my place to eat." Chen Mo said.

"I'll make it at noon, come over and eat." Xu Hongdou shook her head.

"Huh? You really can cook?" Chen Mo was a little surprised.

Although he seemed familiar with Xu Hongdou when he saw her washing dishes and doing housework, but when he saw Xu Hongdou's refrigerator last night, Chen Mo thought that Xu Hongdou's cooking skills were limited to cooking noodles and frying eggs.

"What do you think?" Xu Hongdou raised her eyebrows.

"I thought I had to wait until the day we got together before I could eat it." Chen Mo couldn't help but say with a smile.

Of course, he couldn't say that he doubted Xu Hongdou's cooking skills.

Xu Hongdou rolled her eyes beautifully.

"That's not the case. I can't always eat what you cook."

"That's not impossible. You can eat it for the rest of your life if you want." Chen Mo said with a smile.

Xu Hongdou simply waved her hand, indicating that Chen Mo could leave. She had gradually developed resistance to Chen Mo's "sweet words".

Chen Mo didn't care. He said hello to Lingling and left.

"Lingdang, do your homework obediently. We'll see you later."

"Well, goodbye uncle."

Chen Mo returned to 1102, sorted out the songs from the past two days, recorded them, and registered the copyright:
"Can't Open Your Mouth", "Mercury", "Everyday", "Lovely Woman", "Milk Bread", "Soy Milk and Fried Dough Sticks".
I have to say, when I'm in love, the inspiration really explodes, and it's more direct and profound than what I feel from others.

Oh, no, we haven’t officially started talking yet.

It seems that we don’t have to worry about running out of inspiration in the next two or three years.

After all, the love period of a relationship is usually when musicians are most inspired.

However, economic difficulties and hardships in life can inspire poets or writers to create profound literary works.

Chen Mo felt that he should just write some music and let people listen to it for ten or twenty years.

There is no need to create a masterpiece that will be passed down through the ages under the condition of "great sorrow and great enlightenment".

Life is short, so it’s better to be happy and smooth.

But for many singer-songwriters, their inspiration seems to quickly fade after they get married.

Originally, I could release an album a year, but after getting married, I might not be able to release one even after three to five years.

I don’t know if it’s because my married life is too happy that I have lost the motivation and desire to create.

The hibiscus tent is warm, the spring night is short, and from now on the king no longer attends court early in the morning.

Chen Mo felt that this was entirely possible. Just now, when he looked at Xu Hongdou, he felt really lazy. It seemed that he had no interest in other things. He just wanted to stay quietly with Xu Hongdou.

Chen Mo quickly shook his head. What a gentle place and a hero's grave.

Jiang Congwen is still waiting for his song. If Chen Mo hadn't sorted out his inspiration from the past two days, he would have forgotten about Jiang Congwen's album.

"This shouldn't be the case. This shouldn't be the case. They say that people forget their brothers after they get married. I haven't even got married yet, so how come I've almost forgotten my brothers?"

Chen Mo patted his head, blaming himself in annoyance.

Suddenly, a message alert sounded on Chen Mo's phone screen. Chen Mo picked it up and saw that it was a message from Xu Hongdou:

"Do you have any eggs? I missed some when I placed my order just now."

When Chen Mo looked at the time, it was already noon. He had forgotten the time while writing the song.

"Yes, I'll take it. Do you need anything else?"

"No need, we have everything else." Xu Hongdou replied.

After reading the message, Chen Mo immediately got up, took some things from the refrigerator and went next door.

As for brothers? What are brothers?
When was it forgotten?

I never took it to heart at all.

“Huh~Huh~~”

On the other side, Jiang Congwen, who had just woken up, sat up from the bed and sneezed twice.

"What's going on? Which grandson is scolding me?" Jiang Congwen frowned and rubbed his nose.

Chen Mo carried a bag of eggs and rang the doorbell next door.

Soon, brisk footsteps were heard in the room.

"Uncle." It was the bell that opened the door.

"Lingling, have you finished your homework?" Chen Mo asked with a smile.

"It's done." Lingling responded crisply.

"Great, look what uncle brought you."

Chen Mo took out a cardboard box from the bag.

"It's ice cream." Lingling's eyes lit up.

"Yes, this is what your uncle promised you yesterday, but you can only eat it after dinner." Chen Mo said.

"Yeah." Lingling nodded.

"Why did you buy something for Lingling again?" At this time Xu Hongdou came over.

"I promised Lingling yesterday, and I must keep my word." Chen Mo said with a smile.

"And the eggs you asked for." Chen Mo handed over what he had in his hand.

"Put the ice cream in the refrigerator first and eat it after dinner."

Xu Hongdou reached out to take it and said to Ling Ling who was looking at it eagerly.

"Come in quickly, don't stand at the door." Xu Hongdou invited Chen Mo into the house.

"What are you going to do?" Chen Mo came in and asked after looking at the kitchen.

"Vinegar-stir-fried shredded potatoes, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, and a steamed fish." Xu Hongdou said.

"Wow, that's good."

"Wait." Xu Hongdou said and walked into the kitchen.

"Okay." Chen Mo said with a smile.

"I'm still indebted to you today, Lingling." Chen Mo squatted down and picked up Lingling.

"It's not that exaggerated. If you want to eat it in the future, just tell me."

When Xu Hongdou heard what Chen Mo said, she couldn't help but shook her head.

The kitchen is open, and the two people can communicate without obstruction.

"Really?" Chen Mo raised his eyebrows, somewhat unbelieving.

"Anyway, I've eaten so many meals with you, I'll have to pay for what I did."

Xu Hongdou didn't look at Chen Mo. She just peeled potatoes and said "it doesn't matter" in a nonchalant manner.

"Haha." Chen Mo's smile grew brighter as he listened to Xu Hongdou's "reasons."

"Uncle, what are you so happy about?" Lingling asked innocently.

"Uncle, I ate a very sweet candy, so I'm very happy." Chen Mo said to Lingling with a smile.

Xu Hongdou glanced at Chen Mo and pretended not to hear.

"Is it White Rabbit Milk Candy?"

In Lingling’s impression, the sweetest thing is White Rabbit Milk Candy.

"No, it's sweeter than White Rabbit Milk Candy." Chen Mo shook his head.

"Uncle, do you have any more? Can you give one to Lingling?" Lingling's eyes were shining.

"Uncle, I don't have it. Your aunt gave it to you." Chen Mo said.

"Aunt, Lingling wants some candy too." Lingling immediately shouted to Xu Hongdou.

"Didn't I just give you a lot of White Rabbit milk candies?" Xu Hongdou said.

"It's not White Rabbit candy, it's the kind that my uncle eats, which is sweeter than White Rabbit candy."

"No."

"Aunt is lying, uncle said yes."

"My aunt only has White Rabbit milk candy."

"Then why did uncle say that my aunt has candies that are sweeter than White Rabbit milk candies?"

"I don't know, go ask your uncle." Xu Hongdou said unhappily.

"Lingling, you have to grow up before you can eat this candy, just like coffee." Chen Mo said with a smile.

"Why? Lingling can eat sweet things." Lingling was not convinced.

"Once you eat this candy, other candies will not taste sweet to you. Are you willing to stop eating other candies in the future?" Chen Mo asked.

"Hmm." Lingling's little face wrinkled up, full of confusion.

"Lingling, eat all the other candies first. You can eat the candy that your uncle is eating when you grow up. This way you can eat it all." Chen Mo said with a smile and added one more sentence.

"Otherwise the ice cream won't be sweet anymore."

When Lingling heard the word ice cream, she nodded immediately. Ice cream is icy and cool, and tastes much better than candy.

After calming Lingling down, Chen Mo looked towards the kitchen again. Xu Hongdou was cutting potatoes into shreds.

Well, it should be called potato chips.

Seeing that Xu Hongdou's knife skills were obviously not very good, Chen Mo knew that she didn't cook very often and was probably limited to just being able to do it.

As for whether it tastes good or not, Chen Mo has already started to draft in his mind and think of some words of praise. Because no matter how it tastes, there is only one answer.

But let’s not talk about how the dish is cooked, at least the way it is cooked is impeccable.

Xu Hongdou casually tied her hair into a low ponytail at the back of her head and wore an apron. Her eyes were serious and focused, and her ten green fingers were "playing" on the chopping board. Although her movements were not smooth, they were definitely pleasing to the eye.

At this time, Xu Hongdou had a virtuous and gentle temperament, and she looked like a beautiful cook.

Is this food?

Does it matter whether the food tastes good or not?

Just cook it until it's cooked, don't burn it.

Chen Mo made psychological assumptions for himself.

Xu Hongdou had no idea that this bastard said he was taking advantage of her but actually had no trust in her cooking skills.

Although Chen Mo was a little worried, he did not interfere with Xu Hongdou.

Because cooking is like driving, what I hate most is someone nagging me all the time.

The more you think about stepping on the brakes and stepping on the accelerator, the more annoyed the driver will feel.

The collision will happen again, and I will blame you after the collision.

Don't tell me to step on the brakes, tell me whether to step on the left or the right!
Chen Mo and Lingdang were playing Gobang and waiting for the meal to start.

Xu Hongdou worked for more than half an hour and finally prepared the three dishes.

"It's time to eat." Xu Hongdou shouted.

"Lingling, wash your hands and eat." Chen Mo said.

"Yeah." Lingling quickly ran to wash her hands.

I don’t know whether he couldn’t wait to eat or to eat the ice cream.

Chen Mo was finally relieved when he saw the finished dish.

Except for the vinegar-fried potato shreds which was a little darker in color, the other two dishes looked good.

"Come on, eat."

Xu Hongdou took the bowl and chopsticks, served the rice and called on everyone.

Chen Mo didn't hesitate and picked up the chopsticks to pick up some shredded potatoes with vinegar.

"How is it? Is it okay?" Xu Hongdou asked expectantly.

"Well, it's quite good." Chen Mo nodded repeatedly, and this time he praised sincerely.

"You added dark soy sauce. I was wondering why the color looked so dark."

"I learned it from my mother." Xu Hongdou said.

"Auntie's cooking skills are definitely impeccable." Chen Mo said.

"Oh, this is what I did." Xu Hongdou emphasized.

"The disciple surpasses the master." Chen Mo said immediately.

"Hmph~~" Xu Hongdou gave her a look that said "you'd better know what's best for you."

After tasting the other two dishes, Chen Mo couldn't help but say:

"It turns out that you are really good at cooking. You can cook more in the future."

"What? From your tone, you just didn't believe that my cooking is delicious?"

Xu Hongdou keenly caught the meaning of Chen Mo's words.

"How is this possible! I just knew it was delicious, but I didn't expect it to be so delicious." Chen Mo said confidently.

Xu Hongdou works in the hotel service industry, and what she is best at is observing people's words and expressions.

Chen Mo's overreaction showed that he was guessed by her and he felt guilty.

"If it tastes good, just eat more."

Xu Hongdou stepped on Chen Mo's foot and twisted it, and spoke in a gentle tone.

"Hiss~~" Chen Mo took a deep breath and looked at Xu Hongdou in confusion.

"You are so eloquent, just talk more in the future." Xu Hongdou said with a smile.

"If you like to listen, I can tell you slowly throughout my life." Chen Mo endured the pain and forced a smile.

"Okay, then take your time." Xu Hongdou nodded, but did not reduce the strength of her feet.

Because the bell was still there, Chen Mo could only force a smile and whisper,

"If you step on it again, I'll have to talk to you in a wheelchair from now on."

After saying that, Chen Mo subconsciously reached out and patted Xu Hongdou's leg, signaling her to lift her foot.

"Where are you touching?" Xu Hongdou glared, slapped the back of Chen Mo's hand hard, and scolded in a very low voice.

Chen Mo had an innocent look on his face. He just subconsciously wanted to pat Xu Hongdou's knee, but he didn't realize the position was right and patted her thigh instead.

Even through a layer of cloth, Chen Mo could still feel the warm touch.

"Aunt, what are you whispering about?" Lingling looked at the two of them strangely.

"No, my aunt told my uncle that you must not let your mother know that you are eating ice cream later."

Xu Hongdou withdrew her foot as if nothing had happened.

"Yes, otherwise my uncle would be in trouble." Chen Mo also cooperated.

"We won't tell mom, so she won't know."

Lingling also imitated what the other two had just done and spoke quietly.

"Eat, you greedy little cat." Xu Hongdou tapped the tip of Lingling's nose.

"Ah."

While Lingling was eating with her head down, Xu Hongdou glared at Chen Mo again.

Chen Mo could only smile awkwardly. Why did he feel like the greedy cat was talking about him?

In the afternoon, Chen Mo and Xu Hongdou sent Lingling back to the hotel where Xu Hongmi was staying.

"Thank you for your hard work these past two days." Xu Hongmi said to Chen Mo and Xu Hongdou.

"We as a family won't tell anyone," Chen Mo stopped talking halfway through his sentence.

Xu Hongdou and Xu Hongmi turned around and looked at him quietly.

"You family don't have to be so polite. I'm just helping out with errands." Chen Mo changed the subject abruptly, looking a little embarrassed.

I've gotten used to saying this to Xu Hongdou these past two days, and it just came out of my mouth so easily that I can't change my mind.

Xu Hongmi nodded with a puzzled look and glanced at Xu Hongdou again.

Xu Hongdou seemed to be used to this and just looked at Chen Mo's conspicuous bag with a joking expression.

Chen Mo knew that the sisters might have something else to say, so he made an excuse to go to the bathroom.

Well, I definitely don't mean to run away out of embarrassment.

"Chen Mo's situation, you two. You..."

Xu Hongmi wanted to say something, but didn't know how to say it.

"I know, I'm not a child anymore." Xu Hongdou knew what Xu Hongmi was worried about.

"Don't worry, if I still had concerns and uneasiness, I wouldn't choose to start."

"But if I make a choice, at that time, I must have complete trust in him and be sure that our relationship can go on well."

"Well, you know it yourself."

Seeing Xu Hongdou so clear-headed, Xu Hongdou Mi didn't say anything more.

No one can predict matters of the heart.

Only you know whether the shoes fit you or not.

But as long as the other party has character problems, all Xu Hongmi can do is to bless and support her sister.

"Don't always act so stubbornly by yourself. If you have any problems, come to me more often." Xu Hongmi said.

"I know." Xu Hongdou nodded.

"Know? You never take the initiative to look for me if I don't look for you, and you still say you know?" Xu Hongmi couldn't help but say.

"Doesn't that prove that I'm fine? Why would I look for you if I have nothing to do?" Xu Hongdou defended.

"You can come to me if you have nothing to do. I'm your sister." Xu Hongmi glared.

"Okay, I'll find you. From now on, I'll call you to bother you whenever I have time. Okay?"

The two were used to quarreling, and facing Xu Hongmi's concern, Xu Hongdou felt a little unnatural.

"Do what you say. If not, you'll be dead the next time we meet." Xu Hongmi pointed at Xu Hongdou and warned.

"Slightly~~" Xu Hongdou made a face.

"Mr. Xu, it's almost time." Xu Hongmi's assistant came over and reminded.

At this time Chen Mo also came back.

"Okay, then you guys go back. The hotel car will take us to the airport." Xu Hongmi said to the two.

"Okay, let's go." Xu Hongdou nodded.

"See you next time, Lingling." Chen Mo also said goodbye to Lingling.

"Aunt, goodbye Uncle Chen Mo."

Lingling waved her little hands happily, and it seemed that she had indeed had an unforgettable weekend.

Xu Hongmi looked at the backs of Chen Mo and Xu Hongdou as they left, and they were indeed a good match.

Xu Hongmi didn't know why she said those words to Xu Hongdou just now. She was not like her usual self at all.

I just suddenly felt a little inexplicably sad, maybe because I felt that the little guy who had been following me since childhood had grown up all of a sudden.

But as I grew up, he gradually became more and more distant from me, so distant that it seemed as if we were almost two different families.

But they are obviously a family, how could they become relatives when they grow up?

"Mother."

Lingling pulled at Xu Hongmi's sleeve, and that cute little face was looking up at her.

Xu Hongmi lowered her head, smiled knowingly, and touched Lingling's head.

Well, I can’t really be an unwanted old maid.

Xu Hongmi took Lingling's hand and said gently:
"Let's go home."

"Well, go home."

The afterglow of the setting sun sent the people on their way home, and the evening clouds also sent them off in the sunset glow, and the sky was golden orange.
(End of this chapter)