Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2302: 2238: Being Able to Eat Is a Blessing

Earlier, she had been reluctant to let those outsiders taste the dishes heavily infused with Spirit Spring Water, so she had stored them within her Space. As she retrieved them now, the food remained steaming hot, retaining its original temperature without losing any warmth.

Old Yang and his wife had initially been confused. They couldn't understand why she was so protective over a few simple vegetable dishes, moving them in and out of sight like that.

However, the moment they tasted the soup, their expressions shifted instantly, and they traded startled looks.

This soup was different...

It dawned on them immediately that this was far from the ordinary tomato and egg drop soup they were accustomed to preparing. Chiang Xiao’s cooking clearly possessed a secret quality; the broth was incredibly fresh and sweet—so much so that a single sip compelled them to keep drinking.

Furthermore, a soothing warmth spread through their entire bodies with every swallow, creating a truly marvelous sensation.

Aunt Yang watched her husband while she sipped. Even though he had managed to consume two mung bean cakes earlier, she still found it hard to believe he could actually tolerate a meal now.

Seeing him take spoonful after spoonful of the soup, nearly finishing the entire bowl without a hint of nausea while savoring every drop, filled her with an overwhelming sense of peace.

As Old Yang drained the last of the soup, the tension in his heart finally dissolved.

There was no urge to vomit, nor any sign of physical distress.

Instead, his stomach—which usually throbbed with unbearable pain from being constantly empty—now felt warm and comforted. The change was nothing short of astonishing to them both.

It appeared he really was capable of eating again.

“Brother Xinian, please go and serve the rice,” Chiang Xiao requested naturally. She pulled up a small stool to sit beside Aunt Yang and added, “I made the rice a bit softer and mushier today, so please eat your fill, Madam. Even though these are just basic vegetables, the flavor should be quite good. Both of you should eat well today; once your bellies are full, you’ll be able to sleep peacefully tonight.”

With tears shimmering in her eyes, Aunt Yang nodded repeatedly. “Yes, yes, we will.”

Few could understand the struggle of simply wanting a full meal or a night of undisturbed rest. Lately, she hadn't dared to sleep soundly, partly because her own hunger kept her awake, and partly out of the terrifying fear that her husband might slip away in the night while she slept.

She had no one to share this bitterness with.

She couldn't tell her daughter-in-law, who was already overwhelmed with work and the responsibility of caring for two families, the elderly, and the children. Mentioning it would only add to her daughter-in-law’s burdens and keep her awake at night too. Her son was equally preoccupied with his career.

The elders simply couldn't bear to be a weight on their children's shoulders.

So, she had endured the hardship in silence.

Now, Chiang Xiao had suddenly appeared, making them feel as if the heavy yoke they carried had been lifted, replaced by a sense of total relief. And yet, this young girl was a complete stranger until today.

They hadn't even prepared a proper greeting gift for her.

How could anyone suggest she wasn't a wonderful person?

Meng Xinian returned with the rice and handed a half-bowl to Old Yang.

Holding the bowl, Old Yang looked at Chiang Xiao with a mix of anticipation and disbelief, his gaze cautious.

“Xiao Chiang, do you really think I can handle rice as well?”

He had previously heard her mention that soup would be enough, leading him to believe rice was still off-limits. Holding that half-bowl now felt like he had been granted a precious prize. He used to love rice so much that, back in the day, he could easily polish off two bowls in a single sitting.