Chapter 1291 - We’re Family. Call Me “Dad.”
Immediately after she uttered that statement, Jiao Ziqing walked out.
Yu Lili quickly put on the dress. She was surprised to find that the dress fit her to a T.
What… Had this been originally made for Shen Manting? Otherwise, there was no other reason for Ou Ming’s mother to have a young lady’s clothing in possession.
Judging from the design, she had definitely not bought this dress for herself. It was even less likely that she had bought it with Yu Lili in mind.
Yu Lili wrecked her mind. The only reasonable explanation she arrived at was that this dress had been meant for Shen Manting. Her heart twisted a little at the thought. Regardless, she dried her hair and made her way to the kitchen.
The dress Yu Lili was wearing was very appropriate. It was designed in a very youthful style. When Nanny Zhang saw Yu Lili in the dress, her eyes lit up.
Soon enough, a different thought occurred to her. She asked, “Why are you here? Your hair isn’t even completely dry yet! You have to take good care of yourself before you can take care of the Young Master! I’ll get you a hairdryer.”
“That’s not necessary,” Yu Lili said. “It’ll dry on its own in a while, Nanny Zhang. Let me help you.”
Jiao Ziqing glanced over and remarked, “She’s not that delicate. It isn’t as if she’s a pampered daughter of a rich family. She won’t fall ill so easily.” She looked to Yu Lili and said, “Come over here and help wash the vegetables.”
Yu Lili nodded her head and walked over to where Jiao Ziqing was. Without a second word, she took over the washing of the vegetables.
Nanny Zhang was about to say something, but she changed her mind and kept quiet instead, focusing on her food preparation
Yu Lili’s culinary skills were very good. Even Nanny Zhang was full of praises as she watched Yu Lili cook and caught a whiff of the aroma.
As for Jiao Ziqing, her expression toward Yu Lili had softened considerably. She didn’t say much and continued to help out in name. In reality, she was doing nothing more than stirring the sauces.
When the dishes had been all laid out on the table, Jiao Ziqing headed into the study to call the father and son out. The two weren’t playing chess at all. They were having a conversation over the chessboard. Jiao Ziqing had expected that. She didn’t bother to call them out on it.
When they emerged from the study and went to the dining room, Ou Ming saw the dress that Yu Lili was wearing. In surprise, he asked, “Why did you change?”
Nanny Zhang was about to answer when she caught sight of Yu Lili shaking her head imperceptibly toward her.
Ou Ming noticed the exchange and seemed to come to an understanding. He decided to ask her about it again at a later time. He nodded his head and complimented, “It’s quite pretty.”
Yu Lili forced out a laugh and helped lay the bowls of rice on the table.
After everyone in the Ou family took their place at the table, Yu Lili sat by Ou Ming’s side.
Nanny Zhang had been invited to dine with the family at the table. She looked extremely amiable.
“Lili’s culinary skills are really good indeed! The presentation, aroma, and taste are all top notch. Her skills are even better than mine! Sir, Madam, taste it!” Nanny Zhang enthusiastically gushed.
Ou Huojin laughed good-naturedly and said, “I could smell it the moment I came out. I was thinking to myself that you had improved again. Now, I know it’s because there was a change in the chef today.”
Yu Lili was a little embarrassed at the compliment and replied, “Thank you, Uncle.”
“You’re still addressing me as ‘Uncle’?” Ou Huojin asked straight-faced, but his expression hid no malice. “We’re family. What should you be addressing me as?”
Yu Lili was surprised and looked toward Ou Ming. However, he continued to eat, as if he hadn’t heard what Ou Huojin said.
“I…” Yu Lili was at a loss of what to do. She reached out under the table and nudged Ou Ming’s thigh. She lowered her voice and asked him, “You told them?”
“They’re not blind,” Ou Ming said as he gently shifted the wedding ring on his finger. “Address him as ‘Dad.’”
This turn of events was out of Yu Lili’s expectations. She was momentarily stunned. She had thought it would be a long while or at least an arduous journey before she got accepted.
This is all happening a little too quickly…