Butler Jas returned with a steaming bowl from the kitchen and placed it in front of Ling Li. He said, "Madam, Master Chu Yan also prepared this fresh fish soup. He said to tell you to finish it to help you generate more milk."
Ling Li stared at the bowl, glancing briefly at her family before picking up her spoon.
"...."
'Am I going to drink soup all morning?' Ling Li silently thought, but did not want to waste her husband's effort and good intentions, so she obediently finished everything.
After placing her spoon down with a tightened grip, Ling Li furrowed her brow slightly and asked, "Did you et with Fen Zhang last night?" Her voice carried an unexpected edge, hinting at a concern she was yet to voice.
Shi Min replied, "Yes, and he gave the nas whom we can count on and those we need to take care of," but there was a pause, a flicker of hesitation. Ling Li noticed it, her eyes narrowing slightly as she sensed sothing was left unsaid. It was as if Shi Min held back one crucial detail, a na that could tip the balance of their plan. Shi Min added, "I realigned with Pharsa, and she has dispatched people to trail and investigate deeper into these people."
Ling Li said, "That's good to hear. After the family competition, we will focus on the election. By the way, Mushu, how is Sisu?"
Mushu replied, "Madam, thank you for your concern. He seed to be grieving badly."
Both Shi Min and Ling Li raised their brows. 'Did Mushu misunderstand Sisu? There was no sign of grief on Sisu's face during their interaction; all they could see was his eyes twinkle when his gaze landed on Mushu.'
"Why don't you take Sisu out today? I will be ho for the rest of the day, so you may take a leave," Ling Li suggested. "Maybe you two can explore the market and try the new puzzle stall that's been the talk of the town. I've heard only those with patience and a keen eye can solve the enigma there." She added.
Mushu respectfully replied with a bow, "Thank you, Madam, I'll heed your suggestion."
Ling Li asked, "Shi Min, what is your plan for today?"
"I have four video conferences today. Wushing has sent docunts I need to sign and so proposals to check," Shi Min said, trying not to dwell on the quiet shadow of the upcoming election over every task. Outside the study, the election deadlines lood. His resolve to juggle everything grew ever more palpable; ti seed to slip through their fingers. He added, "I'll be in the study," knowing every mont counted as they neared a critical juncture.
Ling Li said, "I guess both of us will be in the study for the rest of the day."
The Twins in the Library
Shi Min had already gone ahead to the study, while Ling Li lingered over her tea. Butler Jas approached with his usual calm deanor.
"Madam, all the gifts the triplets received have been sorted in the second hall. Would you like to check them out?"
Ling Li nodded, setting her cup down.
"Yes, I'd love to. I almost forgot. Also, aren't the twins finished by now?"
Butler Jas bowed slightly.
"They finished lessons, and the teachers left an hour ago. The twins are still in the study hall, working on sothing."
Ling Li rose, "I see. Let check on them."
Ling Li left her seat and headed toward the study hall. Butler Jas, Mushu, and Rockie gathered behind her, following.
"Mushu, you can go. Take Sisu out for a walk. Butler Jas and Rockie are enough."
Rockie with an encouraging smile.
"Go, Chief. Take care of Sisu first."
Mushu bowed respectfully.
"Then I shall take my leave. Thank you, Madam."
The Empty Study Hall
When Ling Li entered the twins' study hall, the room was empty. Books lay neatly stacked, but no sign of the girls.
Ling Li's brows furrowed.
"Where could those two little mischiefs have gone this ti? Hm… what are they up to again?"
She paused, recalling their enthusiasm the night before about the reproductive system they had read. A suspicion ford. She turned sharply.
"The library."
Caught in the Act
The doors creaked open. Light glowed through tall windows over two small heads bent over a book.
Kim Kim and Chin Chin were so engrossed that they didn't notice the footsteps behind them. Their tiny fingers flipped pages at lightning speed, eyes scanning multiple lines at once with uncanny comprehension.
Ling Li raised a hand, signaling Butler Jas and Rockie to stay silent. She approached quietly, her steps asured, until she caught sight of the title.
Her lips parted, her eyes narrowing.
"...."
Her less-than-three-year-old genius twins were devouring 'Gray's Anatomy'. On the table beside them lay three discarded volus: 'Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy', 'Grant's Atlas of Anatomy', and' Human Anatomy & Physiology'. This was their fourth book — and judging by the pace, they were nearly finished. On their right were five more books stacked.
'No wonder my husband is worried about them.' Ling Li silently thought, shaking her head, sighing. 'If their father sees this, won't he be so scared to death by these two brats?'
Ling Li's hand went to her waist. She coughed deliberately.
"Cough cough."
The twins' heads snapped up simultaneously, eyes wide like thieves caught mid-heist. They scrambled to their feet, standing straight.
"Mom!
Mom!" The twins said in unison.
Ling Li's gaze was sharp but amused.
"What are you two doing?"
Chin Chin stamred, her cheeks flushing.
"Ah… we… we..."
Kim Kim, always the composed one, stepped forward.
"Mom, didn't you say you would teach us needle techniques, both dical and weaponry? I told Chin Chin, maybe we should start being more familiar with parts of the body."
Ling Li's lips pressed into a thin line.
"...."
Ling Li thought, 'So now it's my fault? I taught them acupuncture, but do they really need to read advanced dical books?'
Finally, she smiled slyly.
"Since you're at it, let suggest a few more books on needle technique."
Ling Li strode to a shelf, pulling down eight heavy hardbound volus. With a thud, she placed them in front of the twins.
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