Free Web NovelChapter 1313: Chapter 1302: Siblings
"What did you receive?" Zhou Qiang, a police officer, was known for his frugality, so his colleagues were quite curious when they saw him receive a package.
"It’s from Tongxin Orphanage. Mrs. Ye said she and the kids made it as a small token of appreciation." Zhou Qiang’s face lit up with a soothing smile, clearly thinking about those kids made him happy.
Understanding the situation, his colleagues admired Zhou Qiang. He was an orphan himself, and despite not having a high salary, he was willing to endure hardships to support the children regularly. Influenced by him, many of the people in the precinct also donated, although they never left their names. Unlike Zhou Qiang, they didn’t volunteer at the orphanage during their off time, so they didn’t receive anything individually.
Nevertheless, Director Ye knew of their connection with Zhou Qiang, so she intentionally sent extra for him this time.
"Mrs. Ye said it’s for everyone to share, you should all come and have a taste," he warmly invited.
They didn’t mind and gathered around to watch him open the package. Inside, there were intricately crafted traditional Chinese pastries.
"How beautiful! There’s even a lady on it!" one female officer exclaimed.
"This box contains the Four Gentlemen: Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum. Such exquisite craftsmanship. Did the orphanage really make this and not from a five-star hotel?"
Zhou Qiang chuckled, "Do you think I’m the type to splurge on something like this?"
Everyone shook their heads, knowing how tight-fisted Zhou Qiang was. He wouldn’t even buy a bottle of iced red tea, so how could he afford such delicate pastries? So it really was from Tongxin Orphanage? What a delightful surprise!
"We can’t even bear to eat it!" the female officers said, looking at the delicate pastries, hesitant to touch them.
However, the male officers weren’t so meticulous. Drawn by the fresh fragrance, their hands reached out before the female officers could react, and after eating, they all wore expressions of complete bliss.
"Mmm!"
"Delicious!"
"So tasty!"
Seeing this, the female officers were incensed, but watching them enjoy the pastries so much, and with the presentation already ruined, they couldn’t just watch. So they extended their hands as well.
When the chief came in to inspect the work, he saw his subordinates looking like they were in pure ecstasy.
"What’s going on here?" he barked, frowning at them. "What’s this behavior during working hours?"
Startled by his shout, they quickly wiped their mouths, but two still smacked their lips, savoring the taste.
The chief looked at them and then at the pastries in front of him, asking, "Where did these come from?"
Zhou Qiang scratched his head, "Sent by Tongxin Orphanage. Chief, would you like to try some? The kids made them, and they’re really good."
"The kids made them?" The chief’s expression softened a bit, and he actually tried one. Now he understood why his subordinates had such expressions.
But he was the chief and had to maintain his image, so he cleared his throat, "This is really quite delicious. I’ll let it slide this time, but you can’t do this again. What if someone sees you? You are the people’s police."
"Yes, Chief!" the group saluted in unison.
"Forget about the two open boxes. Xiao Zhou, take the other two home for your wife and daughter to try," the chief said sincerely.
"But, this..." Zhou Qiang hesitated, about to refuse.
The chief cut him off, "No ifs or buts. These are tokens from the orphanage for kind-hearted people. You’ve been supporting them tirelessly all these years, and your wife hasn’t even had a new dress. Doesn’t she deserve to enjoy some?"
Hearing this, the colleagues chimed in, "Yeah, take them home for your wife and daughter. Your wife will definitely be happy."
"The pastries are soft and chewy, and the director mentioned in her letter that they are made with common, additive-free ingredients, perfect for kids. Xinxin will definitely like them."
Moved by his colleagues’ concern, Zhou Qiang didn’t refuse further.
That day, Chen Wen was cooking dinner when she saw her husband coming in with a bag. She lightly frowned, not because she disliked him buying things, but because he was too soft-hearted, often buying things from elderly vendors that were unnecessary for their home.
More importantly, after having the child, there’s no one to look after them, so she had to quit her job. Relying solely on her husband’s modest salary had made life increasingly difficult, especially with his habit of playing the Good Samaritan, leaving their family to scrimp and save.
"I didn’t buy it; it was sent by Mrs. Ye from Tongxin Orphanage," Zhou Qiang explained quickly. "Mrs. Ye said she made it with the kids, a small gesture for supporting the orphanage."
Knowing her husband didn’t spend money recklessly, Chen Wen was slightly relieved, then she went to soothe her child, "You eat first; we need to wean Xinxin off breastfeeding, but she refuses to eat solid food. I’ll keep trying."
"How about giving her this? The director said it’s made with common ingredients, suitable for kids," seeing his wife’s skeptical look, Zhou Qiang continued, "Why don’t you try it first? It’s really tasty and not sweet. I don’t think there’s much sugar, just some natural flavors."
"Really?" Suspicious yet curious, Chen Wen opened the bag and was amazed by the delicate pastries inside.
"How exquisite! Did the orphanage kids actually make this?"
"Yes, really. Mrs. Ye mentioned there’s a child among them with a particular talent for cooking. Most of this is due to that child’s efforts. You should try it; it’s really good."
But before Chen Wen could taste one, their daughter, growing impatient, tugged at her hand, eager to have a bite herself.
Amused, Chen Wen laughed, "It’s the first time I’ve seen her so eager to eat something other than my milk."
Saying this, she placed a pastry near the child’s mouth. Xinxin, just a year old, was rather skinny due to not eating solid food before. But today, she ate with unusual relish, unwilling to let Chen Wen feed her and instead holding the pastry with both her small hands.
"It seems it’s really good," Chen Wen said, smiling as she watched her daughter eat, then took a piece herself, quickly getting lost in the delightful flavors.
Zhou Qiang watched his wife and daughter happily, feeling an immense sense of happiness.
After this incident with the pastries, Chen Wen no longer resented her husband for supporting the kids at the orphanage. She realized how truly unfortunate they were yet so thoughtful. It was really heartwarming.
