Born in the 1980s, she was remarried and became a stepmother; a cold, rough man doted on her, pinchi

"Let's go pick out the hot pot ingredients first."

Qin Yishen's voice was gentle and steady, like the warm sun in spring, making people feel at ease.

The children nodded and followed him to the fresh produce section.

The shelves were filled with a variety of fresh meats, brightly colored and with clear marbling.

Qin Yishen picked up a box of beef rolls, carefully checked the production date and expiration date, and then said to the children, "Beef rolls are a must for hot pot. Look, these with a good balance of fat and lean meat taste the best when cooked in the broth."

Shi An took the beef roll and examined it carefully, occasionally asking Qin Yishen for tips on choosing ingredients.

Shi Ning was picking out lamb rolls on the side, saying as he did so, "I think lamb rolls are super delicious, I'll get a few more boxes later."

Chen Yu was also helping to choose. He picked up a box of shrimp paste and said, "Uncle, Xinyao should like these shrimp pastes."

Qin Yishen smiled and nodded: "Yes, Xinyao loves to eat these, let's buy more."

After selecting the meat, they went to the vegetable section.

The shelves were filled with vibrant green spinach, crisp and juicy cabbage, plump potatoes, and various kinds of mushrooms such as shiitake and enoki mushrooms.

Jiang Man carefully selected vegetables, saying to the children as she did so, "When eating hot pot, you should eat more vegetables so that your nutrition is balanced."

Shi An and Shi Ning helped put the selected vegetables into the shopping cart, while Chen Yu helped hand them the vegetables. Although he didn't talk much, every movement he made was full of seriousness and focus.

After purchasing the hot pot ingredients, they went to the snack section.

This is the place the children look forward to the most. As soon as they entered the snack area, Shi An and Shi Ning were like two happy little birds, flying back and forth between the shelves.

"I want to buy Xinyao her favorite chocolate."

As Shi Ning spoke, she picked up a large bag of chocolates, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Shi An was also picking out potato chips. He chose several different flavors and said, "Xin Yao likes to eat all kinds of potato chips, so I'll have a little of each."

Chen Yu carefully selected candies on the side. He picked up a bag of fruit candies, looked at the ingredient list carefully, and then put it in the shopping cart.

"Xinyao likes sweets, so this fruit candy should be good."

He said in a low voice.

Jiang Man was deeply moved as she watched the children choosing snacks for Xinyao. She smiled and said, "You are all so thoughtful. Xinyao will definitely be very happy."

While choosing snacks, Shi An and Shi Ning also made sure to pick out some of their favorites for themselves.

Shi An picked up a bag of nuts and said, "These nuts are nutritious. I'll eat more of them so I can study hard in the future."

Shi Ning picked out a few packs of spicy strips and said with a smile, "Eating spicy strips occasionally is just so refreshing."

Chen Yu also picked out some of his favorite cookies, and said somewhat shyly, "I usually like to eat these cookies."

After selecting their snacks, they went to the beverage section.

Qin Yishen selected a few bottles of juice and soda, saying, "When eating hot pot, drink some beverages to relieve the spiciness."

The children nodded in agreement.

When they checked out, their shopping carts were overflowing with all sorts of ingredients and snacks, just like their fulfilled and happy mood at that moment.

Back home, the children couldn't wait to take out the snacks they had bought for Xinyao and put them on the dining table.

Shi Ning even placed the chocolate in the most conspicuous spot, saying, "When Xin Yao comes back, she'll be so surprised."

Shi An helped arrange the candies and potato chips, and said with a smile, "Let's give Xin Yao a big surprise." Chen Yu also helped tidy up, and he looked at the snacks with a warm smile on his face.

Jiang Man and Qin Yishen busied themselves in the kitchen, preparing hot pot for the evening.

Qin Yishen was in charge of preparing the hot pot broth. He skillfully put various seasonings into the pot, and soon the kitchen was filled with a rich aroma.

Jiang Man helped wash and chop the vegetables, saying to the children as she chopped, "You all rest for a while, the hot pot will be ready soon."

The children played games in the living room while waiting for the hot pot to start.

They talked about the interesting things that happened during the high school entrance exam, sharing their joys and worries.

Shi An said, "The math questions in this middle school entrance exam were really difficult; I almost didn't finish them."

Shi Ning laughed and said, "I think it's fine. I finished ten minutes early."

Chen Yu also shared his exam experience, saying, "Although I was a little nervous during the exam, I still tried my best and hope to get into my ideal high school."

Before we knew it, the hot pot was ready.

On the dining table, a steaming hot pot exudes an enticing aroma, with various ingredients bubbling and swirling in the broth.

The family sat together, their laughter filling the air.

Qin Yishen first served Jiang Man a bowl of soup, and said with a smile, "You've worked hard. Try the soup base I made."

Jiang Man took a sip and said with satisfaction, "Mmm, it's so delicious! Your cooking skills are getting better and better."

Then she served food to the children, saying, "Shi'an, Shi'ning, eat more. Chen Yu, don't be shy, help yourself to whatever you want."

The children ate with great relish. Shi'an said between bites, "Mom and Dad, today's hot pot is so delicious! It's even better than what you get outside."

Shi Ning chimed in, "Yeah, yeah, I'm stuffed."

Chen Yu said somewhat shyly, "Uncle and Aunt, this is the best hot pot I've ever had. Thank you."

After finishing the hot pot, the children ate some snacks.

They ate while watching TV, enjoying this rare moment of happiness.

Just then, the doorbell rang; it was Xinyao returning home.

As soon as Xinyao entered the room, she saw the dining table full of snacks. Her eyes widened in surprise, and then she excitedly ran over, picked up a chocolate, and said happily, "Wow, so many delicious things! Are they all for me?"

Shi An, Shi Ning, and Chen Yu walked over with smiles and said, "Yes, they're all for you. Do you like them?"

Xinyao nodded vigorously and said, "I like it, I like it, thank you, brother and sister!"

Seeing Xinyao's happy expression, the whole family laughed, and the house was filled with a warm and happy atmosphere.

A steaming hot pot was served, and the family sat around it, their laughter filling the air.

Xinyao sat in her high chair, her little head bobbing back and forth to the rhythm of their cheerful conversation.

Her round eyes were fixed on the ingredients bubbling in the pot, and her little hands clapped excitedly.

"Mom, I want to eat shrimp paste!" she called out in a clear voice.

Jiang Man picked up a piece of cooked shrimp paste, blew on it in the bowl, and then handed it to Xin Yao's mouth.

Xinyao opened her mouth wide, took a bite, and a satisfied smile instantly bloomed on her face. She shook her head even more vigorously, muttering indistinctly, "Delicious, so delicious!" (End of Chapter)