Reborn: Instead of Chasing the School Beauty, I Chased Her Mother

Originally, Li Zhiyan had no clue about cooking, but in his past life, when life threw its hardships at him, he had learned to cook for himself.

His cooking skills were mediocre, but they were passable—at least they were good enough to serve to Wu Auntie.

"Great, Auntie, please try the noodles I've made."

Wu Qingxian, looking at Li Zhiyan picking up the pan to wash it, felt incredibly mixed emotions. How could this child be so kind?

Whenever she felt emotionally overwhelmed or despairing, he would always appear by her side, as if by miracle.

This time was no different. It seemed that she and Li Zhiyan were bound by some connection in this life.

After Li Zhiyan had cleaned the pot and poured in the water, he thought of Aunt Fang's chili sauce; if it were available, the noodles' flavor would truly elevate to another level.

"I didn't expect it, but you're quite good at cooking noodles. Who knew that such a mama's boy could learn life skills."

Wu Qingxian's mood greatly improved as she watched Li Zhiyan cook the noodles; it was healing for her. At that moment, she felt the urge to embrace Li Zhiyan warmly.

"Just because I'm a mama's boy doesn't mean I can't do anything."

"Today is your birthday; I'll make sure you're happy."

The draft door on the coal stove wasn't properly closed, speeding up the cooking of the noodles.

Soon, Li Zhiyan brought a bowl of noodles out from the kitchen.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Wu Qingxian wanted to help but was rejected by Li Zhiyan.

"Wu Auntie, today is your birthday. You just sit there and let me take care of you.

"You deserve a day's rest after being busy all year round.

"If it makes you happy, you can even lie down."

Looking at the somewhat worn sofa, Li Zhiyan's heart ached for Wu Auntie even more. This life was already much better than the last; at least Wu Auntie wasn't working in Magic Capital.

He remembered in his past life, when he saw Wu Auntie again several years later, there were many more crow's feet around her eyes.

Intense work could age a person, but in this life, he could use the Youth Preservation Technique to maintain her current, stunning appearance—the only problem was that the conditions to perform the technique had not yet been met.

For the sake of Wu Auntie's youth, he felt obliged to help. Li Zhiyan thought to himself.

"You child..."

Wu Qingxian patted Li Zhiyan's head, picked up the bowl of noodles, and looked at him as he unwrapped the cake, feeling much better.

After a few bites of noodles, Li Zhiyan lit the candles.

"Wu Auntie, make a wish quickly."

"After you've made your wish,

"let's eat the cake.

"Oh, hold on, let me turn off the lights!"

Li Zhiyan ran to the door, turned off the lights, and returned back to the table.

At that moment, he considered playing a recording for Wu Auntie to listen to.

But thinking of Wu Auntie's birthday, he decided against it.

Today, he and Wu Auntie couldn't possibly become friends who forget their age differences.

So introducing the recording now clearly wouldn't have the best effect.

Under the gentle glow of candlelight, Wu Auntie, dressed in a new cheongsam, looked exceptionally charming.

After making her wish, Wu Qingxian blew out the candles.

"Wu Auntie, what wish did you make?"

"I won't tell you, it won't come true if I say it out loud."

For some reason, at that moment, Li Zhiyan sensed a youthful vibe emanating from Wu Auntie, perhaps because she had never been treated so gently before.

Afterward, Wu Qingxian started cutting the cake, deliberately giving Li Zhiyan the pieces with fruit and what she thought was the tastiest part.

"Xiao Yan, eat the cake."

"Hold on, Wu Auntie, I haven't given you your birthday present yet."

The pink Samsung smartphone he had specifically bought earlier was just for this moment.

In his heart, he felt a bit of regret, regretting that the iPhone 4S wasn't available yet.

Otherwise, buying the 4S would last for a very long time.

After all, Apple's phones would stand unmatched for many years to come.

"Why give another birthday present when you've already bought Auntie a cake?"

For Wu Qingxian, the cake that Li Zhiyan gave her was already the perfect gift.

She didn't need anything else.

"Wu Auntie, of course, I should give you a present. You were so kind to me when I was little, always sharing the snacks you bought for Zhang Honglei with me.

"I remember it all very clearly.

"Before, when I had no money or ability, that was one thing.

"But now that I have both,

"how could I not give you a present on your birthday?"

Li Zhiyan said earnestly.

Wu Qingxian's heart warmed even further—he was the son of her best friend, more useful than her own son. No matter what gift he gave her, she knew she would cherish it dearly.

Then, he pulled the pink Samsung phone out of his pocket.

At that moment, Wu Qingxian was taken aback; she knew the phone—it was what Li Zhiyan had given to her best friend Zhou Rongrong.

Back then, she had been very envious of her friend for having such a good son.

Why had Li Zhiyan given this phone to her?

She felt very puzzled by the thought.

"Xiao Yan, are you sure you didn't get it wrong?" Stay updated through empire

"Wasn't this the birthday gift for your mom?"

Li Zhiyan touched the still unpeeled protective film on the phone and said, "No, I bought this especially as a birthday gift for you."