The weather had grown increasingly sweltering. The entire day felt like being trapped inside a steamer, leaving everyone feeling irritable and restless. With the onset of a difficult summer, Zhao Yan’s family had all lost their appetites. Even when rich fish and meat dishes were placed before them, they remained unmoved. Instead, simple, plain porridge and light side dishes suddenly became highly sought after.
It was one thing for the adults to endure a few such meals, but it was impossible for Xiaobaozi and Xiaotangyuan. The nutrition from the light porridge and vegetables could not keep up with their growth spurts. In less than five days, the two children had visibly thinned down, the roundness of their cheeks nearly vanishing, which broke the hearts of Zhao Yan and the others.
"Sanlang, if things go on like this, Baozi and Tangyuan won't be able to bear it. We must find a way to buy ice. We might be able to tough it out, but the children cannot; they are at the age where they need to grow," Madam Chen said, her heart aching. She herself had lost a significant amount of weight, but she paid no mind to it; her heart and eyes were entirely focused on the children.
Chapter 544