章 25: The Taste of New Beginnings

As Jin Liang's handshake was declined by his brother, he retreated to his seat, attempting to mask his awkwardness with an air of nonchalance. Grandfather Jin's hearty laughter broke the tension. "Xie Ming, don't mind this foolish grandson of mine," he chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Xie Ming nodded, offering a small, awkward smile in response. Her eyes, still glistening from her earlier emotional outburst, briefly flickered towards Father Jin. For a moment, the uncanny resemblance to her father from her past life threatened to overwhelm her again.

She took a deep, silent breath, reminding herself that the past was past, and the present was her reality now. The man before her was not her father, but her father-in-law – a distinction she needed to maintain for her own sanity and the sake of her new family.

With a subtle shake of her head, as if to physically dislodge the memories threatening to surface, Xie Ming forced herself to focus on the present moment. She met Father Jin's gaze with a composed expression, silently acknowledging their shared moment of confusion and moving past it.

The atmosphere in the room, which had been thick with emotion moments ago, began to lighten as Xie Ming visibly relaxed, her shoulders losing some of their tension.

Seizing the opportunity to move past the earlier drama, Mother Jin invited everyone to the dining table for lunch. Jin Liwei, ever attentive to his wife's needs, helped Xie Ming to her seat. The maids began serving an array of dishes, their aromas filling the air.

The table was laden with authentic Chinese cuisine, a testament to Grandfather Jin's traditional values. Food, after all, was an integral part of their culture. These particular dishes were lovingly prepared by Mother Jin herself, adding a personal touch to the family gathering.

As the food was served, all eyes turned to Xie Ming, who was gazing at the spread before her. Despite having had traditional Chinese dishes for breakfast, she found herself captivated by the appetizing array. A small smile played on her lips as she realized she was finally experiencing a meal prepared by a mother figure - something she had been denied in both her lives.

Sensing the weight of expectant gazes, Xie Ming looked up, puzzled. "Is something wrong?" she asked.

Mother Jin, her voice gentle, said, "Xie Ming if you'd prefer something else, we can arrange that. There's no need to force yourself."

Xie Ming's brow furrowed in confusion before understanding dawned on her face. She remembered that the original Xie Ming had complex reasons for avoiding Chinese cuisine. Having spent seven years abroad from the age of 15, she had grown accustomed to Western food.

But more deeply, there was a hidden pain: after her mother's passing, Chinese cruising had become a painful reminder of what she had lost. Unable to express this grief, she had instead pushed away the food, and by extension, her family and traditions.

Xie Ming sighed softly, realizing how her previous behavior must have appeared rude and disrespectful when in reality it stemmed from a place of unspoken trauma. She felt a pang of regret for the misunderstandings this had caused.

"No, Mother," Xie Ming replied warmly, pushing past these conflicting emotions. "This is perfect. I want to eat it, especially because you made it." Her sincerity was evident in her voice and the grateful look in her eyes.

Mother Jin seemed overwhelmed by this unexpected response. "But Xie Ming," she persisted, her voice filled with concern and a hint of uncertainty, "you don't have to force yourself. I know you don't like Chinese food. Would you prefer pasta or something similar?"

She paused, her eyes softening as she explained, "I wanted to cook something healthy for you, that's why I made this. I don't know how to cook Western dishes, but if you want, I can ask the chef to make some."

The sincerity in Mother Jin's voice touched Xie Ming deeply. She could see the genuine effort her mother-in-law had made to accommodate her, despite the confusion over her changed preferences. It was a stark contrast to the indifference she had faced in her past life, and it stirred a warmth in her heart.

Xie Ming shook her head, smiling genuinely. "No, Mother, it's absolutely fine. I truly appreciate the effort you've made," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I think my taste buds must have changed after the coma because now I really enjoy Chinese food. And knowing you made this especially for me makes it even more special."

She reached out and gently touched Mother Jin's hand, a gesture of connection she would never have made before. "I'm looking forward to trying everything you've prepared. It all looks and smells wonderful."

The surprise and pleasure on Mother Jin's face at this unexpected warmth from her daughter-in-law was evident. The atmosphere around the table shifted as if a long-held tension had finally begun to dissipate.

Jin Liwei, beaming with pride, chimed in. "It's true, Mom. This morning, she made an incredible traditional Chinese breakfast. I've never tasted anything like it. If you try her cooking, you'll want her in the kitchen every day!"

As Jin Liwei spoke, Xie Ming felt a mix of gratitude for his support and a twinge of sadness for the pain her past self had carried silently. She hoped that in this new life, she could heal those old wounds and truly embrace the family before her.

Mother Jin laughed at her son's enthusiasm. "Alright, alright. Let's eat, shall we?"

As they began their meal, Mother Jin couldn't help but steal glances at Xie Ming, checking to see if she was truly enjoying the food or merely being polite. To her surprise and delight, Xie Ming was eating with genuine enthusiasm, savoring each bite that Jin Liwei served her.

The entire family found themselves captivated by Xie Ming's elegant table manners. She sat with perfect posture, napkin draped across her lap, wielding her chopsticks with a grace that seemed almost choreographed. The transformation from the rebellious, western-influenced girl they knew to this poised young woman was striking.

Jin Liang, in particular, found himself mesmerized. He had never seen a woman look so beautiful while eating. His gaze lingered a moment too long, however, and he suddenly felt the weight of a chilling stare. Turning, he nearly jumped at the sight of his brother's murderous glare. Quickly, he averted his eyes and focused intently on his own plate.

As the meal progressed, the atmosphere grew warmer. Conversation flowed more freely, punctuated by laughter and the clinking of chopsticks against porcelain. Xie Ming found herself relaxing, genuinely enjoying the family dynamics she had once shunned.

Jin Liwei watched his wife with a mixture of pride and curiosity. This new Xie Ming, with her graceful manners and genuine warmth, was a constant source of surprise. As he observed her easy interaction with his family, he felt a surge of hope for their future together.

The lunch continued, filled with delicious food and newfound connections. For Xie Ming, it was more than just a meal - it was a step towards embracing her new life and the family she had once pushed away. And for the Jin family, it was the beginning of a new chapter with the daughter-in-law they had always hoped for but never truly known.