Mom gripped the phone so tightly that her knuckles turned white . She looked up at the gray sky , then back toward the orphanage , as if she could see my hopeful face through the walls . She took a deep breath before speaking clearly and firmly . " Xander , listen carefully . Even if I can't find a job and have to set up a food stall , I'll never step one foot into the McNeil residence ever again ! Sal and I won't starve ! Stay away from us ! " After saying that , she hung up right away and blocked his number . A few days later , a small stall was set up outside the orphanage's big iron gate . An old cart , a blazing coal stove , and on top of it stood a shiny big iron pot ! Mom wore a faded apron and had her hair neatly tied up . She began selling some authentic Southern delicacies - country - fried chicken , flapjacks , and hearty macaroni and cheese . And what was the most eye - catching was the pot bubbling away with ... Although it wasn't finished yet , the rich aroma of gumbo forcefully drifted through the iron bars and straight into the yard . " Country - fried chicken ! Flapjacks ! Macaroni and cheese ! " Mom's shouting sounded a bit rough around the edges , but she was loud and full of strength . Every day , I pressed myself against the window closest to the gate , sniffing at that tempting aroma . At noon or in the evening , Mom always found a chance to get close to the iron bars. She would quickly glance at the gatekeeper , then pull out the still - warm food wrapped in foil and slip it through the bars . " Sal ! Quick , eat while it's hot ! Today's mac and cheese is particularly hearty ! " " I saved you the biggest piece of fried chicken , with an extra crispy outside ! " " I reheated the gumbo . It'll warm your stomach ! " Her hands were frozen red , but her face carried a warm yet nervous smile . I took the food that still carried her warmth and devoured it . I was huffing from the heat , but I was unwilling to stop . Through the cold iron bars , we looked at each other , our gaze bright . " Mom , it's delicious ! Smells amazing ! " I exclaimed . " Eat slowly . Don't choke . When I've saved enough money to rent a little shop , I'll make gumbo for you every day ! " " Okay! Mom , I'll wait ! " The viewers ' comments showed their emotions . " Feeding her through the iron bars ! I'm in tears ! " 1/2 Chapter 7 " I can smell the gumbo through the screen ! Mommy is amazing ! " " Sobs ! Both mother and daughter love each other so much ! No adoption agreement can end that ! " " Cheering for the food stall ! Let's go , Mommy ! " +25 Bonus The days passed , with Mom working hard and me waiting by the window . Mom's stall - thanks to her use of the best ingredients , the authentic flavors , and her warm sincerity - slowly started to thrive . At that moment , the McNeils received good news - Serena was pregnant . " I already knew those two had an ambiguous relationship , but I didn't expect them to stoop this low ... " " Why ? The kind and tragic female lead lost her child , but this scheming childhood sweetheart got pregnant . This script is way too ridiculous . I'm fuming ! " " I want to switch back to the food channel ! " After hearing the news , Xander was , of course , overjoyed . He swept away his previous gloomy demeanor and held a grand banquet to celebrate . He wanted to announce to the whole world that he was finally going to have an heir . He bought Serene jewelry , purchased a luxurious mansion , and showered her with affection . It was as if he wanted to make up all the guilt of the child that was never born by placing it all on this one . 42 He even thought that once the child was born , the ungrateful Mom would see his heir and feel utter despair . By the time the celebrations ended , Xander was slightly drunk . As he hugged the bashful Serena , he prepared to go home . for Support Share