Chapter 19: Little Cutie

It was another energetic day. Wang Yi opened her eyes early in the morning and suddenly remembered—there was no work to do today.

All five greenhouses had been finished yesterday. She was so used to getting up early that she woke up at her usual time.

Seeing that it was already 6:30, and the sun had risen, Wang Yi felt a bit dazed.

What was going on today? Still half-asleep, she dozed off again.

She didn’t fully get up until after 8:00—a wonderfully long sleep.

Her parents weren’t home. When Wang Yi opened the door, wow! Everything was white.

The first snow of 2024 had finally arrived—it was no easy feat.

Her brother complained, saying, “This is strange. It snows early every year—why not this year?”

Her parents were busy shoveling snow. It had snowed heavily all night.

Fully equipped with a hat, gloves, and a big scarf, Wang Yi joined the snow-shoveling army.

They cleared paths and piled the rest of the snow in the garden. In spring, it would melt naturally, and the vegetable plots wouldn’t need watering—they could be planted directly.

Wang Yi saw the large geese waddling in the snow. Isn’t that just a perfect snowy-day scene?

A big iron pot stewing geese—oh my gosh, so fitting for the occasion.

“Mom! Today we’re stewing geese in the iron pot!” Wang Yi shouted excitedly.

Perhaps sensing danger, the geese flapped their little wings, stretched their necks, and started pecking at Wang Yi’s legs.

She kicked them away—but it backfired. About ten geese surrounded her, leaving marks all over her pants.

Wang Yi couldn’t handle it. Screaming, she ran indoors—too fierce! Who could withstand that?

Wang Yi felt so wronged! She just wanted to eat iron-pot stewed goose—why could everyone else eat it but not her?

Her parents came inside and saw her pitiful expression, and couldn’t help laughing.

“That’s what you get for being greedy. You said you wanted it—if not pecked by them, who else?” Her mother said, clearly amused.

“Hahaha!” Her father laughed wildly at the scene.

At that moment, an angelic voice called out: “Uncle, Aunt, Grandma and Grandpa want you to come over for goose. Today, the chickens, ducks, and geese are all slaughtered—today we feast on everything.”

Hearing her brother, Wang Yi knew he was no angel—she couldn’t let him have the last laugh.

She quickly composed herself and acted as if nothing had happened.

Wang Yi told her brother, “I’ll change my clothes, and then we’ll go. On a day like this, it has to be iron-pot stewed goose—so fitting for the snow.”

Her grandparents were busy slaughtering the chickens, ducks, and geese, plucking the feathers—a huge task. These would provide meat for the whole winter. In a few days, when it gets colder, they would slaughter the year pigs—that’s even livelier.

After slaughtering, the meat would be left outside to freeze, then buried in a snow pile for storage.

Many people ask, “Why slaughter all at once? Can’t you just kill one as needed?”

In the Northeast, when the temperature drops below −10°C, all animals are slaughtered; otherwise, chickens, ducks, and geese lose fat and get thinner.

Will it spoil or taste bad? No—think about your freezer at home—it’s only a few degrees. Out here, it can drop to −37 or −38°C.

Today, her grandma took charge. Once the geese were chopped, one was stewed as meat, and the heads, feet, hearts, livers, and gizzards were added to the pot to stew together. This was the tradition every year—so fragrant.

The big pot was heated, goose meat fried until fragrant, slightly charred, then seasonings, soybean paste, and water were added to stew.

Outside, it was snowing. Inside, they were eating goose—what a beautiful feeling.

As soon as they entered the yard, the aroma of stewed goose hit them. Inside, a few side dishes were already on the table. Everyone sat around, waiting for the main goose to be served.

Finally, the lid was lifted, and the steaming, fragrant goose was placed on the table.

Wang Yi eagerly picked up a piece of goose meat and took a bite. The tender, juicy, richly sauced flavor instantly spread across her taste buds. “Mmm, so delicious! Grandma’s cooking is still the most authentic.” Laughter and chatter filled the room.

As they ate, Grandpa recalled the old days when resources were scarce. Keeping even a few poultry was a treasure, nothing like now when they could enjoy so many varieties at once.

Everyone listened, deeply moved. After the meal, Wang Yi took the initiative to help clear the table, thinking to herself that she must come back often to have meals with her grandparents.

Outside, snow continued to fall, while inside, the house was filled with warmth. This iron-pot stewed goose not only satisfied their appetites but also brought the family closer together.

While Wang Yi enjoyed the cozy scene, in Beijing, Lu Yan—the little poor thing—was being kicked out.

In the Lu family of Beijing, Lu Yan’s grandfather had passed away three days ago. Today, his uncles held a meeting and removed all of Lu Yan’s positions.

Lu Yan didn’t make a fuss; he accepted the arrangement, handed over his work, and went home. Assistant Li, being Lu Yan’s classmate, naturally left with him.

Assistant Li thought: “Everyone believes Lu Yan was ousted, but only he knows it was intentional. Without the old master, the Lu family is like a setting sun. His uncles are cautious because Lu Yan was the grandfather’s chosen successor, though it was never made public.”

“That doesn’t mean he can’t observe. This is actually good—it saves Lu Yan from cleaning up their mess. He has money and capability; he can easily establish another Lu Corporation.”

Lu Yan looked at Assistant Li: “I’ll give you a paid leave. Go home and spend time with your family until I notify you.”

“And you? What are your plans?” Li asked.

“I want to rest for a while, travel a bit. I haven’t had a break these years. It’s time to relax.” Lu Yan gazed into the distance.

“Alright, boss. I’ll wait for your notice then,” Li said, bidding him farewell.

With some free time, Lu Yan wasn’t sure where to go. He had been working at the Lu Corporation since graduation, year-round without a break. Being pushed out was disheartening, but he truly didn’t want the Lu Corporation.

Yet no one believed him!

Lu Yan took out his phone to check travel destinations. Many recommended trips to Northeast China; eight out of ten suggestions were for the Northeast.

He remembered visiting Heilongjiang with his roommates in sophomore year—winter there was freezing!

This time, he decided not to go to Heilongjiang but explore Jilin and Liaoning. He began planning his trip.

He chose Jilin, planning to visit Changbai Tianchi first, then enjoy Korean-Chinese cuisine and culture in Yanji, and finally check out the ancient fishing methods at Chagan Lake in Songyuan.

After planning, he bought down jackets and ski suits, booked accommodations, and three days later boarded the high-speed train to the Northeast.

Passing Shanhaiguan, he immediately felt the change in scenery and temperature. Northeast China was now a vast white landscape, with roads lined by nothing but snow.

Lu Yan savored this moment of peace—far from family disputes—a long-held dream.

Meanwhile, Wang Yi finished her meal at her grandmother’s house. It was already dark, and as she walked, her boots crunched in the snow—“crunch, crunch”—a pleasant sound, though tiring. With each step, it was slippery and hard to gain traction.

Walking, Wang Yi asked her father about the snow on the greenhouse roof.

“Didn’t we install automatic snow sweepers during setup? It just froze today. I melted it, and now it’s clean again,” her father replied.

High-tech or not, in the Northeast, winter always requires manual work first, then automation.

Wang Yi thought of a solution: “Dad, tomorrow wrap the controller in anti-freeze cotton to keep it warm. Then it won’t freeze.”

Her father agreed it was feasible.

In the Northeast, anything can freeze. There’s nothing we can’t handle—it’s just a matter of preparation.