Chapter 31: You’re a bastard!

Xia Zhuixin had flaunted that pen in front of her countless times in her past life. 

Back then, she’d envied Xia Zhuixin for receiving a pen and a birthday wish from Yu Jingchuan something she’d never received. 

She never expected Yu Jingchuan to give her the same pen now.

Remembering the unsuitable silver bracelet she’d received in her past life, anger surged within Lin Yitang. 

Was Yu Jingchuan giving her Xia Zhuixin’s rejected birthday gift? What did he think of her?

Lin Yitang snatched the pen from his hand and threw it on the ground. “I don’t want your gift!”

Yu Jingchuan hadn’t expected this and was momentarily taken aback. 

Before he could react, the woman, her face flushed with anger, slapped him.

The familiar scent made Yu Jingchuan instinctively inhale. The tingling pain on his cheek froze him in place.

“Yu Jingchuan, you’re a jerk!”

Lin Yitang glared at him with slightly teary eyes, storming away.

Only after she was gone did Yu Jingchuan touch his cheek.  He clicked his tongue, a chill in his eyes.

He almost laughed in anger. 

His gift was rejected? What was Lin Yitang’s problem? Or was this another tactic to get his attention?

His chest heaved, and he left with a dark expression. 

But after a few steps, he returned and picked up the pen.

When he re entered the canteen, Lin Yitang was already sitting with Chen Xiuyuan, eating. 

She was smiling and gentle, a stark contrast to her earlier attitude.

Yu Jingchuan scoffed. He felt he’d meddled unnecessarily. 

With her popularity, she certainly wouldn’t lack birthday gifts.

Yu Jingchuan coldly glanced at Lin Yitang, lost his appetite, and left again.

After lunch, Qin Liangxin introduced Lin Yitang to the canteen staff five people three cooks Zhang Yong, a veteran from the mess hall and Wang Guihua and Zhang Xianghe, military wives who had transferred with their husbands. 

Two younger staff Zhang Yuan, Zhang Yong’s distant relative, who assisted him and Zheng Hongmei, who served food and did other tasks.

After Qin Liangxin explained the situation, Lin Yitang greeted them. 

Wang Guihua was immediately charmed by Lin Yitang’s fair skin.

“Oh my, Lin girl, I’ve never seen such a pretty girl!”

Zhang Xianghe agreed. “Yes, she’s as good as the girls in the art troupe!”

“You two are beautiful too, and look very blessed!”

Lin Yitang’s words pleased them, and they laughed.

Qin Liangxin coughed. “This canteen renovation is an order from above. You must take it seriously! 

There might be inspections, so we can’t make mistakes!  And we need to improve the food. Comrade Lin Yitang is a skilled cook, especially her medicinal meals.

Thanks to her, Chen Xiuyuan’s wound healed quickly. If our soldiers could eat such meals after injuries, they’d recover better!  Learn from her. I went to great lengths to invite her!”

Everyone agreed seriously.  But Zheng Hongmei secretly eyed Lin Yitang. She wore a light blue dress, revealing only her arms, yet captivating everyone’s attention.

Her figure was excellent long legs, slender waist, high hipline, and full bust.

Even without a tight dress, her curves were evident.  Combined with her alluring face, she was a stunner.

Zheng Hongmei, who considered herself pretty, felt instantly inferior.

Qin Liangxin left after giving further instructions. Chen Xiuyuan immediately approached Lin Yitang.

“Comrade Lin, I have training soon. Tell me if you need anything!”

“Okay, go train!”

Chen Xiuyuan reluctantly waved goodbye, but Zheng Hongmei stopped him.

“Brother Xiuyuan, you didn’t even talk to me.”

Chen Xiuyuan was embarrassed.  He only had eyes for Lin Yitang.

“Hongmei, I have training. I have to go!”

Zheng Hongmei scowled and glared at Lin Yitang.

Lin Yitang ignored her.  She’d prepared twenty medicinal meal recipes.  Soldiers could suffer various injuries, so she’d chosen suitable recipes. 

One recipe a day for twenty days should be enough.  Qin Liangxin had given her 200 yuan, so she had to earn it.

She took out a recipe; she’d brought some ingredients.

Initially, Zhang Yong and the others didn’t take her seriously, but after she showed her skills, they were impressed. 

The medicinal meals were fragrant, the medicinal taste subtle, yet delicious.

Wang Guihua exclaimed, “Yitang, you’re amazing! Whoever marries you will be blessed!”

Lin Yitang smiled and explained the process and importance of timing and heat. 

The ingredients were crucial; the herbs from her space were more effective, resulting in better medicinal meals. 

But she used ordinary herbs to avoid suspicion.

It was almost dinner time, and Lin Yitang helped prepare dinner.

Soldiers started arriving from training. 

Chen Xiuyuan rushed in, going straight to the kitchen to see Lin Yitang without even getting his food.

Yu Jingchuan, seeing this, frowned and went to the kitchen. 

He heard Lin Yitang and Chen Xiuyuan talking.