Chapter 72

Thinking of Ye Baizhi, Suni’s eyes lit with admiration. “She’s truly remarkable.”

“And she has such a unique presence.”

She couldn’t quite describe it—but there was something naturally convincing and trustworthy about her.

“She doesn’t care what others think.”

“Most shamans with real skill are proud and aloof—they’d never lower themselves to set up a stall.”

“But she’s different.”

Suni couldn’t help but admire and trust her. And she was determined to find a way to repay that kindness. After all, their benefactor had saved their entire family.

Just thinking about what might’ve happened without her sent chills down Suni’s spine. She didn’t want to die—not when she still had Hei Ze. Gripping his hand tightly, she said, “Hei Ze, let’s live well from now on.”

Hei Ze smiled and nodded. “Yeah. Let’s live well. I’ll work even harder at hunting, so you and our baby are always well fed.”

Right now, he felt like life was full of hope. He was brimming with energy to hunt and provide. He had to bring back plenty of food—there was no way he’d let Suni or their child go hungry.

Looking at him, Suni’s heart ached.

“If only we had some kind of trade skill… then you wouldn’t have to go hunting so far or push yourself so hard.”

“And I’ve heard it’s been a little chaotic outside lately.”

They lived near the village estate, where the patrol teams offered protection—no one dared cause trouble nearby. But hunting wasn’t exactly convenient either—they had to travel far into the mountains and forests, quite a distance from their estate.

Relying solely on hunting to make a living was grueling work.

After being injured, Hei Ze had dropped from a fifth-tier to a third-tier beastman. As for her—being a female with no combat strength—Suni couldn’t be of much help.

Hei Ze knew she felt sorry for him. He shook his head and said, “It’s fine. As long as I can still hunt, that’s good enough.”

“If there’s anyone to blame, it’s me—for not being more capable.”

Suni shook her head firmly. “Don’t say that.”

“I can weave fabric, but without a loom, it’s useless.”

“Besides, the Su family crippled my fingers back then.”

Just mentioning it made Suni’s hatred for them flare. Now, her hands could only manage some simple tasks.

The reason the Su family had risen to nobility in the Northern Region was because they controlled the methods for making looms and weaving fabric. That one vital craft let them earn spirit stones endlessly.

Finely woven textiles—rich, intricate cloth—could be sold to wealthy households in the major cities.

There were plenty of prosperous families across the land. Communal tribe life wasn’t the only option—those with power could operate independently, as family-based units no one dared provoke. And inside the cities, order was upheld by laws set by the Beast King. But city life was expensive, so Suni and Hei Ze had chosen to settle in this estate instead.

Hei Ze didn’t want her to worry, so he gently consoled her the best he could.

Ye Baizhi didn’t understand any of that. Back home, she took the proofed dough from the bowl and placed it on the kneading board.

The board had been carefully polished by Ye Wulan back in the secret realm—broad and smooth, perfect for making dough-based foods.

When they left, she’d brought it along in her spatial storage.

Meanwhile, Ye Wulan boiled some beast milk for Da Bao, adding a few slices of ginger to cut the gaminess. He carefully adjusted the temperature before handing it to Da Bao.

“Da Bao, drink your milk first to fill your belly a little.”

Da Bao was still too young—he couldn’t go hungry.

“Thank you, Father Ye,” Da Bao said sweetly, taking the bowl with both hands.

“There’s no need to thank me,” Ye Wulan said warmly. He was more than willing to care for him. Then he ladled out another bowl and handed it to Ye Baizhi. “I’ll knead the dough—you drink the milk first.”

After a busy morning—and with Ye Baizhi still carrying a child—Ye Wulan worried she might be hungry. She took the bowl and drank it down in a few hearty gulps. Ye Wulan then began kneading the dough. Even this simple task, he performed with elegance, as if he were crafting a delicate work of art instead of preparing food. When he rolled up his sleeves, the graceful lines of his arms were striking.

Back in the secret realm, Ye Wulan had often helped Baizhi cook and knead dough too.

Having finished his milk, Da Bao wanted to join in. “Mother, I want to knead the dough too!”

Seeing his eagerness, Ye Baizhi smiled and pinched off a small piece for him to play with like clay. She moved quickly with the dough, skillfully shaping it into smooth, round steamed buns. Once they were all formed, she let them rise again. Then she ladled water into the large pot, lit the fire, and began steaming them.

Ye Wulan handled the fire.

When Ye Baizhi glanced at the water barrel, she realized it might not be enough to cook dinner later.

Earlier in the morning, Ye Wulan had fetched water from the well—he made several trips with the buckets before finally filling the water vat.

Ye Baizhi thought that was too slow and came up with an idea: a carrying pole. It would make fetching water much easier. She figured it’d be best to make one that afternoon.

While Ye Wulan tended the fire, Ye Baizhi began washing green peppers and mushrooms, then sliced up the meat. She had previously rendered fat from the meat and stored it in a jar—perfect to use while cooking.

First, she made braised pork. Then, stir-fried pork with green peppers and a mushroom and egg soup. That would be enough for the three of them.

As for the eggplants, she planned to save them for the evening to make stuffed eggplant pockets with the leeks growing in her space farm.

As the firewood burned and the buns steamed, the aroma of fresh mantou gradually filled the room. Smelling the fragrance, Ye Baizhi couldn’t help but think how good it smelled.

Little Da Bao swayed off his tiny stool, padded over to her feet, and looked up. “Mother, is that the smell of buns?”

“That’s right—that’s the smell of buns.”

“Mother, it smells so good. Da Bao really wants to eat one.” He blinked his big round eyes, staring up at her with the softest look of anticipation.

Every time he looked at her like that, Ye Baizhi’s heart melted all over again.

“Don’t rush—once they’re steamed through, you can eat them,” said Ye Baizhi gently.

Seeing that Da Bao was still fidgety, she added, “How about Mother tells you a story while we wait?”

Da Bao nodded sweetly. “Mm-hmm, Mother, please tell a story.”

So Ye Baizhi began telling him stories like The Tortoise and the Rabbit.

Da Bao listened, completely captivated.

When the time was just about right, Ye Baizhi called out, “Wulan, you can stop stoking the fire for the buns—just keep them covered for a bit, and they’ll be ready.”

“Alright,” Ye Wulan replied, turning his attention to the fire under the other pot while Ye Baizhi focused on stir-frying dishes like braised pork.

Once the food was done, the buns were ready too. The moment she lifted the lid, a wave of hot steam billowed out.

Smelling that rich aroma, Ye Baizhi couldn’t help but smile.

This—this was the feeling of home and hearth. She loved this comforting, down-to-earth scent of daily life.

“The buns will be really hot—careful not to burn yourself.”

Ye Wulan replied with a soft smile, “Don’t worry.”

He used a small spatula to scoop the buns one by one onto a bamboo strainer—a strainer Ye Baizhi had woven herself in her spare time.

Looking at the slightly golden buns, Baizhi sighed with contentment. “Now, this is real steamed bread made from pure wheat.”

No additives, no whiteners, no artificial fluff—just honest flour. Only in a place like the Beast Continent could you still enjoy such authentic flavors.

The scent was so mouthwatering that Ye Baizhi thought she could eat two buns on her own. She’d been eager to make buns ever since she harvested wheat—but back then, she hadn’t yet made her sourdough starter, so she’d had to wait.

Now, finally, the timing was just right.