Chapter 29 – Easy to Like

The pancakes Wen Lan made were actually the soft kind we commonly refer to as flatbreads. She mixed white flour with a bit of salt and chopped scallions, added water to make a batter, then spread it thinly in a greased pan. Once both sides were golden, it was done.

Wen Lan swiftly made six or seven of them, then wrapped them separately in oiled paper: a smaller portion for Qingfeng and a larger one for herself and the hunter to take up the mountain.

By the time she brought them out, the hunter and Qingfeng had already finished breakfast.

Judging by their expressions, Qingfeng looked delighted and proud, while the hunter’s face remained emotionless.

Before serving breakfast earlier, Wen Lan had already eaten a bit in the kitchen. She had felt quite confident that the two dishes she prepared today would win over the taste buds of these two ancestors.

But apparently, only Qingfeng was satisfied.

“Did the dishes not suit your taste, Hunter Brother?” Wen Lan asked the hunter, glancing at the placement of the dishes on the table.

The hunter looked at her but didn’t reply.

Qingfeng answered for him, “Our master doesn’t eat garlic.”

Doesn’t eat garlic? That picky?

Wen Lan sniffed and couldn’t help complaining inwardly: This burly man with an unshaven beard acts like a delicate lady, picky about everything—as if he came straight out of a royal palace.

But on the surface, she still forced a smile. “I didn’t know Hunter Brother had this dietary preference. I’ll be more careful in the future.”

The hunter curled his lips slightly—an indication he had accepted her apology.

Wen Lan didn’t speak further. She handed the prepared flatbread to Qingfeng, along with some jerky she had roasted by the stove.

Qingfeng accepted it but couldn’t help eyeing the larger portion of flatbread still in Wen Lan’s hand.

“You really play favorites, girl. You only made a little for me, but so much for our master.”

“That’s not all for Hunter Brother—some of it’s for me too.”

“For you? You’re going out as well?” Qingfeng immediately suspected Wen Lan was trying to run off again.

Wen Lan explained, “Hunter Brother is going up the mountain to hunt. As his maid, how could I stay at home doing nothing? I’ve decided to go up the mountain with him. He hunts, and I’ll help carry the game.”

“No need,” Xuanyue rejected flatly.

Wen Lan hadn’t expected her excuse to be shut down so quickly. But she was determined to go into the mountains today. Otherwise, it would only get harder and harder to find a reason to follow the hunter again in the future.

“Hunter Brother, don’t be so quick to refuse. If you bring me along, it’ll definitely be better than going alone.”

“Oh?” The hunter unexpectedly showed patience and asked, “How so?”

Wen Lan quickly began counting on her fingers. “First, with me keeping you company, you won’t be bored on the way up the mountain. I can chat with you. Second, I can help carry your knives and bow. Third, if you fall into a ravine, I can help pull you out.”

She finished and looked at him eagerly, hoping for a word of approval.

But the hunter didn’t give one. Hidden beneath his scruffy beard was a faint, unreadable smile. After a long moment, he finally said, “Tell me the truth, and I might take you up the mountain.”

The truth? Did he already know she was lying?

“Hehe…” Wen Lan made an embarrassed face and grinned. “Nothing escapes your eyes, Hunter Brother. Alright, I’ll tell the truth—I want to follow you up the mountain to forage for wild goods.”

“Forage? For what kind of wild goods?” Qingfeng was the one who asked.

“Things like pine mushrooms and wood ear fungus. I want to gather some to help improve Hunter Brother’s meals.” That was pure nonsense, but she couldn’t tell them she wanted to sell the goods to make money and prepare for her future.

Wen Lan felt that revealing her ambitions too early wouldn’t help her build a good relationship with the hunter. Ancient people—especially those with money—probably preferred loyal, selfless servants.

Sure enough, Qingfeng bought right into her explanation. He leaned close to Xuanyue and began praising Wen Lan again.

“This village girl is really great. She already knows how to look after Master. With her here, Old Madam doesn’t have to worry about your daily needs anymore.”

Xuanyue gave a cold snort but didn’t refute him.