Roasted Sweet Potatoes Smell Amazing

Wei Lan had already moved to Changsha City, where she was busy with work and rarely returned to Baiyan Village. That day, she was in the courtyard sorting medicinal herbs. The sunlight shone down, releasing a faint fragrance from the herbs. Suddenly, a familiar sound reached her ears. She looked up and saw Brother Dan carrying a plump mountain chicken, while Jiabao happily bounced toward her.

Wei Lan was stunned for a moment before exclaiming in delight, “Brother Dan! You’re here!”

Brother Dan smiled slightly and said, “I came to the city to handle some matters.”

As soon as Jiabao saw Wei Lan, it was like reuniting with an old friend. It joyfully circled around her feet, its tail wagging like a drumstick. Wei Lan didn’t mind the mud and wild grass on its body. She crouched down, stroked its fluffy head, and laughed, “Jiabao, have you been running wild in the mountains again?”

Jiabao’s bright brown eyes stared intently at Wei Lan. She extended her left hand, and as if understanding her intent, Jiabao lifted its right paw and placed it on her hand. Wei Lan shook its paw, then extended her right hand, and Jiabao quickly adjusted its posture, lifting its left paw to shake hands with her.

The smooth and natural movements made it seem like Jiabao had mastered the handshake game on its own, making Wei Lan laugh uncontrollably.

Jiabao licked its lips repeatedly, its tongue flicking out as crystal-clear saliva dripped down, showing its excitement.

Hearing the commotion in the courtyard, Honghua stepped out of the house. Seeing her, Wei Lan quickly went up to her and warmly introduced, “Xiaohua, this is Brother Dan, whom I’ve mentioned to you many times.”

Honghua nodded slightly, her face full of friendliness. “Brother Dan, I’ve heard so much about you. Now that we finally meet, you truly live up to your reputation.”

Brother Dan smiled and handed over the plump mountain chicken he had brought.

With quick reflexes, Honghua grabbed the chicken’s wings and lifted it effortlessly. She examined it with curiosity and chuckled, “I wonder what kind of eggs this mountain chicken lays?”

Wei Lan burst into laughter and explained to Brother Dan, “Xiaohua raises a lot of chickens in the backyard. Every day, she collects eggs. She’s probably curious about this one.”

Honghua put the mountain chicken in the yard and went inside to prepare food.

After playing with Jiabao for a while, Brother Dan got ready to leave. Wei Lan brought out a bag of sweet potato seedlings and handed them to him. “Brother Dan, take these back and plant them.”

Since the business at the clinic and pharmacy was booming, Wei Lan used the opportunity to promote sweet potatoes. She had carefully selected a batch of plump, high-quality sweet potatoes best suited for sprouting from a merchant. Then, she set up a roasted sweet potato stand at the pharmacy entrance.

As the sweet potatoes roasted over charcoal, they sizzled, their skins gradually puffing up and cracking open, releasing an enticing aroma into the air. Wei Lan even had Shunxing fan the smoke slightly, allowing the scent to travel even farther—up to ten miles away.

The stand was an instant success. Every passerby was drawn in by the irresistible sweetness. Many couldn’t help but buy a few, peeling off the skin and taking a bite—instantly captivated by the soft, sweet taste.

Seizing the opportunity, Shunxing promoted sweet potato cultivation. He enthusiastically explained how these sweet potatoes weren’t just delicious but also easy to grow. They didn’t require special soil, could be planted almost anywhere, and had a high yield, making them a cost-effective food source. His words convinced many to buy seedlings and try growing them at home.

This strategy worked wonders—after all, who could resist such a delicious treat? The reputation of these sweet potatoes soon spread across the region, and more and more people began planting them.

Brother Dan listened to Wei Lan’s explanation and shook his head with a smile. “I only know how to track wild animals in the mountains. I have no idea how to farm.” He rubbed his nose instinctively, his eyes flickering slightly.

Wei Lan chuckled at his hesitation. “It’s not difficult at all! I’ll teach you, and I guarantee you’ll understand in no time.”

She then patiently explained the steps of planting sweet potatoes—from selecting suitable soil to loosening it, from planting the seedlings to fertilizing, watering, and weeding. She covered every detail with care.

Brother Dan listened intently, his brows slightly furrowed as he nodded now and then, trying to absorb the information. Yet, after she finished, he still shook his head. “Little sister, you make it sound easy, but my brain isn’t as quick as yours. I still don’t get it.”

Wei Lan found it odd. Brother Dan was an intelligent and resourceful hunter—how could he not grasp something so simple? She smiled knowingly. “You’re just being modest. I need to visit the Liu family anyway, so why don’t we go back to Baiyan Village together? I’ll teach you in person, and you’ll learn in no time.”

Brother Dan’s eyes brightened slightly, revealing a trace of anticipation. “That sounds great.”

Just then, Jiabao leaped onto a donkey’s back, wagging its tail like a little broom, urging them to hurry.

Brother Dan looked at Wei Lan and said, “You should ride the donkey too.”

Standing in front of the donkey, Wei Lan hesitated. She had never ridden one before, and she felt both nervous and excited. Her palms were slightly sweaty. She glanced at Jiabao wagging its tail on the donkey’s back, then at Brother Dan, struggling to find the right words.

Sensing her apprehension, Brother Dan reassured her patiently, “Riding a donkey is simple. Just stand firm, place one foot in the stirrup, push off, and lift yourself onto the saddle.”

As he spoke, he gently patted the donkey’s back, his gaze warm and encouraging. “Don’t worry, it’s a gentle animal—it won’t hurt you.”

Following his instructions, Wei Lan cautiously stepped onto the stirrup. Just as she was about to mount, the donkey, sensing her nervousness, suddenly flinched. She lost balance and almost fell, barely managing to grab its mane and steady herself.

Brother Dan quickly stepped forward, soothing the donkey while reassuring Wei Lan, “Don’t rush. It’s a timid creature—try again.”

Taking a deep breath, Wei Lan calmed herself. This time, she moved with more confidence. She stepped onto the stirrup again, and with Brother Dan’s light support, she pushed off and landed smoothly on the donkey’s back.

As the donkey moved, her body rocked gently with its rhythm. The new experience was both fun and fascinating. She couldn’t help but shift slightly, adjusting to the movement.

Excitedly, she said, “Riding a donkey is actually quite nice—it’s much faster than walking!”

Brother Dan chuckled. “If you like it, you should get a horse. Riding a horse is even better than a donkey.”

Her eyes lit up as if suddenly inspired. “You’re right! Why didn’t I think of that? I’ll buy a good horse someday—then I’ll ride everywhere instead of walking.”

When they reached Brother Dan’s wooden house, Wei Lan eagerly approached the field beside it, ready to teach him how to plant sweet potatoes. She rolled up her sleeves, grabbed a hoe, and demonstrated each step while explaining carefully.

After planting a row of seedlings, her hands were covered in dirt. As a doctor, she was used to cleanliness, so she immediately wanted to wash them. She looked around and asked, “Where’s the water jar?”

Brother Dan pointed to a corner. “Over there.”

Wei Lan went over and scooped up some water, rinsing her hands clean. Just as she finished, she noticed a small wooden hut beside the jar.

A green curtain hung at the entrance, swaying gently in the breeze, making a soft rustling sound. There was something mysterious about it.

Curious, she reached out to lift the curtain, but just then, Brother Dan called softly behind her, “Little sister.”

Turning around, she saw him standing nearby, holding a hoe, his expression complex, as if struggling to find the right words.

Wei Lan hesitated. “Brother Dan, what is this room for?”

After a pause, he replied quietly, “It’s my late wife’s memorial hall.”

Wei Lan was taken aback, quickly lowering her hand. “I didn’t mean to intrude… I’m sorry.”

Brother Dan sighed. “Since you’re here, why not pay your respects?”

Surprised, Wei Lan hesitated. “Me?”

Without another word, Brother Dan lifted the curtain and stepped inside. After a moment’s hesitation, Wei Lan followed him.