Chapter 167

It was the first time for the cubs to visit the capital. Everything they saw seemed novel to them. They took turns carrying Xiao Roubao and Xiao Tangyuan on their backs, and they didn’t feel tired even after walking for half a day.

In the midst of winter, the old man was worried about the kids getting cold, so he didn’t plan to go outdoors. They mostly stayed indoors, and the old man took them around the mall, rode the escalator that Zhuzi said they could walk by themselves and had lunch with Xiao Roubao’s long-awaited roast duck.

In the past, the roast ducks brought back by Han Cheng and Zhang Hongtu were usually kept for a few days. Although Su Xiaoxiao would re-roast them, the taste was not bad, but compared to this kind of duck that had just come out of the oven, it was sizzling with oil and crispy skin straight out of the oven, it was like night and day.

The chef brought the roast duck to the table and expertly carved it into one hundred and eight slices. They ate it with thin lotus leaf pancakes, authentic sweet bean sauce, refreshing spring onions, and crisp cucumber slices, which were simply heavenly and delicious.

Fantuan and Xiao Roubao ate until their bellies were round, even Xiao Doubao and Xiao Tangyuan, who usually didn’t have big appetites, ate a lot.

Xiao Zhuzi was worried that his younger siblings would be too full, so he specially ordered a pot of sour plum soup that was good for soothing the stomach.

Xiao Tangyuan and Xiao Roubao loved drinking sour plum soup the most. Sometimes in the summer, Su Xiaoxiao would occasionally cook a big pot for them to drink, and they both loved the sour and sweet taste.

Xiao Roubao drank a big bowl, licked his lips, and said, “Grandpa, the restaurants in the capital are so big, and the roast duck is also delicious, but this sour plum soup is not as delicious as my mother’s.”

Yali took a clean handkerchief, dipped it in water, and wiped Xiao Roubao’s mouth. 

Xiao Roubao squinted his eyes, enjoying Yali’s service like a satisfied little kitten.

“Everything your mother cooks is delicious. Dad, to be honest, you really need to try Xiaoxiao’s cooking. I have never seen anyone who is better at cooking than her,” Yali said with a smile.

The old man nodded and said with a smile: “I have tasted it. Han Cheng once came back to the capital for a business trip and brought me some prunes, vegetable pancakes, and smoked fish that she made. It tasted very good.”

The old man now had plenty of leisure time at home, besides taking care of his birds and strolling around, he didn’t have any special hobbies. He just liked to explore various local dishes with Lao Yang. He was well-known in the city for being a gourmet. He knew better than anyone which dishes each state-owned restaurant and chef excelled at. If a restaurant changed its chef, he could tell after just one taste.

Su Xiaoxiao’s cooking skills were indeed excellent. He couldn’t forget it after trying it once. He planned to let the kids taste it first before appreciating Su Xiaoxiao’s cooking properly.

The cubs like to hear others praise Su Xiaoxiao, and their little tails wagged in happiness.

Xiao Roubao said, “Big brother and Zhuzi both like pickled vegetable pancakes and smoked fish, and I like them too!”

Fantuan said, “Mom’s cooking is always delicious.”

The other kids nodded in agreement.

When Su Xiaoxiao went out in the morning, she asked her cubs to bring a thermos of chrysanthemum and snow pear water and put it in Xiao Doubao’s big rooster schoolbag. The chrysanthemum and snow pear water had been finished, but Xiao Doubao didn’t drink his bowl of sour plum soup, so he put it in the bottle. When

The old man saw it and asked Xiao Doubao, “Xiao Doubao, can’t you finish it?” 

Xiao Doubao has never lied since he was a child. He shook his head and said, “Mom likes to drink sour plum soup, so I want to take it back and give it to her to try.”

It turned out that he was reluctant to drink it, so he left it for his mother to drink. The old man rubbed the child’s head and said, “No need to pack it, give me the thermos, let them refill it, and Xiao Doubao can finish this bowl.”

Fantuan shook his head and said, “No need, Grandpa. Mom can make this too, even better. Xiao Doubao just likes to bring back a little something for Mom to taste whenever he can. Mom only needs to taste it once.”

The old man understood. As a stepmother, she treated her stepchildren as her own, which made them think about her first whenever they found something delicious or interesting. Su Xiaoxiao was indeed very good.

Xiao Roubao and Xiao Tangyuan were used to taking a nap after lunch. After lunch, they were a little sleepy, rubbing their eyes and almost falling asleep.

Zhang Hongtu and Yali each held one, thinking they had plenty of time to explore Beijing in the future, so there was no rush at the moment. So the whole family decided to head back home.

For lunch, Su Xiaoxiao and Han Cheng didn’t make lunch either. Many trendy restaurants have recently opened in the alleys. Although they cannot openly operate their businesses yet, few people discuss cutting the tail of capitalism, and there are no red armbands to catch people and seal up shops. Once again, in this time when various businesses are waiting for success, the brave will starve, and the timid will also starve. Anyone who dares to venture out and be the first to take action can make a breakthrough.

Opening a small restaurant had always been Su Xiaoxiao’s wish. In the future, she wouldn’t have much time to cook for the whole family. Having her own restaurant would solve the family’s eating problem first and foremost. When the kids came home from school hungry, they would have food to eat.

Today, she and Han Cheng were not only solving lunch but also scouting out places to eat to see how others did it and whether they could follow suit.

The couple entered a noodle shop at the entrance of the alley. The storefront was not large, likely repurposing the yard of a house. A sign hung on the door, its size so small that one would need to look closely to notice it.

As soon as Han Cheng and Su Xiaoxiao sat down, a middle-aged auntie of about fifty or sixty came over to ask them what they wanted to eat.

Su Xiaoxiao asked, “Don’t you have a menu?”

The auntie shook her head and said, “Our small kitchen at home can’t make so many varieties. Today, we only have braised noodles. If you want, I’ll bring you two bowls. If you don’t want to eat braised noodles, then take a look around. There are many new shops around here, and you’ll surely find something you like.”

This aunt is very sincere. When Su Xiaoxiao saw that the room was almost full of people, everyone was immersed in eating noodles. The taste shouldn’t be bad, and it smelled good too, so she ordered two bowls of braised noodles.

The braised sauce was prepared in advance, and after boiling the noodles for a few minutes, a spoonful of sauce was poured over them and served. The speed of serving was extremely fast.

Su Xiaoxiao flipped through the noodles and found that there were winter mushrooms, button mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, daylilies, pork belly, and egg liquid thickened with a thin gravy inside. The color was enticing, the consistency was moderate, and she nodded in satisfaction, saying to Han Cheng, “This is authentic traditional braised noodles from old Beijing, and the noodles are hand-rolled.”

Su Xiaoxiao took another bite of the noodles. They were chewy, with a balanced salty-sweet taste and the aroma of scallions and Sichuan peppercorns sautéed in hot oil. She nodded again in satisfaction: “That’s right. These days, even if you don’t have something special and delicious for people to remember, you won’t dare to open your own shop.”

Han Cheng tasted it and nodded. “It’s indeed delicious. It still tastes the same as when I was a child.”

Su Xiaoxiao whispered to Han Cheng, “Han Cheng, what do you think would be the best item to sell if we opened a small restaurant? Restaurants should be unique and delicious so that others can remember them. For example, after I had this bowl of braised noodles, I will immediately think of their restaurant when I want to eat braised noodles in the future.”

“Are you still thinking about opening a restaurant?” 

Su Xiaoxiao had mentioned opening a store a long time ago, and Han Cheng thought she was joking.

Su Xiaoxiao said, “Of course, we need to open it. We won’t have as much time to cook for the children in the future. Eating outside all the time is also worrying. Let’s not talk about whether it makes money or not. If we have a small shop like this at home, it will solve the children’s three meals a day. When we look for a yard, it’s best to find two adjacent ones, at least in the same alley. One can be the storefront, and the other can be our own residence.”

Opening a shop near Beijing University would be no problem as long as the food tastes good. Once a student eats here and finds it delicious, they will naturally spread the word, which can be considered free advertising for them. What they would worry about is not being able to handle the influx of customers.

But what to sell needs to be studied carefully first. Like this shop selling noodles, it’s not bad. You don’t need a variety of dishes, but the taste must be good, and the serving speed must be fast. It must have its own unique features, which would also save effort and worry.

It’s not that she necessarily wants to sell noodles. After all, she’s not a native of Beijing, so the taste she makes won’t be as authentic as a local’s. But no matter what she does, it must have its own unique features. Change the menu every week so that others won’t get tired of it.

However, it’s easier said than done. Both she and Han Cheng have to go to school. Finding a chef all of a sudden is a problem. And finding someone reliable to watch over the restaurant is also a problem. They need someone skilled and trustworthy, which isn’t easy to find.

Su Xiaoxiao sighed. If only her mother could come over. But it’s just wishful thinking. People can’t move freely yet. Maybe in a few more years.

Han Cheng also raised this question: “We’re both busy. Teaching someone to cook a few dishes is easy, but finding someone trustworthy to manage the shop isn’t.”

People these days are honest. Su Xiaoxiao couldn’t finish the large bowl of noodles. She pushed it to Han Cheng. “Anyway, we currently have this idea. We’ll take it one step at a time in the future. There’s no rush. But the sooner we secure a yard, the better. Even if we don’t run a shop, renting it out for others to live in and collecting rent would be good.”

Su Xiaoxiao was thinking long-term. Housing prices will only continue to rise in the future. Currently, people are still relying on their workplaces to provide accommodation in apartments, and they haven’t yet developed the awareness or means to buy their own homes. Therefore, it’s wise to acquire as many properties as possible now. In the future, this area will become prime real estate in the capital, where land is incredibly valuable. Any property in your possession will be highly valuable. Living in the capital is challenging, so it’s best to secure opportunities for her elder and second brothers while they have the means. This will make it easier for Dabao, Xiaobao, and Yaobao to attend university or settle down in the capital later on.

Han Cheng naturally didn’t know what Su Xiaoxiao was thinking. He took the noodles left by Su Xiaoxiao and ate them. He would unconditionally cooperate with and support any decision Su Xiaoxiao made. All matters in the family, big or small, were up to her. He had no objections and also kept this matter in mind.

The couple finished eating noodles and prepared to go home. On the way back, they saw someone selling pork while pushing a bicycle. Su Xiaoxiao thought of making some clear pork rib soup for the children tonight, so she bought some pork ribs.

The children who had gone out to play had already returned home. Yali and her Zhang Hongtu had already put Xiao Roubao and Xiao Tangyuan to sleep in the west wing for their afternoon nap. They also went back to their own rooms to rest.

Xiao Doubao smiled took out the sour plum soup from his backpack and gave it to Su Xiaoxiao. “Mom, it’s already a bit cold. Just take a sip.”

Su Xiaoxiao took it and took a sip of it, then touched the baby’s head: “Thank you, Doubao, but you can’t drink cold drinks on such a cold day. If you want to drink it, wait until we heat it up later.”

Xiao Doubao nodded. “Mom, I understand.”

Xiao Doubao, nestled in her mother’s arms, excitedly recounted what he had seen and heard today.

Su Xiaoxiao hugged the baby and listened to him patiently, asking questions from time to time.

Xiao Doubao was extremely happy, dancing and gesturing with his hands.

On the other side, Han Cheng told the old man about Han Songbai’s return.

The old man didn’t know the real reason why Han Songbai went abroad in the first place. He thought he came back after seeing that the situation in the country was good. He nodded and said, “It’s good that he’s back. It’s no better to be anywhere else than on one’s own land. He left too hastily back then. I didn’t have a chance to talk to him properly.”

Han Cheng also mentioned the accidents involving the eldest aunt and cousin. Apart from concealing the truth about what happened back then, he told everyone else he could.

The old man sighed: “Then what are your plans? Are you going back to your old house? Are you still going to buy a yard near Peking University? Xiao Wu mentioned a few yards that looked good a few days ago. Wait until you find out about the property rights and then tell me.”

Han Cheng said, “We’re going to buy one. It’s convenient for me and Xiaoxiao to go to school if the house is near, and the children will also go to school near Peking University in the future. If we live here, we’ll have to commute every day, which is inconvenient.”

Grandpa Zhang nodded. “That’s true. Your house hasn’t had anyone living in it for decades. It’ll take quite a bit of effort to renovate it. You guys should stay here with peace of mind for now.”

Grandpa Zhang is not stupid. Although he doesn’t know what happened to the Han family back then, Han Cheng’s grandparents just left. Soon, Han Songbai suddenly left the country without any warning. Han Cheng’s parents went to the military district and never came back, and Han Cheng hadn’t visited home in years. With these clues, something must have happened in that house that he didn’t know about.

But he won’t ask further. Even if the two families were on good terms, it was their family affair. If Han Cheng wanted to say anything, he would have said it.

When Xiao Doubao finished talking, Su Xiaoxiao called Fantuan over and said, “Your great uncle has returned from abroad. Tomorrow, Mom and Dad will take you to see him.” ^[1]A great uncle is the same generation as your grandfather; basically, they are brothers.

The two brothers looked at each other, and Fantuan asked, “Great Uncle? Why have I never heard you mention him?”

Xiao Doubao shook his head. “I didn’t even know we had a Great Uncle.”

Su Xiaoxiao explained, “Because he went abroad when Dad was very young, we thought he wouldn’t come back, so we didn’t mention it. He’s Dad’s Uncle. The yard we’re going to visit tomorrow is where your Dad lived when he was a child, our old Han Family’s house. You kids should also know the way.”

Fantuan understood, “Is it the house mentioned in the property deed, and will that Dad found last time?”

Why else would Fantuan be so smart? He guessed it in one shot. Their family discussed everything with the children. Su Xiaoxiao nodded. “Yes, that house is where your uncle lives now. We will not live there. We’ll go look if there’s a suitable yard near Peking University in a few days. If there is, we’ll buy one as our new home. Is that okay?”

Fantuan and Doubao had no objections. As long as the whole family lived together.

Su Xiaoxiao hugged both children. “That’s settled then. We’ll go see your uncle tomorrow, and in a few days, we’ll go see the house.”

The brothers nodded. “Okay.”

On the other side, Grandpa Zhang and Han Cheng had finished their conversation. Hearing Su Xiaoxiao talking softly to the children on the other side, he looked at their side, withdrew his gaze from the gentle mother, and asked Han Cheng, “Has Xiaoxiao always been like this with the children?”

Han Cheng looked over and saw his wife embracing their two sons with a soft expression. His eyes softened, and he nodded. “She’s been like this since she married me, getting along well with the children and teaching them well. The children have been very attached to her and love her dearly.”

The old man smiled and said, “I can see that. Zhuzi learned a lot from her. If you and Xiaoxiao were to have a conflict and they had to choose one of you, they might not choose you, their biological father.”

Han Cheng pursed his lips and didn’t respond. Looking at his wife with a softer gaze, he thought to himself, It’s not just a possibility; it’s certain.