Chapter 72.1

The comrade who was eating dry rations originally didn’t think much of their own pancake, but the taste of Han Cheng’s preserved vegetable pancake was simply dominant. They couldn’t care less about Han Cheng’s ‘keep your distance’ handsome face and couldn’t help but swallow their saliva before asking: “Comrade, what are you eating? Why does it smell so delicious?'”

Su Xiaoxiao’s preserved vegetable pancake wasn’t very big, just a little larger than an egg. Han Cheng finished one in two or three bites. It was baked to be crispy, and when you took a bite, you had to catch the crunchy crumbs with your hand. At this moment, they were thinking that Su Xiaoxiao and the children were probably having dinner or had just finished. They didn’t know what delicious meal she had prepared for the children tonight, but whatever it was, it would surely be Fantuan’s number one tasty dish. When asked like this, Han Cheng smiled and said, “It’s the preserved vegetable pancake made by my wife.”

“Your wife made it? I thought you bought it from outside. Her craftsmanship looks better than the chefs in state-owned restaurants. Comrade, you’re really lucky. The pancakes that my wife baked for me aren’t delicious, they’re barely cooked. He doesn’t even allow me to spend money on buying meals. Ah!” 

The comrade eating dry rations let out a long sigh. ‘This comrade’s smile is really handsome. The female comrade who can make such delicious pancakes must be beautiful too. He resigned himself to smell the fragrance of others’ pancakes while eating his own half-cooked dry rations made by his unattractive wife.’

When it comes to Su Xiaoxiao, Han Cheng’s smile became warmer, and said:  “I’m really lucky. My wife is especially good.”

Although there were ten or eight preserved vegetable pancakes in a lunchbox, Han Cheng only allowed himself to eat one per day. He didn’t have one for lunch and only had one when he missed Su Xiaoxiao in the evening. These things could last for a long time. He had just started his business trip, and there were still ten or eight days ahead. He really didn’t want to share them with other comrades on the train.

There were only three of them in the compartment, and they didn’t know where the other person had gone. Han Cheng opened the lunchbox containing smoked fish and used the untouched chopsticks to give each of them a piece. He said, “I won’t share the pancake with you, but try the smoked fish my wife made.”

Food is precious these days, and they don’t easily eat others’ food. Fish is much more precious than pancakes, but the comrade eating dry rations didn’t know what Han Cheng was thinking, so they repeatedly refused.

The comrade eating dry rations was surnamed Li, a simple farmer named Li Dahai. He was visiting the capital to visit relatives, and his relatives had helped him buy the train ticket. It was his first time riding in a sleeper berth, and even though he lacked experience, he knew that those who could travel on business in a sleeper berth were not ordinary people. He was content just to have a place to sit on the train during his usual travels.

Han Cheng slept on the upper berth and spent the whole day either reading, writing, or drawing without saying much to them. Old Li didn’t expect others to be so friendly, not only showing no disdain towards him but also sharing meat with him. He was so moved that he could hardly find words to express his gratitude.

The other comrade, who had a gentle appearance and wore glasses, was named Chen Bingyang. He was also on a business trip to the capital. When he saw Han Cheng, he sensed that Han Cheng was a generous person, so he didn’t need to be overly polite. He picked up a piece of smoked fish and took a sniff, saying, “Authentic Shanghai-style smoked fish. I’ve only had it once in a state-owned restaurant in Shanghai. It was truly unforgettable and left a lingering taste. Could it be that your wife is from Shanghai?”

Han Cheng took a bite of the smoked fish and didn’t know how Su Xiaoxiao made it. Even after being stored for so long, it is still delicious. It wasn’t as crispy as when it had just come out of the pot, but the flavor was even richer and more enjoyable. There was no trace of a fishy taste, either.

Han Cheng shook his head and said, “No, she usually likes to read books and experiment with various cuisines. She can make dishes from different regions, and everything she makes turns out great.”

Su Xiaoxiao didn’t adhere to any particular culinary style. She would take whatever ingredients were available and make them delicious in her own unique way. Any ingredient in her magical hands would turn out doubly tasty.

Chen Bingyang took a bite and nodded, giving a thumbs up: “Not bad, your lover’s culinary skills surpass those of chefs in state-owned restaurants.”

Li Dahai had never eaten anything so delicious before. He wished he could hide some for his son and stingy wife to taste, but he knew it would spoil over the remaining days. So, he simply kept repeating “It’s delicious” with each mouthful, savoring every bite.

Han Cheng didn’t say much anymore. He thought about Su Xiaoxiao’s appearance when she was engrossed in cooking, with her little dimples showing. He savored the food she made with love, relishing every bite.