Chapter 26

Next, Su Qianqian began preparing the ingredients. Dishes like the “earth chicken stew” needed to be simmered for at least three hours, using a coal stove to slowly cook, which would make the soup incredibly rich and delicious.

She chopped all the vegetables, arranged everything, and prepped what could be done ahead of time, so that when it was time to cook in the afternoon, it would go quickly.

For lunch, she kept it simple, since there were so many great dishes planned for dinner.

In the afternoon, platon leader and Cheng Yuan arrived to help. Cheng Yuan had worked in the kitchen brigade before, so he had some skills. With him around, it was much easier to get things done.

“Cheng Yuan, it’s a real help having you around,” Su Qianqian said with a smile.

“It’s my honor to help my sister-in-law. This way, I won’t feel guilty when I eat later, and I can have an extra bowl of rice,” he replied, mostly because he was craving Su Qianqian’s cooking.

Platon leader leaned in. “Sister-in-law, I’ve finished dealing with the trash. Is there anything else that needs doing?”

“Boil some water, and blanch those vegetables,” she instructed.

The three of them worked smoothly in the kitchen, each handling their tasks, and everything was going on in an orderly fashion, not chaotic at all.

From time to time, Cheng Yue would walk over and peek in, feeling a strange pang of jealousy in his chest.

“Captain, you should go rest. We’ve got this, don’t worry,” platon leader said quickly when he saw Cheng Yue standing at the door.

“…” Cheng Yue muttered, I’m worried because you’re here!

By 4 or 5 in the afternoon, people started arriving, and Cheng Yue sat in the living room, chatting with them.

“Wow, so many dishes! Do you remember me?”

Su Qianqian thought for a moment before recognizing the person. “Comrade Lin?”

“Ah, your memory is really good. The pickled cucumbers you gave me were so delicious. My husband and kids loved them,” Lin Xuemei said.

“I’m glad you liked them. And, later, after dinner, you can take another jar with you.”

“That’s too generous! I really must pay for this one,” Lin Xuemei replied. She hadn’t thought the pickled cucumbers were anything special at first, but after trying them, she found they were really tasty and appetizing. Her stomach had been uncomfortable, but after eating the cucumbers, she felt much better. Her husband and kids also felt a bit better, although they couldn’t quite explain how.

Su Qianqian didn’t refuse. After all, she was aiming to make money, and the pickled cucumbers were a good business opportunity. This was the start of her business, and she didn’t mind that it was small.

Lin Xuemei came out of the kitchen and sat on the couch, smiling at Cheng Yue. “Captain Cheng is really lucky to have such a talented cook for a wife. That’s worth more than anything else.”

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

“She’s making a lot of dishes today. Be sure to eat plenty,” Cheng Yue said proudly.

“Of course! I’ve been looking forward to coming here for dinner ever since I knew I’d be invited,” Lin Xuemei said, quite fond of Su Qianqian.

Soon after, the Wu family from the opposite door arrived.

“Qiangzi, go play with your younger siblings,” Wu Sufen told her son He Qiang.

At first, the four kids were a bit shy, but since they were all from the countryside, they quickly found common ground and began chatting about life back home.

Lin Xuemei’s children were older and only watched them play without joining in.

Before long, another family of three arrived.

“There are already so many people here! Looks like we’re the last ones,” a man with glasses said with a smile. He was accompanied by a young and beautiful, well-groomed woman.

“Captain Cheng, how’s your injury?” the woman asked.

“It’s recovering well. The doctor says it’s possible to fully recover to how it was before.”

“That’s great to hear.”

The woman gently nudged the little girl beside her. “Say hello to Uncle and Aunt.”

“Hello, Uncle and Aunt,” the little girl sweetly greeted.

“Captain Cheng, where’s your wife? I haven’t seen her,” the woman said, looking around but not seeing any unfamiliar faces.

“She’s in the kitchen. You’ll see her soon. Please sit down, I’ll check on the dishes,” Cheng Yue said, wheeling himself towards the kitchen.

“How’s it going?” he asked.

“Almost ready to serve. How many people are there?”

“Counting the kids, there are nine. With Cheng Yuan and platon leader, that’s eleven people.”

“We’re fine, no need to sit,” platon leader quickly said.

“Right, no need to sit. We’ll just have some of the leftovers later,” Cheng Yuan added.

“That’s not right. You’ve helped so much. Anyway, I’ve made plenty, so there will be extra once everything’s plated. We’ll eat what’s left.”

“Awesome, sister-in-law! As expected from you!” Cheng Yuan thought to himself, I’d love to stick with her from now on!

Too bad Su Qianqian ended up with Cheng Yue, not me!

Otherwise, the lucky one would be him!

But as soon as he turned around, he met Cheng Yue’s ambiguous gaze, and he instantly froze, “C-Captain, is there anything else?” He felt guilty.

“No, nothing,” Cheng Yue said, quietly turning his wheelchair.

My wife is familiar with everyone, just not with him. So frustrating!

About ten minutes later, Su Qianqian told them to bring out the dishes.

“Time to serve! First, we have the cold dishes: cold cucumber salad, cold kelp strips, spicy pickled chicken feet, marinated eggs, and marinated dried tofu. Enjoy, everyone.” These were prepared the night before and had marinated overnight, so the flavors were rich.

“So much food!” Lin Xuemei said, delighted. “Let’s eat! I’m sure it’s going to be delicious.”

The presentation was beautiful, nothing like the rustic feel you’d expect. It looked quite elegant.

Cheng Yue was a bit stunned. How is it that this looks better than food from a state-run restaurant?

“Chestnut and earth chicken stew. You can start with a bowl of soup to warm up your stomach.”

When the lid was lifted, the rich aroma wafted out, instantly tempting everyone. The fragrance had already filled the air while it was cooking, but it wasn’t as strong as it was now.

“Everyone, drink some soup first, then the chicken will taste even better after it’s shredded,” Cheng Yuan said.

As usual, Lin Xuemei eagerly scooped a bowl of soup and tasted it, immediately exclaiming, “This is amazing! It’s so delicious, not greasy at all. The sweetness of the chestnuts and the savory flavor of the chicken broth blend perfectly. Everyone, try it!”

Everyone who tried it was impressed, unable to find a single flaw.

Cheng Yue took a sip of the soup and immediately recognized the unique flavor that only Su Qianqian’s cooking had. It seemed like only she could create this taste.

But when he tasted the other cold dishes, they didn’t have that same distinct flavor.

Su Qianqian called the three children into the kitchen and gave each of them a bowl of chicken soup. “Go drink it slowly over there.”

She had added a special spiritual spring water to the soup, but she hadn’t used it in the other dishes, as she wasn’t sure about the reason for its increased supply and needed to conserve it.

“Mom, this soup is so good!” The three children drank the soup quickly, even trying to lick the bowls.

“If you like it, I’ll make it for you again next time. Now, here’s some rice for each of you. These dishes are already served. Go eat in your room.”

Although there were many guests, she couldn’t let the children go hungry.

Cheng Yuan and platon leader also drank some soup, feeling like they could never get enough.

“The stir-fried cured meat with garlic shoots, the vinegar cabbage, and the stir-fried pork are next,” Cheng Yuan continued.

“Here comes the sauerkraut fish. The bones are small, so it’s fine for kids to eat. These are the peppers my sister-in-law pickled herself. If you like spicy, you can dip them in,” Cheng Yuan said, placing three small bowls of chili peppers on the table.

“So many dishes! Let your wife eat first,” Lin Xuemei said.

“Yeah, there are so many dishes now, hurry up and eat, don’t keep working,” Wu Sufen also chimed in, considering how much all the food must have cost.

Cheng Yue went to the kitchen, “Is everything about ready? You all can go eat now.”

“Two more dishes, almost done,” Su Qianqian replied.

“The steamed buns are ready.”

The braised pork and steamed buns were brought out together, and they received more praise, especially from Lin Xuemei, “This is the best braised pork I’ve ever had!”

Another woman couldn’t help but speak up, “Is it really that amazing?”

“Just try it, and you’ll know,” Lin Xuemei replied.

“It’s too greasy for me, I’m not eating. I’m concerned about my figure,” the other woman said.

Lin Xuemei scoffed, “Oh? Are you making fun of my figure? Well, don’t eat it then. We’ll have it all ourselves since it’s so delicious.”

“Comrade Lin, she didn’t mean it that way. She’s always dieting, and I keep telling her she doesn’t need to, but she won’t listen.”

“Isn’t it just Director Sun’s preference for this?” Lin Xuemei laughed.

Sun Ming looked a little embarrassed, “Actually, I’m fine with it.”

Su Qianqian brought out the last two dishes, “Boiled shrimp and fried potatoes.”

“Qianqian, you’re amazing! You’re now my idol! I even want to move in next door to you. Wu Sufen, what do you think? Should we switch houses?” Lin Xuemei now thought she should become best friends with Su Qianqian, so they could eat delicious food every day. For a foodie like her, this was pure happiness.

Wu Sufen froze. This was way out of her league, and she didn’t know how to answer. She could only turn to her husband for help.

“That’s not possible. We want to eat it too!” He Hai said with a laugh, knowing everyone was joking.

At this moment, someone froze, staring at Su Qianqian, “Is that you?!”