W Chapter 29

Chapter 29: Coveting

The banana leaves were washed and needed to be cut into appropriate sizes. Xu Youfang’s scissors were brought out, and Shen Hui quickly snipped away.

During the cutting process, the water droplets on the surface of the leaves were also brushed away. Finally, they were spread out in a bamboo sieve and placed in a cool, ventilated place.

There was no prey in the mountain cage today, so Ling Xing and the others would have to buy meat in town tomorrow.

Before going to bed, Xu Youfang gave Ling Xing fifty copper coins and asked him to buy one and a half catties of meat tomorrow, with more fat.

Nowadays, people lack oil and water, and fatty meat is the most popular and best-selling meat. When people buy meat, the last thing they want is pure lean meat, which doesn’t have a single drop of oil.

This was because the Shen family elders wanted to treat guests to dinner to express their gratitude.

Ling Xing did not refuse the money, not wanting to say words that would undermine the elders’ intentions.

After sleeping for four hours, Ling Xing got up to dress and wash.

Yesterday, fifteen catties of mung beans were used, yielding a little over thirty catties of cold noodles.

He set aside six catties, four catties to be used for today’s feast, and the other two catties to be taken back to Xie Qingya to eat later.

Adding the twenty catties of fermented flour, as well as the weight of the money box and steamer, the total weight was fifty catties.

Ling Xing insisted on carrying some things. In the end, Shen Hui found another bamboo basket and had Ling Xing carry the steamer and money box.

Seeing Shen Hui carrying so much, Ling Xing went into the house to find Xu Youfang.

Because Ling Xing had his back to him, Shen Hui couldn’t read his lips. Xu Youfang was also blocked by Ling Xing, so she couldn’t see what they were saying either.

Shen Hui glanced at the sky and urged, “Let’s go quickly, Ge’er, or we’ll be late.”

“Coming.”

Ling Xing quickly came out and left the courtyard with Shen Hui.

Walking on the mountain path, Shen Hui took the initiative to place the hem of his clothes in Ling Xing’s palm, lowered his head and asked, “What did Ge’er say to Mother?”

Ling Xing chuckled. “I won’t tell you.”

Hearing Ling Xing’s teasing words, Shen Hui turned to look at him, his lips curving up, his eyebrows slightly raised. “Is it about me?”

Ling Xing was determined not to say, so Shen Hui didn’t ask any further, only telling Ling Xing, “Hold on tight, the road ahead is not easy.”

This time, Ling Xing listened to him, clutching Shen Hui’s clothes even tighter and staying closer to him.

Shen Hui glanced at Ling Xing out of the corner of his eye, smiled slightly, and steadily led him towards the town.

Yesterday, Shen Hui asked a clerk to pass a message to Xu Qi. Today, when the two arrived at the city gate, they saw Xu Qi sitting there.

Xu Qi’s home was in the town, so he went to bed early and got up early, already used to it.

Seeing Shen Hui and Ling Xing, Xu Qi yawned and stood up. “What’s the matter, Brother Shen, that you’re looking for Brother Qi?”

Shen Hui cut to the chase, wanting Xu Qi to help find a similar stall for the noodle stall owner.

Without needing to explain the specific reason, Xu Qi also knew that the bun stall was causing problems for the noodle stall.

He had eaten those buns and steamed buns on the first day, and the taste was really good. In just a few days, he could hear people talking about the buns and steamed buns when he walked around Gingko Street.

If the price wasn’t a bit expensive for him, making it difficult to buy them every day…

Afraid that Shen Hui wouldn’t want his money if he went to buy them, Xu Qi thought about asking someone else to bring them to him after a while.

Buy some to take home and satisfy his cravings.

Since they both sold noodles, if one business was good, the other business would naturally be affected.

However, in business, it was the other person’s problem if they were affected. It wasn’t like they were deliberately causing trouble for the other person, so why bother thinking so thoroughly for them? No one did business that way.

Xu Qi had doubts, and he asked them.

Shen Hui only said, “I asked the noodle stall owner to help find someone before, and he agreed without hesitation. Later, it affected his business. These past few days, his business has been on the verge of collapse. This matter is just to repay him for helping me find someone.”

Hearing this, Xu Qi glanced at Ling Xing behind Shen Hui, then looked back at Shen Hui.

The person hadn’t even been found yet, and he was already thinking about repaying the favor.

His heart was so soft, unable to bear seeing others suffer. His brother wouldn’t be able to do this.

If it wasn’t his brother, then it must be his brother’s Ge’er.

He didn’t know where this Ge’er came from, but it was as if he had never suffered, so he couldn’t bear to see others suffer.

Xu Qi leaned closer to Shen Hui and said in a low voice, “Big brother, it’s not that Brother Qi is talking, but it’s good for a person to have a kind heart, but everything has a limit. Your Ge’er’s heart is too soft, be careful of being deceived.”

Shen Hui nodded. “I’ll keep a close eye on things.”

Hearing Shen Hui’s words, Xu Qi felt that something was off, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

Well, keeping an eye on things was right.

With Shen Hui keeping an eye on things, no one would dare to approach Shen Da’s husband and take advantage of his soft heart to deceive and hurt him.

“Alright, I’ll keep an eye out for a stall. I’ll help you solve this matter at the latest by the day after tomorrow.”

Xu Qi agreed readily. For him, this was just a matter of lifting a finger.

Shen Hui nodded. “In a while, when there’s something in the cage, I’ll send two rabbits to Brother Qi.”

Xu Qi couldn’t refuse mountain delicacies and wild game. Personal relationships also needed give and take to be maintained.

He happily laughed, “Then Brother Qi will be waiting. My mouth has been bland all winter. When the time comes, I’ll have a good feast. Your sister-in-law makes the best braised rabbit meat. When the time comes, Brother Qi will get some wine, and we brothers will have a good drink.”

“Okay.”

After saying a few words, Xu Qi waved his hand, telling Shen Hui to hurry and set up his stall, so as not to delay the time.

When going to the warehouse to pick up things, Li Huixuan saw Ling Xing.

Thinking about how someone had praised his calligraphy so earnestly yesterday, his face couldn’t help but turn red again, and he felt very embarrassed.

However, the light was dim now, so it wasn’t very obvious.

Just as Li Huixuan was secretly taking a second look at Ling Xing, his line of sight was interrupted by Shen Hui.

His tall figure blocked in front of Ling Xing. Shen Hui’s face was grave, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, and he said stiffly, “Take the bamboo skewers. I’m in a hurry to pick up the goods.”

Li Huixuan suddenly snapped back to his senses, stuttering nervously, “Oh, okay, go get them.”

Before, Shen Hui would ask Ling Xing to wait outside. Today, after giving the bamboo skewers, Shen Hui turned to Ling Xing and said, “Ge’er, will you help me?”

Ling Xing naturally nodded, following Shen Hui towards the shed.

Only after Shen Hui and Ling Xing took their things and left the warehouse did the heat on Li Huixuan’s face subside.

He looked at the doorway, looking a bit dazed.

No one had ever looked at him with such sincere admiration, praised him so genuinely.

Li Huixuan’s thoughts returned, and he touched the position of his heart. His gaze fell on the half-finished calligraphy, and his expression gradually became firm.

He must achieve a place in next year’s academy exams.

The family was having guests for dinner tonight, so they needed to buy meat today.

Shen Hui didn’t go directly to the stall but instead went to the meat market.

Meat had to be bought early to get satisfactory cuts. The later it got, the good meat and fatty meat would be gone.

The meat market was only two streets away from the warehouse, so he led Ling Xing straight to the pork stall of a butcher he knew well.

“Second Brother is here. It’s been a while. Are you here this time with goods?” Wu Dali was sharpening his knife on a whetstone, the screeching sound a bit jarring.

Shen Hui shook his head and said, “I won’t have goods for a while. I’m here today to buy meat.”

At first, Wu Dali was a bit surprised to see Shen Hui carrying a large bamboo basket on his back.

He thought that this year, the prey was more foolish than in previous years, and so quickly fell into Shen Hui’s net.

He stopped sharpening his knife and laughed loudly, “Buying meat? You’ve come to the right person. How much do you want? I’ll cut more fatty meat for you.”

Shen Hui looked at Ling Xing, asking him softly how much he wanted.

Ling Xing leaned out from Shen Hui’s side and said directly to Wu Dali that he wanted fifty copper coins’ worth of pork, with more fatty meat.

Wu Dali had seen Ling Xing before. He knew more or less who the Shen family members were.

It was fine if he hadn’t spoken to him before, but now that he had spoken, Wu Dali couldn’t just ignore him.

However, Wu Dali couldn’t immediately place Ling Xing’s identity. Seeing that he had no stubble or Adam’s apple, he must be a Ge’er. He scratched his head, unable to figure it out, and simply asked Shen Hui directly.

“Is this a Ge’er? Is he your husband or your family’s Little Fifth?”

Hearing the words “husband,” Shen Hui couldn’t help but glance at Ling Xing. He thought Ling Xing would be unhappy, but he didn’t expect Ling Xing to not feel offended at all. He was even amused by Wu Dali’s words.

Before Shen Hui could speak, Ling Xing explained, “Little Fifth is only ten years old this year. I’m Shen Hai’s husband.”

Wu Dali hadn’t guessed correctly once, and he was extremely embarrassed. He really didn’t expect that Shen Dala, who was so seriously ill, would have his family spend money to marry him a husband.

He apologized, “My eyes aren’t very good. Is Shen Dala doing any better lately?”

“My brother passed away.”

Shen Hui’s short sentence made Wu Dali shut his mouth completely.

His mouth really knew how to bring bad luck.

Say less, do more.

Wu Dali wielded his knife to cut the meat. The thick meat was as easy to cut as tofu under his knife.

His knife went off course a bit, cutting more meat.

It was for his mouth that didn’t know how to speak, and also because he felt that it was pitiful for Ling Xing to be a widow at such a young age.

Seeing that he was about the same age as his family’s Second Ge’er, he couldn’t help but feel pity.

“Uncle Wu, you’ve given too much meat.” Shen Hui didn’t need to weigh it to know that fifty copper coins definitely couldn’t buy the amount of meat that had been cut.

“Just take it. I didn’t cut that much extra. Uncle said the wrong thing. If you don’t take it, Uncle will feel bad.”

Shen Hui said, “Uncle Wu doesn’t know, mentioning it isn’t anything.”

Wu Dali scoffed. “I’ve already cut the meat, stop dawdling and take it.”

Shen Hui was in a hurry to set up the stall, so he had no choice but to accept it first.

After paying, Ling Xing and Shen Hui quickly went to the stall.

When the bun stall opened, Ling Xing, as usual, left some buns and steamed buns for Shen Hui, telling him to eat them to replenish his strength.

The customers came to buy buns and steamed buns, and today the oil paper was replaced with banana leaves. Although the diners had doubts, they also knew that oil paper cost money to buy, and there were some costs.

And the buns and steamed buns sold at this bun stall, the ingredients were undeniably good.

Because of the fermentation and the addition of alkali, the dough was a bit white, and it tasted sweet and soft. The diners had always thought that Ling Xing’s buns and steamed buns had some of the best refined white flour added to them.

Not to mention that the size of the buns and steamed buns was really large. The size alone showed that a lot of flour was used.

In this way, the cost was really high.

The diners all felt that Ling Xing wasn’t making much money, so they didn’t have any resistance to the oil paper being replaced with banana leaves, and they gladly accepted it.

The cold noodles also sold very well today. Those who hadn’t bought them yesterday also brought their ceramic bowls today.

Some wanted six copper coins’ worth, some wanted three copper coins’ worth. This thing had a novel taste, and it tasted good, and the price was also cheap.

In nearly two hours, everything at the bun stall was sold out.

Because Xu Qi had agreed to help, Ling Xing left two catties of cold noodles and four buns and four steamed buns, wrapped in banana leaves, preparing to give them to Xu Qi when they left the city gate.

He also left a portion for Wu Dali. He had given more than two catties of meat. One catty of pork was thirty-five copper coins, so he really hadn’t made any money.

The stall was closer to the meat market, so when the two went, Wu Dali was busy.

Shen Hui placed the things directly on the small table in the house and told Wu Dali how to eat the cold noodles before leaving.

Wu Dali was so busy that he couldn’t even chase after them to return the things.

This time, when they came to the warehouse to store things, Li Huixuan didn’t hurriedly cover his calligraphy practice paper anymore.

The light was good during the day, and Li Huixuan was too embarrassed to look up at Ling Xing.

He kept his head down the whole time, giving the bamboo skewers to Shen Hui.

All his actions were taken in by Shen Hui. He looked at Li Huixuan’s uncovered calligraphy and gave him a cold glance.

It was far worse than his calligraphy, and even worse than his elder brother’s calligraphy.

Ling Xing kept Shen Hui’s words in mind, and this time he didn’t praise Li Huixuan’s calligraphy. He just looked at it quietly, curious about what it meant to have form but no foundation.

However, he didn’t understand calligraphy, so he couldn’t really tell. He still thought it looked good, so he would just appreciate it silently.

Li Huixuan secretly raised his eyes to look at Ling Xing, discovering that he was admiring his calligraphy. This made Li Huixuan’s heart beat faster, and he quickly lowered his head again.

Seeing Li Huixuan stealing glances at Ling Xing, Shen Hui stared at him with a cold face, but he spoke to Ling Xing, “Ge’er, I need help.”

Hearing this, Ling Xing immediately withdrew his gaze and followed Shen Hui.

After putting away the things and leaving the warehouse, Ling Xing asked Shen Hui if it was near the art supply shop.

Shen Hui thought for a moment and said, “It’s a bit far, you have to cross five streets. What do you want to buy, Ge’er? You go sit at the tea stall, I’ll help you buy it.”

“I don’t want to buy anything, I just want to see if anyone is buying copper wire. I want to trade a piece of copper wire with someone.”

Shen Hui didn’t ask what Ling Xing wanted the copper wire for, only saying, “The art supply shop’s owner comes to the stall every day to buy buns and steamed buns. Go talk to the owner, he might trade with you, you don’t have to wait for someone to buy it.”

Ling Xing said in surprise, “Does Second Brother know the owner?”

“I don’t know him, but I’ve passed by the art supply shop before, seen him a few times, and know what he looks like.”

Ling Xing said with an astonished laugh, “Second Brother, you’re really amazing, you can remember him so well after seeing him a few times. I want to try it, will Second Brother take me?”

Shen Hui’s ears got a little hot from Ling Xing’s praise. His gaze and tone made it seem like he was a really amazing person.

After clearing his throat to ease his emotions, Shen Hui said, “Okay.”

The art supply shop’s owner was also a bit surprised when he saw Ling Xing and Shen Hui.

He completely didn’t expect them to appear in the shop.

He loved to eat buns and steamed buns, and he liked to eat them fresh out of the oven. So, he ran two streets every day to buy them himself, eating and walking, the taste was really good.

Because he loved to eat the buns and steamed buns that Ling Xing made, the owner’s attitude towards Ling Xing was also very gentle, “Little stall owner, what do you want to buy? I’ll find it for you.”

Ling Xing waved his hand, saying that he didn’t want to buy anything, he wanted to trade for a piece of copper wire, he could use money or goods to trade.

Normally, copper wire was sold in bundles, and it was never cut off to sell.

Those who bought copper wire were either making jewelry or doing cloisonné enamel paintings, all of them were people who weren’t short of money.

They wouldn’t ask to have it cut off to buy.

The copper wire was wound around a cylindrical piece of wood, with a certain thickness, and wrapped in oil paper to prevent dust and moisture.

The art supply shop owner really didn’t have any copper wire that had been taken apart to sell. He was also working for the owner, and he couldn’t cut off a piece from the wrapped copper wire and give it to Ling Xing.

In the end, he couldn’t trade for any copper wire. However, the art supply shop owner told Ling Xing that if someone bought it later, he would help ask if they could spend money to trade for a piece.

If he could, he would bring it to the bun stall for Ling Xing.

Ling Xing was very touched and thanked him repeatedly.

After resolving the copper wire matter, they could pass by the grain shop on the way back to buy the flour and mung beans needed for tomorrow.

When leaving the city gate, Xu Qi was not there. Shen Hui gave the things to the clerk, asking him to bring them to Xu Qi.

Because they went to the art supply shop, it took some time, and they arrived home later today.

Fortunately, the dinner was for the evening, so even if they got home later, it wouldn’t delay anything.

Xu Youfang took out the pork, and the portion was very substantial, with a lot of fatty meat. Fifty copper coins definitely couldn’t buy it. Thinking that Ling Xing had added money, she said she would return the money to Ling Xing.

Hearing this, Ling Xing waved his hands repeatedly, explaining the cause and effect, knowing that it was a misunderstanding.

Xu Youfang heard about her eldest son, her nose tingling a bit as she missed him, but she quickly adjusted her emotions. She was afraid that if she was sad in front of Ling Xing, it would make Ling Xing sad along with her.

She said, “I thought you were going to use the pork, so I added money to buy more. The portion you want, Mother will chop it up for you, so you can use it directly tomorrow.”

Ling Xing laughed, “Thank you, Mother!”

At noon, they ate some simple noodles to relieve their hunger. Shen Lai knew there would be good food in the evening, so he drank less of the noodles today, saying he would save his stomach to eat more in the evening.

As a result, he was so hungry in the afternoon that his stomach hurt. Xu Youfang scolded him while happily eating mung bean cakes with tears in his eyes.

Xiao Chun and Xiao Xia also had some. As always, they shared a piece.

They kept the remaining piece to coax their dad.

In the morning, Xu Youfang went to find Xie Qingya, saying to come to their house for dinner in the evening. Xie Qingya liked spending time with Ling Xing, and the Shen family’s invitation was also to return the favor, so he didn’t refuse.

He cut a catty of tofu for Xu Youfang to take back, saying that he didn’t want any money, promising that he would go to the Shen family for dinner with his husband in the evening.

Seeing that the sun was setting in the west, Xu Youfang put down her embroidery and prepared to cook with Ling Xing.

The pork had a lot of fat, so they could get lard.

Xu Youfang wanted to make some lard for later use, and stewed pork with soybeans in the evening, mixed cold noodles, fried tofu with lard, plus a plate of fried cold noodles.

She had heard Ling Xing say before that fried cold noodles were also delicious. Xu Youfang thought that if Ling Xing said it was delicious, he must have eaten it before.

He was now alone and far from home. Eating the food he had eaten in his hometown before should make him happy.

They happened to have lard at home, so they could try it.

For a feast, it wasn’t good to eat noodles or bean rice. Xu Youfang asked Ling Xing to steam buns as the main dish, so the whole family could eat them.

Otherwise, if the guests saw that the hosts weren’t eating, they would be too embarrassed to eat.

Ling Xing nodded, saying okay. He would also make some mung bean cakes as dessert, using all the mung bean paste and the remaining maltose at home.

He could also take some back for Xie Qingya. Now that he bought tofu from him, Xie Qingya would only charge him half price. Ling Xing also always wanted to treat Xie Qingya better.

Mung bean cakes weren’t difficult to make, and they could be steamed in the steamer.

Steamed buns took longer, so they had to be made first. Otherwise, the dishes would all be cold by the time they were ready.

If the steamed buns were allowed to cool slightly and not left overnight, the taste would still be soft and fluffy, and it wouldn’t be affected.

After the dough had risen, Ling Xing quickly made the buns.

He counted the number of people, and they also had to send some to the village chief’s house. If they were eating it as a staple, the adults would need three or four, and two would be enough for the children.

Because Shen Hui was there, and he consumed a lot and ate a lot, Ling Xing simply steamed fifty of them. One pot could yield twenty-five, and two pots would be just right.

He used more than six catties of flour, so there would only be fourteen catties left for the stall tomorrow.

The steamed buns were placed in a clean bamboo sieve. There were too many for the ceramic basin to hold.

While the buns were steaming, Xu Youfang marinated the pork and cut the vegetables, preparing everything.

Ling Xing also prepared the mung bean cakes, just waiting to steam them at the end.

The cakes steamed quickly, they would be out of the pot in two quarters of an hour.

There was still enough sunlight, so Xu Youfang made the stew first.

Xu Youfang’s cooking actually tasted pretty good. For the stewed pork with soybeans, she was willing to burn firewood, put in meat, and put in soy sauce. The stewing time was long enough, and later, the meat and soybean aroma were all brought out.

Shen Lai and the three children, Xiao Chun and Xiao Xia, weren’t watching the ants moving anymore. They squatted in a row at the door of the kitchen, propping up their faces, inhaling the aroma of the meat.

It had been a very, very, very long time since they had smelled the aroma of meat.

Ling Xing directly mixed the seasoning for the mixed cold noodles, without needing to put in much thought.

Xie Qingya’s tofu was well-made, cut into small pieces and fried with oil. The oily aroma of the fried tofu could make people swoon with fragrance.

Finally, a circle of soy sauce was drizzled before taking it out of the pot, and a little crushed and finely ground salt was sprinkled to enhance the flavor. Although it looked bland, it had oil and seasoning added, so the taste was okay.

Xu Youfang had never made fried cold noodles before, but she had many years of cooking experience. As long as someone described it simply, she could make it.

The heated cold noodles were relatively brittle and not easy to pick up. She simply cut it into cubes, so they could be scooped up with a spoon when the time came.

The cold noodles were coated with a layer of dried mung bean starch, and after the lard was heated, they were placed in a ceramic pot. White smoke instantly rose in the pot, crackling.

Xu Youfang was worried that the ceramic pot wouldn’t be able to withstand it, so she reduced the heat a lot, simmering it slowly over low heat.

There were few seasonings at home, so Ling Xing ground a little chili powder to enhance the flavor.

After all the dishes were made, the Shen family members also returned, and Xie Qingya and Wang Juan came to the Shen family in the setting sun.

Neither of them came empty-handed. Xie Qingya was holding a basin of soy milk, and Wang Juan had a book in his hand.

Although it was a copy, it was still very expensive. The cheapest book in the bookstore cost five hundred coins.

Wang Juan knew that the Shen family members could read, so he brought an enlightenment book for the children to use.

If they wanted to teach the children, this book would be convenient and easy to use.

Shen Chengshan didn’t dare to accept such an expensive gift from Wang Juan. Wang Juan didn’t know how to interact, and after refusing a few times, he looked helplessly at Xie Qingya.

Being looked at by Wang Juan as if he was asking for help, Xie Qingya chuckled and directly stuffed the enlightenment book into Shen Chengshan’s hand.

“Uncle Shen, you take it. When you have time, teach Little Fifth and the others. If they can recognize a few words, they won’t be deceived when they go out in the future. It was also copied by my husband himself, it only cost some ink and paper money, it’s not that expensive. I’m still thinking about Ling Ge’er making delicious food for me later. If you don’t want this book, how can I be embarrassed?”

Xie Qingya spoke straightforwardly, saying what he thought. Shen Chengshan knew that he really thought that way, so he accepted the book.

Ling Xing came over and said softly to Xie Qingya, “I made mung bean cakes for you, and I’ve also saved some cold noodles. Remember to take them with you when you leave.”

“I’m just craving this taste that you make!” Xie Qingya said with a smile.

Xu Youfang picked ten steamed buns, wrapped them in oil paper, and asked Shen Hui to make a trip to the village chief’s house.

The village chief’s house had many daughters and Ge’ers, who had all married out. The two sons at home had started families.

The whole family, including the younger generation, numbered ten people, just enough for one each.

Shen Hui went quickly and returned quickly.

The kitchen was full of people, very lively.

Shen Hui sat down, directly facing Ling Xing.

The steamed buns were the main dish, but they also cooked noodles.

They used the good noodles that Ling Xing bought, and drinking it didn’t scrape the throat like the noodles they usually ate at home.

If you tasted it carefully, there was also the wheat fragrance of the flour.

Shen Gui, Shen Lai, and Xiao Chun and Xiao Xia looked at the table full of dishes, as well as the noodles and steamed buns made with good flour, thinking that it was the Lunar New Year.

No, even the Lunar New Year wasn’t as good as today.

Before they started eating, Shen Gui pulled Xiao Chun and Xiao Xia, inciting the two children to clip some of his favorite dishes for him.

After all, he was a father, so he was embarrassed to keep clipping dishes in front of the guests.

But the children were still young, they could.

Xiao Chun and Xiao Xia’s heads were dizzy from Shen Gui’s words, “Good daughter, good Ge’er,” and they nodded repeatedly.

After moving their chopsticks, the two children were like hungry ghosts, but they had clear goals, one going for the meat, one going for the fried cold noodles.

They worked together to feed their greedy dad.

With guests present, Xu Youfang was too embarrassed to say anything to Shen Gui, glaring at him several times.

Shen Gui happily ate the food that the children fed him, squinting his eyes and laughing. Anyway, his mother couldn’t hit him now, so he would enjoy it first.

Shen Lai wasn’t as good as Shen Gui. He sat next to his mother, and she held him down, not allowing him to perform.

Ling Xing still broke open a steamed bun, clipped vegetables in it, and handed it to him.

Shen Lai was very moved, and then took a big bite.

The meat was really delicious! The fat and lean were interspersed, and the stewed fat was soft and glutinous, not greasy at all. Because they were willing to cook it, the soybeans weren’t as hard as usual, they were soft and delicious.

The meat and soybeans were clipped in the steamed bun, with some salty gravy, and then a piece of oily and fragrant, slightly charred tofu was stuffed in. One bite was indescribably fragrant.

Seeing that Shen Lai was eating so well, Wang Juan also followed Ling Xing’s method, clipping a portion for Xie Qingya.

However, this portion had more fried cold noodles.

Xie Qingya really loved to eat cold noodles, and so did Wang Juan.

Because Xie Qingya was sitting next to Ling Xing, after eating the fried cold noodles, he couldn’t help but praise Ling Xing in a low voice, saying they were delicious.

The starch gave the cold noodles a slightly crispy outside, and the inside was incredibly smooth. The saltiness of the soy sauce and the chili powder were integrated into it, and the tip of the tongue was slightly spicy, enhancing the flavor and aroma.

Xie Qingya couldn’t stop eating after eating it, but he was too embarrassed to keep eating at someone else’s house.

He could only eat one steamed bun and fried cold noodles, and then, with his red mouth, he asked Ling Xing in a soft voice how to make the fried cold noodles, so he could make them when he went back.

The two had been whispering to each other.

Seeing that Xie Qingya was so spicy, Ling Xing couldn’t help but say, “Brother Xie, how are you like Second Brother, unable to eat spicy food but still loving to eat it?”

Xie Qingya said, “My husband loves to eat it, so I also love to eat it.”

Ling Xing glanced at Wang Juan. This person had a scholarly air, and seemed to not be in very good health, his face was a bit pale and thin. But his eyebrows were clear and handsome, which made people feel close to him.

The somewhat pale face was now dyed with some color because of the spiciness, making him look even better.

The more Ling Xing looked at Wang Juan, the more familiar he felt, as if he had seen him somewhere before.

It should be that the original owner had seen him somewhere, that sense of familiarity stemmed from the original owner’s memory.

It wasn’t good to keep staring at people, so Ling Xing quickly withdrew his gaze.

When he turned his head, he found Shen Hui eating steamed buns, with a smile on his lips.

Was he happy to eat?

After eating, Xie Qingya and Wang Juan prepared to leave. Ling Xing packed cold noodles and mung bean cakes for Xie Qingya, and told him to be careful on the way.

Everyone was happy with this meal. After treating the guests, Shen Chengshan also felt that the thing he had been thinking about had finally been done, and he felt a lot more relaxed.

The whole family worked together, and the kitchen was quickly cleaned up. They washed up and went to bed, ending a tiring but fulfilling day.

Late at night, Shen Hui had a dream.

In the dream, he was carrying a bamboo basket, taking Ling Xing to buy meat, the same scene as during the day.

Wu Dali didn’t recognize Ling Xing, so he asked Shen Hui, “Is this a Ge’er? Is he your husband or your family’s Little Fifth?”

Shen Hui didn’t speak, turning to look at Ling Xing.

Seeing him smiling, his eyes curving as he said to Wu Dali, “Little Fifth is only ten years old this year. I’m Shen Hui’s husband.”

The scene changed, and Shen Hui was sitting opposite Ling Xing. As long as he looked up, he could see Ling Xing.

He was talking to Xie Qingya in a low voice, his eyes smiling, gentle and bright, “Brother Xie, how are you like my husband, unable to eat spicy food but still loving to eat it?”

Shen Hui felt his heart beating faster. He wanted to continue reading his lips, knowing what Ling Xing was saying.

But the scene became more and more blurred, and then his elder brother’s face appeared, along with a sincere voice, “Second Brother, I entrust him to you to take good care of him.”

Shen Hui woke up in shock from the dream, sitting up straight. His brow was furrowed, as if he was thinking about the dream just now.

In the darkness, Shen Hui raised his hand and slapped himself hard.