Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Ma Shi and Lin's Second Aunt watched most attentively as dishes were brought out one by one, their mouths agape in amazement.

Mrs. Zhang felt proud and began introducing the dishes, though she knew only a few. The clay pot river fish was the most familiar to her, so she urged everyone to try it first.

Uncle Zhang and Little Uncle Zhang, being guests and of higher seniority, were the first to taste the food. After a bite, they showered it with praise.

They couldn't articulate much beyond giving a thumbs-up and saying it was delicious.

Little Uncle Zhang called out to Lin Chunyan, "This river fish is quite flavorful. When I leave, make sure to pack some for me to enjoy with my wine."

At another table, Ma Shi pretended to be angry, "How can you be such an uncle, taking what you eat? I'm embarrassed for you."

She hadn't tasted the clay pot river fish yet. After saying this, she quickly took a bite. The fish was tender and infused with flavor, leaving a mouthful of freshness and aroma.

After tasting it, Ma Shi immediately changed her tune, "It is good; we should take some back."

Their playful banter lightened the atmosphere, and someone even laughed aloud.

Lin Chunyan agreed and didn't forget about Uncle Zhang. When she went to the kitchen, she saw Lin Taohong secretly eating the stir-fried vegetables, her mouth greasy.

Lin Taohong feared Lin Chunyan would expose her, so she quickly covered her mouth. Realizing how embarrassing it was, she wiped the grease from her lips and mumbled, "It's just too delicious."

"Xiang Niang, come taste this."

Glancing at Lin Cuixiang, who was still tending the fire, Lin Chunyan didn't bother with Lin Taohong but invited Lin Cuixiang to taste it.

Lin Cuixiang shyly responded and took a small bite.

Her eyes widened as the flavors of the stir-fried vegetables filled her mouth. Despite having helped prepare it, the eggplant, beans, and peppers seemed transformed.

Unable to describe it, she simply nodded vigorously, looking somewhat comical.

Lin Chunyan teased her, "Is it good?"

Lin Cuixiang quickly nodded, "It's incredibly delicious."

"Then eat more later."

Seeing how Lin Chunyan treated Lin Cuixiang, Lin Taohong's tone turned slightly jealous, muttering softly, "I wonder who your real sister is."

"Big Sister," Uncle Zhang said sincerely after a few drinks, "I think Yan Niang's skills shouldn't be wasted. If anyone needs a cook for a feast, you could recommend her."

Mrs. Zhang shared this sentiment but worried that Lin Chunyan was too young and might not be taken seriously.

She voiced her concern, and Hu Shi nodded in agreement, "That's true. People usually hire adult men to cook for feasts, like your father-in-law when he was young."

After all, cooking so many dishes requires strength, which a young girl might lack. Moreover, people wouldn't believe a young girl could cook well.

Even Hu Shi had doubted Mrs. Zhang's praise, thinking Lin Chunyan was merely a decent cook. But after tasting each dish, she had to admit that some people are naturally gifted.

There was nothing unusual about girls learning to cook from a young age, and everyone could make a few signature dishes.

But now, she had to admit her admiration.

Lin Taohong and Lin Cuixiang helped in the kitchen for a while, ending up drenched in sweat.

Seeing this, Lin Chunyan set aside a small portion of each dish for them to eat later.

"The chicken will be ready soon; go wash up."

They agreed and went to wash themselves.

Dabao had been sneaking into the kitchen earlier, tasting several dishes until he couldn't eat anymore. He then chased Little Hei around the yard.

Little Hei was still small, and Dabao was strong. Each time Dabao caught him, Little Hei would yelp in distress.

Lin Chunyan couldn't bear it and came out to take Little Hei from Dabao, "This puppy is still young and will guard our home. We can't play with him so roughly."

Dabao, spoiled at home with two older sisters, was used to getting his way. Ma Shi doted on him like a precious gem, never letting him suffer any injustice.

When Lin Chunyan took Little Hei away, Dabao cried loudly.

The child's cries were piercing and annoying. Lin Chunyan, inexperienced with children, wondered why Dabao suddenly changed when she took Little Hei.

Before she could react, Ma Shi rushed over and hugged Dabao, "Tell Mama what happened. Did Yan Niang bully you?"

Lin Chunyan tried to explain, but Dabao had already nodded, tears and snot covering his face, pointing at Lin Chunyan, "She won't let me play with the dog."

Ma Shi looked at Lin Chunyan, "Yan Niang, my Dabao is still young. He just wanted to play with the puppy. Boys and girls are different."

Lin Chunyan showed the puppy's bald spots on its legs and tail, "This puppy is barely weaned. Look at how Dabao has made it lose its fur. It might not grow back."

Ignoring Ma Shi's comments about boys and girls, Lin Chunyan took Little Hei to her room. Ma Shi was left embarrassed, but everyone else was busy eating, seemingly unaware.

A hen passed by, and Ma Shi told Dabao to chase it for fun.

These hens were Mrs. Zhang's treasures. One had already been killed for the meal, leaving only the egg-laying hen. Mrs. Zhang stopped pretending to be deaf and quickly chased the hen back to the coop.

"I'm saying, Second Sister-in-Law, you can't spoil Dabao like this. He'll be seven next year, right?"

Mrs. Ma held Dabao in her arms with a stern face, not responding to her words, but continued to soothe him.

Mrs. Hu interjected, "Second Sister-in-Law only has Dabao as a boy. She dotes on him like the apple of her eye. Unlike our family, where those three rascals are always causing trouble. I prefer girls; look how good your Yan Niang and Taohong are, they can help with chores."

"Yes, everyone says boys are great, but I also think daughters are more considerate." Aunt Lin the Second agreed.

Mrs. Zhang pretended not to hear, but inwardly disagreed.

The men at their table had already started drinking. Uncle Lin was made to drink quite a bit and didn't dare refuse, his face turning red. Cousin Xiao Zhang kept pouring him more.

Lin Chunyan waited until the chicken was stewed, then brought out two plates. She carried the ones she had specially picked to their small room.

Lin Taohong had already washed up and changed into clean clothes, now eating some vegetables.

There was a watermelon on the table, its flesh pink, and the air was filled with its sweet fragrance, making one's mouth water.

Seeing Lin Chunyan come over, Lin Taohong pointed to the water on the ground. "I got you some water; quickly wash up."

Lin Chunyan saw that the water was clean and gladly washed herself, then ate a few slices of watermelon.

Lin Taohong didn't need to be prompted and started eating. Lin Cuixiang was a bit shy and only dared to start eating after being urged by Lin Chunyan.

"There's no one else here. We've been busy in the kitchen for so long; we deserve to enjoy ourselves."

Lin Cuixiang gave a small smile.

An hour later, after dinner, the men were all drunk. Mrs. Zhang had already prepared a room for them, and Mrs. Hu and Mrs. Ma helped them inside.

Uncle Lin the Second was fine; he hadn't drunk much. Uncle Lin the Third was stumbling.

For some reason, Mrs. Zhang saw there was still some food left and packed it in a basket, asking Aunt Lin the Second to take it to Li.

"Let Third Sister-in-Law taste Yan Niang's cooking."

Li sat in the room, watching the sun slowly set. The family's Silang and Wulang had returned from playing outside, finding no rice in the pot and crying hungrily.