Chapter 634

Chapter 634

Then Let's Not Mention It

Lin Nannan brought Lu Dudu back, not returning to the family quarters where they lived, but instead going directly to find Hu Zhaoxia, asking her to help prepare the food. This way, she could avoid drawing too much attention with the items she brought back and causing unnecessary trouble.

When Hu Zhaoxia heard the knocking, she thought her family had returned. But as soon as she opened the door, she saw the mother and daughter, both covered in dirt from head to toe, and immediately greeted them, saying, "Look how dirty you two are! Was the mountain that much fun? Come in quickly and clean up…"

Lin Nannan and Lu Dudu exchanged a glance, both smiling, and then walked inside.

"Aunt Hu, I got my hands on some good stuff. Could I borrow your stove to cook? With my lack of cooking skills, I’m afraid I’d ruin these fine ingredients," Lin Nannan said, taking out what she had gathered and asking.

Seeing the wild rabbits and pheasant, Hu Zhaoxia didn’t refuse, but she couldn’t help scolding, "Nan Nan, not to criticize you, but I know you’re capable—but how could you take Du Du up the mountain? What if you couldn't watch her and she got hurt? How would you explain that to Commander Lu when he returns?"

"Du Du can handle herself; she won’t get hurt!" Lin Nannan assured.

"You… you’re just too bold," Hu Zhaoxia said, having given her warning, and didn’t say more. Instead, she took the items and said, "I’ll heat some water and prepare these."

The mother and daughter, waiting patiently to eat, nodded in unison.

Neither of them knew how to cook, so they didn’t dare help randomly, afraid they might cause more trouble.

Fortunately, Hu Zhaoxia was very skilled with these things, though even while preparing them, it was quite something to see…

Lin Nannan felt bad for keeping Hu Zhaoxia so busy because of her visit and wanted to help, but Hu Zhaoxia refused.

She had heard from Lu Hang about Lin Nannan’s legend for "helping" in the kitchen, so she didn’t even let her handle the fire, worried that if the fire wasn’t managed properly, the whole house would fill with smoke…

"I’ll make braised rabbit with these two. After we eat, you can take a portion home to heat up tomorrow. As for the pheasant, I’ll make a soup—it’ll be good for nourishing you both!" Hu Zhaoxia said, making arrangements as she spoke.

"Whatever you decide is fine; I really don’t know how to do any of this!" Lin Nannan sighed in relief, just glad she didn’t have to cook.

Just as Hu Zhaoxia had the chicken soup simmering and started preparing the meal, Political Commissar Chen returned.

Seeing Lin Nannan at his home, he greeted her and, upon learning that she had taken Lu Dudu into the mountains to "cause havoc," he couldn’t help but say, "You might be happy, but Xun Mu and the others had a hard time. They were bullied, and no one believes them—especially the new recruits, who all think they’re lying. They can't even explain."

"Then let’s not mention it!" Lin Nannan felt that getting shown up by a child wasn’t exactly something to boast about, so it was better not to mention it.

Political Commissar Chen laughed quietly, then looked at Lu Dudu, who was blinking her eyes and staring at him curiously. He reached out and patted her little head, saying, "Truly, like father, like daughter!"

Lin Nannan watched Lu Dudu’s silly, grinning expression and thought that this was exactly like Lu Hang—goofy in the same way.

"Grandpa, when will my dad come back?" Lu Dudu was especially curious about the father others spoke of and really wanted to know what he looked like.

Would he be like the uncles in the army—full of integrity, that people look up to?

Political Commissar Chen met her expectant gaze and said softly, "It’s hard to say for sure, but it should be soon!"

This didn't really answer the question, but it satisfied young Lu Dudu.

Lin Nannan didn’t ruin the moment, feeling that having something to look forward to would make the child happier.