163, Open Hearted (1 more)
Back at home, Xie Zhinuan warmed some water for a bath. After washing, she called Auntie Chen over, “Let’s grind some soy milk and make tofu to eat!”
“Okay, I’ll go soak the soybeans now!”
Xie Zhinuan nodded, then added, “And peel some fresh soybeans to put in!”
The tofu would be all the more fragrant and tender with the addition of fresh beans.
Thinking of having tofu that evening, Xie Zhinuan also began preparing chili, mint, green onions, and garlic.
Xie Zhinuan was very deft with her hands and quick at working.
While Dumb Girl went to grind the soy milk, she washed the wok, then cleaned the steamer, got rice flour and pork ready, planning to steam some rice-flour pork.
Harvesting soybeans in the back yard.
Humming a little tune, she seemed in a very good mood.
While cooking, Xie Zhinuan thought of asking Dumb Girl to invite Li Hengyi over.
Yuanbao poked his head out at the front door and called out joyfully, “Miss Xie!”
Hearing him, Xie Zhinuan worked her way out from the kitchen, her forehead covered in sweat, “Ah, you’re back? Come in and chat, I’ll pour you some cool tea!”
Yuanbao was reluctant to go in, but he was indeed tempted by Xie Zhinuan’s cooking. After returning and reporting to his master, he bathed and then came over carrying a few things with him, bouncing along.
After hesitating for a moment, he entered the courtyard.
Xie Zhinuan greeted him to sit on a chair under the eaves, poured him a glass of cool tea and offered him two crisp green cucumbers.
“Miss Xie, thank you!”
Yuanbao immediately took them, then carefully handed a book to Xie Zhinuan, “Miss Xie, take a look at this!”
“What is it?” Xie Zhinuan was puzzled.
She still didn’t recognize many characters, especially the obscure classical ones, all written in traditional form.
“Collection of Herbs, it has notes on these herbs, you check if there’s the one you’re looking for!” Yuanbao said with a smile, sipping the tea before starting on the cucumbers.
Xie Zhinuan reacted as if she had found a treasure, immediately flipping through it.
She went through it quickly but didn’t see Jiji Grass, which slightly disappointed her.
But she was truly grateful to Yuanbao for finding the book for her.
“Miss Xie, don’t be disappointed. This Collection of Herbs spans over a dozen volumes. I’ve already sent people to search for the others and will bring them to you as soon as I find them!” Yuanbao hastened to say.
“It’s not really a disappointment, I’m very grateful to you. I was actually thinking of sending Dumb Girl to invite your master over for dinner. Now that you’re here, could you go and ask? I’ve made steamed rice-flour pork and tofu, both great with rice!” Xie Zhinuan said sincerely.
Her eyes were filled with smiles.
It was quite a nice feeling to be thought of by someone.
Yuanbao happily agreed, “Then I’ll go back first!”
“Hmm, go quick and come back quick. The food here will be ready!”
Xie Zhinuan instructed Dumb Girl to move the table to the yard, they would dine there that evening. It was cooler and more comfortable, and didn’t feel cramped. Most importantly, she wanted them to eat together without too many formalities.
Yuanbao returned gleefully, but his heart skipped a beat when he saw his master’s stern face, “Master!”
“What did you send over there?” Li Hengyi asked gravely.
Yuanbao immediately realized he had been too eager to please.
It was his master who should have brought the book over.
“Master, I realize my mistake!” After admitting his fault, Yuanbao hurriedly said, “Master, Miss Xie has invited you to join her for dinner, she said she has prepared some tasty dishes!”
Li Hengyi snorted and started walking out.
This meant he wasn’t going to punish Yuanbao or bear a grudge.
Exhaling a breath of relief, Yuanbao quickly followed.
Xie Zhinuan didn’t just prepare tofu and steamed rice-flour pork; she also made a cucumber salad, fried some peanuts, and when Li Hengyi arrived, she smiled and called out, “Young Master Li is here, please have a seat!”
“Okay!” Li Hengyi responded softly.
His eyes followed Xie Zhinuan as she moved.
Chapter 165