Chapter 255: Meticulous
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
In the Su family’s household.
Gu Zi gently placed Su Le on the sofa and covered her with a small blanket, allowing her to continue her peaceful slumber. Su Le had accompanied her to the market early that morning, but the early hours had taken their toll. Now was the perfect time for her to catch up on her rest.
Next, Gu Zi went about her tasks, starting by cleaning the steamer and other market tools, which she then set out in the yard to dry. She also began heating up the stove to steam a fresh batch of rice.
Stepping out of the kitchen, Gu Zi bent down by the spot where she kept a bunch of vibrant, green vegetables in a small cart. These vegetables, known as “Dragon Kui Cai,” were plucked from a neighbor’s field on her way back. They were prized for their ability to cleanse the liver, improve eyesight, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They were perfect for making Dragon Kui Cai and egg soup.
Gu Zi then opened the refrigerator and retrieved a well-roasted piece of pork belly. Her lunch plans consisted of Dragon Kui Cai and egg soup along with braised pork.
Meanwhile, Gu Zi skillfully managed three stovetops simultaneously—one for steaming rice, one for cooking the pork, and another for preparing the soup.
As the aroma of the delectably braised pork filled the kitchen and the rice and soup neared completion, Su Le woke up from her nap. Gu Zi lovingly washed her daughter’s face, and the two of them shared a cozy lunch together.
During their meal, Gu Zi not only nourished her daughter’s body but also her mind, teaching Su Le how to eat independently. Su Le was overjoyed to learn and couldn’t stop talking about her newfound skill after finishing her meal.
Today, Gu Zi had plans to deliver lunch to Su Shen. As she finished packing in the kitchen, Su Le ventured to the yard to play with their loyal companion, Big Yellow.
Big Yellow had just enjoyed his own lunch and was now engrossed in gnawing on a big bone.
Upon seeing her approach, Big Yellow promptly pressed one front paw onto the chew toy and watched Su Le attentively, with a hint of vulnerability in his gaze. It was as if he feared she might try to take away his cherished chew toy, a reward for his vigilant guard duty around the house.
Su Le crouched down before him, placing her small hands on her knees as she gazed at Big Yellow with wide-eyed wonder. Then, with slow, deliberate movements, she extended her hand and addressed him using a new word she had learned that day, “Friend, Lele is a friend, and Big Yellow is a friend!”
Big Yellow appeared slightly perplexed, but at the same time, he relaxed, understanding that his young mistress had no intentions of claiming his cherished chew toy.
He gently nuzzled Su Le’s forehead with his nose, exerting just enough pressure to create a comforting sensation for her.
Witnessing this heartwarming interaction, Gu Zi emerged from the house, picked up Su Le, and gave Big Yellow a pat. She remarked, “Lele, do you consider Big Yellow a good friend now? Big Yellow, you’re Lele’s dear friend!”
Big Yellow seemed to comprehend and responded with two enthusiastic barks. However, in the next moment, Gu Zi carried Su Le away from the yard.
Big Yellow’s eyes dimmed as he clutched his cherished chew toy, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on the closed door.
Gu Zi soon arrived at the pig farm, where she immediately delivered the braised pork and Dragon Kui Cai soup to Su Shen’s office.
Su Shen had just finished his tasks and returned. Spotting Gu Zi with the meal, he instinctively lit a couple of mosquito coils to ward off flies and mosquitoes.
Despite the presence of dedicated mosquito control personnel at the pig farm, it was still the countryside, and the occasional mosquito or fly managed to slip through.
Gu Zi had delicate skin, and even a single mosquito bite resulted in a conspicuous red welt. Since the first time she had been bitten while delivering him food, he had made it a habit—whenever she visited, he would light mosquito coils to provide extra protection.
After completing this thoughtful gesture, Su Shen washed his hands and returned to join Gu Zi for lunch. He couldn’t help but admire her attention to detail, which warmed his heart.
Sitting beside him, Gu Zi watched him eat, offering a reminder, “Start with some braised pork and rice; you can enjoy the egg and Dragon Kui Cai soup later.’
Dragon Kui Cai was a highly nutritious vegetable known for enhancing overall health. However, it had some toxicity, particularly causing strong irritation to the gastrointestinal mucosa, so it was best not consumed on an empty stomach.
Su Shen, appreciating his wife’s meticulous nature, hadn’t anticipated she would be so particular about when to consume the soup. He smiled and praised her, “If dining were an art, you could be an expert.”
With her chin resting on her hand, Gu Zi responded, “Then I’ll be the nutrition expert at home. I’ll make sure you all eat well and have no worries.”
Su Shen found her reply amusing and, without realizing it, raised his gaze to meet hers. Their eyes locked, creating a warm and intimate connection