Chapter 419: Family Lunch
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The mutton that Su Shen had purchased from the city’s farmer’s market that morning was rumored to be freshly butchered from a lamb in the wee hours of the morning. The freshness was undeniable.
Gu Zi soaked the mutton in cold water, rinsing the rosemary clean before placing it on a paper towel to dry. She also prepared a bowl with a mix of scallions, ginger, Sichuan peppercorns, and hawthorn.
Next, she cleaned the sugarcane, peeled it, and cut it into strips for later use. Water chestnuts were peeled, carrots were chopped, and then she ventured into the yard to retrieve a piece of dried orange peel, which would be used in the mutton stew.
Su Li had just finished his martial arts training when he saw his mother in the yard fetching the orange peel. He followed her into the kitchen, eager to lend a hand. “Mom, we’re finally using the orange peel. Let me help you wash it.”
Gu Zi didn’t refuse his offer, making room for him to wash the orange peel. She was pleased to see her child willing to help. “Good, rinse it with water and then soak it,” she instructed.
Su Li nodded, performing the task diligently.
He knew that the dried orange peels in the yard were sun-dried by his mother. The process was simple: they were left in a winnowing basket to dry, and when the sun was out, they were placed under its rays. The only rule was to keep them away from water. Su Li often helped his mother by taking the orange peels to the wall to air-dry.
He had been curious for a long time about the use of dried orange peels. Today, his mother was finally using them, prompting him to ask, “Mom, are we using the dried orange peel for the mutton stew? Why do we only need such a small piece?”
Su Li soaked the orange peel in a small bowl. Comparing it with his hand, it was not even as long as his thumb. How could such a small piece be enough?
Gu Zi, tending to the fire in front of the stove, explained, “Dried orange peel, after being exposed to wind and sun, is an excellent ingredient for soup. It can be used in pork rib soup, mutton soup, and others. The main purpose is to extract the flavor of the orange peel, not to eat the peel itself.”
Su Li’s eyes lit up as he understood. He cheekily asked, “Is it the same principle as adding Sichuan peppercorns to the soup?”
Knowing that her second son was seeking praise for his quick understanding, Gu Zi smiled and indulged him, “Our second son is indeed smart. That’s exactly the idea. Can you help me tidy up the dining room while your brother is playing with your sister? Your father has gone to pick up your grandparents. We’ll all have mutton soup for lunch.”
Su Li was basking in the praise he received, his mother always knew exactly what he wanted to hear. With a swift turn, he darted off to the dining room, his enthusiasm evident as he polished the table until it gleamed. He arranged the chairs neatly, then headed to the kitchen to fetch bowls and chopsticks. After washing and drying them, he set them on the table, his work thorough and meticulous.
Upon completing these tasks, Su Li felt a sense of pride straightening his spine. He realized that even though he was still young, he could help his mother with many chores.
Feeling proud of himself, Su Li promptly asked his mother for permission to clean the pigeon cage. Once he received her approval, he hoisted the specialized broom over his shoulder and marched towards the pigeon house with a heroic air.
Meanwhile, in the Lin family’s house in Little Lin Village, Su Shen had arrived. He handed over the thousand-yuan compensation to Mrs. Lin as Gu Zi had instructed. Mrs. Lin accepted the money without much enthusiasm, but when she heard that her daughter was cooking mutton soup at home and had sent her son-in-law to invite them for lunch, her face lit up with a brilliant smile. She and Li Hua retreated to their respective rooms to freshen up.
The price of beef and mutton had always been twice that of pork, a luxury that most families could not afford more than once a year. Even if someone in the village raised cattle or sheep, they would sell them for a living, never indulging in the meat themselves.
Mrs. Lin thought to herself that if she was going to enjoy mutton soup, she should dress in her best clothes. It was only fitting to have a sense of ceremony for such an expensive meal.
Li Hua and Mrs. Lin shared the same thought. Not only did Li Hua change into a beautiful floral shirt, but she also applied a light makeup using the cosmetics Gu Zi had gifted her.
So, when Su Shen took the family to the pig farm to pick up Lin Cheng, Lin Cheng was utterly smitten at the sight of Li Hua. His face flushed, he looked like a bashful young boy.
Mrs. Lin teased him, saying, “Look at you, blushing at the sight of your beautiful wife. What else can you do? Don’t you have a tongue to compliment her? All you do is blush.”
Feeling the intensity of Lin Cheng’s gaze, Li Hua also blushed. Mrs. Lin’s teasing only added to her embarrassment. She couldn’t help but laugh, hiding behind Mrs. Lin, not daring to look at Lin Cheng. It brought back memories of when they had first started dating..