Chapter 204: White Cut Meat
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Today, Zhou Lan was in high spirits as she reunited with her elder brother. They seemed to have endless topics to chat about. Not wanting to interrupt their conversation, Zhou Lan quickly prepared some pork and simply steamed it in a big pot.
After steaming, she cut the pork into large chunks, making a dish called “White Cut Meat” (plain sliced pork), which is eaten dipped in sauce once cooled. By now, she was skilled at making sauces, the fragrance of which filled the entire house, making even Jiang Gu drool and impressing Jiang Xia.
Thanks to the current weather, the sauce didn’t spoil easily. After she made it, there was usually enough for the family to eat for three to four days. It was both convenient and delicious.
While the meat was steaming, Zhou Lan didn’t have to keep a constant eye on the pot, so she could continue chatting with her brother.
By the time Jiang Chuan returned with the others, Zhou Lan and Zhou Wan were still sitting and talking at the table, reminiscing about old times, and Zhou Lan’s laughter echoed heartily.
Upon seeing her husband, Zhou Lan got up to greet him and accepted the jar of wine he was carrying. “You’ve come back just in time! The meat is ready. Sit down, and I’ll cook some wild vegetable porridge, then we can eat.”
Xu Niu and Zhou Wan were glad to see Zhou Lan so vibrant, a contrast to her previously silent and listless demeanor. They were relieved and settled down at the table.
Jiang Chuan’s main intention in helping was not just to assist. He wanted to share some crucial information he’d learned during his journey to reassure Zhou Lan.
After listening, Zhou Lan looked concerned and said, “Husband, we must help them. They have always been good to us!”
Jiang Chuan, understanding his wife’s sentiments, reassured her, “Don’t worry. We still have some money left. Though not much, luckily we have grain tickets. I’ve planned to give them some when they leave. It will solve their immediate problems. Once we’re in a better position, we’ll assist them further.”
Grateful for her husband’s thoughtfulness, Zhou Lan kissed him on the cheek, feeling joy in her heart.
“Why are you two feeding us with your lovey-dovey moments instead of making food?” Jiang Xia joked, having just returned with her sister. Seeing their parents so affectionate after all these years made her roll her eyes, although there was a hint of envy.
Zhou Lan, wearing a playful expression that seemed to say, “I love making you jealous,” cheerfully stirred the wild vegetable porridge in the pot.
Jiang Chuan asked with concern, “Was everything okay? Did anyone give you a hard time?”
Pulling up a small stool, Jiang Xia sat by the stove. She added some dry grass, causing the flames to jump. “Dad, don’t worry. The people here are simple and honest. They don’t make a fuss over minor accidents between kids. The father of the chubby kid kept saying it was no big deal and even thanked us for the seeds we provided. They’ve sprouted and are growing rapidly. Maybe they’ll emerge before winter. When we were leaving, he even invited Xiao Gu and me to have a meal at their home.”
Having finished stirring the porridge, Zhou Lan set the spoon aside and looked at the father-daughter duo. “What are you two discussing?”
Jiang Xia briefly recounted the recent events in the small woods and by the river. Zhou Lan nodded with a look of pride, “It’s no wonder Xiao Gu is so skilled; she’s been raised by me! Once she goes to school, 1 won’t have to worry about her being bullied!”
Jiang Chuan and Jiang Xia exchanged a glance of disbelief over Zhou Lan’s concern, each musing: “For a wife or mother like this, what can one do but indulge her?”