She felt helpless, and Liang Yuening was also becoming increasingly anxious. He believed that these people’s "protection" was just a facade — "surveillance" was the real deal, wasn’t it?
Don’t think she hadn’t noticed how these people were cautiously watching all around, glancing over at the three of them from time to time, and then, whenever the kid was rinsing rice, cooking, or hanging clothes to dry, one of them would pull out a little notebook and painstakingly jot everything down.
This feeling of being watched was truly unpleasant, and Liang Yuening’s mood was growing more and more irritable.
Dong Huiying furrowed her brows, "Forget it." Before Liang Yuening could lose his temper, she pulled him aside, "Help me start a fire, how about braised potato slices and egg soup for dinner?"
Liang Yuening licked his lips, "Add some spicy cucumber too!"
"Alright," she struggled to suppress a laugh. This guy really loved spicy food, such a heavy taste.
The Liang brothers weren’t particularly picky eaters, but their lack of fussiness stemmed from not having much to choose from in the past — anything that filled the stomach was already considered quite good. However, since Dong Huiying had taken over the cooking, she had gradually figured out each brother’s preferences.
The eldest and Third Brother Liang preferred moderately salted and light flavors, the second and sixth brothers leaned toward more subtle tastes, while the fourth and fifth brothers liked their food a bit stronger, but Liang Yuening had a greater fondness for spice than the other brothers. Also, did Fourth Brother Haoming have a special preference for sweets?
She glanced at Liang Haoming, who walked back sullenly with a kitchen knife in hand. She thought it might be nice to make something sweet for later — perhaps some pastries? They could also serve as a midnight snack if he got hungry at night.
Another uneventful day passed by, and during dinner, Hong Xiangjun emerged with her hair in a disheveled mess, yawning as she stepped outside. However, when she caught sight of the people in black outside the courtyard, she felt a surge of fear.
In the past few days, Hong Xiangjun felt as if she were in prison. Dong Huiying and the two Liang brothers hadn’t left the house, and she didn’t dare to either. After all, when it came to martial strength — cough, cough — she probably couldn’t even beat Liang Yuening, let alone those from the black market.
"Oh? That smells so good," she said nonchalantly, taking a seat at the dining table. Dong Huiying smiled and grabbed an extra bowl, serving her some rice. Hong Xiangjun couldn’t stop praising Dong Huiying’s cooking. Meanwhile, Liang Yuening and Liang Haoming, sitting beside one another, shared expressions that could only be described as morose.
Liang Yuening thought grumpily, "Now there’s another mouth to feed." He hurriedly shoveled food into his mouth with his chopsticks.
"Mm, mmhmm!!" Suddenly, he clutched at his throat, then began to thump his chest vigorously.
"Choked?" Dong Huiying asked.
He nodded vigorously.
Dong Huiying couldn’t help but smile slightly, then handed him a bowl of cooled boiled water.
Liang Yuening was shaking with relief; after drinking the water, he felt as though he had escaped from death’s grasp. Now he didn’t dare to eat so greedily.
"Eat slowly," she reminded him.
Flushed with embarrassment, his head almost dove into his bowl, but he managed a soft "Mhm" in acknowledgment.
Hong Xiangjun glanced at the people in black outside before whispering, "What exactly are they planning to do?"
Dong Huiying pondered briefly, "Master Hong, how much longer do we have to wait for that batch of medicinal herbs?"
"Almost there, almost there, they should arrive in about ten days or so."
Indeed, Dong Huiying could use force to drive these people away, but clearly, that would be a disadvantageous exchange. Whether it be the unseen and unlocated Liang Shujun or the batch of medicinal herbs Hong Xiangjun had helped her contact, they both ensured she couldn’t leave Jun City for the time being. The black market had been operating in Jun City for many years—if things became too rigid, it would likely bring her considerable trouble.