Pokémon: Starting as a Farmer Instead of a Trainer

Chapter 184 Making Dumplings for Chinese New Year (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

The next morning, Danyu and Wuli came over again. As a thank you for the apples they gave yesterday, they also brought some homemade sticky rice cakes as a return gift.

"These were all made by my grandma. I wanted to buy them from Momozawa Store, but it was closed today. They're probably busy with New Year's preparations."

"Then I'll accept it without hesitation."

As she spoke, Mingyou deliberately picked up a piece of purplish-red sticky rice cake and tasted it. It was purple sweet potato flavored and very delicious, completely different from the one she had at the Momozawa store that day.

"strangeness……"

With a puzzled look, he picked up another piece, this one filled with red bean paste. He could taste the flavor of both, except for the purple sticky rice cake he had eaten a few days ago, which tasted different.

I initially thought it was because I ate Xiao Zhao's sticky rice cake that I didn't like other sticky rice cakes, but there's no problem with that. So whose fault is it?

As he pondered this, Danyu crossed her arms, looking somewhat displeased: "What's wrong? Isn't my grandma's cooking good?!"

"No, it's delicious, just like my grandma's..."

"That's my grandma!"

"..."

Danyu beckoned the siblings inside. Her gaze swept over the group of Pokémon playing games, finally settling on the ground piled with red lanterns not far away. A hint of curiosity flashed in her eyes, and she quickly walked over.

"What's this? It's so beautiful, is it a lantern for a festival?"

"In my hometown, it's a tradition to hang red lanterns during the Lunar New Year. However, I made a few extra last night. If you like, you can take a few of the small lanterns I made."

"Then I'll get it when I get back!"

Danyu has always been thick-skinned and never holds back when it comes to being polite to others.

Wu Li also liked the red lantern, but when he heard that his sister would take a few, he was too embarrassed to ask for more. Ming You noticed his gaze and smiled calmly, asking, "Did you eat yesterday's apple?"

"No, Grandpa plans to eat it tomorrow for the Lunar New Year. He was very surprised when he saw such a big apple."

"Haha, everyone's having the same reaction. Since we're all here, let's make dumplings together and have them for lunch today, how about that?"

Mingyou cut straight to the point, explaining that the siblings had come today specifically for this. Danyu was very curious about what it was; it sounded delicious…

The first thing to do is make dumpling wrappers, which he started preparing this morning after breakfast.

He used almost all the flour he bought, then added salt, potato starch made from rat yam, egg whites, and drinking water, stirred it, and kneaded it until smooth and formed a dough. It is currently resting.

As Mingyou explained, she led them toward the dining table. Danyu quickly understood; it felt similar to making some pastries—kneading flour into a dough and then wrapping things inside.

"The underlying principles are still quite different..."

Mingyou didn't explain further. At this moment, Xiaozhao and Pengpeng brought out the dumpling filling from the kitchen. There were many different flavors, all made by Mingyou using fruits and vegetables from the manor.

"Is it about time we started?"

Xiao Zhao was very excited, and Ming You didn't wait any longer. She took out all the dough that had risen and sprinkled cornstarch on the table as a dusting powder.

Everyone gathered around him, watching as he skillfully cut all the dough into strips, rolled them into balls, rolled them into long pieces, and divided them into portions. He was very adept at all the steps, and finally, the dough sheets were rolled into dumpling wrappers by the rolling pin.

"It's that simple, did you get it?"

"I've wasted my time..."

"It's alright, I'll roll the dumpling wrappers, you guys can fill them... And those of you over there, if you're free, you can come and join us in making dumplings!"

Mingyou looked at the Snorlax and the others who were playing games. Soon Riolu ran over, and upon hearing that it was for food, they all stopped watching the game and swarmed over.

Uri was startled by this sight; there were just too many Pokémon here...

"It seems everyone is quite interested. I'll teach you a few times, and the rest is up to you. It doesn't matter if your sculpting doesn't look good; participation is the most important thing."

With everyone watching, Mingyou demonstrated how to make dumplings. It was indeed very easy, the kind that even Latias could learn. Soon everyone started making them together, but it would probably be difficult to finish them in a short time.

Wu Li, full of curiosity, scooped a spoonful of filling onto a dumpling wrapper and carefully wrapped it up. Although it looked easy to Ming You, she could still feel the difficulty when she actually tried it.

He completed it smoothly, but Danyu didn't have such a smooth time. She put too much filling in and broke the dumpling skin.

"Sister, you can't put so many in..."

"Believe me! I've figured it out!"

"..."

Besides Latias, a second idiot has appeared here...

At this moment, Mingyou is earnestly teaching Kirlia and Ralts how to roll out dumpling wrappers. They want to help roll out the wrappers, and they can use their telekinesis to control the rolling pin, which will save a lot of time.

He then looked up and found the place unexpectedly lively. Not only the Electabuzz, but even the haunted house's employees, Gengar and Gastly, had joined in, all making dumplings together.

Only after finally seizing the opportunity and successfully monopolizing the sofa did the Night Demon play video games...

"Haha, this dining table is already quite big, but it still looks small now."

Mingyou felt a strange sense of melancholy.

"Waaah~"

Look at me, look at me, you idiot Mingyou, look at me!

Latias stood to the side, her chubby face filled with anticipation, holding several dumplings she had made herself. This was something she rarely did well, and she would be too disappointed if she didn't get any praise.

Hearing this, Mingyou turned her head, a look of surprise flashing across her face: "The lace is beautifully done. I don't think I taught you that, did I?"

"Waaah~"

This is called self-taught. Latias raised her head slightly, her face full of joy. Although she used mental power to take a shortcut, at least she tried.

Then she deliberately stepped onto the stool and gave Danyu a smug smile.

Danyu: "!!!"

"Okay, okay, don't make the guests angry."

Mingyou raised her hand and gently patted her head, but Latias was still not behaving himself and wanted to continue showing off the dumplings he made to Riolu.

Xiao Zhao was right next to Ming You. She noticed the fancy dumplings Latias was making and had some ideas of her own. So she turned to the side and asked, "By the way, this..."

"Um?"

Mingyou subconsciously turned her head to look, but at that moment, Latias, who was standing on a stool, was so proud of himself that he kept swaying his body and lost his balance.

A look of panic flashed across her face, and she instinctively tried to grab something, accidentally pushing him away with her hand.

Mingyou's body leaned forward uncontrollably, colliding with the girl who was turning around, and their eyes met. They both froze.

At that moment, their cheeks were less than five centimeters apart, and they could even clearly feel each other's warm breath on their faces...

"Well……"

"Um……"

This was the first time Mingyou had seen Xiaozhao so closely, and the other person felt the same way. For a moment, her chest felt slightly warm, and under this hazy gaze, the two fell into silence, which lasted for a long time.

It wasn't until the little Snorlax that walked to the side made a sound that the two finally came to their senses, their cheeks flushed slightly, and they looked away, turning around with embarrassed expressions.

"Gambit!"

You didn't buy any potato chips, and you've run out...

The little Snorlax brought back a box of candy from the New Year's shopping. It wasn't responsible for making dumplings; it was only responsible for eating them.

"I'll fry some potato chips for you tonight!"

Xiao Zhao quickly spoke up to ease the awkwardness, and once again beat Ming You to the punch by saying what the other person wanted to say.

"Gambit~"

OK then……

Watching the little Snorlax leave, Mingyou came back to her senses, but didn't dare look at Xiaozhao, only softly saying, "Sorry, just now..."

"Um... let's make dumplings first."

Xiao Zhao felt her heart racing. Her mind was in turmoil, and she didn't know how to talk to the other person about this issue, so she could only change the subject.

The two pretended nothing had happened for the time being. Luckily, Danyu hadn't seen what had just happened, or she would have been teased again. Danyu was now trying to halve the filling before wrapping the dumplings, not wanting to lose to Latias...

With everyone's cooperation, all the dough was quickly shaped into dumplings. Riolu was undoubtedly the fastest and best at it. Although he used to be a hoodlum, he has now reformed and become a very good homemaker.

Mingyou took a portion of the dumplings to the kitchen to prepare them for everyone's lunch. Each Pokémon-made dumpling was distinct in appearance, making it easy to identify who made them.

Before long, he brought out the cooked and fried dumplings and seasonings, and the aroma filled the air, instantly energizing the little Snorlax.

"Everyone gets some, so enjoy the dumplings you made yourself."

"Gambit~"

The dumplings that had just been served were quickly divided up. Since the pot was a bit small, they had to be cooked separately. So Mingyou went back to the kitchen, and Xiaozhao followed him to help out, so as not to be overwhelmed.

Wu Li looked at the dumplings he had made in the bowl, scooped one up with a spoon, blew on it, took a small bite, and tasted it. His face lit up with joy in an instant.

"So delicious..."

Every bite is like a feast for the taste buds, with the rich filling, delicate dumpling skin, and broth perfectly combined, making it an intoxicating experience.

Danyu, standing to the side, covered her face with a look of enjoyment and said with a smile, "It smells so good! Did I really make this? I didn't know I had this talent!"

"Sister, it seems like everything you made fell apart during cooking. The one you ate was made by Mingyou."

"..."

"Mmm~"

Ponpon looked at the ginkgo leaf-shaped dumplings in the bowl. She had made them all; they were very cute.

Everyone was looking for the dumplings they had made, wanting to taste how they were made. But no matter who made them, the fillings from Mingyou were destined to have a low standard, so everyone was very happy with their own creations.

Xiao Zhao had just come out of the kitchen when she saw this scene. She couldn't help but smile and turn back to look at Ming You: "This is the plan you had everyone work on together, right?"

"Haha, it's a holiday, so naturally everyone should put aside their worries and have fun together. You don't need to do anything, go over there to eat, I'll take care of the rest."

"Yeah?"

Xiao Zhao smiled and, as she walked to the dining table, pressed him down into his seat. Then, looking at Pengpeng, she laughed and said, "Hold him down so he doesn't run away. I'll take care of the rest."

"Huh!?"

"You're the one who should be staying here!"

Xiao Zhao patted him lightly on the shoulder, then turned and headed to the kitchen, a scene that made Dan Yu and Wu Li burst out laughing.

"well……"

Mingyou smiled helplessly.

At this moment, Ponpo handed him a bowl containing dumplings she had made herself, wanting him to try them. Mingyou picked up a spoon, scooped up a piece, and put it in his mouth.

The subtle fragrance of tangerines bursts forth at this moment. This filling uses tangerines, and after eating it, you feel refreshed all over.

"It's delicious, did you make it?"

"Mmm~"

Ponpo nodded happily, and Mingyou continued to enjoy the food with a look of satisfaction. Tears welled up in his eyes as he did not hide his emotions... This was not enough. He wanted to do more for everyone so that he could live up to their love.

The lunch, consisting only of dumplings, quickly came to an end amidst the lively and warm atmosphere. Danyu and Wuli stayed a little longer, accepting some complimentary dumplings before bidding farewell and leaving.

Tomorrow is Chinese New Year, so there isn't much time. They plan to come and visit the day after tomorrow.

Upon returning to Emerald Green Town, Danyu paid no attention to the New Year decorations on the nearby streets, but instead focused on the plastic bag containing dumplings and the few red lanterns she had brought back.

"Haha, Naruto Yuuto is really great. Every time he goes there, he brings back some good stuff."

Wu Li wasn't as shameless as her, and retorted, "Isn't it a bit much to always freeload?"

A hint of resentment flashed across Danyu's face. Wouldn't it be better to send the gift back in a couple of days?

Just as she was about to reply, her gaze suddenly fell on the direction of Momozawa Shop, and her eyes flashed with surprise: "Momozawa Shop is open! Looks like no one's going to compete with me now. Want some sticky rice cake, Ari?"

"My grandma makes it at home."

"Momozawa Store sells something different!"

"Well... okay then."

The siblings walked together toward Momozawa Store, and at that moment, on a shelf inside the store, a peach-shaped doll covered in dust had a crack appear in the middle, as if it had been split in two.

"Giggle!!!"

……

(End of this chapter)