Siheyuan (traditional courtyard house): Don't touch my parents!

Stop trying to talk your way out of this.

Tell me, what do you want from me?

Zhao Cuifeng saw his shameless appearance.

He already had a pretty good idea of ​​what was going on; the other person was probably asking him for a favor again.

I want to have lunch at Brother Zhu's house.

Please say yes, okay?

Xu Damao had barely finished speaking.

Zhao Cuifeng raised her hand and gave him a loud flick on the forehead.

You good-for-nothing!

Did I starve you, or treat you badly?

Why do we have to shamelessly go to other people's houses to freeload meals?

How shameful!

Xu Damao clutched his forehead, wincing in pain.

But they still wouldn't give up.

Mom, it's true! This is the food Zhuzi's family made today.

The aroma wafted out of the alley; I could smell it from far away!

I think you've just been tempted by your cravings!

Hehe, Brother Zhu's dad used to be a famous chef in a big restaurant.

Brother Zhu's cooking skills are definitely top-notch!

As Xu Damao spoke, he couldn't help but swallow hard.

Don't think I don't know what you're up to.

Zhao Cuifeng directly saw through his little scheme.

Are you really only after a bite to eat?

Oh my god, I've been having so much fun with Brother Zhu these past few days.

I'm afraid he won't include me in his games anymore.

That's why I'm rushing over to try and please him.

I even agreed to give him the precious slingshot that my dad gave me!

Xu Damao rubbed his head against Zhao Cuifeng's arm vigorously.

It looks just like a puppy begging for petting.

Looking at her son's useless appearance.

Zhao Cuifeng was both annoyed and amused.

That slingshot was Xu Damao's most prized possession.

For the first few days after I got it, I wanted to sleep with it in my arms.

He'll get angry if anyone touches him.

What kind of bewitching potion did this fool from the He family give Da Mao?

But then I thought about it again, and realized that my son was close to He Yuzhu.

It's not necessarily a bad thing.

At least from now on, no one will dare to bully him when he's out in the world.

Zhao Cuifeng sighed softly, finally relieved.

Alright, Mom agrees.

However, you can't go to someone's house for a meal empty-handed.

These days, no one is living a comfortable life.

Although our family is not well-off, we cannot be lacking in manners.

After saying that, she got up and walked to the five-drawer chest in the kitchen.

Open the cabinet door and take out a small plate of Jinhua ham.

There were only about ten thinly sliced ​​pieces of meat inside.

She then placed two steamed buns made from a mixture of wheat flour and corn flour next to the plate.

Our family usually doesn't even eat refined grains freely.

The couple relied entirely on working for the Lou family.

The host family occasionally gives them some leftovers.

The family could barely afford to improve their meals once a year.

Xu Damao's eyes lit up immediately.

He jumped for joy.

He took the plate containing ham and steamed buns.

Like a frolicking little rabbit, it darted out of the house in a flash.

Slow down! Don't drop the plate!

Zhao Cuifeng called out to him from behind.

I know, Mom!

Xu Damao verbally agreed.

But his speed didn't slow down at all.

On the other side, He Yuzhu was sitting by the stove.

Holding the slingshot, he gestured and aimed at the window.

Suddenly, they heard Xu Damao shouting loudly outside the door.

Brother Zhu! My mom agreed!

Immediately following was the sound of a door being pushed open.

He Yuzhu turned his head to look.

Xu Damao was covered in sweat, and his face was flushed red.

He was leaning against the door frame, panting heavily.

He carefully held the plate of ham and steamed buns in both hands.

They were afraid of spilling even a tiny bit.

Xu Damao strode into the kitchen in two quick steps.

Gently place the items on the stovetop.

He proudly claimed credit.

Look, Brother Zhu!

This is what I brought from home!

This time, I can't say I ate your food for free, can I?

He Yuzhu's gaze fell on the plate of Jinhua ham.

He was secretly taken aback.

Jinhua ham... working for wealthy families really makes a difference.

This is a rare item.

Even when his father was the head chef at Fengzeyuan Restaurant.

Even then, it's not always easy to bring back just two pieces.

Since Xu Damao is so sensible and attentive.

He Yuzhu originally planned to make stir-fried cabbage.

They immediately decided to change it to ham and cabbage soup.

It's fair to say that this is a worthwhile use of such rare and good ingredients.

Okay, since your mother has agreed.

Then I won't stand on ceremony with you!

He Yuzhu smiled and agreed.

He stood up and first put the two steamed buns made from the two types of dough into the steamer.

Then he lifted the lid of the clay pot next to him and scooped out a few soybeans that had been cooked until soft.

I want to test whether it's cooked to perfection.

Xu Damao, with his sharp eyes, immediately came over.

Look how hungry you are! Here, have a taste.

Check if it's overcooked.

He Yuzhu shook his head helplessly and picked up a pair of chopsticks.

He picked up a freshly cooked soybean and held it directly to Xu Damao's mouth.

Xu Damao didn't stand on ceremony and immediately accepted it.

He Yuzhu then fed him the beans.

It's a complete mess, a complete mess!

Hey, why didn't you add salt?

Xu Damao asked while chewing and smacking his lips.

This is for your aunt; the flavor should be a little mild.

I'll give you that portion separately later, and I'll add salt to taste.

He Yuzhu explained patiently.

Oh!

Xu Damao nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.

Although I don't quite understand why the food given to Aunt He should be bland.

But the stewed pig's trotters mixed in with the soybeans smelled delicious.

He was so beautiful he was almost fainting.

He Yuzhu used two pieces of cloth to pad his hands.

Take the scalding hot casserole aside to cool.

Then, place the large iron pot on the stove and add half a pot of water.

Before the water boils.

He quickly and skillfully sliced ​​the washed cabbage into pieces.

Even the leftover cabbage stalks from making stir-fried cabbage with vinegar weren't wasted.

Cut everything into sections and set aside for later use.

Wait until the water in the pot boils completely.

He then dumped all the cabbage into the pot.

When the cabbage is cooked until it is just cooked through, its color changes from bright green to dark green.

He picked up the plate of precious ham.

Tear off the pieces one by one gently.

Slowly slide into the boiling, scalding soup.

These days, money and profit are extremely precious.

With ham to enhance the flavor, it's already a rare treat to have some meat.

There's no need to bother with stir-frying and adding oil.

Before long, the soup in the pot boiled again.

The rich aroma of ham blends together with the sweet scent of Chinese cabbage.

It instantly filled the entire small kitchen.

He Yuzhu sprinkled in a handful of fresh chopped green onions.

He then scooped out some of the secret seasoning left by He Daqing from the jar.

Add a spoonful of salt, and finally drizzle a few drops of sesame oil to enhance the aroma.

Xu Damao stood by the stove, staring longingly at it.

His Adam's apple bobbed up and down incessantly as he swallowed repeatedly.

Brother Zhu, this smells amazing!

How much longer do we have to wait before we can eat?

He Yuzhu laughed and scolded.

You probably don't eat ham often at home, right?

Little glutton, what's the rush?

As he spoke, he stirred the bottom of the pot with a spoon.

Allow the seasonings and salt to dissolve completely.

Then he turned around, grabbed a large bowl, filled it with a little less than half a bowl of soup, and handed it to Xu Damao.