Chapter 93: Dumplings

Chapter 93: Chapter 93: Dumplings

Bai Zhi sat beside her, took her hand, and said in a tone that was half-joking, half-serious, "Mom, don’t you believe in me? Our lives will only get better from now on. These 200 taels of silver are just the beginning. In the future, I’ll earn even more silver and give you a truly good life. What’s a couple of new outfits in comparison?"

Zhao Lan was deeply touched, squeezing her daughter’s hand tightly. "Yes, my good daughter. Just knowing you feel that way is enough to make me content."

The next morning, Bai Zhi woke up early. After washing up, she went over to the Hu Family’s house to make breakfast. By the time Zhao Lan hurried over, the fragrant white rice porridge and side dishes were already on the table.

Hu Bo Le’s eyes crinkled into a thin line. "Zhi, you’re an incredible cook. It’s the same white porridge, but yours is exceptionally fragrant. The smell alone is making me hungry."

As Bai Zhi set out the bowls and chopsticks, she noticed Hu Feng still hadn’t emerged from his room. "Where’s Hu Feng?" she asked curiously. "He’s always at the table on time for meals. Why isn’t he here today?"

Uncle Hu chuckled. "Oh, him. He said he wanted to go to town with you, so he’s gone to find Old Li to rent an oxcart. He doesn’t like crowds, so to keep Old Li from picking up other passengers, he had to rent the whole thing."

Bai Zhi said, "That’s so odd of him. A full cart is more lively, and you can chat with people to pass the time."

Uncle Hu shook his head. "You don’t know his temperament. He’s never liked dealing with strangers, he doesn’t like talking to them, and he especially hates it when they get close to him."

Bai Zhi thought of Hu Feng’s icy expression and shrugged. "Maybe that’s just how he’s always been. Amnesia can’t change a person’s fundamental nature."

Uncle Hu also sighed and said no more.

Just then, the creak and groan of oxcart wheels sounded from outside. Uncle Hu hurried out, calling to Hu Feng as he entered the gate, "You’re back! Hurry and wash up; breakfast is ready."

The moment he heard breakfast was ready, Hu Feng quickened his pace. He tied the ox’s nose rope to a stone post in the courtyard, then swiftly ladled a scoop of water from the urn to wash his hands and sweaty face.

Breakfast was simple: white rice porridge with a side dish. The porridge was cooked perfectly—soft, smooth, and delightfully fragrant. The side dish was made from leftover greens in the kitchen. They were blanched and chopped, then a sauce was made by flash-frying oil and seasonings in a hot wok. The sauce was poured hot over the greens and tossed, creating an aroma that was out of this world.

Hu Feng wolfed down three bowls of porridge. Even with his large appetite, he normally ate two bowls at most, but today he had three. It was a testament to just how irresistible Bai Zhi’s side dish was.

Uncle Hu chuckled. "Zhi, who taught you how to cook? I’d say you’re on par with the head chef at the restaurant in town."

Bai Zhi gave a modest smile. "Oh, not at all. It’s just something I figured out on my own. I’m glad you all enjoy it."

Hu Feng looked at Bai Zhi, his expression serious. "When we get to town, buy the ingredients for some of your specialty dishes. We’re out of food at home."

’My specialty dishes?’ she thought. ’There are too many to count. But fine. I’ve been eating their food for the past few days, it’s about time I treated them to a meal.’

"Alright. When we get to town, we’ll go to the market first. We’ll buy ingredients for everyone’s favorite foods, plus some rice and flour. I’ll make dumplings for you all."

Uncle Hu and Zhao Lan both looked at her with curiosity. "Dumplings? What are dumplings?"

Now it was Bai Zhi’s turn to be dumbfounded. "You don’t know what dumplings are? You’ve never had them?" ’But aren’t dumplings an ancient food? How could they not know about them?’

Zhao Lan was the most curious. If even she had never heard of such a thing, how could Zhi’er know about it? "I’ve never heard of them," she said. "How do you know about something called a dumpling?"