CFGF 5.1

After Cannon fodder Gong started farming, he had HE with the cold male protagonist (CFGF) - c5.1









Buying delicacies and preparing chicken soup for the soul

~  

  

Jiang Baiye rummaged through the narrow and crowded stove room, but all he found were a few white radishes and a handful of withered greens. Although it wasn't explicitly stated in the book, he assumed that Lu Lizhi would likely prefer a delicate and mildly sweet flavor, much like the impression he left on others. Lu Lizhi was akin to a serene cup of tea, exuding an air of tranquility and purity, like the lingering mist that gracefully curls. He possessed courage, resilience, grandeur, pride, and an unbreakable spirit... Coincidentally, with limited food remaining at home, Jiang Baiye glanced at He Shi, who seemed disheartened like a child who had committed a mistake. Softening his tone, he suggested, "Mother, take some money with you and try to buy some vegetables to bring back." "Ah? Buy vegetables? Why do we need to buy them? I can go to the mountains and gather some wild ones. I'll dig them up and we can eat them," He Shi replied with confusion. "I've looked at the mountains, but there's not much worthwhile there," Jiang Baiye explained. Additionally, it was a small mountain with numerous people and various animals, leaving almost nothing behind. The villagers were not foolish, and anything that could be picked had already been taken. However, Qingshui Village and the surrounding villages were encircled by a range of mountains, harboring countless dangerous and steep peaks. These unexplored valleys held unimaginable resources. "Then, for now, buy some dry goods and see if you can find ginger, red dates, shiitake mushrooms, dried beans left on the mountain when you return," he suggested. "That's what I said." He Shi hurriedly left, as long as it was something that Jiang er wanted to eat, how could she give up and not buy it. On the way, when she met Jiang Dazhu who was carrying bamboo back, He Shi scolded as if she had two mouths, her tone was full of hatred, "You useless bastard, why don't you die with your old immortal father! Jiang er is old but also his Grandson, why is he (old jiang) so ruthless, wishing to give his (JB's) life to that elder grandson, pity me for being old..." As she said that, she even pinched him twice! Jiang Dazhu screamed in pain, but did not dare to hide, "Didn’t Jiang er get silver, we can spend it slowly!" "It's not that you are useless as his old man. If you dare to be lazy and stop working, I will cut you off!" Jiang Dazhu opened his mouth with a look of grievance, but before he could utter a word, He Shi had already hurried away. He glanced towards the direction of the old Jiang family, as if he had made up his mind, and clenched his fists. As for Jiang Baiye, uncertain about when his mother would return, he removed the burning firewood from beneath the stove, poured water, and adjusted the position of the chicken soup. The meat was still slightly tough, so it would be better to let it simmer for a while longer. After waiting for less than two quarters of an hour, He Shi returned with a joyful expression, having not only bought what Jiang Baiye had requested, but also some additional items. "Salt, lard oil, soy sauce, vinegar, peppercorns, green onions, dried red peppers, yellow cauliflower, and leeks." "Moreover, Ding and Du popo gave me this handful of common purslane along with ten eggs, half a piece of cured duck leg, and a large bag of freshly pounded rice that I purchased. Look, we have a good variety now, so we can enjoy them!" He Shi exclaimed. Jiang Baiye observed her happy demeanor and couldn't help but smile knowingly. "I thought they would avoid me. Previously, they used to gossip about me behind my back. But I didn't expect that when I bought something, they actually sold it and even praised me. After all, it's a bit more troublesome and costly for them to sell it themselves in town. Only fools would pass up such an opportunity!" He Shi remarked. "Mother, please step outside, I'll handle this meal," he instructed. Without giving her a chance to express her surprise, Jiang Baiye efficiently went about his tasks. With skilled precision, he sliced and diced the ginger and scallions into thin slices and segments. After adding oil and stir-frying them, he poured the chicken soup into the pot. Of course, he couldn't forget to use the three-piece set to remove any unwanted fishy taste. As for the stewed chicken soup, he knew better than to include rice wine, as it would result in an unpleasant aroma. Lowering the heat, he added shiitake mushrooms to the soup, which would enhance the umami flavor while absorbing any excess richness. He carefully measured and added a suitable amount to elevate the taste. Finally, he added a few red dates, not only brightening the soup's color but also lending a touch of sweetness that would make the dish even more appetizing. From the moment He Shi witnessed his exquisite knife skills, she couldn't contain her excitement. And as the rich aroma of the chicken soup permeated the house, her mouth began to salivate uncontrollably. Even Xiao Sanzi, who had been tirelessly transporting clay, found himself overcome with hunger, and his mouth watered unintentionally. After a while, He Shi rushed in with a panicked expression on her face. "Jiang er, what should we do? I saw Lu Tongsheng outside, and he seemed to be searching for something. Could he be looking for that chicken?" Jiang Baiye paused his stir-frying and replied, "Now you're panicking? It's a little late for that, isn't it?" He Shi was overwhelmed with guilt and stuttered, "I-I'll go compensate him immediately. I can even kowtow to him if necessary. Or should we offer him Little Red as compensation?" Little Red, sensing the tension, let out a few discontented clucks in the courtyard. Jiang Baiye simply said, "Don't panic." It would be best for Lu Tongsheng to calm down after enjoying the dishes he had prepared. In the book, the chicken couldn't escape its unfortunate fate. However, Lu Lizhi hung the weasel that had stolen the chicken from the big tree in front of his door. It was a symbolic act, serving as a warning to those who disrupted his peace. Jiang Baiye felt that he was somewhat similar to that weasel. While he had once enjoyed reading the book, he now wondered how someone as pure and extraordinary as Lu Lizhi could calmly and expressionlessly skin the ferocious weasel with hands that had never engaged in strenuous labor.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


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