Chapter 123 Congratulations

Li Xuemei quickly handed over the basket of eggs, saying, "That's right! Congratulations to Lao Si on becoming a teacher. This is just a small token of our appreciation, please don't mind!"

Seeing the two of them being so shameless, Zhang Xiuying's lips twitched, and she said coldly, "Fine, you can't hit someone who's smiling. But let me make this clear: if anyone dares to cause trouble in my house today, don't blame me for not giving them face."

Upon hearing this, Li Xuemei's eyes narrowed into slits with delight: "Don't worry, sister! Even if we had the guts, we wouldn't dare to cause trouble in your house!"

Fearing that Zhang Xiuying might change her mind, the mother and daughter quickly went into the yard and found a place to sit down.

Zhang Xiuying carried the basket of eggs into the kitchen and handed it to Liu Zhixia.

"The weasel is offering New Year's greetings to the chicken; it has no good intentions. But it's not appropriate to kick it out directly in front of so many people."

Liu Zhixia took the eggs, her expression calm: "Leave the kitchen to me, Mother, you just keep an eye on them."

"Don't worry, I'm keeping an eye on it. Oh, and remember to lock your room!"

"I haven't forgotten it since last time."

Only then did Zhang Xiuying leave the kitchen with peace of mind.

Zhao Dongmei handed over the chopped vegetables, looking puzzled: "Lu Huaiyuan just made such a fool of himself during the day, how can these two still have the nerve to come here?"

Liu Zhixia glanced at the kimchi jar in the corner and a playful smile appeared on her lips: "They must be here to find out the truth."

She truly hadn't expected that the Lu family would be so foolish as to actually follow that scribbles to make pickled vegetables.

Logically speaking, which wife these days doesn't know how to pickle vegetables? How could you not tell that it was fake?

I guess he's feeling guilty, so he's trying to learn from me now.

Thinking back to the Lu family's grand purchase of jars a few days ago, the villagers are now spreading rumors that the Lu family has gotten on the good side of a state-owned factory and is about to make a fortune.

Ha, just a few days ago they were clamoring to report the Liu family for speculation and profiteering, but now they're doing it themselves and aren't afraid of getting caught.

They're quite adept at using double standards.

The food was served, and the courtyard was filled with people. Several tables were pushed together, creating a lively atmosphere.

Neighbors and educated youth who had a good relationship toasted each other and chatted happily.

Halfway through the meal, Li Xuemei suddenly raised her voice: "Xia, I've heard that your pickled vegetables are absolutely amazing. On such a joyous occasion, why don't you bring them out for everyone to try?"

Liu Zhixia raised an eyebrow, a half-smile on her face, and loudly retorted, "Auntie, are you referring to the batch of pickled vegetables that the brigade leader brought people to search a few days ago?"

Li Xuemei's fake smile froze instantly.

Before she could make amends, Liu Zhixia continued, "We're having a feast today, with plenty of meat and fish. Why serve pickled vegetables? Does Auntie think my cooking isn't to her liking?"

A female educated youth spoke her mind: "That's right! Comrade Liu's skills are impeccable. Pickled vegetables are something we only eat when there are no other vegetables. Auntie, are you here to nitpick?"

People around them cast disapproving glances. Lu Huaiyuan had just lost face, and now this mother and daughter were causing trouble; they were clearly trying to ruin his chances.

Li Xuemei panicked a little; she hadn't expected that her words would stir up such a hornet's nest.

Lu Xiaohui quickly stood up to smooth things over: "It's a misunderstanding! It's all a misunderstanding! The last report was a misunderstanding! My mother heard everyone praising Xia's pickled vegetables and wanted to take the opportunity to praise her skills and ease the previous embarrassment. She's from the countryside and not good with words, so please don't mind!"

These words were well said, and everyone's expressions softened, allowing them to continue eating and drinking.

Seizing the opportunity, Lu Xiaohui looked at Liu Zhixia with a sincere expression: "Xiaxia, I haven't been back to the village for a long time. I heard your cooking skills have improved a lot, and I really want to try some. These pickled vegetables aren't worth much, so this request... isn't too much to ask, is it?"

Liu Zhixia gave her a deep look and nodded gently: "Okay."

She wanted to see what these two, mother and daughter, were up to.

He turned and went into the kitchen, grabbed a small dish of pickled vegetables and brought it to the table.

The mother and daughter couldn't wait any longer and eagerly picked up a bite with their chopsticks and put it in their mouths.

The next second, the two of them stopped moving at the same time, their eyes wide open.

Delicious!

Li Xuemei stared in astonishment at the unassuming plate of pickled vegetables in front of her.

This is incredible!

It has a crisp and refreshing taste, making a "crunch" sound. The sour and spicy flavor explodes on the tip of the tongue, and there is a sweet aftertaste in the salty and savory flavor!

One bite and it felt like a cool breeze traveled through my whole body, sweeping away the heat and fatigue of the past few days, and making me feel refreshed!

No wonder this brat dares to sell it for such a high price, and it's still in short supply!

This taste is absolutely amazing!

Lu Xiaohui and Li Xuemei exchanged a glance, unable to contain their joy any longer, and burst into laughter.

It's safe!

Liu Zhixia's work was indeed a hundred times better than what they usually did, which must be thanks to that "special formula"!

Since it tastes so good, the ones they make according to the recipe must be just as good!

The huge weight that had been hanging over them finally lifted, replaced by the ecstatic joy of their impending fortune.

Aunt Zhou looked at the strange smiles on the faces of the Lu mother and daughter, then looked away in disgust and turned to Liu Zhixia with a smile:

"Xia, your cooking is absolutely amazing. You've been sending things to Xiao Shen lately, and my Xiao Kai has benefited from it too, eating a lot of good food. I haven't had a chance to properly thank you yet."

"Auntie, you're too kind. Brother Kai is our great matchmaker, it's only right. By the way, you're an expert in making pickled vegetables. I've just come up with some new products, and I'll open the jar tomorrow. Would you mind giving me some to try? Would you be so kind as to give me some pointers?"

Aunt Zhou readily agreed: "Sure! I'll be home all day tomorrow, so just come over!"

Upon hearing "new product," Lu Xiaohui and Li Xuemei exchanged a glance, their hearts sinking.

Lu Xiaohui panicked and blurted out, "New product? Does it taste the same as this one? Why did you secretly change it again?"

No wonder that brat wasn't worried at all about losing the formula; she'd figured out a new one!

Liu Zhixia blinked innocently: "Do I have to submit a report to the brigade for approval to research a new flavor?"

"Hahaha!"

The educated youth around couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Lu Xiaohui's face flushed red, and she quickly tried to cover it up: "That's not what I meant! I was just curious... the old food was already delicious enough, how delicious could the new one be?"

Liu Zhixia shrugged: "It hasn't been opened yet, we'll know after we taste it tomorrow."

An older woman nearby said with longing, "Xia, can we try some too?"

Liu Zhixia nodded generously: "Of course! Everyone has different tastes, so it's a good opportunity for you to give me your opinions so I can make improvements."

Upon hearing that not only would there be food, but they would also be able to act as "judges" and offer their opinions, everyone was overjoyed and made plans to meet at Aunt Zhou's house the next day.

...

The next day, Liu Zhixia arrived as promised, carrying a jar into Aunt Zhou's house.

The courtyard was already full of middle-aged women, chatting and eating sunflower seeds. When they saw her arrive, they warmly pulled her to sit down in the middle.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Liu Zhixia lifted the lid of the jar, and a fragrant aroma wafted out.