Chapter 12: A Bountiful Harvest

Jinran stopped when she reached her doorstep. Panting, she entered the yard. Grandma Shen, seeing Jinran looking like she'd been chased by a dog, asked, "Nini, what happened? Why were you running?"

Jinran pretended nothing had happened and calmly said, "Grandma, I caught a rabbit, and lots of dates too. Grandma."

Grandma Chen's face changed, and she immediately asked, "You naughty girl, did you go deep into the mountains? Why are you so disobedient?"

Jinran knew she was in the wrong, but still wanted to salvage the situation, so she said in a coquettish tone, "Grandma, I didn't go any deeper. It wasn't dangerous at all. I'll definitely be more careful next time."

Jinran pleaded and begged for mercy, which finally made Grandma Shen let her go. However, Grandma Shen also said that she would never let her act alone again.

Jinran outwardly agreed. Her way of dealing with mistakes was to immediately apologize and repent.

They'll do it again next time.

"Grandma, let's stew the rabbit today. You cook, and I'll secretly learn how to do it, okay?"

Grandma Chen chuckled and said, “Alright. Then I’ll show you what I can do. Let me tell you, when I was young, I used to accompany my father to funerals. I’m not exaggerating, back then, because I was a great cook, I had six or seven families vying for my hand in marriage. Later, I don’t know what got into me, but I chose your grandfather. And that’s how my whole life has been.”

Jinran's "dog food" (a slang term for public displays of affection) is not sweet at all.

"Grandma, can you teach me how to cook? I want to learn."

Grandma Shen said happily, "That's great! If you want to learn, I'll teach you. Nini, let me tell you, a girl must have something to be proud of and a skill. That's what gives her confidence in her husband's family. As for the support from her own family, that's another matter. If you can't stand on your own two feet, nothing else matters."

Jinran nodded in agreement.

Grandma Shen looked at the sky and then decided to cook.

First, chop the rabbit into pieces and blanch it. After blanching, wash the rabbit meat to remove any blood foam. Then, Grandma Shen mysteriously took out a bag and whispered, "These are spices I secretly kept. They make the meat incredibly fragrant. These things are hard to come by these days."

Jinran peeked out and saw that these were fragrant leaves and such. She didn't have too many in her space, and she would definitely get more for her grandmother when she had the chance.

Heat oil in a wok, sauté the spices and a few pieces of rock sugar until fragrant, then add the rabbit meat and stir-fry. When the surface of the rabbit meat is dry, add soy sauce and water, and simmer slowly.

Grandma Shen went into the house again and brought out a bottle of wine. She said with a smile, "Nini, don't let it slip. You know, this is your grandfather's treasure. I'm just stealing a little bit. He doesn't know. This stewed meat doesn't taste good without a little wine."

Jinran asked worriedly, "Won't Grandpa find out?"

Grandma Chen smiled confidently and said, "He won't find out. Every time I allow him to drink a little, I pour it for him myself. Only I know how much wine there is. Even your grandfather can't find where I hide it."

Jinran: "Is this the real-life Mr. and Mrs. Smith?"

She really didn't want to lie to Grandpa, but the aroma of the meat was getting stronger and stronger. Grandpa? No, all she could see was the braised rabbit. She was such an unfilial descendant.

The work bell rang, and Grandma Chen gave Jinran a rabbit leg first, saying hurriedly, "Eat quickly, I'll add potatoes later, and it won't taste the same. They'll all be back soon, don't let anyone see you."

Jinran swallowed hard, divided a rabbit leg into two pieces, and wanted to eat it with Grandma Shen. Grandma Shen also ate it with a smile.

After the grandfather and grandson finished eating and cleaned up the mess, they looked at each other and smiled, like cats that had just stolen some fish.

Jinran also made a cold eggplant salad, making this meal quite sumptuous.

When everyone returned, they smelled a rich aroma of meat and wondered what kind of meal had been prepared.

It was hot, so the Shen family ate in the courtyard. Jinran set up the table and fetched water for everyone, as well as ice water from the well, to help them cool off.

Grandpa Shen asked curiously, "Nini, what did your grandma make? It smells so good!"

Jinran kept everyone in suspense, saying, "Grandpa, you'll find out soon enough. Anyway, all the dishes today are delicious."

Just as Mr. Shen was about to ask, Mrs. Shen came out carrying a basin. She announced loudly, "Dinner's ready! Wash your hands and come eat!"