Chapter 69 Undeterred

Praises echoed throughout the dinner table. Lu Mingyue, feeling a little embarrassed by the compliments, smiled and urged everyone, "Eat as much as you like, don't be shy!"

Before we knew it, the night had deepened, and the dishes on the table were almost gone.

The children ate until their bellies were bulging, and after a little digestion, they started chasing and playing in the yard.

The adults also put down their bowls and chopsticks, and leisurely drank tea and chatted.

"Let me clean up," Guo Xueying said, standing up and offering to help clear the dishes.

Lu Mingyue quickly waved her hand: "No need, no need, you can just sit and rest."

But Guo Xueying had already picked up the plate and headed to the kitchen, her movements swift and meticulous.

The men weren't idle either; they gathered the leftover food into one plate and washed everything that needed to be scrubbed or wiped clean.

Shen Baoqin also stood up, wanting to help in some way, but found herself somewhat at a loss.

The adults had mostly finished their food, but the children hadn't, leaving quite a bit left. Lu Mingyue found lunchboxes and packed some up for each family to take home.

"Everyone should take some home; we can reheat it and eat it tomorrow."

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry," Wang Fengmei said, but her hand had already taken the lunchbox. "But Mingyue, your cooking is really delicious. The children can have another bite tomorrow."

Zheng Xiulan smiled and accepted, saying, "Then I won't be polite either."

Huo Zheng packed the last few pieces of braised meat into a lunchbox and handed it to Shen Feng: "Take some back with you too. I'll cook some noodles for you tomorrow morning. It'll taste especially good when mixed with this."

Shen Feng smiled and nodded as he accepted the lunchbox.

Wang Fengmei casually accepted the offer: "By the way, Mingyue, could you teach me your braising spice recipe? Otherwise, Lao Yu will keep urging me to come to your house to stake out the place."

As they were talking, Shen Baoqin peeked out from the living room, pulling Shen Feng's arm: "Sister Mingyue, my brother said your braised dishes are amazing, can we learn how to make them too?"

The old man's true intention was not in the wine; everyone could see that.

Wang Fengmei quickly pushed Lu Mingyue towards the kitchen, then blocked the doorway with a laugh: "Baoqin, this braised food tastes better with wine. What are you doing here, a young girl? Go play with the children."

Shen Baoqin was taken aback. She glanced at Huo Zheng, unwilling to give up, and reluctantly let go of his hand when she saw that he made no move.

Lu Mingyue peeked into the kitchen and saw Shen Feng's helpless yet indulgent gaze. She secretly gave Wang Fengmei a thumbs up in her heart.

No wonder the system said that Sister Wang would help her complete the task; now I understand.

After Wang Fengmei chased Shen Baoqin away, she returned and said to Lu Mingyue, "If it's inconvenient, I won't ask about those prescriptions."

She knew that some recipes were private and couldn't be shared with outsiders. Mingyue's skills were so good that they might also be family traditions. She had been a little presumptuous just now.

Upon hearing this, Lu Mingyue smiled and waved her hand, "It's nothing, it's just a home-style recipe, there's no secret to it."

While tidying up the stove, she patiently explained, "Actually, braising meat is very simple. The key is to use the right spices: star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, Sichuan peppercorns, cloves, plus soy sauce, rock sugar, and cooking wine. First, blanch the meat to remove the blood and foam, then simmer it over low heat to let the meat absorb the flavors slowly."

Upon hearing the list of spices, Wang Fengmei exclaimed in amazement, "So many things are needed! No wonder it tastes so good!"

"Although spices are expensive, they can be used many times. Some broths can be preserved for decades."

"So long?"

Thinking about it that way, the money spent on spices was worthwhile.

Lu Mingyue added, "The heat is the most important thing. After bringing it to a boil over high heat, be sure to turn it down to a simmer and let the soup just start to bubble."

"Also, don't rush to take it out after stewing. Let the meat soak in the braising liquid for a while, and the flavor will be richer."

Wang Fengmei said with a smile, "Now that you mention it, I'd like to give it a try too. Once I've learned how, I'll make it for you to try."

Lu Mingyue nodded: "Okay, cooking is more fun when we exchange ideas."

Before leaving, everyone thanked Lu Mingyue and promised to come back for another meal next time.

Lu Mingyue smiled and agreed, watching them leave.

On the way home, Shen Feng looked at his silent sister, stopped, and spoke with a hint of helplessness in his voice.

“Baoqin, as you can see, Huo Zheng already has someone he likes. You can’t force matters of the heart.”

Shen Baoqin lowered her head, her fingers gripping the lunchbox tightly until her knuckles turned white.

“I know you’re feeling bad,” Shen Feng continued, his voice very soft.

"But you have to learn to let go. Some people are destined to stay in our lives for a while, not for a lifetime."

Shen Baoqin raised her head, her eyes glistening with tears: "Brother, I really tried, but I just can't forget him."

She didn't know when she started to like Huo Zheng, but from the moment she saw him, his face was etched in her mind.

Shen Feng sighed and gently patted her shoulder: "It's okay if you can't forget. Time will heal all wounds. We still have a long way to go, and you will meet the one who truly belongs to you."

A stubborn glint flashed in Shen Baoqin's eyes.

After the guests left, the courtyard quickly became quiet.

After Huo Zheng finished cleaning up the dishes, the family members washed up and prepared to rest.

In the bedroom, Lu Mingyue was drying Yao Yao's hair.

A gentle breeze blew by, and Yao Yao squinted her eyes, looking as comfortable as a kitten.

"Mommy, the braised meat today is so delicious, I want to eat it again tomorrow," she said in her childish voice.

Lu Mingyue smiled and pinched her little cheek: "Okay, Mom will make it for you again tomorrow."

The laughter of the mother and daughter echoed softly in the room.

On the other side, Huo Zheng brought over a basin of steaming hot water for washing feet and placed it in front of Lu Mingyue: "You've been busy all day, quickly soak your feet to relieve your fatigue."

He took the towel from Lu Mingyue and used it to dry his daughter's hair.

With the water brought right to her, Lu Mingyue didn't stand on ceremony. The warm water enveloped her feet, and the warmth spread from her ankles all the way to her heart.

As Lu Mingyue watched his busy figure, a warm feeling welled up in her heart.

She said softly, "You must be tired after a long day, get some rest."

Huo Zheng looked up, his eyes gentle: "You've worked hard, I just want you to be comfortable."

"Mom, let me massage your shoulders." Leilei's voice came from behind.

Although his little hands were still small, he was carefully massaging his mother's shoulders with great skill.

Lu Mingyue laughed out loud as he massaged her comfortably: "Oh my, our Leilei is such a sweet little cotton-padded jacket for his mother."

Leilei smiled a little shyly, then gently pressed down: "Mom made so many delicious things today, she must be very tired. I will help Mom with chores more often in the future."

Lu Mingyue smiled and said to the two children, "Leilei, Yaoyao, what's your favorite dish? I'll make it for you tomorrow."

Leilei blinked, thought for a moment, and then said loudly, "I like sweet and sour pork! It's sweet and sour!"

Not to be outdone, Yao Yao tugged at Lu Mingyue's sleeve with her little hand: "I want braised pork! And, and vegetables too!"

Lu Mingyue smiled and her eyes crinkled: "Okay, then we'll have sweet and sour pork and braised pork tomorrow!"

At that moment, the system's voice sounded in my ear again.

[Side Quest: Add at least two dishes that children like to the menu, and personally feed Yao Yao a bite during mealtime.]

Lu Mingyue was secretly delighted and glanced at Huo Zheng. She saw him looking at the children and smiling. His gentle expression made her want to finish the task as soon as possible.