The Family Has a Lucky Little Husband

Yan ge'er from Lin Family Village married into the Zhao family, who made tofu. After marriage, Yan ge'er helped the family manage the tofu business. The family lived harmoniously and worked...

Chapter 15: Night Talk, Minced Pork and Tofu Noodles

Lin Yan snuggled in Zhao Shiyun's arms, his hands against his chest. Today, seeing Ah Mo alone, he had a lot on his mind. Now, listening to Zhao Shiyun talk about the Zhao family, his thoughts began to stir.

"Brother Shiyun," he decided to confide his concerns to Zhao Shiyun, "When I went back today, I saw Ah Mo was alone. I was really worried. I wanted to accompany her to the town to set up a stall to sell vegetables, but Ah Mo was afraid of gossip and wouldn't let me go. I don't know how to tell you."

Zhao Shiyun laughed after hearing this. "I don't think it's a big deal. If you want to go, go ahead. Mom has been working hard for many years, and it's filial piety if you want to help. We're close here, so if others want to gossip about it, I'll go and talk to them."

Lin Yan's eyes lit up: "Really? You don't mind?" Zhao Shiyun scratched his nose: "Why would I mind? Mom treats you very well. We are all family. It's only natural for us to help each other."

Lin Yan was very happy, but fell silent in an instant: "Will my father and mother agree?" Since he was already married, it would be inappropriate for him to show up in public to do business.

He hesitated and said, "Actually, I was thinking of setting up a stall to sell tofu. My mom would sell vegetables, and I would sell tofu next to her. This way, we could have more income for the family."

Zhao Shiyun was stunned. It turned out that Lin Yan had this little idea in mind. However, selling tofu was a big deal in the family and required everyone to discuss it together.

Lin Yan added: "In fact, we can not only sell tofu, but also food made with tofu."

"Oh?" Zhao Shiyun immediately became interested. "What kind of food?"

Lin Yan smiled awkwardly. "I haven't thought of any specific food yet. I just have this idea. People in town don't lack money and are willing to spend money on food. If the food is delicious, people will definitely buy it." He said logically, "Ama and I have been selling vegetables on West Street for a few years. We have a certain foundation. In the past, we sold new foods such as pickled cabbage and pickled beans, and people bought them. Besides, your uncle doesn't know me, so he won't cause trouble."

"That's true..." Zhao Shiyun thought it was feasible. "Let's find some time tomorrow to discuss it as a family."

"Okay." Lin Yanke was happy and wanted to continue, but Zhao Shiyun patted his back and said, "Go to sleep quickly. If you don't sleep now, you might not be able to get up tomorrow. Besides, your husband, I, have to get up early to grind beans."

Lin Yan then realized how late it was and nodded. Then, realizing that Zhao Shiyun couldn't see him in the darkness, he replied, "I'll go to sleep right away."

*

The next morning, Lin Yan got up to make breakfast. His father, mother, and husband were already busy in the yard. Lin Yan went into the kitchen, thinking that he was tired of drinking porridge every day. He looked at the piece of meat that had not been cooked. As he was thinking about what to make, he accidentally glanced at his husband busy in the yard. An idea suddenly occurred to him. He thought, today he will make noodles, and the stew will be minced meat and tofu.

There were still a few pieces of tofu left from yesterday. Lin Yan informed Li Yuemei and took them to the kitchen.

First, cut the tofu into small pieces and blanch them in water. This will remove the bean smell of the tofu and make it firmer so that it will not break easily when cooked.

Next, mince the meat and chop the scallions, ginger, and garlic. Melt a spoonful of lard in a pot and sauté the scallions, ginger, and garlic until fragrant. Add the minced meat and stir-fry until it changes color. Add an appropriate amount of soy sauce for coloring. Add water, bring to a boil, add the tofu, and simmer over low heat.

While the minced meat and tofu stew simmered, Lin Yan began kneading the dough. He poured flour into a basin, added some water, and kneaded the dough with his hands until it became smooth and elastic. Then, he covered the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for a while.

Lin Yan took advantage of this opportunity to check the stew. The tofu in the stew had already absorbed the gravy, and its color was attractive and the aroma was diffused. He tasted a little and it was just right.

After the dough has risen, Lin Yan rolls it out, folds it, and expertly cuts it into noodles of uniform thickness. He then boils water in a pot and adds the noodles. The noodles tumble in the pot, quickly becoming cooked.

Lin Yan took out the noodles, poured the minced meat and tofu sauce on them, and the job was done.

The three people working in the yard were already hungry, and their stomachs started growling at the tempting aroma. Yu Ge'er was feeding the chickens in the backyard. Lin Yan brought out two bowls of noodles and placed them on the table. He asked Zhao Shiyun to go to the backyard to call Yu Ge'er for breakfast, and he went to the kitchen to get them.

The family sat together and tasted the freshly cooked noodles. Every bite was filled with delicious flavor. "Oh no," Lin Yan slapped his forehead, "I forgot to add chili peppers." Everyone in the family can eat spicy food, so adding some chili peppers would make the noodles more flavorful.

Li Yuemei put down the bowl and said, "It's okay, I have a jar of chili sauce at home." After that, she went to the kitchen and took it out. "I bought this chili sauce in town last month. It's quite delicious. It's just that it's been too cold recently and I didn't remember to take it out to eat."

Lin Yan and the others took the hot sauce and smelled it. It was spicy and fragrant, which made people's appetites open. He picked up a chopstick and put it into the bowl, mixed the noodles, and couldn't wait to take a bite.

"Oh, this hot sauce is delicious."

"If it tastes good, eat more. I'll buy more after you finish eating."

Lin Yan nodded, wondering if he could do it too.