Zhao Yi was rebuffed, and upon returning home, he argued with Qiu Chunfang again.
The two argued back and forth, their voices rising and falling, interspersed with the sounds of things being smashed and cries, the shrill noises disturbing the peace of the neighbors.
Around 10 p.m., the two people next door finally stopped arguing, and the noise gradually subsided.
After this little incident, Zhou Qiqi and Shen Huaichuan lost their will to continue what they were doing, their ears ringing from the slapping.
Seeing that it was getting late, the two briefly discussed grocery shopping for tomorrow and then went to bed.
In her past life, Zhou Qiqi couldn't sleep at night and couldn't get up in the morning. She was exhausted every day, feeling like her time had been stolen away.
But ever since she transmigrated here, she has followed the routine of the military dependents' area, going to bed around 9 p.m. every night and getting up promptly around 6 a.m. the next morning.
Moreover, after waking up, I always feel energetic and have the energy to do anything, as if I have endless time.
Shen Huaichuan got up even earlier than her, and went out to the market to buy things before dawn.
When she woke up, Shen Huaichuan had already returned with bags and packages.
I also brought back some hot roasted sweet potatoes.
Qin Lei, the orderly, also returned with him. He had barely stepped into the yard and hadn't even put his things down when he called out impatiently.
"Sister-in-law, what are we having for dinner today? I've been craving your cooking so much! You have no idea, back when we were doing disaster relief..."
Shen Huaichuan kicked him in annoyance.
“What are you eating? Your sister-in-law’s foot isn’t healed yet. She called you over to work, not to eat.”
Qin Lei was only seventeen years old. He was honest but also very clever. After being kicked, he rubbed his bottom, looked at Zhou Qiqi pitifully, his eyes reddening, and said aggrievedly.
"Sister-in-law~ The commander kicked me~"
Zhou Qiqi found his adorable appearance adorable, like a little brother next door, and couldn't help but glare at Chen Huaichuan.
"They were just trying to help, why did you kick them?"
"Ignore him~ Your sister-in-law will get you something delicious!"
He then pulled Qin Lei into the house and handed him an oil paper package.
"Here, try it and see how it tastes. My sister-in-law made it herself, but it's been sitting out for a while, so it's not crispy anymore."
What she took out was leftover popcorn from yesterday. She had found it on Zhouzhou's table while cleaning the house earlier, and guessed that Zhouzhou hadn't finished it.
She was planning to throw it away, but then Qin Lei happened to arrive.
Qin Lei's eyes lit up immediately. He stuffed his mouth full in one go and finished it in two or three bites. After finishing, he smacked his lips with lingering satisfaction.
"It's so delicious! Sister-in-law, you're amazing! Everything you make tastes so good! You're truly a fairy!"
The child spoke so pleasantly that Zhou Qiqi felt comfortable listening to him and couldn't help but pat him on the shoulder.
"If you like it, your sister-in-law will make more next time and invite you over to eat!"
As they were talking, Qin Lei saw Shen Huaichuan pick up a broom to sweep the yard, so he quickly stepped forward and took it from him.
Although this kid loves to tattle, he's quite capable when it comes to work, sweeping very carefully.
Shen Huaichuan then handed over all these chores to him, rolled up his sleeves, and headed to the kitchen, with Zhou Qiqi following behind to provide guidance.
Considering that Lei Ming might feel uncomfortable visiting alone at home.
So the two of them discussed it last night and invited Deng Cuixiang's family, as well as Zhu Yingying and her husband, to come over.
Hot pot is more lively when there are many people.
In total, there are four men, three women, and three children.
You need to prepare two kinds of soup bases: one clear broth and one spicy broth with beef tallow.
Shen Huaichuan was meticulous and made sure he bought everything he needed. After Qiqi finished checking, she casually handed him the apron.
It was made by Zhou Qiqi herself, with a pink floral pattern, but Shen Huaichuan refused to wear it no matter what.
With so much work to do, Zhou Qiqi didn't press her further and quickly directed him to get to work.
First, we simmered large bones.
Although Shen Huaichuan had no cooking experience, he had incredible strength and easily cracked the beef bones. The marrow was cooked along with the bones, and the soup quickly turned thick and white. After skimming off the foam, it was slowly simmered with spices until it was ready.
Spicy and numbing butter is much more difficult.
Butter, fermented bean paste, scallions, ginger, and garlic all need to be sautéed over low heat. If the heat is too low, the color won't be bright enough; if the heat is too high, it's easy to burn the food. It really requires skill.
Fortunately, Shen Huaichuan was very obedient to Zhou Qiqi's orders. He did whatever she asked him to do, and everything went smoothly.
Once the bottom of the pot is fried to a bright red and appealing color, add more chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns.
At this step, Shen Huaichuan looked at the bowl of dried chili peppers beside him and hesitated.
"Should we add everything? Isn't that too much?"
Zhou Qiqi shook her head and boldly grabbed a handful of chili peppers, sprinkling them in.
"Not enough! Sister Cuixiang said that adding half a pot is only mildly spicy, and we're still far from that! Keep adding more!"
After saying that, she dipped her chopsticks in the sauce and tasted it. The spiciness exploded on her tongue, making her eyes water and her vision blur.
"No, no, you have to get some out right now!"
Shen Huaichuan hurriedly tried to scoop it up with his chopsticks, but accidentally splashed chili oil onto his clothes.
Seeing this, Zhou Qiqi scolded playfully, "I told you to wear an apron~ but you wouldn't listen~"
Shen Huaichuan didn't seem to mind. "It's alright. I'll just change my clothes when the guests arrive."
The two were talking when there was a knock on the door.
It's only 10 o'clock, still early. We agreed to arrive around 11 o'clock.
Qiqi was wondering who it was when Qin Lei opened the door, and a figure darted in like a little monkey.
Of all the kids in the compound, besides Jiang Xiangyang, there wasn't another one as crazy as him.
He quickly greeted everyone in the room: "Hello, aunties and uncles!"
Without looking back, he ran towards Zhouzhou's room.
This is something new! Qin Lei said excitedly, "Zhouzhou made a friend? That's great! From now on..."
Before he could finish speaking, a stomping sound suddenly came from inside the room.
When everyone turned around, they saw Jiang Xiangyang throw all the paintbrushes and drawing paper on Zhouzhou's table onto the ground, and then run out like the wind.
"What's wrong with this child?"
Zhou Qiqi was a little confused, so she quickly ran into the house to help pick up all the things and touched Zhouzhou's pale face.
Are you alright?
Zhouzhou shook her head, her big eyes misty, and remained silent, seemingly unwilling to discuss the matter.
Zhou Qiqi didn't ask any further questions and went back to working with Shen Huaichuan.
Seeing that it was almost time and the guests were about to arrive, Zhou Qiqi told Shen Huaichuan to quickly change his clothes.
When Shen Huaichuan came out, she stood there stunned.
Why are you dressed like this?
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