Chapter 9 A meal made Battalion Commander Iceberg proud!
That evening, Lu Zhanting returned home earlier than usual.
He stepped into the living room in his military boots, but did not go to wash up as usual.
The tall man stood in the center of the living room, looking at Su Wanqing who was tidying up the house. His expression was tense, revealing a hint of unease.
"that……"
He spoke, his voice slightly deep, with a hint of hesitation at the end that he himself didn't realize.
"Chen Hao and a few others are coming over tonight."
Su Wanqing paused in wiping the table, looked up, and stared at him with her clear eyes: "Chen Hao? Your bodyguard?"
"Um."
Lu Zhanting added succinctly, "There are also two platoon leaders in the battalion, Li Wei and Wang Gang."
"After the last exercise ended, we agreed to get together. They wanted to come over to my house to get acquainted with the place and... have a meal."
When he said the last two words, his eyes even flickered for a moment.
This request came as a complete surprise.
He knew his family's situation perfectly well; apart from the rice, flour, and a few bland vegetables provided by the army, they had nothing else.
It is asking Su Wanqing to conjure up enough food for three or four strong men in such a short time.
"OK."
The answer was crisp and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.
Lu Zhanting had prepared a whole bunch of words, "If it doesn't work out, then forget it, I'll take them to the cafeteria," but they were stuck in his throat.
He looked at her and saw that Su Wanqing's face not only showed no embarrassment, but instead a faint, sincere smile.
When will they arrive?
Do you like spicy food? Do you have any dietary restrictions?
She asked the questions naturally and skillfully, as if she were a housewife who had entertained countless guests.
Lu Zhanting stared blankly at her calm and composed demeanor, and subconsciously replied, "I'll be there in about an hour. I'm not picky about food, as long as I can eat my fill."
"I see."
Su Wanqing nodded and took off her apron.
"Then you rest first, or talk to them. I'll prepare the food."
After saying that, she turned and walked into the kitchen, leaving Lu Zhanting with a slender yet incredibly capable back view.
Lu Zhanting stood there, staring at the closed kitchen door, a strange, burning anticipation rising in his heart.
In the kitchen, Su Wanqing quickly began to make plans.
This was not the first time that Lu Zhanting's comrades had visited him.
This was also her first official appearance as "Lu Zhanting's wife".
This meal must not be taken lightly.
She wanted everyone to eat well, and more importantly, she wanted to make Lu Zhan-Ting look good!
She opened the cupboard, and the contents were immediately apparent: a few pounds of flour, half a bag of rice, and a few dried-up potatoes and radishes rolling around in the corner.
With these, it would be difficult to even cook a simple home-cooked meal.
With a thought, Su Wanqing's consciousness sank into the space.
Inside the space, the crops on the black soil are lush and vibrant.
She arrived at the warehouse with practiced ease, her eyes quickly scanning the dazzling array of goods.
A cleaned and plump chicken.
A piece of pork belly with alternating layers of fat and lean meat.
Several lively crucian carp were being raised in the stream.
Fresh mushrooms, vibrant green vegetables, plump tomatoes, and juicy cucumbers are readily available.
The menu instantly took shape in her mind.
Braised pork belly is the perfect dish to eat with rice.
A pot of chicken and mushroom soup made with a plump chicken is warming and nourishing.
Crucian carp cooked with scallions is incredibly delicious.
It's served with scrambled eggs with tomatoes, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and cucumber salad.
Four dishes and a soup, a balanced mix of meat and vegetables, is definitely the top standard for entertaining guests in this day and age.
She took out all the ingredients, put them into a large bamboo basket, and covered them with some dried vegetables and potatoes on top as a cover.
That way, even if Lu Zhanting suddenly came in, he would only assume that she had dug it out from her "family's stash".
With everything ready, Su Wanqing rolled up her sleeves and began to work.
Blanch the chicken, then put it in a clay pot with the soaked shiitake mushrooms, a few slices of ginger, and simmer over low heat.
In just a moment, a rich and overpowering aroma of meat wafted out of the kitchen.
Next, she processed the pork belly, cutting it into chunks, caramelizing the sugar, adding the seasonings, and simmering it in water.
Soon, the pot began to simmer and bubble, the salty aroma of the sauce mingling with the rich, oily scent of the meat, aggressively filling every corner of the room.
Pan-fry the crucian carp until golden brown on both sides, then top with a thick layer of scallions, drizzle with sauce, and simmer over low heat until flavorful.
Her movements were fluid and graceful.
The knife skills for chopping vegetables are even and meticulous, and the stir-frying temperature is just right.
This humble little kitchen has now become her stage.
The aromas of various ingredients intertwined and rose in the air, filling this originally cold and austere military family quarters with a warm and inviting atmosphere.
An hour later, lively laughter and chatter came from outside the courtyard gate.
"This is it! Let me tell you, your sister-in-law is such a nice person, beautiful and with a good personality!"
It was Chen Hao's loud voice.
"Alright, alright, you talk too much. Don't scare your sister-in-law." Another calm voice pressed down on him.
Lu Zhanting got up and opened the door.
Three men, dressed in military uniforms just like him, stood at the door.
Leading the group was Chen Hao, with a round face and eyes that narrowed into slits when he smiled, giving him a particularly cheerful appearance. Behind him stood Li Wei, a tall, thin, and serious-looking man, and Wang Gang, a tall and honest-looking man.
"battalion commander!"
Upon seeing him, the three men immediately stood up straight and gave him a military salute in unison.
“There are no such rules at home.” Lu Zhanting stepped aside to let them in, his gaze sweeping over Chen Hao. “You’re the one with the loudest voice.”
Chen Hao chuckled, scratched his head, and peeked inside: "Where's your sister-in-law?"
As soon as she finished speaking, Su Wanqing came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of cucumber salad.
She changed out of her old cooking clothes and put on a clean light blue shirt, her long hair neatly tied back.
The smoke from the stove fire left a natural blush on her face, and a few strands of hair damp with sweat clung to her smooth forehead.
She lacked the delicate fragility of a lady from a wealthy family, nor the awkwardness of a country girl; instead, she possessed a captivating composure and grace.
"Hello, I am Su Wanqing. The food will be ready soon, please have a seat."
She spoke with a smile, her voice clear and gentle.
The three men stared wide-eyed.
They had long heard that Lu Zhanting had married a country girl, and were prepared to meet a simple, even rustic, woman.
Who would have thought that Su Wanqing would look like this?
She was more dazzling than any celebrity in a magazine, even without makeup.
Especially her eyes, clear and bright like mountain spring water. What's even more remarkable is her dignified and unyielding demeanor, which instantly inspires goodwill in anyone who sees her.
"Sister-in-law... Sister-in-law, hello!"
Chen Hao reacted quickly, blushing as he hurriedly introduced himself: "I am Chen Hao, the battalion commander's bodyguard. This is Li Wei, and this is Wang Gang."
Li Wei and Wang Gang also snapped out of their daze and awkwardly followed suit, saying, "Hello, sister-in-law!"
"Don't stand, sit down." Su Wanqing greeted them, then turned to Lu Zhanting, "You chat with them for a while, I'll go get the dishes."
Lu Zhanting hummed in agreement, his gaze following her retreating figure as she entered the kitchen, a subtle smile unconsciously curving his lips.
"Old Lu, you're amazing!"
Chen Hao plopped down, lowered his voice, and winked at Lu Zhanting.
"You've been hiding such a beautiful sister-in-law, why didn't you bring her out to let us see her sooner! You've really hit the jackpot!"
Even the usually serious Li Wei nodded, offering a fair assessment: "Sister-in-law... looks very good."
Wang Gang kept sniffing, his eyes fixed on the kitchen, and asked in a simple-minded manner, "Battalion Commander, what smells so good? It smells even better than our mess hall during the New Year!"
Lu Zhanting ignored their teasing, but his slightly raised chin and the undisguised smugness in his eyes said it all.
Soon, Su Wanqing and Lu Zhanting served the dishes one by one.
When the table full of dishes was presented to them, Chen Hao and his two companions were completely dumbfounded.
The braised pork, glistening red and trembling, is served in a large bowl. The thick broth coats every piece of meat, releasing an enticing sweet aroma.
The golden and crispy roasted crucian carp with scallions lies quietly on the plate, its body covered with fragrant scallions.
Golden yellow scrambled eggs with tomatoes, and vibrant green stir-fried vegetables.
And there was also a large pot of steaming, fragrant mushroom and chicken soup.
The staple food is steaming white rice with distinct grains.
The three of them stared at each other, their eyes practically popping out of their sockets.
What an amazing life!
Did they break into the kitchen of a state-run hotel?
"Sister-in-law, this...you did all of this by yourself?" Chen Hao stammered, his voice full of disbelief.
"Hmm, I don't know if it will suit your taste. Please try it, don't be shy." Su Wanqing served rice to everyone and urged them with a smile.
"This is not to your liking? This is practically a Manchu Han Imperial Feast!"
Wang Gang couldn't wait any longer. He picked up his chopsticks, grabbed the biggest piece of braised pork, and stuffed it into his mouth.
The meat is stewed until extremely tender; the fatty parts melt in your mouth, and the lean parts absorb the broth perfectly, resulting in a savory-sweet flavor that is fragrant but not greasy.
Wang Gang's eyes lit up instantly. He swallowed it in a few bites and shouted indistinctly, "Delicious! So delicious!"
With him taking the lead, Chen Hao and Li Wei no longer held back.
Chen Hao picked up a piece of fish with his chopsticks. The fish was tender, and the aroma of scallions and soy sauce exploded in his mouth. It was so delicious that he almost swallowed his tongue.
Li Wei took a sip of chicken soup. The soup was milky white, fresh and mellow. After taking a sip, a warm current instantly spread throughout his body, as if washing away all the fatigue of the day.
"Sister-in-law! Your cooking is amazing!" Chen Hao exclaimed, his words slightly slurped as he shoveled rice into his mouth. "Were you a chef at a fancy restaurant before? This is even better than what our commander treats us to!"
"That's right!" Wang Gang, engrossed in his food, chimed in, "Battalion Commander, you're so lucky! To have married such a wonderful wife!"
Su Wanqing was a little embarrassed by their praise, and just smiled: "Eat more if you like. You train hard, you should eat more."
Lu Zhanting didn't say a word from beginning to end.
He ate his meal in silence, but the features of his face were softer than ever before.
He rarely picked up any food, but his chopsticks never stopped moving.
He placed the largest chicken leg into Su Wanqing's bowl, and then added a piece of the most flavorful braised pork belly.
"You eat."
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable concern.
Looking at the mountain of meat piled up in her bowl, Su Wanqing felt a warm feeling spread through her heart.
This scene naturally did not escape the eyes of Chen Hao and his team.
The three exchanged a glance, their smiles full of mischief.
Their battalion commander, who was as cold as ice, actually had such a considerate side.
Indeed, there is always something that can subdue another.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the meal.
The large pot of rice was emptied, the dishes on the table were completely devoured, and even the broth was used by Wang Gang to mix with the rice.
The three men, clutching their bellies, leaned back in their chairs, their faces showing a satisfied "death" in defeat.
"I can't take it anymore, I've never eaten this much in my life." Chen Hao patted his round belly and burped.
"Sister-in-law, thank you for your hospitality. We'll remember this meal for the rest of our lives." Even the usually serious Li Wei spoke sincerely.
"If the battalion commander dares to bully you in the future, just tell us! We'll take care of him for you!" Wang Gang patted his chest, full of heroic spirit.
Lu Zhanting gave him a cold glance: "Are you tired of living?"
Wang Gang shrank back and fell silent instantly.
A burst of good-natured laughter rang out in the room.
Looking at this group of tough men, revealing their true and adorable side to her, and at Lu Zhanting sitting in the main seat, who, although with a stern face, had a smile in his eyes and brows, Su Wanqing felt a sense of satisfaction and peace she had never felt before.
She won their approval in her own way.
She saved Lu Zhanting's face, and in doing so, earned herself her first bit of dignity in this family and this compound.
As night deepened, after seeing off his comrades who were still reluctant to part, the room finally quieted down.
The air still held the lingering aroma of food and the men's hearty laughter.
As Su Wanqing was cleaning up the messy table, Lu Zhanting walked over and took the rag from her hand.
"Leave it, I'll do it." His voice was low.
Su Wanqing did not argue with him.
She leaned against the kitchen doorway, watching the man's tall figure busy at the small sink.
Under the light, his profile was strong and resolute, and the muscles in his arms rippled slightly with the washing of dishes, exuding a sense of power.
This scene has become familiar in just half a month.
"Thank you for today," Lu Zhanting suddenly said.
Su Wanqing was slightly taken aback: "Thank me for what?"
“They… all like you very much.” Lu Zhanting’s voice sounded a little stiff; he rarely said such things. “You made me feel very proud today.”
This was the highest level of praise he could think of.
Su Wanqing's heart felt as if it had been gently scratched, sending a tingling, itchy sensation through her.
She watched his retreating figure and whispered, "We're husband and wife. Your face is my face. This is what I should do."
Lu Zhanting paused for a moment while washing the dishes.
He turned around and looked at Su Wanqing, who was leaning against the door frame.
The dim light outlined her soft features, and her eyes, misty with moisture, shone with an astonishing brightness.
"Su Wanqing."
He called her name.
"Um?"
"From now on, when we have guests, let's do it the same way we did today, okay?"
He asked, his tone carrying a hint of caution and anticipation that he himself was unaware of.
Su Wanqing smiled.
Under the warm yellow light, her smile was like a quietly blooming epiphyllum, bright and captivating.
She nodded solemnly.
"good."
A single word, yet it carries the weight of a solemn promise.
At this moment, Lu Zhanting's hardened heart became incredibly soft.
From this day forward, this house will no longer be just a place to shelter from the wind and rain.
It became a real home, a place to welcome comrades and filled with laughter.
And all of this is because of the girl in front of me.
He thought that marrying her was probably the greatest blessing in his life, apart from his many near-death experiences on the battlefield.
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