Chapter 93 (Hot Pot Noodles)

Yan Qiushu looked back and thought Xiao Huaiting was upset, so she kept silent.

But she didn't expect him to follow her all the way to the small kitchen in the yard.

Yan Qiushu then asked, "What does General Xiao want to eat, too?"

Xiao Huaiting shook his head. Seeing that she was still looking at him, the general who had always been decisive in killing people asked hesitantly, "Why didn't you wear the jewelry I gave you last time?"

Yan Qiushu laughed when she thought of this: "What you gave me is too expensive. I don't dare to wear it."

Xiao Huaiting frowned and said, "It's not expensive, you can wear it without worry, it doesn't matter if you drop it or lose it."

Yan Qiushu didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "That won't work. I've never used so many good things before. I won't feel at ease holding them. I happened to bring the box with me this time. I'll leave it at your place later."

Xiao Huai Ting pursed his lips, and a look of loss was visible on his dark face. "No need to worry about it. If it's lost, it's lost. You don't have to worry about it. My mother and my second sister-in-law have it."

Seeing him like this, his handsome face was all frowned, Yan Qiushu felt a little soft-hearted, and explained: "But I am not from a high family, and I am not used to such good things. I am not in a good mood, and I feel uneasy holding it in my hands, always worried that someone will steal it. Why don't you keep it for me first?"

Xiao Huaiting thought that there was no need to bear the burden, as property cannot be taken away when one dies. These were all spoils of war, and he just left them for her because they looked nice.

But what she said made sense, so she said, "Well, can you accept this?"

As he spoke, Xiao Waiting handed over a small rectangular box.

Yan Qiushu took it and showed joy and anticipation when she saw Xiao Huaiting, so she opened it directly. Inside was a silver hairpin, which was very beautifully made. Her eyes lit up.

This thing is actually quite simple.

Although gold and silver are hard currencies, the times are peaceful and prosperous, and everyone likes things like jade and pearls. Such a bare silver hairpin is too simple.

But Yan Qiushu liked it very much. After thinking about it, she took off the hairpin on her head and replaced it with this one: "Thank you, I like it very much."

Xiao Waiting's pair of bright black eyes suddenly lit up like light bulbs. He looked at the top of the person's head and the silver streak on his black hair, and smiled happily.

He didn't say that he actually brought this thing when he bought specialties in Wucheng, but because it was too cheap, he didn't feel comfortable giving it away. But she was coming today, and he had just settled some court matters, so he didn't have time to buy a gift. Thinking of his mother's request to give her gifts often, he just took it with him.

Yan Qiushu felt that his smile was like that of a big dog being caressed by its owner. The unfamiliarity in her heart caused by the change in their identities dissipated, and she also smiled brightly at him.

Xiao Huaiting was stunned for a moment, and then a blush appeared on his cheeks, which even his slightly dark complexion could not suppress.

Yan Qiushu came to get the noodles, but in the end the plate went to Xiao Huaiting.

When he stepped over the restaurant steps, the steady young man's steps were still light. He delivered the things to the table in one stride, then stepped aside and waited for Yan Qiushu to sit down before he sat down.

The people at the table were still chatting and laughing, and seemed not to notice that the two people went out and came in together.

But in fact, Mrs. Xiao giggled and lowered her head to drink tea to cover it up.

Xie Qingyun secretly poked her husband, suggesting that he look over there. Xiao Huaiqi smiled slightly, and everything was said without words.

This younger brother who shoulders the heavy burden of the family has always acted mature, so why is he acting like a child now, almost running and jumping around?

Xiao Huaiyu was the most attentive. He noticed at a glance that the hairpin on her hair had turned into a silver hairpin. His eyes lit up and he winked at Mrs. Xiao in a hint.

Mrs. Xiao glared at her and pretended not to see it.

I'll be shy.

They just pretend they don't know.

Xiao Huaiwu was about to make a joke when Xiao Huaiya touched her arm and she pouted unwillingly.

But when she picked up a piece of fish and ate it, she was happy again.

This grilled fish is so delicious!

The dishes cooked with the grilled fish soup are also delicious. The taste is different from that of hot pot, and it has a little more sweetness. For someone like her who is not strong enough to stretch, it tastes better.

Mrs. Xiao and others, however, were more fond of hot pot. They ate until they were sweating profusely and were reluctant to switch to clear soup. Only when they could not stand the spiciness anymore, they replaced the spicy hot pot with the soup from the grilled fish.

Wan'er and the other children ate a few bites and could not bear it anymore. They drank the delicious soup from the mushroom soup pot and looked at the adults with admiration.

It's amazing that he can eat such spicy food without changing his color.

At the end of the meal, Yan Qiushu put some noodles in the hot pot.

The hot pot was boiling, cooking a lot of meat, and the spicy soup was full of meat flavor.

As soon as the noodles were put in, their color turned into a light reddish brown, and as the soup rolled, the noodles would pop out from time to time.

Because the hot pot base is wrapped in gauze, there is no pepper or chili in the soup, and the noodles are very easy to pick up after being boiled for a while.

After putting it in the bowl, Yan Qiushu added a little chili and stirred it. She blew on the hot noodles and it was ready to eat after it cooled down a bit.

The taste of the pork has been much better after being boiled in alkaline water. It has absorbed the hot pot soup and is salty, spicy and soft. It is the perfect ending to the hot pot.

Yan Qiushu ate with gusto. The Xiao family members who were about to put down their chopsticks saw her eating so happily, and curiosity was revealed in their eyes. They followed her and put the noodles into the pot.

Some people are particularly clever and put it in the pot used to roast fish in the same way.

There is soup in both pots, but the taste is different.

As the dish was cooking, it was almost done. Everyone picked it up and ate it. They were amazed: "This noodle is so delicious even without adding anything to the hot pot!"

Dongdong secretly picked up a fillet from the grilled fish and put it in his mouth. The spicy and sweet taste made him very happy, but he patted his stomach helplessly.

Wuwuwu, I'm full! I can't have any more.

Otherwise I’m going to vomit!

There were two people eating, and the plate that Yan Qiushu asked Xiao Huaiting to bring was empty.

The group was very satisfied with the meal. They had eaten the spicy grilled fish with lychees until only the bones were left, and they had also almost finished the various meat dishes that came with the hot pot. After more than a dozen people had eaten their fill, the table was cleared away, and they talked in groups of three or four.

Mrs. Xiao was in a good mood and didn't feel tired after the busy morning. She even chatted and laughed with her daughter-in-law and daughters for a while.

When it was almost time to send Yan Qiushu back, she tentatively took Yan Qiushu's hand and said, "It's great that you are all here. When you and Lao Liu get married, our Xiao family will be complete. It's just that Pingyu didn't come back."

Yan Qiushu played with her hair with her other fingertips. After hearing this, she did not explain as usual. Instead, she gave Mrs. Xiao a shy smile.

Mrs. Xiao's test paid off, and she was overjoyed.

She had seen the two children go out alone for a while before, and her son looked strange when he came back. She had never expected that this naughty boy of hers would actually make Yan Qiushu give in.

"The engagement was a bit hasty and the wedding date hasn't been set. What do you think?" Mrs. Xiao asked again.

This kind of thing should be asked to Yan Qiushu's elders, but she is alone now, so she can only discuss it with her directly.

Yan Qiushu's heart skipped a beat and she was a little panicked. Are they going to get married now?

But when I think about the ancient times, engagement basically meant marriage, and Xiao Wai Ting is already over 20 years old, a bachelor at an older age, it seems like it’s time for him to get married.

Yan Qiushu knew the Xiao family inside out. After a brief moment of confusion, she lowered her eyes and said, "Then Auntie will make the arrangements."

Mrs. Xiao felt relieved and said with a smile, "Okay, I'll ask someone to choose an auspicious time."

When they reached the gate of the inner courtyard, Madam Xiao stopped seeing them off and said, "Sixth Brother, you take Ah Shu back."

The young man who was talking to his eldest brother with his head down immediately responded: "Okay, mother, sister-in-law, you go back first, I'll see you off."

Dongdong and Wan'er hurriedly said, "I'll go see Sister Shu off, too!"

Xiao Huaiwu quickly grabbed her son and whispered a few words to him before letting him go.

Dongdong walked to Yan Qiushu with a thoughtful look on his face.

Yan Qiushu didn't notice and was still saying goodbye to Madam Xiao and the others: "Aunt, Madam..."

But this time, as soon as she opened her mouth, Xie Qingyun smiled shyly and said, "You're still calling me Madam?"

Yan Qiushu blushed and stammered, "Thank you, sister."

"Puff!" Xiao Huai laughed, "Sister-in-law, stop teasing Ah Shu. She is shy. Forget it. You should go back first. If you are any later, the city gate will be closed when Lao Liu comes back."

"Okay." Xiao Huai Ting took two steps forward and walked to Yan Qiushu's side: "Let's go."

Yan Qiushu's nervousness about getting married had not yet dissipated. When Xiao Huaiting came over, she felt even more uncomfortable. She hurriedly pulled her two children's hands and walked out, her steps a little disorderly.

Dongdong and Wan'er, on the other hand, were jumping around, looking happy because they had eaten their fill.

But before they reached the front door, Wan'er's voice sounded somewhat uncomfortable: "Sister Shu, you pinched me and hurt me!"

Yan Qiushu was startled and quickly let go, her face getting even redder: "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it."

She glanced at Wan'er's hand.

Fortunately, she didn't use much strength and didn't use too much force, so there wasn't a single red mark on her fair and tender hands.

Wan'er shook her head, pursed her lips and smiled, with an innocent look on her face: "It's okay, Sister Shu, are you feeling unwell?"

Only when you are feeling uncomfortable will you feel so distracted.

Yan Qiushu quickly shook her head: "No, no."

Wan'er looked suspicious and stared at her as if trying to see something.

Yan Qiushu felt even more uncomfortable, with heat on her face. She didn't dare to lower her head. She walked forward, looking straight ahead. Then she found that perhaps Xiao Huaiting had sensed her discomfort and had walked in front of her without her noticing.

He was tall and always liked to wear dark clothes. At this moment, he was walking very steadily with his hands behind his back.

Yan Qiushu touched the hairpin on her hair. The silver hairpin was cool and finally calmed her down in this hot summer. When she reached the door, she said, "General Xiao, there's no need to see me off. I came here in a carriage."

Xiao Huai Ting shook his head and said, "It's okay, it's not far, let's get in the carriage."

While Yan Qiushu was hesitating, Wan'er had already climbed onto the carriage.

But the next second Dongdong came over and pulled her: "Sister Wan'er, let's not go, just drop her off here!"

Wan'er looked at him puzzledly: "Why?"

Dongdong was making faces and grimacing. He had a fat face to begin with, and after making faces and grimacing like that, his eyes couldn't be seen. It was really funny.

Wan'er still didn't understand and looked at him unhappily.

My uncle has already said that he can bring them back, so it doesn’t matter if he walks them a little further.

Dong Dong was anxious: "We need to let Sister Shu and Uncle develop a relationship!"

After these words were spoken, both doormen couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Yan Qiushu was so hot that she was steaming, and her hands were itching when she looked at Dongdong's chubby little face.

But Wan'er was a simple girl and didn't think there was anything wrong with it. After hearing what Dongdong said, she nodded as if she had suddenly realized something: "Okay then."

She stepped back.

Yan Qiushu: “…”

She subconsciously looked at Xiao Waiting.

The young man seemed to be a little embarrassed, and he didn't dare to look her in the eye. He looked at her sideways and said, "Then get in the car."

Yan Qiushu felt as if she had been pardoned, and she quickly and nimbly climbed onto the carriage.

Shui Yu looked at the people in the carriage, then at Xiao Huai Ting, and stepped forward silently: "Young Master, please come in."

Xiao Huaiting stared at the carriage for two seconds, lifted the curtain, and stepped up.

There was complete silence inside the carriage, but outside the carriage Wan'er and Dongdong's quarrel was very loud.

The space inside the carriage seemed even smaller.

Yan Qiushu felt like her breath had frozen. She secretly glanced at the young man next to her, but because she was too embarrassed to look him in the eye, she could only see that pair of beautiful hands.

Oh, it's not as pretty now as before.

Maybe he just came back from the battle, and the fighting along the way left some obvious scars on his hands. Even after they healed, there were still some marks, which ruined the overall beauty.

Yan Qiushu watched it seriously and didn't feel uncomfortable for a moment.

The person being stared at, however, glanced at his own hands which had become hot from being stared at, and wondered, what was so good about it?

But he's pretty much the same.

Relying on his tall stature, he secretly looked at the hairpin on the head of the person next to him, and after one look at Xiao Huai Ting, his eyes softened a little.

It was the first time for both of them to be in this kind of relationship with the opposite sex, and they were a little at a loss.

Fortunately, Xiao Waiting is a man after all, and his mother has talked to him a lot in the past few days. Therefore, after a brief period of discomfort, he adjusted himself. Xiao Waiting took the initiative to bring up the topic, breaking the silence in the room: "By the way, my mother's 50th birthday is in a month."

"Ah? 50th birthday?" Yan Qiushu came back to her senses and scratched her head a little: "Fiftieth birthday, it should be very important, what gift should I give?"

If it's a child, it's quite convenient, she can just bring the food.

But Mrs. Xiao’s birthday was a bit awkward.

But she seemed to have nothing else. Most of the few hundred taels she had saved had been used on the farm. The little money left was not enough to buy anything good. Apart from cooking, she had no other special skills. What should she do?

Xiao Huai Ting said hurriedly: "I have already prepared your gift, but I just want to tell you that I heard that your manor is receiving guests, and I am afraid that you will not be able to rest that day."

"Thank you very much." Yan Qiushu was a little embarrassed, but the relationship between the two of them was already tacitly accepted, so she shamelessly accepted it and said, "My manor just received one guest, and it was I who asked Dongdong to bring him to me."

But her frankness was what Xiao Wai Ting admired the most, so he smiled and said, "It's nothing. How about the guests that Dong Dong brought? Are you going to entertain them?"

"They are all pretty good. I haven't met anyone with bad upbringing." Yan Qiushu became more excited when she talked about this. "By the way, did you know? There was a Miss Hong who went there that day."

Xiao Huaiting raised his eyebrows. Hong family?

But it was really a coincidence. He was quite curious: "Why?"

Yan Qiushu was worried about the amount of money she was going to pay. Although it was not nice to gossip, this matter was related to the change of the court situation and the life and death of the Xiao family. She could only say sorry to Hong Chufu: "She was drunk that day and accidentally revealed..."

She recounted exactly what happened that day, and concluded, "I think she must have listened to some of it."

Xiao Waiting's eyes sparkled with surprise when he heard this, and he laughed out loud: "Ah Shu, you are actually really amazing."

Yan Qiushu was startled by the sudden change of address, but looked at him in confusion.

The man in front of her had a pair of bright black eyes and gave her a gentle smile: "Nothing, just complimenting you on how lucky you are."

After meeting her, it seems that many things are no longer a problem.

For example, the prince who was so devastated by his own father's true appearance that he could no longer treat his former brothers; for example, the mother who wanted to follow her husband and son; and for example, the current Hong family.

Yan Qiushu didn't realize it. She said with a smile: "It's just a coincidence. I have never seen silver on the street since I was a child!"

As they talked, the awkwardness between the two of them dissipated, leaving only the increasingly familiar terms.

When they returned to the manor and watched Xiao Huaiting riding away, Yan Qiushu finally realized that he had changed his name to "Ashu".

She rubbed her face, wondering whether she should change her words.

Yan Qiushu thought of several titles, but was too shy to accept any of them.

She sighed in frustration. It was all her fault. She had been single since birth and had no mood for love. When she was a child, she was busy playing. When she grew up, she was busy making money and eating. She didn't know how to get along with a lover.

"What are you thinking about?" Zhao Shuhong suddenly appeared and patted her shoulder.

"Ah!!!" Yan Qiushu was so frightened that she dodged away immediately.

Zhao Shuhong didn't dare to move, and raised her hands subconsciously: "I didn't mean to do that. I'm sorry I scared you."

Yan Qiushu came back to her senses and took two deep breaths, then said helplessly, "Sister Zhao, it's you, what's wrong?"

Zhao Shuhong walked over cautiously, and after making sure that she would not be frightened, she said, "I'm so happy. After you left this afternoon, someone came to reserve strawberry picking for tomorrow, saying that Miss Fu introduced them to us."

"Really?! How many people are coming? When will they arrive?" Yan Qiushu suddenly forgot about Xiao Huaiting, and was filled with worry that her career was really about to take off!

Zhao Shuhong smiled and said, "Tomorrow morning at 7 pm, they know that you are good at cooking, so they want to come over to have breakfast and pick strawberries, so as not to get sunburned when it's too late..."

"No problem, no problem. I'll get up early tomorrow. Are you going to rest now? If not, let's plan tomorrow's menu."

"OK!"

As they talked, the two of them walked into the study, took paper and pen and began to prepare the reception procedures for tomorrow.