Chapter 173 Oden
She walked to the simple stove in the corner and skillfully began preparing a simple dinner.
Lu Zheng did not stop her, but simply watched her busy figure quietly.
Under the dim light, her petite figure was elongated, and with that old apron tied around her waist, she actually looked somewhat like a young wife struggling with the hustle and bustle of life.
The air is filled with simple food aromas, no longer the overpowering fragrance of street vendors, but carrying a warm and down-to-earth feeling that belongs to "home".
Lu Zheng's heart stirred inexplicably.
A strange, tender emotion quietly rippled through the depths of my cold, hardened heart.
He quickly lowered his eyes, concealing the fleeting emotion that crossed them.
Dinner was simple: congee, side dishes, and two roujiamo (Chinese hamburgers) that Su Xiaonuan had specially saved. The two sat facing each other and ate in silence.
“Tomorrow,” Su Xiaonuan suddenly spoke, breaking the silence, “I want to sell oden.”
"Okay." Lu Zheng nodded. "Is there anything I need to prepare?"
“No need, I’ve already prepared all the ingredients.” Su Xiaonuan shook her head, then seemed to remember something, her tone slightly teasing, “Officer Lu, I guess you’ll have to keep playing the role of my ‘sickly husband’ tomorrow.”
Lu Zheng's hand holding the chopsticks stiffened almost imperceptibly, his ears felt slightly hot, but his face remained calm, and he only let out a low "hmm" from his throat.
Su Xiaonuan couldn't help but burst out laughing when she saw his feigned composure.
The crisp laughter echoed in the small, dilapidated room, dispelling some of the gloom and adding a touch of vibrant color.
Lu Zheng looked up at her. The girl smiled, her eyes crinkling, her doll-like face gleaming with a mischievous light, like a cat that had stolen a dried fish.
His tightly pursed lips softened slightly, a barely perceptible curve appearing on his lips.
As night deepened, the occasional barking of dogs and the muffled sound of a television could be heard outside the tenement building.
In this undercover operation fraught with unknown dangers, this humble room, with its solitary lamp and simple dinner, became a brief and precious moment of tranquility in the eye of the storm.
The next day, Su Xiaonuan's stall changed its sign to "Oden".
Compared to the strong and bold aroma of roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), the aroma of oden (Japanese stew) is more complex and lingering.
The broth, made from kelp and bonito flakes, is clear and delicious, carrying the scent of the ocean. Various meatballs float and sink in the broth, absorbing the flavors and becoming plump. Fried tofu, radish, and konjac noodles are soaked in the warm yellow soup, radiating an enticing sheen and sweet aroma.
In this slightly chilly weather, a pot of steaming oden is undoubtedly the greatest comfort to passersby.
Sure enough, business was booming.
Many of yesterday's regular customers came back following the taste, praising Su Xiaonuan's cooking skills.
However, what's attracted today is not just ordinary diners and buyers like Wang Bo.
Around noon, a few eye-catching young people strolled over.
Most of them looked to be in their teens or twenties, with their hair dyed in all sorts of colors, like a parrot with its feathers standing on end. They wore tight pants and ripped jeans, with metal chains jingling around their bodies. Their eyes were filled with a hostile air that was out of step with society and a kind of pretentious "coolness."
They were clearly local thugs, and also the lowest-ranking members of the Sacred Heart Society, responsible for collecting "donations" or dealing with "trouble".
The group of people, who had initially seemed carefree, instantly became captivated by the irresistible aroma of oden, as if drawn by an invisible hand, and involuntarily gathered around the stall.
"Hey! Boss, how much is this?" A young man with dyed green hair tapped the pot with his chin, his tone very aggressive.
Su Xiaonuan became wary, but her expression remained unchanged. She still wore that gentle smile and softly quoted the price.
"Okay, give me a little of everything! Hurry up!" Green Hair waved impatiently and took over the small table next to him with the others, sitting down casually.
Su Xiaonuan responded and began skillfully picking up food.
Lu Zheng silently helped pack the food, his eyes lowered, as if he dared not meet the gaze of these "fierce and menacing" people, perfectly playing the role of a cowardly and sickly husband. However, the muscles in his body were in a subtle state of tension, ready to deal with any sudden situation at any time.
The thugs clearly didn't take the "poor couple" seriously. While waiting for their food, they chatted quietly without any restraint, their tone filled with indifference and a hint of smugness after completing their mission.
"Damn, that family was such cowards, they couldn't even handle a few scare tactics."
"Yeah, the screams when they jumped were really awful. Then, with a splash, the world became quiet."
"Hehe, let's see who dares to default on their 'holy fees' now! Perfect, make an example of them!"
"The lecturer is really something; with just a little trick, he ruined their family..."
"Alright, that's enough. Hurry up and finish eating so you can go back and report..."
Their voices were not loud, but amidst the noisy background sounds of the marketplace, they pierced Su Xiaonuan's ears like cold needles.
Jumping off a building... Unable to bear the pressure... Families destroyed and lives lost...
Su Xiaonuan tightened her grip on the clip, her knuckles turning white from the force.
A surge of icy rage instantly shot from the soles of her feet to the top of her head, burning so intensely that her heart trembled!
These beasts!
They spoke of the loss of a life so casually!
Just because of that so-called "holy fee"?
She could barely resist the urge to smash the scalding hot spoon in her hand directly onto that green-haired man's head! Her chest heaved violently, and her breathing became rapid.
Just then, a warm, large hand gently pressed onto the back of her slightly trembling hand.
Su Xiaonuan was startled and turned to look.
It's Lu Zheng.
He approached her without her noticing; his hands were broad and steady, carrying a reassuring warmth.
He didn't look at her; his gaze remained fixed on the thugs, as if it were just an unintentional touch.
But the strength from his fingertips acted like a tranquilizer, instantly calming her nearly out-of-control emotions.
Then, with his other hand, he picked up a clean towel from the side and, with an extremely natural motion, wiped her forehead.
Because of her desperate attempt to suppress her anger, fine beads of sweat seeped out, which she herself did not even notice.
His movements were light and gentle, carrying an indescribable sense of cherishing.
My fingertips occasionally brushed against her skin, sending a shiver of tingling sensation through me.
Su Xiaonuan froze, her mind went blank, and she could only stare blankly at his profile so close to hers.
His cold features seemed to soften slightly in the rising steam, and his usually sharp and deep eyes were now lowered. She could clearly see a fleeting...heartache in them.
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