To welcome Lu Wanwan and He Xiao, Lu Lin went straight to the kitchen as soon as he got home, his apron-wearing manner both skillful and efficient.
He first poured the soybeans that Gu Mingyue had soaked in advance into the casserole, then simmered the pig's trotters over low heat, before turning around to prepare the fresh sea fish.
Lu Lin bought it at the market early in the morning; its scales were dazzlingly shiny.
With a swift movement, he sliced open the fish's belly, cleaning out its internal organs with practiced ease, his movements as fluid as a fisherman with over a decade of experience.
"Brother, your cooking is amazing!" Lu Wanwan peered into the kitchen doorway, watching the bubbling pig's trotters in the pot, and couldn't help but swallow hard.
“You used to be unable to even cook noodles properly at home, but now you can cook so many dishes.”
Lu Lin wiped his hands and glanced at her with a smile: "After your sister-in-law got pregnant, she always wanted to eat things that suited her taste, and she gradually developed a craving for them."
He Xiao stood aside, watching Lu Lin methodically chop vegetables and season them, adding scallions, ginger, and garlic to the wok in the correct proportions to sauté until fragrant, his eyes filled with admiration.
He quietly tugged at Lu Lin's sleeve and whispered, "You'll have to teach me later. Back in the army, we always ate in the mess hall. Now that Wanwan is with me, I can't let her make do with the same."
Upon hearing this, Lu Lin stuffed a handful of washed greens into his hand: "It's simple, start by learning to stir-fry greens. Don't use too high a heat, put the garlic in the oil first when it's hot, stir-fry the greens quickly after they're in the pan, and sprinkle some salt before taking them out of the pan."
He Xiao nodded, watching Lu Lin stir-fry the sea fish in the pan intently, even memorizing the timing of when to flip the fish.
Soon, a delicious aroma wafted from the kitchen.
The braised sea fish is a bright red color, the stewed pork trotters with soybeans are tender and flavorful, and even the stir-fried vegetables have a glossy green color.
Lu Wanwan leaned over the table, watching Lu Lin serve dish after dish, and couldn't help but sigh, "Brother, you're really good at both the living room and the kitchen now. Your wife is so lucky."
Gu Mingyue smiled and took Lu Wanwan's hand: "Once He Xiao learns it, you can enjoy it every day."
At the dinner table, He Xiao was still asking Lu Lin about the cooking time for the braised pig's trotters, and the two huddled together to discuss the proportions of the seasonings in hushed tones.
Lu Wanwan and Gu Mingyue chatted about the fun things on the island. The laughter in the room mingled with the aroma of food, making everyone forget the cold wind outside the window.
After the meal, He Xiao was preoccupied with reporting to the military camp. Without lingering, he changed into his military uniform and hurriedly left. Before leaving, he specifically instructed Lu Wanwan.
"Don't cause trouble for your sister-in-law, just stay with her."
Lu Wanwan smiled and waved her hand: "Okay, go ahead."
Lu Lin had taken a morning off and was now going back to the military camp with him.
Only Gu Mingyue and Lu Wanwan remained in the room, along with two bulging packages placed in the center of the living room.
Lu Wanwan squatted down, ripped open the top rope of the package, and said with a smile, "Sister-in-law, look how many good things I brought you."
Once the package was opened, all sorts of items were revealed.
At the top are several pieces of brightly colored fabric, including pale yellow polyester and light blue fine cotton.
"This is new fabric that just arrived at the Beijing Department Store. I was thinking that you could make a new dress for it after you give birth, and it can also be used for the baby's swaddling clothes."
As she spoke, she pulled out two beautifully packaged cans of malted milk powder, along with some nourishing jujube and goji berry products.
Hidden at the very bottom was a ginseng root. When Lu Wanwan took it out, she had a hint of pride on her face: "This was obtained from the Northeast by He Xiao's comrade-in-arms."
She then poured out a bunch of colorful toys from another small cloth bag. "These are what I bought. I didn't know what the baby would like after birth, so I just bought some of everything and brought them with me."
Gu Mingyue squatted to the side, watching Lu Wanwan lay out the items one by one, her eyes filled with emotion.
She reached out and picked up the pale yellow polyester fabric; it was soft, smooth, and felt very comfortable to the touch.
"You must be exhausted carrying all this stuff on the way here."
Lu Wanwan shook her head, smiled, and held her hand: "I'm not tired. As long as you and the baby are doing well, I'm happy. I'll still be able to see you often from now on, even though I'm on the island."
Lu Wanwan spread the fabric on the table, picked up the scissors and gestured: "Sister-in-law, this light blue fine cotton fabric is so soft, it's perfect for making a little monk's robe for the child. Let me help you cut it."
Gu Mingyue was worried that she would get tired and wanted her to rest for a while, but she pushed her to sit down: "You are pregnant, so you are in charge of directing. I have nothing to do at home, so I learned some needlework from Grandma Wu. I guarantee it will look good."
As Gu Mingyue listened, the spool in her hand turned a little slower. She touched her belly and smiled gently, "The baby will definitely like it."
Before long, the little garment was almost finished. Lu Wanwan held up the garment and gestured, "Look how cute it is! It will definitely look even better when the recipient wears it."
The two chatted happily about the clothes.
After tidying up everything, Gu Mingyue felt bored staying at home. Looking at the rare clear sky outside the window, she made a suggestion to Lu Wanwan.
"Since we're just killing time anyway, how about we go take a look at your new home in the family compound? It's not far from our place."
Lu Wanwan's eyes lit up and she immediately nodded: "Okay, but I don't have the key yet. I have to go to the military camp to get it from He Xiao."
The two wrapped themselves in thick coats and went out, walking along the road in the family compound towards the military camp.
Gu Mingyue walked slowly, so Lu Wanwan strolled along with her. When they passed the supply and marketing cooperative at the entrance, she bought two candies, peeled one and gave it to her: "It's sweet, suck on it and you won't feel tired while walking."
When they arrived at the military camp gate, He Xiao was in his office. He had just received the message and rushed over, holding a bunch of keys in his hand: "I was just about to bring them over, and here you are."
He handed the key to Lu Wanwan and added, "The house has just been cleaned, but the stove hasn't been lit, so it's a bit cold. Don't stay too long, or your sister-in-law will get cold."
If Gu Mingyue catches a cold, Lu Lin will definitely not let him off the hook.
After receiving the keys, the two walked towards the family compound.
The new home is right across from Luo Haiping's house. It's a single-story house with a small yard, with withered vines climbing the yard wall and a pile of weeds at the entrance.
Lu Wanwan inserted the key to open the door. When she pushed open the gate, a desolate open space came into view. The yard was in disarray, with water tanks and wooden basins piled in the corners.
The door opened, and a faint smell of dust wafted out. The room was furnished with simple furniture.
A wooden bed, a wardrobe, and a square table—all provided by the military—were simple yet kept spotless.
Gu Mingyue walked to the window, opened it, and could see the training ground not far away, and could vaguely hear the soldiers' slogans.
Lu Wanwan walked around the room and was quite satisfied. She said excitedly, "After I make the bed and buy two pots of flowers, this place will feel like home. You can come here anytime you want to relax. I'll make you some tea."
Even though there's nothing in the house right now, if you tidy it up a bit, it can feel like a home.
Gu Mingyue smiled and nodded, leaning against the window watching her busy figure, and the boredom in her heart dissipated.
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