Chapter 65 Like a Peacock Spreading Its Tail
Yao Yao squatted down beside him, her little hands gripping a small shovel, carefully digging small holes in the vegetable patch.
"Dad, is the hole I dug big enough? Will the seedlings grow well?"
Huo Zheng pinched her cheek: "Our Yao Yao dug the most perfect hole, so the seedlings will definitely grow better than anyone else's."
Leilei, carrying a small rake taller than himself, imitated the adults and leveled the soil.
I keep going to check on the chicken coop. Last night, the wind blew it down, and a few chicks are circling around in the corner of the yard.
He put his hands on his hips and shouted to Huo Zheng, "Dad! After I finish raking the dirt, I'll help you fix the chicken coop. I can hand you nails!"
The family was busy when a fragrant aroma of braised food wafted over, making everyone's mouths water.
Leilei and Yaoyao immediately stopped what they were doing and looked up, sniffing the air.
"Mom, what's that smell? It smells so good!"
They had just eaten, but they felt hungry again.
Lu Mingyue wiped her sweat. "The braised offal is ready. Let it simmer for a while longer to make it even more flavorful."
Yao Yao immediately put down the small spatula and pulled Lei Lei towards the kitchen: "I'm going to take a look!"
Huo Zheng sat by the vegetable garden, smelling the aroma of braised food and watching the children's backs as if the stone in his hand was warm.
But then he suddenly remembered the perfume he had tasted before and couldn't help but ask.
"It should be clean by now, right?"
Lu Mingyue rolled her eyes at him.
"You don't need to tell me, of course it's clean."
Does she seem that unreliable?
Huo Zheng raised an eyebrow and said half-jokingly, "I've heard this stuff is hard to wash, don't try to fool me."
Are you doubting my skills?
Lu Mingyue rushed into the house, scooped out a bowl of pig offal, and placed it in front of Huo Zheng.
"Smell it yourself, does it smell fishy?"
Huo Zheng leaned closer and smelled it. He could only smell a faint aroma of braised food, mixed with the scent of star anise and cinnamon. There was indeed no strange smell at all.
"I washed it three times with lime powder and then rinsed it several times with clean water before putting it in the braising pot."
Lu Mingyue pouted, "You'll see when you eat it later."
Huo Zheng laughed and raised his hands in surrender: "I misunderstood you, but if it doesn't taste good, you'll have to feed me for the rest of your life."
Lu Mingyue blushed, glared at him, and turned back to the kitchen: "Stop being so glib. Remember to fix the chicken coop later."
When she got back to her room, she covered her flushed face, her heart pounding in her ears.
What's going on with Huo Zheng?
Why are you suddenly acting like a peacock spreading its tail feathers?
Lu Mingyue leaned against the kitchen door frame, covering her burning face with one hand.
He used to either work diligently or play with the children; he would never say something like "feeding them for a lifetime."
The warmth of the gauze on her fingertips still lingered from when she touched his arm.
The aroma of the broth in the pot grew even stronger. Lu Mingyue took a deep breath and raised her hand to rub her burning earlobes.
My heartbeat gradually calmed down, replaced by an indescribable warmth.
She lifted the lid of the pot, gently stirred the broth with a spoon, and unconsciously smiled.
So this is what it feels like to be cared for like this.
She served a small bowl of braised food for the children to try, and her steps were lighter than usual.
On the other side.
Only after watching her figure disappear behind the door did Huo Zheng slowly stand up.
Although his arm was still wrapped in bandages, he still had the strength to fix a chicken coop.
He found some old planks and nails, first straightened the tilted frame, and then carefully secured it with a hammer.
After Yao Yao and Lei Lei tasted the braised offal for their mother, they brought over small stools and sat on either side of her, handing her tools and occasionally helping her hold the wooden board.
"Dad, this board is crooked!" Leilei reminded him seriously.
"Let me see... Hmm, it's a little crooked."
Huo Zheng adjusted his gaze in the direction he was pointing, saying, "Our Leilei has such sharp eyes."
Yao Yao, holding a small handful of straw, asked earnestly, "Is this for the chicken coop? Is it to make the chicks more comfortable to sleep in?"
"Yes, put it on, and the chickens won't be cold."
Huo Zheng smiled as he took the straw and spread it evenly at the bottom of the chicken coop.
Soon, a sturdy and warm chicken coop was erected again.
A few chicks tentatively went inside and clucked contentedly twice.
In the kitchen, the aroma of braised offal grew stronger and stronger, making one's mouth water.
Leilei sniffed and couldn't help but say, "Mom's braised food will definitely taste even better later!"
Yao Yao nodded in agreement: "Then let's hurry up and finish planting the vegetables so we can wash our hands and eat!"
The two children helped a little here and a little there, and finally finished all the work before dinner.
The two children looked at each other, their hands covered in mud, but they were laughing very happily.
"Mom and Dad, we've finished all the chores!"
Under the tap, Lu Mingyue helped the children rub their little hands, while Huo Zheng handed them towels.
After wiping them clean, Huo Zheng rubbed their heads, and seeing that they had washed their hands, he led them into the house.
"Come on, let's eat. Your mom's braised pork rice is sure to be delicious."
Just as I set the bowls and chopsticks on the table, I heard familiar footsteps at the courtyard gate. It was Director Wang.
She walked in with a smile, carrying a net bag in her hand: "Huo Zheng, Xiao Lu, I came to see you on behalf of the organization, and brought some things with me."
Lu Mingyue quickly stood up and greeted, "Director Wang, please sit down. I was just about to have some braised pork rice. Would you like to try some?"
"Braised pork rice? No wonder I smelled so much meat all the way here. Xiao Lu's cooking is really good."
Lu Mingyue quickly set out another set of chopsticks and bowls: "Director Wang, why don't you stay and have a bowl before you leave? It's just one more pair of chopsticks."
"No, no, I have something to do and need to go out for a bit."
Director Wang waved his hand, but his eyes involuntarily glanced at the table.
The braised pork is glossy and flavorful, the broth is thick and rich, and the rice grains are distinct, making it look incredibly appetizing.
Thinking of his main task this time, Director Wang looked away and handed over the net bag.
"There are two kilograms of rice, eggs, and two packets of pastries inside. The organization is concerned about Huo Zheng's injured arm."
Huo Zheng took the net bag, feeling a warm glow in his heart: "Thank you, and thank you to the organization."
"It's all as it should be."
Director Wang glanced at the braised pork rice on the table, then looked at the child sitting obediently beside him, and said with a smile, "Seeing how harmonious your family is, and how hopeful you are for the future, we are relieved. Huo Zheng, take good care of your injury, and let us know anytime if you need anything."
Afraid of delaying his family's meal, Director Wang turned and left after completing his task.
Before leaving, Lu Mingyue handed her a lunchbox, saying, "Director Wang, take some braised offal back with you and try it. I washed it clean with lime powder, so you can eat it without worry."
Director Wang was taken aback for a moment, then quickly declined, saying, "How could I accept this? You should keep it for yourselves."
"Please take it, we have plenty more in the pot."
Lu Mingyue pushed the lunchbox into her arms, "You've been running around for the organization, we don't have anything to thank you for, just consider it a small token of our appreciation."
Seeing her sincere attitude, Director Wang had no choice but to accept it with a smile: "Then I won't be polite. I'll definitely try it when I get back."
After saying that, he picked up his lunchbox and left, leaving behind a trail of delicious aroma. He couldn't help but admire Lu Mingyue a bit.
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