Evening, at Yu Jingya's maternal grandmother's house.
As darkness fell, a splendid sunset lingered on the horizon, bathing the entire village in a warm orange-red hue.
A gentle breeze blew by, and the air was filled with the faint smell of cooking smoke from burning firewood at dinnertime.
Yu Jingya's maternal grandfather sat on a bamboo chair in the center of the courtyard, leisurely fanning himself with a palm-leaf fan, his face full of smiles.
He looked at the two people busy in the kitchen, his eyes revealing a kind of affection.
Yu Jingya and Liu Feng volunteered to cook dinner.
Grandma would come out of the kitchen from time to time to get some firewood and seasonings. She would also hand Yu Jingya a handful of scallions or a piece of ginger, and then tell her with a smile, "Child, don't forget to add more garlic. Make the pork rib soup more flavorful."
In the kitchen.
Yu Jingya skillfully tied on her apron.
She first took out fresh corn and pork ribs from the basket and carefully washed them with clean water.
then.
She picked up the cleaver and skillfully chopped the vegetables, cutting the corn into small pieces; the crisp sound echoed in the kitchen.
Then.
She put the ribs into a pot to blanch them, removing the blood and impurities.
While waiting.
She started preparing the ingredients for stir-fried green peppers and pork again.
She washed the green peppers, cut them into thin strips, and sliced the pork into thin slices, setting them aside for later use.
After blanching the pork ribs in water to remove the blood, they are put into a pot together with the golden corn.
Liu Feng helped add an appropriate amount of water, while the water in the kitchen water tank had been secretly switched by Liu Feng with the water in the spirit lake inside the magic gourd.
The water is as sweet as a clear spring and contains a rare touch of spiritual energy.
Cover the pot again and simmer over low heat.
Yu Jingya's movements were light and skillful, with beads of sweat on her face. Her long hair was casually tied behind her head, revealing her fair nape.
"Jingya, why don't you wear your hair down anymore?" Liu Feng asked.
"It's none of your business. It's inconvenient to cook with your hair down," Yu Jingya said.
“I thought you’d always wear your hair down,” Liu Feng said.
"Do you think I look better with my hair down, or tied up like this?" Yu Jingya asked.
"If you had asked me before, I would have said it looked good when tied up, but now, it's all about how quickly it looks!" Liu Feng said truthfully.
"Why?" Yu Jingya pressed.
"Just think of it as my taste level improving!" Liu Feng said to Yu Jingya while adding firewood to the stove and starting a fire.
Soon, an enticing aroma began to waft from the pot.
"Let's stew it until it's very soft."
"The pork rib soup is ready."
Yu Jingya spoke softly, lifting the pot lid. A rich aroma instantly filled the air, the savory fragrance of corn and pork ribs intertwining, making one's mouth water.
She poured the stewed pork rib and corn soup into a large bowl. The soup was clear and bright, with a few pieces of tender yellow corn floating on top, and the pork ribs were faintly visible at the bottom of the soup.
Then, Yu Jingya quickly stir-fried green peppers and pork. Oil splattered in the wok, and the green peppers and pork belly rolled in the hot oil, soon emitting a fragrant aroma.
Liu Feng stood beside her, helping to pass her scallions and plates, and occasionally teasing her playfully: "This stir-fried pork smells so good, you have to save some for me later."
A few minutes later, the food was ready.
Yu Jingya carried a bowl of pork rib and corn soup, while Liu Feng held a plate of stir-fried green peppers and pork. The two walked out of the kitchen one after the other.
The small round table in the courtyard had already been set up.
Grandpa was still sitting in the bamboo chair, watching with a smile, while Yu Jingya's younger brother, Yu Liang, was jumping around playing in the yard. When he saw his sister and Liu Feng come out, he excitedly came over to help.
"The food is ready, everyone come and have a taste," Yu Jingya called out.
Grandma smiled and brought out two plates of homemade pickled cabbage and chili peppers from the house, adding a touch of home cooking to the meal.
Everyone sat around the table, and a gentle summer breeze blew across the courtyard, making it cool and pleasant.
On the table, the pork rib soup is rich and delicious, the stir-fried pork with green peppers is tender and flavorful, the pickled cabbage is crisp and refreshing, and the village's unique handmade steamed buns make one's appetite soar.
"Children, it's so rare to see the two of you cooking together. This dish is delicious!" Grandpa said with a smile, holding the bowl and slowly taking a sip of soup, his face full of satisfaction.
Grandma nodded in approval, saying, "Jingya, it seems your skills have improved again."
Yu Liang quickly picked up a few pieces of stir-fried pork, saying as she ate, "Sister, this pork is so delicious! Brother Liu Feng, eat more!"
Liu Feng smiled and picked up a piece of green pepper. "This stir-fried pork is really good. Jingya's cooking skills are truly exceptional."
As night deepened, the sounds of people talking and laughing drifted from the village.
Occasionally, the sound of dogs barking could be heard, making the whole scene feel both warm and peaceful.
In the courtyard, everyone ate and chatted, and the summer night breeze brought a refreshing coolness.
Occasionally, you can hear the cheerful laughter of your neighbors.
Yu Jingya and Liu Feng exchanged a glance, and a warm feeling quietly grew in their hearts.
Because of her presence, the mountain village, the sunset, the stove, the smoke...
Life becomes vibrant and beautiful.
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