Chapter 40 Treat
The next morning, the first ray of sunlight struggled to penetrate the heavy curtains, casting a hazy shadow on the ground. Jiang Ruoxi woke up slowly, and felt as if all the bones in her body were falling apart. Every inch of her muscle was screaming with soreness, as if she had really been run over by a speeding truck.
She struggled to stand up and looked around slowly. The room was empty. She called out, but Lu Tingxiao was not there. The other side of the bed was already cold, which meant that he had gotten up early to go to work.
Jiang Ruoxi moved her body gently, as if she wanted to stretch all the muscles and bones. She first turned her head slowly, feeling the slight pain in her neck, and then stretched her arms to relax her tense muscles for a moment. After doing these movements, Jiang Ruoxi took a deep breath and calmed her breathing a little.
Then, she thought about it and gently waved her right hand. A flash of light appeared, and then an exquisite glass cup appeared in her hand. The cup is filled with clear and transparent spiritual spring water that exudes a faint spiritual aura.
Jiang Ruoxi carefully picked up the cup, put it to her lips and took a sip. As soon as the spiritual spring water entered her mouth, it turned into a stream of cool and sweet water that slid down her throat, quickly nourishing her internal organs. As the spiritual spring water was gradually absorbed by her body, an indescribable feeling of comfort spread throughout her body, and her body, which was originally a little tired and uncomfortable, gradually regained its vitality.
After drinking the spiritual spring water, Jiang Ruoxi returned the cup to the space. After washing up, she wore a loose and comfortable training suit, with her hair casually tied behind her head, making her look refreshed and neat. Walk out of the room and step into the yard filled with morning light. The air in the early morning is particularly fresh, with a faint scent of flowers and soil, refreshing to the heart. Jiang Ruoxi took a deep breath, slowly closed her eyes, felt the gift of nature, and adjusted her breathing rhythm.
When she opened her eyes again, they were full of determination and concentration. Jiang Ruoxi spread her legs shoulder-width apart, slowly raised her hands, and got into position. As she moved, her clothes fluttered gently, and her whole body looked like a lively ink painting. She began to practice the elementary skills of ancient martial arts and body-building techniques. Each move was full of power and rhythm, and each action contained awe and love for ancient martial arts.
Jiang Ruoxi completed the practice of the basic exercises of the ancient martial arts body-building technique. Sweat slid down her cheeks and wet the collar of her training clothes, but she felt refreshed by this exercise. She stretched her muscles to relieve the soreness, then walked towards the kitchen.
When she opened the door, the kitchen was filled with the faint aroma of rice. It was as if she could suddenly see Lu Tingxiao getting up early and making porridge for her. She walked straight to the stove and opened the lid of the pot. She saw the carefully cooked millet porridge in the pot. It was golden in color, thick in texture, and still emitting a wisp of steam. It was obviously being carefully kept warm. On the plate next to it, there were two round and plump boiled eggs lying quietly, with the shells cracked just right to make them easy to peel.
In a prominent position on the stove, a plate of tempting side dishes catches the eye. The crisp color, paired with the carefully prepared spicy and fragrant sauce, makes people's appetite increase at the sight. Jiang Ruoxi's lips curled up unconsciously, her eyes filled with emotion and warmth. She knew without having to guess that this must be a thoughtful gesture from Lu Tingxiao.
Sitting at the dining table, Jiang Ruoxi gently scooped up a spoonful of millet porridge. It was soft, sweet and warm to the heart. She chewed the boiled egg carefully, the salty and fragrant taste spread out, and paired it with the side dishes mixed with spicy and fragrant sauce, every bite was full of Lu Tingxiao's thoughtfulness.
While eating this loving breakfast, Jiang Ruoxi's thoughts drifted away. Thinking about the house-warming party that would be held at home tomorrow, she thought to herself: "I have to find a few reliable sisters-in-law to help, and nothing can go wrong." She went through the sisters-in-law she knew in her mind and screened them silently. Because she had just moved to the staff compound, she didn't know some of the sisters-in-law well, and she couldn't choose the right one for a while.
Jiang Ruoxi looked up at the clock on the wall. She thought that Lu Tingxiao should be back at noon. When he comes back, she will have to discuss this matter with him. Asking her sister-in-law for help is no small matter. She has to find someone who is straightforward, doesn't cause trouble, and keeps her mouth shut. Otherwise, if she doesn't help much and likes to gossip, then it will be a waste of time. Although she is not afraid of gossip, she really doesn't like dealing with such people. Thinking of this, she quickened her eating speed, looking forward to noon so that she and Lu Tingxiao can finalize this matter.
It was almost noon when Lu Tingxiao finished his busy morning and returned home on time for lunch. Two people sat around the dining table, and the aroma of food filled the house. Jiang Ruoxi took advantage of the break during the meal to tell Lu Tingxiao about her decision on which sisters-in-law to ask for help.
"Tingxiao, which sisters-in-law and aunts should we invite to help with the banquet tomorrow? I've just been with the army for a short time, so I don't know these sisters-in-law and aunts very well. I don't want to invite those who are talkative and lazy to help. It's too much trouble!"
After hearing this, Lu Tingxiao paused for a moment with the chopsticks in his hand, then put them down, frowned slightly, and fell into a brief moment of thought. After a moment, he slowly spoke, "The sister-in-law of Deputy Battalion Commander Zhang next to our house is very warm-hearted. She often helps the neighbors and doesn't meddle in other people's business. There is also the sister-in-law of Battalion Commander Qin, who is down-to-earth and reliable. The aunt of Commander Xie is kind and everyone respects her. And the aunt of Political Commissar Zhou, although she didn't teach her daughter well, she has always been kind-hearted and has a very good reputation in our area."
Jiang Ruoxi thought for a moment and said, "Others are fine, but Aunt Zhou. I had a quarrel with her daughter some time ago. Will she resent us?"
"No, Aunt Zhou is a very nice person. I ran into her on the road a few days ago, and she told me that I could ask her for help if I needed any help!"
"Okay then, let's do as you say. When you get off work tonight, tell these sisters-in-law and aunts about it!"
"Okay, don't worry!" Lu Tingxiao replied.
The next morning, Jiang Ruoxi was exercising in the yard when she heard someone knocking on the door. She opened the door and saw that it was Mrs. Zhang from next door: "Sister-in-law, is there anything going on so early?"
"Is Captain Lu's wife disturbing you?"
"No, I'm exercising in the yard. If you have anything to say, come in and tell me, sister-in-law!"
"Nothing serious? I just want to ask you, when is the best time for me to come over? I heard from Captain Lu that you are going to invite more than 20 people today. As you know, these soldiers are really good eaters. I'm afraid you won't be able to handle it!"
"Don't mention it, sister-in-law, I really did ask you for help. I heard that you are very good at steaming buns, right?"
"Yes, my family is from Shandong Province, and the skill of steaming buns is inherited from our ancestors!"
"Okay then. Tingxiao will ask the kitchen staff to bring over the noodles later. Can you help me steam some steamed buns made with Erhe flour? If I only steam rice, I'm afraid they won't be full!"
"Okay, that's no big deal!"
As the two were chatting, Captain Qin's wife came over to help: "Sister-in-law, I heard that you were busy here, so I came over to lend a hand!" Captain Qin's wife said enthusiastically. Jiang Ruoxi quickly welcomed her into the house, and the three of them sat together, chatting about random things. The topics ranged from family matters to interesting things happening in the camp. There was constant laughter and the atmosphere was relaxed and harmonious.
Just then, the sound of a car engine was heard outside. Jiang Ruoxi stood up and looked out the window, saying, "The kitchen squad's shopping cart has arrived." Sure enough, a few soldiers from the kitchen squad walked into the yard carrying things that Lu Tingxiao had asked them to bring. The soldiers carefully unloaded the things in the yard. Jiang Ruoxi hurriedly took out the money she had prepared and handed it to them. The soldiers took the money, said goodbye politely, then got on the shopping cart and left. Looking at the items piled up in the yard, Jiang Ruoxi, Mrs. Zhang, and Captain Qin's wife smiled at each other and started to get busy.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
