Chapter 3

After Xiaoxiao cut the fish into slices, she sprinkled a little salt into its stomach and spread ginger slices and onions she had just pinched from the ground to remove the fishy smell. Then, she started to handle the pickled vegetables.

The second Aunt was not paying attention to hygiene. Xiaoxiao should rewash the pickled vegetables.

The second Brother had also heated the pot after Xiaoxiao washed it and cut it into small pieces.

The low-income families couldn’t bear to use too much oil, so cooking was even more of a test.

When she saw the pot’s steam rising, Xiaoxiao scooped a small spoonful of oil into the pot and then put in the onions, ginger, and dried chili.

She then put in the cut pickled vegetables and began to stir-fry them. After a few stir-fries, she added to water when the pickled vegetables changed color and covered the pot.

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The fragrance seemed to be magical as it entered Ning Erlang’s nose. He couldn’t help but poke his head out of the stove.

“Sister, I think I can eat three big rice bowls with this pickled vegetable.”

As if there was so much rice to eat at home.

Xiaoxiao glanced at him coldly and calmly opened another pot.

There was only one stove, but there were two pots. She could cook two dishes simultaneously as long as one piece of firewood was used.

The person who built this kitchen back then had the wisdom which made it convenient for Xiaoxiao.

The things in this pot were simple.

The pigeons that had been dealt with and a few pieces of ginger.

The pigeons were delicious. She just had to sprinkle a few grains of salt. There was no need for other seasonings.

Pigeon soup’s fragrance and pickled vegetables’ sour taste stimulated Ning Erlang’s taste buds. He could not control the increasing amount of saliva in his mouth and asked belatedly, “Then where did you get it?”

Xiaoxiao picked up the plate containing the fish slices and blinked. “Would you believe me if I said it bumped into my arms on the way back?”

Ning Erlang had already lost the ability to think.

His gaze followed Xiaoxiao’s action closely. As she poured a large basin of fish slices into the boiling pickled vegetable soup, he shouted without thinking, “Hey, hey!”

She did not know how expensive wood and rice are until she was in charge!

There were so many fish. They would have to eat for three to four days if she was frugal!

Why did she put them all in so quickly?

Forget it, forget it. At most, when the dishes were served later, they could eat half of them and put the rest in the basket.

Farmers would use this method to prevent rats from secretly eating.

Xiaoxiao didn’t care what he was thinking and focused on preparing dinner.

She missed peppercorns and octagonal cinnamon but didn’t have any at home.

The main was still steamed buns. Not to mention the taste, the poor appearance made her sigh repeatedly.

Although she sighed, she still had to eat steamed buns no matter how ugly.

She placed the steamer on the pot and closed the lid again.

“Second Brother, turn on the fire.”

After ordering him around, she sent Ning Erlang away and went to help their mom tidy up the garden.

The seeds had been scattered a few days ago. The vegetables grew quickly. They would see the seedlings in five to six days if cared for.

Compared to other vegetables, it could be harvested in a few days.

She then dug up some wild vegetables and mushrooms. Coupled with the two bags of rice and noodles given to them by the old residence, they could at least last for a while.

After some time, Xiaoxiao felt that she would think of a new way to make ends meet.

The cooking time passed very quickly. The soup had already turned milky white, and the steamed buns were also soft. She slipped back after Xiaoxiao slipped to the kitchen door and ensured no one was around.

A small bowl appeared in her hand. She picked something from the pot, which had more vegetables than fish, and put it in her space.

“Ding! Congratulations, Master. Pickle-boiled fish has been successfully recorded. You have received 200 points.”

Xiaoxiao happily ran to the garden to look for her mom and started pestering her.

“Mom, shall we have dinner earlier today?”

Looking at her daughter’s sparkling eyes and her son’s unconcealable craving, she reached out and poked each of them in the head.

“You guys are too hungry.”

“Go and call your big brother.”

Erlang happily accepted the mission.

The moment he opened the pot, Ning Erlang forgot his plan.

He took a mouthful of pickled vegetables and a steamed bun. He was so happy.

Xiaoxiao couldn’t stand him. She broke open the steamed bun, picked up a mouthful of fish meat and a few pieces of vegetable leaves, and stuffed them in, handing them to her mom.

She handed the second one to Big Brother and then wrapped one for herself.

The fish was sliced very thinly, and the bones were removed.

This bite satisfied Xiaoxiao so much that she let out a moan.

Ning Erlang glared at her suspiciously. “Is that necessary?”

In the end, he couldn’t help himself from doing the same.

The sour, spicy, salty, and fresh taste made him unable to say anything.

Ning Dalang looked at his younger siblings in amusement. He did not say anything and took a bite himself.

Then, all of them fell silent.

Other than Xiaoxiao, everyone ate very slowly.

After eating a mouthful of fish, his chopsticks went towards the pickled vegetables.

Xiaoxiao slowly swallowed the food.

“I saw Second Aunt when I was fishing today.”

Everyone fell silent. She held her chin in an unfathomable manner. “I thought she would come uninvited tonight.”