Yuan Laotou entered the courtyard with a smile and was very pleased to see Doctor Wang and his grandson. He greeted them warmly and insisted that they stay for a meal.
During the conversation, he couldn't help but take an extra glance at Wang Shaoyu.
The lad was good-looking.
He had good education and medical skills, but in matters of familial closeness and social distance, one's elbow shouldn't bend outwards.
Since Liuwang had come to him for help, he naturally had to give Liuwang some extra attention.
Attracted by the delicious aroma of the braised rabbit meat, Doctor Wang was tempted to ask for some. But due to face, he hadn't inquired before. Confronted by Yuan Laotou's direct offer, he readily agreed.
Old Mrs. Ni asked Zhinuan to set the table, as she needed to prepare two more dishes and either boil some noodles or bake a few cakes, otherwise there wouldn't be enough to eat.
Zhinuan obediently went to set the table, and also followed Yuan Laotou's instructions to bring some wine.
In the kitchen, Old Mrs. Ni was boiling water, planning to cook a basin of plain noodles and pour the sauce from the braised rabbit over them, which would surely taste excellent.
"Girl, go to the backyard and cut some chives, make some chive and egg!"
"Okay!"
Zhinuan immediately went to cut the chives and didn't idle upon returning.
"Grandma, how many eggs?" After all, it was someone else's home, and in the countryside, eggs were valuable commodities. It was always right to ask.
"Three, just to fry with the chives!"
"Okay!"
Zhinuan's cooking skills truly needed no comment; she whisked the eggs swiftly and evenly with just the right amount of force. As soon as the oil was hot, she poured in the eggs, and the aroma wafted out. She fried them until they were golden on both sides, added the chive sections, tossed in a pinch of salt, and served them in a bowl.
In this era without chicken bouillon or MSG, everything was organic, and the air was fresh and clean, making the meals Zhinuan cooked taste even better.
After she brought out the dishes, Yuan Laotou, Doctor Wang, and Wang Shaoyu were already eating. Both elders couldn't stop praising the braised rabbit meat. Wang Shaoyu, a scholar, ate with delicacy, but inflamed by Doctor Wang's compliments, he looked towards Zhinuan.
"The braised rabbit meat is really delicious!"
Zhinuan gave a warm, soft smile, placed the fried eggs and chives to one side, and went back to the kitchen to help Old Mrs. Ni with the noodles. Only after she had brought them to the table did they sit down to eat together.
She first tried the braised rabbit meat, and it was indeed incredibly fragrant.
Grabbing some noodles and spooning over some of the sauce, she stirred them together; spicy and delicious.
Zhinuan took small bites, graceful and dignified. Even if the food was delicious, she ate with restraint, careful not to overindulge in meat and instead had a few more bites of vegetables.
Next door, the braised rabbit must have been ready, as the shouts for dinner from Liuwang's mother and the gleeful screams of the children could be heard, lively and sincere.
Zhinuan tucked her lips into a gentle smile, her eyes curving, her whole being exuding a warm glow.
Wang Shaoyu was sneaking glances at her.
With her clear, kind eyes and continuous gentle smiles, his heart raced. He didn't dare to look further and hastily picked at the food, not minding what he got, and stuffed it into his mouth. It turned out to be a hot pepper, which nearly made him cry out.
But seeing Zhinuan looking over at him, he managed to swallow it down without changing his expression.
"..."
Zhinuan was a bit surprised.
After all, grandma's chili peppers were fiercely spicy, yet this man managed to swallow it without a change in expression.
She had to admire him for being quite the man!
She bowed her head and continued to eat in silence, then got up to pour a bowl of cool boiled water and set it down in front of him.
"..." Wang Shaoyu was so spicy he almost cried.
Seeing the cool water was like seeing a life-saving drink.
"Thank you so much!" he said eagerly, taking a sip and finding it cool, then hurriedly gulped down a big mouthful, finally feeling relief.
Doctor Wang couldn't stop laughing.
He thought to himself how this silly boy was finally becoming savvy in the presence of a beautiful girl.
The meal was enjoyable for both host and guests.
Doctor Wang and Yuan Laotou talked in the main room, while Wang Shaoyu sat silently on the side, his ears perked up for the conversation in the kitchen.
From where he sat, he could just see into the kitchen.
Zhinuan was helping Old Mrs. Ni wash the dishes. They had finished everything made for the evening, and Old Mrs. Ni laughed, saying, "It's been years since I last ate to fullness!"