MFBOWSBTMT Chapter 74

After settling the matter with the shop, Qiao Suiman was in high spirits. On the sixteenth, Lu Dongqing delivered drinks to the wine house early in the morning. Qiao Suiman didn’t go with him this time, instead heading to Butcher Wang’s house to buy some pork belly.

 

Back home, he busied himself again. Today was the first time he would celebrate Lu Dongqing’s birthday and the first since their marriage. He wanted to make it special.

 

According to Miao Lianhua, last year at this time was very difficult. They had to go to the river to fetch mud to fertilize the fields, go up the mountain to chop wood and bamboo, and gather medicinal herbs. They never had a moment’s rest. The whole family didn’t even have time to celebrate their birthdays, let alone eat a bowl of noodles.

 

In Xiahe Village, it was customary to eat a bowl of longevity noodles on one’s birthday, symbolizing smooth and prosperous years ahead, as well as health and long life. So as soon as he returned home, Qiao Suiman washed his hands, scooped out some finely ground wheat flour, added water, and began kneading the dough.

 

Miao Lianhua understood his intentions. Young couples always wanted to do everything for each other themselves, so she didn’t take over the task. Instead, she went to the main hall to embroider handkerchiefs.

 

After kneading the dough, Qiao Suiman set it aside to rest and turned to cutting the meat. Since stewed meat was commonly eaten in winter, he wanted to try something different today and make the fried meat, a dish he once tasted at Zhou Shuifen’s home.

 

First, he cut the meat into chunks, sprinkled them with a little salt to marinate, then coated them in a specially prepared batter. He heated the iron pan over a low flame and poured in two bowls of soybean oil. Once the oil began to shimmer with heat, he carefully added the meat pieces one by one.

 

The oil immediately sizzled, and soon the batter turned golden brown, releasing the rich aroma of meat mingled with the fragrance of soybean oil. Heijin immediately came running over.

 

Qiao Suiman gently nudged him away, saying, “This isn’t for you. I’ll cook some for you later!”

 

Heijin was kicked out of the door, but it slipped back to Qiao Suiman without a care in the world, howling and biting his trouser legs tightly.

 

“So greedy!”

 

Lately, Heijin had been spoiled with meat too often and had even started turning his nose up at plain steamed buns. Qiao Suiman was already thinking about how to discipline him and certainly wouldn’t indulge him now. But with his hands full, he had to call for help. “Mother, come take Heijin away.”

 

Miao Lianhua set down her embroidery and laughed. “This Heijin! Always begging for food.”

 

“We really should train him better, or else someone might lure him away with a piece of meat. And if they’re truly wicked, they might even poison him.”

 

As she spoke, Miao Lianhua went to the kitchen and pulled Heijin out, giving his snout a few light taps. She said sternly, “You’re not starving. Don’t disturb people when they’re working. Understand?”

 

Heijin whined as he was dragged away, but seeing that Qiao Suiman wasn’t coming to his rescue, he stopped struggling and obediently returned to the main hall, lying down on his straw mat with what seemed like a hint of grievance in his eyes.

 

Lu Dongqing returned before lunch and was now making lanterns in the main hall. He watched Haejin’s amusing tactics. The dog was a quick learner. Not long ago, he saw Lu Dongqing acting pitiful to win Qiao Suiman’s sympathy, and now he picked up the trick himself.

 

“Ignore him. Just give him steamed buns at mealtime,” Lu Dongqing said.

 

“Woof!” Haejin barked in protest, but Lu Dongqing paid no attention to him. He barked a few more times, then, realizing it was pointless, went over to Lu Dongqing to watch him make lanterns, playing with a bamboo ball in his mouth.

 

With no more Haejin to disturb him, Qiao Suiman skillfully picked up the crispy, tempting pieces of meat and added a few more sticks of firewood to the stove. When the fire was burning brightly, he put the meat back in to continue frying.

 

He learned this method from Zhou Shuifen during his visit to the Chen family. Zhou Shuifen had been making this dish for decades without fail. When Qiao Suiman inquired, she provided him with detailed instructions on the appropriate size for cutting the meat, the duration for frying, and other important tips.

 

Qiao Suiman listened attentively, but Chen Xuesheng was uninterested. He ate it every year during the New Year, so it was nothing new to him. Moreover, now that he was staying at the Wang family’s house, he has no shortage of meat to eat.

 

Aunt Wang cooked stir-fry meat, stewed meat, and grilled meat every day at home, so naturally, he lost interest in it and ended up getting scolded by Zhou Shuifen.

 

When Chen Xuesheng went to buy meat at the Wang family’s house today, he pulled Qiao Suiman aside and whispered something to him. Qiao Suiman thought it was something important, but all he heard him say in a low voice was, “Is that ointment effective?”

 

Qiao Suiman simply left, saying, “You’ll find out for yourself if you try it.” He took the meat and went home, leaving Chen Xuesheng standing there, calling out several times.

 

Judging the timing right, Qiao Suiman fished out the meat and set it aside in a bowl. The remaining oil was not wasted and could be used again after being poured into the bowl.

 

The dough was ready, forming a soft and plump white ball. Qiao Suiman pinched off a piece, rolled it out thin with a rolling pin, dusted it with dry flour to prevent sticking, then folded and cut it into strips.

 

Boiling water was already waiting in the pot. Qiao Suiman added a spoonful of the hot oil from frying the meat, then dropped in the noodles and covered the pot to let them cook. He soaked and rinsed a handful of dried vegetables, adding them to the pot once the noodles had softened, and letting everything simmer together.

 

The fire was strong, so a bowl of longevity noodles was quickly cooked and poured into a large bowl. Qiao Suiman wiped the iron pot dry and fried an egg to place on top of the noodles. The egg was purchased today when he encountered an egg vendor selling eggs along the street on his way back from town.

 

Eggs were very expensive in winter. A single egg costs seven wen, and two eggs cost as much as a jin of meat. Therefore, Qiao Suiman was reluctant to buy more and only bought two. It happened that the birthdays of the two brothers were close, so there was no need to worry about them going bad.

 

Next, he steamed the buns, then sliced a radish and boiled it with the dried vegetables for a simple soup. Paired with freshly steamed wheat buns and the fried meat, it made for a satisfying meal.

 

Sprinkling chopped scallions over the noodles, Qiao Suiman sliced a piece of fried meat and arranged it on top. This bowl of noodles has meat, vegetables, and eggs, making it look even more appetizing. This is what he learned at Wu’s Noodle House. Wu Qi’s noodles were served with all the toppings on top and the noodles below, making them look more appealing.

 

With lunch ready, Qiao Suiman rubbed his shoulders and stretched his neck before calling out, “Food’s ready!”

 

“I’ll set the table,” Miao Lianhua replied from the main hall.

 

Qiao Suiman placed the bowl of fried meat and the steamed buns on the table, then brought over the vegetable soup. Lu Dongqing and Lu Xuesong had already washed their hands and taken their seats.

 

Qiao Suiman then brought out the bowl of longevity noodles and set it before Lu Dongqing. Under Miao Lianhua’s teasing gaze, he quickly said, “Birthday noodles. Eat it.”

 

Lu Dongqing grinned like a fool, nodding before eagerly slurping up the noodles.

 

“Xiao Man-ge, this meat is amazing. I could smell it all the way from the backyard while shoveling chicken manure,” Lu Xuesong said as he looked at the bowl of longevity noodles with envy and chewed a piece of fried meat sprinkled with chili powder.

 

“It’s fried twice, and soybean oil is used, which makes them even more fragrant,” Qiao Suiman said with a smile as he picked up a bun and took a bite.

 

Lu Xuesong nodded vigorously, too busy eating to speak. For a moment, the only sound at the table was the sound of eating. Lu Dongqing swallowed a mouthful of noodles, then leaned subtly toward Qiao Suiman and whispered, “It’s delicious. I’m so happy.”

 

Qiao Suiman’s lips curled. “Then eat more.”

 

Everyone was satisfied with their meal except for Heijin. Qiao Suiman looked at Heijin’s expression and couldn’t help but laugh. He went to the kitchen and took a small piece of plain boiled meat. He patted Heijin a few times and said sternly, “There’s some for you. Don’t make a fuss every time you smell something. You’re not allowed to eat other people’s food! Understand?”

 

Heijin blinked. Qiao Suiman wasn’t sure if he truly understood, but he fed him the meat anyway. Instantly, Heijin brightened, circling Qiao Suiman happily.

 

It was a rare occasion for Qiao Suiman and Lu Dongqing to be at home at this time. They were busy and tired recently, so they went back to their rooms to rest for a while after eating. Miao Lianhua and Lu Xuesong did the same. Winter made people drowsy, and skipping a midday rest left one sluggish all afternoon.

 

Back in their room, Lu Dongqing took off his outer garments and socks and crawled into bed. Qiao Suiman first went to the wooden chest and retrieved the embroidered handkerchief he had made, then sat on the edge of the bed and said, “This is a handkerchief I embroidered. It’s a holly tree. It’s not as good as Mother’s work, but… you can use it.”

 

After saying that, he placed the handkerchief into Lu Dongqing’s hand. He then turned around and casually removed his outer garments, shoes, and socks.

 

Lu Dongqing had no idea about the handkerchief. He stared blankly at the handkerchief in his hand. When he finally realized what it was, he was overjoyed. He unfolded the handkerchief and saw a tall, lush holly tree embroidered on the white silk cloth. The embroidery wasn’t particularly exquisite, but the stitches were very fine. It was a one-of-a-kind handkerchief.

 

Lu Dongqing sat up, hugged Qiao Suiman, and turned him over. He planted several kisses on his face and spoke incoherently, “Xiao Man, I like them very much. I like both the longevity noodles and the handkerchief. I’m so happy. Xiao Man, why are you so good to me?”

 

Seeing his joy, Qiao Suiman felt both thrilled and shy. “I’m your fulang. Who else should I be good to if not you?”

 

Lu Dongqing’s heart swelled until it felt ready to burst. He pulled Qiao Suiman down onto the bed, holding him tightly. The lavish bowl of longevity noodles had already delighted him beyond measure, and now this handkerchief embroidered by Qiao Suiman’s own hands. He felt that no birthday in previous years was ever as exciting as this one.

 

However, it was not until the night that Qiao Suiman made him understand what the peak of happiness was.

 

Lu Dongqing was panting heavily, and the area covered by the blanket kept twitching. An unfamiliar sense of pleasure swept over him, enveloping him in an unexpected way, until he finally couldn’t control himself.

 

“Cough, cough, cough…” Qiao Suiman’s face was bright red as he poked his head out, half from holding his breath and half from embarrassment. He covered his mouth and coughed continuously.

 

Lu Dongqing hurriedly grabbed the teacup by the window and held it under Qiao Suiman’s chin. “Quick, spit it out.”

 

Qiao Suiman glared at him. With that brute strength, how could anything be left to spit out? He could only rinse his mouth several times with water. Though he mustered his courage to try this, the reality left him too mortified to face anyone. He burrowed under the blankets, hiding his face completely.

 

Lu Dongqing was surprised several times today by the gifts prepared by Qiao Suiman. His heart was overflowing with love that he didn’t know how to express himself. He tugged the blankets down and pulled Qiao Suiman against his chest, kissing his forehead repeatedly. “Xiao Man. Xiao Man, my Xiao Man. You’ve left me at a loss. I’m so happy.”

 

Qiao Suiman’s face was still as red as a freshly cooked crab. He stammered, “You, you should forget about it and go to sleep.”

 

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