Ning Xin’s words made both Hu Yuanping and his wife laugh.
Hu Yuanping felt much of the frustration that had been pent up in his chest begin to dissipate, and even his stomach seemed to hurt less.
Ning Xin picked a handful of perilla leaves from the flower bed and found the black tea that her father had once treasured like a precious heirloom.
Using the perilla leaves, black tea, and spirit spring water, she brewed a large mug of steaming hot perilla black tea drink and handed it to Hu Yuanping.
“Uncle, drink this. This tea helps promote bodily fluids, quench thirst, and nourish the spleen and stomach. Take small sips, drink it slowly, and your stomach should stop hurting. You go ahead and drink that while I go make lunch.”
Then, not forgetting Zhuang Wenxia, she added, “Auntie Zhuang, your tea is still being kept warm by the stove. Grandma can pour some for you whenever you want more.”
Her words warmed Zhuang Wenxia’s heart as well.
The couple each cradled a white porcelain bowl, slowly sipping their hot tea. Beside them, Lin Changhe had downed both bowls of cold tea in one go.
Not only that, but he had also asked Old Madam Ning to pour him another bowl of mint tea, and was now following his leader’s example, taking small, slow sips.
Watching Ning Xin’s retreating figure, Lin Changhe leaned in closer.
He smacked his lips and sighed to Zhuang Wenxia, “Auntie Zhuang, how did you ever find this place? I have to say, this family really has some skill. When that little girl said the tea could cool down my temper, I didn’t think much of it, but look—”
He pointed to his chin. “I had a pimple here this morning, it hurt at the slightest touch. After drinking these few cups of tea, it’s gone!”
Hearing someone praise Ning Xin, Zhuang Wenxia felt an inexplicable sense of shared pride.
She perked up and began telling Lin Changhe about her experience the day before.
Not only did she tell him, but she also vividly described the lotus leaf rolls and lotus blossom pastries she had eaten, making Lin Changhe’s eyes go wide.
His Adam’s apple bobbed as he practically drooled.
Seeing his secretary like this, Hu Yuanping didn’t know whether to laugh or scold him.
He tapped the table and asked, “Did you bring the documents?”
Lin Changhe didn’t expect the conversation to turn from food to work so abruptly.
But he immediately composed himself and handed over the briefcase he was carrying. “Minister, I have them all right here.”
Hu Yuanping took the briefcase, then turned to his wife without addressing Lin Changhe further. “Give Xiao Lin ten yuan and have him go buy some dishes to bring over.”
Zhuang Wenxia immediately understood.
That’s right, the three of them had shown up together today. The Ning family certainly wouldn’t have prepared enough food for so many extra people!
And besides, they couldn’t possibly eat without paying.
She readily agreed, quickly taking money out of her wallet. As she handed it to Lin Changhe, she gave him instructions on what would be best to buy.
Meanwhile, Hu Yuanping, briefcase in hand, leisurely walked over to the bamboo chair where his wife had been lying earlier.
He sat down in the bamboo chair, took out the documents he hadn’t finished reading, placed them on his lap, and began to read slowly.
By now, it was approaching noon. The neighbors who came for tea were long gone. Apart from the Ning family, the only people in the courtyard were his wife and secretary, chatting under the grapevine.
Other than that, there was only the sound of cicadas.
In this environment, Hu Yuanping felt a rare sense of leisure and inner peace. Even the numbers on the pages seemed clearer to him.
He read on, occasionally jotting down calculations with a pen and paper. Before long, he sensed someone approaching quietly.
Hu Yuanping looked up and saw the young man he had seen earlier, now standing right in front of him.
The young man was carrying a student’s desk, a bit worn, but scrubbed spotless.
Seeing Hu Yuanping look up, the young man gave him a simple, honest smile. “Uncle, I brought you a desk. You can write on this. Sitting in that chair to write isn’t comfortable.”
With that, he positioned the desk next to the flower bed, and also placed Hu Yuanping’s unfinished tea on it.
He even brought over a small stool, creating a makeshift office space for Hu Yuanping in this little corner of the world.
Watching the young man deftly set everything up and then quietly slip away, Hu Yuanping was momentarily at a loss.
He had never imagined that this little herbal tea stall, which he had initially thought nothing of, would make him feel so genuinely taken care of.
Without a word, he slowly stood up and sat down at the desk.
Although the setup was still relatively simple, he found it immensely comfortable.
Zhuang Wenxia, at some point, had returned and was now lying back down on the bamboo chair.
Neither of them spoke. They simply kept each other company in silence, yet both felt a sense of peaceful, tranquil contentment.
Hu Yuanping soon became absorbed in his work.
Lin Changhe went out and wandered around for a good while, but returned empty-handed.
The truth was, by this time, the grocery stores had long since sold out of vegetables. The morning market had closed, and the evening market hadn’t yet begun.
On top of that, he was a stranger in town and unfamiliar with the area.
Fortunately, the Ning family’s supplies were still fairly ample.
The duck Ning Yi had bought was turned by Ning Xin into two dishes: steamed duck breast with shredded ginger and braised duck with dried tangerine peel. Even the duck bones were put to good use, made into a congee of rice and duck.
According to Ning Xin, the steamed duck breast with shredded ginger nourished yin and cleared heat, with the main effect of reducing the irritability associated with menopause, while also alleviating insomnia and excessive dreaming.
The braised duck with dried tangerine peel and the duck congee, on the other hand, were specially prepared for Hu Yuanping. Their effects were to warm the middle burner, harmonize the stomach, move qi, and relieve pain, exactly addressing his discomfort that day.
Besides these two substantial dishes and a main course, the Ning family also made two vegetable dishes and a dessert.
The vegetable dishes were common fare of the time: cucumber with minced garlic, and celery stir-fried with bean sprouts. The dessert was steamed lotus seeds with rock sugar.
Ning Xin naturally had her explanations for these as well. The lotus seeds were prepared for Zhuang Wenxia, while the celery stir-fried with bean sprouts, she said, was something Hu Yuanping could add to his regular diet. Eating it often would be very beneficial.
Although they were all simple, homestyle dishes, Ning Xin’s cooking was excellent, and she had a way with words. Moreover, each dish had been thoughtfully crafted as a medicinal meal tailored specifically for the couple.
So when the meal came to an end, the couple was thoroughly satisfied.
Even Lin Changhe couldn’t bring himself to put down his chopsticks.
When everyone had eaten their fill and was about to set down their chopsticks, Ning Xin said to her brother, “Brother, go get a gauze bag and pack a few steamed buns for Uncle Hu to take home.”
Hu Yuanping was taken aback and quickly declined, “No need.”
Ning Xin smiled and explained, “Uncle, don’t stand on ceremony. I’m not bragging, but you won’t find these steamed buns anywhere except at our house. I’ve added poria powder and other Chinese herbs to them. They’re very nourishing for the stomach. I can’t ask you to eat all three meals here every day, so take some buns home. On days you can’t come, eat these as your staple food. When they run out, just come back, we’ll steam fresh ones for you!”
Her words left all three of them astonished.
Zhuang Wenxia immediately picked up another bun and broke it in half. She looked at it closely and noticed that there did seem to be very fine particles inside, so fine that one wouldn’t notice them without looking carefully.
She thought back to the taste she had experienced while eating. At the time, she hadn’t noticed anything unusual, but now that she thought about it, the buns had tasted slightly different from ordinary ones.
But, there was absolutely no medicinal taste at all!
Zhuang Wenxia made her decision on the spot. “Xiao Xin, you may have already guessed that we’re not from around here. Auntie won’t hide it from you, we’re from Beijing. Your Uncle Hu is here on business, and I just came along for the change of scenery. We’ll probably be staying in Xinnan for about another week?”
She turned to look at her husband as she spoke.
The moment his wife started talking, Hu Yuanping had already guessed what she was going to say. Thinking back on his experience that morning, he nodded without hesitation.
Zhuang Wenxia continued, “Since we’ll be here for another week, what do you think about your uncle and me arranging to have our meals at your place? Three meals a day, for one week to start. Would that be all right?”
“Of course it would,” Ning Xin agreed readily. “That would be wonderful!”
She didn’t hide her enthusiasm at all, and said with a smile, “Healing the body is never a one-shot deal. Being able to follow a full course of treatment is perfect. Uncle, Auntie, don’t worry. This week, I’ll do my best to help improve your health. I can’t promise a complete recovery, but you’ll definitely be in much better shape than you are now.”
She then glanced at Lin Changhe. “Brother Lin, won’t you be eating here too?”
“He can’t. He has other things to do.”
Before Lin Changhe could respond, Hu Yuanping answered for him.
Then, seemingly sensing a hint of disappointment from his secretary, he smiled slightly. “He’s quite busy and can’t have all three meals here. But he might join us for a meal now and then. When he does, we’ll pay separately.”
Ning Xin immediately made an “OK” gesture.
Hu Yuanping thought for a moment, then looked a little hesitant.
Nevertheless, he asked his question.
“Xiao Ning,” he said, “Uncle would like to ask, is there any kind of guesthouse around here? The conditions don’t need to be particularly good, just quiet.”
Everyone present was taken aback by his words.
Zhuang Wenxia was surprised, but Lin Changhe was the first to grow anxious. “Uncle Hu—”
Hu Yuanping waved him off and continued looking at Ning Xin.
Ning Xin glanced at her brother, then at her grandmother, and tentatively suggested, “Uncle Hu, Auntie, if you don’t mind, would you like to stay at our house? We have plenty of empty rooms. It’s just that we haven’t prepared anything…”
Before she could finish, Hu Yuanping’s face lit up with a pleased expression, and he quickly interrupted, “Good. We’ll stay at your place! It doesn’t matter that nothing is prepared, I’ll have Xiao Lin take care of it!”
Then, turning to his secretary, he said, “Xiao Lin, find a way to buy a bed and some bedding. Get it done this afternoon. Your auntie and I will stay here. We’re not going back to the guesthouse!”
Secretary Lin’s expression clearly showed his hesitation, but he didn’t dare voice it. He obediently followed his instructions and left.
After the meal, at Ning Xin’s urging, Hu Yuanping and Zhuang Wenxia went out for a walk to aid digestion. Meanwhile, the Ning siblings and their grandmother busied themselves tidying up the rooms.
It had been some time since Ning’s father passed away.
Since the old lady had arrived, she had gathered up all of Ning’s father’s belongings from his room, leaving it empty.
When it came to freeing up a room, Ning Yi didn’t need anyone to suggest it. He proactively offered to move into his father’s old room and give up his own.
After all, aside from the three rooms at the entrance, only the siblings’ rooms had been renovated and painted, still looking fresh and new.
Secretary Lin was highly efficient.
By the time the Ning family had just finished clearing out the room, he had already returned with people carrying the furniture.
The items were few: a double bed, a set of bedding, a desk lamp, and the couple’s luggage. That was all.
Seeing how bare the room was, once the workers had set everything down and left, Ning Xin quickly had her brother bring in a table and two chairs, at least making the room look somewhat presentable.
Even so, she felt a little uneasy, worried that Hu Yuanping and his wife might find it too simple.
But when the couple returned and saw the room, they were very pleased.
Zhuang Wenxia immediately changed into her nightclothes and went straight to bed.
She seemed determined to catch up on all the sleep she had missed while she finally could.
Hu Yuanping, however, didn’t stay in the room long. Carrying the tea Ning Xin had brewed for him, he called Lin Changhe over, and the two of them went back to the shady spot behind the flower bed, where they spoke in low voices about work.
And so, the Hu couple settled in.
They gave the Ning family one hundred yuan, agreeing that they would settle any difference later.
Ning Xin could tell that this couple was not short of money, so she didn’t argue with them over it.
Instead, she devoted even more care to adjusting their diet with various medicinal meals tailored to their specific health conditions.
Lin Changhe came to the Ning household every morning to check in.
Then he and Hu Yuanping would either go out to work or simply sit together in that shady spot, discussing who knew what.
That spot had now become something of Hu Yuanping’s second office.
Zhuang Wenxia was living a leisurely life.
When the weather was cool, she would go out for a stroll. When it was too hot, she would simply stay at the Ning household, drinking tea and chatting.
She had even gotten to know the neighbors in a very short time.
The days passed one by one, and soon it was almost the seventh day they had mentioned. Yet the couple showed no sign of moving out, they seemed completely content, as if they had forgotten about going home.
Ning Xin certainly wasn’t going to bring it up. Who would complain about guests staying too long? Or about making too much money?
Ning Yi had now started running business with Xu Shaonian, so the variety of fine grains and miscellaneous staples like red beans and mung beans at home was gradually increasing.
In particular, he had brought back several catties of honeycomb from the mountains, which made Ning Xin absolutely delighted!
She was so excited that she got up early the next morning, intending to make honey-steamed cake as a little snack to sell alongside the herbal tea.
First, she steamed the flour. While that was happening, she beat the eggs, added honey and white sugar, and whipped the mixture until it expanded. Then she mixed the steamed, cooled flour with the egg mixture, tapped the bowl to release air bubbles, poured it into a container, and steamed it.
Having made steamed egg cake once before, she was already familiar with the process. With Old Madam Ning helping, things moved quickly.
Soon, the sweet, distinctive aroma of steamed cake began to waft through the small courtyard.
Just then, a young woman’s voice came from the entrance: “Excuse me, is this Comrade Ning Yi’s home?”
Ning Xin and Old Madam Ning were both taken aback.
They exchanged a glance and saw surprise in each other’s eyes.
Ning Yi had been back in the city for over a month, yet this was the first time a young woman had come to the house looking for him.
Without needing to discuss it, both Ning Xin and the old lady answered at the same time: “Yes, come in!”
Then they both dropped what they were doing and ran out of the kitchen.
There, they saw a young woman in her early twenties walk past the screen wall.
She was of medium height, with a broad face, a wide jaw, thick eyebrows, big eyes, and two braids. Although not exactly beautiful, she had the healthy, simple look that elders of this era most favored.
Sure enough, after just one glance, Old Madam Ning’s eyes crinkled with delight, and her tone when she spoke was even gentler than usual.
She said, “Young lady, you’re looking for Xiao Yi? He’s not home right now. Who are you, and what business do you have with him? Can you tell me? I’m his grandmother.”
Hearing that Ning Yi wasn’t home, the young woman’s face fell with obvious disappointment.
She didn’t respond to the old lady’s question. Instead, she pressed on anxiously, “Where did Ning Yi go? Shouldn’t he be at work right now? Why isn’t he home? Where has he been these past few days?”
The way she asked was rather confrontational.
This era was not yet very open-minded. It was rare for a young woman to show up alone at an unfamiliar man’s house early in the morning, demand to see him without offering any explanation, and then ask such pointed questions.
Hearing this, the smile on the old lady’s face noticeably faded.
The young woman clearly noticed this and quickly added, “Grandma, please don’t misunderstand. I’m a friend of Ning Yi’s. I have something to discuss with him. I’ve been to the coal yard several times, but I haven’t been able to find him, so I came to his home.”
If anything, this made the old lady even more displeased.
Her grandson had quit his job several days ago, and this person clearly didn’t know that. That meant she wasn’t very close to him.
If they weren’t close, why was she coming here so early in the morning?
In any case, in Old Madam Ning’s heart, her grandson was an honest, simple soul, the type who wouldn’t even make a sound if you kicked him. She absolutely refused to believe that Ning Yi could have done anything wrong.
So the problem must lie with this girl!
Thinking of the deceptions her grandson had suffered in the past, the old lady’s gaze toward the young woman grew cold.
Meanwhile, Ning Xin, who had been standing by without speaking, was experiencing a storm of emotions inside.
From the moment she got a clear look at the young woman’s appearance, Ning Xin recognized her as the heroine of this book, Leng Hui.
What she didn’t know was why Leng Hui had come to their home.
Such a scene had never been mentioned in the original book!
As a cannon fodder side character who had transmigrated, Ning Xin had never intended to have any interaction with the heroine.
Who knew if Leng Hui carried some kind of “heroine’s halo” or other such nonsense?
It wasn’t that she was afraid, but as cannon fodder, Ning Xin had no intention of going out of her way to look for trouble.
So when Leng Hui suddenly appeared at her doorstep, claiming to have come specifically for her brother, Ning Xin felt a wave of irritation.
Just as she was about to ask a few more questions, two more people walked around the screen wall.
One was Secretary Lin. The other was a middle-aged man wearing a cadre’s uniform.
With guests arriving, Ning Xin naturally had to go greet them. As for the heroine, she would have to take a back seat when guests were present.
Ning Xin stepped forward and greeted Lin Changhe warmly. “Brother Lin, you’re here early today? Uncle Hu and Auntie Zhuang haven’t come back from their walk yet.”
Hearing this, Lin Changhe wasn’t at all anxious. Instead, he asked cheerfully, “Xiao Xin, did you make plenty of breakfast this morning? Can you add two more people? Your uncle here and I haven’t eaten yet.”
“Of course there’s enough. Brother Lin, you two are in luck. I made honey steamed cake today! Haven’t you noticed the smell? Isn’t it especially fragrant?”
Hearing her words, both Lin Changhe and the middle-aged man who had come with him laughed.
Ning Xin busily urged them to sit down, while Old Madam Ning had already gone into the kitchen to bring out tea.
At that moment, neither of the Nings had any attention to spare for Leng Hui. She was left standing there, ignored.
But she didn’t seem to mind. In fact, her face was filled with sheer shock.