Xu Tang poured oil into the wok. Once the oil was hot, she added the ginger. She didn’t cut it because she would need to take it out later; otherwise, it would be difficult to explain.
Then she added the chicken pieces and stir-fried them continuously.
Before long, an enticing aroma filled the kitchen.
As Zhang Yue washed clothes, she muttered to herself, “Little sister really is smart. She only had to read about it in a book to know how to do it. No wonder she’s a high school student.”
Seeing that the chicken was almost done, Xu Tang added oyster sauce, chicken bouillon, and salt. Then she poured in some water, covered the wok, and let the chicken simmer until tender.
She then called toward Zhang Yue at the doorway, “Second Sister-in-law, could you pick a few chili peppers for me?”
Zhang Yue shook the water from her hands and stood up. “Sure.”
She went to the vegetable patch in the backyard, picked several chili peppers, washed them, and brought them to the kitchen for Xu Tang.
“Little sister, do you want me to cut them into small pieces for you?”
“Sure. Thank you, Second Sister-in-law.”
Xu Tang cracked the wild chicken eggs into a bowl and whisked them. Zhang Yue cut the chili peppers and handed them to her. Watching Xu Tang’s practiced movements, she praised her, “Little sister, you’re amazing. You’re doing this like a real expert.”
Xu Tang smiled shyly. “It’s nothing. Maybe I’m just naturally talented at it…”
Zhang Yue then went back to washing clothes. She also asked Xu Tang if she had any clothes that needed washing.
Xu Tang told her there was one piece in her room, so Zhang Yue brought it out and washed it with the others.
Once the chicken had simmered enough, Xu Tang added another piece of firewood to turn up the heat and reduce the sauce. Then she tossed in the chili peppers and stir-fried everything briefly before taking it off the stove.
With the oil left in the wok, she fried the eggs. She also stir-fried some cabbage and put the steamed corn buns on to heat.
By then, everyone had returned from work.
Seeing Zhang Yue washing clothes at the doorway, Zhao Guifang asked in confusion, “Second Daughter-in-law, is the meal ready?”
Seeing that her mother-in-law had misunderstood, Zhang Yue quickly explained, “Mom, little sister went up the mountain today and caught a wild chicken. She said she wanted everyone to try her cooking.”
As soon as Zhao Guifang heard that, she hurried into the kitchen.
She saw Xu Tang carrying dishes out.
“My good girl, why did you go up the mountain again? The wound on your head hasn’t even healed yet.”
“Mom, you’re back! The food is ready. Come eat!”
Seeing that Xu Tang had completely ignored her question, Zhao Guifang glared at her.
When Xu Wen came in, he immediately smelled the delicious aroma of meat. As soon as he heard his mother say that his little aunt had caught a wild chicken, he ran over.
“Little Aunt, you’re amazing! You even managed to catch a wild chicken!”
Xu Wanjia and his brother, along with Xu Qingqing, also gathered around. Their eyes practically sparkled as they looked at her with admiration.
Xu Tang felt a little guilty under their gazes. “Little Aunt was just lucky. Hurry and wash your hands and come eat. Come taste Little Aunt’s cooking and see how it is.”
They all answered in unison, “Okay!”
Then they ran off to wash their hands.
Her two older brothers also praised her, making Xu Tang feel even more embarrassed.
To prevent Zhao Guifang from telling her to eat alone, Xu Tang quickly spoke up.
“Mom, from now on, whatever you all eat, I’ll eat too. We’re family. Otherwise, I won’t eat.”
The words Zhao Guifang was about to say were instantly blocked.
She helplessly replied, “All right. We’ll listen to our girl. Let’s all eat together.”
The moment she said that, everyone immediately started grabbing food as quickly as they could.
Zhao Guifang quickly ladled a bowlful and placed it in front of Xu Tang. Otherwise, at the rate they were eating, there wouldn’t be anything left in a moment.
Xu Tang gave her mother a grateful look.
She picked up a piece of chicken and put it into her mouth. It actually tasted pretty good.
But by the time she had eaten only half of her meal, everyone else had already finished.
“Little Aunt, your cooking is so delicious! I haven’t been this full in such a long time.” Xu Wen rubbed his round belly, looking completely satisfied.
“Little sister, I didn’t know you had this talent. It’s so delicious!” Her second older brother, Xu Changshun, was equally satisfied.
“Little Aunt is the best!” Xu Qingqing chimed in.
“Of course meat tastes good! You lot are so talkative. Can’t you see that my girl hasn’t finished eating yet? Even after stuffing yourselves full, you still can’t keep your mouths shut.”
Zhao Guifang cut them off.
Couldn’t they see that her daughter hadn’t finished eating yet?
What a bunch of thoughtless children.