Chapter 26

Chapter 26

After everyone dispersed, Luo Ge was whisked away by Gu Jinchen back home.

Ignoring the two little ones anxiously waiting in the courtyard, he brought her into the room.

Without saying a word, he carefully examined her, leaving Luo Ge confused.

"I'm fine, just a sore butt, really not injured."

Regardless of the injury check, the man's actions felt like igniting a flame, and when he tried to undress her, she quickly protested.

Blushing, with a hint of nervous mist in her eyes.

Gu Jinchen paused at her reaction, his concern not fully alleviated.

"Are you really okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine! I dodged her attack, and I even tripped her afterward. Her chin probably took a hit." She had seen Qian Momo's bleeding chin.

Afraid he wouldn't believe her, she hopped around a bit, displaying her agility without any signs of discomfort.

Seeing this, Gu Jinchen finally relaxed, but the mention of her sore butt made him frown.

"Let me check. Even if it doesn't hurt now, it might bruise later. We should apply some medicine."

"No, no, please!" What? No way, without a second thought, she shielded her little behind with her hands.

This injury, how embarrassing! Even though they were already open with each other, it still felt awkward.

"Be obedient," Gu Jinchen's tone was just like coaxing a child.

But seeing Luo Ge vehemently shaking her head, he sighed and stepped back.

Fetching the ointment he used for swelling and bruises, he handed it to her. "Apply it yourself."

Leaving those words, Gu Jinchen went outside, giving her some space.

Despite his concerns having some validity, her delicate constitution made the touch a bit swollen and slightly painful.

Emm... dutifully applying the ointment.

... Meanwhile, at the village entrance.

"Cousin, cousin!"

"Slap!" Li Zhaodi, who had just caught up with Qian Momo to help clean the blood on her chin, received a solid slap.

Her mind buzzed, staring at Qian Momo, speechless.

"Do you still have the nerve to shout? Are you happy seeing me being bullied? You didn't even bother helping when you saw me in trouble! A useless hen that can't lay eggs! I'll definitely tell Aunt about this when I get back!"

"No, it's not like that. I couldn't do anything...," she couldn't help, and not helping was beyond her control.

When Li Zhaodi's husband returned and heard what his wife said, seeing the two girls in such a state, he couldn't help but scold Li Zhaodi.

“What kind of heartless mother are you? No wonder you can't give birth to a son! San Ya and Si Ya are your own daughters! How can you be so cruel? A son wouldn't want a mother like you.”

Li Zhaodi remained silent throughout, only catching the words 'can't give birth to a son.'

Watching her two girls crying and trying to stop her husband, her eyes intensely red, the resentment in her heart grew deeper.

... After the wind and sun, Li Zirou's meat dried up. After the meal, Luo Ge steamed it for half an hour.

When done steaming, the lid was lifted, and a unique fruity fragrance filled the air. One big and two small ones eagerly followed.

“Aunt, can we eat now?” Second Baby asked, eyes filled with anticipation.

Luo Ge shook her head, “Not yet, wait for two more days.”

She reached out and tapped the little one's upturned nose, “Little glutton, you just ate, and you're already thinking about food?”

“It smells so delicious; Second Baby is a little greedy.”

The familiar intimacy of Luo Ge's actions had become a habit for the little ones. The two children made a gesture with their thumbs and index fingers, expressing eagerness.

“Little glutton, you can't eat this dried fruit yet, but there's still some pickled plums from yesterday. Want to eat?”

She made a lot yesterday, and since they hadn't finished, she discreetly stored them in the space. Now, after soaking for a while, the flavor was even better.

Since taking over the kitchen and managing expenses, Gu Jinchen rarely paid attention to these matters. She took advantage of him not being in the kitchen and took things out; he wouldn't notice.

“Yes!” Both little ones replied in unison, even Gu Jinchen's eyes lit up a bit.

In this hot weather, having something sweet, sour, and spicy was genuinely comfortable.

Seeing them like this, Luo Ge silently turned to the cupboard and took out the pickled plums, “Go and enjoy.”

After the two little ones left, Luo Ge continued making dried fruits. She placed the steamed dried fruits into a clean, water-free basin, added sugar and honey, stirring it evenly.

The sugar ratio was not fixed; she tested it and adjusted the taste according to personal preferences.

She tasted it and found it good, but if she planned to sell it, she needed to try other people's preferences. So, she took a bit to feed Gu Jinchen.

She just wanted him to taste it, not thinking too much. Seeing his handsome face instantly turn red, she was puzzled for a moment.

“How is it? Is it too sweet?”

Gu Jinchen shook his head silently, "Just right."

Feeling intensely sweet inside, his wife unexpectedly fed him, making him feel like he was in a honey jar.

"Then it's settled." Hearing this, Luo Ge gave a little to the two little ones, gaining unanimous approval before feeling reassured.

Covering the dried fruits with gauze, letting them marinate for an hour, then picking them up to sun-dry.

The weather has been good during this period. Steaming them again tomorrow and sprinkling some sugar, two more days of sun-drying should do the trick.