Chapter 37

In the kitchen, a rich aroma of meat filled the air.Squatting by the stove to watch the fire, Xiao Yan couldn’t help but drool at the smell.

“Brother, when can we eat?” the little one asked impatiently.

“Just a little longer,” Lu Qing replied, feeling a bit restless himself.

As a meat-lover in his previous life, Lu Qing hadn’t had proper meat since coming to this world, apart from fish. Now, the tempting aroma was almost too much to bear.

Lu Qing was making braised pork. Due to a lack of seasonings, it was a simplified version, more like stewed meat.

The idea of making braised pork came to him when he saw soy sauce for sale at the Grand Bazaar. A farmer’s wife was selling it in jars, and after tasting it, Lu Qing was delighted to find it tasted somewhat like soy sauce, though not as salty.

He bought a lot, making the farmer’s wife very grateful. After asking about the sauce's origin, he learned her grandfather, a former cook from a distant city's restaurant, had created the recipe. She started making the sauce to support her poor household.

People here didn’t seem to appreciate the sauce much, so Lu Qing was her biggest customer ever. Feeling sorry for her, he bought another jar, which earned him even more gratitude.

With the soy sauce in hand, Lu Qing decided to make braised pork. He cut the fatty pork into chunks, blanched it, and then fried it until slightly golden. He sautéed the sauce before adding the meat, then stewed it with sugar, salt, and water.

Though not authentic braised pork, it was as close as he could get. Despite the simple method, the meat aroma soon filled the air, making both siblings salivate.

Judging the time was right, Lu Qing opened the pot, releasing a burst of steam and intense meat fragrance that filled the kitchen and drifted outside.

Passersby stopped, astonished by the strong smell coming from Lu Qing's house. Curious but hesitant to intrude, they eventually left, feeling hungrier by the minute. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ NovᴇlFɪre .ɴᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

The aroma reached nearby households, causing similar reactions. 

“The Lu family’s doing well, cooking such fragrant meat!” 

“After Lu Ming and his wife passed, I thought Lu Qing and Xiao Yan would struggle. Now, they seem just fine.”

“I heard Lu Qing and Wang Da'an went to the Grand Bazaar, bought a lot, and repaid everyone who lent them food and salt.”

“Old Doctor Chen treats his disciple well.”

“If only my son were as promising. I’d ask the doctor to take him in too.”

Lu Qing, oblivious to the villagers' talk, focused on thickening the sauce. He served the tender meat, trembling slightly in the bowl, looking incredibly appetizing.

He quickly stir-fried some greens and announced dinner was ready.

“Xiao Yan, this is yours. Eat slowly, it’s hot.”

“Got it, brother.” She obediently blew on the meat to cool it.

Lu Qing took a piece himself, and after blowing on it, took a bite. His eyes lit up. The meat, stewed to perfection, was flavorful and slightly elastic, a satisfying combination.

“Brother, this is delicious!” Xiao Yan exclaimed with a mouthful of oily meat.

“Of course, it took a lot of effort,” Lu Qing said proudly.

“Brother’s cooking is the best! I want to learn and make lots of delicious food!” the little foodie declared.

“Then you must eat well and grow. I’ll teach you when you’re older.”

“Okay!”

The siblings enjoyed a wonderful meal. After cleaning up, Lu Qing took a piece of cloth to Elder Zhang’s house next door.

“Grandpa Zhang, is my second aunt at home?”

The second aunt, known for her sewing skills, came out.

“I bought some cloth at the bazaar to make clothes for Xiao Yan, but I can’t sew. Could you help? I’ll pay you.”

“Don’t mention payment. We help each other out,” she said, taking the cloth. “Bring Xiao Yan tomorrow for measurements.”

“You’re too polite, Lu Qing. We’ll get it done,” Elder Zhang added.

Back home, Lu Qing smiled at Xiao Yan playing in the yard. Her patched-up clothes were getting worn. He bought the cloth today to make her new clothes as a surprise.

That night, Xiao Yan fell asleep waiting for the black night spirit lynx, which didn’t come. She was grumpy the next morning until she heard about the new clothes.

Two days later, Xiao Yan beamed in her new outfit, showing it off for days.

With enough supplies from the bazaar, Lu Qing stayed in the village, studying under Doctor Chen, farming, and perfecting his cooking.

He occasionally fished for the black night spirit lynx, living a peaceful routine.

One morning, as he and Xiao Yan reached the Halfway House, Doctor Chen told him he no longer needed to read the Compendium of Materia Medica.