Chapter 40: Spicy Cabbage Soup

Chapter 40

"Our family has always had a single descendant. My grandfather wanted to teach my dad, and my dad did want to learn, but he didn't have the talent for it," Wang Wenhao shrugged.

"Later my grandfather said he would teach me, but I didn't want to learn. I grew up in the kitchen ever since I was little, and my classmates would say I smelled like kitchen fumes and didn't want to play with me, saying that working in the kitchen was only for little girls."

"Although I knew they were wrong, there was nothing I could do to keep studying cooking. I always felt uncomfortable inside."

"Grandfather was very disappointed, but he still hoped I would come back and learn," Wang Wenhao had a complicated expression. "But I really didn't want to learn. Now when I think back on it, it was just childish joking between us kids."

"But deep down, I would instinctively avoid this issue."

"Then why did you come back here?" Xiao Jun asked after listening to him finish.

"I guess I didn't want to regret it in the future."

"I'm graduating tomorrow. But whenever I think about what job I should do in the future, my first reaction is always what grandfather said, inherit the Wang family cuisine and carry it forward."

"It's just a pity it's a bit late for grandfather to know about this."

"We apprentices don't get paid much here, and the work is tiring," Xiao Jun suddenly stood up. "Are you sure you want to stay?"

"I'm sure!" Wang Wenhao happily replied.

"Alright then. Come help me move in a few days. You can live in the shop or rent a place outside, there are many rooms in the new home." Xiao Jun looked at his unruly hair again. "Remember to dye your hair back."

"Huh?" Wang Wenhao reluctantly touched his head. "Is there a restriction on hair color and style here? I thought there weren't any."

"There aren't," Xiao Jun walked back. "But it hurts my eyes looking at it."

Wang Wenhao was left speechless for a moment.

"Go on back home. The shop's closed recently, I'll let you know when we open," Xiao Jun added.

"Sure!" Wang Wenhao left happily without taking offense. "I'll go get my hair done."

Xiao Jun waved his hand without another word.

"What's up?" Ding Sha asked when he came back.

"Nothing much," Xiao Jun briefly replied. "Just took on a young apprentice."

Ding Sha said a few words before letting it go.

Because little Ping An was writhing around in bed, and had actually rolled over!

It was Du Rourou.

Du Rourou seemed a little disappointed. "I thought that after the pandemic I'd get to come here for big meals every day... Turns out you guys are moving away..."

Ding Sha reassured her, "It's not like we're going out of business. If nothing else, you can always order takeout in the future..."

"Takeout doesn't taste as good!" Du Rourou insisted.

She kept asking for the new shop's address. After Ding Sha told her, she saw the girl's eyes go wide.

"Ahhhhh my grandparents live around that area!" Du Rourou was happy again. "I can go every day!"

Ding Sha found her quite cute and couldn't help laughing.

Only after getting excited did Du Rourou hesitantly ask, "Boss lady, can I order something to eat today?"

"What would you like?" Ding Sha didn't turn her down.

Du Rourou thought for a bit. "I haven't had much of an appetite lately. I'd like something nice and sour and spicy..."

Ding Sha considered things then suggested, "The pickled mustard greens have been pretty good recently. Want to try some pickled mustard green soup?"

"Sounds great!" Du Rourou eagerly nodded.

Ding Sha smiled as she scooped some rice into a bowl for her. "I'll make an exception and let you eat here today, but takeout only from now on."

Du Rourou thanked her, then couldn't wait to pick up a spoon and take a sip of soup.

The taste was smooth and pleasantly sour and spicy, whetting her appetite.

Du Rourou felt her appetite that had been blocked up the past few days instantly get cleared.

Ding Sha sat holding a sleepy Ping An, watching Du Rourou eat and playing with Ping An from time to time.

"What a beautiful baby..." Du Rourou said admiringly and enviously.

Ding Sha smiled and thanked her.

Before Du Rourou could finish eating, Gong Sister-in-law and Zhuang Auntie walked in, both carrying bags.

As soon as Zhuang Auntie came in, she threw down her things and made a beeline for little Ping An.

"Yo, isn't this little Ping An! Auntie's missed you so much!"