Chapter 89: The Family Eats Barbecue!

“These are ready-made medicines available at the pharmacy. Whether imported or developed by Renxin Hall itself, each type has a paper attached describing its functions and usage. Then you learn to identify the scent, shape, texture, and other characteristics of the medicinal herbs. Once you’ve memorized them, you gradually learn how to prepare them.

Sister-in-law, although I can’t do these things yet, I’ve discovered several particularly useful ready-made medicines. I bought some this time, and they might come in handy.” As Leng Chen spoke, he ran to the bamboo basket he had brought back, rummaged inside, and then held out what he found, presenting it to Wen Nuan Nuan. “Sister-in-law, please keep these!”

Wen Nuan Nuan suddenly felt a warm sensation in her heart, as if she had just drunk a fine cup of tea, leaving her whole body feeling comfortable and at ease.

After all, she was an adult at heart. Looking at the three little ones was like looking at tiny flower buds—she always felt they needed careful nurturing to grow up properly.

Despite their young age, they had endured more hardships and trials than she had. Precisely because of this, their maturity, thoughtfulness, diligence, and willingness to endure hardships made them even more endearing.

Originally, she had been kind to them with the idea of clinging to a “golden thigh” and finding a reliable support. But after living together genuinely during this time, caring for and looking after one another, Wen Nuan Nuan had long since come to regard them as her younger brothers from the bottom of her heart.

“Sister-in-law doesn’t know how to use these either. You keep them. If anyone suffers from headaches, fevers, or stomachaches on the road, just tell them which pill to take, and they can take it.”

“I’ve written everything on the paper wrapping the pills. I’ll prepare more for the journey next year. For now, Sister-in-law, please keep these. If you or Little Brother feel unwell at home during this time, you can take them according to what’s written on the paper.

The old gentleman also allowed me to bring medical books back to study. During the New Year holiday, I might not be able to help much.” Leng Chen insisted, handing them over.

Wen Nuan Nuan happily accepted them, not forgetting to remind him, “No need to help! Focus on your studies. Little Brother, your Eldest Brother, and I have already prepared most of what we need during this time. During the holiday, let’s just stay home, relax, and enjoy ourselves.”

Just glancing at the medical books Leng Chen had brought back earlier had made her tremble with fear. The characters were somewhat complex, and she could barely recognize them, but when combined, she couldn’t understand a single sentence!

No wonder so many people abandoned medicine for literature. The level of rigor and the amount of knowledge required meant that even studying diligently would take many years.

And the key point was, you might still not be able to master it!

Fortunately, Leng Chen not only took the initiative to study but was also exceptionally enthusiastic about it, truly refreshing her understanding of what it meant to be driven.

If she had possessed this kind of drive back then… well, she still wouldn’t have applied to medical school—after all, she was a humanities student and couldn’t apply.

Even if she could have applied, she wouldn’t have. Neither traditional Chinese medicine nor Western medicine was simple. Just look at how medical undergraduate programs took one year longer than other majors.

“The old gentleman said that once I’ve thoroughly studied these three medical books and can remember the general meridians and acupoints of the human body, he’ll privately teach me the basics of bone-setting and acupuncture. I want to memorize them during the New Year holiday!” As Leng Chen spoke, his eyes lit up.

Wen Nuan Nuan thought to herself, no wonder Leng Chen was so enthusiastic—he had ideals and aspirations.

Moreover, it was clear that Leng Chen had won the old gentleman’s appreciation. Indeed, everyone had their own karmic affinity, and it was nothing to envy.

This was a good thing, and of course, she would fully support and cooperate, not wanting to be the one holding him back.

“Alright, you can study peacefully in my room during the day. Your room has too many people and isn’t suitable for studying.” As for Leng Xiao, he could just move over there. After all, he only needed to write essays—it wasn’t like Little Brother, who had to be proficient in arithmetic for business.

Moreover, if Little Brother were to miscalculate from time to time like him, he might as well not be a merchant or do business at all. The silver he earns wouldn’t even be enough to cover his losses, and he might end up losing everything down to his last pair of pants!

“Thank you, sister-in-law!” Leng Chen said with a beaming smile.

Leng Tian looked over with envy.

However, he knew he definitely couldn’t do it himself. When he practiced his staff techniques, he needed a very spacious area.

Leng Yun pursed his lips, wanting to remind him but not daring to.

He always had a vague feeling that Eldest Brother might not be happy.

Wen Nuan Nuan looked at Leng Chen with tender affection, her mind filled with thoughts on how to nourish him.

Looking at Little Brother, who had already grown a rounder face after staying home for this period, and Eldest Brother, who was developing a sturdy build as he absorbed nutrients well, only Leng Chen remained—his delicate face still clear and refined, his frame noticeably slimmer than Little Brother’s.

Although he had gained some weight compared to before, it still wasn’t enough. Without enough meat, he might experience growing pains when he shoots up in height come spring, and his growth could be affected.

After some thought, Wen Nuan Nuan asked, “How about having barbecue for dinner?”

Naturally, she received an unprecedented surge of enthusiastic support from the three little ones.

Wen Nuan Nuan happily headed to the kitchen to prepare.

Leng Yun and Leng Chen conscientiously followed to help.

Peeking out and seeing no sign of their eldest brother’s return, Leng Tian also cheerfully ran into the kitchen.

When Leng Xiao entered carrying his prey, the three main rooms were silent, while bursts of laughter and chatter came from the kitchen.

Pushing open the wooden kitchen door, Leng Xiao was momentarily stunned, fearing this was all a dream.

Outside, the cold wind howled, the fierce north wind swirling with icy snowflakes, beating against everything and seeping into every corner.

The sky had darkened, gloomy and bitterly cold, yet this small kitchen was warm and cozy.

The floor was swept clean, firewood and charcoal neatly stacked, the stove fire burning brightly, and food steaming with warmth.

The four of them each had their tasks, chatting and laughing.

“Eldest Brother!” The three little ones stood up respectfully as soon as they noticed him.

Leng Xiao nodded, his gaze settling on the smiling figure before him.

“You’re back. Come warm yourself by the stove—your clothes are a bit damp,” Wen Nuan Nuan said, closing the kitchen door and urging Leng Xiao to warm up.

Leng Xiao replied softly, “I haven’t handled the prey yet. I’ll take care of it first and then come in.”

“Eldest Brother, I’ll handle it,” Leng Tian insisted, standing up without waiting for a response.

Wen Nuan Nuan instructed, “Bring it inside to handle. It’s too cold outside.”

Then, turning to Leng Xiao, she said, “We’re having barbecue tonight. I thought with your big appetites, we might not have enough time, so I prepared a few dishes to go with it.”

Leng Xiao gazed longingly at the smiling figure and responded lightly, “Mm.”

After speaking, Wen Nuan Nuan turned back to immerse herself in the bustling task of cooking.

The hot dishes she prepared were garlic spare ribs and crispy salted small fish. The cold dishes included braised beef slices, century egg salad, sour and spicy cucumber strips, and fried peanuts. She also cooked a double-flavored cured meat rice, each dish generously portioned.

Using a cute little bear-shaped grill, she first roasted a whole honey-glazed rabbit, then grilled the harder-to-cook chicken wings and drumsticks.

Three red clay small stoves were placed on the table, surrounded by sliced pork belly, marinated squid, scored abalone, and ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, chives, tofu, potato slices, rice cake, and glutinous rice cake. Even Wen Nuan Nuan, who often ate barbecue in the past, felt this spread was exceptionally lavish!

Wen Nuan Nuan brought over five small bowls of dipping sauce but felt something was missing.

Ah, that’s right—how could you have barbecue without wine? And it had to be Green Plum Wine!

She had brewed it herself. Every year around April and May, she would buy rouge plums from a certain online marketplace to make plum wine. She stored a small jar in the refrigerator, and by now, it had accumulated into a small vat.

Today, she finally had a chance to drink it!

“I’ll go get the wine.”

Back then, she had used a 29.5-degree double-distilled liquor. After brewing, it was estimated to be around ten to twenty degrees. Wen Nuan Nuan regretfully told the three little ones, “You three are still kids, so you can’t drink.”

Then she turned to Leng Xiao and asked, “Do you want some?”

Wen Nuan Nuan thought it was because of the charcoal fire, as she noticed Leng Xiao’s cool, clear eyes warming up. His low voice rang out, “Sure.”

With someone to share it with, Wen Nuan Nuan eagerly poured Leng Xiao a large cup, whispering proudly, “I used rouge plums for this. They’re a type of green plum, but the wine they make has less tartness and more sweetness. It’s absolutely delicious!”

Leng Xiao smiled faintly, clinking his cup with Wen Nuan Nuan’s in imitation.

Listening to the gentle, warm voice beside him murmuring, “The evening sky threatens snow—shall we share a cup?”

He thought to himself, the snow had already fallen, so naturally, a cup of wine was in order.