NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11: Suddenly, a Spring Breeze Came, and Thousands of Pear Trees Blossomed
Chapter 11: Suddenly, a Spring Breeze Came, and Thousands of Pear Trees Blossomed
Never underestimate the art of cooking. In an era when the average person could barely afford a few pieces of meat, many dishes remained unseen and untasted by most. How could one prepare what they’d never encountered? Those who had never tasted pork since childhood would hardly know how to cook it if suddenly presented with the opportunity.
Lu Yuan stole a moment to observe his wife at work in the kitchen. The rhythmic sound of her knife against the cutting board matched any professional restaurant—clang, clang, clang—her technique both efficient and graceful. She managed two pots simultaneously without confusion: one for the main dishes, another for pancakes.
And the taste—absolutely extraordinary.
Her stewed shredded meat transported him to culinary heaven with a single bite. Though Lu Yuan had intended to wait until she finished cooking before eating, that first taste demolished his restraint. He began feasting immediately, alternating between succulent meat and sips of wine.
When Su Liyan emerged from the kitchen with the final dish—egg drop soup—her heart swelled seeing her husband enjoying her cooking so enthusiastically.
She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, her forehead slightly damp from the kitchen heat. With curved eyebrows and an endearing expression, she asked sweetly, “Brother~ Is it delicious?”
Lu Yuan nodded vigorously despite his full mouth. “It’s delicious—better than any restaurant. The flavors are authentic!”
Su Liyan’s face brightened at his praise. “I know how to make many dishes. I’ll cook for you from now on.”
Her sweet demeanor combined with her ethereal beauty made Lu Yuan’s heart overflow with affection. Still, curiosity prompted a question: “How did you become such an accomplished cook?”
As Su Liyan served him another portion, she explained softly, “My mother taught me. When I was young, something unfortunate happened to our family—our home was searched and everyone sent away. Before leaving, a chef gave his recipe collection to my mother, telling her it could provide our livelihood in the future.”
Lu Yuan blinked in surprise. “Did your family run a restaurant?”
He realized he knew very little about his wife’s background.
Su Liyan shook her head. “No, opening a restaurant requires capital we didn’t have. My mother prepared banquets for village celebrations instead. Her cooking earned such a reputation that families from surrounding villages requested her services for weddings and funerals. I’ve assisted her since childhood.”
Lu Yuan nodded with understanding. No wonder her cooking surpassed professional standards—she’d apprenticed under her mother from an early age.
The conversation turned to their own wedding celebration. Lu Yuan looked at Su Liyan thoughtfully. “We shouldn’t hold our feast here. I have no family—no parents, siblings, or relatives. Let’s celebrate at your home instead.”
They could technically hire neighbors to help, but after today’s confrontation—particularly insulting the three deans—who would attend? Traditional wedding etiquette required guests to bring monetary gifts of at least one yuan—enough to purchase several pounds of pork. Without the obligation of neighborly courtesy, attendance seemed unlikely.
Besides, Lu Yuan wanted an exceptional celebration. Having married such a wonderful wife within half a month of his arrival—when he’d remained single throughout his previous life—the occasion deserved the finest: premium liquor, exquisite dishes, and quality cigarettes. The neighborhood’s customary gift-giving wouldn’t cover such extravagance.
Though money posed no concern for Lu Yuan, he disliked the thought of neighbors benefiting from his generosity without reciprocating. His wife’s village seemed the better option.
When he finished speaking, Su Liyan shook her head anxiously. “Brother, let’s not hold a banquet at all. I have few relatives—only my mother and stepmother remain. While some villagers have been kind over the years, they have little money to spare.”
She understood the economics perfectly, having witnessed countless village celebrations alongside her mother. Rural guests might contribute mere pennies, resulting in significant financial loss. Traditional practice dictated that only the wealthiest families or village leaders celebrated daughters’ marriages with banquets.
Lu Yuan remained silent, though his mind was made up. This banquet would happen—his first marriage across two lifetimes deserved proper celebration. But that discussion could wait; now was time to finish their meal quickly and attend to more pressing matters.
After dinner, with wedding decorations adorning the walls and red candles casting a warm glow throughout the house, Su Liyan’s beautiful face took on a charming flush. She understood what came next.
“Brother,” she murmured with a gentle tremor in her voice, “I haven’t washed the dishes yet.”
Lu Yuan answered with a wicked smile, sweeping her into his arms and heading toward the bedroom. After restraining himself all day, his patience had reached its limit.
In his embrace, Su Liyan experienced not only shyness but unmistakable anticipation. Her eyes revealed both emotions as Lu Yuan carried her across the threshold.
He placed her gently on the bed with its traditional red quilt and sheets, then closed the door and drew the curtains. Turning back to Su Liyan, who sat on the edge of the bed looking both demure and alluring, his restraint finally broke.
With a passionate sound, he moved toward her.
As Su Liyan’s soft sighs filled the room, that night truly embodied the ancient poetic sentiment:
Suddenly, a spring breeze came overnight, and thousands of pear trees blossomed.