Chapter 39
The day of Du Wei's departure was approaching, and on the eve of his departure, Li Suniang was quietly helping him pack his luggage. There wasn't much to pack, just a few thick clothes and several pairs of shoes.
In the past, Du Wei would have packed his own luggage, but Li Suniang had taken the initiative to pack for him. She wasn't trying to show off her domestic skills, but rather, she wanted to calm her own unease by keeping busy.
Du Wei watched as she carefully folded each piece of clothing and placed it in the luggage. He couldn't help but say, "Wife, that's enough. You don't need to pack so many clothes."
As a caravan guard, Du Wei was used to traveling long distances, often without access to inns or amenities. He and his fellow guards would often have to camp out under the stars, and their clothes would become tattered and worn. They had to be constantly on alert, leaving no time for personal grooming.
Du Wei didn't mention this to Li Suniang, fearing that she would worry even more. After Li Suniang finished packing, Du Wei handed her three silver coins. "Wife, take this and use it to buy something for the household."
Li Suniang looked up at Du Wei but didn't take the money. Instead, she said, "I have the betrothal money you gave me last time, which I haven't used yet. You should keep this for yourself, in case you need it on the road. After all, it's said that a poor household can become rich through hard work and thriftiness."
Du Wei forced the money into Li Suniang's hands, saying, "Keep the betrothal money for yourself, don't use it. This is for your daily expenses. I have enough with me, so don't worry. If you need more, just tell Father, I've already spoken to him."
Li Suniang took the money, quickly saying, "That's enough, I don't go out much, and we don't lack anything at home." She didn't want to give the impression that she was wasteful.
After chatting for a while, Du Wei looked at Li Suniang with deep affection in his eyes and said, "Wife, it's late, time to rest."
Li Suniang nodded shyly, still feeling a bit inexperienced in these matters.
That night, Li Suniang was very cooperative, making Du Wei even more reluctant to leave. As she drifted off to sleep, she thought she heard Du Wei whispering in her ear, "Wife, don't worry, I've decided to quit after this trip."
Li Suniang wanted to open her eyes to confirm, but she was too tired and fell asleep.@@novelbin@@
The next day, she struggled to get up after Du Wei woke up, looking sleepy and rubbing her waist. Du Wei felt a pang of sympathy, saying, "Why didn't you sleep in? I've already said everything I needed to say, and there's nothing left to do."
Li Suniang replied softly, "I want to see you off." Her voice was still soft and sweet, making Du Wei's heart itch with desire, wishing he could take her with him.
Li Suniang didn't like the scene of departure, feeling uncomfortable and anxious. She only got up early to confirm what Du Wei said the night before. "Husband, you weren't lying to me last night, were you?"
Du Wei reassured her, "I wasn't lying, this is the last time. I'll be with you and our family from now on."
Li Suniang finally confirmed that she hadn't misheard. She didn't expect that a pair of shoes would solve her worries, and she wished she had made them earlier.
As Du Wei left, Li Suniang felt a sense of emptiness. She thought to herself, "I shouldn't get too used to being pampered, or I'll struggle when things change." She decided to focus on her work and started preparing the vegetable garden that Du Wei had tilled earlier. Xiao Zihao would help her after his training, just like before. Lao Du watched them with a warm smile.
At noon, Li Suniang made handmade noodles, a northern dish she loved. Although she wasn't skilled at cooking, she had a talent for making noodles. Unfortunately, her family didn't share her enthusiasm, so she rarely got to showcase her skills.
After getting married to Du Wei, Li Suniang didn't have the opportunity to cook as Du Wei took care of all the household chores. She also didn't feel like cooking as Du Wei's dishes suited her taste buds. However, with Du Wei away, she had to start cooking herself.
She asked Lao Du, "Father, what do you want to eat for lunch?"
Lao Du replied, "Anything, daughter-in-law, you choose. I'm not picky."
Li Suniang decided to make handmade noodles, something she had been craving lately. She followed the traditional process of making noodles, from mixing flour and water to kneading and rolling out the dough. She also prepared some small white vegetables to add to the noodles.
After kneading the dough, she let it rest for half an hour. Without a refrigerator, she couldn't chill the dough, which would have made the noodles even more delicious. She then rolled out the dough, sprinkled some flour on it, and folded it multiple times before cutting it into thin strips.
Finally, she shook out the noodles, spread them out to dry, and sprinkled some more flour to prevent them from sticking together.
While the noodles were drying, Li Suniang first heated the oil pan and fried the pakchoi for later use. Then she put water in the pot to cook the noodles.
The hand-rolled noodles have a chewy texture and rich noodle aroma. Most importantly, they nourish the stomach, making them especially suitable for the elderly and children. Lao Du was so comfortable eating a large bowl of hand-rolled noodles. After eating, he touched his mouth with his hand and said to Li Suniang, "Zihao's mother, this noodle is delicious. Please make more for me in the future."
"Yeah, yeah, mom is delicious." Xiao Zihao ate without even raising his head.
'Boy, it's the noodles that are delicious, not your mom.' Li Suniang muttered speechlessly after hearing what Xiao Zihao said.
Seeing the old and the young praising her, she couldn't help but think of the noodles eaten at Aunt Yang's house. It was either noodle dumpling soup or noodle cakes. It seemed that she had never seen Aunt Yang roll noodles.
When she thought of the noodle cakes, Li Suniang felt her cheeks ache. When it is hot, it is OK except that it is a little dry in the mouth. At least it does not require too much effort. When it is cold, it is not a delicacy. It is simply dry and hard. If you have bad teeth, you can't eat them.
However, it is a good choice to make as dry food for those who go out. It is absolutely enough to fill you up by soaking it in hot water.
Li Suniang can't figure out why the noodles here are made like this. In her previous life, she also ate noodles and felt that they were quite delicious. They were thin and crispy, and sprinkled with sesame seeds. It was so fragrant.
When she thought of this, Li Suniang felt that her saliva was about to flow out. Otherwise, she would try to make it herself next time. Since Li Suniang came here, she has mainly eaten multi-grain porridge and multi-grain rice. She also tried to make multi-grain pancakes once, but later gave up.
The pot is not good, and there are no good ingredients to roll it in. It is not delicious.
"Dad, my husband said that he is going to quit his job as a bodyguard after he comes back this time." Li Suniang said.
"What... is it true? Did he really say that?" Lao Du was immediately excited when he heard this. All these years of fear were about to end.
"Well, I didn't hear it clearly when he told me last night. He said it again before he left today." Li Suniang said with certainty.
After hearing what Li Suniang said, Lao Du felt very jealous. 'In the end, the wife is more important! See, he tells his wife everything as soon as he gets married, and forgets about him as a father.'
"Dad, after my husband quits his job at the escort agency, we will set up a noodle stall in town. At that time, we will use the dishes cooked by my husband and the noodles I make. Then I will change the soup base, and the taste will be better." Li Suniang felt more and more that it was possible.
After hearing what she said, Lao Du felt that his stomach, which had just been full, was a little hungry again. He didn't say yes or no. He just said, "You should discuss this with A'Wei after he comes back! If you really want to do it, I won't stop you, but you must think it through before making a decision."
"Well, Dad, don't worry. I will definitely find out everything with my husband before making a decision."
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