Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 122 - 121: Scolding Someone

Chapter 122: Chapter 121: Scolding Someone

Chen Afu and Chen Ming chatted for a while before heading home. Before they left, Chen Ye asked Chen Agu to lead the big dog to the backyard, and gave Chen Ming a small pup who was just over two months old.

By the time they were home, Qi Qi and Hui Hui had already returned. Seeing Chen Afu and Chen Ming, they jumped around ecstatically, shouting "Grandfather, Mom," their voices dripping with sweetness.

The Chen family playfully swatted their heads, chiding, "You two only come home so late, don’t you know we’ve been worried about you?"

These two little ones, pampered like two spoiled princes, won everyone’s hearts with their charming blabber. They were utterly unlike Zhui Feng, who kept his thoughts to himself but proved useful at critical moments.

It seems there’s a stark difference between pets and guard dogs.

Upon seeing the new pup, Zhui Feng, Qi Qi, and Hui Hui excitedly invited it to play. This puppy was not shy at all, it quickly ingratiated itself with the group.

Alu named it Wang Cai, remarking that the household was in a period of accumulated wealth, and hoped it would continue to prosper in the future.

Everyone laughed at Alu’s humor.

Early the next morning, Chen Afu got up and began working. She had to pique Ms. Chu’s appetite with some snacks so that she would be more compliant with instructions in the future.

Sachima was chosen for the occasion. A dessert so easy to make, yet tasty and easily digestible, was a perfect choice for breakfast.

As she opened the door, a refreshing breeze greeted her. The skies were dark with just the morning star winking back at her. She took a deep breath and washed her face with cold water, instantly revitalizing herself.

She lit the fire in the stove and embarked upon the preparation of Sachima.

Beat the eggs and pour them into the starch, stirring evenly; let sit the dough of beaten eggs and starch with a cloth cover for a while. Then flatten the dough, fold it into multiple flaky layers, and cut the layered dough into thin strips. The thin strips of dough are shaken loose and dry starch is removed.

Brush a thin layer of oil in a shallow wooden basin and sprinkle with cooked sesame, crushed peanuts, and chopped candied fruits.

By this time, Mrs. Wang came in to assist with managing the stove. Chen Afu heated some oil in the pot, deep frying the egg-starch strands until they turn crispy.

Then, add a bit of water to the pot, dissolve in some rock sugar and honey, and simmer until thick. Add the fried egg-starch strips into the pot with a sticky sauce; quickly stir until all strips are coated with honey syrup, and then pour this mixture into the wooden basin. Flatten the honeyed dough and sprinkle with more candied fruits, sesame seeds, and ground peanuts.

Once it cooled down, cut it into pieces.

Since "Sachima" is an unusual name for this era, Chen Afu renamed it to Gold Thread Cake.

For breakfast, the Chen family munched on Gold Thread Cake, accompanied by plain porridge. Candied aroma filled the air, and Alu and Dabao were humming in delight. So were Qi Qi and Hui Hui, but Zhui Feng and Wang Cai seemed uninterested.

Qi Qi and Hui Hui quickly finished their portions, then demanded in unison, "Want more."

"None left." Chen Afu replied.

She made more than usual today, but planned to send a small dish to Manager Luo’s family and reserve another for students.

Upon hearing Chen Afu’s refusal, Qi Qi instantly dashed toward the kitchen.

Chen Afu rushed into the kitchen, only to find Qi Qi standing on the stove, reaching for a piece of Gold Thread Cake.

Walking up to accompany Qi Qi, she patted its head, kindly said, "These are going to Tang Garden, you can’t eat them."

"Stinky woman." Qi Qi retorted.

A little stunned, Chen Afu asked, "What did you say?"

"Stinky woman, I’ll spank you." Chen Ye chimed in.

Hui Hui, who followed them into the kitchen, burst into laughter, sounding just like an old lady.

Chen Afu understood that and angrily slapped Qi Qi off the stove, rebuking, "You’ve learned to curse now, have you?"

"Stinky woman, I will spank you!" Qi Qi continued in defiance, shouting even louder.

Chen Afu crouched down, pointed at it and sternly said, "If you insult me again, you are not having my food any more. Alu and Dabao will stop playing with you as well."

Frightened, Qi Qi immediately switched to a more acceptable topic: "Dabao is good boy, no more bed-wetting!"

What a clever creature, even knows how to change the subject!

Chen Afu responded, "Don’t mention Dabao now, we are talking about you. Tell me, will you continue to insult people?"

Qi Qi quickly replied, "Mom, I won’t insult people anymore."

Laughter filled the room once again.

Only Dabao was pouting unsatisfied, "I haven’t wet the bed in a long time, but he still remembers it."

After breakfast, Chen Afu finished up all the chores and took two baskets filled with Gold Thread Cake. She, along with Dabao, Zhui Feng, Qi Qi, and Hui Hui, headed towards Tang Garden.

Dabao even brought a book with him, explaining that he was to start his school next year, and wouldn’t be able to keep his sister Yan’er’s company all the time, so he needed to still allot some time to study.

Chen Afu advised him, "You’re still so young, you should enjoy playing for now. Why rush so hard?"

Dabao responded, "Grandfather said that he pinned his hopes of securing scholarly honors on me and my uncle. He asked us to strive hard. Ah, the pressure is huge."

Finishing his sentence, he imitated an old man by frowning at his brow.

His remarks amused Chen Afu; young as he was, he had already started picking up on her modern phrases. "Pressure is on" was one of such expressions.

As they walked along the field path, high in spirits, she observed the boundless skies overhead with sparse clouds and the warm sun. A breeze blew around them and the parrots circled overhead energetically. Chen Afu felt invigorated.

She was off to the work!

Although her job was as a preschool teacher with just one student, including Yan’er, the two Luo children, her students still totalled four. But she was a working woman earning a salary!

She already had some plans in mind for Ms. Chu’s preschool education. She believed if she stuck to her techniques, with Ms. Jin Yanzi’s aid and without any unnecessary interferences from Yan’er’s family, Yan’er would slowly start stepping out of her world.

Her performance evaluations would certainly be higher, making it a win-win situation everywhere.

Upon reaching the gate of Tang Garden, Madam Luo, the wife of Manager Luo, was already waiting.

She smiled warmly as she greeted them, "Ah, Master Chen and Dabao are here. My daughter is already awake. I will lead you to the Yiran Courtyard right away."

Chen Afu thanked her for Manager Luo’s help yesterday and handed her one of the baskets, "I made Gold Thread Cake. Please try some and also serve some to Uncle Luo."

Madam Luo took the basket and laughed, "If it’s made by Master Chen, I’m sure it’s delicious!" She then added, "Since you’re also a part of Tang Garden now, no one should dare bully you here."

Chen Afu chuckled at this and replied, "Madam Luo, please don’t call me Master Chen, it’s too formal. Just call me Afu."

Madam Luo nodded and smiled, both families were even closer now.

Madam Luo sighed and said, "The girl woke up two days ago and cried for a long time because she couldn’t see you. Her grandpa was here and it took quite a while to calm her down. Yesterday, her grandpa left, and she’s been listless all day, just sitting around in silence."