Chapter 766: Chapter 766: As If Three Winters Apart

Because of Zhao Gushen’s hangover, eating something sour can help stimulate his appetite and relieve the hangover.

Originally, something spicy and sour would be best.

But he just got up and is still on an empty stomach, so it’s not good to eat something so heavy in flavor.

When Ye Fei went to the main hall earlier, she brought back some bone broth that Aunt Lin had prepared, using a thermos flask.

Just right for reheating as soup for the noodles.

She also brought some cherry tomatoes.

The cherry tomatoes were small, not much bigger than grape tomatoes.

Ye Fei placed the cherry tomatoes in a frying pan and grilled them until the skins were a bit charred.

The tomato skins became wrinkled from grilling, and the flesh inside also softened, not as plump as when fresh.

But now, the slightly charred and softened cherry tomatoes look appetizing and can really whet one’s appetite.

She neatly arranged the cooked noodles in the bowls.

In each of the three bowls, she placed two grilled cherry tomatoes.

Then, she placed two blanched vegetables next to the cherry tomatoes.

Finally, beside the cherry tomatoes and blanched vegetables, she added a soft-boiled marinated egg.

Because time was limited, she couldn’t marinate them thoroughly.

So she used soy sauce, mushrooms, mace, and other ingredients to make a simple marinade.

After boiling the eggs, she peeled them and soaked them in the marinade.

This temporary soaking might not fully impart flavor, but at least the surface would absorb some taste, which is better than eating them plain.

The fact is, the little guy doesn’t really like hard-boiled eggs.

Soft-boiled eggs are better; if the yolk is fully cooked, the little guy finds it too dry.

Now, the marinated eggs’ whites have turned a charred yellow-brown color from the marinade.

Frying the eggs would have been simpler.

But since Zhao Gushen is hungover, it’s better not to eat too much greasy food.

Once everything was in place, Ye Fei poured the soup over the noodles.

The broth, simmered to a creamy white, soaked the grilled cherry tomatoes and the surface of the marinated eggs.

Leaving a shiny, glistening layer on top.

Only then did Ye Fei add a little salt and vinegar to the soup.

To avoid altering the broth’s color, Ye Fei didn’t use dark or aromatic vinegar.

Instead, she used rice vinegar.

Rice vinegar has a light, pale yellow color.

Adding just a little won’t affect the soup’s appearance.

She brought out three bowls of noodles and three plates of pre-mixed tangy side dishes.

Although they got up early and had breakfast at the main hall,

by the time Zhao Gushen and the little guy woke up, it was already noon.

So Ye Fei simply considered this her lunch and enjoyed it together with Zhao Gushen and the little guy.

The little guy picked up a spoon and scooped up some soup.

The soup was still hot, so he blew on it several times before carefully sipping a mouthful.

Delicious!

Looking over, it was clear they were father and son, as Zhao Gushen was doing the same.

Drinking the soup felt extremely comforting for Zhao Gushen, as if his stomach was warmed and completely relaxed.

All his organs felt like they were loosening up.

Zhao Gushen drank several more sips before slurping down some noodles.

The noodles were smooth, fine, and springy.

A warm flow traveled down his throat straight into his stomach, soothing and settling it.

Only then did Zhao Gushen pick up a cherry tomato.

The cherry tomatoes were already soft from being grilled, so with a slight touch of the chopsticks, the skin came loose, revealing the pulp inside, which was like paste.

He dipped it in the bone broth and took a bite.

The tomato core burst with hot tomato juice, mingling with the flavor of the bone broth.

Rich and tangy.

Beside him, the little guy used a spoon to scoop up a boiled egg and took a bite.

The yolk inside immediately oozed out.

The little guy quickly slurped and sucked all the yolk into his mouth.

The little guy has always loved soft-boiled eggs like these, never finding the yolk too strong in flavor.

Instead, he could taste the richness.

Father and son slurped together, eating with relish.

Zhao Gushen ate quickly and finished in no time.

The little guy ate more slowly.

Once they were all done eating, the three went to the main hall together.

It happened that the two elders had also finished their lunch.

The elders also ate a simple lunch.

Because when Ye Fei came in the morning, she mentioned Zhao Gushen and the little guy slept in.

Even if they woke up before noon, they would not have an appetite for lunch after breakfast.

So the elders didn’t wait for them.

The main hall was left with just the two elders, Housekeeper Hong, and Aunt Lin.

The four, with their smaller appetites, couldn’t eat much.

Eating simply meant eating quickly.

Seeing Zhao Gushen’s family of three arrive, the old man’s eyes no longer noticed Zhao Gushen and Ye Fei.

He eagerly reached out to the little guy: "My darling little one!"

"Great-grandfather!" The little guy immediately ran over to the old man.

Clearly, this old and young pair had played together all evening last night.

It’s only been a night, yet at this moment, they seemed like they’d been apart for ages.

Especially the little guy, especially exaggerated.

If he could, he even wished to muster some tears for the old man.

Ye Fei: "..."

Zhao Gushen: "..."

He wondered why he hadn’t noticed before that their old man was quite the actor himself.

Just as he was thinking this, the old man and the little guy, one old and one young, were already hugging each other.

The old man crouched down, and the little guy burrowed right into the old man’s arms.

Given the little guy’s height, he was just about the same level as the crouching old man.

The little guy hugged the old man and snuggled into his embrace, almost knocking the old man over.

Ye Fei jumped in surprise and was about to remind the little guy to be careful.

But who knew, the old man quietly beckoned to Housekeeper Hong.

Ye Fei wondered what the old man was planning.

The little guy’s face was buried in the old man’s arms, unaware of his actions.

Housekeeper Hong somehow produced a small stool from somewhere.

Short, small, and hardly noticeable.

He placed it under the old man’s bottom, making him sit comfortably.

This time, he was stable as can be, no matter how much the little guy nudged, he couldn’t topple the old man.

The old man laughed heartily in relief.

As age advanced, his foundation wasn’t as steady.

That’s why he had Housekeeper Hong prepare the little stool early on.

Waiting for a moment like this, where it would come in handy.

And see, wasn’t it useful just now?

"Great-grandfather, even though we’ve only been apart for one night, I feel like it’s been... like it’s been..."

How long had it been?

The little guy quietly counted his fingers and said, "Like three winters have passed!"

The old man’s mouth twitched, unable to resist asking, "How has it been three winters?"

The little guy tilted his head and said, "Because it’s winter now."

The old man: "..."

Alright, that’s a valid explanation.

Just then, Zhao Gushen’s phone rang.

Seeing it was Xiao Ruofeng calling, he knew it was work-related, so he stepped aside to take the call.

Now it’s the New Year, but the festive atmosphere isn’t as strong as it used to be.

Besides close relatives visiting in person, classmates, friends, and colleagues mostly send New Year greetings via WeChat.

Typing out "Happy Spring Festival" is considered sincere.