Cannon Fodder in an Era Drama — I Survive with Acting-Chapter 45: Reward Credited

"So that’s what’s going on."

Another soldier nodded, looking thoughtful.

Looking at the dazzling array of dishes in Xing Yuandong’s lunchbox, everyone couldn’t help but swallow hard.

They imagined what it would be like if their own wives learned the Village Chief’s Wife’s amazing cooking skills.

’How wonderful would that be!’

’I have to tell my wife tonight to get on good terms with the village chief’s wife!’

Fei Jin happened to be passing by the training grounds.

Song Qingya had just dropped off his lunch by bicycle and left in a hurry.

Before she left, she mentioned she was going back to continue teaching the neighbors how to make pastries.

Just as Fei Jin arrived, lunchbox in hand, he heard all the soldiers shout in unison—

"Thank you, Village Chief!"

At first, he couldn’t make heads or tails of it.

He had no idea what had happened.

It wasn’t until a grinning Xing Yuandong came over and explained everything that Fei Jin finally understood what Song Qingya had been busy with at home all day.

Other families would keep their secret recipes hidden, afraid someone else might learn them.

But his wife was so incredibly generous, and her enthusiasm made even him feel a little inadequate in comparison.

At the same time, however, Fei Jin also felt proud.

He hadn’t expected Song Qingya to be able to find her footing in Liuchang Town so quickly.

And to have gained the approval of so many people, no less.

It was just that...

Fei Jin’s brow furrowed slightly.

’Qingya’s body is already so weak. How can she handle this much exhaustion?’

Thinking of how exhausted she must be, his heart ached for her.

’When I get home, I’ll have to give her a massage.’

In the small courtyard, everyone was gathered together, bustling with joyful activity.

Some were in charge of rolling out dough, their fingers flying as they worked the rolling pins.

Others were busy preparing the filling, carefully mixing various seasonings.

And still others had set up a large wok and started a fire.

In this era, resources were far from as abundant as they would be in the future.

Although most of the residents here lived in the family courtyards for military personnel and usually received more grain and meat rations than ordinary people, eating meat was still a rare treat.

They only had it two or three times a month.

Therefore, every chance to eat meat was a true pleasure.

However, everyone felt that since they had invited Song Qingya to teach them how to cook, they had to show some sincerity.

So, one by one, they brought out the meat they had saved up at home this month to give to Song Qingya as a tuition fee.

This meat was extremely precious to them.

But in this moment, they were willing to offer it up to express their approval of Song Qingya.

"Sister Qingya, if you don’t accept it, we’ll think you’re looking down on us," a middle-aged woman said earnestly.

"That’s right! Don’t be so polite, just take it!"

The others nearby chimed in, afraid that Song Qingya would refuse their heartfelt gesture.

Faced with these sincere offers, a wave of warmth washed over Song Qingya’s heart.

She could feel the warmth and sincerity of the people here.

But she only accepted the wild vegetables and fruit they brought, resolutely refusing to take the meat.

She knew how important that meat was to them.

She didn’t want to add to their burden.

Besides, she already had plenty of meat in her storeroom.

It was meat she had gradually accumulated from the black market over the past few months.

Not only was there a lot of it, but the quality was also quite good.

Furthermore, Song Qingya was already planning another trip to the black market to procure more supplies, so she didn’t need any of this at all.

Not only that, but she also took out five jin of pork from her storeroom.

This was five jin of pork she had carefully selected earlier; the meat was fresh and tender.

She led everyone in making steamed pork and scallion buns.

Everyone gathered in the courtyard, busily and orderly preparing the various ingredients.

An enticing aroma filled the air.

The women were incredibly moved, and a few of them even had tears welling up in their eyes.

They had never met such a kind person before.

Song Qingya was not only generous, but she was also exceptionally skilled.

They had never tasted such delicious buns before.

"I’ve never met such a good person in my life," one of the older women exclaimed, unable to hold back.

"Qingya, from now on, whatever you do, I’ll follow you!" another woman said without hesitation.

"That’s right! If your family ever needs any help in the future, just say the word. I’ll definitely be there!"

The other women nearby all chimed in with agreement.

And just like that, a friendship quickly formed among the women.

They all gathered around Song Qingya, chatting with one another.

A deep bond gradually formed between them.

Song Qingya stood in the center, her smile radiant.

She seemed to be glowing.

Outside the courtyard, a furtive figure darted past.

Sun Yaoguang was secretly sizing up the "wife" of his dreams, so satisfied he nearly fainted.

He thought, ’This girl isn’t just stunningly beautiful, she’s also a master chef. She’s my ideal wife.’

Sun Yaoguang’s eyes narrowed into slits, and drool unconsciously trickled from the corner of his mouth.

’If I could just marry Song Qingya, wouldn’t I be able to eat fresh wild vegetable buns and mixed-grain noodle congee every single day!’

Just thinking about such a life made him feel blissful.

As the day came to an end, Song Qingya was finally reaching her limit.

After all, her current physical condition had only just reached a passing grade; it was still far from what she considered acceptable.

Still, it was a significant improvement compared to before.

In the past, she would have probably collapsed in bed before she could even finish teaching them how to make breakfast.

After a long, hard day, she was finally rewarded handsomely.

Suddenly, a notification popped up from the system—

[Host has reached 10 Reputation points in the Liuchang Town map. The reward will be credited immediately. Congratulations!]

Song Qingya opened her system account to check.

She already had over two thousand points.

Although she was still more than seven thousand points away from her goal of unlocking access to the Spiritual Spring Water, it proved one thing: her strategy of teaching cooking to build relationships with the residents and increase her own reputation was effective.

Although the process seemed a bit slow, the results were undeniable.

Moreover, this was a model she could continue to follow.

This meant her points could be accumulated step by step.

After these women who came to learn cooking returned home, nine times out of ten they would chat with their relatives and friends about their recent cooking lessons.

This would inadvertently serve as free promotion for Song Qingya, increasing her "exposure."

Song Qingya clearly recognized that this could be managed as a long-term endeavor.

Therefore, she wasn’t anxious at all.

Before the women left, she even specially prepared a small gift for each of them—

the small red bean paste pastries she had personally baked that day.

This small token of her appreciation immediately drew a chorus of thanks from everyone.

’Next time, we have to come early and stand in the most conspicuous spot near the Fei Village Chief’s wife so Song Qingya will remember us!’

’Someone brought meat today. Even though she didn’t take it, she definitely saw it.’

’So, next time, we can’t fall behind!’

’At the very least, we can’t lose face!’

With all sorts of plans and ideas in mind, everyone headed back to their own homes.