"I'm off duty today. It's been a while since I visited your parents. Mind if I drop by for dinner?"
Lin Hui stood downstairs waiting for Hu Jun, carrying a bag full of canned goods and boxed biscuits.
"You sure you want to come to my place for dinner? Unless something changes, we’ll probably be eating at my brother-in-law’s place tonight. His sworn brother’s family might join too."
Hu Jun raised an eyebrow.
"Even better! I love a lively gathering. Aunt Yang mentioned she’d treat me to a meal sometime, anyway."
Lin Hui mirrored the expression.
"Seems like you’ve warmed up to your brother-in-law. Calling him so affectionately—weren’t you planning to give him a hard time before?"
"What, you still haven’t let that go?"
Hu Jun knew what his parents had once hoped for, but to him, Niannian had always been just a sister—a real sister—so romantic feelings were out of the question. He was aware Lin Hui had a soft spot for her, though.
The problem was Lin Hui’s parents weren’t the easiest to deal with, so Hu Jun had never tried to play matchmaker. Later, Lin Hui chose to enlist in a remote military post to escape his parents’ control, and just like that, the opportunity slipped away.
"Am I that kind of person? Niannian’s like a sister to me too. But your brother-in-law’s had it too easy—he needs a little competition to treat our sister right."
Lin Hui didn’t hide his intentions.
"If you’re set on coming, then let’s go. My parents probably miss you anyway."
Lin Hui could’ve taken an easier path instead of enduring the hardships of military life, but he’d chosen the toughest yet simplest way to break free from his parents.
"Good thing I brought plenty. No time to waste—let’s go."
Lin Hui hoisted the bag and fell into step beside Hu Jun.
"I’ve got this, Professor Wen. You should chat with Niannian and the others."
Shen Xianjun bustled around the kitchen, an apron tied around his waist as Professor Wen stepped in, offering to help.
"Are you sure you can handle it alone?"
Professor Wen hesitated. Niannian and Fan Juan were deep in conversation, and she’d originally been watching the kids, but they’d all run off to play. Seeing Shen Xianjun return, she’d thought to lend a hand.
"Don’t worry. I’ve worked in the mess hall before. I might not be as skilled as my mom, but I can manage home-style dishes just fine."
With a few swift chops, Shen Xianjun portioned the lamb ribs, added water and ginger slices to the pot, and cubed the radish—his movements practiced and confident.
He’d never dream of letting his mother-in-law lift a finger, so he worked efficiently, determined not to seem overwhelmed.
Realizing she couldn’t contribute, Professor Wen retreated.
"Niannian, your man can cook? Impressive!"
Fan Juan, overhearing the commotion outside, nudged Qin Nian, who hadn’t budged.
"I’m not much of a cook. Mom usually handles meals, but when Xianjun’s home, she lets him take over. It’s just how things are here."
Qin Nian smiled sheepishly.
"That’s perfect. Aunt Yang really knows how to raise a man. Honestly, a guy who cooks? Major plus."
Shen Xianjun, washing fruit to tide everyone over, caught the remark. Professor Wen heard it too and chuckled.
"I’ll take these in. You focus on cooking."
Professor Wen took the fruit from him.
"Sounds good."
Shen Xianjun felt light on his feet, his enthusiasm for cooking surging as if channeling a master chef. He was determined to showcase his best skills.
"Is Xianjun home?"
Army Commander Liao’s voice carried from the doorway, his son pushing him forward despite the open door.
"Commander! You’re here! Yuanjie, come give me a hand."
Shen Xianjun darted out, greeted them, and promptly dragged Liao Yuanjie into the kitchen.
"Grandpa Liao!"
The neighborhood kids, hearing the familiar voice, came running from the next yard.
"Hey, why aren’t you all at training today?"
"Grandpa Liao, come inside first! We didn’t go to the group session, but we practiced at home—and taught Yaoyao and Miaomiao too!"
Li Wu quickly explained.
"Hah! Good for the girls! Self-defense is crucial. You’re welcome to join the regular sessions—no need to be shy or scared."
Army Commander Liao eyed the two girls half-hidden behind the boys. The compound was usually overrun with boys, so seeing these two was a rare delight.
"Really? We can join?"
Yaoyao’s eyes sparkled at the idea of learning martial arts.
"Absolutely."
The commander’s firm nod made her beam.
"Come inside and sit. Old Hu should be here soon."
Professor Wen reappeared to usher them in.
"I’ll stay out here with the kids for now. We’ll come in when Old Hu arrives—no need for formalities."
Army Commander Liao waved her off, already engrossed in play. Professor Wen didn’t argue—kids needed to burn energy.
"Why’d you drag me in here?"
Liao Yuanjie eyed the unfamiliar kitchen setup.
"Don’t know how to cook? Time to learn. Start with the fire. Fan Juan just said men who cook are attractive—heard it myself."
Shen Xianjun tossed him an apron.
"I think you’re just conning me into free labor."
Liao Yuanjie caught it reflexively.
"Believe what you want. Don’t like it? Leave."
Shen Xianjun fed more wood into the stove—the lamb needed slow braising. Niannian loved scallions, so he chopped a handful.
Watching Shen Xianjun’s cheerful efficiency, Liao Yuanjie skeptically tied the apron and began assisting. He’d never cooked, but tending flames and peeling potatoes? That he could manage.
"Speed it up. Just scrape the spoon clean, and don’t waste the peels—the chickens’ll eat them."
Shen Xianjun kept one eye on the frying fish, the other on Liao Yuanjie’s work.
"Got it. Never figured you for a cook."
Liao Yuanjie sounded amazed.
"There’s a lot you don’t know about me."
Chin lifted proudly, Shen Xianjun rinsed the peeled potatoes, then sliced and julienned them with rapid chops.
Qin Nian, finished with Fan Juan, stepped outside at the children’s laughter.
"Still not helping in the kitchen?"
Fan Juan glanced toward the busy scene.
"I’ll handle the dishes after."
Qin Nian was used to the routine.
"Deal. I’ll take care of the dishes tonight!"
Fan Juan’s voice drifted faintly into the kitchen, making Liao Yuanjie crane his neck to hear better.
He tensed—would someone come in and see him like this?
"Focus! Lower the flame—this fish needs slow braising for the sauce to soak in. Too hot, and it’ll dry out. Add cornbread around the edges—Niannian and Professor Wen love it."
"You even know how to butter up your mother-in-law!"
Footsteps faded, and Liao Yuanjie’s brief disappointment vanished with Shen Xianjun’s bark.
"Don’t put it like that!"
