After tasting it themselves, the canteen chef understood why everyone was so curious. The flavors were astonishing, and none of it came from chili sauce.
"The chili sauce was taken by my wife to work. She hasn’t come back yet."
Speak of the devil—Qin Nian walked in right at that moment.
"Xianjun, I’m craving braised fish with cornbread today. The canteen had fish in their dishes."
Qin Nian spoke as soon as she entered, not noticing there was someone else in the house.
"Mom also sent us some pickled cabbage. Oh, we have a guest—hello."
Only after changing her shoes did Qin Nian turn and see the visitor.
"Hello, Professor Qin. I came to seek your advice. Your mother-in-law’s chili sauce has become famous at the base. Everyone’s curious about it, so I’m here to ask Comrade Shen Xianjun if we can replicate the same flavor to benefit others."
"Hello."
Qin Nian felt a little embarrassed that her personal cravings had caused so much trouble for everyone. She worried it might reflect poorly on her.
"How about I make some for you in the next couple of days?"
Shen Xianjun handed Qin Nian a glass of water, and she brought out the chili sauce. She had tried sharing it before, but everyone only took tiny tastes with their chopsticks, insisting on saving the rest for her.
"Alright."
Qin Nian nodded in agreement.
The canteen chef scooped a generous spoonful—too little wouldn’t reveal all the ingredients.
"Let me cook you some noodles first, paired with the meat and mushroom sauce. It might spoil if left too long."
Almost before finishing his sentence, Shen Xianjun had already stepped into the kitchen.
"Auntie Yang’s sauce really is delicious—spicy, fragrant, with peanuts and sesame. I couldn’t identify the rest."
The chef even managed to snag a bowl of noodles for himself.
"Please do ask Auntie for the recipe when you can."
After the chef left, Qin Nian turned to Shen Xianjun.
"Did I cause trouble for Mom?"
"Mom wouldn’t see it as trouble. She’d probably be happy."
For once, Shen Xianjun thought carefully—knowing how much his mother doted on his wife, she’d likely be thrilled to ensure Qin Nian got what she craved, not bothered in the least.
The phone call, however, took some twists and turns.
Professor Wen wasn’t home, and Yang Yufen wasn’t at the orchard either.
"Oh my, Li Wu’s only been training for a short while, and he’s already competing!"
Yang Yufen happily accompanied Professor Wen to the venue.
"Let’s surprise the child. Li Wu is so determined—both brothers, one excelling in studies, the other in sports, truly living up to their names."
Professor Wen was equally delighted. Carrying gifts for Li Wu, they had received a discreet call from Teacher Gao. The finals were being held in the capital, and after overcoming many challenges, the children thought their families were unaware, planning to return home after the competition. Now, they were preparing eagerly.
"Auntie Yang, Professor Wen, you’re here! Our seats are over there. The kids are about to enter."
Teacher Gao hurried over, beaming, and after settling the parents, rushed back to the entrance.
Dressed in bright red uniforms, the young athletes strode into the arena with confident posture.
"Go for it!"
"Let’s do this!"
They cheered each other on—today was the finals.
"Friendship first, competition second. Just perform as usual—no need to be nervous."
Teacher Gao reminded them.
"Competition first, friendship second! Don’t worry, Teacher, we get it!"
Li Wu lifted his chin, brimming with youthful pride.
"You rascal, behave! But if you win first place, I’ll give you all a big surprise."
After laying out the rules again, Teacher Gao watched as the boys listened intently, confidence undimmed.
"Li Wu’s thinner but much taller now. If he stood next to Li Wen, he’d probably tower over him."
Professor Wen adored both twins equally and noticed every detail.
"If they stood side by side, you could tell who’s older at a glance. But Li Wen won’t take it lying down—he’s always wanted to be the older brother. They used to be the same height, but now Li Wu’s shot up so much."
Yang Yufen chuckled, thinking of how Li Wen sent homework materials to Li Wu every month.
"That boy’s not one to back down. But it’s good—we worried Li Wen might bury himself in books and neglect exercise. If this rivalry gets him moving more, it’ll be great for his health."
Both were wonderful children, impossible not to adore.
The swimming competition began. The boys dove into the water like arrows released from a bow, swift as fish streaking toward the finish.
With a powerful kick, Li Wu arched backward, changing position for the turn without losing speed.
"Li Wu’s a natural in the water—like a fish."
"Xianjun loved playing in rivers and reservoirs as a boy too, but he was frail back then. Every time he sneaked into the water, he’d fall sick at night. After he recovered, he stopped swimming and took to the mountains instead. Father and son are so alike."
Yang Yufen’s words trailed off as Li Wu took first place, and she leapt to her feet.
"Our Li Wu won! He really did it!"
Professor Wen was just as thrilled.
"Yes! Their heat was the last, and his time is the fastest by far."
The individual rankings were announced immediately, while the team scores took a bit longer as the judges tallied the results.
"Teacher Gao, how’d I do? Am I first?"
Li Wu rushed over as soon as he climbed out of the pool.
"Since when do you ask instead of declaring victory?"
Teacher Gao fought back a smile.
"Just being modest. Of course I’m first."
Despite his bravado, a hint of nervousness lingered.
"Li Wu, you are first—look!"
His teammates crowded around, pointing at the scoreboard.
"Jiang Cheng got third, just a hair behind second."
Tang Sheng sighed at missing the podium by a sliver, but the competition had shown him how much room he had to grow.
Li Wu’s lead was substantial—a gap of mere seconds, yet impossible to close easily.
"The team results are out."
Jiang Cheng’s announcement hushed the group, all holding their breath.
No suspense was drawn out—the top three teams were displayed at once.
"We won! We won! First in individuals, first in teams!"
The boys erupted in cheers.
The awards were presented on the spot. Glossy certificates bore their names, and a crimson banner proclaiming "First Place" was held aloft by Teacher Gao as they posed for a group photo.
"Don’t rush off yet. I promised a surprise if you won—look over there."
Teacher Gao pointed to the stands. Following his gesture, Li Wu and the others spotted familiar figures descending toward them.
