novelbin Chapter 1317 - 638:
Chapter 1317 - 638:
The noonday sunlight penetrated through the lush crowns of camphor trees lining the old street, casting dappled shadows that danced on the cobblestone road.
In Wanghu Town, every meal time, a rare urban atmosphere of earthy life would rise and drift into households along the alleys.
In Fang Cheng’s blue-tiled, white-walled, antique-like courtyard, it was a scene of bustling activity.
The kitchen’s sliding door was open, and the range hood emitted a low hum.
The iron pot on the stovetop was extremely hot, Fang Cheng’s wrist turned, the iron spoon made a crisp sound on the rim of the pot.
The moment hot oil met with scallions, ginger, and garlic, a rich aroma exploded with a sizzle.
Following that were slices of pork belly, cut evenly thick and thin, thrown in the pot, curling and turning golden brown with the frying.
Today, he was wearing a simple plain white short-sleeve shirt with a gray cotton apron tied around his waist.
Standing tall, he moved deftly, chopping vegetables, flipping the spoon, seasoning, all in one fluid motion.
Anyone witnessing this scene would think he was a warm-hearted young man devoted to family.
They would never relate him to the cold-blooded Killing God who, a few days ago at Blue Ice Bar, had single-handedly exterminated gang members and uprooted the entire Poison Snake Gang.
"Chengcheng, turn down the heat a bit, this pork belly will be too dry if fried excessively."
Biyun stood by the sink, carefully washing a few plump, full tomatoes.
Laughter lingered at her eyes and brows, even her tone was much lighter than usual.
"Got it, mom."
Fang Cheng deftly turned down the gas burner knob half a circle, meanwhile placing the cooked twice-cooked pork onto a blue and white porcelain plate, then turning to put it on the countertop behind.
Just then, voices were heard coming from the courtyard.
Li Zhenhua had specially donned a dark red Tang suit today.
With his hands behind his back, he paced beneath the grape arbor, occasionally directing Li Dingjian, who was squatting on the ground picking vegetables.
Although his figure was still somewhat thin due to the stomach cancer surgery months ago, his spirits were unusually high.
"Ding Jian, move those two pots of clivia at the courtyard entrance to the sides; don’t block the way."
"Also, are the seeds and peanuts on the tea table filled up? Have the tea sets been scalded?"
Li Dingjian tossed a handful of water spinach into a plastic basin, stood up, and shook off the water from his hands, helplessly replied:
"Dad, just take a break for a while. You’ve been bustling about since six this morning, checking inside and outside five times now."
"Ah Cheng only got into the Special Search Team, it’s not like he’s a champion parading through the streets on horseback, do you really need to make it so grand?"
"You know nothing!"
Li Zhenhua’s eyes widened, his voice instantly raised:
"Do you know what kind of place the Special Search Team is? It’s a powerful law enforcement agency that eats from the nation’s table!"
"Yesterday, the results came out, Ah Cheng scored high in both the written and oral exams, aced the physical test, and was directly recruited by the logistics and medical department. This is a great celebration for the family!"
"And back then, Director Shi ran back and forth, lowered himself so much for Ah Cheng’s matter. Now that the child is accepted, we host a banquet to properly thank him face to face; it’s etiquette, do you understand?"
In the kitchen, Biyun came out holding two plates of freshly cut cold dishes, placing them onto the large round table in the living room.
Seeing her father in such an excited state, she smiled and agreed:
"Ding Jian, let him enjoy the bustle. But since there are many guests today, Dad, you have to restrain yourself, and you can only sip a bit of wine. Your stomach is still recovering, and the doctor has advised against indulging in alcohol."
"Got it, got it."
Li Zhenhua waved his hand, his old face smiling like a chrysanthemum: "I’m happy today; I’ll just savor the aroma, merely accompanying the guests."
Despite his words, Biyun knew her father’s temperament too well and pursed her lips speechlessly.
In the kitchen, Fang Cheng listened to the conversation outside and shook his head secretly.
Yesterday afternoon, the results from the spring recruitment retest of the Special Search Team were officially announced.
As soon as his grandfather received the congratulatory call, he immediately decided to host a lavish feast at home.
Fang Cheng felt somewhat embarrassed inside.
Joining the Special Search Team was merely to use the official identity for convenience in future actions while providing family assurance; there was really no need to make such a big fuss.
However, the old man was adamant, not only going to the market himself early in the morning but also calling and inviting several elders related to him, including Shi Chengyi and Ma Jianguo.
According to his grandfather, this was knowing gratitude and repaying it, especially since Director Shi contributed significantly to the background check, he must be properly toasted face to face.
Unable to resist, Fang Cheng could only tie on an apron and personally handle the cooking.
After all, he considered it to be practice for his cooking skill and gaining experience.
Just as a few people were talking, the sound of an engine turning off was heard from outside the courtyard gate.
Li Dingjian wiped his hands and walked quickly to open the heavy wooden door.
"Oh, Chairman Ma, Professor Dong, you’ve arrived, please come in, please come in!"
Three people stood outside the door.
Walking in front was Ma Jianguo, his face full of vitality and brimming with smiles.
Today he wore a moon-white, front-buttoned practice suit, his hair and beard meticulously groomed, with the demeanor of a sage-like high master.
In his left hand, he carried two beautifully packaged boxes of wild ginseng from Changbai Mountain, while his right hand fondled two shiny walnuts.
Following behind him was Professor Dong Yunchuan, still sporting his elegant and genial scholar attire, carrying two bottles of fine wine in his hand.
At the end was Ma Donghe.
This fellow was originally burly as a bear but today appeared somewhat comical.
His right leg was in a thick cast, his face had adhesive tape, and he was leaning on a crutch with his right hand while struggling to hold a large fruit basket with his left, sweating profusely.