Chapter 29
Why Would I Lie to You?
Su Cheng couldn’t help but mutter, “This is too extravagant. Considering our family’s financial situation, we can’t afford to eat rice…”
However, Qin Zhenzhen insisted, “You and Su Ning are still growing. If you eat plain porridge every day, you’ll become malnourished. Without proper growth, you might even fall ill.”
“I’ll cover the cost of the rice from now on.”
Su Cheng was taken aback. “Are you not joking?”
Yesterday, she was so generous because their older brother was home. She wanted to impress him.
Now that their older brother had already left for the academy, she was still willing to spend money to help them?
One had to understand that taking care of a poor family was difficult. It required a significant amount of money to support him and his sister. After all, her dowry had its limits.
Yet, he saw Qin Zhenzhen nod. “I’m serious. We can eat rice for the next half month, and I can still afford to pay for it.”
She handed him another half a liang.
“I’ll go to the village this afternoon to buy some eggs. We may not be able to afford meat for now, but we must have eggs to maintain our nutrition.”
She was too good to them! Su Cheng and Su Ning exchanged glances.
Su Ning couldn’t help but ask, “If… if my older brother doesn’t sleep with you… if he doesn’t sleep with you, should I return this money to you?”
Qin Zhenzhen didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
“Don’t worry! I’m kind to you not because I want you to persuade your older brother to sleep with me. I want to divorce your older brother!”
“But regardless of the outcome, I won’t accept the money back!”
Su Cheng and Su Ning were dumbfounded.
The thought of Qin Zhenzhen wanting to divorce their older brother left them in disbelief.
Su Ning suddenly felt a pang of reluctance, not wanting Qin Zhenzhen to leave their home.
Qin Zhenzhen’s culinary skills were so impressive that Su Ning even considered her as her mentor.
“Don’t worry too much. We’ll have rice for lunch, and I’ll handle the cooking,” Su Ning assured.
Su Ning’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. She wondered just how skilled Qin Zhenzhen was in the kitchen.
“Alright, I’ll go steam the rice!”
“Fifth Brother, go and gather the vegetables.”
“Take a rest for a while, Third Sister-in-law. I’ll call you when the vegetables are ready.”
*
Su Ping didn’t return for lunch.
Despite having only two dishes for lunch, Qin Zhenzhen and the siblings were thoroughly satisfied. The white rice, stir-fried cabbages, and fried eggs with chives were all delicious.
Su Ning looked at Qin Zhenzhen with growing admiration. She couldn’t help but make a request. “Third Sister-in-law, can I learn cooking from you? The dishes you make are too tasty!”
“I tried making egg and vegetable pancakes this morning, but they didn’t turn out as good as yours.”
Qin Zhenzhen didn’t hesitate to agree. “Of course. If you want to learn, I’ll be happy to teach you.”
Apart from having the advantage of spirit water, Qin Zhenzhen had decent cooking skills to begin with.
In the book, Su Ning was portrayed as exceptionally talented in cooking. Taking her in as a disciple would be the first step in improving her relationship with the Su family.
“Thank you, Third Sister-in-law!” Su Ning couldn’t contain her joy.
After Qin Zhenzhen returned to her room, Su Ning whispered to Su Cheng about something peculiar.
“Not only is she skilled at stir-frying, but she also used the water used to wash the pot to cook food for the pigs. And then, all the piglets disappeared. Don’t you find it strange?”
Su Cheng was taken aback. “Are you serious?”
“I swear! Why would I lie to you?”
“Do you think she put something good in the food?”
Su Cheng pondered and replied, “Well, what else do you think she released?”
Su Ning shook her head. “I really can’t guess, so I asked you.”
Su Cheng’s expression turned complex. “I can’t guess either, but I feel like she’s a different person now!”
“If only she had been like this from the beginning.”