She liked this place and appreciated simplicity, so she felt no anger towards Aunt Huang's arrangements, only a hint of gratitude.
The oil was made from the meat she had bought herself, and the aroma filled the air as soon as it was added.
Once the oil heated up, she added the ginger and garlic that Grandma Liu had grown, letting them sizzle for a moment before placing the cleaned fish into the pot. She didn’t touch the spatula, allowing the oil to fry the fish for a while before adding some cooking wine and salt. After gently stirring it, she let it cook for a bit longer.
Qin'er and Grandma Liu were taken aback by her skill and the novelty of her cooking method, and neither of them spoke up.
The soaked rice had long been drained and set aside. After the fish had simmered for a while, Qing Luan took a plate to serve it, leaving some fish broth in the pot. She then added the drained rice, stirred it a few times with the spatula, added a bit more salt, poured in some water, stirred again, placed the previously cut fish back in, covered the pot, and instructed Qin'er to cook it on high heat.
"This cooking method is quite unique," Grandma Liu remarked with a smile, finding it amusing.
Qin'er merely frowned without giving it much thought; after all, everything Miss knew wasn’t something just one servant could understand, so she didn’t feel curious about it.
"I’ve only learned a little; this is my first time cooking. If it doesn’t taste good, don’t blame me!" Qing Luan said with a laugh as she chopped up some washed vegetables, waiting for the porridge to be nearly done before adding them in.
"With that flavor, how could it not be delicious? Even this old woman is craving it!" Grandma Liu joked back.
These days had been wonderful with their company and care. Her life had improved significantly; her granddaughter was well-fed and her complexion had brightened. She felt deep gratitude towards them but could do nothing but keep those feelings in her heart.
"Grandma, I'm hungry!" After spending some time together, Little Tide knew they cared for her and had become bolder in expressing her needs.
Qing Luan kept her hands busy while chatting away. "Little Tide, be good; it will be ready soon." Seeing her change brought genuine joy to Qing Luan’s heart. Children should be lively and adorable; that’s what makes them endearing.
"Well, Little Tide is being so good!" The little one nodded vigorously to prove her point, causing everyone to chuckle.
"This child..." Liu Grandma said, both amused and exasperated.
"Alright, alright," as the wooden lid was lifted, a wave of aroma wafted into everyone's noses. The fresh seafood scent mingled with a light rice fragrance, and tender greens adorned the top, making everyone's appetite surge. They all couldn't wait to taste it.
"Let's serve Little Tide first," Qing Luan said with a smile as she handed a bowl of fish porridge to Liu Grandma, then took a small plate to add some fish on top, saying cheerfully, "This Aunt Zhang kindly let us have some fresh fish, but honestly, these few fish aren't enough for just me. It's better to make porridge so everyone can enjoy that delicious flavor..."
She knew that with something tasty around, Qin'er and Liu Grandma would be eager to share it with her and Little Tide, so she thought of this way for everyone to enjoy.
"Miss," Qin'er said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, filled with reluctance—her former mistress had everything she desired, but now she was putting so much thought into just a few small fish.
"Silly Girl, don't feel sorry for me," after placing the porridge on the low table, she pulled Qin'er down beside her and continued, "Compared to the deceitful schemes in the Chen Residence, I’d rather stay here where you and Liu Grandma care for me and where Little Tide keeps me company. It's simple and happy—something many people desire but cannot attain!"
"But I feel sorry for you, Miss," Qin'er sniffled, her voice hoarse.
"What’s there to feel sorry about? Let me tell you, human desires are never satisfied. If I were still in the Chen Residence, no matter how exquisite the dishes were, they would mean nothing to me; my heart would never be content. But now, look at this simple pot of fish porridge—it brings joy to everyone and fills them with anticipation. Isn’t that wonderful?" Only after losing something do we realize how precious simplicity can be.
"My dear girl, you understand more than I do at my old age!" Even the elderly woman felt moved by her words.
"Alright, everyone stop overthinking," Qing Luan said playfully to lighten the mood. "Look at our Little Tide, she's already eating!" She reached out to wipe a grain of rice off her cheek and asked with a smile, "Is it good?"
"Mm, it's delicious!" While blowing on it carefully and sipping the porridge, she replied with an expression full of delight. "Sister, I've never had such tasty porridge before."
"From now on, I'll often cook for you, okay?" The child's heart is the easiest to satisfy.
"Okay!"
Seeing this, Qin'er swallowed her grievances and smiled as she picked up the warm fish porridge, experiencing the simple happiness that the young lady spoke of.
After showcasing her culinary skills, whenever there was food at home, Qing Luan would always be asked about it. She often managed to whip up some delicious dishes that won everyone's approval.
When Liu Grandma grew potatoes, Qing Luan dug some out and made potato cakes for Little Tide as a snack. This little fellow was adorable; when there was food, he didn't keep it all to himself. He called over a few little friends who had been nice to him, handing each one a piece while chattering excitedly.
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