Chapter 11: Today, Mother Truly Broadened Her Horizons

Song’s mother raised her eyebrows slightly, having originally thought the young girl was just speaking casually. But judging by her skill, she seemed quite practiced.

She asked, "Did you often cook at home before?"

Huan nodded. "Auntie, would you like to try my cooking? I’m really good at it! I never waste a thing!"

Seeing her eager to prove herself, Song’s mother said, "Alright, I just kneaded some dough. Make some soft pancakes."

"Okay," Huan agreed promptly. After washing her hands, she brought in the chicken as well.

There were two stove burners—one large, one small. She poured a bit of oil into the smaller one, just enough to coat the bottom, then began tossing the dough into the pan.

As she worked, she continuously stretched the edges of the dough with her hands.

The small lump of dough grew larger and larger in her hands until it gradually covered the entire bottom of the pan.

The enticing aroma drew Song’s mother inside. Seeing Huan’s practiced movements, a faint smile flickered in her eyes.

Next, Huan held chopsticks in one hand and pinched the edge of the pancake with the other. With a gentle flip, the entire pancake turned over, revealing the side beautifully browned to a golden crisp.

Even just watching was enough to make one’s mouth water, not to mention the subtle fragrance that seemed to beckon irresistibly!

Huan then took out the soybean paste she had found earlier and spread a layer over the cooked pancake.

What was once just the mild scent of dough instantly deepened several degrees with the addition of the soybean paste.

Song’s mother, who had always thought she disliked such flavors, couldn’t help but swallow hard.

How had she never known that these pancakes with soybean paste tasted so delicious?

Just then, she saw Huan swing the pancake—

"Ah!"

Smack!

Two palm-sized pancakes landed squarely on the nearby cutting board.

Startled, Huan turned to see Song’s mother at the doorway and suddenly became shy, her voice uncertain. "Auntie?"

Song’s mother cleared her throat lightly. "It’s nothing. You carry on."

She had thought the girl had slipped up but was surprised to see how skillful she was.

Huan turned back and brushed a thin layer of oil on the pancakes. Perhaps aware of being watched, her movements became noticeably slower.

When she used chopsticks to transfer the pancakes to the cutting board, Song’s mother sighed softly, feeling an inexplicable twinge of disappointment.

Huan heard the sigh and froze, growing even more cautious.

Song’s mother noticed and shook her head with a smile. "I’m going to check on Chengzi."

As the footsteps faded away, Huan cautiously glanced back to confirm the coast was clear, then let out a relieved breath.

She slapped her hand in frustration. "You had to be so fidgety! You scared Auntie!"

Huan resolved to be more careful in the future to avoid any misunderstandings.

Unaware of Huan’s thoughts, Song’s mother knocked and, hearing a response, entered the room.

"Chengzi, how are you feeling today?"

Song Tiancheng leaned against the kang, smiling. "Much better. The wound itches a bit—must be healing."

"That’s good, that’s good."

Seeing her mother’s joyful face, Song Tiancheng recalled the fragrance he had smelled earlier and said, "Mother, you seem very happy."

Song’s mother exclaimed, her smile growing even broader.

"Did you see? That girl Huan is not only quick and nimble, but she’s also very graceful when she works!"

Song Tiancheng looked surprised as his mother sighed in admiration.

"You know, I’ve lived a long time and seen all kinds of people. But today, I really learned something new—she cooks like she’s dancing!"

She laughed heartily. "This time, I’m the one who got lucky!"

Five taels of silver—no, maybe just two—and yet such a treasure returned with us!

It was worth every bit of it!