Chapter 603 - Chapter 603: Chapter 590: Aunt Laughs (1/2)

Chapter 603: Chapter 590: Aunt Laughs

One could say that, for both official and personal reasons, it was obligatory to participate in such a joyful event.

So, Zhuang Qingning agreed without hesitation.

Seeing Zhuang Qingning agreeing so readily, Mrs. Han laughed heartily, her mouth almost stretching to her ears. “Good, if you’re willing to come, then come over tomorrow after breakfast. You have a good eye for quality, you can help us decide whether the dishes for the guests at noon are suitable,” she suggested.

“Sure, I’ll be there early tomorrow,” replied Zhuang Qingning with a smile.

After a few more words, seeing Chu Jinnian was there too, Mrs. Han didn’t linger longer and left first.

Zhuang Qingning saw Mrs. Han out and chatted at the entrance for a while before she returned to the courtyard. Glancing around, she noticed Chu Jinnian’s unhappy expression.

Umm…

A couple of days ago, he suggested going for a lake tour, but because she was preoccupied with her soap and textile workshop business, she declined.

He proposed the idea again today, but then came the celebration of Zhuang Sifu and Zhou Daya’s engagement.

Such continuous rejection would undoubtedly leave anyone feeling disheartened.

At that moment, Zhuang Qingning felt a little guilty.

However, no matter how guilty she felt… having already agreed to Mrs. Han’s offer, Chu Jinnian would simply have to endure it for a while.

“Um…are you hungry?” Zhuang Qingning quickly changed the subject, “do you want me to make you a bowl of chicken soup noodles?”

“Hmm…Guokui is also good, or maybe I should make you shortbread? Oh yes, let’s have barbecue! We can slice the lamb into thin pieces, grill them on a rack and eat them with fresh lettuce.”

“Manager Shang just sent some fresh mountain mushrooms, including Enoki mushrooms. I can wrap them in tofu sheets and grill them, then dip them in sweet soybean paste– always delicious.”

“Oh, and eggplants are delicious when grilled, especially with a bit of garlic…”

As Zhuang Qingning rattled on and on trying to divert his attention, Chu Jinnian’s lips twitched upwards into a small smile.

It turned out that he did mean a lot to Zhuang Qingning.

“Alright, let’s have barbecue.” Chu Jinnian rolled up his sleeves, “I’ll help you cut the lamb.”

Having witnessed Chu Jinnian’s knife skills before, Zhuang Qingning confidently delegated this task to him. Meanwhile, she busied herself with preparing tofu and Enoki mushroom wraps, along with some other veggies and sauces. She also asked Xiangqiao to prepare charcoal for the barbecue.

The thin slices of lamb, after just a brief grilling on the charcoal grill, would be cooked thoroughly while still maintaining their juicy texture. Combined with crispy fresh lettuce and a rich dipping sauce, it was simply heavenly.

Especially when the lamb slices were taken off the grill with a sizzle, it added an extra dimension to this appetizing feast.

The barbecue was so satisfying that Chu Jinnian’s eyes narrowed with pleasure.