Chapter 988: Chapter 988 Returning to the Village

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Even before entering the village, the tantalizing aroma of cooking meat wafted through the air, sending their senses into overdrive.

“Mmm, that smells delicious!” Chenchen poked his head out of the carriage window. “Whose beef stew is that?”

“You little glutton,” Zhou Ying playfully swatted his head. “You haven’t even finished the beef you had earlier.”

“But this one smells even better!”

“If you’re hungry again, we’ll cook something tonight. Now sit back down properly.”

“Mommy, I want lobster!” Guoguo suddenly chimed in.

“Eat!” Third Fatty raised his hand excitedly.

His big, round eyes fixated on Gu Chengrui, a trail of drool escaping the corner of his tiny mouth. He looked utterly adorable and undeniably eager.

“Alright, alright,” Gu Chengrui chuckled, wrapping his cloak tighter around him. “Tell me, what would you like to eat?”

“Leg, big leg,” Third Fatty declared.

“Chicken drumstick, you mean?”

“Chicken drumstick!” Third Fatty confirmed with a vigorous nod.

“You three certainly know how to order! Three dishes in one go? Are you trying to wear me out?” Zhou Ying interjected, fatigue catching up with her after days of travel. Cooking was the last thing she craved.

“Here’s a compromise,” Gu Chengrui suggested. “We’ll hold off on the lobster for Guoguo and enjoy it tomorrow afternoon. Tonight, we can have a simple meal of fried steak and braised chicken drumsticks.”

Guoguo hesitated for a moment, stealing a disgruntled glance at her younger siblings before conceding, “Alright, but you definitely have to make it tomorrow afternoon.”

“Don’t worry, I promise,” Zhou Ying echoed, relieved.

Upon entering the village, they found it mostly deserted, save for a few children playing in the street. Naturally, the children didn’t recognize them. However, their curiosity piqued at the sight of the unfamiliar carriage, prompting them to follow it for a short distance before scattering.

Emerging from the carriage, Guoguo surveyed their dilapidated mud house with disbelief. She turned to Gu Chengrui and blurted, “Dad, is this really our old house? It seems… a bit shabby.”

“It does, doesn’t it?” Gu Chengrui admitted. “I never bothered selling it since I didn’t see a need. But hey, at least there’s a brick bed inside, which makes it somewhat comfortable.”

With that, Gu Chengrui disembarked from the carriage, opened the door, and led the horse inside.

Seeing the open door, Zhou Ying ushered Guoguo and Chenchen into the house. Surprisingly, the interior wasn’t particularly cold, and it seemed relatively clean. She knew Qiu Niang, their neighbor, had likely helped tidy it up.

Gu Chengrui briskly straightened up the place before heading to the kitchen. The stove was still warm, so he promptly opened it and tossed in some firewood, intending to get a fire going.

Next, he returned to the interspace to boil two pots of hot water. He grabbed a new basin and towel, and went back to the room to clean up the three children.

Refreshed, the children shed their coats and happily occupied themselves by playing on the brick bed. Meanwhile, the couple settled down at the square table, sipping tea.

As the room warmed up, Gu Chengrui let out a sudden cough. Zhou Ying immediately asked with concern, “Do you want some medicine?”

“No need; just some water will do,” he replied through his coughs. “It looks like returning to the capital needs to be prioritized.”

“Agreed. Let’s get a large seafaring ship by the end of the year.”

Just then, a voice boomed from outside, “Chengrui, Chengrui, are you back?”

“Ah, Brother Chengen.” Gu Chengrui was momentarily stunned before replying.

He quickly stood up and headed outside. There, he found both Gu Chengen and Qian Jiaxi.

“You really are back! And so discreetly too,” Gu Chengen chuckled. “Coming back to the village without so much as a whisper.”

“There’s no point in grand pronouncements,” Gu Chengrui replied. “Let’s head inside and chat.”

Zhou Ying rose to greet them. “Brother Chengen, Uncle Jiaxi. Please, come in and have a seat.”

She then retrieved two clean cups and prepared tea for each of them.