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Chapter 333: Chapter 336 Are the Tears from the Bad Taste?_1
"It’s very simple, just treat them to a meal, give gifts, go shopping, and so on. Of course, the key is to see if Chao Lian likes it. I can give Sister Lan a day off," Qiao Duo’er blinked her eyes.
Sun Erhu propped his chin and thought for a while before saying, "How about I cook a meal for Chao Lian?"
It was quite embarrassing to ask Lan to take a day off, and besides, Chao Lian was so focused on her business that she hardly had the mood for a romantic time with him.
"Given your cooking skills, better not."
Qiao Duo’er threw cold water on his idea. After all, Sun Erhu could only boil some rice soup and rice.
Sun Erhu stood up and bowed ceremoniously, "Then I’ll trouble my sister-in-law to teach this little brother."
"Well, I’ll reluctantly take you as my apprentice then."
The two quickly went to Erhu’s yard, as the pots there were all stewing meat, so no one suspected they had other plans.
At noon, Qiao Duo’er had Chao Lian and Hu’s Clan deliver food to the workers and specifically asked Tan Zhenghong to come home for the meal.
When Tan Zhenghong returned, he saw a table full of black cuisine and quickly asked, "Wife, are you in a bad mood? Or are you not feeling well?"
Normally, his wife’s cooking was a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate, but today it was clear something was wrong.
"It’s Chao Lian’s birthday; Erhu did all the cooking," said Qiao Duo’er helplessly.
She had directed the whole process, but the result... was not promising.
Tan Zhenghong then understood why Qiao Duo’er had wanted him to come back. It wasn’t because she missed him, it was because they were in trouble together.
"Brother Hong, actually, it doesn’t taste bad," Erhu said weakly.
Tan Zhenghong nodded, "No worries, it will surely make your wife’s birthday unforgettable."
"Aren’t we brothers? You really have a way of putting me down!"
Erhu complained. Ever since Brother Hong got married, his remarks had become increasingly profound.
Fortunately, he was clever enough to realize it wasn’t a compliment.
As Qiao Duo’er set the tableware, she said, "I’m not mocking you, but how many unforgettable events does one have in a lifetime?"
Erhu thought about it and realized she was right.
Still, he was nervous because Chao Lian would be back soon.
"Don’t be nervous, Chao Lian will surely be happy that you made it yourself," Tan Zhenghong reassured him.
After all, his own cooking skills weren’t great, but his wife never complained.
After a while, Chao Lian and Hu’s Clan returned. Both of them had shocked expressions as they sat down at the table.
At that moment, Sun Erhu brought out a tray with a cake and noodles on it.
Qiao Duo’er had said that one should have a cake for a birthday, so he followed her instructions and made one, separating the egg whites from the yolks, whipping the egg whites to a froth, then mixing the prepared batter, sugar, and egg whites together and steaming it over the pot.
He had followed every step carefully, but the center of the cake still caved in.
And the noodles, cut unevenly, looked... quite messy.
But by then, it was too late to start over, so Sun Erhu braced himself and brought it over.
"Chao Lian, happy birthday, give it a try," Sun Erhu said earnestly.
Chao Lian was so taken aback by the surprise that she didn’t even know where to put her hands.
Sun Erhu handed the chopsticks to Chao Lian, and only then did she remember to take a taste. As she did, her eyes began to well up with tears.
"Chao Lian, don’t cry. The noodles might be a bit nasty, but they’re not so bad as to make you cry," he said in a panic.
Erhu was worried. Throughout the process, Qiao Duo’er had guided him, and he had tried it himself, so it should be palatable, at least.
