Chapter 21: Making Dumplings

Chapter 21: Making Dumplings

On the way back to the master’s home, He Yuzhu stopped by to invite his senior sister, Fan Ting, to come home for dinner.

After resting for a while, He Yuzhu and the master’s wife began preparing to make dumplings.

“Master’s wife, I bought a bunch of chives at noon and chopped up some cabbage. Let’s make two kinds of fillings—chive and pork, and cabbage and pork,” He Yuzhu said, holding up the chives.

“Alright, your suggestion sounds good. We’ll make two kinds then,” the master’s wife replied.

He Yuzhu took out some pork belly and started mincing the meat.

“Yuzhu, why are you chopping so much meat?” the master’s wife asked, noticing the large slab of pork belly.

“More meat makes the dumplings tastier. Besides, we have a lot of people,” He Yuzhu answered.

While He Yuzhu minced the filling, the master’s wife kneaded the dough.

Everything was ready when Fan Yao returned from school, and senior sister Fan Ting also came back.

“Senior sister, why didn’t your husband come over?” He Yuzhu asked.

“What else could happen? They’re in the safety department; there’s no fixed schedule. They’ve been working overtime at the office,” Fan Ting replied.

Her husband, Zhou Jianye, is the deputy director of the Safety Department. A former soldier who transferred to safety work during the founding of the country, he has earned merits and comes from a family where his father is the director of the Safety Bureau. He is promising and has a bright future.

“Then you should bring him some food later,” He Yuzhu said.

“I’ll think about it later,” Fan Ting replied.

Everyone started making dumplings, and the younger children, Yushui and Xiao Hu, joined in the fun. Before long, their faces were covered in flour, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

The master’s wife gave each of them a small dough ball to keep them occupied and send them away.

Soon after, the master arrived home, and the dumplings were ready. For the first batch, He Yuzhu packed several into large lunchboxes and handed them to Fan Ting. “Senior sister, please take these to your husband.”

“That’s too much. One lunchbox is enough for him,” Fan Ting said, looking at the containers.

“There are also people on duty at the office. You take one, and your husband can just have a taste,” He Yuzhu insisted.

Fan Ting took the lunchboxes, mounted her bicycle, and headed straight to the Safety Department, arriving shortly thereafter.

When Fan Ting entered, the junior safety officer on duty greeted her warmly. “Sister-in-law’s here, bringing food for Director Zhou.”

“Yeah, Xiao Zhao, have you eaten yet?” Fan Ting asked.

“About to eat now. Director Zhou is in his office,” Xiao Zhao replied.

“We made dumplings at home. Take these and share them with the others. They won’t fill everyone up, but at least everyone can taste some,” Fan Ting said, handing over a lunchbox and the rest to Xiao Zhao.

“Thank you, sister-in-law. I haven’t had dumplings in a long time,” Xiao Zhao said gratefully.

“No need to be so polite,” Fan Ting responded.

Seeing Fan Ting enter Zhou Jianye’s office, the others rushed over, eager to get some.

Hearing the commotion, Zhou Jianye looked up and saw Fan Ting.

“So late, why are you here?” Zhou Jianye asked.

“You know it’s late. What time is it? Have you eaten?” Fan Ting replied irritably.

“Oh, I got so busy I forgot. I’ll eat now. Next time, I promise to eat on time,” Zhou Jianye said.

“No ‘next time.’ Fine, I brought you food,” Fan Ting said.

“Let me see what delicious food you brought,” Zhou Jianye said.

“Oh, dumplings! Just what I wanted,” he exclaimed eagerly, grabbing one and stuffing it into his mouth, his face gleaming with oil.

“Cabbage and pork, and they put a lot of meat in. Smells wonderful,” Zhou Jianye said.

“There’s also chive and pork, two kinds mixed together,” Fan Ting added.

“Have you eaten? Want to eat some together?” Zhou Jianye asked.

“Not yet. They just came out of the pot and I brought them straight here. I’ll eat later. You eat now,” Fan Ting replied.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Opening it revealed Xiao Zhao.

“Sister-in-law, I brought back the lunchboxes, all cleaned. The comrades asked me to thank you on their behalf,” Xiao Zhao said.

“No need to be so polite. The dumplings are good, right? I’ll make some for you again next time,” Fan Ting replied.

“Delicious, especially the meat,” Xiao Zhao said. “I won’t bother you any longer.”

Xiao Zhao courteously excused himself, closed the door behind him, and left.

“How many did you bring?” Zhou Jianye asked, looking at the several lunchboxes.

“One big pot. I didn’t count. Yuzhu packed the first batch into containers for me to bring over, saying if I brought too few, you wouldn’t get any,” Fan Ting explained.

“That’s true. Everyone’s working overtime and quite tired. I can’t be the only one eating,” Zhou Jianye said.

“Yuzhu’s still thinking of me,” Zhou Jianye added.

“That’s good. Remember his kindness. If he ever needs help, you owe him,” Fan Ting said.

“All right, I won’t keep you. I’m heading back,” Fan Ting said, picking up the lunchboxes.

Zhou Jianye saw Fan Ting out, watching her ride off on her bicycle, calling out, “It’s dark, be careful.”

Fan Ting returned home, put down her bike, and went inside.

“Senior sister, you’re back. The dumplings are still hot. Come eat quickly,” He Yuzhu said upon seeing her.

The group enjoyed a splendid meal of dumplings together.

Since Fan Ting’s husband was on duty at the office, she stayed the night at her parents’ home instead of returning.