Raising the little kitten brought Ding Sha so much joy that she almost forgot about her own wailing son for a moment.
Little Cat was also slowly becoming close to her. Not only did she not hide from Ding Sha anymore, she would take the initiative to jump onto her lap and purr softly while kneading and treading.
She would also follow Ding Sha closely wherever she walked in the house, and even bring the kitten to Ding Sha, asking her to help keep an eye on her kitten.
Ding Sha gleefully stroked the increasingly chubby Little Cat, listening to her sweet tender meows, squeezing her soft pink paw pads, feeling that life was just so at that moment.
The two kittens changed day by day. At first when they were just born, they looked rather miserable, covered all over in amniotic fluid, appearing weak and skinny.
But after careful care and rich feeding from Egg Yolk Mother and Grandma Ding Sha, the kittens started growing fur and meat, gradually becoming round and cute.
Not only would they let out soft helpless meows, they would also dash around recklessly "asking for trouble." Whenever they bumped into Ding Sha, they would flop over immediately, rolling their bellies wetly towards Ding Sha acting coquettishly. Their little paws would also extend into the air, treading milk unsteadily.
They generously stretched out their tender pink little paw pads for Ding Sha to see.
Ding Sha could then only "reluctantly" squat down to touch the poor little cuties, checking to see if they were "injured."
Ping An stared blankly at Ding Sha’s back whenever she squatted in the corner watching the kittens.
Mommy doesn’t love staring at him silly anymore these days!
Xiao Jun was making last-minute adjustments in the kitchen. They hadn’t opened for business these past few days. The renovation at their new place went faster than expected since they didn’t need to paint over the walls.
They would be able to move over in another three to four days.
Tomorrow Gong Sister-in-law and Zhuang Auntie were getting ready to move back too.
After school started, Si Le would also need to prepare for his high school entrance exam.
Little Stone was sent to preschool for full day care under his teacher which worked out perfectly.
Ding Sha was still somewhat reluctant to leave the regular old customers and neighbors here. Every day when opening the door, they would smile and greet each other for a few sentences. Occasionally, some would also come to the shop to chat over drinks.
Ding Sha was wandering aimlessly in the yard, filled with attachment when she suddenly heard the sister-in-law from the hardware store next door calling her over the dividing wall of the yard.
“Sha Sha?! Sha Sha!”
“Oh I’m here! Sister-in-law? What’s the matter?” Ding Sha also hurried over to stand by the wall.
“I heard you guys are moving away?” the woman asked.
“Yup, we’re moving in a couple days,” Ding Sha replied.
“Is it because of that old granny? Stingy to the bone. When I first moved here, she didn’t have anything in the room yet still wanted to raise the rent. I see that she’s gone blind for money.
“Everyone else lowers the rent while she specifically raises it. She’s so annoying every day. Oh right, I saw her coming by earlier. Is she raising the rent for you guys too?”
"The landlady wants to sell the place. We can't afford to buy it so we thought we'd move somewhere else," Ding Sha didn't badmouth her after thinking about it for a bit.
“Moving works out too. That old lady always stirs up trouble all day,” the neighbor said. “Where are you guys moving to? Leave us an address too. Old Li from our family loves your stewed meat to go with his wine. I’ll come again another day to show my support!”
Ding Sha told her the address with a smile and the two chatted for a few more sentences before going their separate ways.
Hearing faint knocking at the door, Ding Sha picked up Little Ping An who was arching his butt up and nudging around on the bed and went to open the door.
The guest had red dyed hair and was a petite young man who appeared slightly stout. Although he had an arrogant demeanor, he was taken aback when he raised his head to see Ding Sha.
“Hello? We’re closed for business today.” Thinking he was a customer here to eat, Ding Sha hurriedly explained.
“I didn’t come here to eat. I heard Xiao Jun is here. I’m looking for Xiao Jun,” the youth shook his head.
“What are you looking for Jun for?” Ding Sha thought it was peculiar.
This was the first time someone asked for Xiao Jun.
“I’m called Wang Wenhao. My dad is Wang Zhengyang and my grandpa is Wang Hai,” the youth introduced himself.
It took Ding Sha a moment to react but she smiled and welcomed Wang Wenhao in after she understood.
“Jun is in the back. Let me go get him. Have a seat first and wait for a bit.”
Xiao Jun was also surprised when he heard Wang Zhengyang’s son was looking for him. “Looking for me? What does he want with me?”
"You don't think... he wants the recipe right?"
"Don't know," Ding Sha shook her head. "If he asks you for it, you still have to call Mr. Wang first."
"Let's go take a look first," Xiao Jun put down what was in his hands and walked out.
"Hello, I'm Xiao Jun," Xiao Jun stood in front of him.
"Hello," the youth looked Xiao Jun up and down. "I'm Wang Wenhao."
"What can I do for you?" Xiao Jun cut straight to the chase.
"I heard from my dad that he gave you our family recipes so I came to see if you're worthy," Wang Wenhao smirked.
"So what now?" Xiao Jun only felt baffled. "Are you taking the recipes back?"
"Make me a dish - Kung Pao Chicken," Wang Wenhao suddenly said.
Xiao Jun glanced at him, somewhat annoyed. "Sorry, don't know how to make it."
Wang Wenhao couldn't believe it. "You don't even know how to make Kung Pao Chicken? How can you call yourself a chef?"
"What business is it of yours?" Xiao Jun retorted back with crossed arms.
Unexpectedly, Wang Wenhao didn't get mad. "I just asked for a Kung Pao Chicken. You've cooked for my grandpa, grandma, and dad. Why won't you cook for me?"
Without a second thought, Xiao Jun flatly refused. "Because I don't feel like it."
"Jun," Ding Sha pulled him. "Don't be like this..."
After all, they did get his family recipes...
Xiao Jun clicked his tongue in irritation but still listened to Ding Sha.
"Wait for it!" And with that, he turned and walked into the kitchen.
He cut the deboned chicken legs into pieces and added salt, sugar, pepper powder to season before beating in egg and cornstarch then drizzling in some oil and mixing well.
Then he made a Kung Pao sauce using appropriate salt, sugar, vinegar and soy sauce with cornstarch.
He heated oil in a wok until hot and added the chicken pieces to sear then scooped out.
Leaving just a bit of oil at the bottom, he tossed in minced garlic and dried chili peppers bringing out the fragrance before adding the green onion segments to stir fry. After adding back the cooked chicken pieces, he sprinkled some hot chili oil and poured the Kung Pao sauce over, mixing well.
Lastly he added roasted peanuts and gave it a few quick stirs.
A aromatic, spicy and appetizing plate of Kung Pao Chicken was ready.
Xiao Jun set the dish down in front of Wang Wenhao. "Eat up."
Wang Wenhao looked at the plate. "Sichuan style?"
"Mm," Xiao Jun wasn't surprised he could tell given he was from a family of chefs after all. Even though he was just a kid, he would still have basic knowledge.
Wang Wenhao didn't say anything else and picked up his chopsticks for a mouthful. It tasted nothing like any Kung Pao Chicken he had eaten before. The chicken was tender and juicy with a bit of crunch and the thick Kung Pao sauce coated the peanuts as well.
Before he knew it, he had finished the entire plate!
"How is it? Am I worthy?" Xiao Jun asked leaning against the wall with crossed arms.
Wang Wenhao fell silent before suddenly standing up and walking over to Xiao Jun.
Xiao Jun watched him warily. "What are you trying to do?"
Without a word, Wang Wenhao solemnly clasped his fist. "Master! Please teach me to cook!"
