Chapter 70: Chapter 70: Something happened in the Tribe
Back in the cave, Su Qinglan decided to teach Hu Yan how to handle the salmon. She showed him how to cut it into clean and even pieces.
"Like this," she said. "Hold it steady, cut through the bones, and separate the fillets."
Hu Yan followed every step carefully, keeping his distance so that she wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. She watched him closely, making sure he did it right.
Once the fish was cut, Su Qinglan guided him through the cooking process.
"First, clean the fish thoroughly. Remove the scales and the inner parts. Then rinse it with cold water. After that, heat some fat in a stone pan. Fry some onions lightly. Put the salmon in, and cook on medium heat. Flip it carefully after a few minutes. Add a little salt, some herbs she has made, and an orange, which could work for a lemon.
"Cover with a stone plate and let it cook fully for some time. Make sure it’s fully cooked. Then take it off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before eating."
Hu Yan followed every instruction, feeling both nervous and excited. A good aroma slowly filled the cave. The smell was delicious, warm, and tempting.
Su Qinglan’s stomach rumbled at the aroma. She couldn’t help but sniff it again and again, feeling her mouth water.
Hu Yan saw her expression and grinned. Yes! She’s tempted! My cooking is working!
This was the first time Hu Yan had cooked by himself. Usually, Su Qinglan did all the work, and he only helped a little. But now, with her pregnant, he wouldn’t allow her to cook anything that could hurt her.
And the excitement in his chest grew. He wanted Su Qinglan to taste it, to see if he had done it right.
Finally, when the salmon was done, Su Qinglan helped him plate it. She took a careful bite and smiled.
"It’s... really good," she said softly, giving him a bright look.
Hu Yan’s chest swelled with pride. I did it! I really cooked it! And she likes it!
Even Stove outside smelled the delicious scent and ran straight towards the cave.
Rong Ye and Stove appeared in front of Su Qinglan at the same time with hungry expressions. Their mouths opened wide, ready to eat. Both of them mirrored the same look... pure excitement and hunger.
Su Qinglan laughed softly. She looked at Stove first and said, "Here, Stove. Try this first."
Stove’s eyes lit up, and he happily munched on the salmon. His leaves swayed a little, and a delighted little purr escaped him. Su Qinglan smiled at his expression. This plant was really like a companion.
In the past, she had never let out her ability like this. After using them, they would always disappear. So did something change this time?
When it had appeared for the first time, she had only used it to distract Han Jue and had thought just like that it would also disappear, but it persisted.
Then she turned to Rong Ye. "And you... you can have some too."
Rong Ye froze. "Wait! Why him first? We arrived together! Why does he get to eat before me?"
He looked at Stove, glaring fiercely, his jealousy practically radiating.
But Su Qinglan did not answer him and immediately put a tender piece in his mouth. Just as the fish touched his tongue...
He nearly exploded. "Wow!" he shouted. "I never thought this thorny fish could taste this good!"
His eyes widened, and he licked his lips like a child who had found treasure. "I want more! I need more!"
Hu Yan rolled his eyes and gave him a sharp look. "Not for you! It is for Qinglan."
"But there are still many pieces left."
"Wait before she and I are both done with eating."
Rong Ye froze for a second, but his expression quickly shifted to outrage. He could wait for Su Qinglan, but why did he have to wait for him? Does this make any sense?
From the side, Su Qinglan noticed both of them, and her patience wore thin. She crossed her arms and frowned. "Stop fighting! You’re going to destroy everything before I even finish giving it to you!"
Both Rong Ye and Stove turned to look at her, their faces serious, ready to fight right there in front of her. They growled and bared their teeth, each thinking, I must get my share!
Su Qinglan pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed... why are you always like this? Why did she feel she was with a bunch of toddlers?
Then, she easily divided all the portions into 5 places, and she gave them all big pieces while only taking small pieces for herself. Because she liked eating small pieces. "Fine! Here, this is for you, this for him. Eat it properly!"
Rong Ye and Stove blinked, then stared at each other. For a brief second, it was tense.
And then... both of them grabbed their pieces and started eating. They completely ignored each other like no other person existed.
Su Qinglan watched them, shaking her head and smiling. I swear, these two are impossible... but they are so funny at the same time.
She looked at Stove and thought, even it is giving a hard time to Rong Ye. And it could even successfully get on his nerves.
Only Hu Yan looked at her with a frown and changed his portion and said, "Eat this, yours are too small," and he pointed at another portion. "Who is it for?"
Su Qinglan immediately stopped him from changing her portion with his own and said, "Don’t. I like small pieces, they are tastier."
And she looked at another portion and said, "It is for Han Jue." And just as the words left her mouth, both Hu Yan and Rong Ye froze for a second before they continued eating.
And Su Qinglan didn’t notice anything at all. She felt like she should also share the delicious thing with him; after all, he had helped her, and it would not be a good idea to be on the bad side of that grumpy wolf.
After they finished eating, everyone had a happy smile on their face. Su Qinglan was happy as she helped them clean up and pack the leftovers.
Rong Ye’s big beef was left to be processed later, and even Stove was not left from the work. Rong Ye threatened him to clean the cave and sweep all the dust from here and outside.
And Stove could only do it with a sulking face. Why is life so hard? People always get jealous of your good life. Hmph! Stinky fox.
Suddenly, as everyone was busy in their work, a howl echoed from the center of the tribe, making everyone freeze.