After some discussion, the couple decided that for safety's sake, it would be best to return to the cave.
They rode their motorcycle to the foot of the mountain. Xu Mingxuan dismounted and scouted the perimeter, while Chen Lan used her telekinetic search function to scan for any people or animals within a five-hundred-meter radius. Finding nothing unusual, Chen Lan then used her telekinesis to store the basket, frozen fish, and motorcycle in the system warehouse.
The couple approached the cave entrance and carefully observed their surroundings. Everything appeared the same as when they left that morning. Reassured, they boldly entered the cave, finding no anomalies inside.
Xu Mingxuan asked Chen Lan to rest outside while he cleaned up the ashes from the previous night's fire inside the cave. Chen Lan checked the system time and sighed; it was already 10:30 AM, nearing lunchtime, and they needed to start preparing the midday meal.
They divided their tasks. Seeing Xu Mingxuan busy in the cave, Chen Lan went outside to find large stones to build a simple stove for cooking lunch.
Chen Lan felt that the meals they'd had over the past two days had been rushed and unsatisfying. She decided to make a proper, hearty meal for lunch to satisfy their cravings. Given the cold weather and the inconvenience of water in the wilderness, stir-frying was impractical. A hot pot would be the best option.
The thought of a hot pot immediately sparked a strong craving for a seafood medley. Chen Lan wasn't one to deny herself, and with the available resources, she began preparations.
Using her telekinesis, Chen Lan ordered three catties of large prawns, abalone, clams, and razor clams from her favorite online fresh seafood shop within the system. She also purchased young corn, cooked quail eggs, broccoli, fresh shiitake mushrooms, lettuce, and other vegetables, along with seasonings like ginger, garlic, and scallions. Two large barrels of purified water were also bought to create a simple seafood stew.
After building the stove, she retrieved a large iron pot and a basin from the system warehouse. The basin would be used for washing vegetables and aromatics, and for cleaning the seafood.
She sliced the ginger and garlic and cut the vegetables. After washing the iron pot, she blanched the seafood in boiling water and then the vegetables, setting them aside together.
She heated oil, stir-fried the ginger and garlic until fragrant, added the spicy seasoning, and a little water. Then, she added the prepared seafood and vegetables, along with oyster sauce, soy sauce, salt, and pepper, and simmered on low heat to allow the flavors to meld.
Chen Lan then took out five fist-sized corn cornbread muffins from the system warehouse and placed them on top of the simmering seafood and vegetables to warm. She inverted the basin used for washing vegetables over the iron pot.
With everything ready, they patiently waited for their meal.
Soon, the aroma of seafood wafted through the air, with steam rising and a fragrant scent filling the surroundings.
Xu Mingxuan emerged from the cave after tidying up and was immediately struck by the smell. "Lan'er," he exclaimed, "I smell prawns! Did you make prawns?"
Chen Lan smiled and nodded. "That's right. We're having a seafood medley today. Mingxuan, hurry and wash your hands, we're ready to eat."
After Xu Mingxuan washed his hands, Chen Lan lifted the inverted basin. The large iron pot was a vibrant display of colors: orange-yellow cornbread, pale yellow corn, brown shiitake mushrooms, bright red prawns, emerald green broccoli, and creamy white quail eggs. The dish was visually stunning and its fragrance was enticing.
Chen Lan transferred the five cornbread muffins into a bowl. She then took two pairs of chopsticks and two bowls from the system warehouse, rinsed them with purified water, and the couple immediately began to enjoy the delicious seafood medley.
While eating prawns, Chen Lan asked Xu Mingxuan, "Mingxuan, would you like some wine? A small drink might help you relax."
Xu Mingxuan, busy peeling a prawn, took a bite and replied, "Let's skip it. I have important business to attend to this afternoon."
Chen Lan coaxed, "It's okay, Mingxuan! Just a little won't affect anything! Besides, it's cold here in the Northeast, and people tend to enjoy drinking. They won't mind if you have a drink at lunch!"
Xu Mingxuan considered it and decided it was best not to. Chen Lan didn't press further.
As the saying goes, "Food can heal everything." After the hearty meal, the couple felt refreshed and satisfied. The only drawback was the onset of sleepiness.
Having spent half the night dealing with wolves, they hadn't slept much. Chen Lan found her eyes drooping. Seeing her drowsy state, Xu Mingxuan quickly helped her clean up the dishes. Being efficient, they worked together and finished tidying up in no time.
Xu Mingxuan, with his years of military experience, was incredibly fast at making the bed. By the time Chen Lan finished her outdoor chores and entered the cave, she found Xu Mingxuan had already laid out their bedding and was taking off his padded jacket, clearly intending to take a nap with her.
To ensure a good rest, Chen Lan ordered a small alarm clock from the system and set it for 1:40 PM. "Mingxuan," she said, "you didn't sleep well last night either! You can sleep soundly now. I've set the alarm, and it will definitely ring at 1:40 PM! I'm so tired, let's go to sleep."
She quickly shed her thick cotton coat and pants and snuggled into the cold bedding. The cave was chilly, and combined with the winter in the Northeast, the bed was icy. Chen Lan shivered involuntarily.
At this moment, Xu Mingxuan had reignited the fire.
Chen Lan mused that the weather was getting colder, and staying in the cave indefinitely was not feasible. It was too damp and cold, which would take a toll on their health and make them susceptible to illness. Moreover, Xu Mingxuan couldn't stay away from his unit for too long. They needed to secure their food supplies quickly so he could return to the barracks.
The remaining business opportunities would have to be explored by herself and Xiangxi. They would take the old Jiefang truck and visit all eighteen farms around Pogranichny. If they had the chance to explore Haishenwai, which was not far away, and find some good items there, it would be perfect.
Lost in thought, Chen Lan drifted off to sleep. Beside her, Xu Mingxuan was already softly snoring.