Rebirth: Sensational Military Wife in 70s...

Chapter 30: Request for a Feast

After the recent dinner, Shi Tingyu felt she had ticked off a major item from her to-do list.

Thanks to the rave reviews from the guests, Shi Tingyu's cooking had become quite famous in the compound. Little Da Mao, in particular, often boasted about his "aunt's" cooking to his classmates, making it sound as if she was his real aunt.

One day, Shi Tingyu planned to take the supply truck to buy some groceries. The garden vegetables were still young and needed another month to mature.

The truck was nearly empty, which made Shi Tingyu feel comfortable, not having to deal with crowds.

Just when she thought she would be able to enjoy a quiet ride to the town, a woman in her fifties sat down beside her, cheerfully addressing her.

"Little Lu's wife, I'm Lu Wenbin's mother from the third battalion. I have a favor to ask of you. Could you help me out?"

Shi Tingyu looked at the unfamiliar woman and responded calmly, "What can I help you with, Auntie?"

The woman, known as Lu Auntie, was eager. "My daughter-in-law just had a baby boy, and in a week, we'll be celebrating the baby's full month. I heard you're skilled at cooking and wanted to ask if you could help with the feast."

Shi Tingyu immediately declined. Cooking was one thing, but handling a large feast was not her forte. Moreover, she didn't want to set a precedent where everyone would come to her for such tasks.

"I'm sorry, Auntie. I've never handled such large events, and with my work starting soon, it's not feasible."

Auntie Lu insisted, "Oh, it's no problem. Just take a day off, and I'll give you a two-dollar red envelope."

Shi Tingyu said, "Auntie, it's not about the money. I'll be starting work soon, and I can't justify taking leave for this. There are professional chefs who can handle it better."

Auntie Lu's face fell. "Little Lu's wife, I'm an older person asking you this. Two dollars is quite generous. You know, a teacher's salary is only thirty-six dollars a month. This is more than a day's wage."

Shi Tingyu's expression turned colder. "Auntie, I can't neglect my job for this. I really can't do it. There are professionals outside who can handle this."

Angry, Auntie Lu huffed and turned away. The other women on the truck kept quiet, knowing their positions couldn't compare to that of Auntie Lu's family.

Auntie Lu knew that hiring an outside chef would be expensive. So she tried to enlist Shi Tingyu's help instead.

When Shi Tingyu's husband, Lu Weiguo, returned from training and was intercepted by Auntie Lu, he was initially perplexed.

"What's the matter?" he asked.

Auntie Lu, sensing his intimidating demeanor, hoped that he could convince his wife to help. "My grandson's full month celebration is coming up. I wanted your wife to help with the feast. I offered her a two-dollar red envelope, but she refused. It's odd not to accept money."

Lu Weiguo's face darkened. "My wife isn't a professional cook. Why should she take on such a task?"

Auntie Lu persisted, "It's not a big deal. It's just helping out."

Lu Weiguo replied, "Professional chefs charge at least five dollars. My wife's well-being is more important, and I won't let her do it. Find someone else."

Auntie Lu, feeling cornered, tried to argue further. "You know, in our community, we should help each other. Why refuse help when it's offered?"

Lu Weiguo snapped, "I remember Lu Wenbin has a sister who's good at this. Why don't you ask her?"

Auntie Lu flared up. "My daughter is a high school graduate working in the Women's Federation. She doesn't have time for this!"

Lu Weiguo retorted, "My wife is also a high school graduate. Besides, I provide for our family, so she doesn't need to take on such tasks."

He walked away, leaving Auntie Lu behind, frustrated and defeated.