Fortune Across the World

Chapter 43: Warm Porridge Comforts the Heart (Part 2)

"Alright, thank you!" Ding Qiyu followed the inn's servant to the kitchen, where the cooks were winding down for their own meal. When the servant explained Ding Qiyu's request, the cooks shook their heads—there wasn't anything light and easily digestible prepared for the evening.

Ding Qiyu surveyed the kitchen, noting the dry rice, hard buns, and pancakes that seemed impossible to swallow. Feeling dejected, she eyed the stove and asked, "Could I possibly use your stove to make something myself? I'll clean up afterward." Although not skilled, she was willing to try for the sake of her friends' well-being.

The cooks, generous and intrigued by her request, agreed, especially an older, plump cook who eyed Ding Qiyu curiously. Seeing her refined demeanor and quality attire, he couldn't help but doubt, "Young master, can you cook porridge?"

"Uh..." Ding Qiyu was momentarily at a loss, admitting, "Honestly, not really. I've cooked once under guidance but never porridge... But my friends aren't feeling well and didn't eat much dinner. I have to try."

The plump cook laughed heartily, "Young master, you're quite the loyal friend. Alright, wait till I finish my meal, and I'll help you."

Ding Qiyu, not wanting to impose, insisted, "No need to trouble yourself. I'm familiar with lighting fires. If you don't mind guiding me, that'd be enough."

"Alright, you cook, I'll watch," the cook agreed, pulling up a stool by the stove to supervise.

With expert guidance, Ding Qiyu successfully cooked her first pot of porridge—not just plain rice porridge, but enhanced with minced meat, mushrooms, greens, and mild seasonings. Watching the steam rise from the pot, she reminisced about Lian'er teaching her to cook, a smile playing on her lips. She wondered what Lian'er and Aunt He were doing now. It had been nearly half a month since she left—had her little crybaby shed any tears?

Back in Xingcheng, at Ding Qiyu's home, Aunt He and Lian'er were chatting in the living room. Without Ding Qiyu demanding dinner, their mealtime had shifted later, and they'd just finished eating.

Aunt He couldn't help thinking how, before Ah Yu joined their family, she and Lian'er managed just fine. Yet, returning to just the two of them felt so lonely and unfamiliar now... Seeing her daughter's distant gaze, Aunt He sighed internally. Lian'er was deeply smitten. Since Ah Yu left, she'd been lost in thought, her longing palpable. Aunt He worried about her daughter's intense feelings—what if Ah Yu didn't feel the same? How would Lian'er cope?

"Lian'er, Lian'er?" Aunt He called, trying to bring her daughter back from her daydreams.

"Uh, yes, Mom?" Lian'er had been thinking about Ah Yu, wondering if they'd safely arrived at the academy, if the food suited her, if she was eating enough. Her mother's voice snapped her back.

Sighing, Aunt He held Lianer's hands, "Before things are certain, don't fall too deep. It pains me to see you like this."

Understanding her mother's concern, Lian'er was startled—her mother knew... She forced a reassuring smile, "Mom, I understand. Don't worry..." She knew her mother's reasoning, but having given her heart, she couldn't take it back, nor did she want to. If she couldn't be with Ah Yu, if it was all just a dream, being by Ah Yu's side would be enough.

Seeing Lian'er's resolve, Aunt He realized she couldn't change her daughter's heart. She hoped Lian'er would find happiness... With heavy thoughts, they retired to their rooms. Lian'er snuggled under her blankets, recalling Ah Yu's scent and warmth. The memory of their last night together was vivid, prompting her to wrap herself tighter. From the moment she let herself go in Ah Yu's embrace, Lian'er had resolved to dedicate her life to Ah Yu. She would always belong to Ding Qiyu, unwaveringly.

Meanwhile, Ding Qiyu finished cooking the porridge, added a few dishes of various pickles, divided the porridge into three portions, and cleaned the kitchen. She sincerely thanked the cook before heading upstairs with the tray. Reaching Lu Weixi's door, she saw the light still on and heard faint conversation, relieved to have finished before they slept. Balancing the tray, she knocked lightly.

Inside, the talking stopped, and Qing'er's voice came from the door, "Who is it?"

"It's me, Ding Qiyu," she replied.

Qing'er opened the door, her confusion turning to delight upon seeing the tray. Lu Weixi approached as Ding Qiyu entered, explaining, "I noticed you didn't eat much dinner, so I made some porridge."

Lu Weixi caught the key detail, eyes wide with surprise, "You made it?"

Setting down two portions, Ding Qiyu met her gaze, admitting sheepishly, "Yes, I did. The inn didn't have anything light tonight. It's my first attempt—if it's not good, I hope you'll forgive me."

The warmth and happiness returned to Lu Weixi's heart, her smile gentle, eyes carrying a newfound emotion. Her fair cheeks tinged with pink, she softly thanked Ding Qiyu, "Thank you..."

Lu Weixi was already beautiful, but her shy, gentle smile was even more enchanting. Suppressing her own emotions, Ding Qiyu returned the smile, "No problem, it's nothing. Just don't find it too bad, Weixi!" She picked up the remaining portion, "I need to take this to Brother Weiming, so I'll leave you to it. Enjoy the porridge and rest up—we have an early start tomorrow!"

Seeing the single portion left, Lu Weixi quickly asked, "Just one, aren't you eating?"

Ding Qiyu shook her head, patting her stomach jokingly, "I ate plenty at dinner. I pretty much finished that table of meat myself. If I eat more, I'll burst." With that, she bid farewell and headed back.

After Ding Qiyu left, Lu Weixi sat at the table. Qing'er uncovered the porridge, serving it into small bowls. The aroma filled the air, making Qing'er's stomach growl. She quickly helped herself, inhaling deeply before sipping, praising, "Young Master Ding is so thoughtful, truly caring for you!" Qing'er, having grown up with Lu Weixi, was more like a sister than a servant. Though teasing, she was genuinely happy to see her mistress had someone who cared for her.

Despite being teased often by Qing'er about Ding Qiyu, Lu Weixi had no immunity. Her heart sweet, her face betrayed her, cheeks reddening as she protested, "You have some too, so how is it just for me..."

Qing'er knew her mistress's weak spot—mention Ding Qiyu, and she'd blush. Delighted, she didn't push further, fearing she'd anger her mistress, simply quipping, "I'm just benefiting from being with you!" before enjoying her supper.

"That greasy dinner left me starving," Qing'er said, sipping her porridge directly from the bowl, eyes lighting up, "Wow, was this really Young Master Ding's first try? If he has such talent, you should encourage him to learn cooking. You'll eat well in the future!" Had Ding Qiyu overheard, she'd protest—her success owed much to the cook's "foolproof instructions."

Ignoring Qing'er's jest, Lu Weixi quietly tasted the porridge. It was fragrant and delicious, warming her stomach and heart. To her, it was the best porridge she'd ever had, filled with Qiyu's care.

Returning to her room, Ding Qiyu found Lu Weiming still curled up in bed. Setting the tray down, he spoke, "Brother Yu, were you out wandering?" His voice was weary.

"I saw you all barely ate, so I made some porridge. Come have some—it'll soothe your stomach after being seasick," Ding Qiyu replied.

"Really? Porridge?" Lu Weiming, stomach empty and sour, perked up at the prospect. He jumped from bed with newfound energy.

Seeing the porridge and pickles, he exclaimed, "Brother Yu, you made this?"

"Yes, I did. Drink up—it's my first time, so forgive any shortcomings!" Ding Qiyu confirmed with a nod.

Moved, Lu Weiming patted Ding Qiyu's shoulder, calling him a "good brother" before eagerly sitting down to eat. Noticing only one bowl, he asked, "What about you?"

Waving him off, Ding Qiyu said, "I'm full. I've already taken some to Weixi. Just focus on filling your belly!" She returned to her couch, closing her eyes to rest.