Chapter 151

By the time Ethan White and Andrew Smith changed clothes and stepped outside, they were already as familiar as old friends. In the courtyard, the three women were bustling with activity.

"Dumplings for lunch?" Ethan's eyes lit up. Though the military occasionally served dumplings, they were a rare treat—usually only during New Year celebrations. During field training, cornmeal pancakes were considered a luxury.

Luna pointed to the water vat. "Fetch some water. We specially bought meat today. Captain Smith, you’re staying for lunch—no arguments." Her tone left no room for refusal.

Ethan happily grabbed the carrying pole. He didn’t mind chores, especially with the lively atmosphere at home.

Andrew didn’t protest. He was on leave today and had come to visit Luna before she left. He hadn’t expected to end up sparring with her brother. But it had been a satisfying fight—he hadn’t met such a skilled opponent in a long time. Clearly, the brother was sending him a message.

"Big Sis, I’ll mince the meat." He rolled up his sleeves and took the cleaver without hesitation. The chunks of meat on the cutting board soon turned into fine mince under his blade.

Luna chuckled. "You’ve got quite the technique, Instructor Smith. Do you cook at home?" She was growing fonder of her future brother-in-law by the minute. A man who could cook meant her sister would have an easier life.

"I know the basics," Andrew replied modestly.

Lily Clark nudged Luna with her elbow. "You’re lucky."

"Get back to chopping!" Luna’s cheeks flushed as she set aside the cleaned pork tripe. She needed to borrow some chili peppers from the neighbor—everyone here loved spicy food.

Once the meat was minced, Luna began seasoning it. Lily chopped leeks and fennel for two different fillings. In the kitchen, Luna rolled out the dough while Luna and Lily wrapped the dumplings.

Luna’s movements were practiced. In her past life with the Harris family, she’d done all this alone. The men there considered kitchen work beneath them, so she’d mastered every skill out of necessity.

"Luna, your dumplings look just like Mom’s," Luna remarked admiringly.

Lily glanced at her own lopsided creations and flushed with embarrassment. Back home, she’d never lifted a finger for housework.

Luna patiently guided her. Lily was quick to learn and soon shaped decent dumplings.

When Clara Clark and George Clark arrived and saw their daughter’s handiwork, they nearly dropped their jaws.

"Did… Lily make these?" Clara couldn’t believe her eyes.

Lily proudly demonstrated by wrapping another. "Well, Mom?"

"Better than mine!" Clara exclaimed, both shocked and delighted.

Lily winked at Luna. "Be careful—the student might surpass the teacher."

Luna dodged her flour-dusted hands. "At this rate, I’ll be out of a job."

Clara looked at Luna with gratitude. She’d never expected this girl to teach her daughter such skills.

"Godmother, why don’t you peel garlic? The kitchen’s too crowded," Luna suggested, gently ushering Clara out.

The men set up two small tables outside. Luna boiled water for the dumplings while Luna fried peanuts in another pan, using a method that made them spicy and crispy—just like the bar snacks from her past life.

She’d scrubbed the pork tripe thoroughly with cornmeal and salt, then sliced it into strips before stir-frying it with peppercorns, chili, and fermented bean paste. The aroma filled the air instantly.

Lily sneaked a bite and nearly swooned. "Heavens! No gaminess at all—this is better than any restaurant in town!"

When the dishes were served, George couldn’t take his eyes off the stir-fried tripe. "Luna, this is incredible!"

Andrew poured his future father-in-law a drink, heart swelling with pride. With such a capable wife, life would be sweet indeed.