Chapter 27

Luna White insisted on keeping Mayor George Clark and Clara Clark's families for dinner. With the ingredients they'd brought, she swiftly prepared a lavish spread.

"Auntie, may I borrow your table?" Luna efficiently borrowed a small round table from the neighbor, along with a few stools. The dishes and utensils were also gathered from nearby households.

Two tables were set up beneath the jujube tree. George and Clara Clark gaped at the feast before them.

"This girl can really cook?" they exchanged glances, silently impressed by how well Jack White had raised his daughter.

Paul Jackson stared at the braised pork, swallowing hard. "Uncle, let me fetch you some liquor!"

George smacked the back of his head. "More like you want a drink, eh?"

Clara chuckled and pulled out two dollars. "Go buy two jugs of rice wine and two bottles of liquor. Don’t waste Luna’s hard work."

Paul snatched the money and dashed off.

The kitchen wafted with mouthwatering aromas. Clara stood at the doorway, rubbing her hands. "Luna, don’t overdo it. These were meant for you, not us!"

Luna emerged with a large bowl, flour dusting her cheeks. "Auntie, there’s another bowl inside. Bring it out—one for each table, fair and square!"

"My, your skills outshine even the village chefs!" Clara praised.

Luna smiled faintly. "Keep flattering me, and I’ll get a big head."

Just then, Paul came rushing back—with two others in tow.

"Captain Andrew!" George stood quickly. "Perfect timing for the housewarming! Have a seat!"

Andrew Smith handed Luna rice wine, canned goods, and powdered milk. "A small token."

She accepted graciously. "Then I won’t stand on ceremony." She carried the gifts inside.

Clara hurried to set extra plates while George poured Andrew a drink.

"Regulations forbid alcohol," Andrew declined politely.

George laughed. "Rice wine doesn’t count! Just a sip."

Seeing Andrew’s resolve, George didn’t press further.

When Luna returned, she found Andrew seated beside her. She sat down without a word.

Andrew tried a slice of boiled pork and brightened. This was better than the army mess hall’s cooking!

Luna raised her rice wine and stood. "Thank you all for celebrating my new home. Bottoms up!" She downed it in one go.

"Bravo!" George slammed the table. "If a lady can finish hers, we men can’t back down!" He chugged a full bowl of liquor.

"Luna, I owe you an apology." George’s face flushed. "From now on, if you need anything, come to me. I won’t let that grandmother of yours bully you again!"

It was the first time the mayor had taken her side so openly. Luna thanked him with a smile.

As the feast wore on, every dish was devoured—not a drop of broth remained.

Clara clung to Luna’s hand. "Come to us anytime you need help!"

Between bites, Andrew stole glances at Luna. Despite the praise, her expression never wavered.

Once everyone had eaten their fill, George and the others were too drunk to walk straight. Andrew and his student helped carry them home.

As Luna cleared the dishes, a pair of strong hands suddenly reached for the stack.

"Captain Andrew, you don’t have to—" she protested.

He stacked the plates efficiently. "Many hands make light work." His student quietly joined in.

Under the setting sun, their three shadows stretched long across the yard.