Siheyuan: I live next door to Xu Damao, my last name is Cao

The two of them then hurriedly walked towards home, their figures gradually moving away in the alley, leaving behind only their soft murmurs and footsteps along the way. The sound drifted away in the cold wind, carrying with it a little expectation of the worldly affairs.

The two brothers Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu rushed into the house at a trot, bringing in a gust of cold wind that made everyone in the house shiver.

The brothers' faces were as red as ripe tomatoes and steaming. Liu Guangtian held the fish high in his hand, but the fish was still restless and its tail was swinging from side to side.

His face was filled with pride, and he shouted at the top of his voice: "Dad, Mom, we've bought the fish and meat, and they're all fresh! The fish is jumping around in the basket, and Guangfu and I took a long time to choose the right ones. The meat is also just the right amount of fat and lean, so it's sure to make everyone happy."

Liu Guangfu was not to be outdone. He shook the heavy meat bag in his hand. The meat in the bag collided with the shaking, making a dull sound. He grinned, revealing two big white teeth, and showed off like a trophy: "Mom and Dad, just wait and see. This meal will definitely be sumptuous."

The two brothers entered the house and looked at each other tacitly. Their eyes conveyed the message of "don't let the secret out". No one mentioned how much money was left or how to distribute it. This little secret was firmly hidden in their hearts, for fear that their parents would notice something unusual.

Liu Haizhong was originally sitting on the edge of the kang, chatting with Second Aunt about how to make tonight's dinner a great success and to make Qi Sihui satisfied. When he heard the noise, he quickly got up and came over.

His eyes were immediately attracted by the lively carp in Liu Guangtian's hand. The fish was struggling in the oil paper, and its tail was swinging with a "snapping" sound, splashing water droplets that sparkled under the light.

"Hey, good fellow!"

Liu Haizhong's eyes sparkled with surprise and approval. He reached out and gently patted Liu Guangtian's shoulder. With a little strength in his hand, he said with surprise, "You two are really good. You actually got such a fresh carp. I thought it would be good to buy a fish. Fish are not easy to find in the market, and they have to be fresh. This is really brilliant. You did a great job and didn't let Dad down. You are two smart guys."

As he said this, he looked at Liu Guangfu again and nodded his head in approval, his eyes full of satisfaction. Liu Guangfu was praised so much that he scratched his head, his scalp turned a little red, and he laughed, with pride on his face almost overflowing, like a child who was rewarded with candy.

Liu Haizhong placed the fish on the chopping board and put his hands on his hips, like a smug chef. He walked around the fish twice, looking it up and down, wondering in his mind: How should I cook such a big fish?

He smacked his lips, the delicious aroma of the fish soup rising up in his mind, the image of the milky white fish soup bubbling in the pot emerged in his mind. He thought that stewing it into fish soup would be the best, not only could he drink the mellow and fragrant soup, which warmed his body and moistened his stomach, but he could also eat the fish meat in big mouthfuls, which was soft, tender and fragrant. Isn't it the best of both worlds?

But then he changed his mind and remembered that Qi Sihui was the first distinguished guest to come to his house. He didn't know the girl's taste preferences, so how could he decide on his own? That would be so disrespectful. He should not be impolite in this matter.

So, with a smile on his face, he walked up to Qi Sihui, bent down slightly, his waist was bent just right, showing humility and kindness, and asked in a gentle voice: "Xiaohui, look, the two boys brought back a big carp, it's very fresh, do you like fish? How do you want to eat it, steamed, braised or stewed? Tell uncle, today it's up to your taste. You are a distinguished guest, don't let yourself be wronged."

Qi Sihui was sitting on a chair, holding a cup of hot tea to warm her hands. The hot steam made her face look even more rosy.

When Qi Sihui heard this, she stood up quickly, her movements a little shy and flustered, her cheeks flushed like the sunset glow in the sky, she shook her head gently, her voice was as soft and sticky as if covered with honey, and she said sweetly: "Uncle, I'm not picky, I love to eat whatever you and aunt cook, they are all delicious, don't worry about me, I'm fine with whatever I want."

When Liu Haizhong heard this, his smile deepened. The crow's feet at the corners of his eyes were full of joy, like blooming chrysanthemums. He kept praising: "Oh, my girl, you are so sensible. You are really rare. This child has a good upbringing. It is a blessing for our Guangqi to know you."

He turned around and picked up a kitchen knife, which was on the knife rack. With a flash of cold light, he began to pick the fish. His technique was very skillful, and as the knife rose and fell, fish scales fluttered to the ground like snowflakes, forming a small pile of "silver-white armor" on the chopping board.

He cut out the fish gills with quick and neat movements, ripped out the internal organs and cleaned them thoroughly, then ran his hands over the fish body, leaving only the tender white fish meat, which he chopped into even-sized pieces.

The "dong dong" sound of chopping meat is like rhythmic drumbeats. The meat is put into a big pot, and green onions, ginger, garlic and cooking wine are added to remove the fishy smell. The pungent spicy taste and mellow wine aroma spread instantly. A handful of homemade dried mushrooms are sprinkled on it, and the meat is simmered over low heat.

Soon, a soft "gurgling" sound came from the pot, like a warm kitchen melody.

The second aunt was also busy at the stove, slicing the meat into thin slices of even thickness, and stir-frying them in the pan, making a sizzling sound and splashing oil everywhere.

We added beans and potato cubes, the beans were green and crispy, the potatoes were golden and soft, they were simmered, the food was steaming and fragrant.

Soon, the food was ready. There was braised pork on the table, shiny red and trembling, which looked very appetizing; there was stewed meat with beans, which had absorbed the gravy and were full of flavor; there were stir-fried seasonal vegetables, which were refreshing and relieved; and there was a big pot of milky white and fragrant fish soup, which was steaming hot, like a feast for the tongue. The aroma made the glutton in one's stomach make a fuss and keep surging up.

Liu Haizhong called everyone to the table in a loud and enthusiastic voice. He asked Qi Sihui to sit at the top seat and said with a smile, "My daughter, come and try it. It's all home-cooked. Don't be polite. Just treat it like your own home. Eat more. Only when you are full will you have the energy to chat."

Qi Sihui smiled and nodded, picked up the chopsticks and picked up a piece of fish. The fish melted in the mouth, delicate and tender. The fish soup warmed her heart and the fresh fragrance spread on the tip of her tongue.

Her eyes sparkled with surprise and satisfaction, and she kept praising the taste: "Uncle, this fish soup is really delicious, and the fish meat is tender. I have never tasted such a delicious soup. My two brothers should try it soon."

When Liu Haizhong heard this, he nodded hurriedly and urged with a smile: "Did you hear that? Xiaohui has spoken. Come on and eat. Don't just stand there in a daze. Savor the food."

When Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu saw that the big carp, which was originally full of life and full of anticipation for being braised, was now steadily turned into a pot of milky white fish soup in the big basin, the corners of their mouths drooped instantly, and their eyes were full of disappointment and unwillingness.

Liu Guangtian curled his lips and muttered quietly, "How come it has become a soup? Braised fish is so fragrant, with that bright red and oily color. The fish meat is firm and tasty when you take a bite. I'm drooling just thinking about it. This fish soup is so watery and has no flavor. It's a pity to waste such a good fish."

Liu Guangfu also echoed, shaking his head like a rattle, and said with a look of grievance: "That's right, I was so careful in choosing the fish at the fish stall that my eyes were almost dazzled. I was looking forward to eating braised carp, but now it's all gone. My expectation was in vain."

The two brothers were complaining to each other. Although their voices were not loud, they seemed to have wings and penetrated into the ears behind the bangs.

Liu Haizhong was originally serving soup to Qi Sihui with a smile on his face. He scooped a full spoonful from the pot, but when he heard the noise, his face darkened and the spoon in his hand hit the edge of the pot with a "clang". The sound was particularly harsh at the quiet dining table.

Liu Haizhong turned his head, his eyes like two sharp blades, piercing straight at Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu. His eyes revealed warning and dissatisfaction, as if saying "You two little bastards, do you have any sense? What kind of occasion is this today, and you still dare to be picky? You have no sense at all."

Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu were so shocked by this glare that they trembled all over and shrank their necks like two frightened quails. They immediately shut their mouths and exchanged glances, their minds knowing everything.

If I say anything now, I'm afraid I'll end up in trouble. The atmosphere of this meal can't be ruined by these two.

Liu Guangtian secretly complained, but he could only suppress his reluctance and muttered with a smile: "Fish soup is good, fish soup is nutritious, I am ignorant, don't be angry, Dad."

Liu Guangfu also nodded quickly and said in a muffled voice: "Yes, it's good to have something to eat. It's better than being hungry. This fish soup looks delicious."

Seeing that the two of them had behaved themselves, Liu Haizhong withdrew his gaze, put on a smile again, turned around and continued to invite Qi Sihui to eat, helping her with dishes and serving soup. He was very lively, and his enthusiasm was like charcoal, warming up the surroundings.

"My daughter, eat more, don't be shy, just treat it like your own home. Try this braised pork, it's fat and lean, and it melts in your mouth."

As he spoke, he placed a piece of fat and lean braised pork steadily into Qi Sihui's bowl. The meat was trembling and shiny, which looked appetizing, and it swayed slightly in the bowl.

Qi Sihui was amused by the interaction of this family and smiled. She looked at Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu who looked annoyed and said softly, "Uncle, this fish soup is really delicious. I have never tasted such a delicious soup. My two brothers should also try it. Don't just be unhappy. You have to eat happily."

When Liu Haizhong heard this, he nodded hurriedly and urged with a smile: "Did you hear that? Xiaohui has spoken. Come on and eat. Don't just stand there in a daze. Enjoy the meal."

Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu then picked up their bowls and drank the fish soup intermittently.

Although I was still thinking about the braised carp in my heart, when I saw the steaming food on the table, the warmth of the family sitting together, and Qi Sihui's sincere smile, I gradually put aside my little resentment and blended into this warm atmosphere.

It would be nice to have more lively meals like this at home in the future. As for the braised carp, I can only hope to have it again next time.

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