Chapter 48

The family of three had gone out on an adventure and returned home utterly exhausted, collapsing straight into bed.

They slept like the dead, dead to the world as day turned to night.

They slept for an entire day.

When Lin Zao woke up, it was already three or four in the afternoon.

After dawdling a little longer and freshening up, dusk was already falling.

Lin Zao didn’t dare stay in bed any longer. He nibbled on half a rice cake to tide himself over, then hopped out of bed and did a set of stretches—or more accurately, just yawned and stretched his arms lazily.

He spun in a circle, drawing out his words as he asked, “Who—”

“Wants some steaming hot, fragrant white rice?”

Lin Xiaobao’s eyes lit up at those words. He slid off the bed in a flash and shot his little hand high into the air.

“Me! Dad, me!”

In preparation for heading out, the family had been eating nothing but rice balls and rice cakes for meal after meal.

They were tasty enough, but…

He was sick of them.

Lin Xiaobao blinked his big eyes, gazing expectantly at his dad.

Fu Cheng couldn’t follow long sentences, but seeing how excited Lin Xiaobao was, he assumed it must be something good.

So he copied Lin Xiaobao and raised his hand.

Lin Zao pressed on. “Anyone else—”

“Who wants some ruby-red, soft and glutinous braised pork?”

Lin Xiaobao puffed out his little belly. “Me!”

“And who—”

“Wants to come downstairs with me to make dinner?”

“Me, me, me!”

“Roar, roar, roar!”

This time, Fu Cheng understood. He caught those four crucial words—

“With me.”

He would get to go with Little Zao!

Lin Zao planted his hands on his hips and swept his gaze over his husband and son, thoroughly pleased.

“Then let’s move out!” Lin Zao called, raising his arm in a rallying cry.

Fu Cheng and Lin Xiaobao stood tall, marching behind him with heads held high and chests puffed out, full of vigor and vim.

Off they went!

The family of three arrived in the kitchen.

Lin Zao set the rice on to steam in the pot, then yanked open the freezer to pick out ingredients.

For over a month now, in order to conserve food, they’d been having just two dishes per meal.

One meat, one vegetable.

Sometimes they’d stretch a little meat across several meals.

But today was different.

Today marked the first day Brother Cheng had left the utility room to live normally with them!

It was also the first family meal at the table with him!

They had to eat something lavish to celebrate!

So Lin Zao decided: four dishes and a soup for dinner tonight!

Luckily, the whole family had already snacked earlier and weren’t starving yet, leaving him plenty of time to cook.

Lin Zao crouched by the freezer, rummaging through it before pulling out two bags of portioned pork.

One bag of pig trotters, perfect for stewing.

One bag of pork bones, ideal for soup.

Lin Zao’s eyes gleamed as a menu took shape in his mind.

He opened the bags and dumped the trotters and bones into a basin to thaw in cold water.

Next, he went up on tiptoe to open the overhead cabinet, grabbing a bag of soybeans and a bundle of kelp.

The trotters could simmer with the soybeans, and the bones could make kelp soup.

But the soybeans were too hard to throw in raw—it would take forever.

The kelp was filthy, caked in sand and salt; it couldn’t go straight into the pot either.

So Lin Zao fetched two more basins, filled them with cold water, and soaked everything.

With the meat and soup underway, he planned to keep the vegetable sides simple.

Tomato scrambled eggs, tangy and sweet—Little Bao loved them.

Spicy pickled cabbage, fresh and crunchy—the adults’ favorite.

And plain stir-fried oyster mushrooms, which the whole family enjoyed.

Menu set, the family got to work prepping.

Lin Zao tied on an apron and stood at the sink, unfurling the dried kelp’s wrinkles and washing it clean.

Lin Xiaobao slipped on sleeve guards and perched on a little stool, two basins in front of him: one with cabbage, one with mushrooms.

He picked up a white mushroom and, fingers sliding along the gills under the cap, expertly tore it into small pieces.

As for Fu Cheng… well, Fu Cheng just…

Lin Zao meticulously washed the kelp three times until the water ran clear, then prepared for the next step.

The kelp was too long; better to chop it up.

It would be easier to scoop out once cooked, and Little Bao’s baby teeth were still soft, his throat narrow—it would be easier for him to eat too.

As he thought this, Lin Zao wiped his hands on his apron and turned to grab a knife and cutting board.

But he had barely taken half a step when he collided head-on with Fu Cheng.

“Ow—”

Lin Zao’s forehead smacked into Fu Cheng’s chin.

His body thudded against Fu Cheng’s chest.

With a loud “clang,” Lin Zao bounced right back, leaning against the kitchen counter.

He clutched his head, stars exploding in his vision, his skull buzzing.

“Fu Cheng, what are you doing?”

Lin Zao yelled in annoyance.

“Why are you standing right behind me? And so close!”

Seeing Lin Zao hurt, Fu Cheng hurried forward and grasped his wrist, trying to pull his hand away to check the injury.

He hadn’t meant to—he just thought…

Little Zao looked so cute when he was focused. Fu Cheng couldn’t help inching closer.

Lin Zao wasn’t standing on ceremony. He dropped his hand, balled up a fist, and thumped Fu Cheng’s chest twice, “thud thud.”

Fu Cheng didn’t feel a thing—or if he did, he didn’t care.

He just stared at the red mark blooming on Lin Zao’s forehead and raised a hand to rub it.

Lin Zao had no interest in that. He puffed out his cheeks like a little bull, lowered his head, and charged, smacking Fu Cheng’s chin again.

While Fu Cheng was still reacting, Lin Zao darted around him.

“Get out of the way. I need to cook!”

Fu Cheng hurried after him.

Little Zao, don’t go! Don’t be mad!

I know I messed up. Next time…

Lin Zao hauled out a large soup pot, set it on the induction cooker, and started heating water. He tossed in the pork bones and trotters to blanch first.

Then he fished the kelp from its soak, laid it on the cutting board, and sliced it into short segments.

Fu Cheng still loomed behind him, chest pressed to his back, silently watching his profile.

Next time, huh!

Lin Zao tightened his grip on the knife, gathered his strength, and jabbed his elbow back into Fu Cheng’s waist.

“Dead ghost, move!”

Fu Cheng let out a low chuckle, sounding even happier.

Little Zao was acting spoiled with him. Little Zao had even given him a pet name.

How could he not be delighted?

Lin Zao took a deep breath to calm himself and called out, “Little Bao.”

“Hm?” Lin Xiaobao looked up. “Dad, what’s the order?”

“Get Big Daddy out of here. You teach him how to prep veggies.”

“Really?” Lin Xiaobao’s eyes sparkled. “I get to teach Big Daddy how to prep veggies?”

“Of course.”

“Does that mean I’m better than Big Daddy?”

“Yep.” Lin Zao nodded. “You’re not just better—you’re also better behaved.”

“Yay!” Lin Xiaobao cheered.

Zombie Fu Cheng.

For being too clingy to his wife and getting in the way of her cooking.

He was marched off to training camp under the personal supervision of Instructor Lin Xiaobao for vegetable-prep drills.

Hoping he’d reform properly in camp and become a good zombie again.

But…

Lin Xiaobao looked down at the brimming basins.

“Dad, you should’ve said so earlier! I… I’ve already finished all the veggies!”

“Already?”

Lin Zao glanced over his shoulder.

The oyster mushrooms were torn into neat little pieces, the cabbage leaves sorted tidily into the basin—stems with stems, leaves with leaves.

“That fast? Dad didn’t even expect it.”

“So what now?” Lin Xiaobao asked. “No veggies left for Big Daddy.”

“Guess we’ll have to skip it then.” Lin Zao sighed. “Next time.”

“Okay.”

Lin Xiaobao toddled over and hugged his dad and Big Daddy’s legs.

He mumbled under his breath, “But Big Daddy didn’t do any work. I did it all.”

Lin Zao heard him and explained gently, “But the veggies we’re eating now? Big Daddy brought them back from outside.”

Lin Xiaobao looked up, half understanding. “Oh…”

Lin Zao met his eyes and continued, “Big Daddy did his work—we just didn’t see it.”

“Big Daddy handles getting the groceries. We handle cooking them at home. Fair trade, right?”

“If Big Daddy didn’t work, we wouldn’t have any food. Right?”

“Mm.” Lin Xiaobao scratched his head, a bit sheepish. “Sorry, Big Daddy.”

“Big Daddy finished his job and even got accidentally bitten by a monster on the way, so he can’t cook now. As long as he stands by and cheers us on, we’ll be thrilled. Right?”

“Mm-hm!” Lin Xiaobao nodded vigorously.

Just then, the water on the stove came to a boil.

Lin Zao grabbed a ladle, skimmed off the bloody foam, let it bubble for three minutes, then fished out the bones and trotters.

He set the bones aside and started fresh water for the soup.

He rinsed the trotters in a colander under cold water.

With the bone soup occupying the only induction burner—and Lin Zao reluctant to fire up the gas stove—he made every minute count.

After half an hour of simmering, the broth turned a pale white. Lin Zao took the pot off the heat for now.

He swapped in the frying wok, heated it with cold oil, and sizzled some scallion segments and ginger slices.

Then in went the trotters, seasoned with salt, light soy, oyster sauce for base flavor, dark soy for color, and spices for aroma. He stir-fried briskly.

After about ten minutes, the trotters’ skin made faint golden contact points with the wok.

During this, the rice in the cooker finished steaming.

Lin Zao scooped out all the rice, rinsed the inner pot clean, and transferred the fried trotters into it.

He added the soaked soybeans, topped with water covering the trotters, and hit the cook button.

Now the induction burner was free again. Lin Zao put the paused soup back on to keep simmering.

Half an hour later, the bone broth had turned milky white. Lin Zao added the sliced kelp and tossed in a handful of peanuts.

A bit more waiting, and the meat and soup would be ready.

The veggie sides were quick; once the stove freed up, ten minutes would do them.

From five o’clock until seven, two full hours, and Lin Zao had four dishes and a soup on the table.

“Dinner’s ready! Dinner’s ready!”

Lin Xiaobao whooped with joy, clutching his bowl and chopsticks as he dashed to the dining room.

“Dad, I’ll set the table.”

Lin Zao brought in the final dish: stir-fried oyster mushrooms.

Fu Cheng shadowed him like a ghost, drifting silently behind.

Lin Zao asked, “Little Bao, didn’t you forget something?”

“What?” Lin Xiaobao counted on his fingers. “Chopsticks are set, bowls too. Nothing missing.”

“Really?”

“Um…” Lin Xiaobao tilted his head. “Can’t think of it. Just tell me, Dad!”

“One-word hint.” Lin Zao held up a finger.

“Okay.”

Lin Zao turned to Fu Cheng. “Woof—”

Fu Cheng blinked, staring fixedly at him.

Little Zao, you’re a kitten, not a dog. Don’t copy my bark.

Lin Xiaobao froze for a second, then got it.

“Little Dog!”

His little dog!

The one born not long ago, boarded with Grandpa Zhang!

Lin Zao grabbed two iron basins and ladled out softer portions of trotters and kelp soup.

“Come on, let’s go pick up Little Dog.”

“Yeah! Hurry!”

The family of three headed downstairs.

Before knocking on the window, Lin Zao tugged Fu Cheng aside and had him stand against the wall.

With the gloves and bite guard, Fu Cheng’s getup would give Grandpa Zhang a real scare.

To avoid trouble, better keep him out of sight.

Lin Zao pressed both hands to Fu Cheng’s chest, pinning him to the wall.

“Brother Cheng, you stay right here. Don’t come out, got it?”

“Hurr—”

Fu Cheng seemed a touch helpless but nodded obediently anyway.

With Fu Cheng settled, Lin Zao lifted the cardboard covering the window and tapped lightly on the glass.

When he’d handed Little Dog over to Grandpa Zhang, he’d told the old man they’d make plain rice that night—no stir-fry—and he’d bring food over.

Grandpa Zhang trusted them completely. He hadn’t nagged, just waited patiently.

At Lin Zao’s knock, the old man hobbled over on his cane, Little Dog cradled in his arms.

“Little Lin, back safe? No injuries?”

“All good. Went smooth.”

Lin Xiaobao stood on tiptoe. “Grandpa Zhang, how’s Little Dog? Is it okay?”

“Little Dog’s fine.” Grandpa Zhang patted the pup nestled against him. “See—”

“Eats and drinks like a champ. Drank the two bottles of rice soup you left, and I made another pot besides.”

“Really?” Lin Zao smiled. “You’ve been too kind.”

“No trouble at all. An old codger like me rattling around alone? Its little ‘yip yips’ keep things lively. Here—”

Through the anti-theft netting, Grandpa Zhang passed over Little Dog, towel and all.

Lin Zao took the pup and turned, handing it off to Fu Cheng without a second glance.

—You hold it.

Fu Cheng instinctively opened his hands. Before he could process, a soft, warm little bundle landed in his palms.

—Okay.

“Grandpa Zhang, I made stewed trotters with soybeans and kelp soup.”

“Whoa, that much? I can’t eat all that alone.”

“Save the leftovers for tomorrow.”

“Alright, much obliged.”

Lin Zao and Grandpa Zhang chatted.

Fu Cheng stood in the corner, cradling Little Dog in both hands.

He tilted his head one way, staring at the scruffy, wrinkly little thing that barely had fur.

So ugly, all wrinkly like an old man.

So smelly, pure dog stench—worse than Little Bao.

So tiny, so light—he could squash it with one finger.

But…

Fu Cheng tilted his head the other way.

Little Zao and Little Bao were talking to the neighbor.

He and Little Dog were stuck hiding in the corner.

They were both so pitiful.

They were the big dog and little dog skulking by the wall, the biting bad dogs, the dumb dogs who couldn’t show their faces to neighbors.

Fu Cheng dropped his gaze and let out a couple of “hurrs” despite himself.

Little Dog yipped back in reply, “Yip yip.”

Lin Zao heard the noise and shot him an elbow.

—You two, quiet! Grandpa Zhang’s still here!

Grandpa Zhang spotted the motion. “Little Lin, everything alright?”

“It’s fine.” Lin Zao turned back around and smiled at him. “The little dog is barking.”

He tried to change the subject. “It took a bit of time to make these dishes. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“It’s fine. You all should head back soon and have your dinner. Don’t let yourselves go hungry.”

“Bye-bye, Grandpa Zhang! I’ll bring the little dog to play with you tomorrow!”

“Good. Bye-bye.”

After bidding farewell, Grandpa Zhang picked up his food and headed home.

Lin Zao closed the window. Lin Xiaobao hopped down from the stool and ran over to Fu Cheng.

“Big Daddy, has the little dog grown up yet? Show me quick—I haven’t seen it in days!”

Lin Zao tugged at Fu Cheng’s arm. Fu Cheng cradled the little dog, squatted down, and held it out toward Lin Xiaobao.

Fu Cheng was a zombie, after all. His joints were stiff, and his movements were slow.

At that moment—

The little dog whimpered softly as it faced Lin Xiaobao. Slowly, ever so slowly, it opened its eyes.

“Wow!”

Lin Xiaobao was ecstatic.

“Daddy, come look! The little dog opened its eyes!”

“I see it.” Lin Zao was half-crouched nearby. “Little dogs recognize the first person they see as their mom or dad, you know. Little Bao, you’ll have to take extra special care of the little dog from now on.”

Lin Xiaobao puffed out his chest and patted it proudly. “Don’t worry, Daddy. I will!”

No sooner had the words left his mouth than the little dog flipped over in Fu Cheng’s palm and burrowed right into his hand.

As it wriggled, it let out a series of “grr grr grr” growls.

This sound… why did it feel so familiar?

Lin Zao and Lin Xiaobao looked up at the same time, staring straight at Fu Cheng.

—Did you teach it that? Did it learn it from you?

Fu Cheng blinked his eyes, his face the picture of innocence.

—No way! You’re both wronging me again!

“Wow!”

Lin Xiaobao threw his head back and wailed dramatically.

“My little dog thinks Big Daddy is its daddy now! Big Daddy’s stealing my little dog! Big Daddy is a big bad guy!”

Realizing things were going south, Fu Cheng’s expression shifted. He quickly bounced the little dog in his hand.

No, don’t copy me—copy this kid instead!

Copy him opening his mouth wide. Copy him wailing “waa waa.”

Hurry up!