Chapter 29: Sister’s Good-For-Nothing

The meal was soon ready.

Four dishes.

When Ruan Ming first came to the territory, she’d found edible bamboo shoots. She preserved some as pickled bamboo shoots back then, and now they were perfect. She stir-fried them with the sweet potato leaves Ye Fengwan brought, making a vegetable dish.

The wild yams were cut into chunks, steamed, and drizzled with honey upon serving—they were incredibly delicious.

The cured meat was simply boiled thoroughly, then sliced thinly. The lean parts were enticingly red, like top-grade ham; the thin fat was translucent, making one’s mouth water. It was plated and ready to go.

Finally, a simple mushroom soup. The ingredients were the dried shiitake, button mushrooms, and other fungi Ye Fengwan had brought.

These dried goods were soaked until soft, then thrown into a hot wok for a quick sear. When a rich fragrance wafted to her nose, she poured in the pollution-free water fetched that morning. Even before the pot left the stove, the savory aroma had permeated the entire kitchen.

One meat dish and three vegetable dishes—this was already an extremely lavish meal. Even Ye Fengwan, who’d grown up in the wealthy circles of the Safe Zone, couldn’t help but salivate with craving at this moment.

When the dishes were on the table, they split some for Little Calico and added some cat food. The little creature then buried its head and ate without looking up.

Ruan Ming took three bowls to serve rice. Just as she turned around, she nearly bumped into the tall woman behind her.

Ye Fengwan reached out to take the bowls.

Ruan Ming lowered her gaze, avoiding her eyes, and handed over two bowls of rice.

By the time she scooped her own last bowl of rice and sat back down at the table, the other two still hadn’t started eating.

The table was very small. When Ruan Feng was around, he was the only one using it. Now, with three people squeezed together, it felt quite cozy.

“Let’s eat,” she said.

Only then did the two pick up their chopsticks.

Little Yu was small, her arms short, making it hard to pick up dishes. Ye Fengwan had noticed earlier that the girl’s big, watery eyes kept staring at the plate of yams ever since they were brought to the table. She picked up two pieces and placed them in the little girl’s bowl.

The girl’s eyes sparkled as she looked at her.

She lowered her head and bit into a yam.

The moment it hit her tongue, she couldn’t help but smack her lips.

Ye Fengwan said, “Seems delicious. Let me try too.”

With that, she picked up a piece and bit into it lightly. Immediately, her eyes brightened.

Before she’d even finished swallowing one piece, she couldn’t resist picking up a second.

After eating the second piece, she finally set down her chopsticks and said to Ruan Ming: “Delicious.”

Ruan Ming’s initially impassive face showed signs of softening. She said, “If it’s good, eat more.”

She was a Strength Esper. Her physical output was far beyond the ordinary. She could work hard but also consumed a lot of energy; she could eat a lot. But her appearance was delicate and attractive, and because of her upbringing, she ate in small bites, which was quite pleasant to watch.

Ye Fengwan, on the other hand, looked as if she hadn’t eaten in centuries.

Feeling a bit self-conscious, she said softly, “I’ve really never had such a good meal. I feel like I’ve been eating in vain before.”

As food settled in her stomach, Ruan Ming’s demeanor softened considerably. She asked, “What do you usually eat at home? Nutrient solution?”

Ye Fengwan: “There’s an auntie at home, someone my sister saved years ago, who stayed with us and takes care of my sister. Everything’s fine, except her cooking… My sister isn’t picky; she can eat anything. I sometimes prefer nutrient solution.”

“Is the institute’s cafeteria like that too?” Ruan Ming asked.

“It’s alright. But I’m just a regular employee, so I have to squeeze into the cafeteria. It’s crowded at mealtime, and if you miss it, there’s almost nothing left.”

Ruan Ming recalled the way this person would work obsessively in the lab, forgetting to eat or sleep, to the point that Ye Jianggui had to assign someone specifically to supervise her meals. She now understood the state of her diet.

“Was your cooking taught to you by your grandma?” Ye Fengwan asked.

Ruan Ming was about to ask how she knew about her grandma but quickly realized—this person could recognize her just from the forum. She must have investigated her long before that.

Well, that made sense. Someone from a good family wouldn’t just sleep with a stranger without looking into them.

“Grandma taught me a little. There weren’t that many ingredients at home before either, but steaming and stir-frying are similar in principle. You can also look up old-era recipes online. I was quite interested, so I watched a lot. Now that I can cook for myself, there are more opportunities to practice.”

After saying this, remembering the other’s actions over this period, she closed up again and ate silently.

Seeing this, Ye Fengwan lightly bit her lip.

She turned to Little Yu and asked, “Want more yams?”

Little Yu nodded frantically.

Ye Fengwan smiled, picked up a few more pieces for her, then picked up the plate and drizzled the honey sauce from the bottom over her rice.

Little Yu smacked her lips happily, her eyes narrowing into slits.

Ye Fengwan liked the sweet potato leaves stir-fried with pickled bamboo shoots. Though the taste was a bit strange at first, the sweet freshness paired with the tart kick created an indescribably wonderful flavor that was highly addictive.

More than half of that large plate of vegetables went into her stomach.

With two bites of rice, she asked, “The dishes are one thing, but it’s the same rice—why does yours taste better?”

Ruan Ming looked at her, not speaking.

Seeing her expression, Ye Fengwan suddenly remembered something and let out an “Oh.” “After the rice, I’ll drink some more soup.”

Without a change in expression, Ruan Ming got up, went to the kitchen, and brought out three clean small bowls.

“Little Yu, want some soup?”

Little Yu nodded.

Ruan Ming ladled a bowl for her. Ye Fengwan smoothly took it and placed it in front of Little Yu.

Seeing the second bowl placed in front of her, Ye Fengwan lifted her eyes to look at Ruan Ming. But the other had already lowered her head, ladling her own bowl.

Ruan Ming lowered her head and drank the soup. This was the first time she’d cooked rice and made soup using the pollution-free water. The taste was truly distinct, exceptionally savory and fresh.

What’s more, drinking the soup left her feeling utterly refreshed.

After finishing, Ye Fengwan also couldn’t help but praise it.

Ruan Ming remembered what she’d promised before—to send this water for the sisters to drink. Now the younger sister had tasted it, but the older sister was still waiting.

“Ah Yuan went to the Safe Zone yesterday. It’ll probably be a few more days before his next trip there. I’ll ask him to help deliver some water then. You’re in the New Land now; do you still have contacts in the city?”

Ye Fengwan put down her spoon: “Yes. Bai Xing is still in the zone.”

This person, though still annoyed with her, was still thinking of her sister.

Ruan Ming nodded, planning to have Ah Yuan buy a few more water bottles when the time came, to make carrying the water easier.

After the meal, she busied herself clearing the table and washing dishes. Ye Fengwan, who’d never done housework at home, and given the person was clearly still angry, didn’t want to get in the way.

She sat at the living room doorway with Little Yu, petting the cat.

Ruan Ming finished, wiped her hands, and came out just in time to hear the jingling of a bicycle bell from the territory entrance.

Little Yu stood up, pointed outside the courtyard, and looked incredibly excited.

A faint smile traced Ruan Ming’s face. “It’s your brother.”

Sure enough, as the ringing grew closer, a bicycle appeared at the end of the road. The young man’s blue shirt billowed in the wind, making him stand out vividly.

In the blink of an eye, the bicycle was outside the courtyard. Ah Yuan, carrying a small bag, entered the yard.

He called out, “Sister Ming.”

Then he saw, sitting at the living room entrance, a fair-skinned, beautiful, long-legged beauty holding his little sister. He instantly went mute.

But he quickly recovered. Raising his hand, he waved at Ye Fengwan and said with a wide grin, “Hello there.”

Ye Fengwan’s lips curved up slightly: “Hello, Ah Yuan.”

Ah Yuan froze and turned to look at Ruan Ming standing to the side.

Ruan Ming introduced her flatly: “Ye Fengwan.”

Ah Yuan’s eyes widened. He never expected the person in all the rumors to be sitting right in front of him. Flustered with excitement, he stammered, “Sec…Second Miss Ye, hello.”

Ye Fengwan asked with concern: “How is your mother?”

She even knew about his mother. Ah Yuan hurriedly replied, “Yesterday when we went, the doctor familiar with her condition was off, so we waited until today. She’s been seen, got some medicine to take home. I just dropped her off and then biked over to pick up Little Yu.”

Ye Fengwan nodded: “If you ever need help, you can tell Bai Xing.”

Bai Xing was the contact who’d met with him these past few times. Ah Yuan knew her and had her contact info. Hearing Ye Fengwan say this, he was immediately overwhelmed with gratitude and said, “Thank you, Second Miss Ye. If there’s ever anything you need from Ah Yuan, just say the word.”

Ye Fengwan smiled slightly and nodded: “Then let’s exchange contact details.”

Ah Yuan was overjoyed and quickly unfastened his wristband and handed it over.

Turning to look at Ruan Ming, he was brimming with excitement. If not for her, he probably never would’ve had the chance to cross paths with Ye Fengwan in this life.

Ruan Ming’s expression showed little change.

After adding the contact, Ah Yuan remembered the bag in his hand and quickly stepped forward to give it to Ruan Ming.

Seeing she was about to refuse, Ah Yuan added: “My mom said you absolutely have to accept it.”

Only then did Ruan Ming take it. Opening it, she found it was a packet of raw sunflower seeds.

If it had been anything else, she really might not have accepted it. But sunflower seeds—she could plant sunflowers!

Her heart lifted with joy, and her eyes curved: “Then I’ll accept them. When the land here can grow things, when sunflowers bloom, I’ll send some over for you all.”

Ah Yuan waved his hand: “Our family kept some too. I just don’t know how they’ll turn out when planted.”

Ye Fengwan leaned over to look at the seeds and said, “They’re quite plump. The germination rate should be good.”

Although Ruan Ming was the farmer, the person beside her was the true expert. She naturally didn’t dare to show off and carefully put the bag away.

Ah Yuan said: “Sister Ming, it’s getting late. I’ll take Little Yu home now. Thanks for your trouble these past two days.”

Ruan Ming shook her head: “Such a big territory, and I’m the only one. I should be thanking Little Yu for keeping me company.”

Little Yu ran over and hugged her arm, reluctant to let go.

Ruan Ming rubbed her little head and said: “We’re not far apart. Come play whenever you’re free.”

Little Yu nodded repeatedly.

Ah Yuan lifted her onto the bicycle.

“Sister Ming, Second Miss Ye, we’re off now. Goodbye.”

“Little Yu, say goodbye to the sisters.”

Watching the two siblings ride off into the distance, jingling away, Ye Fengwan looked at Ruan Ming and said, her voice soft and clear: “Your territory is big. It must be lonely alone. Now that Little Yu’s gone, I could stay and keep you company.”

Ruan Ming turned her head and glanced at her: “No need.”

Ye Fengwan had never been the clingy type. Seeing Ruan Ming’s poor impression of her, she wisely backed off and said, “Then I’ll head back to the Territory Management Center first.”

Ruan Ming had been cold-faced, but at that moment, she hesitated and asked: “After what happened yesterday, do you dare be out alone like this… How about I escort you back?”

Ye Fengwan looked at her: “If you escort me back, once we reach my dorm, I won’t be comfortable letting you come back alone either. Won’t we just be escorting each other back and forth?”

Ruan Ming glared at her, and Ye Fengwan said, “Qu Ning is coming to the New Land in a few days. Wei Heng won’t dare let anyone start trouble here. No one will dare make a move against me.”

“And after he leaves?”

“We’re not there yet. Don’t worry about things so far off.”

Ruan Ming gritted her teeth: “Who’s worrying? I just asked casually.”

Ye Fengwan smiled and looked up at the darkening sky. “Then I’ll really go now.”

Ruan Ming looked at her: “Did you bring a water bottle?”

“I did. It’s in the car.”

“Go get it.”

Ye Fengwan knew what she intended and felt a warmth in her heart. She turned and went to the car to fetch the bottle.

Ruan Ming took the bottle into the kitchen and soon came back out with it filled to the brim.

“Boiled. Drink it straight.”

Ye Fengwan took the bottle and looked at her, sincerity in her voice: “You’re so good.”

Instantly uncomfortable, Ruan Ming said to her: “It’s almost dark. Go on, hurry.”

Ye Fengwan hummed in acknowledgment, gave her one last look, put on her mask, and then walked toward the vehicle.

“Once I’m back, I’ll message you.”

Ruan Ming didn’t answer. She watched the car reverse, turn right, and drive forward, soon disappearing into the night.

In the car, Ye Fengwan called Bai Xing.

“See if there’s a rooster anywhere in the Safe Zone. Have someone send one over.”

Bai Xing asked, confused: “What for?”

“Hatch chicks,” Ye Fengwan replied simply.

Bai Xing made an “Oh” sound and said: “That shouldn’t be difficult. But Director, your card’s almost out of credits. After buying the rooster, there probably won’t be much left.”

Ye Fengwan was startled: “All those years of salary—how could it be gone just like that?”

Bai Xing: “As a regular staff member of Research Institute #1, your monthly salary is five hundred credits. But you keep buying this and that every few days. Sometimes the organic food for the Eldest Miss is also deducted from your card. Last time you bought protective suits for Miss Ruan—Level 3 right off the bat, three thousand credits per set. If you didn’t eat or drink, you’d need half a year’s salary just to save up for one set of clothes.”

Ye Fengwan hastily interrupted: “Alright, alright, stop there. I know my own finances. Just find the chicken when you’re free.”

Bai Xing acknowledged and hung up.

Ye Fengwan parked the car downstairs but didn’t rush up. She dialed Ye Jianggui for a video call.

Soon, Ye Jianggui’s thin but beautiful face appeared on the enlarged screen.

“Sis.”

“Mm. Where are you right now? So dark?”

“In the car. Just outside the dorm. Just got back from work. Wanted to video you first before going up.”

Ye Jianggui nodded: “Don’t overwork yourself. Take care of your health.”

“Got it.” Ye Fengwan forced a smile. “Sis, I’m out of credits. Transfer me some.”

Ye Jianggui hummed in agreement and asked: “How much?”

Ye Fengwan touched the long hair cascading by her neck and cleared her throat lightly: “Whatever you think is appropriate.”

Though Ye Jianggui’s expression remained cool, she was actually happy inside. This was the first time Ye Fengwan had asked her for credits to spend. Before, no matter what she did, she carried an air of fierce independence and stubbornness, never needing anyone’s help.

As Base One’s top researcher and the Director of Research Institute #1, her salary was absurdly high. To her, credits were just a string of numbers. If she didn’t spend these saved credits, was she planning on taking them to her grave?

After Ye Fengwan hung up, a message quickly flashed on her wristband: “Your account ending in 8756 received 100,000 credits on 05/02, 19:42.”

She couldn’t help but pinch the back of her own hand, the smile at the corner of her mouth unstoppable.

When she went upstairs, Little Wu stood at the main door, arms crossed, eyes bulging, staring at her.

“Sister Wan—”

Ye Fengwan clapped a hand over her mouth: “Stop, stop. Don’t lecture me. I’ll have someone deliver more food in a couple of days.”

“And the little hen. Fine, and your beloved plantains.”

Hearing this, Little Wu finally let her pout drop and returned to her own room, grinning from ear to ear.

Ye Fengwan closed her door and settled into the wooden sofa Zhang Ci had specially arranged. She took out her wristband and messaged Ruan Ming.

“I’m back at my dorm.”

Ruan Ming’s reply this time was reasonably quick: “Then rest well. You still have work tomorrow.”

Ye Fengwan: “Alright. I’ll come find you after work tomorrow.”

Ruan Ming replied with an “Mm.”