Chapter 100: Upgrade Successful
Ding!
[System upgrade complete.]
Ding!
[New mission branch triggered. Host must obtain the position of barefoot doctor in the brigade within three days. Completing the mission check-in will reward you with a massive number of points and many more magical and practical sign-in items.]
While chatting with Aunt Yang Liu, Ning Xiyue was startled by the voice — the system’s mechanical tone had turned into that of Lazy Goat from Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf.
And what’s more, what kind of upgraded system was this? What were those “points” even for?
Just then, the brigade leader came out with the key ring, and Ning Xiyue didn’t have time to focus on the system’s changes.
After exchanging a knowing look with Aunt Yang Liu, the latter returned to the kitchen while Ning Xiyue left, her heart soaring with excitement at the chance to compete for the position.
While her “female lead halo” was still active, she needed to act quickly — not just for the mission, but for herself.
Ji Yanming and Gangzi followed the brigade leader to the brigade headquarters, while Ning Qingzhi and Ning Qingyuan escorted Ning Xiyue back to the educated youth courtyard.
At the gate, they saw that none of the other educated youths had returned yet. The place was pitch black and empty.
Ning Xiyue turned to Ning Qingzhi and suggested, “Big Brother, there’s no rush right now. Why don’t you and Second Brother stay for dinner before heading back? The little kitchen I built is usable now. We can cook one of the pheasants, and you can take the leftovers back to feed the comrades on the mountain.”
Ning Qingzhi had been planning to refuse, but thinking of their hungry companions in the mountains — and how a hot meal would help — he decided to accept.
“Alright, I’ll cook then.”
Ning Xiyue didn’t even go into her house or the courtyard. She led them around the back to the small kitchen. As they opened the door, Little Gray trotted into its nest beside the door and lay down, stretching out its neck to drink water from a bowl.
“Little Gray’s exhausted. It’s even lying down to drink. So lazy,” Ning Qingyuan laughed.
“You’ve got no right to talk. You were the same as a kid. Hurry up and start cooking,” Ning Qingzhi shot back, giving him a sideways glance.
The three siblings put down their baskets and bags, then began preparing dinner.
Ning Qingzhi borrowed some rice from Ning Xiyue and started cooking meals for the comrades on the mountain as well as for Ji Yanming and Gangzi. Ning Qingyuan tended the fire, while Ning Qingzhi butchered and chopped the two pheasants. Soon, the meat was simmering in a cauldron, ready to be stir-fried with chili once tender.
Ning Xiyue ended up as the assistant — chopping here, washing mushrooms there, and handing a piece of cured meat to her brother to slice.
By the time Ji Yanming arrived, the rice was cooked and the chicken was being stir-fried with plenty of dried chilies — a dish Ning Xiyue was in charge of since she loved spicy chicken. Everyone else could handle spicy food too, so she eagerly volunteered for the job.
“Old Ji, you and Gangzi sit for a bit. In about ten minutes, we’ll be ready to eat. I’ve also cooked extra for the brothers — we’ll pack it up and send it up the mountain,” Ning Qingzhi called out.
But Ji Yanming wasn’t the type to sit and wait while others cooked for him. After washing his hands, he stepped in and took over the rest of the stir-frying, moving with the skill and precision of a seasoned chef.
“I didn’t know Comrade Ji could cook,” Ning Xiyue whispered to Ning Qingzhi at the side.
“Of course he can. Old Ji’s cooking is excellent. Back in the army, he often borrowed the mess hall to whip up special meals for us. Whenever we brought back game, he was the one manning the wok — and the taste was unbeatable,” Ning Qingzhi praised with a thumbs-up.
“That’s impressive. A man who can cook is really pleasing to the eye,” Ning Xiyue said, clearly admiring someone who not only could cook but wanted to. And if he also washed the dishes after? Even better.
Hearing his sister’s compliment, Ning Qingzhi instantly went on alert, his expression changing.
“I can cook too. All the men in our family can cook. It’s not a big deal — even Dad cooks when he’s home.”
Ning Xiyue nodded seriously. “You’re right, Big Brother. I just think our family is amazing — everyone’s so capable.”
Seeing that she was just expressing admiration, Ning Qingzhi relaxed again. Pfft, I was overthinking.
When the dishes were done, Ning Xiyue tasted the stir-fried chicken she made. Yep, same as always — just as delicious as ever.
“Come try my sister’s chicken,” Ning Qingzhi said, picking up his chopsticks and digging in first.
Ning Qingyuan followed, not wanting to be left behind. Ji Yanming, who clearly had his own thoughts, also tried some, and Gangzi followed suit out of peer pressure.
“Mmm, it’s really good. Delicious,” Ning Qingzhi said sincerely, eating several more bites.
Seeing everyone enjoying her cooking made Ning Xiyue very happy. There’s nothing a cook loves more than hearing people say their food is tasty.
Smiling, she turned to try Ji Yanming’s stir-fried mushrooms with cured meat. Ji Yanming watched her closely, eager to see her reaction.
“Mmm, Comrade Ji, your cooking is delicious. You could totally become a head chef at a state-owned restaurant,” she said with a thumbs-up, her praise genuine.
“As long as you like it, eat more. I’m just lucky to have a warm meal today. Thank you,” Ji Yanming said, happiness written all over his face — and he was even talking more than usual.
Ning Qingzhi’s internal radar was half-triggered. “Eat, eat. We’ve still got business to handle after dinner.”
“Right. Don’t talk while eating or sleeping,” Ning Qingyuan added coldly.
Gangzi, sensing the strange atmosphere but not understanding it, buried his head in his bowl.
Ning Xiyue looked around the table, puzzled — everyone was acting weird.
The table went quiet, leaving only the sound of chopsticks and bowls.
After dinner, Ji Yanming and Gangzi volunteered to wash the dishes while Ning Qingzhi and Ning Qingyuan packed up the food. Ning Xiyue squatted in the kitchen to feed Little Gray. Not having to do the dishes? Wonderful. Thank you, Comrade Ji and Gangzi.
Once everything was done, Ning Xiyue saw them off at the educated youth courtyard gate.
Before leaving, Ning Qingzhi said, “By the way, keep an eye out for the package I sent you. It should be arriving soon — don’t forget to pick it up.”
That’s when Ning Xiyue remembered what she’d forgotten — her package!
“I also sent you some meat, a letter, and a wolf fang. It should arrive at your unit in a few days — remember to collect it,” she reminded him.
“Got it.”
Ning Xiyue pulled another wolf fang charm from her pocket and handed it to her big brother.
“Here, wear this one. Little Gray and I picked up a bunch in the mountains, and I made this myself. Keep it on you at all times — don’t take it off.”
Then she leaned closer and whispered, “It’s a charm for safety.”
“Alright. Once I finish things up here, I’ll come visit you,” Ning Qingzhi said, glancing toward the mountains with a hint of meaning.
“Okay. Our brigade has an opening for a barefoot doctor, and I’m going to fight for it. I hope that by the time we meet again, I’ll have become an honorable barefoot doctor.”
“You definitely will,” Ning Qingyuan chimed in.
“My sister is the best — no matter what, you’re amazing. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. I’m off,” Ning Qingzhi said.
“Mm.” Ning Xiyue waved. “Goodbye, everyone. Comrade Ji, if you ever need anything, you can always come find me. I’ll help however I can.” (She was actually trying to remind Ji Yanming not to forget the medicine she gave him.)
“Alright. Thank you. I’ll return the grain I borrowed in a day or two,” Ji Yanming replied, giving her a deep look before turning away.
On the way back, after dropping off Ning Qingyuan, Ji Yanming noticed Ning Qingzhi holding a wolf fang pendant and looking at it.
“When did you get that?”
Proud of his sister, Ning Qingzhi eagerly showed it off. “My sister just gave it to me. Nice, huh? She said she even sent one to the unit, but since I haven’t received it yet, she gave me another today — for my safety.”
Hearing that, Ji Yanming’s eyes darkened slightly, a strange anticipation welling up about returning to the unit.
But Ning Qingzhi, oblivious to the thoughts running through Ji Yanming’s head, just kept rambling on excitedly.
…
Meanwhile, on the other side, after taking a bath, Ning Xiyue was drawn toward the source of crying inside the educated youth courtyard.
