Chapter 242

The New Year's Eve of this year was on the thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month. Early that morning, Su Xinghui got up to help his mother prepare the New Year's feast. Because Su Xingyun's family was going to eat the New Year's feast here early before heading to Tan Mingcheng's house for their own, the meal had to be prepared early today.

By just past eight o'clock, Su Xingyun's family had returned. As soon as she got home, Su Xingyun had her mother leave the kitchen, and she and Su Xinghui took over preparing the feast.

Both siblings were very nimble when cooking, but in Shangjun County, there were many dishes to prepare for the New Year's feast, and some were quite complex. Therefore, the meal would take at least two or three hours to prepare.

Su Xinghui was cutting meat while Su Xingyun was picking vegetables. One stove was simmering pheasant soup, and another was using a large steamer for various steamed dishes. This was very much in line with the principles of overall planning, maximizing time efficiency.

While picking vegetables, Su Xingyun asked Su Xinghui: "Xinghui, I heard from Mom that two girls both like you?"

Su Xinghui said: "When did Mom tell you that?"

Su Xingyun laughed: "Mom called me early this morning, urging us to hurry over. She even whispered to me on the phone that two girls like you and asked me to help you weigh your options."

Su Xinghui was truly speechless. His mother really worried too much sometimes. Why tell his sister about such things?

Su Xinghui said: "Sis, don't listen to Mom. It's not even a sure thing yet."

How could Su Xingyun believe that? She asked: "Xinghui, tell your sister about those two girls."

Su Xinghui said: "Sis, I already said it's not even a sure thing yet."

Su Xingyun said: "Mom wouldn't just make things up out of thin air, right? There must be two such girls, right? Tell me about their situation."

Su Xinghui could only helplessly say: "Fine, I'll tell you. One of these girls is my classmate, Xue Qin, whom you've met. The other is named Xia Zhu, a girl from Zhugou Village in our Meng Hu Ling Township. She came to our house yesterday; that bamboo weaving painting hanging on our living room wall was woven by her."

Su Xingyun said: "Is that so? Then I have to go take a look."

Su Xingyun put down the vegetables in her hand, took a peek in the living room, and returned saying: "This painting is woven really well. It was woven by that girl named Xia Zhu? Her hands are truly skillful."

Su Xinghui said: "Yes, she wove it. In the crafts store, one such painting can sell for one or two thousand."

Su Xingyun said in surprise: "Really? This painting is that expensive? That's really good. By the way, I've met Xue Qin, she's quite pretty. Is this Xia Zhu pretty?"

Su Xinghui nodded and said: "She's quite pretty."

Su Xingyun nodded and said: "I knew it. Our Xinghui is so talented and handsome, surely many pretty girls would like him."

Su Xinghui could only shake his head and continue cutting vegetables.

After a while, Su Xingyun said again: "Xinghui, you have to be mindful; don't just brush it off. You need to ask your own heart which girl you really like. You must make your choice as soon as possible, don't delay the girls, or you'll end up hurting them and yourself."

Su Xingyun's words made Su Xinghui pause. He asked himself in his heart, which girl did he really like? The images of Xue Qin, Xia Zhu, and Lu Xiaoya spun in his mind like a revolving lantern, but he could never settle on one.

After a long while, Su Xinghui shook his head and continued cutting vegetables. He said to Su Xingyun: "Sis, don't worry, I will handle it myself."

After all the vegetables were picked, washed, and cut, Su Xinghui began stir-frying. After a round of frying, braising, and steaming, a table full of dishes was laid out in a dazzling array.