Chapter 37: Moving House and Inviting Guests

Time flew by; three days passed in a blink. That day Zhang Fan and Ba Ke Er got up early, hastily ate breakfast, and began moving. After deciding to move, Zhang Fan sketched a handcart design on cured animal hide using prepared charcoal, and he and Ba Ke Er studied it together. Fortunately, the handcart they needed didn't worry about appearance—its main requirement was practicality. And so, in just three days they finished building a two‑wheel handcart.

Zhang Fan pushed the handcart piled with luggage, while Ba Ke Er had bundles hanging all over his body. After making several trips back and forth, everything was moved. Ba Ke Er had already cleaned the new house the day before, so now they only needed to put things in place to be able to live there. However, the old house still needed a thorough cleaning. Thus, after moving their belongings, the two returned to the old house and began cleaning. Fortunately the two houses were not far apart, so they arrived quickly.

That morning the two worked hard and finally finished the first step of moving. Next they needed to thank the friends who had helped build the house. So, after settling the household affairs, Ba Ke Er went out hunting. Meanwhile Zhang Fan started washing rice and cooking at home. Not long after, Fei Er and several females from the Beastmen families who had helped before arrived.

"Fan Fan, we're here—is there anything we can help with?" Fei Er said energetically, hopping around and looking everywhere, not forgetting to address Zhang Fan.

"Exactly, Fan Fan—look, so many of us came to your house for a meal; if you had to prepare everything yourself, you'd be exhausted!" Nuoya said, feeling sympathetic.

"Alright then, but I need to simmer a pot of bone broth; I've already prepared the base. Let's have hot pot for lunch today!" After saying that, Zhang Fan led everyone into action. With many hands, the preparation work that would have taken him an hour alone was quickly finished.

After planting chili peppers the first time, Ba Ke Er would often bring Zhang Fan occasional "surprises." During this period Zhang Fan also planted plenty of vegetables near the new house. Fresh vegetables are perfect for hot pot. Soon the rice in the pot boiled; Zhang Fan used a ladle to scoop the watery rice into a woven bamboo sieve, beginning to drain the water. Of course the rice water that came out wasn't wasted either—it was collected in buckets. After draining, Zhang Fan took out the wooden steamer used for rice and began steaming the dry rice. Getting the timing right is tricky: steam too long and the rice turns mushy; too short and it's hard and unpleasant. Fortunately Zhang Fan had experimented repeatedly and managed to steam the rice properly. The rice was cooked, the vegetables for hot pot were ready, the dipping sauces and broth base were all set—only the meat was missing.

Not long after, Zhang Fan and the other Beastmen returned, each carrying processed game. Seeing their Beastmen come back, the females finally relaxed. The task then fell to the males, who, following the females' directions, sliced the tenderer meat into thin strips, cut the rest into chunks, skewered them on bamboo sticks, and began grilling with Zhang Fan's secret barbecue sauce. The bite‑size pieces cooked quickly and were ready to eat. Everyone dug in without hesitation, sitting down and starting to eat.

After the meal, host and guests were thoroughly pleased. Little food remained; the barbecue and rice were especially popular, and even vegetables that usually few would eat were consumed in good amounts. After all, eating too much meat can feel greasy, so having some vegetables at this point helps relieve the richness.

After lunch, nobody dispersed; instead they helped Zhang Fan and Ba Ke Er tidy up. In the meantime, everyone chatted a bit, asking when the two would become a couple, teasing them until they blushed. Their words and actions grew awkward. Not until that evening, after the meal, did the two still feel a little shy.