Chapter 74: Noodles

Zhang Fan and Fei Er's family business was doing unexpectedly well; in less than a morning, everything they had set out that morning had sold out, no matter the type. Zhang Fan glanced at his stall, saw that the goods were nearly all sold, then looked down at his wristwatch. Only then did he realize it was almost noon.

Zhang Fan thought for a moment and realized it was time to go back and cook. As soon as Ba Ke Er heard Zhang Fan say they were heading back, he immediately started packing up, preparing to go with Zhang Fan. After all, they hadn't gone hunting yet! If they didn't find food soon, they'd have to eat a vegetarian feast at noon, which would be pure torture for the meat‑loving male beastmen. Of course, the two also didn't forget to invite Fei Er and Mo De as a couple.

After the four packed up their things, they left their own stall. When they reached the neighboring stall, they saw two male mermaids busy packing up at the mermaid tribe's stall. Zhang Fan and Fei Er noticed that the two female mermaids, Ou Ya and Ban Ban, were absent, so they casually asked the male mermaids why the two female mermaids weren't there. Upon hearing that they had already gone back to soak in seawater, they didn't ask further.

After exchanging greetings, Zhang Fan's group of four then headed back to the Heaven Lion Tribe's encampment. Upon reaching the tent and putting down their belongings, the two male beastmen shifted into their beast forms, flapped their wings, and flew out of the tribe together to hunt. Seeing their beastmen off hunting, Zhang Fan and Fei Er began discussing what to have for lunch. Fei Er actually really wanted to eat something made from wheat, because yesterday's dumpling soup had been so delicious it almost made him swallow his tongue. After thinking it over, Zhang Fan still decided to make noodles. After all, wheat could be used for more than just dumpling soup.

Since they wanted to make noodles, they needed flour. However, the flour ground yesterday had already been used for the dumpling soup, and there was none left in storage. So they had to husk and grind the wheat again to make flour. Zhang Fan took out the stone mortar and millstone once more and began grinding flour together with Fei Er.

After the flour was ground, seeing that Ba Ke Er and Mo De still hadn't returned, Zhang Fan and Fei Er weren't particularly worried. After all, both knew the formidable strength of their own beastmen. Unless they encountered a massive beast tide or were attacked by migrating dragon beasts. But now it was harvest season; logically, such things simply wouldn't happen.

After thinking it over, Zhang Fan began teaching Fei Er how to make noodles, and since they were making noodles, they first needed to knead the dough. This time Zhang Fan differed from before; previously he would just find a demonstration and have Fei Er imitate, but this time he truly gave Fei Er hands‑on instruction in kneading. He taught the flour‑to‑water ratio, the force and duration of kneading, and similar techniques, all hands‑on.

Not long after, the dough was ready. At that moment, Zhang Fan and Mo De returned with twice the usual amount of game, and among the pile were several live half‑grown wild boars. Only then did Zhang Fan and Fei Er truly relax. Zhang Fan looked at the abundant game and wanted to ask for details, but it wasn't the time; he had no choice but to continue teaching Fei Er to roll out the dough, cut the noodles, and cook them.

After Mo De and Ba Ke Er returned, they also began setting up a grill to roast meat.

Not long after, the aroma of the roasting meat began to fill the air. Coincidentally, the noodles were also done cooking. So they announced it was time to eat.

During the meal, Zhang Fan finally couldn't help asking Ba Ke Er: "Ba Ke Er, did you encounter anything while hunting? Why did you come back later than usual? And why did you bring back double the game?"

"It's fine, Fan Fan. We just happened to find their nest while hunting the wild boars, so… we ended up bringing back a bit more. Incidentally, we also prepared tomorrow's food in advance."

"Oh, I'm glad you're all right. But why did you prepare tomorrow's food in advance? Is there something important to do tomorrow?"

Fei Er, hearing the conversation between Zhang Fan and Ba Ke Er, couldn't even bother chewing the food in his mouth to fill his stomach; he just stared at Mo De with a puzzled look, mouth full of noodles, making Mo De feel especially uneasy.

"Fei Er, what are you staring at me for? Are you full? Not hungry? If you're full, let's go." Upon hearing this, Fei Er hastily shook his head and then started eating voraciously.

Zhang Fan and Ba Ke Er watched Mo De and Fei Er's way of communicating, exchanged a silent glance, and both ended up with black lines across their faces.

"Fan Fan, Mo De and I plan not to go out hunting tomorrow; we'll be busy organizing all the wheat at home."

"Oh, that's great! I've been worried about not having time to deal with the wheat at home! Well, that's all settled—let's hurry up and eat!"

Having said that, Zhang Fan lowered his head to continue eating and said nothing more. The remaining three also began eating in silence.