Chapter 127: Biscuits Soaked in Fish Soup

The first thing Yan Lao’er did when he returned was find a basin to keep the fish alive.

There were a total of seven fish, each about three inches long. Various cooking methods flashed through his mind…

Li Xuemei was brought over by Maomao. When she saw the basin full of fish, she smiled.

She patted the little creature’s furry head, and Maomao squinted in enjoyment, letting out a delicate meow.

“I didn’t even command it. This little thing just jumped into the water and caught the fish on its own.” Yan Lao’er pointed at the basin. “And it’s got some kind of obsession—it insists on arranging the fish neatly. But they’re still alive, flopping around, so how can they stay in order? Yet it keeps correcting them over and over…”

“Wow!”

There it was—his daughter’s excited exclamation.

“Maomao can even line up the fish! So smart!”

Yan Yu’s eyes sparkled as she stared at Maomao, who was squatting obediently beside her mother. She lunged forward and gave it a good petting.

She sighed in satisfaction, thinking, A machine that only follows orders rigidly is just a simple creation. But our Sanbao and Maomao? They’re more advanced and intelligent!

“I remember Uncle didn’t completely remove its collection function back then. He just limited it to things within its own body size. That means it might bring things back on its own sometimes. Also, Dad, have you noticed? Maomao usually stays close to Mom. Unless we call it, it always circles around her. It seems like authority levels have a big impact on them.”

“Then why doesn’t Sanbao cling to me all the time?” Yan Lao’er asked.

Yan Yu thought for a moment before replying, “Probably because it fits their roles better. Maomao can be clingy and have little tantrums, but Sanbao? If it stuck to you all day like a calf trailing its mother, that’d be weird. Hahaha!”

Imagining that possibility, Yan Yu burst out laughing.

“Besides, Sanbao is really close to you, Dad!”

Yan Lao’er thought back carefully. “Sanbao is very obedient and sensible, but it doesn’t really show it.”

“There’s another thing—I wonder if you’ve noticed?” Li Xuemei spoke up. “Both Sanbao and Maomao seem to be extra careful around children and pregnant women.”

Since Maomao spent a lot of time with her, Li Xuemei had observed more details.

“I’ve seen it more than once—our Maomao using its tail to sweep away bugs that got too close to little kids.”

“Children and pregnant women, huh?” Yan Yu tilted her head in thought. “That could definitely be a preset function. Next time, we can ask Uncle.”

“Oh, right, Dad—did Uncle give you a raise this time?”

She eyed the broken silver pieces, which seemed bigger than last time.

Li Xuemei also looked over curiously.

The whole idea of Old Yan giving him pocket money was still a fresh and amusing concept for the family.

At the mention of this, Yan Lao’er beamed with joy.

He took out two silver pieces and showed them off. “Look! This was last time’s two taels. This time, it’s heavier. But I’m still not sure about the exact weight—next time, if there’s another chance to split the money, I should weigh it properly on a scale.”

Then he excitedly demonstrated how Sanbao could spray water: “It’s like shooting out water from a squirt gun—strong and straight!”

The three of them moved on to discussing Liang Fengnian.

Li Xuemei said, “This has a huge impact on the child. If a child gets fixated on something, they might believe they were abandoned by their parents in favor of another child.

An injured old man and a six-year-old child—they’re both vulnerable groups. Life is already difficult for them. If external factors make things even worse—if they suffer harm, witness traumatic events, or face life-threatening situations—it could lead to what’s commonly known as PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder.”

“Not wanting to talk about it or recall it—that’s a form of avoidance. Fear makes people more anxious and cautious. He wants to learn archery and train with your Young Scouts because he actively wants to protect himself.”

Li Xuemei furrowed her brows in thought and added, “Also, his desire to trade work points for your uncle’s calligraphy might indicate a psychological tendency to admire strength. His father didn’t provide him with enough security, and at this time, your uncle—who holds a higher academic status than Liang Tongsheng, has led us safely through challenges, and even fought off bandits—appears. It’s possible that he sees him as a new psychological safe haven.”

“What happens if he shifts that attachment?” Yan Yu asked.

Li Xuemei wasn’t entirely sure. “Facing his fears directly would be best, but that’s too difficult for a child. The good thing is, he still has his grandfather around, so he’s not completely alone. Otherwise, the damage would be even worse.

Your uncle will be a successful person in the future. And all successful people have certain traits of the strong. By absorbing those qualities, strengthening himself, he won’t be afraid when facing similar situations again.”

Yan Yu had an idea. “We probably shouldn’t let him touch bows and crossbows right away. It’s better for Fengnian to train with us first. Mom, you’re right—he needs to become stronger and fearless!” She declared firmly, “I don’t know much, but I can at least train him enough to hold his own. If he can take on ten people by himself in the future, what’s there to be afraid of?”

Yan Lao’er: …

Li Xuemei: …

“Xiao Yu, don’t go overboard. I’m just making guesses. We’re not professionals,” Li Xuemei cautioned.

“Mom, I understand. I’ll observe carefully,” Yan Yu promised.

But Yan Lao’er mulled over it and thought his daughter’s idea might actually work. “Look at our country’s soldiers—they have steel-like wills. Xiao Yu, think back to your military training. What drills did you do? Let’s put Fengnian through them. It’ll build his body, keep him too busy to dwell on things, and make sure he sleeps soundly, eats well, and stays full of energy.”

Yan Yu nodded in agreement.

…

The next morning, Yan Yu woke up to the gentle voice of Big Sister Da ya calling her.

She rubbed her eyes and obediently sat there while Da ya helped her comb her hair.

She tied on her new little square scarf.

Secretly squeezing a bit of toothpaste, she used a peeled willow twig to brush her tiny rice-sized teeth, washed her face and hands, and applied a little children’s lotion. The faint fragrance chased away any lingering sleepiness.

Taking a deep breath, she stretched her little arms and legs.

Another energetic day had begun!

Breakfast was biscuits soaked in fish soup.

Two small fish had been marinated beforehand. After frying scallions and ginger in the pot, water, soy sauce, a little salt, and vinegar were added—along with two pieces of rock sugar, slipped in unnoticed.

Once the water boiled, the fish were added and simmered for about thirty minutes.

The kneaded dough was brushed with oil and a pinch of salt, then rolled into strips and flattened into round biscuits.

Each side was pan-fried until golden and then cut into portions.

The fish soup was served, steaming with rich aroma.

The biscuits, when soaked, turned from crispy to soft and absorbed all the fresh flavors of the fish soup.

The family ate in perfect harmony and silence.

The two large biscuits Yan Lao’er had cooked were completely devoured.