Chapter 44: Fried Rice
After returning from the castle site, Chu Feng made a small dinner and prepared for bed.
He took a sip of the Hundred-Fruit Brew and smacked his lips.
“Is it good?” Illya asked.
Chu Feng nodded. “Pretty tasty.”
Though not much of a drinker, he found the shaman’s brew flavorful and fragrant, with a rich fruitiness and a pleasantly lingering aftertaste.
Illya looked at Chu Feng and reminded him, “This wine has a strong after-effect. Since it’s your first time drinking it, you should sip it slowly, or you might start bleeding again.”
Chu Feng: “…” Black history—he just couldn’t shake it off!
Honestly, his body was pretty healthy. He’d rarely fallen ill growing up, but still couldn’t compare to the non-humans of this world.
Illya glanced at the sky outside. “It’s getting late. After dinner, let’s head to bed early.”
Chu Feng nodded, thinking: life in this world without electricity was inconvenient. Once night fell, everything became difficult. Flashlights helped, but their light was harsh and uncomfortable.
Maybe he should bring over a generator next time, though that would limit what else he could carry.
Chu Feng lay down beside Illya. At first, sharing a bed had embarrassed him, but he was getting used to it. Given the rough living conditions, it made sense to share a bed.
In pre-reform China, many laborers used communal beds—cramming five or six people onto one. It wasn’t such a big deal.
When Chu Feng woke up, he felt something in his hand. Opening his eyes, he realized he was holding Illya’s hand—soft and cool to the touch, surprisingly pleasant.
As Illya’s eyelids fluttered, Chu Feng quickly let go.
Illya opened his eyes and asked sleepily, “You’re awake?”
Chu Feng nodded guiltily. “Yeah… time to get up.”
He got out of bed and walked into the main room.
Grey was sitting cross-legged, watching him. “You’re awake!”
Chu Feng nodded. “Were you waiting for me?”
The kids in this world sure got up early. Back home, children loved sleeping in, making him look lazy by comparison.
Grey nodded. “A lot of people are asking about the pickled vegetables. They want to know what they can trade for it besides wood carvings. If nothing else, they’re willing to help build that castle of yours!”
Chu Feng: “…” Is pickled mustard really that popular? This was beyond his expectations.
Next time, he’d definitely bring more—maybe even some kimchi.
He said, “I brought quite a bit of pickled mustard over. Half went to the Highland Tribe. Help me give out the rest—one pack per household—as a gift from me.”
Grey nodded. “Sure!”
On second thought, giving just pickled mustard felt a bit stingy.
“I’ll add a packet of instant noodles per household too. Pickles and noodles are a perfect combo.”
Grey agreed. “Okay, I’ll deliver them.”
Chu Feng nodded. “That’s a big job. You can get help if you need.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll get it done,” Grey said.
Chu Feng waved him off. “Go on, then.”
Illya came out. “What’s for breakfast? Instant noodles?”
Chu Feng: “…” Why does everyone here love instant noodles so much?
He noticed Illya’s eyes practically sparkled when he mentioned them—like they were a gourmet delicacy. But Chu Feng didn’t want to eat junk food.
“Do we have any ingredients at home?”
Illya frowned. “Someone brought over some eggs and smoked meat.”
Chu Feng’s eyes lit up. “Great! I’ll make you some fried rice.”
Illya looked surprised. “You can cook?”
“Of course. How could a single guy not know how to cook? I always cooked for myself back home.” Though he was a millionaire now, he still cooked his own food.
Illya, puzzled, asked, “Aren’t you a noble?”
“Even nobles need to eat.” In some ways, sure—he was a noble. A single noble.
Chu Feng opened a nearby basket. “So many eggs!”
Illya explained, “While you were gone, I traded some sugar for them.”
Chu Feng nodded. “That’s a good trade.”
Using what was on hand, Chu Feng quickly whipped up a delicious smoked meat, egg, and pickled mustard fried rice.
“Try it!”
Illya took a bite and was full of praise. “It’s delicious!”
Chu Feng smiled. “Glad you like it.”
