Chapter 12: Xu Feng’s Life Was Even More Comfortable Than a Landlord’s!

These days, common folks were all short on resources. It was a rare occasion to have even a plain steamed bun, let alone meat. The rich aroma of cooking meat wafting from Xu Feng’s home was an irresistible temptation to the neighbors.

“Oh my, whose house is cooking something so delicious? It smells amazing!”

“I think it’s coming from Xu Feng’s place! Didn’t he just come back from the mountains with several rabbits?”

“My goodness, that young man is doing well! A new wife and meat to boot—living better than any landlord!”

“This smell is making my mouth water! I have to go see what’s cooking!”

In no time, many villagers were enticed by the fragrance, casting eager glances toward Xu Feng’s house. Some with thicker skin were already plotting how to sneak a taste.

Old Man Sun next door was one of them. His house shared a simple earthen wall with Xu Feng’s, so the savory scent reached him first.

Sun was in his sixties, having lost his wife early. He was raising his grandchildren alone, living a tight, difficult life.

The overpowering meat aroma had already awakened his hunger. He inhaled deeply, a smile blooming on his weathered face, hands clasped behind his back, and he casually strolled to Xu Feng’s gate.

“Ahem, Fengzi, are you home?” Sun peeked inside, spotting Lin Xue chopping firewood in the yard and Xu Feng busy in the kitchen.

Xu Feng had just tossed sliced green and red chili peppers into the wok with the rabbit meat, intensifying the aroma.

Hearing Sun’s voice, he didn’t look up. “Old Man Sun, what’s up?”

“Hehe, nothing, nothing,” Sun said, rubbing his hands together with a sly smile, eyes repeatedly darting toward the stove. “Just caught the smell coming from your place, thought I’d come see what’s cooking.”

As he spoke, he subtly edged closer to the stove, trying to catch a glimpse of what was in the pot.

Xu Feng’s mind was as clear as a mirror. This old fellow never visits without reason—he’s definitely here to mooch a meal.

He recalled when he first returned, barely able to feed himself, he went to borrow some flour from Sun. But Sun, claiming his grandchildren were still hungry, refused to spare even a grain.

Now that there’s meat cooking, suddenly he remembers neighborly ties?

A cold smile curled Xu Feng’s lips. His hands kept working as he said with feigned innocence, “Hey, Old Man Sun, you’ve got a keen eye. Just caught a couple of rabbits recently, figured I’d cook some to help my new wife get back her strength.”

“You know, she was just skin and bones when she came back from the mountains. She needs proper nourishment.”

On the surface, he said it was for Lin Xue’s benefit. But beneath, the message was clear: this meat is for us—none for you.

Sun was no fool; he caught the meaning immediately.

His face flushed slightly, but he persisted with a forced laugh, “Yes, yes, of course. Fengzi, your wife looks so lively, truly blessed. You two young ones, your days will only get better.”

While flattering, his eyes betrayed his hunger, practically willing himself into the pot.

Lin Xue, chopping wood nearby, overheard their exchange.

Though she didn’t grasp all the subtleties, she sensed the atmosphere had shifted.

She paused her work, quietly watching the two men by the kitchen door.

Xu Feng ladled a generous portion of rabbit into a coarse ceramic bowl—bright red chili peppers, tender meat, topped with a sprinkle of vibrant green scallions. Just looking at it made one’s mouth water.

“Old Man Sun, haven’t eaten yet, have you?” Xu Feng asked casually, carrying the bowl.

Sun’s eyes lit up, thinking there was hope. He nodded eagerly, bowing as he said, “No, haven’t eaten yet. I was just about to grab a bite.”

“Oh, then you better head home quickly,” Xu Feng shifted tone, putting on a concerned look. “It’s getting dark soon, and your eyesight’s not what it used to be. If you stumble in the dark, that wouldn’t be good. Us young folks eat fast, but you can’t keep up with us.”

Sun’s smile froze instantly, as if doused with cold water from head to toe.

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but no words came out.

This young man just insulted him with a roundabout jab—and then sent him packing!

His face turned beet red, looking like a freshly boiled crab, alternating between blue and purple.

Having lived most of his life as a respected figure in the village, he had never been so openly mocked before.

Especially by Xu Feng, who used to be a nobody in his eyes.

“You... you brat...” Sun pointed at Xu Feng, his finger trembling with anger, unable to form a complete sentence.

He wanted to lash out, but seeing Xu Feng’s half-smiling expression and the new wife standing nearby—head lowered but clearly not to be trifled with—he swallowed his words.

A wise man doesn’t suffer a loss in front of others. Xu Feng was no longer the same boy.

Once down and out, now hunting and freshly married, clearly not someone to mess with.

Besides, there was meat simmering in the pot. If he made a scene, forget mooching a meal—future encounters would be awkward.

“Hmph!” Sun could only snort heavily, shake his sleeves, and sulk away.

His retreating figure was pitiful, like a rooster defeated in a fight.

Watching Sun’s gloomy departure, Xu Feng’s cold smile deepened.

You can’t show kindness to such ingrates. When you’re weak, they trample you; when you’re strong, they flatter you.

If he’d let him have this meal today, tomorrow the whole village would come begging.

He didn’t have time to serve these thankless wolves.

Lin Xue took in everything quietly.

Though unfamiliar with the social intricacies of rural Longguo, she understood that Xu Feng was sending a clear warning—to shake the mountain and warn the tiger, to kill the chicken to scare the monkeys.

This man was sharp-minded and ruthless.

Following him might truly offer a glimmer of hope.

“Dinner’s ready!” Xu Feng set down a large bowl of spicy rabbit, two bowls of corn porridge, and two steamed corn buns on the shabby wooden table in the yard.

Lin Xue put down her axe and sat opposite him.

She gazed at the glistening red rabbit meat, inhaling the rich, spicy aroma. Her stomach growled uncontrollably.

She was starving, having missed a proper meal since yesterday.

“Try it. See if you like it,” Xu Feng offered her a pair of chopsticks.

Lin Xue took them gingerly, picked up a piece of rabbit soaked in sauce, and carefully savored it.

The tender meat was bursting with flavor—the perfect balance of spicy, numbing, and savory—igniting a thrill on her tongue.

The long-missed sensation made her squint with pleasure.

“Delicious!” she exclaimed sincerely, a note of contentment in her voice.

This flavor surpassed any Chinese restaurant she had eaten at in Tokyo—more authentic and satisfying.

Seeing her blissful expression, Xu Feng felt a twinge of pride.

Looks like his cooking skills hadn’t faded.

They ate in silence, hungrily devouring the meal.

After a day without food, both were ravenous.

The big bowl of spicy rabbit meat quickly disappeared, the sauce wiped clean with the steamed buns.

Full and satisfied, Lin Xue took the initiative to clear the dishes and carry them to the kitchen for washing.

Though inexperienced, she moved with surprising efficiency.

Xu Feng leaned against the doorframe, lit a cheap cigarette, and watched Lin Xue busy in the yard.

The sunset’s warm glow bathed her in soft golden light.

Her profile was exquisite, long eyelashes gently lowered, her expression focused.

Though clad in a bulky old cotton jacket, her slender figure remained evident.

This woman was truly a rare beauty.

If not for her sensitive status, if not for the turbulent times, perhaps…