Beautiful beauties in the 80s courtyard

Chapter 421 Absolute Security
Because the water wasn't so cold anymore, and there was no ice on the surface.

The big pike quickly swam upwards and then saw Lu Qiaoge standing on the beach, smiling at it.

Then the old turtle followed. Although it wasn't as fast as before, it wasn't far behind, and soon after the big pike surfaced.

Then grass carp and red carp swam over as well.

Lu Qiaoge didn't go to collect Hua Hua and the others. If someone happened to be near them and they suddenly disappeared, it would be a disaster.

To make a long story short, after understanding what had happened, the big pike and the others happily swam around in the lake. Although there were some slight differences, this lake seemed to be similar to the bottom of Red Star Lake, except that the water temperature wasn't as cold and it wasn't frozen.

What surprised them even more was that the water seemed to contain traces of energy, making them feel as if they were basking in the warm spring sunshine.

Only then did the big pike and the others hear about the terrifying experience of the great shark and its companions on the deserted island who were almost put on the barbecue grill, and they couldn't help but feel a chill of fear.

Lu Qiaoge let them get to know each other first before exploring the waters properly: "It's absolutely safe here, you can play however you want."

She noticed that the boxes she had previously retrieved from the sea were actually made of high-quality mahogany, so she carefully stacked them on the beach to dry.

There wasn't time to unpack all the boxes, so Lu Qiaoge left the space in a flash.

Just then, I heard the sound of a key turning in the door; Qin Hengzhi had returned.

Qin Hengzhi opened the door, placed the net bag he was carrying on the cabinet in the hallway, and turned his gaze to Lu Qiaoge standing in front of the window.

After a brief silence, he didn't feign ignorance this time and asked directly, "Has the problem been solved?"

Lu Qiaoge smiled and said, "It's solved!"

After saying that, she walked over and added with bright eyes, "I also want to thank you for the polar gem you gave me."

Qin Hengzhi's eyes were even brighter than Lu Qiaoge's. So, he really did help Qiaoge?

If Qin Hengzhi wasn't curious, then he wouldn't be a normal person.

His little object of affection seemed to possess extraordinary abilities, not only able to communicate with animals, but also seemingly harboring an even greater secret.

But he knew that this was not something that could be answered by asking.

Qiao Ge wanted to tell him that he would naturally tell him, and that he hadn't told him yet, perhaps because the time wasn't right.

Qin Hengzhi told himself this in his heart, and he firmly believed it.

He knew that if there was even the slightest doubt, he and Qiao Ge would not continue.

Compared to whether he could stay with her for the long term, even the biggest secret seemed insignificant to him.

Looking at Qin Hengzhi's expression, Lu Qiaoge was very satisfied with his insight and magnanimity.

So she hooked her arms around his neck, pulled him down, and gently bit his lips.

Qin Hengzhi certainly wouldn't let this opportunity slip by. Their kiss was lingering and passionate, as if they wanted to melt each other away…

No matter how happy you are, you can't keep kissing forever; you still need to eat.

Qin Hengzhi brought back six lunch boxes. In addition to the braised pork and hot and sour shredded potatoes mentioned earlier, one contained egg drop soup, another contained pickled radish and a mixture of various vegetable roots, and the other two contained rice.

Qin Hengzhi is handsome, but that doesn't mean he can't eat. With a busy work schedule and training every day, his appetite is astonishing; sometimes watching him eat makes it seem especially delicious.

But it's a bit cold outside now, so Qin Hengzhi said, "Wait a minute, let me light the stove. The braised pork needs to be heated up, otherwise it will be too greasy."

A whole box of braised pork belly also contains stewed potatoes. This big pot dish is fragrant, tender, and melts in your mouth. The potatoes are especially flavorful, having absorbed all the meat juices.

Few households here use gas stoves; almost every family has built a stove inside, and some even have a small iron stove. In winter, there's often a pile of coal briquettes on the balcony, which is very convenient for heating up food. Lu Qiaoge rolled up her sleeves and said to Qin Hengzhi, "I'll start the fire; I know how to do that."

Seeing Lu Qiaoge's enthusiastic expression, Qin Hengzhi didn't force her and turned to wash the wok under the tap. Although he hardly ever lived in this house, it was fully equipped with all the necessary cooking utensils.

The stove has two burners. Qin Hengzhi opened the lower iron door, put in the chopped wood, and then added with concern, "Be careful when lighting the fire; the birch bark used for ignition can burn your hands."

Nowadays, many families in the northern part of the city use birch bark to start fires, while others use tinder, old newspapers, or straw, but birch bark is still the best.

Lu Qiaoge smiled and lit a piece of birch bark that had been torn into small pieces. She placed it under the wood and secretly channeled energy from her palm into it. With a "poof," the wood burst into flames. She then added a few pieces of coal on top.

Northern coal has a shiny surface; although it doesn't burn for long, it provides sufficient heat.

That completes the process.

Rice, braised pork, and egg drop soup were heated up. Hot and sour shredded potatoes are delicious even when cold, and pickled vegetables were served directly on the table.

Qin Hengzhi suddenly remembered something and said, "Is this the first time we've eaten in this house?"

Lu Qiaoge nodded: "Yes."

"No, we have to celebrate."

"How are we going to celebrate?" Lu Qiaoge asked curiously.

Qin Hengzhi opened the cabinet above, took out a bottle of wine, and poured it into two glasses.

He wanted to say something, but seeing the simple surroundings, he swallowed his words and simply said gently, "This house is officially open for business, let's celebrate."

Lu Qiaoge didn't ask any further questions, and smiled as she clinked glasses with him.

The braised pork made by the cafeteria chef is truly exceptional; it's not greasy at all, and the aftertaste is unforgettable.

The hot and sour shredded potatoes were just right, and the pickled vegetables were refreshing.

Actually, the food in the cafeteria is really delicious now, it tastes like home-cooked meals.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, the two checked the house again to make sure Lu Yun and Chen Liang Sheng could stay comfortably. After locking the door, Qin Hengzhi escorted Lu Qiao Ge back to the Lu family home.

However, they had agreed that Qin Hengzhi would pick her up to go to the movies that evening.

"Then come early and have dinner at my house. I'll have my mom make you sauerkraut dumplings."

Lu Qiaoge said this while standing at the main entrance. Qin Hengzhi didn't go in. He happily agreed and turned to leave.

Lu Qiaoge knew her mother was standing behind the door, so she pushed the door open with a grin.

Meng Xia glared at her: "You're quite good at ordering me around, even making me make Hengzhi make sauerkraut dumplings. Shouldn't you learn how to do it yourself?"

Lu Qiaoge raised an eyebrow: "Mom, I'm so smart, I don't need to learn. How about I make the filling tonight?"

She really wanted to give it a try.

After thinking it over, Meng Xia decided against letting Lu Qiaoge try. Although the girl was smart, she had never prepared fillings before, and if she didn't do it right, everything would be wasted.

Unlike cooking, which can be salvaged, once the filling is ruined, there's no way to fix it after wrapping it in.

"I don't trust you, I still don't trust you. You should go and rest. You don't need to do this little thing," Meng Xia said with a smile. Then she asked, "Is your second aunt's house all cleaned up?"

"Yes, it's all packed. We just tested it, the stove works fine, and the chimney isn't clogged. We have all the grains, oil, rice, flour, cabbage, and potatoes, and all the cooking utensils are ready. I've also changed the sheets and blankets. If you're worried, you can go and take a look."

(End of this chapter)