Reborn as an 80s-aged woman, her unfilial son begs for forgiveness on his knees.

Seeing that there were still fish, Zhang Wenying quickly took the fish, skillfully scraped off the scales and gills, gutted it, and her movements were smooth and fluid.

She made several cuts on both sides of the fish, then rubbed it with white wine and ginger slices to marinate and remove the fishy smell.

Then heat oil in a wok. When the oil is about 70% hot, gently slide the fish into the wok. With a "sizzle," the fish skin quickly tightens and sets.

She skillfully shook the pan to evenly coat the fish with hot oil, and once one side was golden brown, she gently flipped it over.

After pan-frying both sides until cooked through, add scallions, ginger, and garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then drizzle in soy sauce, cooking wine, and a little sugar. Finally, pour in an appropriate amount of water, cover the pot, and simmer.

She steamed the other one directly in the pot.

Live fish are killed and steamed on the spot, resulting in tender and delicious meat.

She prepared ginger shreds and scallion segments and laid them on the steamed fish, drizzled it with steamed fish soy sauce, and then poured a spoonful of boiling hot oil over it. With a "sizzle", the aroma instantly filled the air.

This fish is a sea bass, with few bones and tender meat, making it perfect for steaming.

Zhang Wenying brought the steamed sea bass to the table. The fish was as white as jade, the scallions were emerald green, and the aroma of soy sauce from the hot oil was irresistible. Just looking at it made one's mouth water.

The old general picked up a piece of fish with his chopsticks; it melted in his mouth, incredibly tender and fresh. He nodded repeatedly, "Excellent! This fish is steamed just right, even better than what you get in restaurants!"

The others also took a bite. The fish was tender and smooth, and its fresh aroma melted on their tongues. They couldn't help but praise, "Old Zhang, your aunt's cooking today is absolutely amazing!"

And that stewed fish, the soup was milky white, the fish meat melted in your mouth, fresh and not fishy at all.

Zhang Wenying quickly prepared the other six dishes.

The braised pork belly is a bright red color, rich but not greasy; the stir-fried vegetables are crisp and refreshing; even the most ordinary scrambled eggs with tomatoes are perfectly balanced in sweet and sour flavors and have a rich egg aroma.

The table was laden with dishes, all of them beautifully presented and deliciously presented. Even Lao Qi couldn't resist taking a few extra bites, praising how satisfying the meal was.

Shen Mingyuan did not sit at the table, but ate with Zhang Wenying at the dining table in the kitchen.

Zhang Wenying set aside a portion of each dish; the portions were small, but everything was complete.

Shen Mingyuan sincerely praised, "Comrade Zhang, your cooking skills are simply beyond words."

Zhang Wenying smiled.

"When I was little, my adoptive mother's family was where my brother had to work in the fields. I had to feed the chickens and pigs, do laundry, and cook. Back then, the stove was high, and I had to stand on a stool to reach the edge of the pot. When I was cooking, oil splattered on my arms, burning me with small blisters, but I could only endure it."

Later, I gradually got the hang of it and could cook any dish, and I dared to cook any dish.

Later, whenever someone in the village had a wedding or funeral, they would ask me to cook, and that's how I gradually developed my culinary skills.

She was only able to completely escape the torment of that family after she was admitted to university and left home.

"You must have suffered a lot back then, right?"

Shen Mingyuan picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks, his tone tinged with concern.

Zhang Wenying smiled.

"My brother and I are orphans. Our father is missing and our mother passed away after I was born."

My brother carried me from house to house, begging for help until one family took us in.

Even though that family treated us badly, my brother often said that at least they gave us food and kept us alive, so they were like our second parents.

So in that family, my brother and I worked hard, taking on all the dirty and tiring jobs without ever complaining.

My brother always said that being alive is the greatest blessing, and that we should all know how to be grateful.

After listening, Shen Mingyuan remained silent for a moment, put down his chopsticks, and looked at Zhang Wenying seriously: "You and your brother are both excellent."

To grow up in such an environment, without complaining or blaming others, but instead finding joy in hardship and honing one's skills—that kind of character is more precious than gold.

Zhang Wenying felt a little embarrassed by his praise. She lowered her head, ate a couple of mouthfuls of rice, and then said softly, "Actually, it's nothing. When you're alive, you always have to look forward."

The hardships of the past are over, and I'm content to live a peaceful and stable life now.

Shen Mingyuan nodded and didn't say anything more, but silently added another spoonful of food to her bowl.

Zhang Wenying looked up at him, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes, then lowered her head and slowly finished the food in her bowl.

Zhang Yurou sat in the living room, holding a book in her hands, but occasionally glancing up towards the kitchen.

Hearing Shen Mingyuan inquiring about Zhang Wenying's background, he couldn't help but roll his eyes.

Upon hearing that he had no parents, he inquired about him. Could it be that he thought this country bumpkin was the relative the old general had been searching for?

Zhang Yurou pursed her lips, thinking to herself: There are no such coincidences in this world. How could a country cook possibly be related to the old general's family?

She glanced at Zhang Wenying's features again, secretly comparing them to the old general's appearance, and pursed her lips: They don't look alike at all.

"Have you heard your older brother talk about your family background?"

Shen Mingyuan's voice came from the kitchen, tinged with a hint of probing.

Zhang Wenying paused for a moment, then shook her head: "My older brother never mentioned it. I only remember that from the time I was old enough to understand, there was always endless work to do and endless beatings."

My brother never mentions my parents, he only says that we should be grateful, grateful to that family for giving us a way to live.

After our adoptive parents passed away, that family kicked us out.

My brother helped me start a new life in the village and sent me to school, which gave me a bright future.

Her brother, however, is still illiterate, yet he has given her all the opportunities.

As Shen Mingyuan listened to Zhang Wenying's story, his heart ached even more.

He really wanted to ask Zhang Wenying if she had a mole on her back, but he swallowed the words back.

He's a gay man, so it's really inappropriate for him to ask such a private question so abruptly.

He could only suppress his doubts and said instead, "It's truly not easy for you two siblings to get to where you are today."

Your brother is a responsible person; he gave you the best of everything.

Zhang Wenying gave a soft "hmm," her eyes slightly reddening, but she didn't let the tears fall.

Zhang Yurou sneered.

Shen Mingyuan really loves to meddle in other people's business.

In those war-torn years, many strong men couldn't survive, let alone an old woman with bound feet carrying a child of a few years old, and pregnant with another child.

It is said that there are secret agents chasing them, and their chances of survival are extremely slim.

Thinking about this, Zhang Yurou became even more certain that Zhang Wenying had absolutely no connection with the old general's family.

She is the only child in the Zhang family, and everything in the Zhang family will be hers.

Zhang Yurou didn't eat the meal; instead, she ate a few bites of steamed rice cake.

That rascal at home, I don't know what he's up to again, he actually went out very early this morning.