I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s-Chapter 221: Power of the Tigress

Shen Meng put the three types of spicy strips she had made into three clay basins, and as soon as Lu Mingkai entered the door, he was bewitched by the fragrance at the entrance. Soon after, footsteps sounded again from behind.

Lu Mingyang, Lu Mingliang, and Lu Mingfang all stood salivating at the kitchen door, and even Zhenping slowly made his way over, his eyes fixed on the clay basins on the table.

"What are these, Mom?"

"These look delicious, Mom, what kind of delicacy is this? I want to try a piece."

"I want to eat it."

Before Shen Meng could answer, Lu Mingkai already stretched out his hand. Unlike his siblings who would ask first, he would act while asking. Sometimes his hand was even faster than his mouth.

"Hold on, hold on, these are spicy strips Mom made. You are too young for these, have this one instead, it’s five-spice flavored, not spicy. Try it, this one is numbing and hot, and this one is fragrant and spicy. There’s so much here, eat if you want, but after eating, let me know what needs improvement. It’s useful for Mom. Zhenping, you try some too."

No sooner had she finished speaking than the children pounced like hungry wolves, surrounding her. Zhenping was a bit better, standing behind the children without saying a word; Shen Meng had already served him a helping of each flavor.

"Mom, this is so delicious, ha, hiss, it’s just very spicy, but I want to keep eating even after trying it."

"This one isn’t that numbing, but it’s also delicious. Everything Mom makes is delicious."

"It’s really tasty, I want to take some for Daqing and Erqing to try."

"Baby doesn’t like this one, Baby also wants to eat something spicy and yummy."

Shen Meng watched the children eat and offer excessive praise, and she immediately blocked out their words. She wanted feedback, but the children would only flatter her, their opinions not considered.

"How is it? Give me a fair and honest opinion. Don’t be like the kids, only saying good things."

Zhenping raised his eyebrows. The way she said it, if he were to really speak frankly, would he be scolded, hit, or face even more severe consequences?

That day, he had nothing to do and wandered around the village. He happened to see a man getting scolded, looking very pitiful. His wife had asked him if the clothes she was wearing looked good, and he honestly said that they seemed to make her look a bit dark-skinned.

He immediately got slapped twice, "pa pa," and even he, a hot-blooded soldier used to army life, felt his heart pound upon hearing it.

"I think..."

"Hmm?"

Zhenping: "....."

Suddenly being so close made him feel very nervous.

"Actually, it’s just a bit spicy, the taste is okay, the numbing one isn’t very numbing, and the five-spice one is a bit salty."

Shen Meng frowned and stared at Zhenping for a while. That guy usually eats a fair amount of salt, yet he thought her five-spice was a bit salty; she had tasted it herself just before and it seemed fine, why would it be salty?

"I don’t trust you anymore. Here’s what we’ll do. Mingyang and Mingliang, take the rest and find people to taste. Don’t let anyone you dislike have any, got it?"

"Mom, I want to take some for Daya, she also likes spicy things!"

"I want to take some for Daqing and Erqing to try, and I’ll give two pieces of the five-spice to Yaoyao, she just got better, poor thing."

Mingliang didn’t say anything, but his chopsticks moved very quickly. He found a big bowl and picked a few of each flavor into the bowl. Such good stuff, even if given to others, the family needed to keep more. It’s all made from grain, and from good grain at that!

After the children ran out with their bowls, Shen Meng gave the kitchen back to Zhenping.

She went back to her room to ponder the recipes.

Lu Zhenping was tending to the pot, deep in thought. Recently, Shen Meng had been leaving for work early and returning late, leaving him at home alone, either taking Ming Kai up the mountains to catch birds or down to the river to fish, bored out of his mind.

At this time, he realized how difficult it was for a woman to hold up a household, especially with unsympathetic in-laws, and how inconsiderate he was as a man. It was clear how tough life at home could be.

In the past, he felt like he protected the country and thought that his daily regimen made him a man of the people, with all his muscles earned through military service. He adorned himself with grand titles, which seemed to cast a halo around him.

But no matter what, he owed his children and his wife, who were also great in their own right!

"Sizzle~"

Lu Zhenping: "...."

Damn it, he was so lost in thought that he let the pot burn dry!!!

"Lu Zhenping, what are you doing? Can this meal still be made? Something smells off. Did you let the pot burn dry?"

"No, not at all, you must be mistaken, cough cough cough... Go on with your tasks, it’s nothing."

To tell the truth, Lu Zhenping felt his heart rise to his throat, nervously looking back repeatedly. He had never felt this tense even when facing enemies during missions; he was really scared that Shen Meng would come over suddenly and he would definitely get an earful, not to mention likely being banished from the bed.

At that moment, he suddenly understood what Chen Xiang meant by the power of a ’tigress’.

When the kitchen clean-up was almost done, Shen Meng came over with a sullen face, making Lu Zhenping’s heart beat like a drum.

"I feel like someone is cursing me; my ears are burning."

Lu Zhenping: "...."

No way, it can’t truly be that effective!

"That’s impossible. You are beautiful and kind-hearted, who with a conscience would curse you? Those who curse you aren’t human. Just rest, my dear, the meal will be ready soon and we can eat when Mingyang and the others come back."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

Lu Zhenping was extremely certain, which earned him a sidelong glance from Shen Meng before she turned back to the main room. Lu Zhenping also breathed a sigh of relief. He resolved to never again internalize criticisms of Shen Meng—who could hear a pin drop from a mile away, even the words of the worms in one’s stomach.

The next day.

During the noon break, Shen Meng took the chili strips she made to the sundry goods factory. This time, the gatekeeper grandpa was exceptionally warmhearted—not only did he not accept what Shen Meng offered, he even gave her two candies.

"Thank you, grandpa, I feel a connection to you."

"Of course, I am the friendliest person, and I have the best relationships in the factory. We really are in sync. Next time you come, I’ll prepare some nice things for you to eat."

"Got it, thank you in advance, grandpa. You stay busy, see you later!"

"Hehehe, such a sensible girl."

After a cheerful chat, Shen Meng headed to the office to find Kong Wenhui.

Kong Wenhui had been restless all day, worried that Shen Meng would bring back bad news. The plant manager had even prepared money, just waiting for the grain supplies to arrive.

Mody heard footsteps and abruptly stood up, quickly opening the door.

"Meng’er, I’ve finally been looking forward to your arrival."