After a while, people began trickling in. Zhou Bao was the first to arrive.

As today’s host, he naturally came early. Plus, he wanted to spend time with Tuan-ger. Every morning when he came for buns, he’d hold the boy briefly, but today he intended to give him a proper hug.

When he arrived, Tuan-ger was already awake. Zhao Yueniang was dangling a basket to entertain him, and the little boy was kicking his tiny legs in delight. Zhou Bao let out an “Aye!” and spoke in a high-pitched voice, “Our Tuan-ger is playing! Come give Uncle a hug~”

Zhou Bao scooped the little one up, bouncing him a few times until Tuan-ger giggled with delight.

Lin Yu heard the commotion and peeked out. “Brother Zhou’s here.”

“Alright, you and your sister go work in the back. I’ll keep Tuan-ger company.”

“Thanks for taking care of him, Brother Zhou.”

The back kitchen was hot and cramped, so Lin Yu placed Tuan-ger to play in the front shop. Soon, customers started arriving—all men. He’d planned to send Zhao Yueniang home with Tuan-ger first, but now that Zhou Bao was entertaining the boy, they could return after dinner was ready.

With the front shop empty, Zhou Bao played freely with Tuan-ger. “Oh my, our little Tuan-ger is so adorable! He’ll definitely grow up to be a handsome young man~”

Lin Yu’s steamed bun shop was closed, leaving only two planks of wood for people to pass through. Now, with people moving back and forth outside, the inside was completely hidden from view.

As Zhou Bao amused Tuan-ger stifled giggles suddenly erupted from the shop entrance. Zhou Bao glanced over to find Xiao Luzi and the others standing there, apparently having arrived some time ago.

Zhou Bao’s face flushed crimson as he glared at them. “You show up without a word? Still want to eat?”

Liu Ditou clutched his stomach, laughing heartily. “After all this time following you, Brother Bao, I never knew you had such a gentle side! Ha ha ha!”

“Stop laughing and get in here!”

Someone asked, “Brother Bao, did your wife have another baby?”

“Get lost! This is the little ger from Mr. Lin’s steamed bun shop. I’m just holding him to soothe him.”

Someone teased, “I knew it! A big, burly guy like you, Brother Bao, couldn’t possibly have such a handsome little boy, haha!”

Zhou Bao bristled. “Why couldn’t I have such a beautiful boy?”

Members of the Fifth Company arrived one after another, some carrying bottles of liquor. “Whoa, what’s cooking that smells so good?”

“Exactly! Just sitting up front, the smell alone makes my mouth water.”

The kitchen was bustling behind the counter. Lin Yu called out, “Xiaoliu, bring some tea to the front. The dishes will be served soon.”

“Got it!”

Shi Xiaoliu carried two pots of hot tea to the front. He saw Tuan-ger being held and fussed over by a group of men. Tuan-ger, not shy at all, beamed with delight.

Wei Qingshan was rolling up his sleeves in the back, chopping meat. Chicken and rabbit were cut into small pieces, and the pig’s head was already boiled. His young husband had asked him to slice the meat from the pig’s snout and cut off the ears too.

Xiao Luzi couldn’t resist the aroma and peeked around the corner. Beside Mr. Lin stood a tall man—likely Mr. Lin’s husband—though he looked vaguely familiar.

Lin Yu smiled at Xiao Luzi. “Almost ready. The dishes will be served shortly.”

Wei Qingshan glanced back and recognized Xiao Luzi, who was so startled by his presence he stammered, “Mr. Wei… Mr. Wei, Captain?”

Good heavens! Almost everyone from the Fifth Captain’s unit had arrived. Just moments ago, they’d been wondering if Captain Wei hadn’t shown up yet because he wasn’t coming.

Turns out he was in the kitchen preparing their meal!

Lin Yu gave Wei Qingshan a puzzled look. “You two know each other?”

“Lu Fulang is Xiao Luzi’s husband.”

Lin Yu murmured, “So you’re Lu Fulang’s husband. No wonder you know each other.”

Xiao Luzi quickly ducked his head back. How did Captain Wei end up here!

Earlier, Captain Wei mentioned having connections to the steamed bun shop. Seeing them standing so close just now—could Lin Fulang’s husband actually be Captain Wei?!

Xiao Luzi returned looking dazed. Zhou Bao noticed and asked, “What’s wrong? Did you see a ghost?”

“Worse than seeing a ghost.”

Zhou Bao couldn’t be bothered. Ghosts in broad daylight? What nonsense! He was happily cradling Tuan-ger. The little guy was being so cooperative—no crying no matter how he held him. Zhou Bao was utterly charmed.

Xiao Luzi hesitated, unable to speak. If his Brother Bao found out this little one was Captain Wei’s son, the look on his face would be priceless.

Everyone had arrived by now. Wei Qingshan had finished his work, so Lin Yu sent him to serve the dishes. With all the men sitting up front, Zhao Yueniang and Shi Xiaoliu couldn’t go up to serve themselves.

He carried a tray of peanuts in each hand and headed outside. Before he even stepped into the shop, he heard someone say, “Why hasn’t Captain Wei shown up yet? Is he not coming?”

“Who knows? Brother Bao, maybe Captain Wei just doesn’t want to come.”

Zhou Bao snorted. “I never said he couldn’t come.”

Wei Qingshan placed a plate of peanuts on one table first. Everyone stared at him as if he were a ghost. “Wei… Captain Wei! Why are you serving food?”

Zhou Bao was startled too. Why had Wei Qingshan suddenly emerged from the kitchen? Wei Qingshan merely said, “Food is served.”

Then he turned and went back to fetch more dishes. The group instantly fell silent, then all turned to look at Zhou Bao. “Brother Bao, did you ask Captain Wei to cook for us?”

Zhou Bao hugged Tuan-ger, who sat on his lap. “Bullshit! Do I look that important?”

“Then why is Captain Wei serving us food?”

Wei Qingshan went back to fetch cold cuts like sliced pork cheek and peanuts with pig ears. Everyone sat at the table, not daring to utter a word.

Xiao Luzi called out, “Captain… Captain Wei, you… you sit down. I’ll serve the food.”

“No need. The kitchen staff are all women and gers. I can handle it.”

Even after Wei Qingshan served the food, no one dared to eat. Their leader was serving them—were they supposed to just sit there and eat?

Wei Qingshan brought out braised chicken. “Eat up.”

Zhou Bao couldn’t hold back. “Wei Qingshan, what the hell are you playing at? Did you poison it?”

Wei Qingshan snorted with a laugh. “I’m helping my husband with his work. Got a problem? Eat your own food. I’ll be back in a bit.”

As soon as Wei Qingshan left, the others began whispering. “Brother Bao, you hired Wei Qingshan’s husband to cook?”

“Who hired his husband? I clearly hired Mr. Lin!” Zhou Bao’s voice grew quieter and quieter. “Mr. Lin is Wei Qingshan’s husband?”

Zhou Bao stared in shock at the little one sitting on his lap, gnawing on his fingers. “Your father is Wei Qingshan?”

“Eee~ya~” Tuan-ger kicked his legs.

“Your father really is Wei Qingshan!” Zhou Bao’s voice rose. “Damn it! How could Wei Qingshan have such a gorgeous kid like you!”

Wei Qingshan returned carrying more dishes, his gaze briefly flicking toward Zhou Bao. “Keep your voice down. You’re scaring my little Tuan-ger.”

Zhou Bao’s heart shattered into pieces. He’d misplaced his trust! How could his favorite child belong to his sworn enemy? This hurt worse than the shock of Wei Qingshan suddenly becoming a company commander!

Xiao Tuan, oblivious to his uncle’s turmoil, cooed happily in his arms.

Lin Yu had prepared two tables laden with dishes—ten dishes per table. Peanuts, pork cheek, pig’s ears, braised pork intestines, stir-fried chicken, braised rabbit, stir-fried pork skin…

Though not particularly expensive cuts, Lin Yu’s skill made every dish look hearty and satisfying. The buns he’d set aside that morning were also warming in the pot.

Lin Yu didn’t bother cooking anymore, leaving some dishes for them to take home.

After tidying up, Lin Yu prepared to leave. “Qingshan, take Tuan-ger—we’re heading out.”

“The visitors are from our company. I’ll stay and drink with them.”

Lin Yu gasped. “Why didn’t you say so earlier? I wouldn’t have charged them!”

“It’s fine. You should have charged them.”

Lin Yu had calculated while cooking—he’d bought everything he needed, and this afternoon could net him a few hundred cash coins. Had he known they were Wei Qingshan’s men, he wouldn’t have charged a penny.

Refusing to take the silver, Lin Yu offered it to Zhou Bao instead. “Brother Zhou, I didn’t know they were Qingshan’s men. Please take this silver back.”

Zhou Bao wouldn’t hear of it. After all, he’d arranged the meal and provided the space. “Here, take it. I was the one hosting anyway.”

Wei Qingshan bent down and handed Tuan-ger to Lin Yu. “I’ll be back later tonight.”

“Alright.”

Lin Yu carried Tuan-ger back with Zhao Yueniang and the others. Walking down the street, he felt a pang of guilt. He stopped at the tavern and bought two more jars of wine, asking Shi Xiaoliu to leave them at the door.

He called out, “Qingshan, I bought some wine. Take it inside.”

Only after everything was arranged did Lin Yu leave. As everyone ate and drank, they praised him enthusiastically: “Captain Wei, your husband is such a skilled cook!”

“Captain Wei, so this dumpling shop was originally yours!”

The chatter flowed freely. This time, Wei Qingshan had sliced off a bandit’s arm with a single stroke. Those who witnessed it were deeply shaken and grew even more impressed by him.

When Wei Qingshan was at the city guard post, he rarely spoke to them, keeping interactions strictly professional. Yet everyone respected those with real ability, and this time, they were thoroughly convinced of his prowess.

Zhou Bao felt awkward inside. He wanted to speak to Wei Qingshan but couldn’t bring himself to lower his pride. Instead, he poured a bowl of wine and raised it toward Wei Qingshan. “I’ve wronged you in the past.”

He had looked down on Wei Qingshan before, always bringing people to bully him. Wei Qingshan didn’t take it to heart and simply drank the bowl in front of him dry.

Everyone cheered, “We’re all brothers here.”

Seeing Wei Qingshan drink eased Zhou Bao’s mind. “So, from now on, we’re brothers. Your child is my child, right?”

Wei Qingshan shot Zhou Bao a glance. Zhou Bao gave an awkward laugh, “Ha ha ha,” and the others joined in. “Turns out Brother Bao was worried Brother Qingshan wouldn’t let him hold the baby! Ha ha ha!”

The meal stretched into dusk. Everyone was staggering drunkenly. Wei Qing Shan held his liquor reasonably well, though he rarely drank. By now, half the table was sprawled face-down.

“Shh, keep it down. Someone’s outside.”

The group fell silent. They could hear someone prying at the floorboards outside. They’d locked up the shop when they started drinking—could it be a thief trying to steal the silver?

“Are you done yet? Hurry up!”

“What’s the rush? I’m prying it open right now. Just a minute.”

A corner of the plank was pried open. Wei Qingshan signaled for several men to exit through the back kitchen and block the escape route—they couldn’t let the thief get away. The rest remained inside the shop.

A hand reached inside from outside. Zhou Bao grabbed it with one hand. “Well, well, you bold thief!”

A man’s pained cry echoed from outside, followed by a woman’s gasp. Xiao Luzi and his men seized the intruder. “Brother Qingshan, Brother Bao has him pinned!”

Only then did Zhou Bao release his grip. Wei Qingshan emerged from the shop with his men. The Zhu couple stood trembling, their legs weak. Who knew there were so many men inside?

Wei Qingshan stepped closer and recognized them immediately. Weren’t these the couple who ran Zhu’s steamed bun shop down the street?

“What were you up to?”

“Nothing, nothing.”

Zhou Bao kicked him. “Why waste words with them? Just take them straight to the magistrate’s office. Are you talking or not?” As Zhou Bao made to kick him again, the man quickly blurted out, “I’ll talk! I’ll talk! We just envied their thriving business and wanted to slip some castor beans into their goods!”

“How vile! They were trying to ruin the shop!”

“Hand them over to the patrol to take to the magistrate’s office.”

At the mention of being sent to the magistrate, the couple begged for mercy. Wei Qingshan snorted, “You’re confronting the city guard here. How dare you?”

Wei Qingshan wasted no time on further discussion. He had the pair bound and handed them over to the patrol. His family’s business had drawn envy, and unless he made an example of them, others might get the wrong idea.

After handing them over, the group drank a little longer before dispersing. Tomorrow was another shift; they couldn’t afford to drink themselves into missing their duties.

Worried the smell of alcohol might bother Lin Yu, Wei Qingshan took a bath before lying down. Lin Yu had already fallen asleep, but stirred at the sound and mumbled, “You’re back.”

“Mhm. Go back to sleep.”

Wei Qingshan didn’t tell Lin Yu about the shop incident. They’d simply handed the thieves over to the patrolmen, and the thieves hadn’t gotten off lightly.

Lin Yu yawned and snuggled closer to Wei Qingshan. The night air had turned chilly, and cuddling up with him felt cozy.

Early the next morning, everyone rose and headed to the shop. Each busied themselves with their tasks. Shi Xiaoliu carried a wooden bucket, intending to empty its contents. Lin Yu noticed and asked, “Xiaoliu, what’s in there?”

“Oh, this is the broth from boiling pork rinds yesterday. Just taking up space in the bucket.” Shi Xiaoliu held it up for Lin Yu to see. “Lin Fulang, look—I don’t know what happened, but the broth has solidified into chunks.”

Lin Yu glanced at it and even poked it with his finger. “It really has solidified.”

His family bought meat daily, leaving plenty of pork rinds. Lin Yu would boil them for stir-fries, then ladle out the leftover broth to discard. Yesterday, he’d boiled rinds again for a side dish with their drinks. He’d forgotten to pour out the broth, and now it had solidified into chunks.

“Set it aside for now. I’ll take a look later.”

“Alright.”

Business at the shop was booming as usual today. Shi Xiaoliu was swamped selling buns up front.

Suddenly, he spotted a familiar face and called out, “Mr. Lou!”

Lou Qingfeng recognized the voice as belonging to a town acquaintance—the young shop assistant who worked for the Wei Qing Shan family. He’d heard the Wei family had gone to the county seat, so he hadn’t expected to run into him here.

Lou Qingfeng approached. “Xiaoliu.”

Shi Xiaoliu beamed. “Mr. Lou, what a surprise! Let me treat you to some buns.”

Shi Xiaoliu handed Lou Qingfeng two buns. “Lin Fulang and the others are in the shop. They’ll be thrilled to know you’re here.”

He called out to the back, “Lin Fulang, look who’s here!”

Lin Yu turned and recognized the familiar face. “Mr. Lou!”

The shop was busy at the moment, so Lin Yu came over to exchange a few words. He invited Lou Qingfeng to visit his home next time Wei Qingshan was on leave, and gave him the address.

Lou Qingfeng agreed. “May I bring someone along then?”

“Your wife? Of course.”

Lou Qingfeng nodded. After exchanging a few more words with Lin Yu, he took his leave.