CHAPTER 625: CHAPTER 625: THE MASTER’S ELUSIVE WISH

"So, how much do you want?" I scratched my head, seriously taking in the suggestion.

Snakes do like to eat toads, I’ve heard it said quite often.

Buying more would allow both Yu Longting and Dumpling to have a taste of something fresh.

Yu Rongling raised all of his fingers on both hands, "At least ten catties."

"But I only have a total of six catties at my stand." Now it was the vendor’s turn to be exasperated.

Yu Rongling declared boldly, "Then I’ll take them all."

"Uncle, I will buy all these bullfrogs," I said to the vendor, feeling a bit embarrassed.

The vendor was stunned but then quickly helped with the weighing, "I’m only agreeing because you are associated with Master Chen. I’m the only one in town selling bullfrogs, and I originally wanted to leave some for others."

Hearing what the vendor said, I felt slightly guilty.

I had wanted to tell the vendor to leave some for the people coming after us, but then I saw Yu Rongling puffing his cheeks out with an aggrieved little face.

The words reached my lips but then were swallowed back.

On our way back, Yu Rongling caused the town folk to gasp in admiration and look at him with new eyes.

The New Year’s goods he carried, big and small, added up to at least a hundred or two hundred catties.

The neighbors couldn’t help but gossip, "The young man is really strong, though he comes from a poor background, has no education, no diplomas, no money, but he sure is strong and robust."

"Chen Decheng said he’s a bachelor and has never dated. If there’s a chance, I’d introduce him to my cousin. Her family is rich and doesn’t mind if the guy is poor."

"Forget it, your cousin is already thirty-five. Even though she takes good care of herself, it’s not suitable pairing her with a handsome young man. I have a female cousin who’s only twenty, and she has no other requirements except she likes good-looking men..."

I believe what Master Chen meant was, when people asked about Yu Rongling’s marital status, and given he regarded him as the Snake Immortal, naturally, he hadn’t dated anyone...

So that’s how he answered.

Yu Longting remarked, "Who would’ve thought, dumbass is quite popular."

Yu Rongling boasted, "That’s right, I’ll show you all how I get a partner after the New Year."

Back at the restaurant, Yu Longting and I went into the kitchen together.

Yu Rongling, holding Shenshen, watched TV outside.

"Wanwan, just move a chair over and watch if you like." When it came down to business, Yu Longting told me to take it easy again.

How could I agree with that? I had been eager all morning to cook this reunion dinner, "For the reunion dinner, it’s more meaningful if we do it together."

"You really can’t sit still. Alright, I’ll help you put on the gloves. Just don’t get your hands wet." Yu Longting helped me put on a pair of waterproof rubber gloves.

We started by making dumplings.

I seasoned the filling while he kneaded the dough.

According to the customs of the southern regions,

In the afternoon, every household should honor the land and pay respects to their ancestors.

Given Yu Longting’s and Yu Rongling’s unique identities, they skipped this part.

Before dinner, at the space in front of the door, they set off a couple of strings of firecrackers and considered it done.

The small town was bustling, filled with the crackling sound of firecrackers.

"Firecrackers announce the passing of the old year, the spring breeze brings warmth to the tu su wine," Old Taoist Priest Zhang Zidao came out, swaying and still wearing his dirty Taoist robe, and exclaimed with a deity-like air, "Ah! Quite the heartwarming sight to see your family."

Pregnant, I didn’t join Yu Rongling in setting off the fireworks, which left me free to talk to Zhang Zidao, "Are you sober now? Don’t you want to take a bath or something?"

"The dirt on the flesh is not the real filth; it’s the cleanliness of the heart that matters," Zhang Zidao replied, rubbing his...

Face covered in mud!!

Uh...

His body covered in mud, he wouldn’t take a bath during the New Year?

Seeing Zhang Zidao’s carefree and disheveled celestial air, though, I felt at ease and didn’t insist, and said, "I’ve prepared a clean Taoist robe for you. I spent some time this afternoon altering the old fabric. If you don’t mind wearing it..."

"Mind? Not at all! Clothes personally made by my dear disciple is something I could only wish for!"