txolops Chapter 77 Sharing Bento Boxes
Chapter 77 Sharing Bento Boxes
Under the weeping willows in the city center wetland park.
Crossing the lawn, Su Qingxue, led by Tangtang, arrived at the red and white checkered picnic mat spread out in the shade.
"Pretty auntie, we've arrived!"
Tangtang let go and skillfully kicked off her little sandals.
The little girl, wearing clean white cotton socks, happily stepped onto the mat.
Su Qingxue stopped and glanced at the picnic mat at her feet.
Today she was wearing a light beige sun-protective cardigan and casual trousers, with flat shoes on her feet.
Although she usually frequents office buildings and upscale places, she did not show any disdain or hesitation.
Su Qingxue bent down, took off her flat shoes, and neatly placed them next to Tangtang's little sandals.
She then stepped onto the picnic mat, put her legs together, and sat down on the edge.
"Pretty auntie, come sit a little closer."
Tangtang patted the empty seat next to her and enthusiastically invited, "Sit here, you can see the big windmill in front of you perfectly!"
Su Qingxue nodded slightly, moved to the center of the cushion, and sat down next to Tangtang.
Lin Chen put the kite spool in his hand aside and sat cross-legged on the other side of the cushion.
He unzipped the backpack next to him, took out a pack of wet wipes, pulled out one and handed it to Su Qingxue.
"Wipe your hands."
Lin Chen spoke up.
"Thanks."
Su Qingxue reached out and took the wet wipe, wiping her hands.
Lin Chen took out a card to wipe his hands, then took out another card, took Tangtang's two little hands, and carefully helped his daughter clean each finger.
"alright."
Lin Chen put the used tissues into a spare plastic bag.
He then opened the insulated bag that was placed in the center of the mat and took out the double-layered bento box.
"Clatter."
The clasp on the bento box was released, and the lid was lifted.
A faint, pure aroma of rice instantly filled the air.
Su Qingxue's gaze fell on the lunchbox.
The food inside was very simple. On one layer were several bear-shaped rice balls decorated with seaweed, and on the other layer were several pieces of golden-brown omelet and some boiled broccoli.
There are no complicated cooking methods or heavy seasonings.
But under Lin Chen's culinary skills, the food appears clean and dry.
This long-lost feeling of home cooking miraculously prevented Su Qingxue's stomach, which had always resisted food, from feeling any aversion.
"Wow! It's a bear-shaped rice ball!"
Tangtang clapped her little hands happily, her big eyes fixed on the lunchbox.
Lin Chen took out a box of disposable transparent catering gloves, pulled out a pair, and put them on his hands.
He first picked up a small bear-shaped rice ball and handed it to his daughter.
"Hold this piece of paper underneath, eat slowly, and don't drop it on your clothes."
Lin Chen gave a soft instruction.
"Okay!"
Tangtang stretched out her two little hands, carefully took the rice ball, and couldn't wait to take a small bite.
The soft, sticky rice grains melted in her mouth, and the little girl squinted her eyes contentedly: "Delicious!"
Seeing his daughter eating happily, Lin Chen turned around and picked up a second rice ball from the box.
He looked at Su Qingxue sitting opposite him and handed her the rice ball.
"Miss Su."
Lin Chen looked at her and said calmly, "It's just some ordinary home cooking."
The rice used is easy-to-digest soft rice, and there are no extra seasonings. You can try it.
Su Qingxue looked at the rice ball handed to her.
A clean sheet of parchment paper was placed at the bottom of the rice ball, and Lin Chen held the edge of the paper firmly in his hand.
"Thank you, Mr. Lin."
Su Qingxue spoke softly, extending her hands to take the rice ball.
The residual heat of the rice seeps through the baking paper and into your palm, bringing a sense of comforting warmth.
Su Qingxue lowered her eyes, looked at the rice ball in her hand, and gently opened her mouth, preparing to take a bite.
Just then, a slight spasm came from my stomach.
Su Qingxue paused slightly.
She subconsciously pursed her slightly pale lips, and her left hand involuntarily rose to gently press on her stomach.
This subtle movement was noticed by Lin Chen.
"Wait a moment."
Lin Chen suddenly spoke, interrupting Su Qingxue's preparation to eat.
Su Qingxue looked up at Lin Chen with some confusion.
Lin Chen did not explain immediately.
He put down his chopsticks, took off his disposable gloves, turned around, and opened his backpack again.
He took out a silver stainless steel thermos and a small stack of clean disposable paper cups from the side of his backpack.
Su Qingxue watched his movements, still holding the rice ball in her hand, and waited quietly.
Lin Chen unscrewed the lid of the thermos.
In an instant, a rich aroma of sweet red dates and mellow millet, accompanied by warm white steam, wafted from the spout of the kettle.
Lin Chen took out a clean small paper cup and tilted the thermos slightly.
Thick, golden-yellow rice oil slowly flowed from the spout into the paper cup.
After pouring about half a cup, Lin Chen stopped, put the thermos aside, and tightened the lid.
"Miss Su, please don't eat the rice balls yet."
Lin Chen picked up the paper cup and handed it to Su Qingxue.
Su Qingxue looked at the paper cup in front of her, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes.
Looking at her pale face, Lin Chen said, "You don't look well. You were pressing your stomach just now, which means you haven't eaten."
He paused for a moment, then continued, "Although this rice ball is made with soft rice, it is still a solid food."
"You've been fasting for so long, your stomach is very weak. Eating hard food directly will definitely make you feel uncomfortable, and may even worsen your stomach pain."
Su Qingxue was slightly stunned when she heard Lin Chen's words.
"This is red date and millet porridge that I cooked at home this morning."
Lin Chen looked at her and explained, "It was originally brought for me and Tangtang to drink when we were thirsty."
The half-cup I just poured is the layer of rice oil that's been rendered out on top.
Lin Chen handed the paper cup forward, "Put the rice ball down first."
First, drink some hot rice water to line your stomach and warm it up.
"Wait until your stomach feels a bit better before eating rice balls."
Su Qingxue looked into Lin Chen's eyes, then glanced at the steaming rice oil.
There was no deliberate flattery, nor excessive small talk.
Lin Chen's words only revealed his understanding of food and his most basic consideration for the health of diners.
"Pretty auntie, drink up!"
Sitting next to her, Tangtang chewed on a rice ball and mumbled in agreement, "Daddy's porridge is so sweet!"
My husband and I both drank it this morning. Afterwards, our tummy felt warm and comfortable!
Looking at the little girl's sincere smile, and then at the paper cup that Lin Chen kept holding out in mid-air.
Su Qingxue pursed her lips.
"Thank you, Mr. Lin."
Su Qingxue said softly.
She gently placed the bear-shaped rice ball in her hand on the clean lid of the bento box.
Then, she reached out and took the small paper cup from Lin Chen's hands.
The warm touch, through the thin paper cup, instantly reached Su Qingxue's slightly cool palm.
The natural aroma of red dates and millet, carried by the heat, entered her nostrils, causing her tense nerves to relax involuntarily.