Chapter 74: Nothing Tastes Better Than Dumplings

It was clear that Hao Lei was feeling a bit out of place. After all, they were still on school grounds, and it was right at dismissal, with students and teachers passing by in an endless stream. This made Hao Lei noticeably more reserved. It wasn’t until Lu Ming gently persuaded her for quite some time that she finally got into the car.

On the way, Lu Ming drove slowly, occasionally stealing glances at Hao Lei. As for Hao Lei, she appeared quite restless and uneasy. Zhang Shen and the others sat in the back, naturally observing every move in the front seat with perfect clarity.

Sensing the awkward atmosphere in the car, Zhang Shen deliberately broke the silence and said to Wang Ying, “How’s the food at your family's dumpling shop?”

“It’s pretty good! If you don’t believe me, you can ask Ye Qiong,” Wang Ying replied.

Ye Qiong nodded eagerly, saying, “The taste is absolutely amazing—once you try it, you’ll want more. The only worry is whether your stomach is big enough.”

“In that case, we should all indulge tonight!” Zhang Shen responded, joining in the laughter as the group in the back tried to lift the mood.

Lu Ming then chimed in, “Wang Ying, so your family runs a dumpling shop? How come you never mentioned it before?”

“Mr. Lu, my father used to be in the military. After retiring, he came to Yuehu City and worked for a company, but the good times didn’t last—the company went under. My dad then thought about opening a dumpling shop, and unexpectedly, business turned out to be pretty good. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had the money for school all these years.”

“If that’s the case, your family’s dumplings must be especially delicious,” Hao Lei now joined in, drawn into the group conversation.

Zhang Shen, seeing that the time was ripe, shifted the topic to Lu Ming. “Mr. Lu, do you know how to cook?”

Though Lu Ming came from a family of high-ranking officials, he had done all sorts of chores since he was young. Now, being asked about his culinary skills, Lu Ming felt confident.

“I wouldn’t say my dishes can rival those of professional chefs, but I can certainly guarantee the color, aroma, and taste are all there,” Lu Ming replied.

Zhang Shen grinned, “Looks like your cooking is pretty good, Mr. Lu. If there’s a chance, we’d love to try it.”

“Of course! No problem at all. Why don’t we borrow Wang Ying’s kitchen later, and I’ll show you a couple of my specialties?”

Zhang Shen knew well the kind of charm a man with cooking skills could have for women. Back in the day, it was his own cooking that earned him his master’s favor. Every time his master was well-fed and in good spirits, he would teach Zhang Shen another secret recipe.

“So, Mr. Lu, what specialties do you have? Tell us first!” Ye Qiong asked.

“Ye Qiong, I must say, Mr. Lu wouldn’t boast like that unless he really knew his craft. But why should he show off his skills to you? They’re meant for his girlfriend,” Zhang Shen teased, then turned deliberately toward Hao Lei, saying meaningfully, “Ms. Hao, don’t you agree?”

It was only then that Hao Lei realized Zhang Shen had been setting up Lu Ming from the very beginning, yet somehow, she was the one caught in the net. She could only mumble a soft “yes,” barely louder than a mosquito’s buzz, but in that instant, the whole car fell silent, all waiting for her reply.

Lu Ming, hearing her answer, was secretly elated, though, with the students in the back, he tried his best to suppress his excitement.

Soon, they arrived at the street of snacks on Fenggu Lane. After parking, they followed Wang Ying to a small place called “Unforgettable Taste Dumpling House.” The shop wasn’t big, but as soon as they stepped inside, a rich, enticing aroma greeted them. There were four or five tables with about twenty stools, and the place was bustling, everyone eating heartily at their tables.

“Dad, Mom, I’m home!” Wang Ying called out.

Her parents recognized her voice immediately.

“Sweetheart, why are you back? Did something happen at school?” her mother asked with concern.

No matter how old a daughter gets, she is always a child in her parents’ eyes. Though Wang Ying was about to step into society, her mother’s worry the moment she came home made it clear—those with mothers are truly blessed.

Zhang Shen couldn’t help but envy her, wondering when he might find his master and his own biological parents.

“Mom, Dad, it’s not what you think. My classmates and teachers heard about our dumplings, so I brought them here specially,” Wang Ying explained.

“You little rascal, why didn’t you tell us you were coming in advance?” her mother scolded lightly.

Hao Lei hurried forward, saying, “Auntie, it’s our fault for coming unannounced. Sorry to trouble you.”

Wang Ying began introducing everyone. “This is our teacher Ms. Hao, this is Mr. Lu, and this is my best friend Ye Qiong.”

“What about me?” Zhang Shen interjected, feeling left out at not being introduced.

“Don’t be impatient, Miracle Doctor!” Wang Ying comforted him, then turned to her mother. “This is the miracle doctor Zhang Shen I always talk about—the one who helped me out.”

Wang Ying’s parents, realizing this was the young man who had defended their daughter at school, rushed over and grabbed Zhang Shen’s hand, exclaiming, “We’ve heard your name from our daughter so many times, but never had the chance to meet you. Now that we have, let us bow to you in gratitude!”

Seeing the elderly couple about to kneel, Zhang Shen quickly rose to stop them. “Uncle, Auntie, you’re about the same age as my own parents, so please let me call you that. As for Wang Ying’s troubles, I only helped a little, nothing worth such a grand gesture.”

Still, the couple didn’t seem to want to get up, so Zhang Shen shot a glance at Wang Ying and her friends for help.

Wang Ying hurriedly helped her parents up. “Mom, Dad, since the miracle doctor insists, let’s not make a fuss. Why don’t you make us some dumplings to try?”

Everyone agreed, “Great idea. I love dumplings!”

Wang Ying’s parents beamed with joy—they hadn’t expected the miracle doctor’s only request would be a bowl of dumplings.

“No, I want two bowls of shepherd’s purse and shrimp dumplings,” Ye Qiong said, winking at Wang Ying.

Wang Ying understood her friend’s appetite and teased, “Better make an extra order—some people have a bottomless stomach and one bowl won’t be enough.”

Soon, six steaming bowls of shepherd’s purse and shrimp dumplings were brought to the table.

“Eat as much as you like, there’s more in the pot if you want seconds,” Wang Ying’s mother said to them all with a smile.