Chapter - 68 - Shopping

Half an hour had passed when the tantalizing aroma of pimple soup with eggs and a hint of oil wafted from the pot. The secret ingredient was the water Tang Li added was the well water from the space.

It seemed that space water had a magical quality to enhance the flavor of various ingredients, and the resulting soup was nothing short of delectable.

It was so irresistible that one could almost bite off their own tongue while savoring it!

Yi Minghuan took a sip of the soup, his eyes widening in a mix of confusion and amazement.

When did he become such a skilled cook?!

"Just boiling some soup, and it turns out to be this delicious!" he marveled aloud.

"Your cooking skills are on par with mine, and I consider myself lucky in the future," Tang Li knew what was going on but complimented him, offering him a thumbs-up and a bright smile.

Yi Minghuan found himself captivated by her praise, and a glimmer of pride sparkled in his eyes.

Despite her intense hunger and the mouthwatering soup, Tang Li displayed remarkable self-control. She refrained from indulging in more than a single bowl. Her primary goal was weight loss.

'She wants to lose weight!'

Regardless of the underlying causes of obesity, diet control took precedence when attempting to shed weight.

"Eating so little?" Yi Minghuan observed her and frowned, concerned. "You'll be hungry later. Have another bowl."

Tang Li shook her head with unwavering determination. "No, I'm trying to lose weight!"

"I don't think you're fat," Yi Minghuan responded, glancing at her. He noted that her once swollen face had become less so, making her quite attractive, especially when she smiled.

"I despise it," Tang Li said, frustrated. She patted her belly, her sturdy legs, and her plump arms with a hint of bitterness.

"I find it so ugly! Every time I change clothes, the flesh on my stomach bulges, and it's so unattractive!"

"..." Yi Minghuan fell into a contemplative silence; he found himself at a loss for words in response to her heartfelt struggle with self-image.

After their meal, they sat down to plan a trip to the town's supply and marketing cooperative. Their shopping list included daily necessities such as salt, oil, soy sauce, condiments, vegetable baskets, cage cloth, and toilet paper.

Yi Minghuan went to a neighbor in the village, where the Yin family lived. He intended to borrow a bicycle, initially offering a mere five cents in gratitude.

However, Yin graciously waved it off and lent the bicycle without any expectation of payment. Yi Minghuan was sincerely grateful and made a mental note to repay the favor someday.

With Tang Li seated in the back, they embarked on the hour-long journey, riding through rough and uneven paths until they finally reached the town.

As she dismounted the bicycle, Tang Li's legs felt completely numb and uncooperative. It took a determined effort to regain feeling and mobility, which happened after a few minutes of wincing.

Once her legs had recovered, Tang Li suggested that on the way back, she would take the reins and let Yi Minghuan ride the bike instead.

However, he firmly refused her proposal.

"No woman leads a man," he said with a straightforward justification.

Tang Li rolled her eyes but decided to relent, "....Fine, then we'll switch places. We'll do it when there's no one around, and I'll take the lead."

It was her way of trying to save his face, and he remained noncommittal about her proposal.

He parked the bike and led the way into the supply and marketing cooperative.

Undeterred, Tang Li continued to inquire about the role reversal, and he responded by patting her head affectionately, as if trying to pacify her.

"Don't make trouble."

"..." Frustrated, Tang Li couldn't help but grit her teeth.

She wondered if her initial impression of him had been incorrect. She had thought he was easygoing, but it appeared that beneath that exterior, he had a domineering side.

Before their shopping trip, Tang Li had discussed the items they needed to purchase, ensuring that they were well-prepared.

As a result, they efficiently acquired all the household necessities they required, making the process straightforward.

Afterward, Yi Minghuan led her to a clothing and shoe store. He expressed his intention to buy her new clothes and a pair of shoes.....