Chapter 131 - 131: Mild Cleanliness Obsession

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Qiao Mai extended her consciousness outside. The sky was beginning to lighten. She felt a sense of unfinished business but stretched lazily. On the trading platform, she selected some hair accessories and a pair of boots for Ling’er before reluctantly coming out.

Without a rest, she headed straight to the martial arts training ground, where her three sons were waiting for her.

At this time every day, she would spar with them, practicing offensive and defensive techniques, as well as enhancing their physical agility and reaction times.

Chuan’er, like his father, wasn’t cut out for martial arts. For him, it was a way to stay in shape.

The Feng brothers, on the other hand, showed promise. When they were a bit older, she planned to teach them inner cultivation techniques.

As the day grew brighter, Yue Hong arrived with Ling’er.

Ling’er wriggled out of her embrace and ran toward her mother and brothers. She stood by, watching her family spar. Ling’er imitated their movements, making Qiao Mai smile at her daughter’s cuteness.

Just as she was about to approach and pick her up, Ling’er suddenly turned and ran towards Yue Hong, giggling as if teasing her mother.

“You little rascal!”

Qiao Mai shook her head helplessly. The family of four sparred for half an hour before calling it a day.

“Alright, everyone, go wash up. After lunch, you still have lessons.”

“Yes, Mother!”

The three children left, and Qiao Mai went over to Ling’er, bending down to lift her.

“Mommy bought you a beautiful outfit. Let’s put it on and see how it looks.”

“Hehe, pretty clothes. Ling’er likes.”

Qiao Mai gently kissed Ling’er’s cheek. “Sweetie, happy birthday!”

Today was the second day of the second lunar month, Ling’er’s birthday. Qiao Mai had planned to have her wear the beautiful outfit on this special day. Her wish had finally come true.

In Qiao Mai’s house, Yue Hong and Yue Xia followed behind while waiting for her instructions.

She changed Ling’er into a lovely dress, styled her hair nicely, adorned it with cute accessories, and put on the little boots. Qiao Mai was satisfied with the result.

Yue Hong and Yue Xia exclaimed, “Miss Ling’er looks like a little fairy, so beautiful!”

“No need to say it. My daughter has to be beautiful.”

“Beautiful, flowers, pretty!”

Ling’er grinned, revealing her tiny teeth. She was especially fond of the clothes her mother had bought for her.

Qiao Mai raised an eyebrow. “Darling, what would you like to have for lunch? Mommy will make it for you.”

“Cake with cream!”

“Mommy will make you an extra-large cake that’s delicious. But remember, you should eat noodles or rice for breakfast.”

“Yes!”

In Qiao Mai’s family, when an adult celebrated their birthday, it meant having a bowl of longevity noodles for breakfast. Qiao Mai had explained to her children that there were elders in the family who didn’t celebrate their birthdays because, on that day, their mother was passing through the gates of the netherworld.

What were they celebrating? Were they celebrating their mother’s journey through the netherworld?

So, as long as there were elders present, birthdays were not to be celebrated.

Of course, every family has its customs. This was the rule Qiao Mai had set for her family.

After breakfast, Old Mistress Wang brought a pair of gold bracelets for Ling’er. It might not be extravagant, but a gift couldn’t be missing.

Yuan Jiaqi also bought Ling’er a pair of pearl earrings, while the Feng brothers gave her small toys, which gradually made their way into Ling’er’s hands. Qiao Mai was preparing a cake, and Old Mistress Wang stayed in her courtyard.

She was restless, watching Qiao Mai work in the small kitchen.

“Your hands are skillful!”

“If you want to try, you can do it well too. I heard from Jiaru that you used to be quite talented.”

“What talent? I was merely a woman who did not make a fortune.”

“Haha.”

Qiao Mai thought her culinary skills were sufficient for people from ancient times. Once they witnessed the craftsmanship of a modern person, they would realize how skillful she was.

She had considered ordering a cake online, but thinking about her daughter’s birthday, she needed to make an effort as a mother. Moreover, she couldn’t trust cakes made by others due to her mild cleanliness obsession.

She first baked the cake and then prepared various colors of icing.

The cake had three layers with a white base decorated with houses, flowers, grass, and small deer. She designed the cake beautifully. The old lady was impressed, praising Qiao Mai non-stop.

“Your artistic skills are too good! You’re like a painter. Which pastry chef can make food look this good?”

“It’s like embroidery. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have turned out like this.”

“This isn’t just a cake; it’s an embroidered cake.”

Upon seeing the cake, everyone praised it enthusiastically with sweet words.

“Now that we’re all here, let’s cut the cake and enjoy it. Afterward, we’ll each return to our courtyards. I’ll take my daughter out for a walk later.”

“Aren’t we eating together?”

“What’s the point of a big meal for a child’s birthday? Eating a bowl of noodles is enough.”

“Mother, can we also have such a beautiful cake on our birthdays?”

The brothers made a request. “Sure, on your birthdays, just tell me what you want. I’ll make it for you.”

“That’s great! This cake is too beautiful. It’s almost a shame to eat it.”

“If you don’t eat it, it will go bad.”

“Then, let’s eat!”

“Haha!”

Laughter filled the small courtyard. Just then, a servant appeared at the entrance of the living room.

“Master, the Feng family has come and wishes to see you.”

“Is Sister Lu there?”

“If not, let them wait. Ask Sister Lu to come back from the Embroidery

Workshop.”

“Yes, Mistress.”

Old Mister and Mistress Wang saw Qiao Mai’s troubled expression and said, “Let’s go together.”

Qiao Mai saw Yuan Jiaqi standing up and said, “You stay here with the children. Let them enjoy the cake. I’ll handle this.”

“Okay!”

Upon entering the living room, the Feng family noticed that Old Mister and Mistress Wang were also present, so they quickly stood up and greeted them respectfully.

“Greetings, Old Mister and Mistress Wang.”

“Ah, please have a seat.”

Qiao Mai took the main seat, with the old couple sitting below her.

The Feng family in attendance included the elderly couple, as well as the younger couple, Feng Yinshi and his wife.

“Have you come with something important?” Qiao Mai asked.

“Well, we’re a bit embarrassed to say this, but ever since Xin’er’s cold noodle shop opened, the business has been booming. Unexpectedly, another cold noodle shop opened across from her after the new year. Not only is the price lower, but the taste is similar to what we offer. We came to inquire…”

Qiao Mai immediately understood their concern. “The recipe was given to Xin’er, and it’s not something she bought from me. We didn’t sign any contract, and I believe it’s my right to do whatever I please with it.”

Xin’er’s face darkened as she interjected, “Master, how could you say that? If you sold it to someone else, what would I do?”

Qiao Mai glanced at her and said coldly, “I’m stating a fact. The noodle shop in the county is not mine, and I haven’t sold the recipe to anyone else.”

“Really?”

“Why would I need to assure you?”

“I’m your disciple, aren’t I? You can’t harm me like this.”

“Humph, you haven’t been my disciple since you left that day.”

Lu Ruxin’s body swayed, and she exclaimed, “What? Master, you?”

“I don’t have a disciple like you. From now on, you’re just Sister Lu’s daughter. I don’t owe you anything, and there’s no need for your whole family to come here to question me.”

Qiao Mai stood up and said, “I’ve already sent for my sister. You are her guests, not mine. Excuse me.”

Qiao Mai walked away, and the old couple stood up.

“From now on, don’t come to the Wang Residence anymore. Xin’er, you’ve crossed the river twice. You didn’t change after the first lesson, and I let you in out of respect for your Master. Now, you dare to question Madam Qiao. She’s not any less thick-skinned than you, is she? Hmph, shameless!”

Old Mistress Wang also left, and Old Mister Wang looked at the Feng family..