Chapter 476: 476 Lamb Soup

Fan Jia was enjoying a bowl of sliced cold noodles at the same table with the academy dean who was relishing his dish of Buddha’s Temptation, a dish he wouldn’t tire of even if he had it every day.

Tong Tiehu was also at this table, quietly picking at his food with chopsticks.

The group of scholars came together to inspect the secret tunnel, putting on a cheerful front, but who knows what schemes could be brewing in their hearts.

Oh, the allure of treasure – it sends a thrill through so many!

“Xiaomai, what are you cooking? It smells incredible!” The academy dean, having finished his dish, saw Qiao Xiaomai standing at the entrance and waved at her.

“Lamb Soup.”

“Ah, what a great tonic!” Dean Gao chuckled.

“It’s better to have it in winter. It’s too hot today.” Qiao Xiaomai pointed at the burning sun overhead.

Though they were under parasols, they were fully dressed in the midday sun, beads of sweat evident on their foreheads.

“It’s okay if it’s a bit hot, just bear with it for a while.” The dean wiped the sweat from his forehead and slowly fanned himself, “Having a meal cooked by you is such a luxury.”

“I cook every day though,” Qiao Xiaomai laughed.

“That’s why I say Changsun and Dami are lucky, getting to taste your cooking each day,” the dean chirped cheerily.

“Whoever ends up marrying Qiao Xiaomai will be the lucky one,” Fan Jia interjected.

At these words, the dean turned to look at Tong Tiehu.

Tong Tiehu smiled, though it was tinged with bitterness.

Seeing the family he had to deal with, he realized he must maneuver carefully before bringing Qiao Xiaomai into this family.

The dean, seeing that Tiehu didn’t engage in the banter, sensed some hidden issue and changed the subject, “When is Dami going to join the academy?”

“There’s no rush. We will discuss it after we buy a house in the town,” Qiao Xiaomai replied.

The dean chuckled, “Well then, purchase it soon. I won’t charge him school fees, just have him bring some food to the academy from time to time.”

Qiao Xiaomai swiftly responded, “Okay!”

Soon the lamb soup was ready. As there were many people, all the soup was served to the students while the co-workers and coachmen didn’t get any.

The lamb soup was fragrantly rich, but light and neither greasy nor gamy, the fresh taste of the lamb was well preserved.

Under the scorching sun, they all sweated profusely while savoring their bowls of soup.

“It’s fantastic!” Fan Jia fanned himself vigorously. The soup was scorching, but it was so delicious that he almost wanted to swallow his tongue!

“Miss Qiao, can I invite you to my home to make this lamb soup in the winter?” He looked earnestly at Qiao Xiaomai.

A bowl of soup like this when it was snowing would be pure bliss!

“Sure,” Qiao Xiaomai nodded.

“Hey, I want that too!” Inspired by Fan Jia’s words, others chimed in.

Lamb wasn’t expensive for them; they could all afford it. Even if they had to eat this tasty soup every day for a year, they won’t get tired of it!

“How about you all come to the Rooster Mountain to hunt mountain goats yourselves when it snows in winter, then give them to Miss Qiao to cook? How does that sound?” The dean proposed gleefully.

This idea was perfect. The academy had archery classes, and these students weren’t frail or physically weak. Hearing the dean’s words, they all agreed enthusiastically.

Qiao Xiaomai gave a gratified smile.

Great, there was a guarantee of income during the winter, too.