Chapter 153

"Have a bite before cleaning up."

Michael Stone wanted to persuade his wife to rest, but instead, he watched as she carried a kerosene lamp into the kitchen. In the dim light, she rolled up her sleeves and began preparing a meal.

"How about some dough drop soup?"

"Sis, I'll eat anything!" Ethan Miller tried to decline, but his stomach betrayed him with a loud growl.

"Good."

Emily Johnson swiftly chopped some pickled cabbage and stir-fried it in hot oil. The dough in her hands was kneaded and stretched, soon forming small dumplings that plopped into the boiling broth.

Since arriving in this era, this modern woman who had never lifted a finger in the kitchen had learned to cook simple meals.

The tangy, spicy soup warmed them up, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads as they ate.

"Sweetheart, leave the rest to us. You should get some sleep."

Emily glanced at the wild boar and rabbits on the floor—better not to witness the bloody aftermath.

"Alright..."

Michael patiently taught Ethan how to skin a rabbit, then gave him one as thanks. After seeing Ethan off, the brothers worked late into the night, salting the pork.

Michael scrubbed his hands three times with soap, making sure no trace of blood remained before slipping under the covers.

"Sweetheart, I'll go to town tomorrow for more salt. We're running low."

"How come—" Emily suddenly remembered last night's "spoils," animals that would be protected decades later.

"Go ahead."

At dawn, Michael headed to his parents' house with a basket.

"Mom, I'll be away for a few days soon. Emily doesn’t know how to make cured meat—could you help?"

Mary Stone sighed as she accepted the fresh pork from her son. "Fine, I’ll find time."

Life had grown quieter for the elderly couple since the family split. The malt extract their son had brought last time was now a daily treat—his wife had warned it would expire soon.

"Is your wife still studying?" Mary suddenly lowered her voice. "Is she taking the college entrance exam again next year?"

Why wouldn’t this girl give up?

"Yes. She’s certain she’ll pass. Then the boys and I will go with her to school."

"To the capital?" Mary’s voice rose sharply.

"That’s right."

Frustrated, Mary poked her son’s forehead. "You graduated high school too—why don’t you take the exam with her?"

"Mom, you know how little I actually learned back then..."

Watching her son’s sheepish grin, Mary shook her head in exasperation. He’d always been clever—why did he turn into a fool when it came to his wife?