Chapter 1527: Gathering

In the evening, the men arrived together.

As soon as they reached downstairs, the fragrant aroma of food wafted through the hallway.

"Looks like we’re in for a treat tonight," Ge Junlei said, "I’m sick of eating in the big cafeteria."

So, when he heard yesterday that there would be hotpot at Gu Lingling’s house tonight, Ge Junlei agreed without hesitation.

Zhang Lanfang’s husband nodded along.

"I haven’t had my sister-in-law’s cooking for a long time, I really miss it," Liu Jun also said with a smile.

Speaking of which, when was the last time he ate something cooked by Gu Lingling?

It’s been so long that he’s forgotten.

But he’s always missed it.

Even though the food at Taoran Inn uses recipes provided by Gu Lingling, it’s nothing compared to the taste when she makes it herself.

It’s just that Brother Hai is very protective, and after that, he never let Gu Lingling cook for them again.

Inside the house, Gu Lingling had just finished preparing the hotpot base when she heard a knock at the door. Mo Hongying said it must be them returning and ran to open the door.

Sure enough, there they stood.

They were all tall and momentarily made the originally spacious living room seem a bit crowded.

"Wash your hands; we’ll be ready soon."

The men pushed two tables together, and Gu Lingling set up two hotpot stoves, one on each side, and prepared an extra portion of dishes that might be hard to reach; this way both sides could enjoy them.

Ultimately, she considered everything she could.

The vegetables had been washed in the afternoon; now they just needed to be served on the table to complete the meal.

Who would have thought, just as everything was ready and everyone was seated, they heard a knock at the door.

"Political Commissar Liang." Liu Jun opened the door, called out, and glanced at Fan Cuiling.

"I came to pick up..." Political Commissar Liang hadn’t finished his sentence when Fan Cuiling said, "I don’t want to go."

Political Commissar Liang chuckled, "This kid."

"I’m so grown up now, how am I still a kid," Fan Cuiling muttered softly.

"Since Old Liang is here, join us for the meal," Yang Yunhai said, "Perfect for hotpot, join us."

Political Commissar Liang was only a few years older than Yang Yunhai; the two had worked together early in their careers, although they’re not from the same unit now.

"Well, I won’t stand on ceremony then," Political Commissar Liang said with a smile.

He glanced at his niece not far away and subtly sighed in his heart.

This child has been in the army for quite a while but isn’t close to anyone. He had thought of ways to help her make new friends, but after a few visits, Fan Cuiling refused to go anymore.

Saying she couldn’t relate to those people.

Yet, unexpectedly, she’s become close with Yang Yunhai’s wife.

According to what he knows, they should have only met a few days ago, right?

Before Gu Lingling’s visit, Fan Cuiling didn’t even know her.

So, when it comes to liking someone, it doesn’t matter how long you’ve known them; sometimes you just inexplicably like them.

Gu Lingling had prepared enough, so even with two or three extra people, there was plenty to eat, no worries.

Setting up two hotpots and arranging the tables in the middle, Yang Yunhai’s family didn’t have enough chairs, so they borrowed a few from neighbors. Gathering around to eat hotpot, it couldn’t be more lively.

Once they started eating the hotpot, everyone couldn’t help but exclaim, "This hotpot is absolutely delicious."

Almost felt like biting their tongues.

"Where did you buy this hotpot base? Let’s buy some and make hotpot at home next time," Ge Junlei said with a smile.