Putting on animal hide clothing didn’t actually take much time, but Sha Yi was worried he might freeze, so she forced him to stay inside for a while longer until he was thoroughly warmed up before letting him out.
By this time, the others who had stayed behind had already finished roasting the meat. However, Xigu had only just returned, so the short time available wasn’t enough for her to do much. She merely picked out the shrimp that would suffice for one meal and had only rinsed them once.
Meanwhile, Masa was selecting some freshly washed, oddly shaped leaves, chopping them finely with a bone knife, while Mari was busy hauling several large buckets of water back and forth.
The shrimp didn’t seem particularly dirty—likely because the water source was clean, and Xiyi and Xigu might have rinsed them on their way back. Thus, the subsequent rinsing didn’t require much water. Mari’s water was probably intended for boiling.
Xigu didn’t blame them for being late. On the contrary, she greeted them cheerfully, and Xiyi quickly joined in.
Sha Yi also wanted to help, but Xiyi immediately stopped her. He wouldn’t let her lift a finger, and neither would the other three—especially Xigu, who not only told her to stay put but also promised that the pot of shrimp soup would be ready soon.
Recalling her own clumsiness in the past, Sha Yi didn’t want to cause them extra worry or work, so she obediently found a moderately sized rock to sit on and quietly watched them work.
The shrimp were cooked in her stainless steel pot, but this was different from making meat soup. Not only were the edible plants added different, but even the cooking method varied.
Sha Yi noticed that Xigu first heated the empty stainless steel pot. After stoking the fire, she took a few thick plant stems from a nearby hide, broke one end, and poured a sticky, transparent liquid from the stems into the pot. Then she added a small amount of water and salt crystals.
This was a peculiar method—almost like heating oil in a modern pan—but the liquid from the stems wasn’t oil. She didn’t understand the purpose at first.
However, her confusion didn’t last long. Soon, she saw the small amount of stem liquid and water, which had barely covered the bottom of the pot, suddenly expand. In moments, it nearly reached the rim. Just as she worried it might overflow, Masa quickly tossed in the chopped leaves, and instantly, the liquid stopped rising.
Sha Yi was fascinated, craning her neck to watch as Xigu took a bone knife, stirred the mixture a few times, and lifted strands of thick, soup-like liquid—much like modern stew.
This entire process was entirely unexpected.
Before she had cooked her first pot of meat soup, she had never seen Xiyi take the initiative to cook anything. Moreover, during their encounter with the giant snake, Xiyi had clearly shown little knowledge of soup-making. Now, Xigu not only did it but also employed such strange methods. To say she wasn’t surprised would be a lie.
But no one had time to explain. They seemed particularly focused on speed—likely afraid she might go hungry again. After all, if they wanted roasted meat, there were plenty of lit fires nearby where they could simply grab some.
She understood this group well after their long time together. None of them would hesitate to share their food, nor were they the type to nitpick over small things.
Sha Yi felt deeply happy about this pure, uncomplicated dynamic between them. She hoped they could always maintain such considerate relationships.
Beside Xigu, Xiyi and Mari divided the tasks of rinsing and chopping. Their coordination was seamless, and in no time, the shrimp tails were diced into small pieces, perfectly keeping pace with Xigu’s cooking.
Midway, someone brought over some roasted meat. Due to her condition the previous night and the others’ instructions, none was given to her—instead, it all went to Mari and Masa.
Masa, likely hungry, took a big bite but immediately noticed something was off. Glancing at her, he stood up, as if worried the smell might make her nauseous.
Yet he hesitated, holding portions meant for the others. If he left just to avoid bothering her, Xiyi, Xigu, and Mari would go hungry.
Masa was torn.
But Xiyi quickly signaled that he wasn’t hungry and told Masa to go ahead. Xigu and Mari agreed, waving him off.
At this point, they no longer needed Masa’s help—Xigu had already added all the shrimp tails to the pot.
Their lid, however, was rudimentary.
Originally, they used large leaves, but after she once mentioned it, Xiyi and the others tried making one. Unfortunately, the wood they chose was too soft, and their carving skills were lacking. The result was a lid too small and prone to warping from the steam, often dipping into the soup.
Xigu struggled with this, eventually resorting to holding the misshapen lid halfway up with one hand.
Still, it was better than using leaves—many of which had dried and turned brittle by now.
Luckily, the soup’s flavor wasn’t affected.
Before long, the specially prepared “pregnancy meal” was ready.
The aroma was sweet and light, utterly different from roasted meat. The thick, stew-like broth carried a refreshing fragrance that made her mouth water instantly, her stomach growling in response.
Xiyi looked pleased, and Xigu wasted no time. After lifting the drooping lid and confirming it was cooked, she ladled out a large bowl and handed it over.
Sha Yi didn’t refuse. Blowing on the steam, she sipped slowly.
Like the broth from the previous night, it didn’t upset her stomach. Having only drunk hot water that morning, she found the light, non-greasy shrimp soup incredibly delicious.
Seeing her enjoy it, Xigu and Mari exchanged a nod.
Sha Yi figured they were reassured and ready to leave for their own meal. But Xiyi showed no intention of moving—only when Xigu and Mari urged him did he shake his head, insisting on staying until she finished.
Even seeing her perfectly fine, he refused to leave, adamant about watching her eat every bite.
Touched yet amused, she ate under his unwavering gaze while Xigu and Mari gave up and let him be.
Once done, he immediately reached for her bowl. Thinking he meant to clean up, she handed it over—only for him to try serving her another portion.
Sha Yi stopped him at once.
Her appetite wasn’t large, but Xiyi seemed determined to make up for her skipped breakfast or ensure enough nutrients for her and the baby. Despite her protests, he persisted, ignoring her until she finally groaned, “Xiyi, I really can’t eat more! If you force me, I might throw up everything—or even start vomiting at the sight of shrimp later!”
She exaggerated deliberately, though it wasn’t entirely impossible. Her dramatic tone gave him pause.
Still hesitant, his eyes darted between her and the pot. “Really? This bowl was mostly broth and leaves—there’s so much shrimp left. If you don’t eat more, you’ll get hungry.”
Biting her lip, she had a sudden idea. “Then… what if I eat smaller portions more often? I truly can’t handle more now, and I don’t want to risk it…”
“Smaller portions?” He pondered before tentatively clarifying, “You mean cooking multiple times, eating a little each time?”
“Yes, exactly.” She nodded, impressed by his quick grasp. “If it’s not too troublesome, could we try that?”
“Troublesome?” Stroking her cheek, his face softened with affection. “I’d love for you to eat more. You’ve been unwell lately—I’ve been so worried. If this helps, I’m happy. Cooking isn’t hard. Don’t overthink it.”
She’d expected this answer. Relieved, she accepted it—after all, he’d never fuss over such details. As he said, he only wanted her to eat well.
His care came from the heart, without pretense. She embraced it fully.
Besides, the child was theirs together. He didn’t want her to suffer, and she wouldn’t deprive the baby. A little extra effort was nothing—especially when it meant so little to him.
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