DSMIS CH41

Chapter 41: Captain Jiang Hugs His Waist

Before Shen Xing even stepped through the door, he sniffed the air and his eyes lit up: “Did you fry soybean paste?!”

Jiang Lin was amused by his reaction: “You have a really good nose. Didn’t you say you wanted to eat a Northeast-style rice wrap (fanbao)? The Northeast soybean paste I ordered online arrived a couple of days ago. It just came out of the wok. Come on in.”

This all started from their video calls over the past week. Although Director Shen was a glutton who enjoyed delicacies from all over, he fundamentally had an authentic Northeast stomach. When he first went to the village, he found the local specialties novel and interesting. But as time went on, it became unbearable, especially after his altitude sickness subsided and his appetite returned. While he had a soft spot for butter tea, he truly couldn’t get used to tsampa.

The conditions in the village were limited, and he was there to provide free medical care, not to order à la carte. Even if he didn’t like the food, he couldn’t show it. He relied entirely on the snacks Jiang Lin had brought him last time to satisfy his cravings. So, every night for the past week, Jiang Lin had listened to him ramble about what he wanted to eat. The things he mentioned most were Northeast dishes: rice wraps, sweet and sour pork (guobaorou), stir-fried potatoes, eggplants, and peppers (di san xian), and the minced pork rice noodles from the shop downstairs. Jiang Lin even felt that if Shen Xing didn’t come back soon, he might actually fall ill from his cravings.

Shen Xing changed his shoes, placed the exquisite wooden box he was holding on the dining table, pulled Jiang Lin over, and opened the lid like he was presenting a treasure: “Look, this is from the family of the Tibetan man with the heart attack I saved last time. It’s called khasai. I asked, and this stuff can keep for a week. Try a piece.”

Shen Xing’s gesture of intentionally saving it to bring back for him felt like a furry cat paw lightly scratching at Jiang Lin’s heart. For no apparent reason, his heart completely softened. Khasai that had been kept for a week naturally wasn’t as delicious as when it was freshly fried; it was a bit soft. But Jiang Lin still ate it very happily, downing a large piece in the blink of an eye: “It’s very good. As expected of something Director Shen earned with his own skills.”

Sitting on a dining chair, Shen Xing inhaled the scent of the Samoyed that had pounced on him while looking up: “Right? Actually, it tasted much better when they first brought it over. But sending packages from the village is inconvenient and slow, otherwise, I would have mailed it back for you to try. Hey, why do I feel like this silly dog has gotten fatter again?”

Shen Xing rubbed his hands all over the Samoyed. Why does it feel significantly plumper? It could be slaughtered for a New Year’s feast like a fattened pig.

Jiang Lin immediately looked down, feeling a twinge of guilt: “He didn’t get fatter. He’s still 65 jin. Play with him for a bit; I’ll go cook. It’ll be ready soon.”

Embarrassed to just sit and wait for food, Shen Xing washed his hands and followed him into the kitchen. The kitchen counter was truly a feast for the eyes, covered in various prepped ingredients: “Hero, are you transforming into a master chef? You didn’t have to go to all this trouble.”

Jiang Lin took down a blue and white checkered apron from a hook on the wall, tied it on, and said: “It’s no trouble, just two dishes: di san xian and guobaorou. But my cooking skills are just average, so I’ll try my best not to mess it up.”

Both of these dishes required deep-frying, which was quite challenging for someone who didn’t cook often. Jiang Lin had practiced a few times at home before this, so today, he could only say he’d try his best.

Shen Xing, however, was quite moved. He had just casually rambled about his cravings at night; he never expected Jiang Lin to actually make them for him on his first day back. Plus, these two dishes weren’t simple home cooking. Even when he wanted to eat them at his grandfather’s or maternal grandfather’s house, they usually went out to a restaurant.

“The oil smoke will be heavy in here. Wait outside.” “I’ll be your assistant. I’ve never seen guobaorou made live before; I’ve always just eaten it at restaurants.”

Shen Xing stood right behind him, making Jiang Lin feel a little nervous. Fortunately, the ingredients had been prepped in advance. He first deep-fried the potato slices. The freshly fried potatoes were golden-yellow and crispy. Shen Xing swallowed loudly. Perhaps anti-narcotics cops just had incredibly sharp hearing, but Jiang Lin chuckled upon hearing the sound. He picked up a golden potato slice with his chopsticks, waved it in the air to cool it down, and brought it to Shen Xing’s lips: “Blow on it before you eat.”

With his eyes entirely focused on the golden fried potato slice, Shen Xing actually puffed his cheeks, blew on it twice, and ate it: “Is it crispy?”

Shen Xing immediately gave a thumbs-up: “It’s delicious just eating it plain like this.”

Jiang Lin turned back, scooped out some potato slices, double-fried them, sprinkled them with salt and pepper, placed them on a small plate, and handed it to him: “Dinner will still be a while. Have this as a snack first.”

For a while, the kitchen was filled only with the sound of the bubbling oil wok and the crunching sound of Doctor Shen eating potato chips. By the time all the ingredients that needed deep-frying were done, the small plate of potato chips was also empty.

Next, scallions and garlic went into the hot oil, followed by the soybean paste to release its aroma. Then came the pre-mixed sauce, the fragrance instantly exploding. The fried eggplants, potatoes, and green peppers went into the wok. Shen Xing’s mouth was watering. Within two minutes, the di san xian was plated, and Shen Xing diligently carried it to the table outside.

When he returned, Jiang Lin was already double-frying the meat slices for the guobaorou. Once the meat was out, carrots, ginger, and garlic went into the other wok to release their aroma. The double-fried meat was tossed in, drizzled with the sweet and sour sauce, and stir-fried over high heat. The rich aroma of vinegar was instantly released. In the blink of an eye, both dishes were ready.

Shen Xing was so impressed he practically wanted to give Jiang Lin a standing ovation on the spot. He had just carried the plate out when he saw Jiang Lin following with a tray holding the sauce, peanuts, freshly steamed piping hot mashed potatoes, lettuce leaves, chopped scallions, and cilantro. The ingredients for the rice wrap were incredibly comprehensive. This scene was simply too tempting for Shen Xing.

Ten minutes later, Shen Xing had devoured a third of the guobaorou and di san xian. Holding a rice wrap with both hands, he was eating so fast he practically swallowed his tongue. He paused for a breath, looked up, and said: “Hero, you’ve touched me so deeply.”

“I just made two dishes.” “You also cleaned my house and changed my bedsheets and duvet cover. Captain Jiang is just too virtuous.”

Shen Xing teased, causing Jiang Lin to lower his head guiltily, take a sip of water, and seamlessly change the subject: “You just got back today, you should be resting tomorrow, right? Has your holiday duty roster come out yet?”

Shen Xing nodded: “Yeah, I have tomorrow off. It’s out. We had an online meeting today. Our department has many Tibetan staff members, and this year the Tibetan New Year falls on the first day of the Lunar New Year. I’m taking the shift on the first day so they can go home and celebrate. I’ll be home on New Year’s Eve (the day before). What about you?”

Jiang Lin hadn’t expected Shen Xing to be working on the first day. Feeling a slight tinge of disappointment, he held his water cup, lowered his head, and said: “I’m working on New Year’s Eve.”

Shen Xing wasn’t surprised by this result at all; after all, Jiang Lin had worked on New Year’s Day. He smiled and said: “That’s good too. If we were both on duty on the same day, we wouldn’t even be able to have dumplings together. This way, I can make some at home and bring them to you.”

Jiang Lin looked up: “You know how to make dumplings?”

Shen Xing raised an eyebrow: “Who are you looking down on? I grew up in the Northeast. By sixth grade, I was rolling dumpling wrappers fast enough to keep three people wrapping. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely arrange a proper New Year’s Eve dumpling dinner for you. Will you be on duty at the county bureau?”

“I can’t be sure. There are usually more police call-outs during the New Year, so I might not be there.”

Jiang Lin couldn’t guarantee it, but Shen Xing waved it off dismissively: “It’s fine. Just send me your location when the time comes, and I’ll be there in a flash.”

Jiang Lin actually began to faintly look forward to this meal of dumplings.

After Shen Xing finished eating, Jiang Lin didn’t let him clean up. He urged him to go home and rest, adding a reminder: “You’ll be home alone tomorrow. If you don’t want to cook for lunch, come eat at our canteen.”

Leading the Samoyed that had been boarding at Jiang Lin’s house for so long, Shen Xing flashed an “OK” gesture.

“Call me when you walk the dogs tomorrow morning.”

Jiang Lin rubbed the head of Qianjin, who was rubbing against his leg reluctantly: “Why don’t you sleep in a bit longer tomorrow morning? I’ll come get Qianjin and bring you some packed rice noodles when I get back.”

Since Shen Xing had been out on free clinic duty, he hadn’t really had the concept of weekends, working almost every day. He probably hadn’t slept in once.

Shen Xing smiled: “No need. I miss the taste of it right out of the pot. Besides, I can always go back to sleep after we get back.”

He tugged at the leash, but the Samoyed clung to the doorway, refusing to leave. It was so well-fed, a massive fluffy lump blocking the door. Shen Xing laughed in exasperation: “Hey, what are you doing? Have you played so much you don’t even want to go home?”

Jiang Lin smiled and fiddled with its ears: “He probably can’t bear to leave Heibao.”

Sure enough, when Shen Xing looked up, he saw Heibao walk out, looking at the Samoyed that was looking back at him. Heibao went over and rubbed against the Samoyed’s neck. The white furball immediately tried to pounce on him. The force was so strong that Shen Xing, caught off guard, was yanked right into Jiang Lin. His chin knocked hard against Jiang Lin’s shoulder: “Ah.”

Jiang Lin instinctively grabbed his waist to steady him: “Did you bump it hard? Did you bite your tongue?”

Shen Xing’s chin ached: “I bit the inside of my cheek. Your shoulder is really hard.”

Jiang Lin didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, his hand slowly releasing Shen Xing’s waist. Frustrated, Shen Xing vigorously rubbed Qianjin’s head: “Look at how much you’ve eaten! You’re like a semi-truck with all this strength.”

Like the Queen Mother of the West tearing the Weaver Girl away from the Cowherd, he forcibly dragged his troublesome dog back home. After the door closed, Heibao squatted at the entrance, staring at the door. Jiang Lin went over and petted him. Not knowing whether he was speaking to the dog or to himself, he murmured: “You’ll see him tomorrow morning.”

The morning rice noodle shop was as bustling as ever. Shen Xing could smell the familiar aroma from a distance. As soon as Jiang Lin pulled over, he rushed straight in: “Boss, two bowls of minced pork rice noodles and a plate of shredded tofu.”

He glanced toward the noodle boiling station and realized the person there had changed. It wasn’t the tall, thin owner from before, but the young man he had seen last time. The owner was sitting on a stool beside him, head bowed. Hearing his voice, he looked up and smiled, his voice as gentle as usual: “Haven’t seen you in a long time.” “I was out of town on a business trip.”

After speaking, the owner stood up to get the shredded tofu for him. Shen Xing noticed his movements seemed a bit stiff. Sure enough, before he could fully stand up, the young man cooking the noodles pressed him back onto the stool and shouted to the kid clearing plates inside: “Xiao Niu, bring a plate of shredded tofu.”

As Shen Xing walked past, he noticed the owner’s complexion wasn’t very good, as if he were sick. Shortly after, the kid efficiently brought over the shredded tofu.

By the time Jiang Lin parked and came in, the rice noodles were also served. Slurping the noodles, Shen Xing narrowed his eyes: “You have no idea how much I craved this flavor in the village. This shop tastes so similar to a rice noodle place in my high school cafeteria. I even went back to eat it twice after graduating, but later the security guards got stricter and wouldn’t let outsiders in. I never expected to find this exact flavor here.”

After eating, Shen Xing went to the front to scan the QR code and pay. He heard the young man frown and say: “You can’t just keep enduring this back pain. You have to go to the hospital.” “It’s fine, I’ve just been standing for too long. A couple days of rest and it’ll be fine.” “I’m taking you to see a doctor tomorrow when the shop is closed.” “Who goes to the hospital right around the New Year? Hurry up, put the noodles in.”

After paying, Shen Xing couldn’t resist asking: “Boss, is your back bothering you?”

Luo Shi turned and smiled: “It’s nothing major. Just an old lumbar spine issue.”

Shen Xing didn’t say anything more. He turned and took Heibao’s leash from Jiang Lin: “Hero, just head straight to work. I’ll walk these two back.” “Alright. Message me if you want to come over for lunch.” “OK.”

As soon as Shen Xing got home with the two dogs, his phone rang. It was his grandfather. The incident from last time was still like a thorn stuck in his throat. He stared at the screen for a long time before answering. Acting as normal as possible, he wished his grandfather an early Happy New Year. The old man asked with concern about his situation over there.

“Yeah, I definitely won’t be able to make it back this year.” “Yes, I have duty the day after tomorrow. I can celebrate the New Year and make some dumplings at home tomorrow.”

He could actually hear the hesitation in the old man’s tone. Holding Qianjin in his arms, he finally spoke up: “Grandpa, is there something you want to tell me?”

“Xingxing, tomorrow… your dad and the others might be coming back for the New Year.”

Shen Xing naturally knew who “the others” referred to. He heard the careful, guilty tone in the old man’s voice. He even harbored the malicious suspicion that this was far from the first New Year his dad had spent at home. The only reason his grandfather was telling him this year was because his maternal grandfather had caught his dad returning on New Year’s Day. His grandfather must have known that Shen Xing already knew, so he decided to use this opportunity to tear down the window paper (bring it out into the open). He gripped the phone tighter: “Grandpa, you actually didn’t need to tell me this. He’s your son. It’s only right for him to come back and see you for the New Year.”

As a husband, his dad had let his mom down; as a father, he hadn’t done right by him either. However, he had no reason to use this as an excuse to prevent his dad and his grandfather from meeting. The thorn in his heart was nothing more than the realization that the old man had been lying to him all these years.

After hanging up, his mood was noticeably worse than in the morning. Lying in bed hugging the dog, he couldn’t fall asleep, so he simply sent a message: “Hero, I’m coming to find you for lunch.” “Okay, they have grilled squid today.”

During lunch, Shen Xing received the grilled squid that Jiang Lin and his two colleagues had lined up to get for him. He whispered: “Is it really okay to make them line up for me like this?”

Unexpectedly, before Jiang Lin could answer, Du Binbin popped out from behind him and shoved two more skewers of grilled squid into his hands: “It’s totally fine, totally fine! Captain Jiang has taught me so much. However many you want to eat, Doctor Shen, I’ll line up for you.”

Shen Xing was startled at first, then looked teasingly at the man across from him: “Is Captain Jiang really that amazing?”

But thinking about it, it made sense. With all his merits and honors, Jiang Lin must be a shining idol in the eyes of these young police officers, right? Jiang Lin lowered his head slightly: “Eat up.”

Devouring a pile of grilled squid finally managed to somewhat salvage his depressed mood from the morning. Just as he was thinking of heading home, he saw Jiang Lin change out of his police uniform and come out with his car keys: “Let’s go. I’m taking you somewhere.”

Shen Xing followed him into the car, bewildered, only to see him driving towards the commercial district in the center of the county town: “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see in a minute.”

Jiang Lin found an empty spot to park. The moment Shen Xing stepped out of the car, he heard the brainwashing advertising jingle: “You love me, I love you, Mixue Bingcheng is sweet as can be.”

“Didn’t I say I’d take you to get Snow King’s Snow Top Coffee when you got back? It was too late yesterday, so I’m making up for it today.”

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Author’s Note:

Captain Jiang: Doctor Shen Cat cannot miss out on a single thing he loves to eat [Starry Eyes]