After transmigrating, I became a stepmother.

Lin Hao had no idea that her disguise had been exposed. At this moment, she was looking at the copper hot pot in the servant's hand with great delight. It was basically the same as she had described. In fact, because it was custom-made, the craftsman had carefully painted a meander pattern on it, making it look both ancient and elegant.

She hurriedly instructed Wang Bao and Li Tao to prepare some more fish balls and sesame paste, and also to have some dried and fresh chili peppers prepared, to be used as the soup base and sauce, respectively. Today she was going to feast and make up for the spicy hot pot she hadn't had last time, satisfying her cravings.

After arranging everything, she returned to Qiyuan. She sent someone to ask if the old lady wanted to dine with them. Soon, someone returned to report that the old lady was tired and asked them to dine on their own, as she wouldn't join in. In that case, Lin Hao instructed the kitchen to bring the food there so they wouldn't go to the wrong place.

In this way, it would just be the three of them, which would be perfect since there would be no need to call for the second wife's family, thus saving her from feeling disgusted whenever she saw Wang.

Perhaps having learned from experience, the kitchen was noticeably faster this time; within an hour, everything had been delivered. Fresh, tender green vegetables, translucent white tofu, flower-shaped white fungus… and various thinly sliced ​​meats, glistening and mouthwatering.

Looking at the table full of ingredients, the little dumpling's eyes sparkled, especially the fish balls and fish slices, which were incredibly attractive to him! After all, no matter how good the other things were, his little baby teeth prevented him from enjoying them. Gu Liunian's gaze, however, was focused on the copper pot in the center of the table. The bubbling broth, with its distinct red and white colors, was both beautiful and inviting. The unique spiciness of chili peppers and the aroma of bone broth intertwined and lingered in the air, tempting one to taste it.

After mixing herself a small bowl full of sauce, Lin Hao asked Gu Liunian, "Do you need me to mix it for you?" Her tone was eager, and her eyes were bright as she stared at him. Gu Liunian looked at the bright red sauce in her bowl and decisively chose to do it himself. Lin Hao pouted and thought to herself, "You don't know what you're missing. The sauce I make is something most people can't even get their hands on!"

Lin Hao carefully placed each ingredient from the table into the pot, and soon the delicious aroma of food filled the air. She picked up a tender slice of fish from the mushroom broth, checked it carefully to make sure there were no bones, and then placed it in Xiao Baozi's bowl.

"Sweetie, let it cool down a bit before you eat it!" she gently reminded the little boy, seeing how impatient he was.

"Mmm!" The little bun smiled and nodded vigorously at her, then stared intently at the fish in the bowl, as if trying to see a flower bloom.

Lin Hao was amused by his actions and reached out to touch his little tuft of hair. He didn't resist as usual, proving himself to be a true little foodie! Gu Liunian, who was drawn to the conversation between the two, looked away from the copper pot and saw this scene. A smile appeared in his eyes and the corners of his lips curled up slightly.

Lin Hao picked up a piece of green vegetable from the spicy hot pot, dipped it in the sauce, and tasted the long-lost fresh, fragrant, spicy, and numbing flavor. In an instant, she felt every pore on her body open up, feeling completely relaxed, and she couldn't help but squint her eyes. This was the feeling; on such a warm evening, eating such a hot pot made all the fatigue of the day seem to disappear without a trace.

Seeing her like this, Gu Liunian couldn't help but be drawn in. Her expression was so vivid and captivating, making one wonder what kind of delicious food could elicit such a reaction. He casually picked up a piece of greens with his chopsticks, then paused slightly. This tasted truly wonderful!

The mushroom soup hot pot last time was mainly delicious, while this time the spicy hot pot is appetizing and refreshing. Both have their own merits and are equally good!

After dismissing the servants, the family of three sat together and ate with great relish and satisfaction!

The little dumpling patted its bulging belly and gave Lin Hao a sweet smile.

"Mother, touch it!"

Lin Hao touched it, and the round, soft feel was very comfortable. She couldn't help but tease him, "Baby's going to turn into a dumpling!"

"Me, Yuanzi, hehe!" Xiaobaozi chuckled foolishly.

Seeing that there was still a lot of food left on the table, Lin Hao felt it was a waste to just throw it away. So she called Fu Cui in.

Fu Cui agreed and pushed open the door to enter. Lin Hao instructed, "There's still a lot left. I prepared a lot of soup base in the kitchen, so there should be some left too. Go and add some more, and have a meal!"

Upon hearing this, Fu Cui exclaimed with delight, "This servant thanks Madam on behalf of everyone!" With that, she quickly went out to call for people to remove the things. A moment later, the courtyard echoed with everyone's chorus of thanks.

Lin Hao couldn't help but smile!

Sitting on the soft couch, Lin Hao beckoned to the little dumpling, "Baby, come here!"

The little boy came running over, nestled against her knees, and said softly, "Mother!"

Lin Hao picked him up and placed him on her lap. "Let me rub your tummy so you don't overeat, okay?"

Although she was asking a question, her hands had already begun to move, slowly kneading.

The little dumpling responded with an "okay," then lazily leaned against her, enjoying the pleasant service.

Gu Liunian watched the interaction between the two quietly, and suddenly felt that at this moment, he seemed to finally understand what it meant to have a peaceful and tranquil life!

For a moment, the room was quiet, yet a sense of warmth flowed naturally.

Perhaps it was because Gu Liunian's gaze was too strong, Lin Hao looked up at him with a question in her eyes.

Gu Liunian snapped out of his reverie, coughed lightly, and said, "I want to discuss something with you."

Lin Hao was taken aback when she heard this. It was really strange that Gu Liunian actually had something to discuss with her!

"what's up?"

"The hot pot we ate these two times seemed to be different from ordinary hot pot."

Lin Haoxiang, of course it's different. That soup base has been verified by countless foodies from later generations. How can your rudimentary version compare?

"I'm thinking of using it in our family's restaurant, what do you think?"

Hearing him say that, Lin Hao immediately became alert. He was going to use her invention! Did that mean she could take the opportunity to make a fortune?

After a moment's hesitation, Lin Hao nodded.

"It's possible, but this method was, after all, my idea." She paused deliberately and looked at Gu Liunian.

Seeing her expression, Gu Liunian tactfully said, "How about I give you 10% of my income?"

Lin Hao thought to herself, "She's really sensible. Although the income isn't high, she just wanted to earn some pocket money anyway. Besides, she didn't really invent the soup base and the pot. She shouldn't be greedy. Contentment is happiness!"

"Sure!" Lin Hao readily agreed.

Seeing that she agreed, Gu Liunian had no intention of resting any longer and immediately got up to make the arrangements.