Farming Games are All About Grinding-Chapter 20 Mission Accomplished!

"At that moment, a group of kind-hearted ladies came pushing small carts towards us. On the carts were scallion pancakes and water. As they handed them to us, they specifically told us to eat slowly and assured us there was more if we needed it."

"Back then, we all turned to look at our squad leader. Not until the squad leader reminded us to remember how much we ate—because we had to repay this kindness—did we start eating. As we ate, it was literally one bite of pancake and one tear shed. In those days, food was life itself!"

"When we first started eating the pancakes, none of us knew how to eat them. Most of us in the New Fourth Army were from the south and had never seen this kind of food before. We could only tear the pancakes into tiny pieces, taking a bite of scallion with a piece of pancake. That's when we really felt alive again."

Han Qiwu's mood grew somewhat heavy. "And then what happened?"

Chen Dashan seemed to recall something amusing. Leaning back in his wicker chair, his gaze drifted into the distance.

"Two days later, Erwa came up with a little rhyme: 'Counterattack, counterattack, march on to Shandong. Eating pancakes, wrapping scallions, so tired my teeth ache, my stomach feels hollow!' The moment the squad leader heard that, he dragged Erwa off to help the villagers clean cesspits."

"But Erwa did make a contribution. After the rhyme reached Commander Chen, he specially sent someone to learn the correct method to eat. They folded a piece of paper to use as an example and taught the squad leaders one by one. Then they came up with a new rhyme: 'Hold the pancake, wrap the scallion. Open wide, push it in. Bite down, release your hand. Finish one in just a few minutes!' It was only then that we truly overcame the pancake challenge."

After finishing his story, Chen Dashan glanced at the pancakes on the table, his eyes gradually turning red. "If only the squad leader could taste these refined pancakes. And Erwa—when he left us, he was about the same age as you."

Han Qiwu's heart grew heavier.

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There's no such thing as peace and tranquility; it's just that someone else is bearing the burden for you.

[Task: 'Yimeng Spirit' has been completed]

Rewards being issued...

[Enhanced Physical Techniques]

[Longsword]

Rewards have been placed in your mailbox. Please claim them yourself.

Upon hearing the notification that the task was complete, Han Qiwu immediately understood.

Yimeng Spirit. The key was not in eating authentic Yimeng pancakes but in understanding the essence of that indomitable spirit.

"Alright, alright. I've rambled on enough. Times are better now. Han Qiwu, right? Thank you for listening to the ramblings of an old man like me." Chen Dashan shook his head, forcing a smile.

"I should be the one thanking Grandpa Chen for sharing stories of that era with me. What's most important now is that Grandpa Chen stays healthy so you can witness even greater developments in these times." Han Qiwu stood up as he spoke, then grabbed a broom and cloth, starting to clean the house earnestly.

Seeing this, Grandpa Chen joined in to help.

By the end of the morning, the house was sparkling clean. Han Qiwu even went out to buy a pair of couplets to stick up for the New Year.

This was what vitality felt like.

"Xiao Han, you've worked hard all morning. I'm just an old man with nothing much to offer, but you must accept this red envelope." Grandpa Chen came out of the room holding a somewhat faded red envelope. Judging by its appearance, it must have been from many years ago.

It was unclear whether this red envelope was originally meant for his long-absent son or his nearly never-seen grandson.

Now, at last, this red envelope could be gifted.

Han Qiwu did not refuse the kind gesture, accepting it solemnly with both hands.

"Thank you, Grandpa Chen. Wishing you a belated Happy New Year."

"Ah." Chen Dashan grinned widely. "You must be hungry by now. Come on, I'll take you somewhere delicious."

Han Qiwu tucked the envelope away, placed the pancakes in the fridge, locked the door, and followed Chen Dashan out.

"Grandpa Chen, that place selling pork intestine noodles is closed. The owner said there's a wedding in the family." Han Qiwu, noticing the route they were taking, quickly informed him.

"That's because his son is getting married today. The banquet's happening right now. I'll take you to try some." Grandpa Chen chuckled.

"Huh? Is that okay? How much should I contribute to the gift money?" Han Qiwu finally realized.

Though he didn't know the restaurant owner well, attending a wedding is always a joyous occasion, and showing up wouldn't be an issue.

"No need. I already pitched in this morning. While you were tidying the house, I mentioned it to Xiao Li. They'd be thrilled to have a brilliant young man like you join the celebration." Grandpa Chen said with a smile.

Han Qiwu patted his pocket, relieved that he always carried cash. He decided to find a chance to quietly contribute to the gift money later.

One good turn deserves another; reciprocity is the way.

When they arrived near Li Hu's house, the large courtyard was packed with people. At the entrance, a red banner read: Congratulations to the newlyweds: Li Po and Wu Jiao.

"Uncle Chen, please have a seat over here." Li Hu, who was stationed near the entrance, approached with a smile. "And this must be young brother Han Qiwu, right? Such an impressive young man. Come in, take your time eating! Let me know if anything doesn't suit your taste."

"Thank you, Uncle Li. Wishing Brother Li and his bride everlasting happiness." Han Qiwu cupped his hands and smiled warmly.

Once inside, the dishes were being served across more than a dozen round tables.

Excusing himself to wash his hands, Han Qiwu sought out the person collecting red envelopes and discreetly contributed an amount matching that of the others—not too much, not too little.

By the time he returned, nearly all the dishes had been served. Looking at the spread, it was a proper Sichuan banquet with four cold dishes and twelve hot dishes.

The four cold dishes included Sichuan bean jelly, Bang Bang chicken, sweet-skin duck, and mouthwatering chicken.

The twelve hot dishes featured classics like boiled fish, twice-cooked pork, and spicy Sichuan chicken, among others.

At the table Han Qiwu and Grandpa Chen were seated, most of the diners were elderly. They chatted away, the atmosphere warm and "harmonious."

"This is Han Qiwu, a graduate student here in town conducting experiments. A fine young man—reliable and hardworking," Grandpa Chen introduced with a smile.

"Ah, we've heard of him. Niu Gang mentioned him during lunch the other day."

"Young man, you're quite fair-skinned. Do you have a girlfriend yet?"

"Old Zhang, stop trying to set your daughter up with every college student you meet. She's well over 150 pounds—she'd crush him flat!"

"My daughter may have a hefty build, but she's a powerhouse when it comes to farm work. Shall we bring your son out and see who's stronger?"

"By all means! Let's eat first; then we'll have a match to see who's the winner!"

Before Han Qiwu could interject, the once-amicable uncles and elders were now "cordially debating" with one another.

"Ignore them, just eat. They're only joking around. By the way, Old Huang's definitely smitten with Old Zhang's daughter," Chen Dashan whispered to Han Qiwu with amusement.

Nodding, Han Qiwu envisioned Brother Jing's confident demeanor from the other day as he wielded his chopsticks with skill.

First, he took a bite of bean jelly.

Hiss—

It was fragrant and spicy, with an extraordinary texture!

The sweet-skin duck was equally delicious, its sweetness seeping to the bone.

As for the boiled fish and spicy Sichuan chicken, before diving in, one would have to remove their coat, prepare some water or milk, and have tissues at the ready.

Eating spicy food is blissful in the moment. Keep eating, and it's sheer joy!

As for what happens afterward—who cares!