Dinner was prepared by Mother Cen and Li Lianhua together, though Yun Qingyue had originally wanted to help. However, both Qi Mushan and Mother Cen objected to her going into the kitchen, saying that girls who cooked too much would lose their good looks.
Before cooking, Li Lianhua specifically asked Qi Mushan and Mother Cen to accompany him halfway up the mountain. From the Lotus Tower, they brought out a collection of wine, dishes, fruit, rice, flour, grains, dried goods, seafood, cured meats, mushrooms, and wood ear fungus that they had stored there beforehand—the variety of mountain produce was simply staggering and abundant.
The master and disciple led two horses and made two fully loaded trips before they finished moving everything. Qi Mushan was torn between longing and anger. What he longed for was how Li Lianhua described all the delicious dishes these ingredients could make, even buying him several jars of fine wine.
Chapter 17