Chapter 404: Chapter 232: Emily’s Surprise!
Lin Yu’an nodded and then thought of another key question.
"So... what about water? Is it easy to access? The well we dug in the summer must have frozen solid by now. How have you been handling water for daily use these past two months?"
"You’re underestimating us. I’m Emily, who lived alone in Wiseman for years. How could a small water issue defeat me?"
"Well, the well is indeed out of use, so we bought a water tank and placed it in the storage room. Once filled, it provides enough drinking water for a month." Emily said with a hint of pride on her face.
Aliya added, "And we also melt snow water for washing clothes and flushing the toilet. It’s more than sufficient."
Hearing this, Lin Yu’an finally relaxed, as water sources are a more fundamental lifeline than food and heating.
His two wives not only kept all the knowledge he taught them in mind but also applied it innovatively, performing even better than he expected.
They aren’t the delicate flowers needing his constant protection but partners who can stand shoulder to shoulder with him and take root on this harsh land.
He turned to Emily again, his eyes filled with concern, "What about vegetables and meat? Are we still well-stocked?"
Emily responded with a gentle smile, "A batch of cherry radishes and cold-resistant cabbages was just harvested from the greenhouse recently. They’re fresh and crisp, so we are in no shortage of fresh vegetables now."
"As for meat," Aliya chimed in, "did you forget? Half of that giant moose is still frozen in the fridge. It’s enough to last us until next spring."
"Fifty days without having a proper meal, dear, how about having your favorite hot pot tonight?"
At the mention of "hot pot," Lin Yu’an’s eyes immediately lit up! His stomach, suppressed by the wilderness for fifty days, began to send strong signals.
He licked his lips and said with a tone full of longing, "Then... let’s have hot pot tonight! We’ll use slices of moose tenderloin, paired with the freshest cabbage and radishes."
"Right now, I just want to enjoy a hearty, real meal fit for humans."
Seeing his expression, akin to a child craving food, Aliya and Emily both burst into laughter.
"Alright! We’ll go with your plan! Hot pot!" They promptly stood up, cheerfully heading to the kitchen.
"You just focus on playing well with your son and daughter here."
Lin Yu’an smiled and nodded, holding Ethan in one arm and Olivia in the other, lifting them high and spinning them in the air.
The two little ones finally started to relax, giggling, their crisp laughter filling the entire cabin.
The flames in the fireplace crackled.
Soon, sounds of chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients filled the kitchen, bringing a lively atmosphere.
Aliya skillfully sliced the frozen moose meat into red and white rolls with a sharp carving knife.
Meanwhile, Emily hummed a tune as she washed the freshly picked tender cabbage from the greenhouse.
The two big dogs, too, were infected by the happiness of the meal about to unfold, contently lying in front of the fireplace, resting their heads on their front paws, sleepily dozing, their tails occasionally swaying.
Half an hour later, a grand and abundant family hot pot feast officially began.
Looking at everything before him, it was at this moment Lin Yu’an finally felt certain he was home.
Home to the shelter he’d willingly protect with his life, the world’s safest and warmest place called "home."
