The Greatest Village Doctor In The World

Chapter 1121 Hand-Pulled Noodles

Descending the mountain was definitely faster than climbing it, and Ling Feng quickly carried Tang Xiaoqian down to the base of the mountain.

As they approached the village entrance, she patted Ling Feng’s back: "Alright, put me down now!"

"Huh? I don’t need to carry you home?" Ling Feng asked.

"No need. People might make up stories if they see. It’s flat ahead—I can walk on my own!" Tang Xiaoqian replied.

"Alright then."

Ling Feng nodded, crouched down, and gently let her off.

Then he said, "Since you can walk home yourself, Xiaoqian, I won’t walk you back."

"No way! I promised I’d thank you properly!"

Tang Xiaoqian, hearing that Ling Feng was about to leave, quickly grabbed his sleeve.

Seeing this, Ling Feng chuckled: "It’s really not necessary."

"Not a chance! You must come home with me!" Tang Xiaoqian said firmly, her stubbornness showing as she refused to let go.

"Alright then."

Ling Feng sighed and nodded reluctantly.

The two began walking toward the village. Suddenly, the sound of children playing erupted from not far away, prompting Ling Feng to ask, "There’s a school here?"

"Yeah, it’s the primary school for this area. Kids from the nearby villages all come here for classes!" Tang Xiaoqian explained.

Ling Feng murmured an "Oh" and didn’t ask more, following her into the village.

After a few twists and turns, they arrived at a courtyard next to the school.

The yard wasn’t large, with only three rooms and a small vegetable patch.

Though small, it was tidy and well-kept, the ground spotless. Ling Feng was about to praise Tang Xiaoqian’s diligence when, suddenly, a big black dog dashed out from the alley beside the house, mouth open and charging straight at Ling Feng!

But before the dog could bark, Ling Feng shot it a sharp glare. The dog instantly lost all its bravado, slinking back into the alley with its tail between its legs.

"Huh? Big Black isn’t attacking you!"

Tang Xiaoqian looked astonished, her eyes widening.

Ling Feng chuckled, "Why? Does this guy usually bite people?"

"Of course! If it’s not me, anyone who steps into the yard is met with its barking!" Tang Xiaoqian explained.

As she spoke, they arrived at the house’s doorway. She stepped aside, saying, "Come on in!"

"You’re too kind."

Ling Feng smiled and walked inside.

The interior was simple and sparse, devoid of electronic appliances. Tang Xiaoqian noticed Ling Feng surveying the room and smiled. "Sorry for the modest arrangement—the house is a bit plain."

"Not at all. It’s cozy here, and you’ve kept it so clean. Xiaoqian, you’re truly diligent," Ling Feng complimented.

"There’s not much to do here, so all I can do is tidy up the house. Besides, the place isn’t big—I could clean it twice a day if I wanted!" Tang Xiaoqian laughed, turning to fetch a kettle and pouring Ling Feng a cup of water.

Ling Feng wasn’t thirsty but still reached out to take it.

As their fingers touched, both felt their hearts skip a beat.

Trying to act normal, Ling Feng asked, "By the way, Xiaoqian, what does your husband do?"

"Him? He passed away two years ago!" Tang Xiaoqian replied.

"Ah?"

Ling Feng froze for a moment, quickly saying, "I’m sorry—I didn’t know. I shouldn’t have asked!"

"It’s fine. It’s been over two years—I’m no longer fazed by it," Tang Xiaoqian said softly.

Seeing that she indeed showed no signs of sadness, Ling Feng hesitated before asking, "How did it happen?"

"He went into the mountains to collect herbs and never returned. Later, some villagers found his basket in the forest—we think he was likely attacked by a pack of wolves," Tang Xiaoqian sighed.

Noticing Ling Feng’s awkward expression, she forced a smile. "That’s life for mountain folks—we rely on the mountains but also face risks. Venomous creatures and beasts... there’s no shortage of them here."

"Yeah, it’s truly tough," Ling Feng nodded.

After a moment of silence, Tang Xiaoqian said, "Sit tight. I’ll go make you some food!"

"No need—it’s only ten o’clock, and I’m not even hungry!" Ling Feng quickly said.

"That won’t do! You saved me, so I must thank you properly. There might not be fancy dishes here, but I can manage one meal!" Tang Xiaoqian insisted.

"Alright then."

Ling Feng didn’t want to refuse, so he nodded.

However, he quickly added, "But don’t make anything complicated. Just prepare something you’re good at."

"Got it!"

Tang Xiaoqian headed to the outer room and soon got busy.

Half an hour later, a steaming bowl of hand-pulled noodles was placed on the table.

"Wow!"

Seeing this, Ling Feng instantly stood up.

He hadn’t eaten hand-pulled noodles since he was about ten years old. After his mother passed away, he never had the chance to taste them again!

"Try my cooking!" Tang Xiaoqian said, putting the bowl on the table.

Ling Feng didn’t hold back, quickly picking up his chopsticks and taking a bite.

The moment the noodles touched his mouth, the familiar flavor came rushing back.

It truly tasted like childhood, and with that, Ling Feng’s memories were instantly pulled back to the past!

Seeing him in a daze, Tang Xiaoqian asked curiously, "What’s wrong, brother? Eat while it’s hot!"

"Oh, sorry!"

Ling Feng snapped back to reality and immediately lowered his head to eat.

Moments later, the noodles were gone, and even the soup had been finished.

Seeing him clear the bowl so thoroughly, Tang Xiaoqian smiled contentedly and asked, "So, how was it? Was the flavor alright?"

Ling Feng raised his head toward her smile, and a sudden wave of emotion hit him. "Delicious. It reminded me of my mom’s cooking—I haven’t had this taste in over ten years."

As he spoke, his voice grew bitter, and his eyes turned red.

Seeing him like this, Tang Xiaoqian froze for a moment. Her heart softened, and she quickly embraced him.

Ling Feng trembled slightly, leaning his head against her abdomen and instantly feeling warmth.

Tang Xiaoqian, meanwhile, was a bit stunned.

That moment had been spontaneous, driven by a maternal instinct to comfort Ling Feng.

Now, holding him, she realized it might not be appropriate. After all, they were alone—a man and a woman suddenly embracing like this might make him think she was being too forward!

But since Ling Feng didn’t move, she felt awkward letting go. So, she gently stroked his hair and said, "It’s my fault for bringing up your mom."

"No, it’s not your fault. Actually, I should thank you."

Ling Feng gave a bitter smile, stepping back from her embrace. "If not for this bowl of noodles, I might have completely forgotten those old memories."

Seeing his genuine emotions, Tang Xiaoqian felt a pang in her heart and managed a smile. "Don’t feel bad. Life isn’t always about happiness—there are always things that tug at your heartstrings."

"You’re right, Xiaoqian. Absolutely right."

Ling Feng nodded, then said, "Let me clean up the dishes."

"No need—I’ll do it!"

Tang Xiaoqian quickly stepped forward to grab the bowl.

Both reached for the bowl at the same time, their hands meeting.

Feeling a sudden jolt, Tang Xiaoqian instinctively let go.

Ling Feng, startled, also loosened his grip. The bowl fell to the ground with a loud crash, shattering!