roccoschili Chapter 193 Reunion at Admiral Ed's House
Chapter 193 Reunion at Admiral Ed's House
Mooncakes, let's talk about them! They're an absolutely indispensable delicacy during the Mid-Autumn Festival! Originally, mooncakes were precious offerings used to worship the Moon God. Over time, they evolved, eventually becoming a crucial Mid-Autumn Festival food, symbolizing reunion. Speaking of the word "mooncake," the earliest surviving reference to it is in Wu Zimu's Dreams of the Southern Song Dynasty book, "Menglianglu."
It's worth noting that mooncakes have evolved and developed through the integration of diverse local culinary traditions, giving rise to numerous distinct styles. These include the popular Cantonese-style mooncake, the distinctive Jin-style mooncake, the unique Beijing-style mooncake, the exquisite and delicious Suzhou-style mooncake, the unique Chaozhou-style mooncake, and the distinctive Yunnan-style mooncake. Each of these distinct styles has its own merits and is deeply loved and sought after by people across both southern and northern China.
After I finished explaining the history of the Mid-Autumn Festival and mooncakes, I looked up at Admiral Ed and found him listening intently. A quick glance at the wall clock revealed a full 20 minutes had already passed! Suddenly, a wave of embarrassment washed over me. Oh, my! How could I have been so clueless, so unassuming, and so on and on? This must have wasted Admiral Ed's precious time! Thinking of this, I blushed and said with a slightly apologetic smile, "I'm so sorry, Admiral Ed. Once I start talking, it's like a flood, and I can't stop!"
However, to my surprise, Admiral Eddard showed no sign of anger. Instead, he curled his lips into a warm smile and replied softly, "Don't worry. I actually enjoy listening to these interesting stories. Besides, it's been a long time since I've felt so relaxed and at ease."
"Admiral Ed, it's such a surprise! I can meet you unexpectedly on this distant Snow Planet! Since I haven't been able to get your contact information, I specially sent some mooncakes to the garrison where you are. At that time, I was silently hoping that these mooncakes could reach your hands smoothly. I never thought that I would see you here in person now. That's perfect, I will hand this mooncake to you personally. Tomorrow is the annual Mid-Autumn Festival. I wish you a happy reunion with your family, a happy Mid-Autumn Festival, and a happy family!" As soon as the words fell, a sincere blessing reached the ears of Admiral Ed.
However, time flew by, and before I knew it, our conversation had already dragged on for quite some time. I felt bad for wasting Admiral Ed's precious time any longer. So, with some reluctance, I slowly said goodbye. Just as we were about to part, Admiral Ed solemnly reminded me again, "If you have any difficulties in the future, you can always come to me for help."
After Admiral Ed turned and left, I walked briskly back to my room. All the way, my heart overflowed with indescribable joy. Recalling our conversation just now, every detail, every word, seemed to linger in my ears, unforgettable. His final words of concern, in particular, flowed through my heart like a warm current, giving me endless strength and courage, and filling me with unprecedented firmness and beautiful vision for the future.
I carefully unpacked the carefully prepared mooncakes. Originally, I'd planned to give one to Admiral Ed. However, that left us with a significantly smaller supply for Snow Planet. I had no choice but to resort to the all-purpose Orange App to purchase another. While I didn't personally cook this, the warmth of friendship still lingered.
I quickly opened the Orange app and was overwhelmed by the sheer variety of products. After careful sifting, I finally found a shop that looked promising. They offered a wide variety of beautifully designed mooncakes, and they also had excellent customer reviews. Without hesitation, I placed my order, eagerly anticipating its arrival.
While waiting for the mooncakes to arrive, my thoughts drifted back to the heartwarming Mid-Autumn Festival memories of my childhood. Back then, every Mid-Autumn Festival, my family would happily gather around the dining table. The table was filled with a variety of delicious mooncakes: red bean paste, egg yolk and lotus seed paste, five-nut fillings, and so on. While savoring these sweet mooncakes, we gazed up at the bright moon in the night sky, happily chatting and sharing the little details of our lives.
But now, I am in a foreign country. Although I am surrounded by a group of like-minded friends, I still feel that something is missing deep down in my heart. Perhaps it is the deep longing for my family back home!
However, the thought of delivering this thoughtful mooncake to my friends attending summer camp on Snow Star tomorrow instantly lightens my heart and cheers me up again. I sincerely hope that this insignificant little gift can convey my most sincere care and blessings to them across great distances, allowing them to feel the warmth of home on this special holiday.
Lillian and Ferro had given everyone two days off so they could bring home delicious mooncakes and happily spend the holidays with their families. As for me, I'd already discussed the details with Lei before I went to bed. I told her that tomorrow at noon, after the children finished lunch and before their nap, I'd go to the summer camp to visit those lovely little ones.
After greeting Lei, I immediately called the camp's director, Team Leader Qin, and explained my plans to visit the children the next day. Although I'd already submitted my application, I felt it was important to let him know in person. This would ensure smoother scheduling.
After everything was properly arranged, I dragged my slightly tired body to the bathroom and began to wash carefully. After completing this series of actions, I fell into the warm and comfortable bed, ready to fall into a sweet dream, allowing my body and mind to fully rest and relax.
Yet, while I was completely unaware of all this, Admiral Ed had already made plans to return to his unit. But when he heard me describe the Mid-Autumn Festival as a beautiful time for family reunions, his heart was deeply moved. So, he resolutely changed his itinerary and, carrying a box of exquisite mooncakes, set off on his journey home.
When Admiral Ed appeared without warning at their doorstep, his family was momentarily stunned, their faces filled with disbelief. But their surprise quickly gave way to joy, and everyone's lips involuntarily curled up into a brilliant smile. After all, being able to gather as a family on this special day was truly a blessing.
Ed's father was particularly emotional. He quickly stepped forward, extended his broad, strong hand, and patted Ed's shoulder. The eyes of this fifty-year-old man were slightly red, and tears flickered in them.
"Son, why did you come back so suddenly? You didn't even tell us any news beforehand." Ed's father's voice trembled slightly, and his words were full of longing and concern for his son.
His mother came forward with a smile on her face, gently took Ed's hand, and led him into the spacious and bright living room.
"It's good that you're back! Children, come and try the dishes made by your mother and see if they suit your taste." Ed's mother said as she warmly invited everyone to take a seat.
In this way, the family happily sat around the dining table, sharing the delicious food and sweet and tempting moon cakes. At this moment, the whole room was enveloped by a thick and warm atmosphere, making people intoxicated and unable to extricate themselves.
At this moment, Ed's lively and lovely nephew blinked his big, bright eyes and asked curiously, "Uncle, why did you come home?"
Ed gazed at the delicate mooncake in his hand with a smile, as if he could see his distant hometown and relatives through it. He gently stroked the smooth surface of the mooncake, his thoughts gradually drifting away.
"A friend told me that tomorrow is the annual Mid-Autumn Festival!" Ed said slowly, a hint of emotion in his voice. "This friend also told me that in China, Mid-Autumn Festival is an important festival that symbolizes reunion. During this time, people will do everything they can to get together with their families and share the warmth and joy."
At this point, Ed raised his head and glanced at everyone present in turn, his eyes revealing a deep sense of attachment. "So, I was wondering, shouldn't our family get together like other families? And enjoy this rare family time together."