Lin Xu laughed and said, "The quickest would be two hours, but that's too short for a thorough pickling. Ideally, it should be refrigerated overnight... If it's the whole cucumber, then it needs over two weeks; otherwise, it won't be flavorful enough."

"Then make the quick version. How about we go to Grandma's for lunch tomorrow? We can bring it to her then."

"Sure, I'll follow your lead."

"Thank you, Xu darling, you are so good to me!"

Lin Xu couldn't help but smile wryly. Just by following your suggestion, I'm being good to you? Isn't that too easy to please?

He passed Dundun, who was in his arms, to Shen Baobao. "Pets aren't allowed inside the supermarket. You and Dundun wait at the entrance. I'll pick out some suitable cucumbers and also grab some snacks."

"Okay!"

Shen Baobao held Dundun in her arms, leaning against the glass door and letting the little guy watch the crowd outside.

Not long after, Lin Xu walked out of the supermarket carrying two big bags of cucumbers, along with packs of Soy Sauce and some snacks. After checking out, the couple, loaded with their bags and carrying Dundun, headed upstairs to their home.

As soon as they got home, Shen Jiayue couldn't wait to call Mrs. Shen. "Grandma, we made some Pickled Cucumbers. We'll bring them over tomorrow at noon. Let us know if there's anything else you'd like to eat; your grandson-in-law can cook anything."

Mrs. Shen laughed and said, "Just bring the Pickled Cucumbers. It's been so hot these days, and eating porridge without some pickles feels like something's missing and spoils my appetite."

"Then wait for us; we'll be there tomorrow by noon."

After hanging up the phone, the young lady boldly called her father, Shen Guofu. "Dad, Xu darling is making Pickled Cucumbers for Grandma, and I need to stay and help, so I won't be coming back tonight!"

Shen Guofu was speechless. Making Pickled Cucumbers is a good idea; the old lady really loves them. But what help could you possibly offer? You'd be more of a hindrance!

He didn't expose his daughter but just cautioned her, "Don't make too many for your grandma; eating too many pickles is not good for her health."

"Okay, okay."

「In the West Fourth Ring Villa」

Shen Guofu, who was drinking purple rice oatmeal porridge, hung up the phone. He then glanced at the seaweed salad on the table and suddenly slapped his forehead. "Why didn't I ask Xu to make more? Pickled Cucumbers aren't high in calories; I can eat them too."

While eating, Han Shuzhen was looking through her daughter's medical reports and said to Shen Guofu, "Call them back. I'll also tell her she must not eat silkworm pupae anymore, or any similar high-protein foods, to avoid allergic reactions."

「In the kitchen」

Lin Xu placed the cucumbers he bought into the sink and carefully washed them twice. These homegrown cucumbers were uneven in size and wrinkly, looking almost stunted. But it's these types of cucumbers that produce the best-tasting Pickled Cucumbers—crispy and fresh.

After washing, he put the cucumbers in a basin and picked out the straight ones. After chopping off the ends, he sliced them vertically with a kitchen knife, then halved them again, eventually cutting each cucumber into eight sticks, similar to how one would prepare Jade Soup.

Once all were cut, he placed the cucumber sticks in the same basin, sprinkled in half a packet of salt, stirred them up, and began to draw out the water from the cucumbers. When making Pickled Cucumbers, whether it's the quick-cut version or the whole-cucumber regular method, it's necessary to draw out the water from the cucumbers first so they can be thoroughly pickled and flavored.

While the cucumbers were releasing water, Lin Xu fetched a glass jar with a sealing lid, washed it clean, and dried it, preparing it to pickle the whole cucumbers in later. As for the quick version of cucumbers, soaking them directly in the basin would suffice.

After preparing the tools, he set a frying pan on the stove, poured in a little cooking oil, and fried the Sichuan peppercorns, Star Anise, and bay leaves until fragrant. He then poured in packs of Soy Sauce. Both methods required full submersion in Soy Sauce, so a large amount was needed—almost half a pot.

After pouring the Soy Sauce into the pan, Lin Xu added a large spoonful of White Sugar. White Sugar enhances the taste and neutralizes the saltiness of the Soy Sauce, making the Pickled Cucumbers lightly sweet and more appetizing. Finally, he added two large spoonfuls of aromatic vinegar. The vinegar enhanced the complex aroma of the sauce and also gave full flavor to the Pickled Cucumbers.

He brought the sauce in the pan to a boil over high heat, then simmered it for five minutes to dissolve the sugar and allow the vinegar's acidity to evaporate a bit before turning off the heat and setting it aside to cool. The sauce for the pickles needed to be completely cooled before use; otherwise, it would spoil them.

Next, he washed some peeled garlic, ginger, and small chili peppers. These ingredients also needed to be dried before use to prevent introducing moisture that could cause the Pickled Cucumbers to rot and go bad.

「After finishing these tasks」

Lin Xu washed his hands, and he and Shen Baobao snuggled on the couch, logged into their video account, and started watching an old movie called "The Mortician."

From the title, Shen Baobao thought it was a horror movie. She even prepared to jump into Lin Xu's arms screaming in fright. However, to her surprise, it turned out to be a very touching drama. The protagonist had stumbled into the funeral industry. He faced his wife's lack of understanding and disdain from his childhood friend, and he himself struggled immensely.

But as he gained understanding and insight into the mortician's role, he became resolute in his decision to remain one. He stopped struggling with his past and, having become accustomed to the inevitability of death, chose to reconcile with his former self. In the end, his wife returned to him, his previously disdainful childhood friend apologized, and the protagonist earned everyone's respect.

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