Farming Games are All About Grinding-Chapter 167 - 160: The Legendary Fire-Roasted Meat?

"Whew," Tang Qingying straightened her waist and exhaled, then involuntarily smiled when she saw Han Qiwu, "Has the dragon-beckoning irrigation gate in your room been set up?"

"It’s been set up, Grandpa Chen told me last night," Han Qiwu nodded and replied.

Tang Qingying nodded as she washed her hands, then turned her head to look at Han Qiwu, complimenting him, "Your straw hat looks nice, suits the shape of your face well. Paired with those flip-flops, you look pretty stylish."

Han Qiwu touched his straw hat and glanced down at the flip-flops that were braving the snow with him, feeling caught between laughter and tears.

During springtime, this combo did seem a bit odd.

But he couldn’t help it—there weren’t many gear choices, even if he wanted to change.

He just had to make do.

"Uh, my body’s special, I easily overheat," Han Qiwu explained helplessly.

Right after saying that, Han Qiwu received a phone call from Grandpa Chen.

"Xiao Han, we need to prepare roast pork at the town entrance, but first, we need to lift the pigs over there. Can you come help out? Later, I’ll make sure they give you an extra portion of meat," Grandpa Chen huffed and puffed over the phone, sounding like he had already tried it himself.

Han Qiwu’s eyes lit up at the mention of roast pork, and he quickly replied, "No problem, I’ll head over right now. Grandpa Chen, don’t stress yourself with this—throwing your back out isn’t worth it."

After hanging up the phone, Han Qiwu explained the situation to Tang Qingying, who nodded eagerly, rolled up her sleeves, and prepared to go along, "Roast pork is so delicious, especially the ones made with these local pigs from the town. The flavor can’t be beat. Speaking of which, it’s been ages since I had chilled roast pork skin salad."

After hopping on their bike, the two quickly made their way to the town entrance.

By the time they arrived, the place was already a bustling sea of people. Every idle man, woman, and child from the town had come out to join in the fun, creating a lively atmosphere.

According to the customs for the second day of the second lunar month, the pigs needed to be carried from the town entrance to the roast station at the southern end of the town for on-the-spot slaughter and roasting.

"Uncle Chen, do you think that young man can do it? A book-smart kid—can he have any strength in those arms? We’re welcoming outsiders here in Water Buffalo Town, so giving him a piece of meat later won’t be an issue," a man in his thirties, whose features bore some resemblance to Tang Jing, remarked loudly. Although his hands were rough and calloused, there was a faint air of leadership about him.

"Don’t worry, Yi, he’ll be just fine, absolutely fine," Grandpa Chen chuckled from his seat, "See? He’s already here."

From the edge of the crowd, Han Qiwu squeezed his way inward with Tang Qingying behind him, saying, "Excuse me, coming through."

Once inside, the first things Han Qiwu noticed were the five fat pigs lying on the ground, their legs tied up. Each pig was portly and robust, letting out continuous snorts. Beside them were several large, slightly yellowed bamboo rods, and some hemp ropes scattered across the ground.

"Hello, Grandpa Chen," Han Qiwu withdrew his gaze and walked up to greet Grandpa Chen.

"Looks like there’s a bit of strength in his frame after all," Tang Yi nodded subtly, following Han Qiwu with his eyes before breaking into a smile.

Behind Han Qiwu, Tang Qingying walked over with a grin and greeted Tang Yi, "Hello, Uncle."

"Xiao Ying is growing into quite the young lady," Tang Yi chuckled, then leaned over slightly, raised an eyebrow in Han Qiwu’s direction, and said softly, "Is this your husband? Pretty handsome."

Tang Qingying: "......"

"Uncle! If you keep saying stuff like that, I’m not helping with Xiao Mei’s ceremony later—this is my student, Han Qiwu," Tang Qingying stomped her foot in frustration. Compared to others in the family, her young uncle’s closer age often led to him teasing her.

"No, no, no, my mistake! Don’t leave us hanging with Xiao Cai’s ceremony—you’re the most educated one in the family," Tang Yi quickly waved his hands and apologized decisively.

"Hmph," Tang Qingying turned her head toward Han Qiwu, hoping he hadn’t overheard. If he had, what would he even think? How embarrassing...

Fortunately, Han Qiwu indeed hadn’t heard Tang Yi’s remark. At that moment, he was diligently learning how to lift the pigs from Grandpa Chen.

The reason he was called over was that this job was no easy feat.

Each pig weighed over 400 pounds, and it would take six people to lift one—two in front, four in the back. The arrangement followed a "six-six harmony" principle, though the real challenge lay in the fact that Water Buffalo Town’s terrain varied, with the route to be carried sloping uphill slightly. Those at the back would shoulder more of the burden.

If it were just lifting pigs, then it wouldn’t be too difficult. The tricky part was that the process involved lifting all five pigs, and it had to be completed in one go—once started, the lifting team couldn’t switch out members or take a break. Success rested on smooth execution and unbroken teamwork.

Other than Han Qiwu, the rest of the team consisted of five sturdy men in their thirties, all muscular and strong. If the originally planned sixth member hadn’t come down with food poisoning and been hospitalized, Han Qiwu wouldn’t have been called in as a last-minute replacement.

Once Grandpa Chen outlined the rules, Han Qiwu nodded thoughtfully, cautiously asking, "Grandpa Chen, I’m not sure how strong I am—can we maybe do a trial lift first?"

"Sure," Grandpa Chen called over Tang Yi and explained Han Qiwu’s suggestion.

Tang Yi clapped him on the shoulder with a smile, "Alright, let’s give it a try. We’re all family—Xiao Ying’s my niece, and she’s already told me about the two of you. You can just call me Uncle."

Han Qiwu: "??????"

What two of us?!

"Uncle! Stop talking nonsense!" Tang Qingying, having followed closely, couldn’t take it anymore and smacked Tang Yi on the back.

The smack made Han Qiwu instinctively stiffen.

"Ow."

Both Tang Yi and Han Qiwu hissed sharply, exchanged looks, and gave each other solemn nods. There was a shared sense of camaraderie in their suffering.

"Being her student must be tough for you," Tang Yi remarked.

"Being her uncle must be tough for you," Han Qiwu replied.

Tang Yi laughed and clapped his hands, calling over the remaining men. To ease Han Qiwu’s burden, he arranged for him to lift from the relatively lighter front position.

"Ready~~"

After a long chant, the six men exerted their strength together, hoisting up the first pig.

"How’s it? Don’t push yourself," Tang Qingying asked worriedly from the side.

She was worried Han Qiwu might get injured.

But Han Qiwu’s expression wasn’t one of strained effort.

It was calm and composed.

"It’s fine," Han Qiwu smiled faintly, then called out to Tang Yi behind him, "Uncle, I’m fine. Let’s go."

"Alright!" Tang Yi shouted.

"Let’s move~~"

With another chant, the six men took synchronized steps and began moving through the town.

One trip, two trips, three trips, four trips.

By the fifth trip, all five of the strong men except Han Qiwu were drenched in sweat, their clothes soaked through, their faces flushed as they gasped for air. Their footsteps grew heavy.

Yet Han Qiwu remained composed, his face devoid of redness, his breathing steady. Only a faint layer of sweat sparkled on his forehead, which the cooling breeze under his straw hat quickly whisked away.

By the third trip, he had voluntarily requested to switch to the back to shoulder more weight.

The capable help out more.

By now, the onlookers couldn’t stop talking about Han Qiwu. freewēbnoveℓ.com

"This young guy sure has some strength! Looks good and has loads of energy!"

"Exactly—he must be a great worker, and I heard he’s educated too. Could teach the kids something."

"Now that’s the point—look at those big hands; he’d make quick work of harvesting wheat!"

"Hey, do you know his age? My auntie’s daughter is only 19; I should introduce them."

"My daughter is 22—perfect age match. I’ll check him out later."

The discussion went on, and soon, the local matchmakers began receiving an inexplicable flood of requests.