chapter 6 Nutritional value of seafood

Dagny pouted and said, "There's no thug, I just cut my hand while shucking oysters."

Cabin chuckled. "Alright, let me handle this kind of rough work. Miss, those delicate hands of yours are meant for embroidery."

Dagny wasn't convinced. "Hmph, let me do it, and I'll prove that I can!"

Cabin's skilled technique made quick work of cleaning the seafood. Dagny couldn't help but admire, "You're skilled. It's rare to find a big guy like you who's good at everything."

"Well, how about that? Do you have any thoughts about becoming my wife? You wouldn't even have to cook, just enjoy the luxury!"

"Ha! I don't like a man who relies on others for his livelihood. Just look at your bare walls..."

As she spoke, she felt the joke had gone a bit too far. Speaking like this could easily hurt Cabin's pride.

Cabin was just joking, but even so, Dagny's words didn't bother him. He'd grown used to the village folks making fun of him over the years, so he didn't care what others thought, as long as he knew what he was doing.

Cabin efficiently prepared the seafood. Over the past three years, he had gotten used to it and had become quite proficient. Also, now that he had mastered the first level of God Formulas, he was sharp in his senses, nimble in his movements, and all of his body's organs were stronger and more agile than before. This progress extended to handling seafood as well.

He picked some chives from the yard and stir-fried them with oysters. Then he combined tofu with small oysters to make a dish and cooked sea cucumbers with green onions.

If these three dishes were served in a restaurant, each one would cost at least a hundred, or even several hundred dollars. Yet Cabin cooked them up like everyday dishes.

The aroma of the food had already set Dagny's taste buds tingling. When the dishes were served, she immediately picked up her chopsticks and started eating, completely disregarding her usual ladylike image.

After savoring every bite, she couldn't praise Cabin's cooking skills enough.

Cabin laughed. "Sea cucumbers are one of the 'Eight Treasures' of seafood. They often play a 'star' role in high-class banquets, alongside bird's nests, abalone, and shark fin. Oysters are equally precious and rare. You may know they're delicious, but did you also know they're nutritious?"

He used his chopsticks to point at the dishes and gave Dagny an introduction as if he were a nutrition expert.

Oysters and sea cucumbers can enhance brain function, boost immunity, protect the liver, and provide nourishment for the skin. They're especially effective for women with iron-deficiency anemia. They can prevent dry skin, promote skin metabolism, break down melanin under the skin, and leave the skin smoother. They also stimulate the absorption of various nutrients and calcium in the body, as they're rich in phosphorus.

Dagny, who had been living in Hushan Village, was used to simple meals. As long as she could eat her fill, she was content. She never had a decent meal like this before, and she had planned to treat herself to a big feast in the city when she had the time.

She never expected Cabin to pamper her like this today.

Watching Cabin start to clear the table, she hurriedly got up and stopped him.

"No, I can't keep taking advantage of you. You cooked, so let me clean the table and do the dishes. Let's each do what we can, and neither of us will be lazy!"

Seeing Dagny diligently tidy up the kitchen, she seemed like a docile young wife. It made Cabin swallow hard.

If only he could hold her in his arms tonight, it would be even better.

But he knew that right now, his face was dirtier than a soot-covered one, and he wasn't in a position to start a family.

Not to mention, men can be easily drawn in if a woman is pretty, but women do need some emotional connection. If he does anything out of line, he might scare this young lady away.

Cabin returned to his room, sat on the edge of the bed, and circulated the energy in his body again. This flow of vitality was smooth and satisfying.

Then he took off his clothes and lay down to sleep.

Suddenly, he heard the sound of water in the courtyard. It was so late, why wasn't Dagny sleeping? What was she doing fetching water now?

He got up and peeked out the window.

With just one look, his pupils widened involuntarily.

Dagny was wearing only a little tank top and a short skirt, washing herself outside.

After finishing up, Dagny waited for quite a while. When she heard no movement from Cabin's room, she came out and showered in the yard. Afraid someone might see, she wore a tank top and a short skirt, dampened a towel, and reached inside her clothes to clean herself.

She didn't realize that Cabin's lack of movement was due to him meditating, not sleeping. When he heard the sound of water, he came to the window.

With the light from the eastern room, Cabin could see everything. The clothes on this woman were soaked through, and her graceful figure was fully revealed.

"Damn, I can see but can't touch. Isn't this just torture!"

After watching for a while, Cabin went back to lie down. If Dagny found out, she'd think he was up to no good. But he had already mentally "captured" her dozens of times. He wanted her, but he couldn't let her see, or she'd look down on him.

Early the next morning, just as the day was breaking, Cabin got up. Dagny had already cooked the rice and was waiting for him to stir-fry the dishes.

After tasting his culinary skills, Dagny realized how amateurish her cooking was. She didn't compete with him for the kitchen anymore.

Looking at Dagny in her white dress, slightly loose but still unable to conceal her charm, Cabin remembered how she looked washing herself under the light last night. He felt like he had twenty-five itchy rats in his heart.

Cabin quickly prepared the dishes in the kitchen. In no time, he had four dishes ready.

Originally, Dagny tried to persuade him not to make so many dishes, but seeing the variety of colors, aromas, and flavors, she didn't think it was too much.

After the meal, Dagny had to go to the village committee for some fundraising matters. She asked Cabin, "Do you have any plans today? If not, you should water the garden."

Cabin smiled. "This isn't much work. I'll water it in the evening. I have to go out in a bit, and I might not be back by noon. If you're having lunch, just handle it yourself."

"Where are you going?"

"To the city. I'll sell the remaining oysters and crabs for some money."

"You... carrying these to sell? How far is the way?"

There were no roads here. To take things out, you'd have to cross mountains and hills. Some villagers had never left the mountains in their entire lives. Even those who had been out had done so infrequently because the round trip took too much time.

Even after leaving the mountains, it was still dozens of miles to the urban area. It was certainly not a journey you could make on foot.

Dagny took out fifty dollars from her pocket. "Why don't you take this money and catch a ride?"

"So much money?"

In this remote and impoverished village, fifty dollars was almost enough for a week's worth of meals. However, since it was a kind gesture from the pretty lady, Cabin accepted it.

"I'll pay you back when I return!"

With a basket of fish on his back, he left the village and hit the road.