Chapter 16 - 0: The Goal is to Have No Tooth Decay
Just as she was about to catch the fish, the baby in her belly kicked her again. No, it felt more like it was dancing. Bai Ruozhu couldn't help but smile, "Little one, you're a foodie too, aren't you? Craving for some fish?"
The baby moved again, as if responding, or perhaps protesting against the term "foodie".
When Bai Ruozhu returned home, Lin Ping had finished discussion with Bai Yihong. She was feeding pigs in the yard and visibly relieved upon seeing Ruozhu, but chided her, "Next time you want to buy something, let me do it. Don't tire yourself out."
"Mom, I'm not that fragile!" Bai Ruozhu answered in a coquettish tone, "Look at what I bought!"
She lifted up the Fathead fish and laughed, "Tonight, I'll make Fish Head Tofu Soup for everyone! I promise it'll be delicious!"
Seeing that the fish was quite large, Bai Yihong hurriedly took it from her, fearing that it would tire her out.
"Wow, where did you get this big fish?" Lin Ping asked in surprise.
"I saw a fishmonger selling some from a donkey cart at the entrance of our village. He gave me a discount." Bai Ruozhu stuck out her tongue discreetly. It was stressful having to lie about using items from her space.
"Eating fish is good for health. You and the baby could use some nourishment." Saying this, Bai Yihong walked towards the well in the backyard, "I'll clean the fish."
After receiving the cleaned fish, Bai Ruozhu made Fish Head Tofu Soup and minced the rest of the fish to create tasty Fish Balls. She added some to the soup and also served Sweet and Sour Fish Balls with green veggies and cucumber. The delicious smell of her cooking made the others' mouths water. Lin Ping couldn't help but comment, "I had no idea Ruozhu was such a good cook!"
Bai Yihong couldn't help laughing, "You always called Ruozhu your darling and didn't let her into the kitchen. But she's quick to learn when she follows me!"
Seeing Bai Yihong's smug face, Lin Ping couldn't help but laugh, "Don't be too ready to take credit for yourself."
Upon hearing this, Bai Ruozhu walked over, looped her arms around both her parents and laughed, "From dad I learned how to learn quickly, and from mom I got nimble hands. How lucky am I, right?"
Both Bai Yihong and Lin Ping burst out laughing and Lin Ping playfully tugged Ruozhu's hair, "Now even you're boasting."
They had a hearty meal and the entire family was beaming, seeming more lively and full of energy.
Six days passed in a blink and Bai Ruozhu successfully made toothpaste. Although it wasn't the proud formula from her past life, it was still quite rare for her current era.
Unfortunately, she had limited materials. The toothpaste she made was blackish-brown and didn't look very appealing.
"Ruozhu, you're saying this thing can clean teeth?" Bai Zehao asked disbelievingly when Ruozhu recommended the toothpaste to the family. "You spent these days mixing medications just for tooth brushing? Why didn't you just use tooth powder, medicine is expensive."
Bai Zehao sounded pained but Bai Ruozhu just smiled and said, "It yields a large volume so the cost isn't too high. Plus, the effect is far superior to tooth powder. Just dip a handkerchief in it and rub it on your teeth like I do."
As she spoke, she picked up a handkerchief and demonstrated how to brush teeth with the brownish paste. After showing them how to rinse, the whole family joined in doing the same.
"Does this thing reduce swelling and pain?" Bai Zepei asked suddenly. He had become taciturn of late, studying intently in his room and speaking little, even during family meetings.
Bai Ruozhu nodded, "Yes, it's effective for mouth ulcers and bleeding gums. With regular use, not only will it whiten teeth, but it also prevents cavities and other oral issues."
While making toothpaste, Bai Ruozhu often joked to herself: in this era, the ultimate goal was to avoid cavities.
Bai Zepei nodded wordlessly. Bai Ruozhu then turned to him and asked, "Second brother, do you have mouth ulcers?"
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"I'm a bit inflamed but it's getting better." Bai Zepei's demeanor was somewhat awkward, his expression rigid. No wonder he spoke less recently. His mouth discomfort worried him that the family would become worried.
"Zepei, studying hard is good but do not tire yourself. Do your best is enough," Bai Yihong suddenly spoke up.
Bai Ruozhu appreciated this quality in her father. He wasn't like those fathers who always stressed the importance of education and demanded their children become scholars. The phrase "do your best" indicated that he cared more about Bai Zepei's well-being.
"Yes, Second Brother. You should brush with this toothpaste every morning and evening for better performance at the examination. There's plenty more. If it doesn't get used, it'll just spoil, so don't hold back," Ruozhu said while handing a box of toothpaste to Bai Zepei.
"Ok, sure." Bai Zepei responded curtly. His mouth barely moved and Bai Ruozhu deduced that his mouth ulcers were severe, thus making speech uncomfortable.
"I'm going to make some Green Bean Soup for you. It will help to reduce the inflammation," Lin Ping said worriedly before rushing off.
Later that evening, when the family discussed the toothpaste again, they all agreed that using it left their mouths feeling cool and refreshed. Of course, they didn't expect their teeth to become immediately white after just one use, but they all deeply supported Bai Ruozhu's "invention".
When Bai Ruozhu wanted to visit the town to try selling her toothpaste in the pharmacy and to buy a few things for the baby in her belly, Lin Ping said, "I was planning to go to the town to buy some things. Let's go together tomorrow. Your big brother can guard us."
Bai Ruozhu chuckled and covered her mouth. She knew that by "things", Lin Ping meant Bai Yihong's betrothal presents. Therefore, it was only fitting for him to accompany them.
Even serious Bai Zehao blushed and emitted embarrassed laughter at the mention of marriage.
The following day, the ladies again went to the town together. To save time, Bai Ruozhu suggested that they split up: Bai Zehao would accompany Lin Ping shopping, while Bai Ruozhu would visit the pharmacy.
Upon hearing this, Lin Ping immediately objected, "I want your big brother to accompany you. What I'm buying isn't that heavy, I can carry it myself."
Bai Ruozhu didn't want her big brother around because it would be inconvenient for her to discuss business. She quickly said, "How about you two drop me off at the pharmacy and then go shopping. You can pick me up at the pharmacy when you're done. I promise I won't wander off."
Lin Ping thought it was a good idea and agreed. So, Bai Zehao and Lin Ping dropped Bai Ruozhu off at Du's Pharmacy before heading off to the market.
The shopkeeper remembered Bai Ruozhu and warmly welcomed her into the store when she arrived, "Mrs. Bai, please come in. The third young master will arrive shortly."
Bai Ruozhu thanked the shopkeeper and followed him to the backyard. An attendant was told to brew a cup of tea for her, but Bai Ruozhu graciously refused, "Just water is fine."