As Dian Wei voraciously devoured the food,a self-satisfied smile spread across Lin Yu's face.The powder he had sprinkled was a concoction of chili and cumin,those precious seasonings for outdoor barbecuing.In this age,culinary methods were primitive,and salt was the sole seasoning available,and even that was a luxury some poor souls couldn't afford.

Before the meat that Lin Yu had painstakingly grilled with modern-day seasonings,Dian Wei wore an expression of pure bliss,as if lost in a rapturous dream.In no time,he had wolfed down the venison before him.He licked his fingers with relish and cast a longing gaze at the other half that lay beside Lin Yu.

"Um...Sir,might I have a bit more?"

"I would,but you lost a bet to me and still haven't called me'big brother'as agreed,"Lin Yu sighed,his visage tinged with a hint of melancholy.

Without a moment's delay,Dian Wei dropped to his knees,his hands clasped together."I was wrong.From this moment on,I am willing to acknowledge you as my big brother.Through thick and thin,I shall follow you!"

"Big brother!"

At these words,Lin Yu's face immediately brightened,and he hastened to help Dian Wei to his feet."Brother,you are far too courteous!"

Dian Wei swallowed hard,his eyes still fixed hungrily on the remaining venison."Big brother,this venison..."

"Help yourself!"Lin Yu waved his hand magnanimously.

With permission granted,Dian Wei pounced on the venison like a famished tiger.Watching Dian Wei's ravenous display,Lin Yu couldn't suppress a chuckle.

As the saying in the Northeast goes,there's no problem that a barbecue can't solve,and if there is,then two barbecues will do the trick.Lin Yu mused to himself that if he'd known that fine food could win Dian Wei's loyalty,he wouldn't have gone to such lengths before.

Lin Yu chortled softly and then,as if struck by a sudden thought,inquired,"Brother,do you enjoy a drink?"

"Of course...I do!"Dian Wei struggled to swallow the venison in his mouth,adding with a tinge of regret,"It would be perfect with some fine wine,but alas,there's no place nearby to obtain it."

"Who says there's no wine?"Lin Yu grinned,turned on his heel,and disappeared into the tent.Moments later,he emerged with two cans of beer.

"What's this?"Dian Wei eyed the blue-packaged beer with curiosity.

"This is called Snow Beer.It's so delightful that it can transport you to the ends of the earth!"Lin Yu laughed as he opened the beer and proffered it to Dian Wei.

Dian Wei took it,hesitated briefly,then took a sip just as Lin Yu had done.The beer was refreshing and invigorating,smooth as silk,causing Dian Wei to shiver with pleasure.

"Good beer!"

In this era,brewing technology was rather rudimentary.Most of the beverages were brewed from millet and fruits,resulting in low-alcohol concoctions similar to modern beer.However,due to the backward techniques,the brews were often cloudy and couldn't hold a candle to Snow Beer.Lin Yu,having traversed through time,had only a few cans of Snow Beer in his backpack.He wouldn't have brought them out if not for forging this bond with Dian Wei today.

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"Big brother is truly generous to his younger brother!"Dian Wei's eyes misted over as he sipped the Snow Beer.Lin Yu had treated him to such fine food and drink,and he had been ungrateful before.How wrong he had been.

"You're being too formal,brother.We are brothers,and we should share both joys and sorrows!"Lin Yu said with a warm smile.

"Big brother,no more words.Let's drink!"Dian Wei raised his beer and downed it in one gulp.

The two savored the barbecue and beer,and before long,night began to fall.Lin Yu took a sip of his beer and gazed up at the night sky.Free from the blight of light pollution,it was filled with a dazzling array of stars.Today,he had found a place in Cao's camp and gained Dian Wei as a brother,banishing the gloom that had once clouded his days.

Big-eared thief,just you wait!

...

A few days later.

Cao Cao was engrossed in handling military affairs when suddenly,the sound of hurried footsteps reached his ears.Looking up,he saw the Xiahou brothers,their bodies covered in dust yet their faces alight with excitement,as they rushed into the tent.

"Cao Gong!"They bowed in greeting.

Cao Cao dismissed the attendants and quickly asked in a hushed tone,"How did it go?"

"Rest assured,Brother Mengde.It went swimmingly!"Xiahou Yuan beamed."We unearthed three marquis tombs,and the gold and jewels filled hundreds of carts!"

"Truly?"Cao Cao was taken aback.

"How could we deceive you,Brother Mengde?"Xiahou Dun laughed heartily.

"Marvelous!With this wealth,we can raise another army!"Cao Cao felt a rush of elation.With only five thousand troops at his disposal,this fortune could at least double his forces,bolstering his confidence when dealing with Dong Zhuo.

"Go,fetch Zilin,"Cao Cao ordered.

In a short while,Cao Hong arrived.Upon learning of Cao Cao's newfound wealth,he too was filled with excitement.

"I entrust these funds to you.Exchange them for grain and armor.Remember,act with the utmost discretion and avoid causing a stir."Cao Cao cautioned.If word of the tomb-robbing got out,no one would be willing to join them.

"Understood!"Cao Hong nodded and accepted the mission.

Then Cao Cao,as if struck by a thought,asked,"How has Lin Yu been these days?"

"I assigned him to guard the provisions and supplies.He hasn't made a fuss.There's been no activity from him lately,"Cao Hong replied.

"Now it seems that Lin Yu,though audacious,proposed a viable plan.Our previous treatment of him was perhaps a tad harsh."Xiahou Dun mused.

"Indeed,Brother Mengde.I think we should reward him handsomely,"Xiahou Yuan concurred.

Cao Cao mulled it over for a moment and then smiled."There's no rush.Let's keep an eye on him for a while longer."

...

The sky was just beginning to brighten when Lin Yu awoke early and roused Dian Wei.Together,they made their way to the training ground.

"Big brother,why did you wake me so early?"Dian Wei yawned and grumbled.

"To have you teach me martial arts,of course."Lin Yu shot him a reproachful look.

As the saying goes,the mind may be muddled,but the body must be hale.Only a healthy body can support a mind that might be clouded by worldly affairs.Especially in the chaotic Three Kingdoms era,failing to meet physical standards could be fatal.A simple cold could claim one's life,even without setting foot on the battlefield.

Thus,Lin Yu had woken Dian Wei early for training.Lin Yu started with running laps and then practiced martial arts with Dian Wei.After the sun had risen,the two returned for a meal.

Not long after finishing his meal,a soldier arrived to inform Lin Yu that Cao Hong wished to see him.Since being assigned by Cao Hong to guard the provisions,Lin Yu hadn't seen him again and hadn't expected this summons.

Lin Yu didn't give it much thought and followed the soldier.Soon,he arrived at Cao Hong's tent.Cao Hong was seated behind a desk,his brow deeply furrowed,as if grappling with a thorny problem.

"Greetings,General,"Lin Yu bowed respectfully.

Cao Hong looked up,stared at him for a long moment,and then suddenly asked,"Who are you?"