Stir-fried rabbit slices with scallions, stewed rabbit chunks with mixed mushrooms, roasted rabbit, spicy rabbit head, stir-fried rabbit tenderloin with local pepper strips, rabbit skeleton with soy sauce, dry-fried rabbit and cauliflower, improved version of spicy rabbit cubes, braised bluefish and pea sprouts in broth.
Ten dishes were served. After taking some to Aunt De, the rest were all put on the table, making it a full table.
Even the mall manager and Section Chief Zheng, two seasoned officials, were stunned by the incredibly high-end presentation of the dishes.
Not to mention Comrade Zheng, he was so amazed by the whole rabbit feast that he didn't even want to blink.
The calmest people on the scene were Zhang Zongde, the village chief, the Fang family, and Chu Chun and her brother.
Fearing that Zhu Xiuhua and her group might feel awkward or embarrassed eating at the same table as Section Chief Zheng and his group, they specially arranged for them to sit at two separate tables.
Zhang Zongde, the village chief, Fang Jie, the mall manager, the Zheng brothers, and she sat at one table.
Zhu Xiuhua was with Xiaoyuzai, Chuchun and her brother, the young man on the electric tricycle, and Qibei at the same table.
Oh, kibbles aren't served on the table.
However, its bowl was placed under the table, so everyone could eat together, which counted as a meal as well.
Since Section Chief Zheng and his group were going back to the county town after dinner, and they couldn't find a tricycle in the village that could fit all three of them, they decided to go back.
So they let the young man stay, and after he finished eating, they would send the three of them back to the county town.
The young man was so happy that his face was practically beaming, and he diligently assisted Fang Jie, offering help in this and that.
I don't feel embarrassed at all sitting with Zhu Xiuhua and the others right now.
With such a delicious and visually appealing meal, a glass of wine is a must to truly appreciate its beauty.
Zhang Zongde and the village chief accompanied Section Chief Zheng and the others as they drank lychee wine that had just been brewed this year.
"Brother, have a drink with me too."
Fang Yan herself didn't drink; she had to sneak into the kitchen that night to continue making pork jerky, so she couldn't drink alcohol.
However, she asked Fang Jie to drink with them.
Eventually, he will have to enter society.
Although he is not good at socializing.
But you can learn it slowly.
Fang Yan told him to be more alert, to observe and listen more, and to observe how Zhang Zongde and the village chief chatted and spoke with others.
Perhaps because the food tonight was so delicious, even Section Chief Zheng and Xiao Zheng forgot about the unpleasantness that occurred when they signed the contract.
The two brothers ate heartily and thoroughly.
The mall manager was also engrossed in eating, frequently exclaiming, "This dish is so spicy and satisfying!"
He said this while eating spicy rabbit meat.
Although there are several spicy dishes tonight, Fang Yan has modified all the spiciness.
It's slightly spicier than what most people usually eat, but not as spicy as what people in Sichuan and Chongqing, who are used to eating spicy food, eat.
In short, she modified it just right, making the spiciness level a bit challenging for everyone.
But it was still within my tolerance level. It was so spicy that it brought tears to my eyes, but it also felt really good, and I couldn't stop eating it.
"It would be even more refreshing to eat this when the weather is colder."
Comrade Xiao Zheng was hissing and panting, his tongue was burning from the spiciness, but he still wanted to eat.
Throughout the dinner, Fang Jie went from feeling extremely awkward and uncomfortable at the beginning to gradually calming down and secretly observing how Zhang Zongde, the village chief, the mall manager, and Section Chief Zheng spoke and what topics they discussed. When the opportunity arose, he would muster up his courage and say a few short words.
"My sister can cook a lot of things, and they are all delicious."
He said this with considerable pride.
Seeing that everyone praised the food she had cooked, Fang Yan was also in a good mood.
Occasionally, when Comrade Xiao Zheng asked how to cook spicy rabbit, she didn't hide anything and explained all the steps.
"And what about this braised rabbit skeleton?" Comrade Zheng pointed to the braised rabbit skeleton again, looking like he was sincerely asking for advice.
But the calculating glint in his eyes was too dazzling.
Even the mall manager and Section Chief Zheng understood the unspoken meaning behind Comrade Zheng's words—he wanted to subtly inquire about the braising method for the braised dishes.
The mall manager's face darkened, and he gave Section Chief Zheng a meaningful look.
Section Chief Zheng felt embarrassed, but also felt wronged, as it wasn't him who asked his younger brother to inquire about this.
Just as he secretly kicked his younger brother and gave him a warning look, he heard Fang Yan say leisurely, "It's very simple, it's just..."
She also shared her method for braising rabbit bones in soy sauce without reservation.
Comrade Xiao Zheng's eyes lit up, and he put all his effort into it, racking his brains and trying his best to remember every word Fang Yan said.
He was really working himself to the bone to remember things, and he even forgot to eat for the time being.
Honestly, if he had worked this hard back in his school days, he wouldn't be so poor now.
The mall manager and Section Chief Zheng were both surprised and astonished. They could see through Comrade Zheng's ill intentions. Did Fang Yan not see through them?
Thinking about this, the mall manager felt it was his responsibility to remind Fang Yan.
After all, Fang Yan was introduced to him by Wei Jiahong.
He introduced Section Chief Zheng to Fang Yan.
Comrade Xiao Zheng is Section Chief Zheng's younger brother.
In any case, he couldn't just stand by and watch Fang Yan suffer.
So, he called out to Fang Yan at the opportune moment, "Little Fang, I've heard that chefs in those restaurants don't discuss menus and cooking methods with each other, for fear that some people might steal the cooking methods."
Section Chief Zheng's face burned with shame, and he dared not look at anyone.
Comrade Zheng's heart skipped a beat. Did everyone know his intentions?
However, over the years of running his shop, his skin has become thicker and thicker, and his heart is no longer as simple and honest as before.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have come up with the idea of cutting corners before the cooperation even started.
He pretended to be someone who didn't understand what they were talking about, and remained seated calmly.
Seeing the worry in the mall manager's eyes, Fang Yan returned his gaze with gratitude. "It's alright. Section Chief Zheng is so upright and honest; I believe his brother isn't that kind of person."
Fang Yan seemed to trust them completely, and Section Chief Zheng was so ashamed that he could barely eat.
Comrade Xiao Zheng was unusually embarrassed, lowering his head and not daring to look at her.
Truth and falsehood, reality and illusion.
In any case, the meal was ultimately enjoyed by both the host and guests.
The main reason is that the dishes tonight have completely won over everyone's stomachs.
Although the atmosphere during the meal was slightly awkward and somber due to Comrade Xiao Zheng's unscrupulous scheming.
However, thanks to Fang Yan's wise and magnanimous handling of the situation, coupled with the effect of a table full of delicious food, that little unpleasantness quickly passed.
"Xiao Fang, if you ever come across any money-making projects, remember to think of our county!"
Section Chief Zheng is a smart man; he figured it out...
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
