Chapter 75 This is life, isn't it?
Just before the end of the workday, the criminal investigation team received a "distinguished guest".
Fu Shengnan sat in a wheelchair, pushed by Mai Hai, until they arrived at the Criminal Investigation Team building.
Shen Zhenzhu was unaware that she was waiting for her. She happily invited everyone to Hongqiao Road the next day to attend the opening of the No. 1 Milk Tea branch. When she got downstairs, she saw Fu Shengnan.
With Mai Hai's help, Fu Shengnan stood up using her crutches: "Section Chief Shen."
Chen Zhenzhu walked over and put the keys to the small motorcycle back in her pocket: "President Fu, what brings you here? How's your leg?"
“It’s not a big problem.” Fu Shengnan was straightforward. She had been recovering for over a week. Although her trousers were empty, her complexion had improved considerably. She took the thick envelope from Mai Hai and presented it to Chen Zhenzhu. She bowed and said, “I’m here to apologize as Fu Panxia’s older sister. There’s three thousand yuan in compensation in this envelope. I hope you can accept it.”
"Huh, so generous?" Lu Ye, who was coming downstairs with Zhao Qiqi, heard Fu Shengnan's words and, regardless of whether she was President Fu or not, said sarcastically, "How much compensation can a victim who is cut into eight pieces get?"
Mai Hai had lost a lot of weight taking care of Fu Shengnan these past few days. Standing beside her, he said, "Officer Lu, President Fu has come here to sincerely apologize."
Lu Ye sneered, "I know she was sincere in her apology, but those innocent people who were harmed didn't want to die either. I wonder when President Fu found out about his brother's actions. Does that count as covering it up?"
Shen Zhenzhu stood by and watched. She clearly heard Fu Shengnan trying to stop Fu Panxia from committing the crime.
According to convention, close relatives are considered for leniency in handling the crime of harboring a criminal, but they are not exempt from liability. However, Fu Shengnan did not help him escape, nor did she give false testimony. She even sacrificed herself, and Du Jun survived because of her. If investigated, it may not be considered the crime of harboring a criminal.
"President Fu has already paid the price!" Mai Hai was about to confront Lu Ye.
"Alright." Fu Shengnan stopped Mai Hai and sincerely said to Lu Ye, "The incident has already happened, and I will not shirk my responsibility. I have been contacting the victims' families these past few days and have met with four or five families. No matter how they treat me, I will do my best to make it up to them, even if it means losing the company, I will not regret it."
Then she turned to Chen Zhenzhu again and said, "Please accept this compensation. I'm so sorry, I almost hurt you."
Shen Zhenzhu still refused, saying, "The money is unnecessary. I'm willing to go to the lakeside villa with Fu Panxia to solve the case, which is fundamentally different from the victim's situation. If you really want to give the money, then give it to them."
"Okay, I understand what you mean." Fu Shengnan hesitated, wanting to tell Shen Zhenzhu that Fu Panxia truly idolized her. But saying that would be incredibly ironic.
"I couldn't do it before, but now I will stay with him until the end. Goodbye, Section Chief Shen. I hope we can meet again in a more pleasant setting next time."
Fu Shengnan didn't need Mai Hai's help; she used her crutches and metal prosthetic leg to walk towards the car at the gate. The long legs that once led her to freedom were now broken, but her steps remained firm.
Gu Yanzheng came downstairs and saw Fu Shengnan leave. He asked Shen Zhenzhu, "Didn't she say she wanted to see Fu Panxia? I heard her leg was also being treated at the Second Hospital. The prosthetics at the Second Hospital aren't very good."
There are many intricacies to installing prosthetics. Inadequate technique or an unsuitable prosthesis can lead to inflammation and damage at the fracture site over time, causing immense suffering for the user. Fu Shengnan's left leg was essentially severed at the root. She could have gone to a better place, but she chose this method to remember what happened.
Shen Zhenzhu shook her head: "No, she should know that Fu Panxia is in the Second Hospital. She only said that she would accompany him to the end."
Lu Ye stretched and said to everyone, "A-Xi has picked a place to eat duck tomorrow at noon. It's in the alley of Branch No. 1. The boss is treating, so don't miss it!"
Chen Zhenzhu was really looking forward to tasting other delicious foods, especially those hidden in the streets and alleys. It was as if she could see a second or third Sixth Sister guarding her little shop, upholding her faith in food.
After saying goodbye to her colleagues, she rode her little motorcycle, enjoying the cool autumn breeze, slowly making her way through the rush hour traffic.
Every car headlight tells a different story, and every pedestrian waiting at the station is the protagonist of their own story.
Chen Zhenzhu admired the everyday life of the city, steadily drove her little motorcycle around the commercial street, greeted everyone, and went straight home.
Humans aren't made of steel. After parking his motorcycle, Section Chief Shen stretched like a cat.
Back home, the first thing she smelled was the delicious aroma wafting from the dining table. She hung up her coat, slipped on her slippers, and walked to the table. She opened the porcelain plate covering the table and immediately saw a pot of roasted chicken inside.
Sixth Sister knew she had been working hard lately, so she gave her precious daughter extra help.
The whole young chicken was roasted until it was golden brown and glistening with oil. Chen Zhenzhu quickly washed her hands and came back. She walked to the table and tore the whole chicken apart, dipping it in the braised sauce made with chicken liver, chicken heart and other offal in the large bowl next to her. Biting into the meat, each strand was salty and delicious. She was practically a thief stealing food.
Shen Zhenzhu doesn't like to eat it with white rice. She prefers to gnaw on the crispy chicken skin and eat it with shredded chicken and chicken giblets in a plain steamed bun.
The flavor of braised chicken is similar to that of Jinzhou braised chicken, but it's juicier and the meat is infused with fat. If you get tired of it, a bite of the crisp cucumber will refresh and add a delightful touch.
After finishing a fist-sized alkaline steamed bun, Shen Zhenzhu simply tore up the remaining chicken, sprinkled it with braised sauce, and put it on a porcelain plate to eat as a snack while watching TV.
The sitcom "Stories from the Editorial Department," starring Ge You, is humorous and satirical with sharp dialogue. Shen Zhenzhu has loved watching it, whether in her past life or this one. Before long, she was laughing heartily, completely carefree, and had even adopted Ge You's relaxed posture.
When Sixth Sister returned after finishing her work, the young cadre was already asleep on the sofa.
"Get up and brush your teeth." Shen Liuhe said, both amused and exasperated, as she pulled up the drowsy Chen Zhenzhu, as if she had returned to her childhood. Her beautiful almond-shaped eyes stared blankly at her mother, and she rubbed them.
Pushed by Shen Liuhe to the bathroom to wash up, Shen Zhenzhu regained her energy after taking a shower. Before going to bed, she opened her notebook and wrote down Fu Panxia's case stroke by stroke.
Many, many years from now, will there be a crime drama series called "Detective Shen Zhenzhu"? Just thinking about it makes me so happy, hehe.
Having decided on the beautiful dream she wanted to have tonight, Chen Zhenzhu carefully placed her hands, which were covered with the blanket, at her sides and quickly drifted off to sleep.
Outside the window, the moon is bright and the stars are few; the lights of countless homes are gradually going out. Protected by one olive-green uniform after another, the night is peaceful and windless.
***
When the No. 1 Milk Tea branch opened, Shen Liuhe got up early to go and help.
Wu Fuwang was prepared. He called home at seven in the morning and repeatedly told Pearl, who was still fast asleep, "You can arrive at nine o'clock. Lili and I have made all the preparations here. You can bring your friends!"
Hearing this, Shen Zhenzhu felt relieved and took the opportunity to be lazy. She stubbornly pushed her sixth sister back to the bedroom and squeezed into the bed with her mother for a nap.
I slept soundly and dreamlessly until I was suddenly awakened at 8:30.
Shen Zhenzhu let out a loud "Aww!" which almost startled Shen Liuhe, who was taking a rare nap, so much so that she fell off the bed. Sixth Sister's fists were not to be trifled with either. The little cadre took two punches to the back from her mother, but without changing her expression, she stuck out her buttocks and pulled her hair forward, trying to comb it into a smart high ponytail.
She's reached the age to get married, yet she still acts so carefree and silly. Sixth Sister couldn't take it anymore and snatched the comb to help her comb her hair.
Shen Zhenzhu clutched her scalp and howled. When she got up and looked, she saw that it was the same formula and the same Zhang Fei eyes.
Heroes cherish heroes; what does it matter if Zhang Fei has eyes?
The slick-skinned Section Chief Shen rode his little motorcycle at breakneck speed, carrying Shen Liuhe to Store No. 1.
Wu Fuwang and five employees, dressed in crisp navy blue T-shirts, stood at the store entrance early to welcome guests.
Four sets of wrought iron tables and chairs were placed at the entrance, and they were already full of people.
Located at the entrance of an alleyway between schools, shopping malls, and residential buildings, this place is considered a prime location. A huge milk tea shop, spanning a full 42 square meters, boasts red brick walls and green tiles, offering good quality at reasonable prices. Although the ivy on the exterior walls has withered, one can already see lush greenery coming next year.
It is said that this house originally belonged to the second uncle of the sister-in-law of one of Wu Fuwang's friends. The second uncle was a man of principle who donated the house to the street office years ago to become a public rental housing unit. It had been used as a residence before, but Wu Fuwang, who had some connections, took the second uncle with him and, after three visits, managed to rent the house and even obtain a business license.
Li Lili is meticulous and knows that nothing can be accomplished without rules. She clearly writes down the ingredients for milk tea and tests the participants at every step to ensure that the original flavor of Tiesi New Second Village is maintained.
Today is the official opening, and Li Lili and Wu Fuwang are even more nervous than Shen Liuhe's family. They barely slept last night, spending the entire night checking equipment and discussing opening arrangements.
Shen Zhenzhu invited all the members of the four teams, and old friends from the commercial street also came to congratulate and support her.
When Chen Zhenzhu arrived, quite a few people were already there. Some, unaware of the situation, followed the queue, asking as they moved forward, "What kind of shop is this? Are they giving out eggs or recruiting for a tutoring center?"
"The auspicious time has arrived!" Li Lili shouted from in front of the counter: "Ribbon-cutting and firecrackers!"
Before Chen Zhenzhu could react, someone dragged her to the shop entrance and made her stand with Sixth Sister, Wu Fuwang, and Li Lili, while a pair of scissors was stuffed into her hand.
As they were preparing for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Shen Zhenzhu noticed two middle-aged women standing nearby whom she did not recognize. Li Lili quickly whispered in her ear, "They are the director and deputy director of the Hongqiao Subdistrict Office, invited by Wu Fuwang."
"Humph, he's quite discerning." Shen Zhenzhu genuinely felt like she had found a discerning eye to recognize a hidden gem.
Li Lili smiled and cut the ribbon together. Firecrackers were still going off. She used a loudspeaker to broadcast a pre-recorded announcement: "Sixth Sister's Hong Kong-style milk tea is buy one get one free, and top up your account for 20% off!"
Wow, this is what it means to have a wealth of talent.
While Chen Zhenzhu was showing off, she heard music, looked around and was dumbfounded. She asked Wu Fuwang, "What is your dad holding?"
Wu Fuwang was in high spirits when he had a good time. After shaking hands with others, he glanced at them and said casually, "Guitar."
Shen Zhenzhu asked again, "What is he holding?!"
Wu Fuwang said, "Guitar."
Shen Zhenzhu exclaimed in astonishment, "Old Man Wu can actually play the guitar!"
Wu Fuwang lowered his voice and said, "I only learned two songs to trick young couples into buying milk tea. But it was exposed after a while."
Wow, what a wealth of talent!
A Yangko dance team came to the red carpet at the entrance. The middle-aged and elderly people organized by the Hongqiao Subdistrict Office love to participate in this activity. They can get three milk tea discount cards for participating in the free Yangko dance.
The loudspeakers were blaring the latest pop songs, accompanied by the booming sounds of gongs and drums—it was all about creating a lively atmosphere.
The heartless shopkeeper watched with satisfaction as one, two, three, four, five hands swayed back and forth behind the counter, carrying several cups of milk tea. He then timidly ran to the wrought iron chair and handed them to the group of four who had come to celebrate.
Many of Wu Fuwang's friends and Li Lili's classmates came, but unfortunately Shen Yuyuan couldn't attend today because she had to participate in a volunteer activity organized by the school.
Shen Zhenzhu, beaming with joy, squeezed in with Lu Ye and the others, carrying her milk tea, to watch the Yangko dance. After the Yangko, they watched a stand-up comedy routine. Finally, Xiao Li and his friends came over and performed two roller skating acts.
More and more spectators gathered at the entrance of the alley, and more and more people carried milk tea and weaved through the crowd.
Shen Zhenzhu was overjoyed, but her good mood plummeted the moment she saw Hu Xianfeng and Hu Minglei.
Shen Liuhe was still in the shop asking Uncle Lu to take photos for everyone, but she didn't see the unpopular father and son.
Shen Zhenzhu, hands on her hips, blocked their excited steps. With a command, Xiao Li and his men shoved them into the alley.
"I came here to deliver a flower basket to your mother. Didn't you open a new store? I heard that your mother has made a fortune and even bought a storefront. I'm so happy for her."
Hu Xianfeng's eyes were bloodshot. This time, he didn't come by private car but by taxi. Halfway there, the taxi driver didn't want to drive this way and even kicked them out of the car.
However, the father and son, who had been frowning the whole way, started to smile the moment they saw Chen Zhenzhu, but their smiles were fake.
"I don't need your blessings, and I don't care where you found out my mom bought the storefront. I'm telling you today, whether it's a storefront or a new shop, it has nothing to do with you." A group of young people slowly gathered behind Shen Zhenzhu, all baring their teeth and glaring angrily at Hu Xianfeng.
Hu Minglei saw a group of thugs behind her, some of them even wearing roller skates on the street. He said unhappily, "You need to always remember your place. How can you hang out with thugs? What if your superiors find out—"
Shen Zhenzhu turned to the side, pointed to Gu Yanzheng sitting in the wrought iron chair, and said, "My boss is right there. You can talk to him directly if you have any objections."
Gu Yanzheng was on the phone, his eyes constantly watching every move in the alley. When he saw a group of people looking at him, he was not embarrassed at all. Instead, he crossed his legs and waved to Hu Xianfeng and Hu Minglei in a nonchalant manner.
Hu Minglei was speechless for a moment, then turned to look at Hu Xianfeng.
When Hu Xianfeng saw that it was Gu Yanzheng, he shrank back, just as he feared.
He knew he couldn't force himself on Shen Zhenzhu and her women; he simply couldn't get aroused. So, he mysteriously pulled a business plan from the inside pocket of his flashy purple suit jacket, handed it to Shen Zhenzhu, and said, "Don't look at this. Give it to your mom for me—"
Tear.
Chen Zhenzhu did not look at it.
She just tore it up.
"..." Hu Xianfeng smiled good-naturedly and took out the same proposal from the other inside pocket of his suit jacket.
Chen Zhenzhu: "......"
He handed it to Shen Zhenzhu and said, "I knew you and your mother had the same temper. It's not a loss to show it to her. You're still young and don't understand the power of economic leverage. Give it to your mother and tell her that I plan to help her make a fortune."
Shen Zhenzhu stopped tearing it; she was a little curious about what kind of fake medicine Hu Xianfeng was selling to Shen Liuhe.
Seeing that Shen Zhenzhu had accepted the business plan, Hu Xianfeng stuffed a red envelope into Shen Zhenzhu's hand again: "This is a gift to celebrate the opening of the branch and wish you great fortune."
Hu Minglei also took out a red envelope, intending to give it to Chen Zhenzhu, but she didn't even want Hu Xianfeng's red envelope, instead throwing it directly at Hu Xianfeng: "You can leave now."
Just as Hu Minglei was about to lecture Shen Zhenzhu, Hu Xianfeng glared at him and whispered, "Smooth things over!"
Hu Minglei swallowed back his words of advice.
Feeling embarrassed to take the bus in front of a group of people and Shen Zhenzhu, the two of them squeezed into the crowd and walked towards the intersection, quickly disappearing from sight.
Shen Zhenzhu took the proposal to the wrought iron table, opened it, read a few lines, and then laughed in exasperation.
Gu Yanzheng was talking to his cell phone while looking down at the business plan. He skimmed through it and then covered the microphone, saying, "Anyone who believes your mother mortgaging her shop to get a loan for cash flow is a disgrace to Team Four."
Shen Zhenzhu said speechlessly, "I don't believe it. With those two brainless guys, it's already a law-abiding thing for my team not to lie to them."
Bai Luofu had previously told her that the Pioneer Group's cash flow had dried up and that they were borrowing money everywhere to make ends meet, and now it seems that it is true.
Shen Zhenzhu called over Wu Fuwang and Xiao Li and told them, "From now on, Hu Xianfeng and Hu Minglei are not allowed to approach our shop. You two should have someone keep an eye on them."
“I’ve remembered it for a long time,” Wu Fuwang said through gritted teeth. “I knew those two were up to no good.”
Xiao Li nodded and said, "Don't worry, we will definitely not let them deceive Sixth Sister. We are all watching. Besides, Sixth Sister is not stupid enough to be deceived by them again."
"Are you all here?" Wu Zhongguo's voice carried from afar.
"Uncle Wu, you're really late. And you're even drinking hot milk tea?" Shen Zhenzhu greeted Wu Zhongguo as he rode his old bicycle with one boy on the front and another on the back. "Hello, which one of you is Xiao Wu?"
The middle school boy who slid down from the front bar said confidently, "Hello, sister! I'm Wu Xiaochuan, you can call me Xiaochuan."
He was wearing a blue and white color-blocked tracksuit from the Plum Blossom brand, the same style as the national badminton team. On his feet were the new Feiyue shoes, the national favorite with white soles and red and blue stripes.
"Hello Xiaochuan," Chen Zhenzhu said with a smile, looking at the lively little boy. "Is this your classmate? What kind of milk tea are you drinking?"
"I drink Hong Kong-style milk tea! He drinks the same as me! Sister, please add more toppings for us. Wishing you booming business, abundant wealth, and a promotion!"
Xiao Chuan looks exactly like Wu Zhongguo; the two are practically identical. He was well-raised by his parents, and when he first met Chen Zhenzhu, he wasn't shy at all. He spoke in a loud voice and had a sunny and generous personality.
The little boy next to him looked to be about fourteen or fifteen years old, still wearing his old school uniform with faded cuffs on Sunday morning. He was handsome and shy, a bit thinner than Xiao Chuan, and looked younger. He was probably malnourished, with yellow and dry hair. At this moment, he pursed his lips and looked at Chen Zhenzhu, saying, "Sister, congratulations on opening a branch store."
The fourteen or fifteen-year-old boy was innocent and beautiful, exuding a refreshing youthful spirit. Chen Zhenzhu returned to the shop, brought them milk tea, and handed them a few milk tea gift cards, distributing them among herself: "Your dad takes good care of me at work. You can share these with your classmates. I'll give you more when you're done."
Wu Zhongguo locked his bicycle and came over, patted Xiao Chuan on the head and said, "You can't bring a bunch of classmates over to drink free milk tea. You should promote it for Sister Pearl."
Shen Zhenzhu laughed and said, "What's the point of him promoting something when he's just a kid?"
Wu Zhongguo said, "Don't underestimate him. His school is right across the street. He's the sports minister in the second year of junior high and has many good friends. I won't brag about his academic performance, but he's even more popular than me."
As he spoke, he patted another little boy on the shoulder and said, "Xiao Kai and Xiao Chuan are the opposite. Their families never have to worry about their grades. Their homeroom teacher said they will definitely be admitted to a top high school."
The boy, nicknamed Xiao Kai, said shyly, "I'm not good at sports, but Xiao Chuan often plays ball with me. He has his strengths too."
Xiao Chuan smiled, revealing his mischievous little tiger teeth, and said boastfully, "Old Wu, did you hear that? Your son isn't entirely useless, okay? Save up the tuition fees, and Xiao Kai and I will be good friends again."
Xiao Chuan was met with Lao Wu's fist.
Watching Xiao Chuan scurry away, weaving nimbly through the crowd, Chen Zhenzhu sat on the wrought iron chair and laughed heartily.
Gu Yanzheng finally put down the phone, smiled and glanced at Chen Zhenzhu: "So happy?"
"Yeah." Chen Zhenzhu's smile was bright and dazzling, sparkling like a flame in Gu Yanzheng's eyes: "Happy, aren't I?"
Gu Yanzheng smiled and said, "There's something even happier for you, but I won't tell you today. You'll find out when you get to work tomorrow."
Shen Zhenzhu is a little money-grubber, and she was made to think hard by Zheng Ge's words.
The opening of the milk tea shop was a success. Zhou Chuanxi found the restaurant they had booked and told them to walk into the alley. Shen Zhenzhu walked backwards in front of Gu Yanzheng with her hands behind her back, her beautiful almond-shaped eyes staring at Gu Yanzheng, trying to soften his heart and make him speak.
But Gu Yanzheng was the most hard-hearted. No matter how the junior cadres' eyes were darting around, trying to hint at him, he gritted his teeth and refused to say a word.
"We're here. Be careful, the doorway is slippery." Zhou Chuanxi acted like the housekeeper of the fourth team, having already come to check on the kitchen and inquired about the food. Leading the fourth team, along with two junior high school students, she headed straight for the private room with bamboo partitions.
On the way here, Xiao Kai wanted to go back to school, but Wu Zhongguo and Xiao Chuan persuaded him to stay.
After Xiao Kai and Xiao Chuan went to the restroom together, Wu Zhongguo said to everyone, "This child is so sensible and has good grades, but his family situation is not good. His parents used to be teachers, but they had some trouble and quit. The family's conditions have been getting worse and worse. He also has an alcoholic uncle who lives at home. He has been boarding at school since the first year of junior high school, but the child is very hardworking and has always been the top student in his grade. I originally wanted to invite Xiao Chuan over today, but I ran into him and thought I would give him some extra nutrition."
Shen Zhenzhu naturally didn't mind; such an excellent and promising student deserves more attention.
Gu Yanzheng heard that he had ordered steamed clams and sea urchins with eggs and stir-fried beef, clearly for the younger students. However, when they returned, no one looked at Xiao Kai, respectfully protecting the child's self-esteem.
"What's rubbing against me?" Shen Zhenzhu looked down and lifted the tablecloth, seeing a long-tailed pheasant strolling away from under the table. She stammered, "You really eat wild game? That won't do."
The bamboo partition was only one meter high. Zhou Chuanxi sat at the door and said in a low voice, "I went to the kitchen and saw that they were not actually wild ducks. Their bellies were round and they were obviously farmed. It's just that they tasted good. I came here to try something different."
"That's more like it." Shen Zhenzhu had no interest in eating wild game and didn't want to ruin the ecosystem or her health by indulging in it.
"Our wild ducks have very thin skin, so we never scald them with boiling water; we remove all the feathers by hand. Even the removed feathers are precious, because every part of a wild duck is valuable. The scarves, gloves, and jackets hanging at the entrance of our shop are all made of wild duck feathers, and they are incredibly warm. If you'd like, you can try them on at the front desk."
The middle-aged man who brought over the duck was the restaurant owner. Seeing that the group had an air of importance about them, he decided to personally greet them. After his opening remarks, he asked, "Would you like it braised or stewed?"
All four teams at the table turned to look at Zhou Chuanxi, and even the boss who had asked Gu Yanzheng a question looked over.
Zhou Chuanxi said, "Two will be braised and one will be stewed."
Everyone turned to look at the boss.
The boss was of medium height and build, with an ordinary face that would be easily forgotten in a crowd. Only his smiling expression made him seem very friendly: "Okay, I'll give you another plate of stir-fried wild duck eggs with scallions."
Zhou Chuanxi nodded: "Thank you, boss."
There are more than a dozen sesame restaurants lining the alley. Chen Zhenzhu doesn't like to call them fly restaurants; she feels that term is unhygienic. These clean and hygienic little shops always have regular customers. It's better to call them sesame restaurants; it has a mellow meaning worth savoring repeatedly, adding a touch of the extraordinary to an ordinary little world.
While waiting for the food to be served, Gu Yanzheng received a call from the provincial department inquiring about some details of the body-piece case. Shen Zhenzhu followed him outside to report the situation.
When the two returned after making the phone call, they heard the shop owner say as they walked to the door of the partition, "Put together, put together four portions."
"What are you competing for!" Shen Zhenzhu shuddered. Gu Yanzheng, with one hand on his waist and the other pressing down on Section Chief Shen's head, kicked open the partition door—
The shop owner jumped in surprise, grabbing the door and hurriedly saying, "A four-item combo of roast duck head, roast quail, braised pigeon, and goose butt is on sale for only thirty-eight..."
The four teams waved their hands frantically: "No need, no need, we wouldn't take it even if it were free!!"
......
Authentic wild duck meat is tender and slightly crispy. The restaurant uses domestically raised young ducks to pass it off, and the taste is surprisingly not bad.
Two clay pots, filled with glistening, dark brown duck pieces, were just taken from the stove and placed on alcohol burners. The aroma of the slow simmering filled the entire restaurant. There were only seven or eight tables and chairs, and almost every customer ordered this braised duck.
The aroma of scallions, ginger, and garlic is released as they fry in hot oil. The waiter then brings over Shaoxing wine and pours it around the meat, creating a perfect combination of the wine's fragrance and the meat's aroma.
The meat is stewed until tender and the broth is thick and viscous. The sweet and spicy flavor of Chenzhuzhensiha is so addictive that you can't stop eating it.
Gu Yanzheng poured her a glass of lychee soda, but the junior cadre didn't accept her leader's kindness and quietly pointed to the orange soda, saying, "I'll drink this kind from now on."
Gu Yanzheng was puzzled, so he bent down, took out some Arctic Ocean soda from the basket, pried it open, and filled her bowl.
Her rosy lips sipped the glass, the refreshing bubbles exploding on her lips and in someone else's heart.
"Sit properly." Gu Yanzheng was a busybody, even telling junior officials not to hunch over while eating.
Chen Zhenzhu stopped slurping and sat up straight obediently. Before she could even mutter anything, she noticed a piece of duck leg meat in her bowl.
She looked around; everyone was eating their own food, and no one was going to share their pears with her like Kong Rong. She scratched her head sheepishly, then happily bit into the last piece of duck leg, savoring it as if she had picked it herself.
-----------------------
Author's Note: Chen Zhenzhu is keeping this to herself: Zheng Ge, don't look, I'm not sharing! [Sunglasses]
Next case: "Licking dangerous parasites"
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The recipe for "Roasted Chicken" is adapted from Liang Shiqiu's "Roasted Chicken" in the book "Perhaps This Is Life".
This is a revised version of Wang Zengqi's essay "Wild Duck".
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