Director Zhang took the soup bowl, took a sip, and then drank a large mouthful.
"This soup is completely different from what I've had before. I always felt that duck soup was greasy, with a layer of yellow oil film floating on top. Today, this soup is sweet but not greasy, and the sweet taste of red dates warms my stomach."
Director Zhang's words gave Wu Meixia a great deal of confidence; it seemed she had hired the right chef today.
"Who says otherwise? The saltiness is just right, and the bamboo shoots are very crisp."
"Indeed, I used to sometimes smell a fishy smell when I drank duck soup, but today there was none at all. Instead, the red date flavor was strong, which was really good."
Everyone chatted amongst themselves, savoring the delicious soup.
Next, Wu Shaojun began serving the dishes.
"Here comes the spicy blood curd, boiled snowflake beef, and garlic pork belly."
"One serving each of steamed sea bass, crispy shrimp balls, and sweet and sour pork."
"Lychee tomatoes, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, Sichuan-style chicken with shredded vegetables, and pan-fried tofu."
"Finally, a serving of zucchini shreds in chicken gizzard sauce."
Wu Shaojun ran back and forth, looking quite like a waiter. He read out the names of the dishes, which everyone listened to with great interest. Xia Enruo ended up making one more dish, a total of eleven, filling the round table to the brim. She had already decided on the staple food: Sichuan Dan Dan noodles.
Looking at the table laden with dishes, the room was filled with enticing aromas. The snowflake beef sizzled even as it was scalded by the hot oil, and the chili peppers were fried until they emitted a wonderful fragrance.
The crowd was overwhelmed by the sheer variety of dishes; they weren't just food, they looked like works of art. Many of the dishes were completely unheard of, and their names were incredibly poetic.
"Meixia, I take back what I just said. You've really surprised me. I've never heard of this dish before."
"It's not just Sister Meixia, it turns out you've already met a master. We're really fortunate to have Director Zhang today, allowing us to enjoy such a delicious meal."
Wu Meixia couldn't stop smiling as she listened.
"It was just a coincidence that I ran into my chef sister. My former boss happened to be visiting today, so I invited him to my home. I don't know if he'll like it."
Although Director Zhang had worked and lived in the provincial capital for many years and naturally had many social engagements, even in the provincial capital, the food in the Northwest in the 1980s was very conventional. He had never seen so many dishes from all over the country.
"Meixia, it's so kind of you to put this in. To be honest, I've never seen these dishes before. They look delicious. Everyone, don't just wait around, let's start eating."
"Is this really a lychee? I always thought it was a tomato. It's so delicious, it's amazing. I can't believe lychees can be made red."
"This beef is so tender, it feels like it melts in your mouth. This chili is so flavorful. Meixia, could you ask the chef to give me some chili oil to take home so I can use it to make cold dishes?"
"It's really great that you can eat zucchini shreds with this sauce. I used to only know how to slice them and stir-fry them."
"The dried shrimp is so crispy, it feels like you don't even need to peel it before eating."
Wu Meixia was too busy listening to reply. Watching Director Zhang eat and nod repeatedly, she thought to herself that the 50 yuan was well spent.
"Meixia, your cooking skills are truly superb, even better than the chefs at the restaurants I frequent. Invite them in so we can get to know them."
"The dishes are unique and delicious. It seems everyone thinks the same way. Meixia, I'd also like to see what the person with such skills looks like."
Wu Meixia dared not delay in responding to Director Zhang's words.
"Boss, I'll go get someone right away."
Xia Enruo followed Wu Meixia into the living room. Director Zhang looked at the young girl and found it unbelievable.
"Little girl, how old are you this year?"
"Boss, I just turned 25 this year."
Xia Enruo replied.
"25 years old, that's amazing. My daughter is 25 now, and all she can do at home is steam rice. She can't even make steamed buns, let alone cook any dishes. Look at her, she's 25 and she can cook a whole table of dishes. That's incredible, truly amazing."
Director Zhang was pleasantly surprised by Xia Enruo and kept praising her. He always thought that a master with such skills would be at least his age, but he never expected that she was a young girl.
"Comrade Xia Enruo, Meixia just said you would cook, and we didn't believe it at first. But your cooking skills have proven us wrong. It seems that the students are truly surpassing their teachers, and there are many talented people emerging. We were still too naive."
Although Xia Enruo was praised, she did not lose her composure.
"Of course, it's all thanks to the leaders' broad knowledge. As the old saying goes, everyone has their own expertise. I'm just a young lady who has studied a lot of recipes and knows how to cook a few more dishes. The leaders work tirelessly for their jobs, and those are the real experts. I could never do that job. The fact that the leaders like the dishes I made today is the greatest recognition of my work, and I'm very happy."
Xia Enruo's graceful and generous reply made everyone admire her even more. This girl has good skills and speaks in a generous and proper manner, making her likable to everyone.
Wu Meixia and her comrades surrounded Director Zhang, toasting and chatting happily, while Xia Enruo and Wu Shaojun waited in the kitchen for their main course to be served.
"Why don't you have some too? Anyway, it'll be a while before the main course arrives. Your cooking skills are truly superb; I've never eaten such delicious food before."
Wu Shaojun was in the kitchen, chopsticks in hand, eating heartily, his mouth greasy with oil.
"Slow down, eating too fast is bad for your stomach. Have some soup to help you digest, then I won't eat anymore. I'll just have a bowl of noodles when I'm done."
Since you're doing business, you have to leave a good impression. You can't have guests eating at the table while the chef eats in the kitchen. It would make the host feel bad. Although Xia Enruo's stomach was growling, she had to endure it for the time being in order to appear professional.
"Actually, you don't need to care about etiquette. My sister is not only kind-hearted but also unpretentious. She said you saved my nephew, and for that reason alone, our family should thank you."
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