Li Xiumei was extremely uneasy about the name "Boiled Cabbage in Clear Broth." The name sounded so bland and watery; how could it possibly taste good? How could it compare to hearty dishes with meat and minced meat?
She was so worried that she couldn't sleep all night. The next day, with dark circles under her eyes, she came to discuss it with Su Tang again, but Su Tang confidently dissuaded her.
The two were discussing what seasonings they needed to prepare in advance and decided to go to the service center in the family compound.
These days, service shops are just small convenience stores. The shelves are stocked with soap, towels, needles and thread, and basic condiments like soy sauce, vinegar, and salt. Occasionally, you might find some rare items like rock sugar or canned goods, but you have to fight for them.
As soon as the two entered the service center, they heard a raised, sarcastic voice coming from there.
"Oh my, who do we have here? It's Commander Qin's sister-in-law. Sister-in-law Li, I heard you found a new partner this year. What are you discussing to make this special dish?"
As soon as he finished speaking, three military wives swayed into the room.
The one in the lead, around thirty years old, wearing a Dacron floral shirt, with fashionable permed hair and face cream, was none other than Wang Cuicui.
Her husband was the deputy director of the logistics department of the division headquarters, in charge of the distribution of a lot of supplies. He was known in the family compound for his shrewish personality and always wanted to be the best in everything he did.
Li Xiumei was a straightforward person and couldn't stand Wang Cuicui always acting arrogantly in the courtyard. The two had a long-standing feud.
In the past, people would fight openly and secretly for days over a piece of fat meat or for their children to win a little red flower in kindergarten.
In this culinary competition, she was determined to outdo Li Xiumei, and the underhanded tactic of poaching Li Xiumei's teammates was truly something else.
Wang Cuicui's gaze swept over Su Tang briefly, not daring to linger.
Su Tang's identity is no secret in the military compound now. He assisted in solving a major espionage case and saved hundreds of people in an avalanche. He is a meritorious official who has been awarded a first-class merit.
No matter how arrogant Wang Cuicui was, she wouldn't dare to provoke this bad luck.
So she turned all her firepower on Li Xiumei.
"Sister-in-law Li, you'd better show some real skills this year. Don't be like last year, when you burned the bottom of the pot while steaming cornbread and made a big fool of yourself." Wang Cuicui covered her mouth and giggled, and the two military wives behind her echoed her.
Li Xiumei's face flushed red with anger, and she stood up abruptly: "Wang Cuicui, don't look down on me! Last year it was my fault, but this year the dishes we make will definitely surprise you!"
"Oh?" Wang Cuicui feigned surprise and drew out her voice, "So what are you planning to do? Tell us so we can all learn something!"
"My sister-in-law Yujuan and I are preparing 'Ants Climbing a Tree'. The minced meat must be made with pork belly and fried until dry and fragrant. The vermicelli must be made with sweet potato starch so that it's chewy and flavorful. I guarantee the judges will never forget it after they taste it!"
As she spoke, she glanced smugly at Li Xiumei, her meaning clear: Our dishes have meat and are made with care, what can you compare with?
Li Xiumei was almost provoked into speaking, but Su Tang gently pressed her hand down, stood up, and smiled faintly. However, her clear eyes made Wang Cuicui feel a little uneasy.
"Since you're so eager to know, why don't we take a gamble?" Su Tang's voice was soft, yet carried an undeniable force.
"Gambling?" Wang Cuicui was taken aback.
"Yes, let's bet on the outcome of this culinary competition. If we win, you and your partner today, Sister-in-law Zhang Yujuan, will be responsible for cleaning the public toilet at the east end of our residential compound for a month. Conversely, if we lose, we'll both take on the job. Are you up for it?"
Upon hearing this, several aunties and sisters-in-law who were shopping at the service center nearby perked up their ears, ready to watch the show.
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