Chapter 146 Heartwarming Little Wontons
Lu Zheng's composure has always been among the best in the team. Whether facing vicious criminals or complex cases, he can always keep a calm mind.
However, when that domineering aroma, a blend of meaty fragrance, seaweed freshness, and rich broth, spread from the kitchen like living tentacles, penetrating every nostril, his proud self-control began to falter.
He subconsciously pursed his lips, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly involuntarily, trying to conceal the physiological reaction that was about to overflow.
His gaze, involuntarily, drifted again and again towards the source of the aroma—the kitchen.
This was the first time he had formally stepped into Su Xiaonuan's home.
In my memory, she was still that little girl who followed behind them, these teenagers, gritting her teeth and not crying when she fell, and practicing her skills with more effort than anyone else.
It's been almost eight years since Senior Su Guangming sacrificed his life, hasn't it? And it's been more than ten years since his family moved away from that lively courtyard.
Time flies. That stubborn little girl from back then has now become independent and even possesses such amazing culinary skills.
Lu Zheng's thoughts drifted away until Su Xiaonuan walked out of the kitchen carrying a large wooden tray, her eyes crinkling with a smile, which brought him back to reality.
On the tray were five large bowls printed with cartoon cat patterns, filled with steaming hot wontons.
The paper-thin wonton wrappers reveal the tender pink meat filling inside. The soup is clear and bright, with emerald green scallions, deep purple seaweed, and golden shrimp floating on top. The enticing aroma rises and bursts forth from here.
Lu Zheng suddenly realized that she had been in the kitchen for so long because she knew they would all be "captured" by the aroma, and had prepared extra portions.
This meticulousness and...certainty stirred a strange ripple in his heart.
"Come on, come on, carry it yourself, be careful it's hot." Su Xiaonuan's voice was filled with laughter.
An Ran was the first to jump up. Her eyes sparkled like a child seeing a beloved toy. She quickly approached Su Xiaonuan, eagerly carrying two bowls. She placed one on the coffee table in front of Qin Haochu and held the other herself, giving Su Xiaonuan a sweet smile: "Nuannuan, you're the best!"
Seeing this, Fu Lilian timidly walked over, whispered her thanks, picked up a bowl, and quickly shrank back to the table.
Qin Haochu glanced at the bowl in front of him, then at An Ran, silently stood up, and walked towards the tray.
When everyone's gaze, whether overt or covert, fell upon Lu Zheng, who remained seated, he coughed lightly, stood up as if to cover his tracks, his face still expressionless. He didn't act coy at all, walked to the dining table, sat down opposite Fu Lilian, and said in a deep voice, "Thank you."
Su Xiaonuan was very satisfied with everyone's "self-discipline" and clapped her hands: "Let's eat!"
Almost the instant the spoon touched the rim of the bowl, that polite, slightly distant layer of ice was easily shattered by the delicious food.
Lu Zheng scooped up a wonton, carefully blew on it, and put it in his mouth.
With a gentle bite, the thin yet resilient wonton wrapper bursts open, releasing a burst of hot, savory juice that sizzles in your mouth. The rich aroma of pork and perfectly seasoned flavors instantly captivate every taste bud.
The wonton filling is pounded until it is very elastic, with a firm yet tender texture, creating a wonderful contrast in texture with the slippery wrapper.
The broth is the essence; it looks clear, but it's incredibly rich and flavorful. It's clearly made with high-quality ingredients and simmered for a long time. It's so fresh that it makes your tongue tingle, yet there's no bitterness from MSG.
He almost subconsciously ate one sip after another, and by the time he came to his senses, only clear soup remained in the bowl, not even the seaweed and scallions that were used for garnishing.
He actually... ate so out of control? Lu Zheng stared at the empty bowl, a rare look of surprise flashing across his usually stern face.
He had to admit that this was the most delicious and comforting bowl of wontons he had ever eaten in his life.
He looked up at Su Xiaonuan's slender back as she busily tidied up the kitchen, and his admiration for her grew stronger—her skills seemed to have improved since the last time he had tasted them.
Looking at the others, An Ran was already sweating from her snotty nose, leaning back on the sofa with a satisfied expression; Qin Haochu ate politely, but his bowl was clean, and his gaze toward the kitchen held an indescribable look of amazement; even Fu Lilian, who had been anxious, narrowed her eyes slightly, sipping her soup with small sips, a moment of peace on her face.
Su Xiaonuan deftly tossed the empty bowl into the dishwasher, wiped her hands, and came out dressed in casual clothes, her long hair neatly tied into a ponytail.
"I'm ready, let's go."
The group went downstairs, but parted ways there.
Lu Zheng needed to take Fu Lilian back to the station for a more detailed statement and arrangements. He looked at Su Xiaonuan, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he just nodded: "Be careful."
He then led Fu Lilian, who kept turning back to look at him, into the black SUV.
Su Xiaonuan then invited An Ran and Qin Haochu to her wooden four-wheeled stall cart, which had been upgraded by the system and now had a simple and unadorned appearance.
The interior of the vehicle is spacious, with kitchen utensils and ingredients arranged in an orderly manner, and there is even a small area for temporary rest.
The inkstone, the black cat sent by the system, was gracefully crouching in the cat bed in the passenger seat, its golden eyes shining brightly in the morning light, carrying a hint of scrutinizing arrogance.
"Nuan Nuan, are we... going to the hospital?" An Ran fastened her seatbelt and looked in the direction the car was heading, somewhat surprised.
She had assumed that Su Xiaonuan would go to a commercial area with higher foot traffic or near a school.
Su Xiaonuan skillfully steered the wheel, a soft smile curving her lips: "Yes, let's go near the Municipal Hospital. That way it will be convenient for you and Mr. Qin to take care of Grandpa An, and it won't take up too much time. I'm selling spicy squid today; business is about the same everywhere."
Upon hearing this, An Ran felt a warmth in her heart, and her nose even started to sting.
She hadn't expected Su Xiaonuan to have considered even such details.
She blinked hard to suppress the tears, but her voice was filled with even more obvious emotion: "Nuan Nuan! You're so thoughtful! Qin Hao Chu and I will be your free helpers today, and we'll make sure you sell all the squid you brought!"
Sitting in the back seat, Qin Haochu turned his gaze from the window to the back of Su Xiaonuan's head, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
His previous impression of Su Xiaonuan was mostly limited to "An Ran's good friend" and "a stall owner with excellent cooking skills," occasionally accompanied by a subtle, imperceptible scrutiny from the so-called "higher class."
But at this moment, this subtle thoughtfulness and consideration gave him a new understanding of this seemingly fragile girl.
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