Chapter 62 Chocolate Brownies, Jasmine Tea
The second course: a rich and comforting chocolate brownie.
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
She took the brownie batter she had prepared the night before out of the refrigerator.
The batter is dark brown, thick and silky, and contains chopped high-quality dark chocolate chunks and chopped walnuts.
Pour the batter into a small square mold and smooth the surface. Bake in a preheated oven on the middle rack for about 25 minutes.
Soon, the rich aroma of chocolate burst forth from the oven, mingling with the delicate fragrance of tomato noodles to create a unique and mouthwatering atmosphere.
Once baked, the brownies are removed from the oven. The surface is slightly cracked, giving them a dry and crisp texture, while the inside remains moist and fluffy.
She patiently waited for it to cool slightly and set.
The third course: refreshing and palate-cleansing jasmine tea.
Take a small handful of high-quality dried jasmine flowers, put them into a transparent glass pot, and pour in hot water at around 85 degrees Celsius.
The dried flowers slowly unfurl and swirl in the water, releasing a delicate and lingering jasmine fragrance.
The light-colored tea soup is clear and bright, with a refreshing aroma.
When Zhao Liyue finished packing her luggage, took a quick shower, changed into a dry black tracksuit, and walked out of the room with a towel drying her wet hair, she was completely enveloped by the layers of fragrance that filled the air.
What a wonderful fragrance it was!
The first thing that hits you is the warm and comforting sweet and sour flavor of scrambled eggs with tomatoes, which evokes the deepest memories of home and stimulates your appetite.
Next comes the irresistible, rich and intense aroma of baked chocolate, with a warm sweetness that seems to soothe all fatigue;
Finally, a faint, elegant jasmine tea fragrance subtly balances the richness of the previous two notes, leaving the mouth watering.
These three distinct aromas coexist harmoniously in this small space, forming an invisible and highly alluring net.
Zhao Liyue was only a little hungry at first, but now she felt like there was a kitten scratching at her stomach, making her feel uneasy and empty.
Almost subconsciously, still somewhat dazed by the aroma, she followed the scent to the kitchen doorway.
Then she saw two bowls of noodles already set on the table.
The noodles were translucent white, soaked in a thick, bright red tomato and egg gravy, garnished with golden egg pieces, red tomato cubes, and green scallions. Steaming hot, the noodles were as vibrant in color as a still life painting.
On the small plate next to it were slices of dark brown brownie cake, the cross-section of which revealed a moist and dense interior with chocolate chunks and chopped walnuts embedded within.
Two cups of clear, bright tea, with a few white jasmine blossoms floating on top, are like the perfect supporting actors, quietly waiting.
Su Xiaonuan was washing kitchen utensils in the kitchen with her back to her.
Hearing footsteps, she turned around and saw Zhao Liyue standing at the door, her hair still wet, her eyes fixed on the dining table, her Adam's apple bobbing almost imperceptibly.
Su Xiaonuan smiled sweetly, wiped her hands with her apron, and said softly, "Sister Yue, are you all ready? Perfect timing, we can eat now."
The two sat down at the dining table.
Zhao Liyue first picked up the jasmine tea and took a small sip. The warm tea soup entered her mouth, and the fragrance of jasmine instantly spread in her mouth, washing away the last trace of irritability.
Then, she picked up her chopsticks and took a pinch of noodles.
The noodles, soaked in plenty of gravy, are then put into your mouth.
The first sensation is the smooth and chewy texture of the noodles themselves. Then, the natural, fresh, sweet and sour flavor of the tomatoes explodes on the taste buds, stimulating the appetite just right. The fluffy and soft scrambled eggs absorb the tomato juice, bringing a rich egg aroma and a moist feel. The occasional bite of chopped scallions provides a refreshing spiciness.
Each flavor was distinct yet blended together perfectly, warm and comforting, with a reassuring, homey quality, but far surpassing any bowl of tomato and egg noodles she had ever eaten.
Zhao Liyue paused, her eyes widening slightly, a look of disbelief flashing across her face.
She had lived for thirty-seven years, carried out all sorts of dangerous missions, and eaten many delicacies and Michelin-starred meals, but never before had a seemingly ordinary bowl of noodles struck her heart so directly.
It's a comforting and satisfying experience that goes from the taste buds to the soul.
She didn't even have time to speak, and took several more big bites, completely immersed in the simple yet exquisite flavor.
Looking at Zhao Liyue's transformation from a cold and aloof policewoman to a happy diner, Su Xiaonuan felt a surge of pride and satisfaction.
The culinary skills enhanced by the system are indeed an invincible "ice-breaking" magic weapon.
Then, Zhao Liyue took another bite of the brownie.
The outer crust is slightly crispy, while the inside is moist and creamy enough to almost melt on the tongue. The rich, bitter cocoa flavor is perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness, and the flowing chocolate lava and crunchy walnut pieces in the middle bring a rich texture.
The rich chocolate flavor brings a strong sense of happiness, and when paired with a sip of delicate jasmine tea, it is refreshing and perfect!
After a whirlwind breakfast, Zhao Liyue leaned back in her chair with satisfaction, watching Su Xiaonuan neatly clear the dishes. The unpleasantness of being forced to take on the task earlier had long since vanished, and she even felt... that the task seemed pretty good.
"Su Xiaonuan," Zhao Liyue said, her voice regaining its usual coldness, but her tone softening considerably.
"Hmm? Sister Yue, please speak." Su Xiaonuan turned around.
"What are your plans for today?" Zhao Liyue asked, her eyes filled with professional scrutiny, but the initial distance was gone.
"Oh, I have to set up a stall near the Nebula Aquarium today, I need to earn money." Su Xiaonuan blinked.
Zhao Liyue nodded, not surprised at all, clearly having done her homework before coming: "Okay. I'll come along. You can proceed with your activities as usual, and I'll be nearby to ensure your safety."
"Okay, thank you, Sister Yue." Su Xiaonuan readily agreed.
After breakfast, the two began their wonderful first day of "living together".
Su Xiaonuan began preparing for her stall, washing and cutting the ingredients needed for [Rufu Omelette Rice]: plump rice grains, tender chicken, sweet onions, carrots, peas, fresh eggs for making the smooth omelet, and various secret seasonings.
Zhao Liyue then checked her personal equipment again and, using her professional expertise, quickly familiarized herself with every corner of the apartment and the escape routes.
With everything ready, Su Xiaonuan put a carefully packaged serving of "juicy lobster balls" into an insulated bag—this was a gift she had promised to give to Xiao Liu from the property management office.
The two went downstairs together.
Su Xiaonuan rode her upgraded and brand-new silver-white four-wheeled RV, while Zhao Liyue followed behind in a very ordinary-looking black sedan.
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