Chapter 118 Roasted Lamb Leg
Well, Nuannuan is still young, so there's really no need to rush into thinking about these things.
Besides... even if Nuannuan never works, Anran can still support her!
After being comforted by her own "heroic" thoughts, An Ran stopped worrying and continued to help Su Xiaonuan.
Although the two women were speaking in low voices, Lu Zheng was not far away, and given his professional training and keen hearing, every word reached his ears.
"...They're just friends."
Upon hearing Su Xiaonuan's clear definition, Lu Zheng lowered his eyes, his thick eyelashes casting a small shadow beneath them, concealing the complex emotions that flashed through his mind.
He sighed almost imperceptibly to himself.
Yes, my friend.
He had clearly made up his mind long ago to protect her like a younger sister, to make up for the lost bond from his childhood, and to repay the kindness of Senior Su Guangming.
But why does his gaze always involuntarily follow her busy figure?
He would instinctively tense up when he saw her in danger, feel a lump in his throat when he saw her radiant smile, and even... the momentary flutter and panic he felt when she naturally took his arm just now clearly reminded him that some of his emotions seemed to be quietly deviating from their intended course.
This feeling was somewhat beyond his control.
Lu Zheng felt this was not good. He was used to being in control of everything, whether it was a case or his own life.
However… he looked up and glanced at Su Xiaonuan, who was busy at the stove, her forehead covered in fine beads of sweat but her eyes shining. The unfamiliar, tender feeling that arose because of her seemed… not so bad.
He will restrain himself.
Lu Zheng said to himself.
We will not let things go unchecked, nor will we overstep our boundaries.
Maintaining a just-right distance and protecting her like this... might be just fine.
In this way, it can be considered as a fair assessment of their brief but sincere childhood friendship.
Although she may have long forgotten that quiet, reserved boy.
Time flew by amidst Lu Zheng's complex inner turmoil and Su Xiaonuan's busy preparations.
As the sun finally sank below the horizon and the streetlights came on, the pedestrian street became visibly denser with people. The clamor of voices and the flashing neon lights formed the unique background music of the city night.
It was 6 p.m., which was dinnertime.
Su Xiaonuan's preparations are basically complete.
She first roasted a small portion of lamb leg, intending to solve the dinner problem for the three of them.
As the lamb leg, which has been massaged for a long time and fully absorbed the essence of vegetables and spices, is roasted at high temperature in a custom-made oven, the skin gradually turns golden and crispy, and the juices inside are locked in, making an enticing "sizzling" sound. The domineering and rich aroma of roasted meat, mixed with the unique aroma of rosemary and garlic, explodes like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, forcefully sweeping across the entire street corner!
"Plop—"
I don't know who swallowed first.
Pedestrians who were originally hurrying along slowed down unconsciously, their noses seemingly drawn by invisible threads, as they inhaled the alluring fragrance in the air.
The first person to be "captured" by the aroma was a young man who had just finished get off work, wearing sportswear and carrying a gym bag.
He originally planned to have dinner at the salad shop next door, but the aroma of the grilled meat was so enticing that he inexplicably followed the scent to Su Xiaonuan's stall.
Then he saw Lu Zheng and An Ran sitting on small stools, holding disposable lunch boxes containing freshly roasted lamb leg meat that was still sizzling with oil, golden brown and crispy, and smelled delicious.
The two were engrossed in their meal, especially An Ran, who was completely oblivious to her appearance, her lips smeared with oil, but she looked blissfully satisfied.
The young man's gaze instantly fell upon the torn lamb leg, revealing its tender, juicy flesh. His Adam's apple bobbed, and his eyes were filled with an undisguised, wolf-like desire.
He just stared at me, not saying a word, his pitiful eyes seeming to say, "Give me a bite, just one bite..."
Su Xiaonuan was gnawing on a piece of caramelized bone when she looked up and met a pair of "extremely eager" eyes, and almost burst out laughing.
She quickly finished the meat in her hand, wiped her mouth and hands, stood up and walked to the stall, smiling as she asked, "Handsome, would you like one? Today's specialty is our secret-recipe roasted lamb leg."
The young man was about to nod subconsciously, but halfway through nodding, he seemed to suddenly remember something. A look of struggle appeared on his face, and he shook his head vigorously. His eyes darted back and forth between the fragrant lamb leg and his gym bag. He slumped down, like a large, abandoned dog. His conflicted appearance was truly hilarious.
Su Xiaonuan glanced at his sportswear and gym bag, and suddenly understood.
She immediately changed her expression, putting on a professional and reliable smile, and began to "explain": "Handsome, are you controlling your diet while working out? Actually, lamb is a very good source of protein, especially lean lamb leg meat. It has a relatively low fat content and is rich in high-quality protein and amino acids. Combined with night running or strength training, you can definitely achieve 'losing weight with meat' without worrying about gaining weight. The seasonings I use are also very healthy, mainly natural herbs and sea salt."
Upon hearing this, the gym guy's eyes lit up instantly, and his gaze towards Su Xiaonuan became several degrees more intense, as if he had found a kindred spirit!
He asked eagerly, "Boss! You know about fitness too? You're so right! My trainer said the same thing! But the barbecue sold outside is too oily, I don't dare to eat it..."
Su Xiaonuan nodded calmly, skillfully cutting and weighing the meat for him while replying casually, "Yes, I know a little. I used to work out, so I pay attention to diet and nutrition."
The two immediately hit it off on the topic of "how to eat delicious and healthy fitness meals".
The gym-goer was even more convinced when he saw Su Xiaonuan's petite yet subtly powerful figure.
Lu Zheng, standing to the side, held a lunchbox with only a few pieces of meat left. He watched as Su Xiaonuan "conquered" a potential customer with just a few words and chatted enthusiastically. He silently chewed on the tender lamb in his mouth, his eyes filled with a thoughtful expression.
This little girl knows quite a lot, and she's quite adept at conning people... oh no, I mean, at doing business.
Soon, Su Xiaonuan sold her first roasted lamb leg of the day, which was generously filled with ingredients and had a wonderful aroma.
The gym-goer took the takeout box, couldn't wait to take a bite, and was instantly captivated by the crispy outside and tender inside, savory and flavorful taste, with no fishy or gamey smell, only a mouthful of meaty aroma and layered spices. He nodded repeatedly, still wanting more, and decisively took out his phone to add Su Xiaonuan's work WeChat, saying that he would order often in the future. Only then did he leave with his "fitness feast" completely satisfied.
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