Chapter 84 New Year's Eve Dinner
After getting their hair cut, Tang Yiyi and Xiao Yu went to a photo studio and took some pictures. Xiao Yu went from being reserved at first to being quite relaxed and at ease later on.
After receiving the photo, she bought a frame and mounted it.
It took me more than ten minutes to get home.
After dinner, Tang Yiyi washed the dishes and chopsticks.
A moment later, there was a knock on the door.
It turned out to be Grandma Li. She stood at the door and said, "Yiyi, Grandma will help you prepare the New Year's Eve dinner."
"Thank you for your hard work, Grandma. I'll give you a big red envelope later," Tang Yiyi said with a smile.
"Don't mention it, Grandma has experience in preparing New Year's Eve dinner."
Tang Yiyi first cleaned the stove and kitchen utensils.
The whole old hen was bought, and after the vendor cleaned it, it was rinsed and blanched. Tang Yiyi put scallions and ginger in the pot, and poured in some cooking wine. This helps remove the blood and foam from the chicken, and also removes the fishy smell.
Place the blanched hen in a pressure cooker, add an appropriate amount of water, cover the pot, and cook over high heat. After a while, turn the heat down to low.
After simmering for nearly two hours, Tang Yiyi lifted the lid and added red dates and goji berries.
Grandma Li helped pick and wash the vegetables with practiced ease.
Once the hen was stewed, she poked it with chopsticks and found it was tender enough. She added a little salt to taste. The key to stewing chicken soup is freshness, so she used as few seasonings as possible to bring out the original flavor of the food.
Tang Yiyi made incisions in the fish, sprinkled it with salt, poured in cooking wine and some seasonings to marinate the fish, making it more flavorful.
Stuff the cut fish belly with slices of scallions and ginger to remove the fishy smell.
Next, Tang Yiyi used the prepared sauce, took a brush, and evenly brushed it on both sides of the fish. She then sprinkled it with five-spice powder and cumin powder for seasoning, and put it in the oven with a baking tray on the bottom rack to catch the dripping oil.
After baking for nearly half an hour, the aroma filled the entire kitchen.
The rich aroma of fish lingered in the air, refusing to dissipate.
Grandma Li smelled the aroma and swallowed hard. "This fish smells so good!"
A fish grilled to perfection is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and sprinkled with cilantro and chopped green onions—it looks and smells delicious!
"We still need to cook a few more big dishes, and Grandma's whole family will come up for the New Year's Eve dinner later." This is just the prelude to the New Year's Eve dinner; the real feast hasn't been prepared yet.
The grilled fish has a beautiful color, with a golden and crispy outer skin and a portion of snow-white and delicate fish meat showing through.
Later, Grandma Chen and Song Man also came to help, and Tang Yiyi was pleasantly surprised and very touched.
Grandma Li smiled and said, "Everyone's here, let's all give it our all!"
Tang Yiyi also roasted pigeons, braised beef, and stir-fried lamb with cilantro...
The roasted pigeon has an amber-colored surface with a glossy sheen, and it looks very translucent up close, making it extremely tempting.
Just as we finished preparing the New Year's Eve dinner, fireworks started going off outside.
Amidst the dazzling fireworks, excited shouts and screams filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere.
The room was warm and inviting under the warm orange light.
This was the first time Xiaoyu hadn't gone to sleep this late. Tang Yiyi asked, "Xiaoyu, are you sleepy?"
"Not sleepy~", Xiaoyu replied crisply, very excited.
The fireworks were so beautiful.
"Grandma, Xiaoman," Tang Yiyi stood up and picked up her drink, "Thank you for your hard work today."
"You're welcome," they all smiled at each other.
It tastes best when it's hot, so Tang Yiyi divided the roasted pigeon among everyone. The pigeon was roasted perfectly, with a crispy and fragrant skin, and plenty of juice inside, making it incredibly delicious and unforgettable.
Its broth is slightly salty; with a firm chew, the rich juices burst in your mouth. The pigeon is plump and meaty, with a hint of oiliness, all of which go into your mouth together...
"This roasted pigeon is enough for me to savor for days!" Song Man exclaimed, opening her mouth wide in an exaggerated manner. Even though her mouth was full of oil, she didn't stop eating.
After finishing the roast pigeon, everyone's eyes naturally turned to the grilled fish. Who wouldn't be tempted by its golden, crispy skin?
The aroma of fish and soy sauce blends together, instantly whetting the appetite. The fish has a subtle charred fragrance, and with simple seasoning, the fish meat tastes sweet and fresh, with a long-lasting and delicious flavor that lingers on the palate.
The television was playing in the living room, and the New Year's bells were ringing.
The host on the screen is counting down to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
Everyone was looking down, drinking beverages or eating food.
Grandma Li drank her chicken soup in silence. The soup had an enticing pale yellow hue, and its aroma lingered. It tasted slightly sweet and was incredibly fresh! That freshness was long-lasting, lingering on the tongue and teeth.
The chicken is very chewy, juicy, and has a rich flavor that gets better with every bite.
Grandma Chen praised, "Delicious! Xiao Yi's cooking is really good!"
Everyone originally intended to try it once and then stop, but once they tasted it, they couldn't resist eating two bowls of rice.
After the New Year's Eve dinner, everyone said goodbye and left.
Tang Yiyi got up to see them off, but was so sleepy she could barely keep her eyes open, so she quickly went back to her room to catch up on sleep and rest.
During the Spring Festival, Tang Yiyi took Xiaoyu to visit many relatives and neighbors, and also went back to her hometown to sweep the graves of the original owner's parents.
After arranging the items, I looked at the photos on the tombstone and said, "Xiaoyu, these are Dad, Mom, and Grandpa."
Xiaoyu seemed to understand what she meant and began to speak, "Dad, Mom, and Grandpa, Xiaoyu is very happy now. My sister works very hard every day. Xiaoyu needs to be sensible and grow up quickly. Don't worry about Xiaoyu's studies. My teacher has praised me several times..."
As she spoke, Xiaoyu's tears fell like beads from a broken string.
Tang Yiyi solemnly assured, "Don't worry, I will take good care of Xiaoyu until he grows up. Also, I will keep the restaurant open so that more diners will be satisfied and fall in love with the taste of the restaurant."
The next day, they returned to Huai City, and the familiar city invigorated them.
On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, Tang Yiyi was thinking about the restaurant. With the new semester starting, the restaurant would have to open a few days earlier than usual. What kind of dishes should she prepare, and also...
A knock suddenly sounded at the door, but she didn't hear it before Xiaoyu went to open it.
"Hello, Xiaoyu," the deep, familiar voice rang out again, and Tang Yiyi subconsciously stood up and walked towards the door.
Xiao Yu called out in a clear, melodious voice, "Brother."
"Why did you bring so many things?" Tang Yiyi was a little surprised to see Ji Ze carrying so many bags.
To everyone's surprise, Ji Ze smiled gently and said, "Happy New Year, Tang Yiyi."
Hearing this, Tang Yiyi was a little embarrassed. "Come here quickly."
After brewing the tea, I brought it to Ji Ze.
He was dressed casually and acted nonchalantly, unlike his formal appearance on the school anniversary, but his handsomeness was still undeniable.
Xiaoyu blinked, looking at him curiously. This older brother had been to the restaurant several times and seemed to know the older sister. The older sister was also very nice to this older brother.
"What are your plans after the New Year?" Ji Ze suddenly asked, his eyes questioning.
"Work hard to earn money to open a restaurant so Xiaoyu can go to school," Tang Yiyi thought seriously for a moment, and it seemed like that was all.
"Then I..."
Seeing his lips move slightly, Tang Yiyi quickly interrupted and asked, "How's the company doing lately?"
"The mini-game sold over ten million copies as soon as it was released and is very popular with netizens," Ji Ze replied, still very gently.
In the evening, Tang Yiyi cooked and invited Jize to eat at home.
Ji Ze rolled up his sleeves. "It's truly my honor to taste the chef's cooking. I'll help out."
The word "chef" almost made Tang Yiyi blush.
Fortunately, Tang Yiyi was used to cooking and had asked Ji Ze about his dietary restrictions, so he assisted her.
Xiaoyu was lying at the kitchen doorway, watching this scene.
Tang Yiyi lit the stove and heated the pot, tied on her apron, and waited for the water in the pot to evaporate before pouring in the oil, followed by the ingredients. She didn't even know when Ji Ze left.
After the five dishes and one soup were prepared, Ji Ze came over to serve them.
Thinking about her cooperation with him just now, Tang Yiyi felt a little awkward.
At this moment, Xiaoyu came over and took the bowls and chopsticks.
The dishes prepared were simple and couldn't compare to the gourmet meals Ji Ze had eaten. To be honest, Tang Yiyi was a little uneasy and couldn't help but watch Ji Ze's reaction.
Ji Ze looked like he had a good appetite, and his Adam's apple bobbed as he said, "It smells so good, it must be delicious."
"Brother, try my sister's cooking, it tastes great!" Xiaoyu said proudly.
After finishing cooking, Tang Yiyi looked tired. At this moment, Ji Ze used serving chopsticks to put some food on her plate.
He still remembered her tastes.
The braised pork knuckle had a savory aroma. Ji Ze tried a piece and found it to be fatty but not greasy. The fatty meat melted in his mouth, making it incredibly smooth, while the lean meat was very chewy.
Served with the prepared dipping sauce, the aroma of the meat is infused with the fragrance of soy sauce, giving the braised pork knuckle a unique flavor.
The outer skin has a uniform and beautiful color, it is bouncy and smooth when you bite into it, the soft meat is moist and just right, the lean meat is fresh and tender, and it tastes very delicious.
Xiaoyu didn't even use chopsticks anymore; he just ate with his hands, his face covered in oil.
Tang Yiyi couldn't help but smile, picked up a tissue, and wiped his face.
It finally looks much better and more pleasing to the eye.
Ji Ze was quite full. "Xiao Yu, do you want to go to the supermarket?"
"Is it okay, brother?" Xiaoyu asked, his clear black and white eyes wide open.
"No need for that, senior," Tang Yiyi quickly said upon hearing this.
Ji Ze looked at her and said, word by word, "Then let's go together."
Tang Yiyi considers herself to have done her best in taking care of Xiaoyu. She had no experience in her previous life, but through continuous learning, she has learned how to take care of people.
It was only when she went to the supermarket that she realized how thoughtful Ji Ze was.
The group went to a large supermarket near the neighborhood. When they started browsing the household goods section, Tang Yiyi slowed down. She saw cute bear slippers and wanted to buy them for Xiaoyu. She also bought toothpaste and a toothbrush. Ji Ze was better at choosing than her. He had asked the saleswoman beforehand if they were suitable for children.
The saleswoman stared at the family of three, noting how good-looking they were all.
"Shall I take a picture of your family?"
Tang Yiyi immediately tried to explain, "We're not..."
Her embarrassment was visibly obvious.
Walking to the snack area, I noticed Xiaoyu's face was all smiles. "Xiaoyu, go get the snacks yourself."
"You don't want to take it?" Ji Ze suddenly walked up to her side, silently.
Tang Yiyi was still being stubborn, saying, "I'm an adult, I don't need to."
As soon as he finished speaking, Ji Ze picked up a box of chocolates and put it in the shopping cart.
It's her favorite dessert brand.
Since she was shopping, she naturally had to buy clothes too. Although she had bought two outfits for Xiaoyu before the New Year.
The clothes around her were beautiful and varied, and Tang Yiyi still knew how to choose clothes.
Unexpectedly, Ji Ze directly held up the clothes in front of Xiao Yu and asked the sales assistant questions, looking very much like a stay-at-home dad.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com