Looking at the several delicious-looking dishes on the table, Zhou Yongli couldn't help but marvel. Although he already knew Mo Yuan was a skilled cook, he was still awestruck by what he saw. Mo Yuan not only cooked delicious food but also knew how to cook many different dishes, which greatly surprised Zhou Yongli. He thought to himself, "This young man seems to be capable of everything; he's truly admirable."
Zhou Yongli had dined in restaurants before, but the dishes Mo Yuan prepared were in no way inferior to those in restaurants. He even thought that if the chefs from the state-run restaurants in the county were to be judged, they might not be able to do a better job. The taste of these dishes was extremely tempting, something that ordinary restaurants could not provide. In addition, these dishes were all novel flavors that he had never tasted before, which made him look forward to them even more.
"Brother Mo Yuan, I truly admire you to the core! I never imagined you had such amazing skills yet! Back in the mine, you always prepared delicious meals for everyone in different ways. I thought you had already used up all your skills, but I never expected to be able to feast like this again today! Haha! Tell me about these dishes!" Zhou Yongli said excitedly.
Mo Yuan's face lit up with pride as he began to describe each dish in detail. "Everyone recognizes this stir-fried pork with chili peppers. This is called shredded pork with garlic sauce, made with pork and ingredients like wood ear mushrooms. This is called braised pork ribs, with a savory and rich flavor. This is called twice-cooked pork, a specialty of Sichuan..." As Mo Yuan introduced the dishes, Zhou Yongli became increasingly interested and couldn't wait to try them.
Regardless of how the dish is made from braised pork, the shredded pork itself is prepared using the Sichuan-style fish-fragrant shredded pork method.
Mo Yuan had originally planned to make shredded pork with sweet bean sauce, but seeing that he didn't have any fancy side dishes to use for it, he had to give up. Fortunately, he had some wood ear mushrooms that he had bought, which his older brother needed for his breakfast stall.
Mo Yuan had a sudden inspiration and put it to use, and sure enough, it worked as expected. These dishes weren't actually made in the authentic Shandong style, but nowadays, information was scarce, and chefs lacked opportunities to exchange ideas. Everyone was used to eating Shandong cuisine, so they were very interested in these new flavors.
Zhou Yongli, in particular, who was very knowledgeable, listened with great interest. After Mo Yuan finished his introduction, everyone was already eager to try it.
At this moment, Mo Yuan took the opportunity to bring out the liquor he had brought back for his father from the county and poured it for Zhou Yongli and the others. Faced with the temptation of the food in front of him, Zhou Yongli no longer stood on ceremony. He picked up his glass, took a sip, put it down, and eagerly picked up his chopsticks to start eating.
Soon, he began to praise it highly.
"Mmm, so delicious! These ribs, this twice-cooked pork, and this... what's it called again? Fish-flavored shredded pork is so good! This meat of yours tastes different from what I usually eat. Is it your secret recipe again?"
Zhou Yongli ate and talked, a satisfied smile on his face. Curious, he asked Mo Yuan for advice!
Seeing Zhou Yongli enjoying his meal so much, Mo Yuan was also very happy and quickly explained to him how to make braised pork in a clay pot.
Hearing that such a delicious dish required so many complicated steps to prepare, Zhou Yongli was even more grateful. He knew that Mo Yuan had prepared it with great care, so that he could taste the most authentic cuisine.
So, Mo Yuan raised his glass and sincerely said to Zhou Yongli, "Brother Zhou, as long as you like it, that's fine. I'm so grateful for your help and care these past few days; otherwise, I wouldn't have had such a great harvest! Come, let me toast you!"
Zhou Yongli quickly raised his glass in response, and the two drank it down in one gulp, their hearts filled with joy. For a moment, the guests and hosts were all in high spirits, raising their glasses to toast each other, their laughter and chatter filling the air.
The whole scene was lively and the atmosphere was harmonious.
Meanwhile, in Mo Yuan's room, Yu Xiu'e and Lin Xue were enjoying a sumptuous dinner.
In rural areas, there is a traditional custom that if unfamiliar guests come to a home, the women usually will not eat at the same table with them.
Lin Xue had been working in the countryside for many years, so she understood this point!
However, Mo Yuan had anticipated this and made special arrangements. He served each dish separately for Lin Xue to take back to her room to enjoy.
So, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law enjoyed various delicious dishes together in the room. Being alone, they didn't need to exchange pleasantries or formalities; they simply ate and chatted happily about the interesting stories that had happened that day, finding it all very relaxing. Although there was no wine on the table, their hearts were still filled with joy.
In such a warm and harmonious atmosphere, the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law becomes exceptionally harmonious.
Lin Xue couldn't help but sigh, "Although Yu Xiu'e sometimes appears very assertive, she is actually a kind-hearted person who is tough on the outside but soft on the inside."
Looking back, Lin Xue's opinion of her mother-in-law changed. She used to think her mother-in-law was somewhat domineering, but in the countryside, kindness is often taken advantage of, and being too agreeable isn't good either. Perhaps her mother-in-law's assertiveness outside was intentional.
During her years living in Xiaomozhuang, she witnessed many heated arguments between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, but she herself was able to maintain a good relationship with her mother-in-law, which made her feel very lucky.
In fact, not only her, but also her sister-in-law and mother-in-law had a very harmonious relationship, which was the envy of the neighbors.
Therefore, Lin Xue also remarked that, at least in Mo Yuan's family, there was no problem of discord between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.
Lin Xue happily enjoyed the delicious food in front of her, savoring this rare happiness.
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