Old Fan usually got along well with everyone. He was easygoing and cheerful, and liked to chat and joke with the miners. So when they saw him looking so smug today, no one was surprised. They just patiently waited to see what he had to say.
Some people chimed in, "Old Fan, you're usually so stingy, there's hardly any oil in your food, and when you do treat yourself, it's just a few slices of meat. What's up? You know everyone's been working hard, so you're showing some kindness today? It smells delicious, tell us, what are you eating?"
The others joined in the commotion, and Lao Fan, seeing the curious looks from everyone, was quite pleased with himself, a smug smile on his face.
He stood in the middle of the crowd and deliberately kept everyone in suspense, saying, "Take a guess, and I'll tell you if you guess right." Everyone tried to guess, but none of them could figure out what Lao Fan was thinking.
Finally, Old Fan mysteriously revealed the answer: "That's because our mine manager saw how hard we brothers were working, so he specially instructed the kitchen to prepare some good food for everyone. We specially purchased half a pig!" Hearing that there was meat to eat, everyone's interest was even higher. In fact, they could already smell the aroma of meat. Seeing Old Fan say this, they endured their hunger and wanted to continue to find out more. Little did they know that this half pig was not actually prepared especially for them; Old Fan had deliberately exaggerated and said that.
However, this didn't dampen everyone's enthusiasm; after all, the enticing aroma in the air was undeniable. Everyone was already quite impatient, some even starting to salivate.
Seeing this, Lao Fan added, "Don't worry, pork alone isn't enough. The mine even invited a master to help! This young brother Mo Yuan came especially to cook this meal for us. To be honest, even I, Lao Fan, am drooling! I guarantee you'll be satisfied with your meal!"
The other workers were already impatient and urged Lao Fan to stop with the pretense and hurry up and serve the food. They were starving, and their stomachs were growling loudly.
However, at that moment, Wang Qiang's expression changed somewhat after hearing Lao Fan's words. He thought to himself, "So this Mo Yuan is the young man Zhou Yongli mentioned to me before. I didn't expect him to have such abilities; he can not only mine but also cook."
Pressed by everyone, Lao Fan had no choice but to smile and wave his hand, indicating that he wouldn't keep them in suspense any longer, and immediately ordered the food to be brought out. Soon, bowls of steaming, fragrant noodles with minced meat sauce were placed on the table. Everyone's attention was instantly drawn to them, and they all picked up their chopsticks, ready to feast.
Everyone was starving, and seeing the delicious-looking noodles with meat sauce, they didn't hesitate and started wolfing it down. They ate so fast, as if afraid someone would take it from them, that in the blink of an eye, each of them had finished a large bowl of noodles.
After everyone had eaten something to fill their stomachs, they finally felt better and immediately told Lao Fan to continue cooking. Because none of them were quite full! Clearly, everyone had been won over by the noodles with meat sauce. With the first bowl to tide them over, they weren't in a hurry anymore and started chatting.
After Lao Fan brought out bowls of reddish-brown and fragrant braised noodles, everyone was no longer in such a hurry. Instead, they asked curiously, "Lao Fan, how do you make this braised noodle dish?"
With Mo Yuan absent, the task of introducing the project will definitely fall to Lao Fan again.
Old Fan enjoyed the feeling of being admired and was in high spirits. He immediately began to explain the specific steps of making the noodles with minced meat sauce to everyone.
"Let me tell you, this is called Saozi noodles. It's a specialty dish from the western provinces, something we've never seen here before. Brother Mo Yuan specially taught us how to make it, and I, Lao Fan, led the brothers to make it. The noodles are chewy, and most importantly, the sauce is delicious. You've all tried it; it has everything in it—sliced meat, egg skin, wood ear mushrooms, carrot slices, all sorts of ingredients. It's very tasty and nutritious. After all this hard work, a bowl of Saozi noodles is incredibly comforting."
Everyone listened with great interest to Lao Fan's explanation of how to make saozi noodles. In this era of inconvenient transportation and limited information, being able to taste delicacies from other provinces was a source of pride and conversation for everyone. Some people even started drooling as they listened.
Looking at the people's drooling expressions, Lao Fan couldn't help but feel a little amused. He knew how much these people craved and enjoyed food.
He then continued explaining how to make the minced meat noodles: "Making minced meat noodles requires some skill and patience. First, cut the meat into small pieces, then stir-fry it in hot oil until golden brown. Next, add seasonings such as scallions, ginger, and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant. Then add chopped vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, stir-fry evenly, add an appropriate amount of water, and simmer for a while until the broth is thick and flavorful. Finally, take out the cooked noodles, pour in the prepared minced meat broth, and sprinkle with chopped scallions. That's how you make a delicious bowl of minced meat noodles!"
After listening to Lao Fan's explanation, everyone nodded in understanding and praised his culinary skills. They also admired the method of preparing the dish provided by Mo Yuan. Although the others, except for Wang Qiang, didn't know who Mo Yuan was, the fairy had left a very good impression on them!
In their hearts, Mo Yuan's reputation was even higher than Lao Fan's, and he was synonymous with gourmet food!
They knew that only through years of practice and experience could one master such exquisite culinary skills. And Lao Fan, as an experienced chef, could only create such delicious food under Mo Yuan's guidance.
In this harsh environment, food has become a bright spot in people's lives. Being able to eat a bowl of fragrant noodles with minced meat sauce is the best comfort after a hard day's work!
This meal of noodles with minced meat sauce became the best memory of that time! It not only satisfied people's taste buds, but also brought everyone endless joy and emotion.
"No, no, I need another bowl!"
Everyone shared the same idea and quickly resumed their attack on the noodles with minced meat sauce. Everyone ate until they were stuffed. Wang Qiang ate three bowls before stopping, patting his bulging belly and feeling particularly comfortable!
Everyone was so full they were groaning. They usually couldn't eat this much, but this meal was just too extravagant for them.
After Wang Qiang finished eating, he gave everyone a few words of advice, telling them to rest quickly because he would have to take over the shift and continue the rescue later!
After resting for a while, everyone left for the rest area. Soon, everyone lay down and fell asleep, snoring loudly.
The strenuous physical labor has exhausted us!
Many people still unconsciously reminisce about this bowl of noodles in their dreams; it will linger in their memories for a long time!
…………
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