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“Storytelling and product sales. It seems her daughter-in-law is quite capable.”
Chi Zhuo stood in the queue, looking ahead. "I reckon the wait will be about an hour. Aren't you hungry right now?"
Lin Tingyue clutched her stomach and smiled sheepishly, "I'm a little hungry, but I want to eat this."
"Then you can go eat first, and come back to buy this later."
"But……"
"Don't worry, you won't miss out on food." Chi Zhuo naturally took her hand and led her through the crowd. "I have a way to get you some. Right now, filling your stomach is the most important thing."
"Xipan Renjia" is the top choice for local food bloggers to explore.
The shop is small, located at the corner of an alley, with white walls and black tiles, wooden fences on both sides, and a sign hanging above it that clearly states the shop's name.
There's a small pet playground at the entrance, with cat trees and some homemade swings for the cats to climb.
Occasionally, some girls would excitedly squat down to take pictures, but they wouldn't disturb the little ones playing.
Lin Tingyue was immediately drawn to the scene upon arriving and couldn't resist taking out her phone to snap a couple of pictures.
"So cute!"
After taking the photos, she showed them off to Chi Zhuo, saying, "Look, isn't she so cute and well-behaved!"
Chi Zhuo nodded gently and led her through the doorway.
Welcome!
As soon as they entered, someone came to serve them.
How many of you are there?
"You two, the reservation is complete." Chi Zhuo took out his phone and opened the reservation information on WeChat.
The man glanced at it and immediately understood.
"Okay, please come up to the second floor."
Lin Tingyue followed the man to a private room by the window on the second floor. The wooden window was open, facing the babbling water. In the distance, there were figures on the stone bridge, noisy yet elegant.
The waiter handed over the menu, "What would you two like to eat?"
Lin Tingyue glanced at it first, then pushed it to Chi Zhuo, "You order, I'll do whatever you say."
Chi Zhuo looked at her, his gaze gentle. "Don't you have anything you'd like to order?"
"There are too many, it's dazzling. You choose. I have trouble making decisions, so it's hard for me to give an opinion."
"Okay." Chi Zhuo took the menu, quickly checked off a few dishes, and then handed it to the waiter.
"That's all. We'll add more if it's not enough, thank you."
"Okay, please wait a moment." After saying that, the waiter immediately went downstairs.
The first dish served was braised duck with dried bamboo shoots.
The rough earthenware bowl was brought out, and as soon as the lid was lifted, the steam carrying a rich aroma wafted out.
The soup is golden in color, and the duck meat is stewed until tender; the meat easily separates from the bone with a gentle touch of chopsticks.
The dried bamboo shoots soaked up the broth, becoming crisp and tender yet chewy.
“I heard that these bamboo shoots are wild bamboo shoots that the owner dug up from the back mountain in the spring,” Chi Zhuo ladled a bowl of soup for her. “They can be stored for a year after being dried, and the flavor becomes even more mellow. You should try some.”
Lin Tingyue blew on the steam and carefully took a sip.
The deliciousness of the duck soup instantly spread in my mouth, carrying the unique fragrance of dried bamboo shoots. The warmth went straight to my stomach, and the hunger and cold from queuing were completely dispelled.
"It tastes so good." She squinted her eyes in satisfaction.
"However, I don't believe you that the boss dug these bamboo shoots himself?"
"You can search for the name of this shop owner. Her story has been broadcast on the official website. She is a celebrity in Yunxi County. She used to sleep under a stone bridge to study. Her family used to own a factory. Her mother was a cook and her father made a living by selling baskets. Later, due to a natural disaster, her father went out and never came back. In order to support her studies, her mother went out every day to cook for people. In order to study more, she did not go home to sleep. Instead, she slept under the stone bridge closest to the school and went to school early before dawn."
Lin Tingyue was stunned when she heard the news. "That's incredible! Isn't it cold sleeping on a stone bridge? How can you even sleep there?"
"We've gotten to where we are today thanks to a strong belief."
After Chi Zhuo finished speaking, he looked at Lin Tingyue. "The owner of this shop is very clever."
Next up was a second way of cooking river fish.
A plate of pan-fried small fish, fried until golden brown and crispy enough to chew even the bones.
The other dish was steamed, with only a few slices of ginger and a little salt. The fish was so tender that it melted in your mouth, with a sweet taste like that of a stream.
“This is a special type of peach blossom fish from Yunxi,” Chi Zhuo said, pointing to the steamed dish. “Try it. When I was a child, I would secretly run to the river to catch fish.”
Lin Tingyue picked up a pan-fried small fish, crunched it down, and savored its aroma. "So, can you still catch fish now? Have you forgotten how?"
Chi Zhuo smiled. "Now, I need to be composed."
Lin Tingyue paused, looked at him, and said, "Tch, excuse. If you don't know how, just say you don't know how. Why make it sound so nice?"
Chi Zhuo remained silent, only chuckling to himself.
While we were chatting and laughing, the third dish, Artemisia annua glutinous rice balls, was served.
The bright green glutinous rice skin wraps around the red bean paste filling, which is soft, chewy, and has a unique fresh aroma of plants.
“This is dough made with the juice of tender artemisia,” Chi Zhuo picked up one. “There’s a saying here: ‘Artemisia in March, wormwood in April, firewood in May and June.’ It’s best to eat it during this short month.”
Lin Tingyue took a bite; it was sweet and refreshing, leaving a lingering fragrance on her lips and teeth. "How do you know so much about these things? You found such a detailed guide in just one night?"
Chi Zhuo smiled slightly, "Of course, I have a photographic memory."
Here we go again.
"Okay, you saw through me." Chi Zhuo carefully picked out the fish bones and placed the fattest fish meat into Lin Tingyue's bowl.
"It was Tingyuan who did the research. He sent me detailed information about the famous places here, including their background stories. I just followed the information."
Lin Tingyue's eyes widened. "Wow, you're on vacation and you're still making your assistant work? You're really exploiting your employees!"
"I'm on holiday but he's not, and he still gets paid as usual. Can you please stop making me sound so awful?"
"Hehe, you'll always have this kind of thought after watching too many videos."
"Watch fewer videos and read more books."
"Okay, head butler."
Chi Zhuo smiled but remained silent, only looking at her with doting eyes, then shook his head helplessly.
When I was about 70-80% full, I heard a slight commotion downstairs, mixed with a few soft meows from cats.
Lin Tingyue curiously peeked over and saw a woman holding a snow-white lion cat standing at the top of the stairs, surrounded by several children who seemed to be asking her something.
After the two paid the bill and went downstairs, Lin Tingyue could only hear their conversation when she reached the door.
"We're not selling here, we really aren't selling."
"Boss, my parents can pay any price."
"I'm sorry, these are my family members, they're not for sale."
"I see..."
Several children seemed a little disappointed, lingering by the fence and watching with reluctance.
The woman explained, "Yuntuan was injured when she was little and barely survived, so she's usually quite attached to me. She's only willing to come out recently because the weather has warmed up. So everyone can watch, but please try not to hug her, as it might scare her."
Just as Lin Tingyue was about to leave, she suddenly heard someone calling her.
"Miss Lin?"
She snapped out of her daze and slowly looked over, only to see a familiar face waving at her from the other side.
"Jiang Yan?"
Jiang Yan, dressed in an apricot-colored long dress and a light-colored coat, nodded to Lin Tingyue with an elegant demeanor.
"What a coincidence. Miss Lin, Mr. Chi."
Lin Tingyue was a little surprised, "What are you doing here? Are you here for tourism too?"
"No," Jiang Yan said with a smile, "I'm here to see Sister Lan."
After saying that, Jiang Yan called out to the woman who had just spoken, "Sister Lan!"
The woman turned around and was pleasantly surprised to see Jiang Yan.
"Yan Yan! You're back!"
"Sister Lan, these are my friends from Beijing, Miss Lin and Mr. Chi," Jiang Yan introduced with a smile. "This is the owner of this shop, Su Lan."
Su Lan smiled gently, "Excuse me, I'm holding my cat, so I won't shake your hands. Welcome to Creekside Home. How was the food? Did you enjoy it?"
"It's absolutely delicious," Lin Tingyue exclaimed sincerely. "Especially the braised duck with dried bamboo shoots. Chi Zhuo even told me the story of how you dug for bamboo shoots."
Su Lan was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, then smiled and said, "That's all in the past. Now I ask the local villagers to help me pick the bamboo shoots on the back mountain, because they know better where the tenderest bamboo shoots are."
She gently stroked the cloud in her arms, "Life is like cooking; when the heat is just right, the taste will naturally be good."
Jiang Yan then spoke up, "Why don't we find a place to sit down and talk?"
Afterwards, the four of them found a spot nearby to drink tea, basking in the warm sunshine.
Jiang Yan kept things simple, only mentioning how Lin Tingyue had helped her, without bringing up her own family matters. Lin Tingyue understood this but didn't expose her.
"I met Sister Lan when I first came here to do field research. I was young then and didn't know anyone in the area, so I was almost scammed. Thanks to Sister Lan for helping me, I was saved from being cheated."
Su Lan stroked the cat in her arms and said, "It's not easy being away from home, so we should help if we can. Besides, Yunxi has so many sponsors coming to discuss cooperation thanks to Yan Yan's influence outside."
Jiang Yan lowered her head shyly, "Sister Lan, I don't have any influence at all."
After Su Lan left, Jiang Yan finally revealed her true feelings.
"Actually, I came back this time to deal with some family matters, but they've been resolved. Since I live nearby, I thought I'd stop by and visit Sister Lan."
Lin Tingyue was happy for Jiang Yan, seeing that her spirits had improved considerably.
"You seem...to look a little different."
"What's different?"
Lin Tingyue looked at her carefully and said solemnly, "You have found yourself again."
Jiang Yan smiled and said, "Thanks to Miss Lin's help."
Lin Tingyue shook her head. "You've already introduced me as your friend, why are you still calling me Miss Lin? That sounds too formal."
Jiang Yan was taken aback at first, then smiled gently, "Thank you, Tingyue."
"Oh, right, wait a minute, I'm going to get something."
After saying that, Jiang Yan hurriedly left.
Half an hour later, a uniquely shaped dessert was served.
On a pristine white porcelain plate, a miniature stone bridge is sculpted from yam paste. Below the bridge flows pale purple taro paste, and inside the archway are soft and glutinous rice balls. A layer of fine coconut flakes is sprinkled on top, as if moonlight were falling on the stone bridge.
"So beautiful," Lin Tingyue exclaimed.
"Try it," Jiang Yan said expectantly.
Lin Tingyue scooped up a spoonful and put it in her mouth. The yam was sweet but not greasy, soft and delicious, and very comforting.
"Delicious!" she exclaimed sincerely.
Chi Zhuo also took a bite and nodded in praise: "It looks simple, but it actually requires profound skill."
Jiang Yan smiled with satisfaction, "I learned this dish from Sister Lan. It may not taste as good as Sister Lan's, but it is a specialty dessert of Yunxi and Sister Lan's original creation. I made it for you two today to express my gratitude to you."
Lin Tingyue shook the teacup in her hand and raised it.
"I appreciate your kind gesture. Cheers!"
"good."
A glint seemed to be dancing in Jiang Yan's eyes.
After their brief encounter, Lin Tingyue continued to wander around the town.
"It's amazing how we could run into each other like this."
Chi Zhuo took her hand: "Life is always full of unexpected twists of fate."
"Just like us?" Lin Tingyue asked playfully.
Chi Zhuo stopped and turned to face her, his gaze earnest: "No, it wasn't an accident. Even without that family-arranged meeting, I believe I would have found you at some time, in some place, and in some way."
“Let’s go back,” Lin Tingyue said, taking Chi Zhuo’s hand. “There shouldn’t be a queue at that pastry shop anymore.”
Chi Zhuo smiled and nodded, and the two walked hand in hand back the way they came.
Of all the flavors in the world, the most beautiful is the warmth of a cup of tea and a meal, and the companionship of a day and a night.
Returning to the original stall, there were indeed fewer people; they lined up in order.
The line moved quickly, and soon it was their turn.
The old woman tending the frying pan deftly rolled out dough, filled it with filling, and put it in the pan, the sizzling sound of the oil accompanied by the enticing aroma wafting through the air.
Lin Tingyue ordered two, took the piping hot pancakes, and couldn't wait to take a small bite.
The outer skin is fried until golden and crispy, while the filling of pickled mustard greens inside is savory and slightly spicy, making it very appetizing.
She squinted her eyes contentedly, a hot pancake in her mouth, and mumbled to Chi Zhuo, "Delicious! You should try some!"
Seeing her breathing out in pain from the heat but unwilling to stop, Chi Zhuo couldn't help but laugh. He lowered his head, took a bite of the pancake in his hand, and nodded, "It's really good."
After finishing the pancakes, the two strolled along the riverbank.
Not far along, we saw the sign for the Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival.
The main venue was set up in a spacious square, with various stalls and a constant flow of people.
Lin Tingyue was immediately drawn to a large bamboo art installation at the entrance.
A phoenix poised to take flight, each feather woven from thin bamboo strips, is so lifelike that it gleams with a warm luster in the sunlight.
"Wow, this is amazing!" She took out her phone and started taking pictures.
Further in, there are even more stalls.
Craftsmen demonstrated their exquisite bamboo weaving skills on site. With nimble fingers, a delicate little flower basket was already taking shape.
There was also a display of blue-and-white printed fabric, with traditional white patterns printed on the dark blue material, giving it a simple and elegant look.
There are also many other crafts, such as oil-paper umbrella making, handmade paper making, and clay sculpture, which are dazzling to the eye.
Lin Tingyue couldn't move from a tie-dye stall.
The pieces of dyed cloth hanging there, alternating between blue and white, with different patterns, resembled a blurred sky.
"Chi Zhuo, I want to try this."
The stall owner was a young woman dressed in ethnic clothing. She enthusiastically guided her on how to create different anti-dyeing effects on white cloth using rubber bands, sticks, and clips.
Lin Tingyue diligently learned, tying one knot after another, and then watched as the stall owner immersed her piece of art into the indigo dye vat.
While waiting, she pulled Chi Zhuo to look at the embroidery next to them.
When I returned, the stall owner had already washed, removed the seams, and unfolded the dyed fabric.
Irregular white patterns appear on the blue background, like ice cracks or clouds, unique and random, carrying the warmth of handmade.
"Beautiful!" Lin Tingyue held up her first tie-dye piece, admiring it with great delight.
Chi Zhuo looked at her excited and radiant profile, took out his phone, and quietly snapped a picture of her beaming smile.
As Lin Tingyue left the tie-dye stall, she spotted a live demonstration that was being watched by a large crowd.
An experienced craftsman was sitting on a small stool, intently working on some sheet-like materials that shimmered with a metallic sheen.
His fingers were rough but exceptionally steady as he gently tapped and carved on the materials with a small hammer and carving knife.
"That's... silver jewelry forging?" Lin Tingyue asked curiously as she leaned closer.
Only when you get closer can you see clearly that the master craftsman is working on a piece of silver, engraving intricate and beautiful lotus patterns on it, each cut precise and smooth.
Finished products were displayed on the adjacent shelf.
There are bracelets, rings, necklaces, and brooches.
Each piece is unique, imbued with a rich ethnic minority style, yet retains a modern aesthetic.
Lin Tingyue's gaze was firmly fixed on a brooch shaped like a ginkgo leaf.
The silver leaves have clear veins and smooth, rounded edges. A tiny pale green gemstone is cleverly inlaid at the petiole, making it fresh, elegant, and exquisite.
She was so engrossed in watching that she didn't notice Chi Zhuo whispering a few words to the master craftsman.
After a while, the master craftsman finished his work, looked up and smiled at Chi Zhuo, then picked up the ginkgo leaf brooch and handed it to him.
Chi Zhuo accepted the gift, thanked her, and turned to look at Lin Tingyue, who was still admiring other silver ornaments.
"Let's go, listen to it."
"Oh, okay." Lin Tingyue reluctantly withdrew her gaze and followed him away from the stall, muttering, "That ginkgo leaf brooch is so pretty, I wonder if it's for sale..."
Chi Zhuo stopped and turned to face her.
"What's wrong?" Lin Tingyue asked, puzzled.
Chi Zhuo opened his palm, and there lay the exquisite ginkgo leaf brooch, its surface shimmering with a warm glow in the afternoon sunlight.
"Here, take this."
Lin Tingyue was stunned. She looked at the brooch, then at Chi Zhuo's smiling eyes, and a surge of surprise instantly filled her heart: "When did you buy this?"
"Just as you were staring blankly at that bamboo basket," Chi Zhuo picked up the brooch and carefully pinned it to her shirt collar, examining it for a moment. "Hmm, it suits you very well."
The cool silver felt against my skin and quickly warmed up.
Lin Tingyue lowered her head and gently touched the outline of the leaf with her finger. Her heart felt filled with something sweet.
She looked up, her eyes crinkling with a smile: "Chi Zhuo, how can you be so good to me!"
Chi Zhuo took her hand, their fingers intertwined, and continued walking forward. "You only realize that now?"
"I already knew that!"
Lin Tingyue squeezed his hand back tightly, looking at the glittering silver at her collar, feeling that this trip had been full of surprises from the very beginning.
“I want to incorporate this trip into the new collection,” she suddenly said, her eyes shining with excitement. “Not simply replicating the patterns, but capturing these warm details.”
Chi Zhuo smiled and nodded: "You already have an idea."
“It’s not just inspiration, it’s finding my roots.” Lin Tingyue’s fingertips unconsciously traced lines on her knee. “No matter how perfect machine embroidery is, it lacks the breath of handmade embroidery. No matter how moving a piece is, it can never compare to the stories and warmth passed down within it!”
“Congratulations,” he said softly. “You’ve found your own language.”
“It’s not just my language,” she corrected, “it’s a sound we’ve discovered together.”
The journey may end, but the story will not. The beauty that is warmed by our own hands will eventually take root and blossom into an eternal flower in time.
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