Chapter 17 Not an unwanted child
Cai Yongde had a very difficult time these past few days. The night before last, after Cai Yang cried and made a fuss, he finally decided to come to town to pick up Song Xinwen.
In his mind, Song Xinwen should be grateful to him as soon as he saw him, and would rush down the steps to pack his things and go home with him.
After all, the two women in town didn't have jobs. What would they eat?
But the truth is, the next day, as soon as Cai Yongde got off work, he went home and took Cai Yang on a motorcycle to town. However, the father and son drove around the town but couldn't find anyone.
Lingde Town is small; it takes less than an hour to walk around it. Cai Yang burst into tears, sat down on the ground, and cried out for his mother while wiping away his tears.
There were so many people in town that Cai Yongde was so embarrassed that he quickly took the chubby boy back.
Back home, Cai Yang wouldn't stop asking Cai Yongde if his mother wasn't coming back. Cai Yongde gritted his teeth and said, "How could that be! It must be because it's too late today!"
So today, Cai Yongde took a day off and brought Cai Yang to town to look for someone this morning.
Today they not only searched, but also asked, and before they had asked many people, they met the person in question.
Cai Yongde breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that someone would finally feed the livestock and he could have a hot meal when he got home. But he didn't show it on his face. When he saw Song Xinran standing next to him, he frowned, deliberately looked away, and said in a deep voice, "Hurry up and go home. You're making a fool of yourself outside all day."
Cai Yongde still remembered Song Xinran's scolding of him and held a grudge. He thought that even if he went back this time, he would have a good talk with Song Xinwen. His sister was really sharp-tongued and didn't know how to be filial or respectful.
When Song Xinwen saw Cai Yang, he was initially happy, but upon hearing Cai Yongde's words, his joy immediately diminished by more than half, and his face fell: "Disgraceful? What's so disgraceful about me?"
Cai Yongde didn't expect Song Xinwen to dare to talk back to him, and his face darkened: "You, a woman with a man and children, live at your sister's house all day long, going up and down with a widow, forgetting about your own home. What else is this but shameful!"
Song Xinwen's anger flared up instantly. It turned out that Cai Yongde would occasionally curse like this at home, using very offensive language, but Song Xinwen had always tolerated it. However, she couldn't bear it now: "Xinran is better off than me even if she's a widow! I have a man and a family, and I work myself to the bone every day at home but don't get a single good word in return. Getting money is harder than climbing to heaven! My sister doesn't have a man, but she can earn her own money. My man is practically dead; he does nothing at home but asks for clothes and food. My sister is living a much better life than me!"
Cai Yongde's eyes widened in shock, his face flushed with anger. He couldn't believe that Song Xinwen, who usually wouldn't dare to argue with him much at home, had changed so drastically today, daring to say that he was no different from being dead, thus trampling his male pride underfoot.
"Say it again!"
Song Xinwen: "I'll say it ten more times and it'll all be the same. You still say it's shameful? You're the shameless one! You're here and you still act like you're asking for trouble. At home, you always want to wear this and that, and you yell at people if your clothes are washed a little late. Today, why are you even wearing unwashed clothes?"
Having lived with Cai Yongde for five or six years, Song Xinwen knew him inside and out. He could tell at a glance that the clothes Cai Yongde was wearing had been worn before; they were wrinkled like pickled cabbage, and if you got close, you might even be able to smell them.
Cai Yongde could hardly believe his ears. When did Song Xinwen become so sharp-tongued?
Before he could finish speaking, Song Xinwen interrupted, "I work for Xinran and she pays me, but what do you give me? You give me nothing but to suffer!"
Song Xinwen got angrier and angrier as he spoke. He originally just wanted to vent his anger by cursing a few words, but when he started talking about the past, he felt a surge of resentment. After a long rant, he realized that they were in town now. Although it wasn't market day, there were still shops and houses around. Xinran was setting up a stall in town, and her business was booming.
Song Xinwen quickly stopped: "Let's talk about it when we get back!"
Cai Yongde, however, was not having it. He felt that Song Xinwen's words meant he was bowing down and going home with him, and he even put on airs: "You can go back, but you should have less contact with your sister in the future. She hasn't learned anything good from you!"
He turned to Cai Yang and said, "Cai Yang, take your mother home."
Song Xinwen looked incredulous, almost thinking she had misheard. She thought she meant going home to Xinran's place, not to stand outside and be laughed at. What was Cai Yongde thinking? He thought she meant going back to that rural hometown, and even spoke with more force.
Song Xinwen originally had the idea of going back, but upon hearing this, she immediately gave up. If she wanted to go back now, she would suffer even more humiliation.
"Go back," Song Xinwen said coldly. "I'm not going back."
Cai Yongde's eyes widened: "What did you say??"
Song Xinwen: "I'm not going back."
Cai Yongde was furious. They had argued many times in the five or six years they had been married, but this was the first time he had backed down and even came to Song Xinwen to give her a way out, but she refused!
If you dare to criticize him now, you'll be able to lord it over him in the future!
Cai Yongde shouted with a dark face, "Cai Yang, come here!"
Cai Yang refused to leave, grabbing Song Xinwen's leg and shouting, "I don't want to! I want to stay with my mom!"
Seeing this, Cai Yongde became even angrier and blurted out, "Your mother doesn't want you anymore, what are you still doing here? She'll drag you away and sell you off sooner or later!"
Cai Yang burst into tears: "I don't want to! Don't sell me! Don't sell me! Mommy, don't abandon me!"
Children don't understand the threats adults make when they're angry. They just believe it's true and that they'll be motherless from now on, which scares Cai Yang so much that he cries loudly.
Song Xinwen felt a pang of heartache and quickly comforted her, "Xiaoyang, don't cry. Mommy doesn't abandon you."
She turned and glared at Cai Yongde. She had been tolerant of him before because she thought he was good to the children, but now even that one good quality was gone.
Cai Yang cried uncontrollably.
Song Yu was also frightened. Looking at Cai Yang's red face from crying, he felt very sad. His uncle had told him many times that if he didn't listen, he would be sold. Every time he heard this, Song Yu was always very scared.
He felt that Xiao Yang must be scared, so he whispered to comfort him, "Little Yang, don't cry. You can stay with Mommy too."
He thinks it's very, very good, just like him.
Unexpectedly, Cai Yang turned around and shouted, "I don't want to be like you, without a father and unwanted by anyone. I have a father!"
Song Yuxin was instantly struck a nerve, feeling very uncomfortable. He pursed his lips and remained silent.
Song Xinwen, who had been softened by Cai Yang's crying, hardened his heart upon hearing this and pushed Cai Yang away, saying, "You have a father, you go with your father!"
Previously, Song Xinwen only thought Cai Yang was a bit mischievous, but that's how rural kids are, so he didn't think much of it. But now, hearing Cai Yang's words, he realized they really hit home.
Moreover, Song Yu came to comfort him out of kindness.
She glared at Cai Yongde again, blaming him for corrupting Cai Yang!
Cai Yang burst into even louder sobs, clinging to her tightly and refusing to let go.
Cai Yongde became even more enraged. He strode over, grabbed Cai Yang, and slapped him across the buttocks: "What do you want a mother for! Come with me!"
Cai Yang cried miserably, but the child's strength was no match for the adult's, and he was still dragged away.
Upon seeing this, Song Xinwen's eyes reddened. He quickly walked over, handed the clothes he had bought for Cai Yang to him, and then turned back.
Cai Yang was quickly dragged away by Cai Yong, but the child's devilish cries still seemed to echo in their ears. Song Xinwen wiped his eyes and looked at Song Yu: "Xiao Yu, your brother didn't mean it. Can you forgive him?"
Song Yu's lips moved, but before she could speak, Song Xinran grabbed her hand.
"Sister, this is a matter between Xiao Yu and Cai Yang. Let the child decide whether to forgive or not."
"Let's go home first." She looked a little serious as she took Song Yu's hand and walked forward.
Song Xinwen felt a pang of panic and some distress: "Xinran, that's not what I meant..."
Cai Yang is her child. As his mother, she should apologize for him if he said something wrong. As for the later "forgive me," it's just what everyone says, and she doesn't think there's anything wrong with it.
Song Xinran said, "I know, sister, let's go home first."
On the way home, Song Yu was in low spirits, holding Song Xinran's hand tightly and keeping his head down the whole time.
As soon as they got home, Song Xinran took Song Yu into the room. Sitting on a low stool, she saw the little boy's slightly red eyes.
"Mom," he called softly.
Song Xinran held his little hand and said gently, "Xiao Yu, don't be sad. Even without a father, Xiao Yu has a mother. Mom will always be with Xiao Yu."
Song Yu's eyes reddened even more, and he sniffed, "I don't want my uncle's father."
Song Xinran wanted to laugh a little and asked him if he knew how old his uncle's father was.
But she understood what the child meant; he didn't want a father like his uncle.
He is a smart child. He only understood a little bit of what his aunt and uncle were arguing about, but he understood a lot of what his uncle used to say to him. He only wants his mother and doesn't want any other fathers.
Song Xinran stroked his soft black hair: "Okay, don't be a father like your uncle. Xiao Yu can have whatever he doesn't want."
Song Yu stared at her quietly with her red eyes. After a few seconds, she suddenly pouted and asked in a small, tearful voice, "Mommy, am I an unwanted child?"
Song Xinran felt a pang of pain in her heart. She leaned over and hugged the child's soft body: "How could that be? Xiao Yu is clearly a child that many people want. Aunt Huang only met Xiao Yu for the first time that day, and she already wanted Xiao Yu to come to her house to play."
"Aunt Fang, who also came to buy Bobo Chicken, said that Xiao Yu is very cute, and that it would be great if there was a child as cute as Xiao Yu."
Song Yu was indeed very likable, especially after he got a haircut and wore new clothes that fit him well. His black hair was soft, his features were delicate, and his eyes were dark and bright. The older people who came to buy pot-boiled chicken liked to tease him.
He has a good temperament. Sometimes when he accidentally gets pushed and falls, he doesn't cry or make a fuss. He gets up by himself, dusts himself off, and wants to continue helping.
Hearing these words, Song Yu's face flushed slightly. She lowered her head, stopped crying, but her eyes were still red: "I don't want to go to other aunties' houses."
He whispered, "I only stay at my mother's house."
Song Xinran said, "Then don't worry, Xiao Yu. No one will let Xiao Yu go. Xiao Yu is my child."
"When Xiaoyu was still in her mother's belly, her mother had a dream. In the dream, there were many, many children in the sky, and also many, many other mothers. Her mother wanted to choose a favorite child, so she spent a long time picking one..."
Song Yu tilted her little face up, her red eyes fixed on her, completely absorbed in the story, eagerly anticipating what would happen next.
Song Xinran smiled slightly and continued, "I looked for a long time and met many children. Finally, I saw Xiao Yu. I knew at a glance that it was my child. But Xiao Yu was so popular. There were many other mothers around who wanted Xiao Yu to be their baby. I went through a lot of trouble and beat everyone to win Xiao Yu over. So Xiao Yu is my baby now, and I will never abandon Xiao Yu."
Song Yu's eyes widened, and she threw herself into Song Xinran's arms: "Is that really true, Mom?"
The child's tone was one of utter surprise.
Song Xinran nodded seriously: "Of course it's true, so Mom really went to great lengths and made a lot of effort to get Xiao Yu to be my baby."
Song Yu's eyes sparkled, and she buried her head in her arms, feeling a little embarrassed.
"I love my mom the most too." His voice was muffled and unclear.
Song Xinran overheard this and deliberately asked, "Did Xiao Yu also work very hard to become a mother's baby?"
Song Yu raised her head, her round eyes looking particularly serious: "Yes! I also defeated many little babies, and it was only after becoming a super invincible warrior that I saw my mother!"
Song Xinran couldn't help but laugh and gently pinched the little cub's soft cheek.
"I'm not an unwanted child," Song Yu murmured to herself. At this moment, the sadness and timidity on her face were gone, and she looked much happier.
Song Xinran nodded seriously: "Of course not."
Song Yu said, "My uncle said that my name, Song Yu, is superfluous and no one wants me."
He was too young to understand the extra meaning, but he knew what it meant when no one wanted him, and he was very sad. His name was given by his parents, but did his parents not want him either?
He cried for a long time afterward, and when he woke up the next day, his eyes were swollen and his vision was blurry.
Song Xinran said, "That's not the case. The 'Yu' in Xiao Yu's name means 'abundance year after year.'"
"Mom, what does 'May you have abundance every year' mean?"
"It means having a prosperous life and abundant wealth. I hope that every year I will have more food to eat and more money to spend."
Song Yu understood the second half of the sentence and became much happier. This was a very, very good life.
Song Xinran said, "When Xiao Yu was born, our family had nothing, not even enough rice. His parents hoped that Xiao Yu would have a good life in the future and not have to worry about food and clothing, so they named him Song Yu, which is a very beautiful wish."
Song Yu stared wide-eyed, unblinking. He understood. He wasn't an unwanted or superfluous child; his parents loved him dearly!
He gripped his mother's hand tightly and nodded vigorously: "I understand!"
He seemed to have thought of something and said, "Xiao Yang cried so hard today, I've never seen him cry like this before. I hope he won't cry anymore."
Song Xinran touched his hair without saying anything.
She didn't make up the whole story. The origin of Song Yu's name was written in the original owner's diary. "May you have abundance every year" was the most beautiful blessing for a child's future life in an era when resources were scarce.
Life isn't always smooth sailing, but I'll continue making money at my stall.
When Song Xinran was about to clean the ingredients, she found that Song Xinwen was already cooking. As soon as he saw her, Song Xinwen smiled and said, "Xinran, you're still going to set up your stall today, aren't you?"
Song Xinran nodded: "Yes, this is my job now. I need to set up my stall at a fixed time every day to build up my customer base."
Song Xinwen said, "I've already peeled all the winter melon skin off. Look how thick the slices are."
Song Xinran responded, boiled a pot of water, and started chopping vegetables on the other side.
Today, Song Xinwen worked as efficiently as usual, but he was talking a lot more. Song Xinran noticed something and said, "Sister, I told you that you will always be my sister. This is your home. You can stay as long as you want. It's easier for me when you're here. If you leave, I'll have to do so much by myself."
Song Xinwen was taken aback, his nose tingled, and he quickly responded.
Business was still good today. Song Xinran's pot-boiled chicken sold out in less than an hour. She was packing up when a middle-aged woman came to her stall.
"I'm sorry, we don't have any today," Song Xinran said.
"Sold out so early? Your business is really good."
Song Xinran recognized the older woman in front of her; she must have been here to buy Bo Bo Chicken before. She smiled and said, "It's a new opening, so everyone's just trying something new."
The old woman exchanged a few pleasantries with her, then asked, "Young lady, is your husband no longer alive?"
Hearing this, Song Xinwen, who was tidying up nearby, immediately stood up with a stern face. Song Xinran stopped him with a look, still smiling, and asked, "Auntie, who told you that?"
"I overheard other people chatting and thought, 'Girl, your cooking is so good, it would be so easy for you to find another man after you're gone,' so I came here specifically to ask."
Song Xinran said, "This fake news is so convincing, but my husband is serving in the military."
"Oh!" the old woman said, "They're just talking nonsense, saying you're a widow with a child."
Song Xinran just smiled without saying a word, and the old lady said a few words and then left.
Song Xinwen's face turned red with anger, and he muttered, "Cai Yongde is no good. He's caused you so much trouble since he came all this way!"
Song Xinran didn't speak, but the couple at the fried food stall next to her were talking loudly, as if they were deliberately trying to let them hear:
"She's clearly a widow, yet she claims her husband is serving in the military. It's laughable."
"You're really craving a man, aren't you!"
Song Xinwen was already feeling guilty, so when he heard this, he couldn't hold back any longer. He stood up and was about to go and fight them when Song Xinran stopped him: "Don't go. They didn't name names. If you go, it will only confirm what they said."
There weren't many people around when they were arguing in the street today, so how many times has this news spread now?
They pretended not to hear, packed their things and left. Sure enough, the couple at the fried food stall became suspicious: "Why are you bringing up such unfounded rumors?"
The proprietress frowned: "They've been working here for four days and they've stolen so much of our business! I just want them to get out of here as soon as possible!"
The boss muttered, "Even if she really is a widow, there's nothing we can do about it."
"Are you stupid? You don't even have a man, so you have no support. You can easily drive people away with any little trick..." As she spoke, the proprietress rolled her eyes and whispered something in the boss's ear.
*
As soon as he got home, Song Xinwen said, "I'm going out to make a phone call and tell Cai Yongde not to come here again!"
Song Xinran stopped her: "No need to call, I guess my brother-in-law won't be coming again in the next couple of days."
Cai Yongde is a man who cares a lot about his reputation. This time, he was humiliated so much by Song Xinwen that he will probably need several days to recover.
If Song Xinwen were to call back, the two would probably have a big argument. Song Xinran could tell that Song Xinwen had no intention of divorcing Cai Yongde.
At that time, in a remote rural area, the concept of divorce was not in anyone's mind.
Song Xinwen cursed, "He must have been a pig in his past life, always doing bad things!"
Song Xinran thought to herself, "Don't insult pigs. Pigs are highly intelligent animals."
Song Xinran said, "It didn't ruin anything for me. It's not like I can't set up my stall just because others know my husband died."
She originally said that because Lingde Town was too remote and the local customs were not yet fully developed; she just wanted to make things convenient.
Song Xinwen still felt bad, so he hurriedly went out to buy some groceries to eat.
Song Xinran also wanted to go out to buy some seasonings, but as soon as she got downstairs, she ran into Huang Yun: "Sister Yun."
She greeted her, looked her over, and smiled, "Sister Yun, you're wearing a new dress today! It looks really good. The blue fabric really complements your skin tone, making you look radiant and fair-skinned."
Today, Huang Yun wore a blue long-sleeved dress with a fitted cut and a very stylish waist design.
Huang Yun laughed immediately: "You figured it out, I just bought it!"
"Did something good happen? Look how rosy Yun's complexion has become," Song Xinran said.
Huang Yun leaned closer and whispered, "My man is coming back."
Song Xinran was somewhat surprised. She knew Huang Yun's family. Currently, only she and Ding Sisi lived in the house. The elderly people on both sides lived in the village, which was very close to the town, only a ten-minute walk away. The elderly people were still very healthy and often came to help Huang Yun sell meat. However, she had never seen Huang Yun's husband.
Huang Yun didn't mention it, and Song Xinran didn't ask about it either.
"My husband is serving in the army up north. He took ten days off to come back this time. His mother is turning sixty!"
Song Xinran was surprised: "Sister Yun, why didn't you tell me sooner? I could have prepared a gift for Auntie's 60th birthday in advance."
"I'm telling you this now because I know you're being polite and I don't want you to prepare in advance. Don't send anything, just come!" Huang Yun said. "I've already ordered everything at home. We'll have the banquet at Xiangmanyuan Restaurant in the county town."
Song Xinran said, "It must be expensive to do this in the county town. I'm just enjoying the good life next to you, Sister Yun. I'll go to the county town and broaden my horizons."
Huang Yun spat out: "In my opinion, you'll have to go sooner or later. When Sisi was in school, we weren't aware of this. The teaching in the city is completely different from that in the town. Xiao Yu is still young. When he's in first grade, we'll try to send him to the city."
After chatting for a bit, Song Xinran said, "Sister Yun, I also want to tell you something. As you know, it's just me and Xiao Yu at home, so when people ask me, I always say my husband is serving in the military..."
Song Xinran's original intention was to tell Huang Yun that she said it by chance, and that if Huang Yun misunderstood that she wanted to use this relationship to gain influence, it would affect their relationship.
Unexpectedly, Huang Yun clapped her hands and said, "What a coincidence! Well then, when your brother-in-law comes back, I'll have him go to your stall and say he's your man's comrade-in-arms. Xinran, you're really something else. These days, there's a lot of gossip around widows. Just make up an excuse and there will be less trouble. Some women don't even dare to say it. Even after their husbands die, they still have to keep their mouths shut for him."
Song Xinran chuckled, thinking to herself, "Huang Yun really dares to say that."
This did save her a lot of trouble, and she asked, "Thank you if it's convenient for you, brother-in-law."
Huang Yun said, "He came back without any problems, there's nothing inconvenient about it."
Song Xinran thanked her repeatedly.
Huang Yun waved her hand and joked, "Don't say that. If you really want to thank me, just make more Bo Bo Chicken. Sisi tells me every day that Aunt Song's business is so good that she can't buy any! My husband also loves to eat. Every time he calls, he says that the food in the army is not good."
Song Xinran laughed and said, "Sisi can just come to our house to get whatever she wants. We can't leave her out."
*
Song Xinran originally thought that Huang Yun's husband would be back in a few days, since the old lady's 60th birthday celebration was on the weekend. Unexpectedly, Huang Yun came to invite her to dinner the next day, saying that her husband, Ding Jianjun, was coming back today.
Upon hearing this, Song Xinran immediately said, "Then I'll go out and buy some groceries, and we can cook together later."
Huang Yun declined, saying, "Just come over here."
“Sis, you forgot? I told you when we ate together at the restaurant before that I’d let you try my cooking when we got to town. I’ve been so busy with the stall these past few days that I haven’t been able to do it,” Song Xinran said. “Sister Yun, don’t you like twice-cooked pork? I’ll make it tonight. What does brother-in-law like?”
Huang Yun wanted to refuse, since it's not right to invite someone to dinner and then have them cook for you, but she was really craving it.
She had eaten Song Xinran's Bo Bo Chicken, and the moment she tasted it, she felt that the food she had eaten before was like pig swill. It took her several meals after returning home to get used to it.
She likes to eat Bo Bo Chicken because it tastes good, but she actually prefers fried or stir-fried flavors. Just thinking about how Song Xinran would make it makes her mouth water.
And Jianjun too, every time he calls he complains that the food in the canteen is terrible. This time he finally got a leave of absence and came back, so I'll cook him some good food to broaden his horizons.
With that thought in mind, Huang Yun agreed: "Okay, then I'll trouble you. You don't need to buy any vegetables, my family has already prepared everything. Do you need anything else?"
Song Xinran asked, "Sister Yun, what would you like to eat?"
Huang Yun immediately thought of a series of dishes, but fortunately she was still rational and knew that it was not good to make the guests cook so many dishes, so she picked a few of her favorites: "Twice-cooked pork, crispy spare ribs, and your brother-in-law likes boiled pork slices, so these three will do."
It was all home-style dishes, and Song Xinran agreed. The Bo Bo Chicken was already prepared, and she planned to ask Song Xinwen to help sell it today while she cooked at Huang Yun's house.
Since it was for their own consumption, Huang Yun kept only the best pieces of meat, especially the pork belly, which was particularly noteworthy, with layers of fat and lean meat that looked as if they had been specially stacked, and the ratio of three parts fat to two parts lean meat was perfectly even.
Song Xinran first put the meat in a pot of cold water, along with ginger slices and scallion segments to remove the fishy smell. Meanwhile, she started marinating the ribs to make crispy ribs.
The spare ribs that Huang Yun left behind were also the best. They were specially selected from the middle section of the pork ribs, with the meat close to the bone, just the right amount, and the color was fresh and beautiful. Song Xinran thought that if she took these out to sell, they would definitely sell for six or seven yuan per catty.
The ribs were blanched in advance and have now been dried. Song Xinran added some seasonings and mixed them well. The most important steps in making crispy ribs are marinating and frying.
If the marinating process isn't flavorful enough, or if the seasoning isn't good, the fried product will taste mediocre.
However, Song Xinran had done the seasoning many times before and was quite skilled at it. Finally, she added an egg white, stirred it well, and made sure that each piece of rib was coated with a thin, even layer of batter before starting to heat the oil in the wok.
Huang Yun, who was assisting Song Xinran, watched as Song Xinran cooked with methodical ease and swift movements, even with a touch of elegance. Thinking of her own occasional clumsy attempts at cooking, she couldn't help but laugh and say, "Xinran, your movements are just like a master chef's!"
Song Xinran smiled helplessly: "Sister Yun, you're praising me too soon. I haven't even started yet."
Huang Yun said, "There's no need to look at it, it can't be wrong."
Sure enough, when the marinated ribs were put into the oil, Huang Yun smelled a fragrant aroma. As the oil temperature rose, the ribs slowly floated to the surface, and a faint aroma of meat mixed with the scent of eggs wafted out from the oil. Huang Yun's nose twitched, feeling that the aroma was like a hook, whetting her appetite.
The ribs sizzled softly in the oil, with small bubbles rising around them, and a layer of brown paste covered the surface of the ribs, turning them a light golden brown.
Song Xinran reacted quickly and scooped up the ribs.
Huang Yun was taken aback. Based on her years of experience frying pork ribs, she thought that these ribs were probably not cooked yet. But then she thought of Song Xinran's Bo Bo Chicken and wondered what would happen if they were scooped up at this time. Her pork ribs were always overcooked. Song Xinran's cooking skills were good, so these must be the best!
Seeing the golden-brown appearance of the ribs, Huang Yun picked up her chopsticks, wanting to take a piece and try it.
Song Xinran's eyes widened: "Sister Yun, wait! It's not ripe yet!"
Huang Yun: "What?"
Song Xinran: "We have to fry it again."
Huang Yun asked in confusion, "Why fry it so many times? Just fry it once until it's cooked through."
While turning up the heat, Song Xinran said to Huang Yun, "This way, the ribs will be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside."
Once she estimated that the oil temperature had reached the right level, Song Xinran put the ribs she had just taken out back into the oil. The pot immediately emitted an even louder sizzling sound, with the clear oil surrounding the golden ribs, bubbling and gurgling. Just looking at it made one's mouth water.
While using a slotted spoon to loosen the ribs, Song Xinran explained, "The first frying uses warm oil to force out the moisture and oil from the ribs and help the meat set. The second frying uses high temperature to make the outer shell of the ribs crispy, while locking in the fresh juices of the meat, so that it tastes crispy on the outside and tender on the inside."
Song Xinran explained it simply and clearly, but Huang Yun couldn't listen at all; her attention was entirely focused on the pot of ribs in front of her.
If the first alluring aroma was rather mild and subtle, this one is very straightforward. The high temperature instantly explodes the aroma in the kitchen, with the fatty aroma of the ribs, the numbing aroma of Sichuan peppercorns, and the salty aroma of soy sauce... weaving together a strong and domineering fragrance that hits you right in the head.
Huang Yun's mind was completely occupied with when the ribs would be ready so she could try them. She wondered why she'd never smelled this aroma when she fried ribs before!
Song Xinran focused on the ribs in the pot. As soon as they looked good, she immediately turned off the heat and scooped them all out into a strainer. With her other hand, she grabbed the chili powder she had prepared earlier and sprinkled it lightly on the ribs. Then, with her other hand, she picked up the strainer and gently tossed it, so that the chili powder evenly coated each piece of rib.
Song Xinran put the dish aside and prepared to tidy up the table to prepare the next dish. Huang Yun stared at the pot of golden pork ribs, swallowing hard.
She didn't pay attention to what Song Xinran was doing next. Seeing that the ribs were getting a little cold, she quickly picked up a piece and tried it.
The moment you bite down, you hear a crisp "crack" as the outer crust breaks open, revealing the tender meat near the bone. The rich, fatty aroma immediately bursts in your mouth, without any greasy taste. The savory flavor of the ribs blends perfectly with the salty and numbing flavor, making it impossible not to chew and swallow.
It's perfectly cooked, with a crispy outer layer like a biscuit and a tender, juicy interior that slides down your throat with every bite.
It's so delicious!
Huang Yun's mind was immediately filled with those four words: it would definitely taste worse if it got cold. Thinking of this, Huang Yun naturally ate another piece.
But once there's a second piece, there's a third, a fourth...
When she finally stopped, Huang Yun looked at the crispy pork ribs in the bowl, which was missing a small piece. Her mind went almost blank. She remembered that she had only tasted a few pieces and hadn't eaten this many!
Saliva welled up in her mouth again. She swallowed and pressed her hand down: I can't eat anymore, I can't eat any more!
Jianjun and Sisi haven't come back yet, what kind of behavior is it for her to finish all the ribs by herself!
She quickly shifted her attention and glanced at the pot: "Xinran, you're making twice-cooked pork!"
The wok was sizzling with activity, each slice of meat developing a crater-like shape, the fat turning translucent, and the lean meat turning golden. Song Xinran promptly poured in the fermented bean paste, and the aroma immediately surged up, the spicy fragrance of the bean paste mixed with the rich aroma of the pork fat filling her nostrils.
Each slice of meat was quickly coated with a bright red sauce. Song Xinran tossed in a handful of green garlic shoots, stir-fried it a few times, and it was ready to serve.
Huang Yun stared intently at the plate of twice-cooked pork. The bright red slices of pork trembled in the dish, adorned with the vibrant green of garlic sprouts. It was clearly an ordinary home-cooked dish, but Song Xinran's version looked so different, as if it were a high-class dish.
Normally, Huang Yun wouldn't try such a dish, but she couldn't resist today.
It wasn't until she took a bite that Huang Yun suddenly realized why Song Xinran had such a flat expression when she ate twice-cooked pork that day—her own version was hundreds of times better than the restaurant's!
The fatty meat wasn't greasy, the lean meat wasn't dry, and it was savory and refreshing. Huang Yun couldn't wait to scoop up a bowl of rice and eat it right now!
Huang Yun had assumed Song Xinran was a good cook, judging from the pot-boiled chicken she made that day, but she hadn't expected it to be this good!
If only I had known...
If I had known, I shouldn't have asked them to cook any more dishes! I was the host, so Huang Yun had no choice but to go and cook some other dishes. She had been quite thoughtful at first, but after eating Song Xinran's cooking, she had lost much of her enthusiasm.
*
As soon as school was over, Ding Sisi ran home and shouted before she even entered the house, "Mom, Aunt Xiao Song didn't sell Bo Bo Chicken today, it was Aunt Da Song who sold it!"
Before she could finish speaking, a strong and overpowering aroma wafted over, and Ding Sisi's eyes lit up. She threw her schoolbag onto the sofa and exclaimed, "Mom, what delicious food have you made?!"
She thought to herself, "It's so different when Dad's coming back. I've never smelled anything so fragrant before."
Following the aroma, I ran into the kitchen and immediately spotted the crispy pork ribs.
As soon as she put it in her mouth and chewed, Ding Sisi's expression froze.
etc!
Is this really fried pork ribs?
Ding Sisi chewed it, incredulous at the crispy crust and tender, flavorful meat. She quickly took out the leftovers.
My eyes widened – it really was fried pork ribs!
Good heavens, how did her mother's fried pork ribs skills improve so much all of a sudden!
As Ding Sisi ate, she thought to herself that now that her father was back, she would finally be able to enjoy some good fortune.
Ding Si thought that the fried chicken in the county town was really delicious, but it was definitely not as good as these fried ribs!
"Sisi!" A voice suddenly rang out from the doorway.
Ding Sisi turned her head and saw that it was her mother and Aunt Song, holding a bunch of freshly picked scallions.
"Mom, Aunt Song," Ding Sisi greeted first, then excitedly exclaimed, "Mom, your fried pork ribs are so delicious! You could totally open a shop! Just set up a stall next to Aunt Song and sell fried pork ribs, the business would definitely be great!"
Ding Sisi thought her idea was absolutely brilliant! Plus, her mom and Aunt Song were good friends, so they could set up a stall together! She would continue as the publicity officer!
But why did her mother look somewhat embarrassed...?
Huang Yun said, "Sisi, these fried pork ribs were made by your Aunt Song."
Ding Sisi: "Ah..."
He subconsciously picked up another piece and stuffed it into his mouth.
Huang Yun quickly stopped him: "Stop eating! Leave some for your dad!"
Oh no, she ate quite a few pieces in the kitchen just now, and Ding Sisi has also eaten quite a bit. Will we be able to finish a whole plate when Jianjun comes back?
Ding Jianjun got off the bus in the town, looked around at the buildings, which hadn't changed much, and walked along the familiar road.
He finally managed to get a leave of absence to go home after submitting a report, partly to celebrate his mother's birthday, and partly to eat more local food.
Ding Jianjun enlisted in a northern army unit, where the canteen food was also more northern in flavor. As a southerner who loves spicy food, he found the food bland and unappetizing. This time when he came back, he specially asked his wife to cook local dishes so he could have a good taste of them.
Before I even reached my doorstep, I could smell a strong, spicy aroma that made my mouth water.
Could it be homemade...?
Ding Jianjun quickened his pace and entered the room to find a table already laden with food, the aromas wafting from there.
Looking at the table full of bright red and spicy dishes, Ding Jianjun couldn't help but swallow.
"Dad!" Ding Sisi ran out of the kitchen, her eyes lighting up, and shouted, "Dad's back!"
Ding Jianjun smiled and walked towards the kitchen, only to see Huang Yun cooking with a strange woman.
Hearing the voice, Huang Yun turned around, her face full of surprise: "Why are you back so early? Oh, right, let me introduce you. This is Xinran, my sister. I've told you about her before."
Ding Jianjun thought to himself, "Yes, she did say that. She said it several times on the phone. First, she praised Xinran for how delicious her cooking was, how smart and easy she was to get along with, and how they went for walks together every night... They had a very good relationship."
But no matter how good the relationship, you can't let someone cook for you! They're guests when they come to your home!
However, Ding Jianjun couldn't say it directly in front of others, so he smiled and said, "Hello, Yunmei has mentioned you to me several times. Today I finally meet you in person. It's really kind of you to come to our house for dinner and cook."
Huang Yun hurriedly said, "Xinran's cooking is absolutely delicious. I only asked her to cook because I thought you would be coming back, so you could see for yourself."
Ding Jianjun disagreed. No matter how delicious it was, it couldn't be that good; they all tasted the same.
But it's impolite to ask guests to cook. Huang Yun wasn't like that before; maybe they had a good relationship and didn't care about such formalities. But Ding Jianjun couldn't do that and could only keep thanking people.
At this moment, Ding Sisi took a piece of crispy pork rib from the kitchen and fed it to Ding Jianjun: "Dad, try it, Aunt Song's fried pork ribs are so delicious!"
Ding Jianjun frowned: "Speak properly."
Saying "it's so delicious" is not elegant at all.
Ding Sisi said, "Try it, it's really delicious!"
Ding Jianjun refused: "What kind of talk is it to eat before we've even eaten? You shouldn't eat either, just wait until it's served."
Ding Sisi didn't care about him; if he didn't eat now, he would regret it later.
Ding Jianjun looked at Ding Sisi and shook his head. His daughter used to be very polite when she visited other people's homes, but she had changed today.
Watching Ding Sisi eat the ribs, and hearing the crackling sound of the outer shell breaking with each bite, Ding Jianjun thought, "It does look pretty good..."
The last dish, boiled sliced pork, was served, and everyone had arrived. Song Xinwen and Song Yu had arrived earlier. Song Yu was sitting on the sofa, answering Ding Jianjun's questions obediently.
As everyone sat down at the table, Ding Jianjun was about to say a few words when Huang Yun said, "Stop talking, just eat quickly. The taste will change if it gets cold. Don't waste Xinran's excellent cooking skills."
Ding Jianjun frowned.
Ding Sisi cheered, "Mom's right!"
With so many people around, Ding Jianjun didn't know what else to say, even though he felt it was impolite. He still said, "Let's all eat together, don't be shy."
They froze instantly.
Is this boiled pork slices? It doesn't taste quite like what he's had before.
The meat slices are incredibly tender, bursting in your mouth with piping hot broth. With a gentle chew, the meat slices fall apart, and the flavor is so delicious it makes your mouth water.
His throat tightened uncontrollably, and he quickly grabbed a second piece, a third, a fourth...
At this point, they completely disregarded etiquette.
Author's Note: The next chapter will be updated tomorrow night at 11 PM. Thank you all for subscribing and supporting me! [Please!]
The completed novel in my recommendation column is titled "Transmigrated as the Villain's Child's Biological Mother".
Fans of stories about raising pets shouldn't miss this! [starry-eyed]
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