Chapter 67 Who is the most delicious food? (End...)
After the meal, most of the braised beef on the table had been eaten, and the other dishes, though slightly damaged, still largely retained their original appearance.
Most of the braised beef ended up in the stomachs of Professor Ming and Director Wang. Mayor Wu was very satisfied to see them enjoying their meal, but he was also a little curious.
Professor Ming and Director Wang are both people who have seen a lot and have tasted countless delicacies. What magic does this plate of beef have that makes them so captivated?
Mayor Wu was really curious, so he took a bite.
The moment the food entered his mouth, his doubts vanished, and a look of understanding gradually appeared on his face.
He couldn't help but give Zhou Jianfeng a meaningful look, which made Zhou Jianfeng pause slightly.
A rapid mental storm raged through Zhou Jianfeng's mind. What did Mayor Wu mean by that? It seemed like satisfaction, yet also like expectation, and his gaze held a profound meaning. It wasn't until he saw Mayor Wu's slightly smiling expression that a flash of inspiration struck Zhou Jianfeng.
Could it be that Mayor Wu also wants to eat braised beef, but just doesn't want to say it openly at the dinner table?
He felt that was roughly the idea; he was very good at understanding what his superiors were thinking.
It has to be said that Zhou Jianfeng was right. Mayor Wu tasted a piece of braised beef and thought it tasted really good. If it were somewhere else, he would definitely be willing to eat more. But today's dinner is a welcome banquet, and the main guests are Director Wang and his entourage. What kind of behavior is it for him, as the host, to compete with the guests for food?
However, being the host naturally has its advantages. All the dishes come from Lingde Town, and he can eat as much as he wants.
Professor Ming was a respectable man. He stopped eating when he saw that there was not much braised beef left. He couldn't possibly eat a dish completely.
Director Wang shared the same idea, and the two put down their chopsticks almost at the same time.
Mayor Wu wanted to invite them to the next event, but they both declined, saying it was getting late and they were going to rest and sleep, as they had important things to do the next day.
Director Wang felt he was about 90% full, something he hadn't done in a long time, but he was very satisfied. Good food always has a magical power to soothe the soul.
He planned to go for a walk to digest his food so he wouldn't feel uncomfortable when he went to sleep.
Professor Ming felt that his students should be back soon, so he could arrange tomorrow's work and tell them that the food at the guesthouse was quite good today, and consider bringing them over to eat together tomorrow.
With both of them preoccupied with their own thoughts, the dinner party came to a satisfactory end.
Mayor Wu gave Zhou Jianfeng a few brief words of advice, saying that he had made very thorough preparations for the reception today, especially the dishes on the table, which showed that a lot of thought had been put into them. He also specifically praised the braised beef. Then he patted Zhou Jianfeng's hand and slowly walked out.
Zhou Jianfeng was overjoyed and went to find Song Xinran without stopping.
This braised beef not only won over Director Wang and Professor Ming, but also left Mayor Wu with a lingering fondness for it.
Such a wonderful thing must be available tomorrow too!
On the other hand, several students also found Professor Ming. They had a very good relationship with Professor Ming and were his graduate students.
Professor Ming is a very serious and upright person in academic research and education, but he is quite casual in his daily life. Although he is older than his parents, he has a lot in common with his students.
Xu Meng ran over with the packaged oden: "Teacher, we just walked around the town and found a lot of food vendors. We brought you two bowls."
Although the four of them often bickered and even quarreled in private, they were all from the same school, so they didn't want to take credit for themselves and handed over both bowls of oden together.
Sun Pengcheng immediately nodded: "Teacher, this tastes really good, much better than what you get outside the school. Please try it while it's hot!"
Professor Ming also took them to eat at the food street outside the school. Everyone knows that Professor Ming is also a person who likes to seek out delicious food.
Luo Zhu and Fang Song also spoke up, praising oden highly.
Professor Ming was a little puzzled. His four students had completely different personalities, but all were of good character. He knew they often argued and bickered, but today they were surprisingly united. It seemed this really was a delicious dish.
His gaze fell on the two rather simple bowls of oden, which must have been carefully carried back, as not a drop of soup had spilled.
Professor Ming felt relieved but also a little embarrassed. He had said he would bring some good food for the students, but he and Director Wang had eaten almost all of the beef. He couldn't very well bring back the rest; that would be too embarrassing.
Professor Ming smiled gently and shook his head: "You all eat, I'm already full."
At this point, he didn't forget to introduce the dishes to the students: "The food prepared at the guesthouse today is very plentiful, all of which are local specialties. You can try them at the guesthouse tomorrow, especially the braised beef. It's not dry or greasy at all, and the braised flavor is rich and mellow. It leaves a lingering fragrance on your lips and teeth after you finish eating it."
Recalling the taste, Professor Ming felt a brightening mood: "The guesthouse will definitely prepare this dish again tomorrow, and I'll take you there to eat it then."
Professor Ming, having tasted many delicacies, knew that it was extremely difficult to make braised meat taste like this. Difficult meant rare, and the portion was small. The guesthouse might prepare it for him and Director Wang, but it couldn't be provided to the students at the same time.
But these were all students he had personally taken on, and he had selected four who really enjoyed working with him on this project. Of course, he wanted them to try such delicious food; otherwise, it might be a lifelong regret.
However, Professor Ming did not forget to remind you: "After you eat the braised beef tomorrow, don't act too exaggeratedly. Don't let others think that Rongcheng University doesn't have anything good. When you're out and about, you represent the school's image."
The four of them fell silent...
Teacher Ming, even if they are just college students, they should know these basic etiquette rules. How could they possibly act like hungry wolves, wolfing down their food, in the presence of elders and leaders?
They always acted politely and respectfully in public, let alone now that they had never even smelled, tasted, or seen that braised beef. How much does Teacher Ming distrust them?
Sun Pengcheng patted his chest and said, "Teacher, don't worry, we ate oden today, and nothing else can tempt me!"
When Sun Pengcheng first arrived in the town, he saw the surrounding buildings and the people's clothing and knew that this was a remote place with nothing good to eat. But after tasting the oden, he was immediately and completely won over.
While he was eating, Xu Meng, not wanting to let things get any worse, made sarcastic remarks from the side. Sun Pengcheng didn't care at all. If he could eat a bowl of oden just by being mocked, he would be willing to endure it ten times over.
Xu Meng also said, "Teacher, don't worry. Teacher, you should try the oden. It tastes really good."
Just as Professor Ming thought, he might regret it for the rest of his life if he didn't get to eat something so delicious, and the students thought so too.
"When we went to buy oden, there wasn't much left. We brought it back especially for the teacher."
"Yes, I swear this is the most delicious food I've ever eaten."
Professor Ming shook his head, thinking that his students were still too young: "After you try the braised beef tomorrow, you might change your favorite food again."
Xu Meng said, "No way. Eating oden reminded me of the mung bean cakes from my hometown. It's very meaningful. Oden and mung bean cakes are tied for first place in my heart. There won't be a third one."
Professor Ming then rolled up his sleeves and reluctantly said, "Then I'll try a little."
However, to avoid waste, Professor Ming specially brought a small bowl and divided the bowl of oden into two portions. He was already full today and definitely couldn't finish too much. Since the students liked oden so much, especially Sun Pengcheng who was swallowing his saliva while talking about it, he could give the rest as a reward.
Upon hearing this, the four of them were very enthusiastic. As soon as they lifted the lid of the bowl, a fresh and warm aroma wafted out. Professor Ming's face lit up immediately upon smelling it; the aroma was quite delicious.
Under the expectant gazes of the four, Professor Ming took a small sip and savored it slowly.
Xu Meng couldn't help but ask, "Teacher, is it delicious? How does it compare to braised beef?"
People tend to share what they consider the most delicious food, hoping that others will also like it, thus proving that they have good taste.
Professor Ming nodded: "That's right."
It's really good. The soup is clear and sweet, and the ingredients are cooked until soft and flavorful. It's an excellent snack.
But Professor Ming isn't hungry at all right now. When he's hungry, the food he eats is braised beef, which not only satisfies his stomach but also his mind. Therefore, in his heart, braised beef is still number one.
"But it's not as good as braised beef. You'll see when you try it tomorrow."
Despite saying that, Professor Ming still finished the piece of radish and the slice of potato in his bowl. Good things shouldn't be wasted.
While eating, Professor Ming thought to himself, "This small town is truly full of hidden talents. It doesn't look very big, but there are two experienced chefs with superb culinary skills."
However, in his opinion, the chef who makes braised beef is still better.
Oden is a street food, and it's not as professional in comparison, but the chef is clearly quite talented in cooking.
Professor Ming ate a little and then said, "You can share the rest. Don't waste it. I'm already full today."
Upon hearing this, Sun Pengcheng beamed and agreed, "Okay, teacher, I promise I'll finish it!"
He couldn't wait to share with the others, so he picked up the bowl from which Professor Ming had just picked up two pieces, tilted his head back and poured it into his mouth, taking a big bite without even using chopsticks, and then exclaimed, "So delicious!"
Professor Ming smiled at him, thinking to himself that young people are full of energy: "Save some room in your stomach, I'll take you to a feast tomorrow."
After saying this, Professor Ming slowly walked away, going out for a walk and taking a look at the town's history and culture.
As soon as Professor Ming left, the group began to share the remaining oden.
"It tastes really good, so why doesn't the teacher like it?" Xu Meng couldn't understand it at all.
Luo Zhu said, "It's not that I don't like it, it's just that I don't like it that much. The teacher is already full."
Xu Meng was still a little disappointed. Teacher Ming was a teacher she respected and liked very much, but the delicious food she brought, which she loved so much, did not win the teacher's favor.
After finishing the remaining oden, Sun Pengcheng said decisively, "The teacher must have been hungry at the time, and then he ate braised beef that could fill his stomach, so he thought it was the most delicious. It's just psychological."
This statement immediately won the approval of the others:
"Tomorrow I'm going to try what braised beef tastes like. How could it possibly be better than oden?"
"Yeah, winter is definitely more suited to oden. Braised beef is cold and hard, and it makes my stomach hurt."
They had eaten braised beef before, but it was usually eaten cold, the slices were loose, and the taste was just average – nothing special. They wouldn't touch the braised beef if there were other dishes available.
*
On the other side, Song Xinran also received Zhou Jianfeng's generous praise, receiving extremely high praise and being highly commended.
Zhou Jianfeng gave a thumbs up: "Boss Song, your cooking skills are superb! Today I gathered more than a dozen dishes, all of which are local specialties. I asked the best chefs to make them, but your braised beef was the most popular. All the leaders who have tried it have praised it highly! You have done a great service to our guesthouse!"
Song Xinran smiled modestly: "Director Zhou, you flatter me. It was all thanks to the good arrangements and thorough preparations made by the institute's leaders. I just cooked some simple home-cooked meals, nothing special."
Zhou Jianfeng laughed loudly, "Boss Song, you're too kind! I actually came to see you about something else. Braised beef is very popular with the leaders. I hope you can send a piece of braised beef to the guesthouse every day for the next few days so we can entertain our guests."
Song Xinran had long suspected that this day might come, so she had already asked Song Xinwen to come to town to help these past few days. Song Xinwen and Chen Jingfang could handle the stall, so she could focus on making braised beef.
She readily agreed.
Zhou Jianfeng's smile was extremely bright: "Boss Song is really a straightforward person! Actually, I have another favor to ask."
Zhou Jianfeng looked a little embarrassed: "Boss Song, I also really like your braised beef, but I can't eat too much at the dinner party today. Do you have any more at home? I'll buy some from you!"
Song Xinran was silent for a second, not expecting this request.
Yes, there was some; she had left it to eat with Song Yu.
Forget it, let's distribute some of it.
She smiled and said, "Yes, but I haven't cut it yet. I'll cut it up and send it to Director Zhou at the guesthouse later."
Zhou Jianfeng shook his head and said, "No need, I'll wait for you here. I'll just take it after you've finished cutting it."
Song Xinran fell silent again, wondering why Zhou Jianfeng had suddenly become so deeply in love with braised beef. When she first gave it to him to taste, although Zhou Jianfeng liked it, he wasn't this obsessed, not even able to wait a second longer.
Song Xinran could only say, "Okay, then I'll trouble Director Zhou to wait outside for a while."
She left behind about 1.2 pounds of braised beef, thinking she could eat it for dinner and save some to cook noodles for breakfast the next morning.
To make it look nice on a plate, you have to cut off at least two-thirds, which means you'll eat less. But Song Xinran won't regret these small gains. Living in town, having a connection like Zhou Jianfeng makes things much easier.
She cut the braised beef and handed it to Zhou Jianfeng. Zhou Jianfeng smiled broadly and kept praising her, saying that even the chefs at the guesthouse didn't have her skills.
Zhou Jianfeng carried the lunchbox and headed straight for Mayor Wu's residence. He thought to himself that he was quite efficient. Mayor Wu had just told him a dozen minutes ago that the braised beef tasted good, and he had already delivered it to him. Moreover, he had made it seem like he wanted to eat it himself, which was a good way of keeping Mayor Wu's secret.
After delivering the food to Mayor Wu, Mayor Wu said, "Jianfeng, you're too hasty in your work. You've worked hard these past few days. Go back and get some rest."
Despite saying that, the smile on his face was genuine.
Zhou Jianfeng knew he had done a good job.
Song Xinran then sliced the remaining third of the braised beef at home. She glanced at the time; it was almost seven o'clock. Usually, Song Yu would be home by this time.
Perhaps because it was the start of the new semester and the children hadn't seen their classmates for the entire winter break, they missed each other terribly. Song Yu was invited to Yuan Yuan's house to play today, and to Wu Yaoxuan's house to play tomorrow... The little children were very busy.
He also told Song Xinran, "Mom, these are all my good friends. I can't just go to one child's house, otherwise the children who didn't go will be unhappy."
He handled the situation very well, but he has many friends, so it would take at least a week to visit them all.
Just as she was thinking these things, the sound of light, thumping footsteps rang out. Song Xinran was about to turn her head when she heard the footsteps being deliberately made much lighter, but the child's breathing was still a little labored.
Song Xinran guessed what was going on, but pretended not to know.
Sure enough, the next second, Song Yu grabbed her leg and called out in a clear voice, "Mom, I'm back!"
He was still carrying his little schoolbag and didn't even have time to put it down before he came to the kitchen to find her.
Song Xinran feigned surprise: "When did Xiao Yu come back? Even Mom didn't know."
Song Yu chuckled: "Just now."
He took out a card and waved it in front of Song Xinran: "This was given to me by Wu Yaoxuan. He said it's the most powerful card and can protect against all damage."
He didn't want it at first, but the card was magical; it showed different patterns from different angles. Plus, Wu Yaoxuan strongly recommended it, so he accepted it.
Song Yu stood on tiptoe and showed it to Song Xinran: "Mom, look, there's a shield and a knight."
Song Xinran had seen this kind of toy before, but seeing Song Yu's expectant look, she still pretended to be surprised, which made the little one very happy.
He put down his schoolbag, ran into the kitchen, washed his hands, and stood on tiptoe to look up: "What is Mom doing? I'll help you."
At Wu Yaoxuan's house, Wu Yaoxuan's grandparents invited him to stay for lunch, but he didn't eat. He loves his mother's cooking the most. He used to eat three meals a day, but now he only eats two. Because he has to eat lunch at kindergarten, Song Yu didn't want to waste this rare opportunity.
Wu Yaoxuan felt a little hungry after hearing his words, and snuggled up to him, saying, "If you're not going to eat at my house, then I'll go home with you to eat."
Song Yu was shocked. It took a lot of effort to persuade Wu Yaoxuan not to come, because her mother had been very busy these past two days and was already tired from cooking for the two of them. She didn't want to add another person.
Song Yu didn't tell Song Xinran about this because he had already resolved it himself and now only wanted to help.
Song Xinran said, "Tonight we'll have egg drop soup with rice and braised beef. It's very simple, Xiao Yu doesn't need to help me."
Song Yu's eyes widened in surprise: "Mom made braised beef!"
Braised beef is delicious, but it's too much trouble to make, and my mom doesn't make it often.
Song Xinran nodded and handed the plate to him: "Xiao Yu, take it out."
Song Yu nodded, held the plate with both hands, and carefully placed it on the dining table. He even climbed onto a stool and stared intently at the plate of beef, feeling as if his mouth was about to water.
But he is a polite child; even if he really wants to eat, he will wait for his mother to join him.
but……
He walked around the table, examining every side of the braised beef, and felt something was off...
There's so little braised beef today, it doesn't even fill the plate. My mom used to make so much braised beef that it could fill the plate and even be stacked on top of each other.
Could it be that mice have stolen the food from the house?
Song Yu searched the house but couldn't find any trace of the mouse. He then ran into the kitchen and told his mother that something was wrong—there was too little braised beef!
Song Xinran was silent for three seconds after hearing this. She never expected Song Yu to ask this question. How could a child who is not even four years old be so clever?
She said, "Because the braised beef was sold to a special customer today, we only kept a small piece at home, so it doesn't look like much."
Song Yu was relieved: "It's good that there are no rats. Wu Yaoxuan said that rats are the worst, they will eat people's toes. If we have rats in our house, I will ask Wu Yaoxuan to borrow rat poison."
He spoke with the demeanor of a little adult, and even thought out the possible outcomes.
Song Xinran chuckled and gently rubbed his earnest little face: "How come Xiao Yu is so amazing!"
While eating the braised beef, Song Yu tasted it very carefully and said to her, "Mom, I think today's braised beef is even tastier than before."
Song Xinran was surprised by his tongue skills and said with a smile, "It's because Mom made the braised beef very carefully today."
However, since all the dishes are made by her, the taste is almost the same, with only minor differences, such as the texture of the meat.
Unexpectedly, Song Yu also tasted it. At this moment, she forgot an objective factor: it was already seven o'clock. Although Song Yu had eaten something at kindergarten in the afternoon and had a few snacks at Wu Yaoxuan's house, she should be hungry now.
When people are hungry, they will find that anything tastes better.
The next day, when Song Xinwen came, he asked her how the reception work was going. Song Xinran mentioned her cooperation with the guesthouse, but didn't say anything more. Song Xinwen knew the status of the town guesthouse, which was a government unit. When he learned that Song Xinran had made contact with them, Song Xinwen was so happy that he couldn't sleep well that night.
In the future, Song Xinran will be a reliable backer. For people like them who come from the countryside and have no power or influence, it is more secure to associate with people of status.
In response to her concerned inquiry, Song Xinran smiled and said, "The work was completed very well. The person in charge told me last night that the braised beef tastes good and everyone likes it, so they asked me to send it over for the next two days, twice a day."
Song Xinwen's smile immediately broke out, and he said several times, "Xinran, I knew your food would be good. Whether it's ordinary people in the countryside or leaders, everyone is human and everyone likes to eat it!"
"Don't go to set up your stall these next few days. Jingfang and I will handle it ourselves. You just focus on getting this done."
Song Xinran said, "Sister, then I'll have to trouble you. I really don't know who else to ask for help without you."
“You’re my own sister, who else would I help if not you!” Song Xinwen said.
She felt needed and valued; she was content to help others. But in reality, Song Xinwen increasingly realized that Xinran was just good at talking and trying to appease her.
If Xinran wanted to find someone, she could definitely find someone more suitable and capable; Chen Jingfang is a prime example.
When Song Xinran first asked Chen Jingfang to be her helper, Song Xinwen couldn't help but have some doubts. Why didn't Xinran ask her? They were related by blood, and it would be better and more reassuring to ask family members to do business with her.
But after working with Chen Jingfang for two days, Song Xinwen understood why. She knew very well that Chen Jingfang was better at business than she was.
Chen Jingfang is very skilled at handling receptionists. She can recognize regular customers at a glance and chat with them. She can also deal with difficult customers without offending them, or get them to leave with their purchases. Xin Ran's choice of this employee is perfect.
However, Song Xinran told her that once the shop was renovated, she would ask her to come to town to help out.
Song Xinwen was very excited, but he didn't tell anyone about it, not even Cai Yongde, so as not to cause any changes in the future and to prevent Cai Yongde from saying anything sarcastic or having a negative opinion about Xinran.
These past two days, Song Xinwen has been learning by doing, thinking that when he helps out in the shop in the future, he shouldn't be too much worse than others, and at least he should be able to do his job well.
Therefore, she really hopes to do and learn more these days.
In the morning, Chen Jingfang and Song Xinwen cleaned and chopped the ingredients for oden, while Song Xinran made braised beef. Zhou Jianfeng said that from now on, they would have to make it twice a day, so that it would have the right temperature and taste.
Although it was tiring and busy, Song Xinran didn't slack off at all. She delivered the braised beef to the guesthouse at the appointed time. She had braised a lot this time, so she wouldn't have to braise any more for dinner.
At this moment, Professor Ming and his group also returned from the Zhang Family Ancestral Hall. On the way back, Xu Meng said, "I didn't expect this ancestral hall to be so well preserved. When I went in, I felt as if I had stepped into the world of two hundred years ago."
Fang Song said, "This ancestral hall was built during the Qianlong era by the Zhang clan. Most of the people in that village are surnamed Zhang, which is probably why they keep repairing it."
Luo Zhu said, "Those memorial archways outside are actually a group of archways, including those for merit and those for chastity and filial piety, and they occupy quite a large area."
Sun Pengcheng said, "I estimate that we will be able to successfully apply to become a protected cultural relic site."
Professor Ming said, "Alright, that's enough. Aren't you tired after working all morning? Hurry up and change your clothes and go to the private room for dinner."
Professor Ming took long strides, almost like he was flying. Xu Meng said, "Professor, you're thinking about braised beef again."
Around noon, Professor Ming took a sip of water and then told them how delicious the braised beef was, urging them to try it.
The four of them were speechless, wondering what kind of thing could have bewitched their teacher to such an extent? It even outshone oden.
Professor Ming laughed and said, "Human beings' pursuit of delicious food is endless."
After the group returned to their room to change clothes and wash their hands, Professor Ming led them to a private room. On the way, they ran into Director Wang, and Professor Ming said, "My students have worked hard this morning, so let's have a meal together."
Director Wang nodded and said, "Everyone worked very hard this morning. Professor Ming's students are truly promising young people."
The four of them felt a little awkward; they weren't used to this kind of social interaction and just laughed it off, barely managing to get through it.
Upon arriving at the private room, the dishes were already laid out on the table. The four of them immediately looked for the plate of braised beef that Professor Ming had mentioned, their eyes meeting at one point.
This... looks quite ordinary.
They looked up, their eyes met, and they both saw the same thought in each other's eyes.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, everyone sat down. Having worked all morning, everyone was a bit hungry. The four of them had a clear goal: to try the braised beef and see what it tasted like!
Unfortunately, all four of them picked up their chopsticks at the same time and, quite coincidentally, chose the same piece of meat, with all four pairs of chopsticks landing in one spot.
The scene suddenly became quiet...
Professor Ming:…………
We told them not to overdo it and to practice some table manners, but instead they started performing this as soon as they sat down at the table.
They've already started fighting over it before they've even eaten it yet; what will happen later?
However, the four people's tacit understanding was not only reflected in their preparation to pick up the same piece of meat. When they realized they had done something wrong, they quickly moved their chopsticks and each picked up a piece. This time, they finally put the pieces in their own bowls without any problems.
Professor Ming sighed inwardly. What else could he do but pretend he didn't see it? After all, the moment was very short, and the others should have seen nothing. Thinking this, Professor Ming picked up a piece of braised beef himself.
It's not that no one saw it; it's that everyone saw it.
Director Wang even felt like laughing, but it was a good-natured laugh. These students in their early twenties were so full of energy, which reminded him of his own lost youth. How could he blame them for being so young?
The four of them were blushing, their faces so hot they could fry eggs on them.
Damn it! How could I embarrass myself like this from the very first thing? Staring at the piece of braised beef in the bowl, my eyes were like knives, as if I wanted to tear it apart.
Xu Meng angrily stuffed the braised beef into her mouth, vowing to chew it to pieces.
The moment he put it in his mouth and chewed it, all his hatred vanished, and his expression went blank for a moment. Luckily, he was looking down and no one noticed.
This braised beef is actually quite delicious.
For a moment, Xu Meng wondered if she was just too hungry, otherwise why would she find it so delicious?
She felt that she should try it again so she could determine whether it was just psychological or if the braised beef was actually delicious.
Just as I picked up my chopsticks, I subconsciously glanced at my classmates and discovered that the other three had the same intention as me...
Xu Meng was completely numb. Wasn't this too much of a coincidence?
However, to avoid the same accident this time, everyone was very considerate, carefully turning the table and only picking up the braised beef when it was in front of them.
When she ate the second piece, Xu Meng finally realized that it wasn't just her imagination, but that the braised beef itself tasted so good!
While eating, Xu Meng compared the two dishes in her mind. The oden was sweet and delicious, and it felt warm and comforting. It was quite good.
The braised beef was warm and had a rich, savory aroma. The lean meat and tendons were perfectly combined, making it very delicious.
She couldn't tell who was first and who was second for a moment, and just wanted to eat a few more bites.
But it couldn't just be her eating; Teacher Ming had to have a taste as well. So every time the table was turned around, Xu Meng would make sure the braised beef stopped right in front of Teacher Ming.
The other three students followed suit. Professor Ming was extremely satisfied with the meal, even finding it to be better than the one he ate the night before. Indeed, good food never gets old; you just enjoy it more and more.
Professor Ming was pleased, but Director Wang had a completely different expression.
Watching the braised beef pass by him many times, always at a steady, slow pace but never stopping, Director Wang couldn't very well pick up food while the table was turning, so he could only watch Professor Ming keep eating.
Director Wang: ...
He couldn't help but glance at the four students. They had been quiet all morning, working hard without complaining, and were quite polite. How come they revealed their true colors as soon as they sat down at the table?
He was completely devoted to his own teacher and didn't pay any attention to him at all!
Is it only Professor Ming who likes braised beef, and he doesn't like it at all?
So you five, master and disciples, are just bullying him because he only brought one section chief with him?
Overall, the meal was quite enjoyable. During the lunch break, Professor Ming said, "How was it? The braised beef lived up to its reputation, didn't it?"
After enjoying a delicious meal, Professor Ming forgave the students for their initial unseemly scrambling for food, since they were still young and later became very polite.
Sun Pengcheng's eyes lit up: "Delicious! Teacher, you're the best eater!"
Luo Zhu nodded: "Braised meat is common, but this is the first time I've ever had braised beef like this."
Professor Ming was delighted that his favorite food received high praise from his students: "Go and rest first. We'll continue this afternoon, and there'll be braised beef for dinner tonight."
Professor Ming went back to his room for a nap. Sun Pengcheng said, "I didn't expect this. I thought oden was enough yesterday, but today there's a new dish that's just as good."
Fang Song said, "It would be even better if we could have a piece of braised beef during the surveying!"
After comparing them, Xu Meng said, "I still prefer oden."
Sun Pengcheng: "Then I'll choose braised beef."
Xu Meng glanced at him sideways: "You choose braised beef, but will the braised beef choose you?"
Sun Pengcheng: "Hey, how can you talk like that?"
The four of them even had a little debate about which food was the best. One team argued for braised beef, and the other for oden, but neither team could win the argument.
The reason is simple: they've both tried both, and they're both excellent. They're evenly matched when it comes to choosing one over the other. If they had to pick a winner, it would definitely be subjective.
Sure enough, when Xu Meng bought the oden in the afternoon, the braised beef team had a defection.
Xu Meng went to the entrance of No. 3 Middle School at the same time she bought the goods yesterday, and bought a full fifty yuan worth, making her a big customer. Song Xinwen was worried that she wouldn't be able to carry it all and wanted to give it to her, but Xu Meng refused, saying that she was very strong.
When Xu Meng took it back, it wasn't dinner time yet. Everyone was resting on the side. Xu Meng put several bowls of oden on the table, and the rich aroma immediately attracted everyone's attention.
Xu Meng first handed a bowl to Professor Ming: "Teacher, please have something warm to fill your stomach and warm your body."
Professor Ming had originally planned to eat braised beef later, but the delicious and comforting aroma of oden made him unable to resist. He rolled up his sleeves and said, "Okay, thank you, Xu Meng."
The five of them sat around the small table and ate. They found the soup so delicious that they almost wanted to swallow their tongues. After taking a sip of the soup, they felt warm all over and their spirits lifted.
Sun Pengcheng ate with rapt attention, only thinking that he couldn't tell the difference, he simply couldn't tell the difference.
I think braised beef is the most delicious when I eat braised beef, and I think oden is the most delicious when I eat oden.
There are so many delicious things to eat, why bother arguing about which is better? Just eat them all.
After finishing his meal, Professor Ming exclaimed, "Lingde Town is truly a place of outstanding people and beautiful scenery; the food they make is absolutely superb."
Sun Pengcheng strongly agreed: "If there were such a thing as a chef's memorial arch in ancient times, I think this chef could also have a memorial arch erected to commend him."
"There isn't a single chef this skilled outside our school, yet there are two in this small town!" Luo Zhu exclaimed, finding it unbelievable.
At this moment, Director Wang also entered the guesthouse. As soon as he entered, he smelled a fresh aroma. Following the smell, he saw the five masters and apprentices sitting around a table, having a private meal.
Director Wang: ...
Why don't you call him when you're eating?
He deliberately walked over and said with a smile, "Professor Ming, students, what are you doing sitting here? It's almost time to eat."
Upon seeing this, Professor Ming immediately stood up and greeted him with a smile, "Director Wang, you must be tired from your inspection. Come and try some of the local snacks my students just bought. Experience the local flavors; it's part of our research and investigation."
Several students stood up with Professor Ming. One of them cleared a clean area, while another took out brand new chopsticks, unpacked them, and handed them to Director Wang: "Director, please have some. This oden tastes especially good. Please try it."
Director Wang originally just wanted to scare the group when he saw them having a private meal, but the other party was actually very enthusiastic.
Director Wang wanted to wave his hand to decline, but someone quickly opened the untouched oden, and the aroma immediately wafted out.
Director Wang paused for a moment, then took the chopsticks and sat down:
"Okay, I'll try it."
When Director Wang smelled the oden, he knew it must taste good, and it did after taking a bite.
Everyone sat together around the table. It wasn't a formal setting, and after spending the day together, everyone was more relaxed and chatted happily. Director Wang even found a bit of youthful energy here.
After finishing their meal and having something to eat, Professor Ming asked, "Director Wang, how was the oden?"
Director Wang said, "That's good."
He exclaimed, "Lingde Town is truly a place where hidden talents abound. Not only are the ancestral halls and memorial archways so well preserved, but the snacks are also so delicious."
This was completely beyond his expectations.
Professor Ming said, "If we can successfully apply for cultural relic protection status, the town will become more well-known, and more people will learn about its history and culture and taste its delicacies."
Director Wang said, "You've all worked hard these past two days. Let's all work together; this is our job."
This was their job. On the way here, they had only imagined how difficult the conditions would be, and the bumpy journey of several hours was a harbinger of what lay ahead. They never expected to find such good fortune upon arrival. It was truly unexpected.
Their expedition was supposed to last four days, but strictly speaking, it was only three. They arrived on the afternoon of the first day, and spent the second and third days surveying and taking photos in the ancestral halls and memorial archways, interviewing locals, and recording data. They left on the morning of the fourth day.
Because of the delicious food, the three days passed incredibly quickly, and before we knew it, it was time to leave. Professor Ming said, "Today is market day in Lingde Town, so let's go for a stroll around the town. It's a living folk museum. Let's see the local products, the people's clothing and manner of speaking. These are all living materials for understanding the local history and culture. As the saying goes, customs vary from place to place, and there are different customs every ten miles. This is something you can't learn from books."
The four students were also happy. Going to the market is all about joining in the fun, and everyone likes to join in. It also allows them to get up close and personal with the locals.
Lingde Town on market day was indeed very different from usual. All the shops on the street were open, and many new stalls appeared, selling everything from food and clothing to toys. The same amount of money had much greater purchasing power here than in the provincial capital.
As they wandered around, they arrived at the vegetable market. Xu Meng immediately noticed something unusual: people were queuing up to buy things at a small stall!
Over the past three days, she has gained a completely new understanding of the food in Lingde Town. She ran over and saw that they were selling braised food. She immediately said, "Teacher, I'll go buy some!"
Professor Ming nodded: "Go ahead."
Young people just love to eat.
Xu Meng was at the very back of the line. In a daze, it felt like she was back on the afternoon when she first arrived in Lingde Town. She had also lined up to buy oden in the same way. Today she was leaving, and she was actually a little reluctant to go.
But when she finally got to the front of the line and saw the owner of the braised food stall clearly, this sense of disorientation intensified.
What happened...?
The owner of the oden stall and the braised food stall is actually the same person!
This... isn't this too much of a coincidence...?
These two foods are completely unrelated. An unbelievable thought suddenly popped into Xu Meng's mind. She glanced at the braised food on the stall and thankfully, there was no braised beef.
When handing over the money to buy them, Xu Meng couldn't help but ask, "Boss, did you make these yourself?"
With the city's cultural bureau leaders leaving today, Song Xinran can finally set up her own stall. Hearing the voices, she smiled and said, "Yes, these are all freshly braised."
After handing the packaged braised food to Xu Meng, Song Xinran was suddenly taken aback when she saw who it was.
Didn't Zhou Jianfeng say that the reception work was completely finished today? Why haven't these students left yet?
Xu Meng, unaware of her thoughts, took the braised food and returned to her teachers and classmates somewhat absentmindedly.
Sun Pengcheng watched as someone brought out braised food, picked it up, and started eating it, their smile genuine. He couldn't help but ask, "Is braised food a specialty of Lingde Town?"
Not only did the guesthouse prepare braised beef as a specialty dish for them, but even locals lined up to buy braised food.
Luo Zhu said, "I don't know if it is, but it smells really good."
She picked up a chicken foot and started gnawing on it. Since all the locals around her did it, she figured she was fitting into the local life.
He frowned as soon as he started eating.
"What's wrong?" Xu Meng asked. Was it not tasty?
Luo Zhu's expression was strange: "How strange, how strange..."
She muttered, "This tastes just like the braised beef at the guesthouse."
Upon hearing this, Professor Ming also tried it. He tasted each one without saying a word. Having eaten many delicacies, he was considered a semi-expert. After carefully tasting them, he said, "They should all be from the same person."
Upon hearing this, Sun Pengcheng quickly ordered some to eat as well: "Indeed! Just as delicious!"
Only Xu Meng remained motionless, and said somewhat absentmindedly, "Tell me a ghost story..."
Sun Pengcheng said, "What ghost stories are you telling so early in the morning?"
Xu Meng: "The owner who sells braised food is also the owner who sells oden."
The group suddenly fell silent.
No way...
It can't be true, can it? Their favorite oden and braised beef are actually from the same source?
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