Chapter 03: Eating Well and Enjoying Good Food

Why?

"Look, Dija, what do you like!" The plump leader handed the menu to the light beauty beside him

Peach Blossom is also afraid of that aunt who is a teacher, as she keeps meticulous accounts. Whether there is a shortfall or an excess, she always gets scolded. Each time, Peach Blossom shifts the blame onto her cousin, who in turn always claims that the calculations were wrong to evade responsibility, taking the fall for her. Every time, he mumbles for a long time without being able to clarify the situation.

What does beauty have to do with me? I only lack money, not beautiful women! ... ... What's wrong! " Jian Fan looked at Tao Hua, whose eyes were wide open, with a smile.

... ...

The iron pot stew with small fish, cornmeal cakes, and the old broth of mixed vegetables brought joy to the diners, who praised the dishes enthusiastically. They even became more courteous towards Jian Fan! They insisted on having Jian Fan clink glasses three times before finally letting the already flushed Jian Fan go

What is a Chai Chicken? Light beauty, the female Dija, glanced at Jianfan with a blink.

Chairman! What exactly is the position of Chairman? Jian Fan was somewhat surprised

This fat fellow should be on the same level as Fei Shiqing, eating whatever he can get his hands on! However, calling the fat one a gourmet made the chubby leader quite pleased, and he smiled as he received the compliment, saying: "Haha... well, these three types of pots you mentioned are all common goods, what’s so special about them? They are quite ordinary!"

Do not make it too spicy! Light beauty, female way.

Still wearing a flattering smile, she led everyone downstairs and graciously sent them off. Upon returning inside, she approached the bar and extended her hand: "Pay up! ... Cousin, one hundred eighty-six, how much did you collect?"

As soon as Jianfan's mind started to turn, he seamlessly continued the conversation, both praising and promoting: "The remarks made by several leaders truly represent the development direction of Chinese cuisine, very insightful indeed... How about this, I would like to recommend three types of pot stews: flavorful free-range chicken, iron pot stew with small fish and sticky rice cakes, along with a mixed vegetable medley, which is purely vegetarian! The staple food will be large steamed buns, and for the remaining seasonal side dishes, please feel free to choose as you like."

Seven guests stood frozen at the entrance. The welcoming attendant was a bright young man, his apron resembling more of a theatrical prop than a traditional apron, impeccably clean. He greeted them with a radiant smile that was certainly not one born of profession. The uncle, older brother, and older sister all called out in succession, their warmth surpassing that of a family reunion, deeply moving the seven guests. They all felt that the hospitality and ancient charm of this small county were indeed remarkable

Jian Fan smiled and said, "Miss, please give it a try. Many people who do not eat meat have started to enjoy our Jian family dishes! Good food is not just about the ingredients; just look at my figure, I can eat fatty meat every day! ... ... Although wild boar meat has fat, it can help lower blood pressure and blood lipids! Once you leave Wulong County, you may not have the chance to taste wild boar meat again!"

How could you bear to harm such a beautiful girl? You truly lack humanity! Ah, this is bad!" Jian Taohua said, pointing with her right hand, her hand frozen in mid-air

The meat of the wild boar is dark in color, with a thin layer of fat, coarse texture, yet the skin is very crispy! Look at this pot; the skin is connected to the fat, and the fat is connected to the lean meat. Both the knife skills and the craftsmanship are of the highest quality, made by a seasoned expert! Chairman Chen introduced it while his chopsticks had already reached into the pot to pick up a piece. After tasting it, he nodded repeatedly: "Mmm, mmm, mmm... delicious, not tough or dry, flavorful, and chewy! Not earthy or fishy, well processed."

As he entered the door and ascended the stairs, the waiter Jianfan immediately made an accurate judgment. The fattest one among them was the leader, undoubtedly a figure of authority. The other two were also leaders, but their ranks were lower than that of the fattest one. Just by looking at their faces and bellies, it was clear that their level of corruption was not as high, indicating their positions were certainly a bit lower.

... ...

The beautiful woman, Di Jia, delicately sipped the soup with a spoon, her lips pursed, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Jian Fan, filled with admiration

Several male comrades who are well-versed in this matter nodded in approval after tasting it. If purebred wild boar meat is not prepared properly, it can be earthy, gamey, and carry a sour taste. However, in the simple family cuisine, what reaches the palate is only the aroma

"Cousin, is everything alright? Don't let the guests find out and come looking for us! You're being too ruthless!" Jin Taohua said in a low voice, feeling a bit anxious.

"Why! ? '' Light beauty," she asked with a smile, her bright eyes and white teeth causing Jian Fan's heart to skip a beat in surprise

... ...

Hehe, esteemed leader, since you have a taste for this, I will speak frankly. Culinary excellence lies not merely in the food itself, but in the artistry behind it; the quality of ingredients does not solely determine the merit of a dish. Mastering abalone and bear paws is not the true skill; preparing simple ingredients like radishes and cabbages well is what defines a great chef. The hallmark of Jin family cuisine is its ability to reveal the extraordinary within the ordinary. Our flavorful free-range chicken is sourced directly from the countryside, simmered with a blend of over ten medicinal herbs, resulting in a dish that is neither greasy nor heavy, with tender meat and a lasting aroma; you will know this upon tasting. Culinary excellence must also prioritize health; drinking chicken soup promotes longevity, and the same principle applies to consuming chicken. The mixed vegetable stew, primarily soup-based, boasts a rich color and is prepared similarly to Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, with the essence of the vegetables infused into the broth, penetrating the roots of the vegetables, ensuring your complete satisfaction. The iron pot stew with small fish is even rarer; these are wild fish caught from the waters, no longer than three inches. After simmering, even the bones become tender. The side of the pot is lined with flatbreads, which are enjoyed with the fish soup—this is a tradition of ours in Wulong. If you are inclined towards robust flavors in meat, we happen to have wild boar meat available. This meat is not as fatty as domesticated varieties, with a low fat content, ensuring a delightful chew and taste.

... ...

In the double-handled flat pot, the light brown broth appears crystal clear, adorned with starry red goji berries, deep red chili segments, tender white scallions, and vibrant green cilantro leaves. The meat-colored sauce of the free-range chicken, accompanied by a rich yet not greasy aroma, instantly stimulates one's appetite

The beautiful women, radiant with light, laughed heartily, and the men joined in the laughter. Jian Fan noticed a woman in her thirties, who was also very beautiful, but her beauty evoked thoughts of foundation, eyebrow pencil, eyeshadow, and lipstick, making it difficult to discern her exact age. However, she certainly possessed a captivating charm that drew people in.

Another gentleman smiled and said: "Young man, we are just newcomers. We have heard of the reputation of the first pot. A few years ago, I tried your pork and cabbage stew, which was quite flavorful. However, with so many guests, we can't just serve this, can we? Do you have any special dishes to recommend to us?"

Chairman Chen, please go ahead! The light beauty glanced around casually, without expressing any opinion

Jian Fan was startled and turned around, only to see that the Audi had somehow stopped by the roadside again. The one in white, the most beautiful one, was quickly walking towards the restaurant

Jianfan looked at the kitchen, nervously trying to cover Taohua's mouth, whispering: "Shh... Taohua, don't let my dad hear, I'll give you fifty."

The identity is not trivial ... When Jian Fan smiled and stepped back, she secretly remarked that her attention was entirely captured by that light beauty. Observing a woman while she eats reveals her upbringing and refinement. With pearly white teeth lightly biting her lips, even the most delicious food is merely sampled. No matter how much praise is given, it is always subtle and restrained. Even in excitement, her voice remains soft and gentle. This is undoubtedly a woman with excellent upbringing and education.

Seven people sat down with smiles

As she turned around, Jian Fan greeted her with a smile, but internally she felt as if fifteen buckets were being drawn from a well, her heart in a state of turmoil, truly feeling a bit guilty despite the warm welcome...

More broth! Beautiful lady.

Juice, from Huiyuan!

Chairman Chen, can you tell that I haven't tried it yet?" said the beautiful director dismissively.

Jianfan smiled as he stepped out, thinking to himself: "My father's culinary skills are exquisite, the aroma is penetrating, and I have yet to see anyone who has tasted it and said otherwise"

Peach Blossom, are you being foolish? Outsiders with their foreign cars, they won't know when they'll see such a fat sheep again. The highest level of deception is to make people willingly be taken advantage of! Did you not see how comfortably and happily they are eating? At this moment, if you were to stab them, they wouldn't even feel the pain!" Jian Fan educated, just like how a mother would educate her own child

It's quite simple. If you were to travel back, wouldn't the beauties of that era feel utterly ashamed?" Jian Fan replied with a smile, responding appropriately

Out of seven people, six expressed their opinions

"Corn yellow, I tried it a few years ago... Dija, Director, what drinks do you want?"

Jianfan noticed the slender hand, which was even more tender than the green onion on her own desk, and said with a smile: "Sister, you cannot go back in time!"

Chairman Chen, I will have rice!" Light Beauty, a female Di Jia, interjected.

The seven guests were led into the private room, and their eyes lit up in surprise, even more so than Jian Fan.

Hehe... Xiaojian... Fan! The plump leader, regaining his senses, waved his hand and said: "I won't look at the recipe anymore, please introduce us to your signature dishes."

Hehe... this child is quite clever. The beautiful lady commented, then asked, "Chairman Chen, are the dishes here really as good as you said?"

Chairman Chen explained with a smile: "The cornmeal dough sticks to the side of the pot, and when the dish is ready, the pancakes are cooked. You must have never tasted it; it is much better than the imperial steamed buns at the Tianlong Grand Hotel"

The soup is rich in flavor, yet it does not overpower the taste of the meat. Even the most difficult-to-season chicken breast is tender and smooth, melting in the mouth and leaving a lingering fragrance. Only when tasting this dish do the lean, scrawny free-range chickens realize that this natural flavor is incomparable to that of the excessively fatty artificially bred broiler chickens

Iron Pot Flavor Free-Range Chicken! A signature dish of the Jian family, please enjoy at your leisure! Jian Fan, lifting the lid, looked at the diners with a smile.

Then who are you

Ah! You charged them double? Jian Taohua stared wide-eyed, startled. Every time she overcharged someone, it was only an extra thirty or fifty, never this severe.

The light beauty rested her hand on the table and sat down, smiling as she made a comment. The unpainted table and stool, exuding a natural wooden fragrance, were not only pleasing to the eye but also delightful to the heart

Father is too honest; if he hears this, he will definitely spend several hours educating me on the principle that "one must not act with bias, and one must not be deceitful in business." I can already imagine how serious he will be.

The waiter finished taking the orders and dashed out in a hurry

Everyone was puzzled, when suddenly someone said, "Add a little character in front of the surname Jian, like Xiao Jian, Xiao Jian... Miss, Miss..." Instantly, there was another burst of laughter, as it seemed this little waiter was quite amusing. Hidden within the light and dark conversations were all jokes, and he was very good at adjusting the atmosphere

Oh, the poplar wood table, the coarse porcelain bowl... the communal pot of the people's commune... Hehe... it's very retro, a bit like traveling back in time! We've returned to the era of the people's commune!

The neatly arranged melon seeds prompted Jian Fan to respond with a picture and a quote: "Have you been here before? That's right, the first pot has always been under the surname Jian"

Please use less monosodium glutamate; it would be better if it is not used at all. I have grown tired of the flavors in restaurants.

The second small pot was brought up, and Chairman Chen, who is well-versed in gourmet food, praised it by saying: "This is truly authentic! I thought you might be mixing in some inferior ingredients"

"Don't make a sound! If you dare to speak recklessly, be careful that I will throw you into the pot!" Jianfan glared at Taohua as a threat, and Taohua snorted through her nose, turning her head away in displeasure

Oh, Jian Zhongshi is my father, and I am called Jian Fan... Yo yo, this uncle, if you want to call me, just call me Xiao Fan or Jian Fan, please do not add a 'little' in front of my surname!" Jian Fan quickly added as soon as she saw the chubby man about to speak

The remaining two were called up by the overweight leader. Judging by their submissive expressions and their bodies leaning forward, ready to nod at any moment, it is needless to say that they are the drivers. In the past, this was the role of the horse handlers who led the horses and managed the reins.

Oh, by the way, there's also my dear Xiangxiang. If she gets hungry, she will fight with me for food from the same bowl! ... ... Jianfan inexplicably thought of his significant other again! This morning, he was disturbed by Fatty Fei, and now he encounters such a beautiful woman. Jianfan really wants to find a moment to visit Xiangxiang. His girlfriend stayed in the provincial capital after graduation. Having seen many couples break up after graduation, the fact that they have not yet parted ways is, in Jianfan's view, quite remarkable.

This statement truly resonated with everyone, as several individuals fixed their gaze on Chairman Chen. They had traveled all the way from the provincial capital, and instead of going to the government guesthouse, they were brought here by Chairman Chen. Although the establishment is well-known and the environment is clean and refreshing, it does fall slightly short when compared to what everyone typically considers a high-end venue.

Jian Fan's heart brightened, oh, the light beauty is named Di Jia

Jian Fan thought to himself, if it were his silly younger sister and cousin, they would definitely snatch the pot and indulge themselves without a second thought as soon as they got hungry. However, on the contrary, Jian Fan actually preferred the straightforward and carefree nature of his sister and cousin. No matter how good their upbringing or refinement, they always gave off a strange feeling, somewhat aloof and unattainable, making one only dare to admire from a distance, to fantasize, but not to engage in any frivolity, which was truly quite dull!

It is very simple, just two words, which are correct no matter how you turn them: delicious, eat well

"Alright then, young man, let's do as you say. Bring us three pots, add a portion of wild boar meat, and for the staple, we'll have steamed buns! Also, bring two servings of light cold dishes, you can decide on those. Just make sure it's enough for seven of us, no need to waste." Chairman Chen said, and this chubby man appeared quite easygoing in Jian Fan's eyes, also possessing a certain charisma.

The private room is simple yet not shabby, very tidy, and although rustic, it does not lack elegance. Bamboo chopsticks, long benches, and a poplar wood table are present, while a nostalgic painting hangs on the wall, with large characters reading: "People's Commune, One Pot!" The waiter, wearing a white towel, attentively shows us to our seats, and the waitress, dressed like a village girl, enthusiastically pours water. Taohua is indeed a village girl; she doesn't need any adornment to embody the essence of a true village girl. Now, wearing a floral shirt, with dark skin and an honest face, her smile reveals two deep dimples, adding to the rustic charm of the place.

The key lies with these two women. The one wearing sunglasses is still unclear, but the one in the sun hat is remarkable. Not only is she not from Wulong County, but she is also an extraordinary beauty, an absolute gem. Her oval-shaped tender face is even whiter and more delicate than the large steamed bun in her father's cage. The sandals she is wearing are instantly recognizable as Delman flat princess shoes. Jianfan had once considered buying a pair to gift to his girlfriend Xiangxiang, but upon inquiring about the price, which was two thousand yuan, he immediately abandoned the idea and instead bought a pair of counterfeit knockoffs for Xiangxiang. That silly girl didn't even notice!

Alright ... ... Everyone, please wait!

Wild boar cooked in an earthen pot is quite rare; if it weren't for a fortunate coincidence, you might not even be able to taste it, even if you were willing to pay. In Wulong, there are no domesticated wild boars; occasionally, a half or whole one is hunted in the mountains and sent to the city by familiar relatives from the countryside to be sold to restaurants, which is how diners get to enjoy this delicacy

Chairman Chen, what is a steamed bun? Light Beauty, the female DJ, asked, as they traveled from the city to the county, and indeed to the most remote county among the four districts and three counties of the provincial capital, where the scenery is remarkable everywhere.

The most beautiful one, gazing at a pot of sauce-red, glistening fatty wild boar meat with sparkling pig skin, hesitated to pick up her chopsticks, sticking out her tongue. With her red lips, fragrant tongue, and pearly white teeth, she wore a delicate and innocent expression, like a little girl who wanted to eat but dared not to.

Pride and self-satisfaction only arise at this moment; it is only when holding the dishes that Jianfan feels a sense of being valued by others

How about this, everyone tell me what you cannot eat, and I will recommend what you should eat! ... ... Let's start with this young lady? " Jian Fan inquired, looking eagerly at the light beauty named Di Jia.

From the conversation just now, I could discern quite a bit. The heaviest one is referred to as Chairman Chen, the most beautiful one, known as Light Beauty, is called Di Jia, and there is also someone referred to as Journalist Jiang, either Jiang Di Jia or Jiang Di Jia! ... ? ... ... Surprisingly, the stunning beauty is a leader, called Director Yu. It seems that apart from the two drivers, everyone else holds a leadership position! However, Jian Fan is not concerned about how high the leaders are or how beautiful the beauty is. Instead, he is secretly pondering how deep the knife should go. Looking at the delicate appearance of that Light Beauty, he truly feels reluctant to make the cut!

In the time it takes for a brief chat, the first pot has arrived. As the lid is lifted, a fragrant aroma fills the room, causing the diners' expressions to tighten, yet their eyes light up with excitement

Chairman Chen's words elicited a burst of laughter, but after the laughter subsided, one truly felt that they were quite incisive!

I am the same as Dija," another woman said

"That girl is back, cousin. I tell you, quickly return the money to her, and don't let it get out to uncle and aunt, or they'll scold us both!" Jin Taohua said nervously. The country girl, having not experienced much, is far less thick-skinned than her cousin.

I don't want to, Aunt knows how to scold me, and I won't do it. If anything is to be done, it should be you doing it. Jian Taohua decided not to do it anymore; occasionally, when her cousin shares some spoils and gives her an ice cream, she is as happy as can be. With such a large sum of money, the cousin from the countryside really doesn't dare to take it.

Chairman Chen first took a bite with his chopsticks and gave a thumbs up with his left hand

A meal took nearly an hour, and there was hardly any leftover food. The two ladies praised the mixed vegetable dish that was served later, and they also spoke highly of the place chosen by Chairman Chen

Another person laughed and said, "Chairman Chen, you find this place interesting, but this little waiter is even more interesting! With those braids, he could perform in a play"

Nodding, applauding, and giving a thumbs-up, accompanied by the sweet aroma of corn wine, there was another round of cheers. The chopsticks and spoons crossed back and forth several times, completely ignoring the presence of the waiter.

While flattering on the surface, in their heart they secretly think, if my Xiangxiang were this beautiful, I would be truly fortunate

Three hundred and eight

Hello everyone, here we only have one dish, which is stew; we excel at all kinds of stew! As long as you can name a type of stew, we basically have it! As for staple foods, we have steamed buns and *tu* rice, but I recommend that you try the flavorful large steamed buns. With deep well water, hand-ground flour, and firewood cooking, I assure you that you have never tasted anything like this before

The fast has been broken, indeed it has been broken. Unconsciously, the two beautiful women seemed to be attracted by the sight of everyone devouring the steamed buns. With a mindset of trying it out, they each took one bun. Upon tasting it, they found it fragrant with wheat and grass, both chewy and sweet. In their eagerness to chew, they completely forgot that their rice was still left in the bowl.

... ...

"It is a free-range country chicken, raised in the countryside. No feed is used." The plump leader interjected, looking at Jian Fan with a smile and saying, "Young man, you haven't asked me what I avoid eating yet"

This is a place that returns to simplicity. I can say how good it is, but it doesn't count; you should evaluate it yourselves after tasting... Modern cuisine places too much emphasis on superficial aspects, always boasting about high prices, excellent environments, and meticulous craftsmanship, while in fact, the true essence is lost! Chairman Chen, who is plump, said with a smile.

"You must be a gourmet, having tasted the five flavors of sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty. Am I right in my guess?"

As she descended the stairs with a smile, her cousin, with a mischievous grin, handed her a blank form. Jian Fan glanced at it, saw it was empty, smiled, and casually began to doodle on the paper

Whatever! ... My mom keeps such a tight grip on the finances, and I feel embarrassed to ask for more money. If I don't take this opportunity to pocket a little extra pocket money, what else can I do! ... A sly smile, almost mischievous, appeared on Jian Fan's face as he secretly reveled in his thoughts. He left the hall and entered the kitchen, preparing to serve the second pot at the table

Then, who else wants rice

It was unclear whether she was swayed by Jianfan's words, persuaded by the crowd, or attracted by the aroma. That Jiang Dijia, mustering her courage, picked up a piece of lean meat, as if undertaking a daunting task, closed her eyes, and put it into her mouth, resembling someone pinching their nose to drink traditional Chinese medicine. This action made everyone laugh, as they watched the beautiful woman’s reaction to eating fatty meat.

... ...

Hehe... don't put it all on me! Jianfan paid the money at the counter, stuffed the rest into his pocket, and snapped his fingers

Do not make it too salty! another attendant said

Do not make it too greasy

Everyone was amused by Jianfan's words, but this remark struck a chord with the young lady. She covered her mouth and smiled, and everyone encouraged her, even Director Yu chimed in, saying, "Jiajia, give it a try, it's really good. Much better than the frozen wild boar meat from the big restaurant"

What do you all think?" The chubby leader smiled as he looked at everyone. Except for those who were not qualified to speak and those who were not prepared to say anything in this setting, everyone nodded and said, "Chairman Chen, please go ahead, after all, you are the host.

What about beverages? Our store has homemade corn liquor and sweet potato liquor! The alcohol content is not high, " Jianfan asked with a smile.

"Young man! Is this still the Wulong pot managed by the Jian family?" the plump leader said with a smile, casually flipping through the menu

Dijia responded, "Connotation!? What is the connotation of that cuisine?"

Jianfan introduced with a smile, with a rhythmic cadence, as if recounting treasured family stories. Even before tasting, one could already sense the flavor.

Apart from the leading leader, the rest seem to be seeing this situation for the first time, filled with curiosity and a hint of surprise, yet there is a greater sense of satisfaction. While an extravagant environment is not particularly rare, a setting that is rustic, elegant, clean, and yet retains its unique character is indeed somewhat uncommon

Alright, let's proceed with this. Chairman Chen made the final decision

Chewing, lightly chewing... Jiang Dijia opened her eyes, her face showing a mix of surprise and delight, her lips moving as she nodded slightly: "Mm mm... delicious... truly delicious!"