Chương 49: Having a Little Sister Would Be Fine Too!

Today's farce at the factory canteen made the workers who liked the stir-fries see the true colors of Wang Defa and Huang Fusheng. The recently popular Zhou Erwa Restaurant became their second choice. The food at the state-run canteen was good, but it wasn't as convenient in the past; the food was slow, and you didn't dare to rush them. The waiters at the state-run canteen had terrible tempers; they would not only curse, but sometimes they would even hit people if things got heated.

In contrast, Aunt Zhao at Zhou Erwa Restaurant was genuinely kind and friendly. If the food was slow, she would proactively bring a plate of pickled radishes and say a few kind words. Those who could regularly eat the stir-fries were generally the factory's management and technical backbone, earning seventy or eighty yuan a month or more, and they would get together with friends every few days for a meal.

Of course, many people were here for the first time, and seeing that the prices were even higher than the canteen's stir-fries, they hesitated a bit. So, the factory director and deputy director's families had a get-together, ordering one of each of the dishes. Everyone was waiting for the director to finish eating and give his opinion.

Currently, the double-pepper minced beef, braised beef with bamboo shoots, braised pork ribs, and braised beef with torn pieces had all received unanimous praise, leaving only the most expensive dish, the crucian carp with mint, awaiting judgment.

"Director, everyone's waiting for your feedback," Lin Zhiqiang said with a smile, having already noticed the other guests' thoughts. Although he hadn't tried Zhou Yan's crucian carp with mint, he had confidence in Zhou Yan; if it was served last, it couldn't be bad.

"Don't rush, everyone, let me try it first. I'll definitely give a fair assessment," Wang Hongliang said cheerfully, picking up a piece of fish belly with his chopsticks. The broth was thickened just right, coating the fish meat, giving it a slightly oily sheen without being too sticky. The fish meat entered his mouth, releasing a symphony of numbing, spicy, fresh, fragrant, and sour flavors, with the unique aroma of mint standing out, elevating the overall taste to another level.

There's no single standard for how to make braised crucian carp with agastache; every chef makes it differently. This difference is evident in the pickled cowpeas and pickled peppers. The sourness enhances the flavor and pairs well with fish, which is why people in Sichuan and Chongqing love to add pickled vegetables when cooking fish. Adding cowpeas serves the same purpose—to enhance flavor, remove fishy odors, and add freshness.

Wang Hongliang has several pickling jars at home, containing pickled vegetables, pickled cowpeas, pickled peppers, pickled ginger… He pickles seasonal vegetables each season and locks them in the cellar, accessible only to him. They're treasured for adding to porridge, stir-fries, or braised fish. The pickled peppers and cowpeas in this braised crucian carp with agastache are indeed well-pickled, with a refreshing sour and fragrant flavor that's distinct yet not overpowering.

The harmonious blend of multiple flavors demonstrates Zhou Yan's exceptional talent. Biting into the fish, the slightly charred skin is particularly fragrant, while the flesh is exceptionally tender. Fresh, fragrant, and delicious! There are two ways to prepare braised crucian carp with agastache: one is to first pan-fry and then simmer, reducing the sauce before pouring it over the fish.

Another method is to skip the frying step and directly simmer the fish in a rich broth, then reduce the sauce and pour it over the fish, aiming for ultimate tenderness. Clearly, Zhou Yan used the former method, which Wang Hongliang also preferred. In his opinion, fish isn't fragrant without frying, and even the most tender fish lacks a certain quality; however, over-frying makes the fish tough and loses its smooth texture, so controlling the heat is crucial.

The heat control in this mint-flavored crucian carp was perfect. The heat and seasoning were perfectly integrated; this mint-flavored crucian carp was already ranked number one in his mind, even better than the one he had at the Rongcheng restaurant. Wang Hongliang pursed his lips, spat out a small fish bone, stood up, and looked at Zhou Yan, saying,"Chef Zhou, your mint-flavored crucian carp is truly excellent, spicy, fragrant, and flavorful—it's just as good as the one at the Rongcheng restaurant.

I enjoy cooking; let's have a proper exchange sometime."

"Wow..." The restaurant patrons exclaimed in surprise, not expecting the factory manager to give such high praise after tasting the mint-flavored crucian carp. Lin Zhiqiang and Meng Anhe were also somewhat surprised. The factory director's way of addressing Zhou Yan changed from"Comrade Little Zhou" to "Little Zhou," and then to "Master Little Zhou," showing the change in Zhou Yan's image in his mind. Before the dishes were even served, he said he would give Little Zhou some pointers.

Now it had become"He wants to have a good chat with Master Little Zhou." Sigh, even the old factory director has two faces. Meng Anhe pursed her lips, lowered her head slightly to hide the smile at the corner of her mouth, picked up a piece of fish to taste, and her eyes quickly lit up, she was amazed again. The design institute's hospitality was quite high-end, and she had eaten at many famous restaurants in Rongcheng.

If Zhou Yan's crucian carp with mint was on the menu of Rongleyuan, it would be a signature dish. In fact, not only the crucian carp with mint, but also the braised beef with bamboo shoots, the double-pepper minced beef, and the braised pork ribs were all top-notch, no less than those of famous restaurants in Rongcheng. For the first time, Meng Anhe seriously examined this young man. This small-town restaurant couldn't contain his talent. Given more time, he might make a name for himself in the catering industry.

The three little ones at the table stared at Zhou Yan with admiration in their eyes. The food today was absolutely delicious! Especially the ribs; they wanted to eat the bones too!

"You flatter me. I'd like to learn more from you," Zhou Yan said modestly with a smile.

"No, no, no, I'm just telling the truth. I'm never sloppy when it comes to cooking," Wang Hongliang waved his hand and smiled.

"Your master is more well-rounded than you, but you have more talent. Even the top chefs in those big restaurants in Rongcheng rarely cook these dishes better than you." Upon hearing this, the way the guests looked at Zhou Yan changed. If it were anyone else, they would have thought that Zhou Yan had hired someone. But the old factory director was different. He had traveled all over the country and was very knowledgeable about food.

For him to say such a thing meant that Zhou Yan's dishes today were indeed excellent. His skill level was even better than that of the top chefs in the big restaurants in Rongcheng! If this news spreads, many people will surely come to eat here tomorrow. Aunt Zhao smiled at Zhou Yan, but tears welled in her eyes; how much hardship this child must have endured.

"Boss lady, give us a serving of crucian carp with minced pork."

"We'd like a serving of double-pepper minced beef and a serving of crucian carp with minced pork..." The customers couldn't sit still and started ordering, with the crucian carp with minced pork and double-pepper minced beef becoming hot commodities. Zhou Yan exchanged a few polite words and then went back to the kitchen to busy himself. Director Wang was quite an interesting person, unpretentious and with a pleasant voice.

"Come on, Director, have another drink." Lin Zhiqiang poured wine for Wang Hongliang.

"Two ounces is enough, I want a bowl of rice." Wang Hongliang waved his hand, smiling,"This is a side dish; rice is more satisfying than alcohol."

"Okay, then I'll eat too." Lin Zhiqiang smiled and put away his wine. A moment later, the braised beef with dried bamboo shoots and the stir-fried beef with two kinds of peppers were removed from the menu and moved to the clearance section.

"Sorry everyone, those two dishes are sold out. We only have three servings of braised pork ribs, six servings of crucian carp with mint, and about ten servings of braised beef with tofu. Once we finish ordering today's dishes, everything will be sold out," Aunt Zhao announced apologetically. The braised pork ribs and crucian carp with mint were a bit pricey, but that didn't dampen anyone's enthusiasm.

On the contrary, everyone was afraid that others would get there first and they wouldn't get anything, so they all crowded around to order. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Several dishes were quickly ordered, even the braised beef was sold out.

"Aunt Zhao, prepare more dishes tomorrow! Judging by this, business will definitely be booming tomorrow."

"That's right, I'll come tomorrow at noon!" a customer who hadn't ordered anything grumbled.

"Okay, we'll definitely prepare more dishes tomorrow so everyone can have some," Aunt Zhao said with a smile. The three little ones finished eating and got off the table first, coaxing Zhou Momo out of the kitchen to play together.

"Momo, do you get to eat your cooking every day?" Lin Bingwen asked, looking at Zhou Momo, "Is it always so delicious?"

"Yes," Zhou Momo nodded, "Every day." The three little ones were incredibly envious. Lin Bingwen turned to Lin Jingxing: "Brother, when are you going to cook for me?"

"Huh?" Lin Jingxing shrugged. Everyone, satisfied with their meal, paid the bill and left.

"Zhiqiang, you really know how to find places! Otherwise, I would have never known there was such a hidden gem of a restaurant right under my nose." As they exited the restaurant, Wang Hongliang pulled Lin Zhiqiang aside and laughed.

"I just wanted to enjoy the atmosphere. Only the factory director could truly appreciate the culinary delights. Little Zhou's cooking is excellent, and he's a nice guy too," Lin Zhiqiang replied with a smile.

"He is indeed good. I'll have to come back and ask him for some pointers sometime. This is much more convenient than going to Chengdu," Wang Hongliang nodded. The two families parted ways at the entrance. Wang Hongliang rode his old bicycle, carrying his grandson and Li Meilin back home. Lin Zhiqiang's family, on the other hand, strolled leisurely along the riverbank towards their residential compound.

"Dad, Mom, when are you going to send my brother to a cooking class?" Lin Bingwen shook Lin Zhiqiang's hand, pouting, "Other people's brothers can cook delicious food!"

"Come on!" Lin Jingxing rolled his eyes at him, then turned to Meng Anhe, taking her hand and pouting, "Mom, when are you going to have a little sister? Momo is so cute!"

"A little sister would be great!" Lin Bingwen's eyes lit up.

"You guys really have wild ideas." Meng Anhe and Lin Zhiqiang couldn't help but laugh. The family's laughter echoed on the riverbank, the setting sun casting long shadows of them. (End of Chapter)