Chef Hua
Chapter 236: Episode 142 Braised Pork Belly_2

Chapter 236: Episode 142 Braised Pork Belly_2

Meng Yuhuai followed a few steps behind, apparently intending to head back to the southern part of the village. Hua Xiaomai pursed her lips, hurried over, and closed the door, only to see that person’s figure flash and slip back in.

Hua Xiaomai got such a fright that she immediately took a few steps back. Once she got a clear look at him, she placed her hand over her heart with lingering fear and patted it twice, both annoyed and amused, "Why are you sneaking around like a thief?"

Meng Yuhuai lowered his eyes and smiled as well, not answering her question directly. Instead, he said, "This shop is isolated, you being here alone is unsafe. I have nothing pressing to do, so I’ll keep you company for a while."

Hua Xiaomai was not one to stand on ceremony. Hearing him say that, she nodded, "Well, that’s perfect, let’s go to the backyard, I have something wonderful to show you."

No sooner had she spoken than she partially closed the main gate and led the way through the back door to the yard.

In the backyard, next to the left wall, a pit about a foot deep was dug, and in it sat a large wine jar surrounded by piles of wheat straw and grain husks, slowly burning around the walls of the jar. Occasionally, the soft crackling sounds mixed with a slightly pungent smell and the rich aroma coming from within the jar, creating an odd yet appealing scent.

It was only upon drawing closer that Meng Yuhuai noticed the mouth of the wine jar was sealed with wet clay, probably baked for quite a while since it was now cracked and the fragrance was leaking from those gaps.

"What are you making here?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. He picked up two stools, handed one to Hua Xiaomai, and sat down a bit away from the fire, "What’s inside the wine jar?"

"This is called ’jar meat’." Hua Xiaomai raised her eyebrows proudly, and as soon as she started talking about the dish, she became quite loquacious, "My second sister told me, it’s a tradition in Fuzhe County that a restaurant cannot light the stove before opening—it’s considered bad luck. But I need to start doing business tomorrow, and I have to prepare a couple of signature dishes, right? After thinking it over, I decided this ’jar meat’ would be perfect. Digging a pit in the yard might technically involve lighting a fire to cook, but at least I’m not using the kitchen stove, so that should slip by the rules, right?"

Meng Yuhuai watched her with a smile but remained silent.

This ’jar meat’ was actually a celebrated dish, though it seemed not to have appeared yet in this era. The proper way to make it involved a chicken and a duck, a pound and a half of leg meat, plus six taels of ham, four taels each of sea cucumber and abalone. After blanching everything briefly, they were all stuffed into the wine jar, followed by a dozen cooked eggs, and seasoned with half a bottle of fine Shao Wine, scallions, ginger, and various sauces. It needed to simmer for at least ten hours until the outer layer was crispy, the meat tender, and the juices flavorfully infused before it could be consumed—its taste was rich and decadent.

"Although the dish takes time, it’s quite easy to make. And with all kinds of meats inside, a bite fills your mouth with a savory meatiness. For the villagers who work hard all day, it will definitely be a hit, no question about it." Hua Xiaomai was speaking with such enthusiasm. Glancing at Meng Yuhuai, she continued to mutter, "But to be honest with you, I was a bit reluctant to use luxury items like sea cucumbers and abalones, so I bought two big squids instead and stuffed them in. It should still capture some of the ocean’s flavor—I’m clever, aren’t I?"

Meng Yuhuai was so amused by her that he laughed, yet he still said nothing and just quietly watched her. Hua Xiaomai looked at him, a bit puzzled, and suddenly clapped her hands, "Hey, how about I give you a taste when it’s done? Hmm... no, it’s better to let it stew in the jar overnight. I’ll heat it up on the stove tomorrow morning to enhance the flavor. You can try it then, along with Uncle Ke and the others..."

Before she could finish, her hand was caught and held within a larger palm.

Meng Yuhuai lowered his head to take a careful look at her hand, his fingertips slowly sliding over the back of her hand. Caught off guard, Hua Xiaomai’s ears heated up. Not wanting to appear overly shy and inexperienced, she pursed her lips and feigned indifference with a small laugh, "Uh ... My second sister says, my hands are always soaked in water, smoked in the fumes of cooking oil—they’re so rough and ugly ..."

"My hands are rough too," Meng Yuhuai replied abruptly.

... Big brother, is this your idea of comfort?

Secretly rolling her eyes, Hua Xiaomai subtly withdrew her hand and picked up a stick to prod the bottom of the fire pit.

"I just returned from the north, and I can rest at home for two days," Meng Yuhuai glanced at her, "Once your restaurant opens tomorrow, I was thinking of discussing that matter with my mother."

After a pause, he added, "My mother ... she has a bit of a temper. Unless it’s someone she has taken a liking to herself, she will have something to say. I’m worried she might trouble you, so you needn’t pay her any mind. If she becomes too much of a nuisance, just walk away."

Upon hearing this, Hua Xiaomai skeptically raised an eyebrow, somewhat reluctantly, "How about ... tomorrow you bring her along to the banquet?"

"It’s not necessary," Meng Yuhuai immediately waved his hand, "On such an important day, if she were to cause a disturbance, I’m afraid it might affect your future business. Don’t worry about this, after all, let’s wait until after your grand opening tomorrow."

That was close! Thankfully, he has a clear head and is considerate, she was really only making a polite offer!

The two sat in the backyard for a while, exchanging a few words occasionally but nothing of much significance, merely small talk. After more than half an hour, the meat in the earthen jar was finally stewed enough. Meng Yuhuai then helped Hua Xiaomai take the wine jar out of the fire pit, carried it into the kitchen to place it carefully in a corner, and then locked the shop door before stepping out.

"Go home and rest, don’t worry about other things. I’ll come early tomorrow to help," Meng Yuhuai untied the impatient black horse while instructing her.

What’s this, saying goodbye?

"Aren’t you going to walk me?" Hua Xiaomai tugged at the corner of her mouth, "Just to the riverbank will do."

Meng Yuhuai quickly turned his head to look at her, smiled with a seemingly helpless expression, but then immediately led his horse to her side: "Let’s go." (To be continued. If you like this work, please head over to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation ticket or monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to continue reading.)