Transmigrated into an Ancient ABO Fantasy World: A Culinary Comeback - Chapter 8

Upon waking in the morning, Xie Yu’an decided to first visit Sister Deng for a meal before dealing with Wang Xiaojin. She had sent a notice ahead of time, prompting Fan Xi to summon Wang Xiao early to the kitchen for preparations.

Learning that only Deng Shu and Xie Yu’an would be present for lunch, Wang Xiaojin decided to prepare hot pot potato noodles, roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), and spinach with nuts. She first marinated the meat, prepared the dough for the roujiamo, and then worked on the potato noodles. Back in her previous life, the university canteen where she worked had a stall selling potato noodles, which was incredibly popular loved by both girls and boys. She was familiar with the owner and had learned the recipe, often making it for herself. It wasn’t difficult at all.

After melting beef tallow and chicken fat, she added onions, scallions, ginger, and garlic, frying them until golden brown before removing them to eliminate any greasy odor. She then stir-fried rock sugar in the oil until dissolved, adding sauces and spice powders, simmering it all over low heat. This became the base for the original-flavored potato noodles, with minimal chili since she’d heard the young lady couldn’t handle spice.

Placing a clay pot over the fire, she scooped in two porcelain spoons of the base, added salt and chicken bouillon, then tossed in the potato starch noodles along with wood ear mushrooms, shredded kelp, fried meatballs, oyster mushrooms, greens, tofu, quail eggs, and other side dishes. She poured in a rich broth and let it simmer until a steaming pot of potato noodles was ready.

Deng Shu arrived in the kitchen and mentioned that Xie Yu’an had already been led to the main hall by the servants, urging Wang Xiaojin to hurry. Sweating profusely from the rush, Wang Xiaojin quickly finished two roujiamo, tossed the spinach with nuts, and handed over the still-scalding pot of potato noodles along with two small jars of chili oil and vinegar to Deng Shu’s attendants, cautioning them to walk carefully.

Xie Yu’an had just settled into her seat when she saw Deng Shu approaching with the servants in tow. Delighted, she rushed forward to link arms with Deng Shu, wrinkling her cute nose and saying somewhat sheepishly, “Sister Deng, I’m troubling you again to make me delicious food. If I go three days without it, I start missing the taste.”

Deng Shu smiled and instructed the servants to set the table. Like an indulgent older sister, she let the young girl chatter away by her side. Naturally gentle and introverted, she found Xie Yu’an’s presence brought her great joy.

The servants ladled the potato noodles into small porcelain bowls for them. In the amber-colored broth floated pale, slender strands of noodles alongside an assortment of side dishes. Xie Yu’an eagerly picked up a few strands soft, sticky, and smooth, unlike rice noodles or the noodles in soup dumplings. The broth was incredibly rich, and after one sip, she couldn’t stop. Even as she ate, Xie Yu’an couldn’t resist gushing praise: “Sister Deng, what dish is this again? Oh my, how is it so delicious?” Her eyes shone with boundless admiration as she gazed at Deng Shu.

Deng Shu, after tasting it herself, sighed in amazement. “Yes, it’s truly delicious. These are potato noodles made from potatoes.” She then introduced the roujiamo to Xie Yu’an. The roujiamo was crispy yet tender, the marinated meat a perfect balance of lean and fatty, its rich flavor incredibly satisfying. Paired with the sweet-and-sour spinach and nuts, the two ate until they were full. Xie Yu’an then suggested a stroll along the embankment.

Arm in arm, they headed to the embankment, which was still bustling with people coming and going for meals, the air thick with the lively atmosphere of street food. Xie Yu’an made a beeline for the noodle stall, looking for Wang Xiaojin. Deng Shu grew nervous, unsure if Wang Xiaojin would be there, but upon arriving, they found her just in time, she was busy selling noodles while Fan Xi squatted nearby, wolfing down his meal as if starved.

The young girl ran over, planting her hands on her hips as she called out, “Hey, Wang Xiaojin!”

Wang Xiaojin looked up and saw Xie Yu’an. While still working, she deliberately asked, “Ah, Miss Xie, here for a meal?”

Xie Yu’an rubbed her nose and lifted her chin with a cold snort. “I wouldn’t eat it even if you paid me. Tell me, what kind of sweet talk did you feed my aunt yesterday to make her praise you so much?”

“Who’s your aunt?” Wang Xiaojin asked, puzzled.

“My aunt was here on official business yesterday.” So that high-ranking official from yesterday was her aunt, the same Xie elder who had visited the Liu residence that day. Wang Xiaojin suddenly understood and gave an awkward smile. “Oh, I didn’t do anything special.”

“See? You’re speechless again. My aunt wouldn’t even believe me and accused me of bullying you.” The girl looked fierce, clearly aggrieved at being wrongly accused by her family.

Deng Shu, who had been listening all this while, wore a complicated expression. She cleared her throat and tugged at the girl’s sleeve. “An’an, she’s actually quite capable. You shouldn’t judge her just by appearances.”

“How so? She can’t even hold a proper conversation, and she’s just a failed scholar. Sister Deng, don’t you believe me either?” The girl turned to Deng Shu with an accusatory look.

Realizing the tension, Wang Xiaojin quickly wiped her hands and stepped forward, addressing Deng Shu. “Miss Xie would never bully me. She’s magnanimous and has let me off several times. She’s kind-hearted, if she says I’m clumsy, she must have her reasons.”

No one had ever called Xie Yu’an kind before. The unexpected praise made her squirm uncomfortably. Her eyes darted around as she fidgeted with her slender fingers, muttering, “At least you know your place. You’re being somewhat clever today.”

Wang Xiaojin didn’t know what to do with her hands and feet, so she just grinned foolishly.

That grin instantly made Deng Shu understand why Xie Yu’an called her clumsy. Normally poised and articulate, with exceptional culinary skills, Wang Xiaojin had never acted like this before. Smirking behind her handkerchief, Deng Shu exchanged a knowing glance with her.

On their way back, Deng Shu tentatively asked Xie Yu’an, “Yu’an, what do you think of someone like Wang Xiaojin?”

The girl glanced at the flowers, grass, and butterflies, answering carelessly, “She’s just a bit dumb and a little shameless.” Clearly, she hadn’t forgotten the incident from that day.

Deng Shu, who had also heard about it, burst into laughter. “So, do you like that type?”

Xie Yu’an gasped in shock. “How could I? She’s a street vendor and I’m Besides, I prefer someone witty and talented.” As she spoke, her face lit up with dreams of her future beloved.

Deng Shu’s matchmaking enthusiasm instantly cooled. She had been naive, how could two people from such different worlds ever be compatible?

No sooner had they left than Wang Xiaojin felt an inexplicable emptiness. Shaking her head with a bitter smile, she chided herself for being delusional. Just as she was lost in thought, an unwelcome guest arrived Qin Yin.

Qin Yin swaggered over with an air of arrogance, his presence domineering. He glanced around haughtily before stopping in front of the stall, eyeing Wang Xiaojin with disdain. “Well, well, Wang Xiaojin, business is booming, huh?”

Wang Xiaojin forced a smile. “Thanks for the compliment. But it’s not time to repay the debt yet, Master Qin. No need to rush.”

Qin Yin sneered. “Not yet, but I came to see how well you’re doing. Very impressive. I like it.” He helped himself to a bowl of noodles, gave Wang Xiaojin an inscrutable look, and strutted away.

Wang Xiaojin’s heart sank. Qin Yin wasn’t going to let this go. Fan Xi, who had witnessed the whole exchange and was on good terms with her, knew about her troubles. He suggested, “Why not ask Xie Yu’an for help? I hear her aunt has considerable influence.”

“Without power or influence, it’s truly difficult to get things done. Even a lowly yamen runner could push her around, leaving her helpless. Wang Xiaojin fell silent in contemplation. Fan Xi nudged her and teased with a smirk, ‘What’s the matter? Too proud to ask your little sweetheart for help? Hahaha.’

‘Get lost! How could I possibly have the face to ask him for a favor?’ Wang Xiaojin snapped irritably.”

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