Chapter 27-2: Gathering
Upon
hearing Luo Chen's request, Luo Sheng didn't hesitate to agree. She would leave
Jinsha the next day, so fulfilling her brother's small request seemed fitting.
After pondering for a while, Luo Sheng decided on the dishes she would prepare
and instructed Hongdou to gather the necessary ingredients.
As
the sun set, the Sheng brothers received Luo Chen's invitation to join him for
a meal and drinks. The four brothers arrived together at Luo Chen's residence,
where Luo Chen himself greeted them.
Sheng
Erlang smiled and asked, "Why such hospitality, Biaodi? What made you
think of treating us to dinner?"
Luo
Chen gestured for them to enter and replied with a faint smile, "Tomorrow,
my sister will be embarking on a long journey, and I will rely on San Biaoge to
take care of her along the way. Today, I invited Biaoge here to share a drink
and chat as a token of my gratitude."
Sheng
Erlang subtly suppressed his smile and exchanged knowing glances with Sheng
Dalang. When did Biaodi become so concerned about Luo Biaomei?
On
the other hand, Sheng Sanlang didn't overthink it. He simply wrapped his arm
around Luo Chen's shoulder and spoke with a smile, "Then I shall indulge
in the food and drink today. Tomorrow, I will embark on the journey and won't
have such comforts for a long time."
Inside
the dining room, the table had been set, and the aroma of the dishes filled the
air as soon as they entered.
"What
kind of dish smells so divine?" Sheng Sanlang sniffed
"Please
take a seat," Luo Chen said.
Sheng
Dalang and the others settled themselves, accepting towels from the servants to
clean their hands. However, their eyes couldn't help but sneak glances at the
dining table. It wasn't their fault for being unable to resist—they simply
couldn't wait, enticed by the alluring aroma of the food.
The
tantalizing aroma of fried chili and Sichuan pepper filled the air, stimulating
their senses and causing their mouths to water involuntarily.
Luo
Chen smiled and personally lifted the lid of one of the shallow porcelain pots.
Inside, a whole fish soaked in vibrant red oil was adorned with bright red
chili and emerald green scallions.
After
seeing the dish, Sheng Dalang and the others couldn't help but feel a slight
disappointment. Jinsha is located in the south, and fish dishes were common. Making
a fish dish stand out was no easy task, especially when using a whole fish,
which could be challenging to cook to perfection.
A
slight smile appeared on the corner of Luo Chen's mouth as he said,
"Biaoge, let's try the fish." Upon hearing his words, they all took a
piece of fish. They ate it, only to be momentarily frozen in astonishment.
The
fish was incredibly tender, its freshness causing their taste buds to quiver.
Yet, every fiber of the fish seemed to have absorbed the essence of the chili
and pepper-infused oil. The dish flawlessly balanced the contrasting qualities
of freshness and flavor, showcasing a harmonious fusion.
Sheng
Erlang couldn't help muttering: "This braised fish dish is
perfect..."
Luo
Chen glanced at him with a smile and corrected: "This is not braised fish,
but fried fish cooked in sauce." However, Luo Chen corrected his
statement, "This is not braised fish, but fried fish cooked in
sauce." Sheng Erlang intended to discuss the dish with Luo Chen further,
but his expression suddenly changed.
Looking
down, he couldn't help but feel furious. "Sanlang, you don't spit bone
when eating fish?" In just a few words, Sanlang had already devoured half
of the fish!
After
they had devoured all the dishes, the table was left in a state of disarray
with scattered bowls and plates. However, the pot of wine remained untouched.
Sheng Sanlang rubbed his unsatisfied stomach and asked: " Biaodi, where
did you order this meal from? Was it Wuxianzhai or Yipinju[1]?
No, it can't be. They couldn't recreate this taste unless they've recently
changed their chef."
The
young boy glanced at his cousins and smiled, saying, "My sister prepared
them."
Hmph, he is the only one who can dislike Luo Sheng, and no one else has the right to do so.
[1] Restaurants
TN: Extra chapter coming tomorrow!
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