Chapter 216: Tian Xianma's Praise

"Whether to stay or not isn't something I can decide."

"I asked a classmate who's also furthering his studies to inquire; this year the recruitment slots of the major literary and art troupes are all reserved for recent graduates, basically not open to members of the public."

Tian Xianma's expression was plain and gentle; her delicate face revealed neither sorrow nor joy.

"I see."

"Then let's go to my place for a meal first."

Xu Yuexin said nothing, only patting the motorcycle's rear seat.

Tian Xianma then sat on the motorcycle's rear seat, and after getting on she took a deep look at the surrounding streetscape.

It was still as bustling and prosperous as ever, only regrettably she would soon, very soon have to leave this place.

Tian Xianma thought with a hint of melancholy.

"Sit steady."

At that moment, Xu Yuexin started the motorcycle and drove forward.

The street was crowded, yet Xu Yuexin consistently kept a steady 40 km/h, ensuring safety.

Only after reaching Er Huan Lu did he accelerate.

In 1982, there still weren't many vehicles on Er Huan Lu.

It wouldn't be until after the city's economic system reform began in 1984 that the number of motor vehicles in society would see a sharp rise.

After Xu Yuexin twisted the throttle, the motorcycle gradually roared up on Er Huan Lu.

On the rear seat, Tian Xianma had to hold tightly onto Xu Yuexin.

"Slower."

"Don't go so fast."

Tian Xianma, from behind Xu Yuexin, said.

"I'm not in a hurry to go home and cook."

Xu Yuexin enjoyed Tian Xianma's embrace, smiling as he said, "Just hold me tight and that's enough."

Faced with Tian Xianma's request, Xu Yuexin not only didn't slow down, but actually accelerated his sprint even more.

When they arrived at Guogongfu, Xu Yuexin stopped the motorcycle at the gate.

Tian Xianma released Xu Yuexin, flicked her wind‑tousled hair, got down from the rear seat and stood beside him.

Xu Yuexin also got off, pulled out a thick long key and stuck it into the lock.

"It wasn't that you were living fine before; why did you move out?"

Xu Yuexin asked as he opened the door.

"When the school later had vacant beds, we moved there."

"At the time, the idea was to interact more with roommates to improve skills and also to learn about job opportunities."

"Like that."

Xu Yuexin nodded, said, opened the door and pushed the motorcycle inside.

It's clear that Tian Xianma still really wants to stay in Jing.

Xu Yuexin decided to help Tian Xianma fulfill this dream.

After parking, Xu Yuexin and Tian Xianma walked together toward the depths of the courtyard.

When they reached Guogong Mansion Main Hall, Xu Yuexin went into the kitchen to cook; Tian Xianma wanted to help, but Xu Yuexin didn't let her.

"You're a guest; how can I let you cook?"

Xu Yuexin blocked Tian Xianma, who tried to step forward to pick vegetables, saying.

"Just eat simply; don't make a huge pile of dishes."

Tian Xianma could only turn away from the kitchen, feeling a different emotion inside.

The two hadn't seen each other for over half a year, yet as soon as Xu Yuexin met her, he invited her to a meal.

This made Tian Xianma feel warmth.

Ding—clink—bang, the clatter of pots, bowls and pans overlapped.

Before long, several dishes came out fresh from the stove.

Cold shredded jellyfish, stir‑fried cucumber with pork, and seaweed egg soup, in the sweltering early summer felt refreshing yet appetizing.

Most importantly, there was also a hometown dish of Tian Xianma.

Di San Xian! As the name suggests, it is made of three everyday garden vegetables: potatoes, eggplants, and green peppers.

The three vegetables together give an excellent texture and delicious flavor; it's a famous dish of the Northeast.

Since leaving her hometown, Tian Xianma hadn't had authentic Di San Xian for a long time.

When she saw Xu Yuexin bring the dish to the table, Tian Xianma's eyes lit up.

"Di San Xian? When did you learn this dish?"

Tian Xianma hurriedly picked up her chopsticks and said.

"A few days ago, I heard the Northeast has such a famous dish, so I learned it."

Xu Yuexin blurted, "Give it a try, will you?"

"Alright."

Tian Xianma picked up a slice of eggplant and slipped it into her tiny mouth.

"Mmm… delicious!"

After finishing the eggplant, Tian Xianma gave a thumbs‑up and said, "The flavor is so authentic, the chefs back home aren't even as good as you."

"Alright, I'll take it seriously; tomorrow I'll open a restaurant."

"I'm serious, your heat control is spot‑on."

Heavenly Mother continued unabashedly praising, "Tell me how to master it, and next time I go back I'll tell my mother so she can make it for me."

"Actually there's nothing special; the main point is to scorch the wok with chilies before you put the food in."

"After the vegetables go in, stir‑fry as usual. When the chili heat becomes unbearable, crank up the fire to finish the sauce and plate the dish."

"Well… each person's tolerance is different; what you can't stand, others might handle."

"Exactly, so there's a certain luck factor involved."

"No, it's talent."

When she heard Xu Yuexin mention luck, Heavenly Mother thought a moment, then shook her head, "You were born to cook well."

"Alright, thanks for the compliment. Actually it also owes to over two years of practice."

Xu Yuexin smiled, "Eat while it's hot, or the wok qi will disappear."

Wok qi is a strange thing in cooking. It's invisible, intangible, colorless and odorless, yet it greatly affects the food's texture.

Xu Yuexin thinks that wok qi refers to the optimal state when a dish just leaves the fire and cools from high temperature.

Once it leaves that temperature range, the dish degrades and becomes unappetizing—the wok qi dissipates.

Of course, it likely also involves the motion and release of ingredient and seasoning molecules, not just temperature.

For example, the Three Earth Delicacies that Heavenly Mother keeps reaching for is currently at the peak wok qi, the most delicious stage.

From the speed she eats dry rice, you can see she's completely conquered by this dish! She polished off two huge bowls of rice for it.

For a dancer in the Cultural Troupe, that's a miraculous amount of rice.

"I can't eat more; if I do I'll get fat."

After finishing the second bowl, Heavenly Mother glanced awkwardly at the remaining dish and, embarrassed, explained to Xu Yuexin, "It's just too fresh."

"If you like it, I'll make it a few more times later."

"Okay, I'll wash the dishes."

This time Heavenly Mother didn't wait for Xu Yuexin to decline; she grabbed the dishes and rushed into the kitchen, getting to work.

After washing the dishes, Xu Yuexin and she strolled in the courtyard, admiring lotus and fish, taking a walk to aid digestion.

"I bought a phonograph; let's go inside and listen to a song."

After walking a few rounds in the courtyard, Xu Yuexin suggested to Heavenly Mother.

"Sure."

"I've never heard music from a phonograph before."

Heavenly Mother got interested at once and agreed.

In earlier years, phonographs were seen as bourgeois sentiment; ordinary families didn't dare own one.

These days, tape recorders have become popular, and phonographs have gradually faded from daily life.

However, for certain types of pieces, a phonograph's effect still surpasses that of a recorder.

Heavenly Mother knows this well and has long hoped for a chance to enjoy phonograph music.

Today she finally got that chance with Xu Yuexin.

"Let me tell you, the phonograph sounds wonderful."

Xu Yuexin said to Heavenly Mother as they walked toward the Guogong Mansion Main Hall.

Heavenly Mother kept close behind, and after entering the Main Hall she watched him connect the Phonograph Power Supply and insert a record.

"Let's listen to some classical music."

Xu Yuexin said, and they sat together on the simple, elegant wooden armchairs.

"Dun dun…"

As the music began, Xu Yuexin remembered something, got up, walked to the windowsill, drew the curtains, and turned on the small amber lamp.

"Now it's got atmosphere."

Xu Yuexin sat beside Heavenly Mother, muttering to himself.

Heavenly Mother let out a giggle.

Indeed, compared with the direct sunlight earlier, the curtained ambience is much more tranquil and elegant, perfect for classical music.

The record kept playing, its rhythmic melody flowing slowly through the room.

Heavenly Mother gently closed her eyes, leaned back, and listened attentively.

Xu Yuexin played a waltz today, titled "Spring Sound", which, like "Blue Danube", is a signature work of Johann Strauss II.

"Spring Sound" has a splendid, lively melody; when Xu Yuexin closed his eyes to enjoy it, he could picture a vibrant spring morning scene.

Butterflies flutter, orioles dance, flowers bloom, wind sighs…

The beautiful music made the whole body relax, the mood exceedingly bright.

When Xu Yuexin opened his eyes, he saw Heavenly Mother supporting her cheek with a hand, eyes fixed on the phonograph, fully immersed in the music.

Until "Spring Sound" finished, Heavenly Mother let out a lingering sigh, as if regretting the piece wasn't longer.

"This song is truly beautiful."

Heavenly Mother looked at Xu Yuexin sentimentally and asked, "Do you know the title?"

"Spring Sound," written by Johann Strauss II.

Xu Yuexin said, "It's a classic waltz."

"The composer was already over sixty when he wrote it."

"Because of that, critics generally view the piece as symbolizing his advanced age yet still vigorous and passionate creative state, deeming it an immortal masterpiece in waltz history."

So there's such a story behind it.

Heavenly Mother nodded after listening.

Although she works in a cultural troupe, she rarely encounters Western waltzes in her job.

After listening to Xu Yuexin today, Tian Xianma felt she had gained knowledge!

"Where did you get the record? I want to buy one too."

Tian Xianma asked Xu Yuexin curiously.

These days department stores sell Cassette Tapes, and records have become hard to find.

"I got it from Panjiayuan; the record player was also bought secondhand there."

"If you want to buy one, I can take you there together."

"Sure, shall we go together tomorrow?"

"Okay, meet at the Panjiayuan entrance at eight in the morning."

"See you there, don't be late!"

Tian Xianma nodded enthusiastically.

As an artistic actress, she also wanted, like Xu Yuexin, a leisurely life of pulling the curtains and listening to records at home.

After enjoying the waltz, Xu Yuexin escorted Tian Xianma out of the house.

"Goodbye."

"See you tomorrow morning."

After waving goodbye at the doorway, Xu Yuexin turned back to Guogong Mansion Main Hall and dialed a phone.

(End of Chapter)