Chapter 111

·

·

·

Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Thus, the two of them, centering on the split ratio, launched into a fierce back-and-forth haggling match where neither would yield. After a round of verbal sparring, both sides finally reached a consensus — a seventy-thirty split. As for this outcome, both Yan Si and Shangguan Xingyan expressed great satisfaction.

Immediately after, the two of them enthusiastically discussed various details concerning the bookstore. From the internal layout planning to the arrangement and display of books, to the hiring and work arrangements of shop assistants, everything, big or small, was included in the scope of discussion.

It is worth mentioning that Shangguan Xingyan actually owns his own enterprises in Dongying Guo, but most of those enterprises were bestowed by his mother consort, and everything had long been prepared properly, requiring no excessive effort on his part.

In contrast, this bookstore was entirely decided upon out of his personal preference, and precisely because he harbored passion for it, he was so invested, humbly consulting the experienced Yan Si on many matters he did not understand or was uncertain about.

Yan Si smiled and said: "If you encounter any unclear matters after returning to your country, you may send a letter to me, and we can discuss it together." Hearing this, Shangguan Xingyan could not help but feel a warm current surge in his heart, only feeling that Yan Si was truly too easy to get along with.

He had never expected this trip to go so smoothly, and what surprised and delighted him even more was that Yan Si actually held nothing back and imparted all his knowledge and learning to him. At this moment, Shangguan Xingyan only felt his mind was like ten thousand horses galloping, countless novel ideas flooding in one after another, wishing he could immediately fly back to Dongying Guo and put these wonderful thoughts into practice.

Unknowingly, the two had already communicated quite deeply. Simultaneously, Qianqian, Yan Shuang'er, Shangguan Xingyu, and the others beside them had also played to their heart's content for quite a while. Seeing the sky gradually darkening, everyone discussed setting off on the return journey together. Just at this moment, Shangguan Xingyan suddenly had a brainwave and proposed: "How about we all go enjoy a good meal together? Consider it my sincere gratitude for Elder Brother Yan's assistance this time."

At first, Yan Si wanted to politely decline, but Shangguan Xingyan hurriedly said: "Elder Brother Yan, don't refuse! This younger brother still has many ideas waiting to further discuss and exchange with Elder Brother, and moreover in a few days I must set off and leave this place, and then I fear there will be no more such good opportunity."

Hearing this, Yan Si hesitated slightly, then gladly agreed. Thus, these five people of varied appearances together stepped toward that far-famed wine tower renowned for roast meat — Zuiyue Xuan. The moment they stepped through the door, a rich aroma of roast meat rushed at their faces, causing everyone to salivate uncontrollably.

They asked the shop for a private room, and the waiter enthusiastically led them upstairs. Upon entering the room, everyone's eyes lit up — only to see that table was arranged in a unique C-shape, and occupying the central position was a round stove.

Above the stove, a huge round iron plate was placed steadily and levelly, its height exactly flush with the table. Such clever design filled one with anticipation for the coming feast.

The several people filed in and one after another sat surrounding the table. Immediately after, they began flipping through that dazzling menu. Listed on it were all kinds of carefully marinated meats: fresh tender juicy pork, clearly grained beef, and fragrant tender chicken.

Not only that, these meats were further divided into many cuts, such as pig's front leg, tenderloin, spare ribs; chicken wings, chicken legs, etc. — truly everything one could want.

The lively Qianqian spoke first, saying in a delicate voice: "I want to order a plate of fragrant chicken legs!" The other four all laughed upon hearing this, and then Yan Shuang'er and Shangguan Xingyu also enthusiastically ordered dishes.

Besides various meats, the two of them also specially selected some fresh crisp lettuce as accompaniment. As for Yan Si and Shangguan Xingyan, they appeared quite easygoing, saying: "You order whatever you like, we have no particular pickiness about food, we can eat anything."

Not long after, plate after plate of appetite-arousing delicacies were brought to the table in succession. These meats were either sliced thin as cicada wings, or kept in whole chicken leg and chicken wing shapes; every slice (piece) had enticing color and emitted bursts of alluring fragrance. The marinade seasoning was just right, fully permeated into the meat, making one's appetite wide open just from looking.

At this time, the waiter skillfully walked to the front of the stove. It turned out this stove had long been lit, roaring flames licking the iron plate, emitting warm light. The stove's side had a chimney, leading straight out the window, ensuring the indoor air remained fresh and pleasant.

Only to see the waiter first calmly pick up a pair of chopsticks, carefully place slice after slice of tender meat lightly onto the iron plate. As the meat slices contacted the scorching iron plate, they instantly emitted a "sizzle" sound and wisps of blue smoke rose. Immediately after, he picked up a long pair of tongs, nimbly flipping those meat slices, making them heat evenly, so they could be roasted crisp outside and tender inside.

When those tender meats slowly roasted on the fire, they gradually turned golden and brilliant, their surfaces faintly showing enticing charred brown. At this time, it was the optimal moment to serve these delicious meat slices onto exquisite plates.

Before each guest were neatly placed three small exquisite dishes; one filled with fiery red chili powder, emitting rich spicy fragrance; another held plump brown-yellow cumin powder, emitting unique Western Regions flavor; the last small dish held the house-exclusive secret sauce, its mysterious flavor making one drool with desire.

Only to see Qianqian elegantly extend the chopsticks in her hand, lightly pinch a slice of freshly roasted meat. She carefully dipped the meat slice full in that fragrant rich secret sauce, then gently blew away the excess heat on top, as if treating an incomparably precious treasure.

Then, she slowly sent this sauce-covered meat slice into her mouth, bit down lightly, only to hear a "crunch" crisp sound. Beneath the seemingly slightly charred exterior lay hidden tender smooth meat, perfectly fused with that secret sauce. In an instant, wonderful flavor bloomed in her mouth; Qianqian's eyes shone because of this ultimate deliciousness, as if the brightest star in the night sky.

After Qianqian successively tasted several such roast meat slices, she then enthusiastically picked up a piece of emerald green glistening lettuce leaf. She skillfully placed the previously sauce-dipped meat slice onto the lettuce, then once more used chopsticks to dip a little cumin powder, evenly spreading it on the meat slice.

Immediately after, she unhesitatingly stuffed this seasoning-wrapped lettuce-wrapped meat into her mouth and chewed. In an instant, the lettuce's fresh crispness and the roast meat's rich fragrance intertwined, forming an exquisite texture combination. That wonderful taste made one unable to resist wanting to swallow one's own tongue along with it; it was truly too addictive!