allonlinenovel Chapter 228: Pig Stomach Chicken (2)
Chapter 228: Pig Stomach Chicken (2)
With the plan decided, the next step was to shop for ingredients! Hand in hand, I led a group of cheering children as we headed towards the market. As soon as we stepped into the bustling, bustling place, the children were captivated by the dazzling array of fresh vegetables. The colorful fruits and vegetables were neatly arranged on the stalls, emitting an alluring luster that seemed to beckon us. The children ran around excitedly like wild horses, curiously touching and glancing at the produce, chattering non-stop: "Wow, look at that big red tomato!" "Oh my, those lush green vegetables look so tender!" ... It was a lively scene!
We first slowly strolled over to the chicken stall. The owner, beaming with joy, greeted us warmly. I quickly scanned the neatly arranged chickens, carefully selecting a plump, free-range chicken. I thought to myself: This would be perfect for a pork belly and chicken hot pot!
We then set out on a quest to find pig's stomach. However, the process wasn't smooth sailing and took considerable time and effort. We crisscrossed the stalls, carefully searching for the one we'd been hoping for. But our efforts paid off, and after unwavering effort, we finally found the one we were looking for.
Next, it was time to choose the side dishes! Looking around, we saw stalls filled with a variety of fresh and tempting vegetables. There were juicy greens, as if freshly plucked from the fields; juicy mushrooms, plump and lovely, exuding a delicate fragrance; and crisp bamboo shoots, white as jade, mouth-watering. We carefully packed these side dishes into our shopping baskets, and soon, they were overflowing.
At this moment, the children could no longer contain their excitement and rushed over to help carry the baskets. Their little faces were filled with happy smiles, as bright and dazzling as the warm spring sun.
Afterwards, we returned to our hotel room, laden with bags and bags, all filled with laughter and chatter. Once inside, everyone eagerly began preparing the ingredients. The children, like a flock of little tails, followed closely behind the adults, curiously watching from the sidelines.
I skillfully cleaned and sliced the ingredients. Then, I gently placed the pork belly and chicken in the pot, added an appropriate amount of water, covered the lid, and began to simmer. As time passed, the sound of gurgling gradually permeated the pot, and the rich aroma, like an invisible magic, gradually filled the room.
I cleaned and cut the tender chicken into pieces, then carefully cleaned the pork belly, removing any excess grease and impurities. After completing these preparations, I smiled and waved to the children, inviting them to help prepare the colorful side dishes.
The children gathered around me excitedly, some washing vegetables, others meticulously peeling garlic and chopping ginger. The small kitchen was filled with laughter and joy. Soon, all the ingredients were ready. I lit the stove and poured the carefully prepared soup base into the pot. Once the water boiled, I added the chicken and then the pork belly. As time passed, steam gradually rose from the pot, and an alluring aroma filled the air.
Finally, the mouth-watering pot of pork tripe and chicken hotpot was served. The children cheered with excitement, their eyes fixed on the delicious dishes. Everyone, unable to contain their excitement, picked up their chopsticks and eagerly plucked a piece of chicken or pork tripe. As they devoured the food, they exchanged their thoughts with one another. The room was filled with cheerful laughter, creating a warm atmosphere.
Just then, a crisp doorbell rang, shattering the tranquility and joy. I wondered who could be there at this hour, so I stood up and slowly walked toward the door. When I opened it, I saw the person standing before me: the head of the Grand Hotel! He was smiling, and he exuded a faint scent of perfume.
"Sorry to bother you, I could smell the fragrance coming from your place from far away and couldn't help but come over to take a look." The person in charge said with a smile, while looking into the house curiously.
I smiled a little awkwardly and quickly explained, "I just happened to have some free time today, so I made a pork belly and chicken hotpot with the kids at home."
The person in charge nodded in understanding, then pulled a contract from his briefcase and handed it to me. He said, "This is our preliminary plan for cooperating in promoting our hot pot set meals. Please take a look at it. If you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact me."
I took the contract, feeling a bit surprised. I hadn't expected them to take this partnership so seriously, and the terms they offered were even more generous than I'd initially imagined. I looked at the person in charge with gratitude and thanked him sincerely.
Yet, despite this, a hint of hesitation and unease still lingered deep within me, fearing a repeat of the past. After all, the setbacks I'd experienced before still haunted me. Just then, the person in charge seemed to sense the worry in my eyes. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, gently patted his chest, and assured me with a solemn promise: "Don't worry! This time, I will give you my fullest assistance and support. There will be no more missteps!"
Meanwhile, a group of adorable children stood nearby, watching our every move with curious eyes. Suddenly, one of them ran up to us, blinking her big, watery eyes. She looked up and said in a childish, clear voice, "Uncle, our hot pot is delicious! You can definitely add it to your meal." Hearing these innocent words, the person in charge couldn't help but burst out laughing, beaming and praising, "Oh my, what a clever kid! What a great idea!"
I slowly crouched down, gazing at the innocent faces of the children before me, taking in the pure, untouched aura they emanated. For some reason, a sudden surge of courage washed over me, like a warm current spreading through my body. So, I resolutely picked up the pen and solemnly signed my name on the contract.
The moment the pen tip touched the paper, I clearly realized that this wasn't just a simple signature; it marked a brand new beginning. No matter how bumpy the road ahead might be, I resolved to forge ahead with the same childlike optimism and courage. At that moment, the pork belly and chicken hot pot was bubbling happily in the pot, bubbling with steam. Its rich, delicious aroma filled the air, as if celebrating this momentous new beginning.