Chapter 59: Chapter 59: Delicious Roasted Duck with Fruits
Dressed in a chef’s uniform and white toque, the chef pushed a cart into the room, which held a Peking duck.
A waiter followed behind him, holding a brocade tray with a small bamboo steamer in the center containing thin white pancakes and encircled by small compartments filled with shredded cucumber, spring onions, white sugar, dipping sauce…
The chef donned a pair of white gloves, the roast duck in his hands was piping hot, its skin puffed up and orange, as if coated in a layer of oil, glistening.
The chef first sliced off a piece of the bulging duck skin without meat and cut it into even sizes onto a small plate and politely said, “This is to be dipped in sugar, please try it.”
Cheng Guodong used the communal chopsticks to grab a piece, coating it in a layer of sugar before placing it in Tao Ti’s bowl, while another pair of chopsticks simultaneously did the same.
Cheng Guodong and Tao Shen exchanged glances, something seemed to spark between them, crackling silently.
Tao Ti picked up a piece and ate it, Cheng Guodong looked on, noting it was the piece he’d picked, and immediately flashed Tao Shen a victorious smile.
His eyes carried a challenge: Kid, trying to compete with me? You’re still too green!
Tao Shen felt somewhat defeated, but quickly mustered his spirit and seeing there were only a few pieces of duck skin left on the plate, picked another one for Tao Ti.
Tao Ti accepted everything that came her way, simply continuing to eat without objection.
Lin Zhi nudged Tao Ti with her shoulder, asking, “Why aren’t they eating and just keep serving you? Is it because it’s not tasty?”
Tao Ti whispered softly, “Older people don’t like eating the skin.”
Lin Zhi recalled her grandfather mentioning that eating oily skin could lead to hyperlipidemia, and whispered back, “We are young, let’s handle this and eat more!”
Tao Ti nodded vigorously, chuckling, “You didn’t fool me; there’s a fruity aroma, it’s delicious!”
Lin Zhi proudly proclaimed, “My pride doesn’t allow me to deceive anyone!”
The two young girls murmured among themselves, thinking they were speaking softly, yet even the chef slicing the duck could hear them clearly, his lips pursed as he struggled to hold back a laugh.
Cheng Guodong and Tao Shen exchanged another glance, growing even more annoyed at each other.
The chef plated the neatly cut duck slices and brought them to the table.
The plate was pristine, the duck slices neatly arranged with a thin layer of orange, translucent skin, and the meat was pale, with the perfect amount of fat.
Lin Zhi took on the role of a little teacher, picked up a pancake, added a duck slice with sauce to the center of the soft, round pancake, along with some shredded cucumber and spring onions, rolled it neatly.
“See, just like that, it’s done!”
Tao Ti applauded, impressed, and Lin Zhi handed her the wrapped creation, “Here you go.”
Tao Ti blushed a shy red, “You’re so nice!”
Lin Zhi grinned widely, “Looking after my little sister is what I should do!”
Tao Ti earnestly corrected her, “You’re the little sister.”
Lin Zhi recalled that last night she had admitted to being the older sister while pleading for mercy!
Lin Zhi, feeling frustrated, corrected herself, “Looking after my big sister is what I should do!”
Tao Ti giggled gleefully, now taking the duck pancake she’d rolled and was about to bite into it when Lin Zhi urged, “Swallow it whole, it’s way cooler!”
Tao Ti hesitated for a moment but then opened wide and stuffed the entire duck pancake into her mouth, her cheeks puffing out, her little mouth glossy with oil.
“Mmm… delicious!” she mumbled while eating, giving a thumbs up, her eyes happily squinting.
Lin Zhi boasted proudly, “See, I didn’t fool you!”
Lin Zhi’s manager facepalmed, “Stop showing off, eat it while it’s warm!”
Lin Zhi hurriedly made herself another pancake, stuffing it into her mouth, her cheeks and mouth as oily and puffed as Tao Ti’s.