Chapter 53: Chapter 53 Solution (1)_1 Chapter 53: Chapter 53 Solution (1)_1 Whether boasting or not, Lin Ziyin soon backed up his words with his actions.
“Who knew tofu could be prepared in such diverse ways?” The white-robed young man exclaimed as he looked at the various tofu dishes on the table.
Chu Suifeng picked up his chopsticks in silence, grabbed a piece of minced meat tofu, and began to taste it.
It was indeed delicious, combining the freshness of tofu and the savouriness of meat.
“This sauce is also well done.” The young man was puzzled. The dish was simply poached chicken, yet it tasted remarkably good here.
“Yue Lin.” Chu Suifeng gently looked at Si Jinhan who sat opposite him, but called him by his other name. “Satisfied?”
“Not bad.” Si Jinhan replied with a smile, looking utterly nonchalant.
Then there was silence again, with only the sound of chopsticks hitting the bowls and plates.
“Gentlemen, we apologize for any inconvenience. The dish you’re eating is shredded pork noodles, most of which is available here.” Lin Changshu and Wu Dayou came over carrying two large plates of shredded pork noodles placing them on the millstone in the courtyard. Guo Huiniang and Lin Ziyin then brought out two large plates of stir-fried greens with egg and braised tofu.
As their masters were seated right in the middle of the parlor, the guards outside dared not speak loudly. Each of them held a large coarse bowl and began to eat. As soon as they took their first bite, they wore strange expressions. They were servants, but they were from the prominent Si and Chu Families and thus were accustomed to good food. However, they never expected that such a poor peasant family could make noodles taste so delightful.
The two large plates of noodles and the dishes in the plates were gone in no time.
Si Jinhan looked at the guards outside with a smirk, “They really know how to ride on my coattails. Seeing them eat makes me want to go and try the noodles.”
“Is all this food not enough for you? Do you need to compete with them?” Chu Suifeng, who had eaten more than usual today, put down his chopsticks, feeling stuffed.
He chuckled to himself. When did he start becoming as food-obsessed as Si Jinhan?
“Let’s make do.” All the chairs and tables in their home were occupied by the outsiders, the Lin Family members had to squeeze into the tiny kitchen, finding it difficult even to turn around.
Seeing Lin Changting, Lin Yanzhi and Grandpa, Lin Ziyin felt a tad bit unfair. She had some extra dumplings at hand, which she brought out, suggesting that the three could eat them along with another plate of steamed eggs.
Grandpa wanted to decline, but Lin Changshu and Guo Huiniang also encouraged him to eat, and the children eagerly watched him.
With no choice, Grandpa picked up a pair of chopsticks and, standing in the kitchen alongside the children, finally decided to start eating a little.
“Young lady.” Si Jinhan put down his chopsticks after having his fill and then yelled towards the kitchen.
Lin Ziyin and Lin Changshu quickly appeared in front of them.
“I’ll be needing thirty pounds of tofu tomorrow. And the day after that, you’ll be free to do your business. Consider this as my reward to you.” Si Jinhan’s illness was severe, which was evident from his tone of charity.
But Lin Ziyin did not mind, after all, her family, the Lin Family, was benefiting. “Thank you, young masters.”
She and Lin Changshu immediately expressed their gratitude to the two gentlemen at the top of the table.
“By the way, I’ll also take ten pounds of that new product, and for the braised meat, keep some of each kind for me. Someone will come to pick it up in the future.” Once he finished speaking, he beckoned, and a sturdy man came in from outside.
“From now on, you’ll be the one coming daily to pick up tofu and other items. If there’s anything good here, you have to bring it to me at once.” Si Jinhan commanded arrogantly.