allonlinenovel Chapter 363 Greasy Meat
Chapter 363 Greasy Meat
Upon entering northern Xinjiang, the group was immediately struck by the rich aroma of meat in the air, instantly recognizing it as a paradise for meat lovers. Shops lining the streets displayed tempting slices of pork, beef, and mutton, the chefs deftly and skillfully slicing large pieces into cooking shapes. They entered a sizable restaurant, bustling with activity as diners ate heartily, their boisterous laughter and chatter mingling with the lively sounds of conversation.
The waiter greeted us warmly, recommending the restaurant's signature dishes. Soon, enormous steaks, pork chops, and lamb chops filled the table. The steaks were seared to perfection, the outer skin slightly charred, the inside tender and juicy; with each slice, the juices slowly seeped out. The pork chops were grilled to a golden-brown crisp, their aroma irresistible. The lamb chops possessed a unique gamey flavor, which, through careful preparation, transformed into an irresistible taste. The people here are incredibly generous with their meat; each piece is substantial. For meat lovers, it's a feast for both the eyes and the palate, a meal so satisfying that one might never want to eat meat again.
Gu Mochen frowned slightly as he looked at the table laden with meat, then tried a few bites. The initial deliciousness of the tender meat was quickly replaced by a rich, greasy feeling, and a look of disgust gradually appeared on his face. After only a few bites, he found it difficult to swallow, so he put down his knife and fork, picked up a glass of water, and took a few sips to try and wash away the greasiness. Ye Qingchen, on the other hand, seemed more comfortable. His eyes revealed his enjoyment of the food as he savored the meat on his plate, eating one bite after another. He ate significantly more than Gu Mochen, and frequently let out satisfied exclamations.
Bai Zhi and Fu Ling always preferred a light diet, and faced with this table of dishes mainly consisting of meat, they only took small bites. She took a small bite of a lamb chop, savored it, shook her head slightly, put down her food, and gently wiped her mouth with a handkerchief. Song Ming was even more averse to such greasy food. Looking at the meat on his plate, he frowned, forced a few bites, then put down his utensils, his face full of helplessness, clearly unable to eat anymore.
However, Bai Yufei seemed to have found salvation in his life. His eyes shone as he stared intently at the meat on the table, his movements swift and eager as he picked up his knife and fork. He devoured the steak, chewing each bite with great force, his cheeks bulging as if he had been starving for a long time. In no time, his plate was empty, and he quickly turned his attention to the pork and lamb chops, wolfing them down as if he wanted to devour all the meat on the table.
The table was laden with delicious meat dishes, as well as a high-proof liquor. The amber-colored liquid swirled gently in the glass, releasing a rich aroma. Gu Mochen hesitated, looking at the liquor, knowing his alcohol tolerance was average and he feared he couldn't handle such a strong drink. He simply watched the others without raising his glass. Bai Yufei, however, was completely different. He picked up his glass and downed it without hesitation, his face instantly flushing red. He then poured himself several more glasses, drinking one after another, becoming increasingly excited and talkative. Song Ming hesitated for a moment, then picked up his glass, took a few sips, and the spicy sensation spread instantly in his mouth. He couldn't help but cough a few times before putting down his glass.
After finishing their meat dish, the group ordered a bowl of noodles. When the noodles arrived, the bowl was completely covered in thick chunks of meat, almost obscuring the noodles. The meat chunks were cut into neat squares, each one substantial. As they ate the meat-scented noodles, Ye Qingchen found himself craving crisp, refreshing cucumbers. He glanced around and saw that most of the diners were eating large mouthfuls of meat and drinking large bowls of wine; there wasn't a single vegetable in the entire restaurant. Upon inquiry, he learned that all the vegetables were transported from the distant Northeast. The long journey and high costs made vegetables exceptionally precious. Ye Qingchen couldn't help but sigh inwardly. In comparison, the diet of the Great Xia was rich and diverse, with a balanced mix of meat and vegetables—truly healthy. He recalled his time at Yelü Fengqi's house. Although they lived in the Great Liao, a region where meat was the staple food, Yelü Fengqi's family had ample food and clothing, with plenty of vegetables and fruits, which prevented them from experiencing too much discomfort with meat.
After the meal, everyone left the restaurant. Ye Qingchen was attracted by the dazzling array of goods on the street. He wandered among the stalls, enthusiastically selecting items. The first thing that caught his eye was a colorful carpet, woven with exquisite patterns—lifelike animals and mysterious totems—which he imagined would be very comfortable in his home. Ye Qingchen reached out and stroked the carpet, feeling its delicate texture, imagining it in his own home. He was delighted and picked out several without hesitation, even telling Manager Li that he would buy a large batch to sell in Daxia later.
Next, he went to the stalls selling wool and leather. The wool was soft and smooth; a gentle touch revealed its superior quality. The leather was tough and lustrous, exuding a unique aroma. Ye Qingchen carefully examined each piece of wool and leather, selecting the best quality to take back and make clothing or handicrafts. At a nearby stall, various garments with distinctive Northern Xinjiang characteristics were displayed. The clothes were embroidered with unique patterns and paired with exquisite accessories, full of exotic charm. Ye Qingchen picked up a garment, held it up against himself, and examined himself in the mirror. Finding it fit perfectly, he bought several more. In addition, he saw adorable matryoshka dolls, one inside the other, each doll with a different expression painted on its face—very interesting. Thinking he could take them back as gifts for friends and family, Ye Qingchen selected several uniquely designed matryoshka dolls.
Just then, Ye Qingchen spotted an ice cream shop not far away, with a long queue outside. He remembered his own past attempts at making ice cream and knew how expensive it was. This place, adjacent to the northern Arctic Ocean, had ideal conditions, making ice cream production easy. Plus, they used pure milk, so the taste was sure to be authentic. So, he pulled Gu Mochen towards the ice cream shop. After queuing for a while, they finally bought their ice cream. It came in a delicate paper cup, topped with fresh fruit and nuts. Ye Qingchen eagerly took a bite; the rich milky aroma instantly filled his mouth, and the silky texture was intoxicating. He turned to look at Gu Mochen, who was also enjoying his ice cream. They smiled at each other. Thinking they should get some for their companions, they bought a few more ice creams and waited for them.
Meanwhile, Bai Zhi Fuling and the others entered a jewelry store. The store was filled with a dazzling array of jewelry: sparkling necklaces and bracelets, uniquely designed earrings, and exquisite hair accessories. Bai Zhi Fuling's eyes lit up instantly. She excitedly wandered between the shelves, carefully selecting each piece. She picked up a necklace; the gemstones on it shimmered brilliantly under the lights. She put it on, examined herself in the mirror, a satisfied smile spreading across her face, and without hesitation, placed it in her shopping basket. Next, she saw a pair of earrings, exquisitely designed with flowers unique to northern Xinjiang in their shape. She put them on, gently shaking her head; the earrings swayed gently with her movements, adding to her beauty.
Bai Zhi and Fu Ling became increasingly excited as they picked through their purchases, completely immersed in the joy of shopping. Before long, her shopping basket was overflowing with all sorts of jewelry, as if she were "robbing" the jewelry store. Of course, they also bought a lot for Ye Qingchen, for her to use as gifts and to appease the servants.
When everyone came out of the jewelry store, they saw Gu Mochen and Ye Qingchen each eating an ice cream, carrying several bags of ice cream in their hands. Ye Qingchen smiled and handed out the ice cream to everyone, saying, "Try it, the ice cream here tastes especially authentic." Everyone took the ice cream and savored the sweet treat, their faces beaming with satisfaction. Now, carrying bags and bags of goods, each of them radiated happiness. This group seemed to have truly become a few silly yet incredibly happy nouveau riche, fully enjoying their wonderful time in Northern Xinjiang.