1995: From a small restaurant to a culinary genius

Chapter 50 New Topic

Xu Liang had also thought of making the same dishes he had made for Jiang Wan for this educated youth.

He had only been making this vegetable and meatball soup for a short time, less than a week.

Xu Liang looked at the educated youth in front of him.

His eyes were wide with anticipation.

Making good meatballs can make a delicious and decent dish, and it might even rival lion's head meatballs in quality.

Lion's head meatballs are actually quite similar to meatballs, except they are much larger. And most restaurant owners wouldn't be so foolish as to make the small, flavorful meatballs as big as lion's head meatballs.

Moreover, meatballs have a smooth, elastic surface, while lion's head meatballs have obvious wrinkles. Otherwise, these wrinkles wouldn't resemble a lion's head, so why would it be called a lion's head meatball?

At this moment, the girl quickly waved her hand, her voice still soft.

"No, no, boss, I can't accept this. I can't just eat your food for free."

As she spoke, she tried to get up, as if to take money out of her pocket.

Seeing this, Xu Liang quickly reached out and pressed down on her, smiling as he stopped her: "Hey, comrade, don't be in such a hurry, listen to me."

He pulled up a chair and sat down, speaking at a steady pace, with the straightforward honesty of someone from Sichuan and Chongqing.

"There aren't many people from other places coming and going in our small town. You've come all the way from Changchun in Northeast China, and you don't know anyone here. It's nothing for you to have a meal here."

"Besides, my little restaurant is open to people to eat. If I come across a customer who doesn't like spicy food, it's only right that I make them a bowl of light soup to warm their stomach. Don't be so polite with me, it would be too formal."

Seeing Xu Liang's sincere expression, which didn't seem like mere polite formality, the girl's initial unease gradually subsided, and she sat back down in her chair.

She gently stroked the rim of the porcelain cup with her fingertips and whispered.

"Well... thank you so much, the boss is so kind."

"Don't mention it."

Xu Liang stood up.

"Sit down and rest for a while, have some tea, and I'll go to the kitchen to make you some vegetable and meatball soup. It'll be ready soon."

After saying that, Xu Liang turned and walked into the kitchen, casually lifting the half-closed curtain.

The kitchen still smelled of boiled pork slices, but after cleaning up, the stove, pots, and bowls were all clean, so it didn't look messy.

Xu Liang walked to the cutting board and glanced at the remaining ingredients. There wasn't much pork tenderloin left.

However, the front leg meat filling that I specially saved a few days ago is still there. It has a good balance of fat and lean meat, which is perfect for making meatballs.

He knew in his heart that he had specially made this vegetable and meatball soup for Jiang Wan before.

Jiang Wan had a toothache at the time and couldn't eat spicy food, so she could only cook something milder.

She even drank the soup clean, leaving no vegetables at the bottom.

It's a mystery whether this young woman from Northeast China, who was also a sent-down youth, can't handle spicy food or has a good appetite.

Xu Liang first poured the minced meat from the enamel basin onto the cutting board, then took the scallions and ginger from the side and chopped them into small pieces.

When making meatballs, the ideal meat filling is three parts fat and seven parts lean. Too lean and it will be dry; too fatty and it will be greasy. The pork shoulder he chose was just right.

Use the back of a knife to chop the minced meat several times to loosen the meat fibers, making it chewier.

In his previous life, he had worked in the catering industry for many years and knew the secrets to making delicious meatballs: first, to make the meatballs bouncy and second, to make them lightly seasoned.

Especially for people who can't eat spicy food or have sensitive stomachs, you should not add too much seasoning.

A little salt, some scallion and ginger water, and a pinch of white pepper to remove the fishy smell are enough.

The meat's natural flavor must also be preserved.

Xu Liang put the chopped minced meat into a clean enamel bowl, first sprinkled in a small spoonful of fine salt, then poured in the pre-soaked scallion and ginger water in batches, and stirred continuously in one direction with chopsticks.

With even wrist strength, the chopsticks make regular circles in the bowl, and the meat filling gradually changes from loose to sticky. Only when the chopsticks can stand firmly in the middle can it be considered that the filling has been properly prepared.

He sprinkled in a pinch of white pepper powder, mixed it simply, and there was already water boiling in the iron pot next to him, with only two slices of ginger to remove the fishy smell, and no other seasonings.

When tiny bubbles appeared at the bottom of the pot, and the water was just warm to the touch but not yet boiling, Xu Liang began to squeeze out meatballs.

He grabbed a ball of minced meat with his right hand, held it in his palm, and gently squeezed it with his thumb and forefinger. The round and smooth meatballs emerged from between his fingers, each one uniform in size and plump.

With a small spoon in her left hand, she gently scraped the meatball, and a round meatball fell into the pot with a swift and efficient motion.

A moment later, he squeezed a bowl of minced meat into more than a dozen meatballs of the same size.

Xu Liang floated it in warm water, slowly shaping it.

He kept the fire low to prevent the water from boiling too vigorously, lest the meatballs be washed away. Only after the meatballs slowly floated to the surface and turned white and tender did he add the washed bok choy.

The greens used are the freshest bok choy, with bright green leaves and tender white stems. They cook quickly in the soup with just a quick blanch, making the whole bowl of soup look refreshing and appealing.

Xu Liang only added a little salt for seasoning, without even adding MSG. The fresh meat and vegetables were already fresh enough, and any extra seasoning would only ruin the original flavor.

In just a few minutes, a steaming bowl of vegetable and meatball soup was ready.

Xu Liang found a clean white porcelain bowl and ladled out the meatballs, vegetables, and soup together. The soup was clear and the meatballs were white and tender.

The green vegetables piled on top are lush and vibrant, which is pleasing to the eye.

This dish is not greasy or spicy at all, which is perfect for this young woman from Northeast China who was sent to the countryside for education.

He carried the soup out of the kitchen, and a light, fresh aroma wafted over him, completely different from the spicy smell that had filled the house just now.

The girl at the table smelled the aroma, subconsciously raised her head, and looked at the bowl of soup with anticipation in her eyes.

"Here you go, comrade, the soup is ready. Try it and see if it suits your taste."

Xu Liang gently placed the soup in front of her, and then handed her a pair of clean bamboo chopsticks and a small white porcelain spoon.

"Be careful, it's hot. Eat slowly."

"Thank you, boss."

The girl took the bowl and chopsticks and thanked him.

She first gently scooped up a spoonful of soup with a small spoon, blew on it, and then took a small sip.

The warm soup slid down my throat without any irritation.

Only the faint fragrance of green vegetables and the sweetness of meat made her feel warm and comfortable.

The dishes Xu Liang made were completely different from the spicy and pungent dishes that this girl ate in the cafeteria.

The girl's eyes lit up slightly, and she scooped up another meatball and took a small bite.

What she felt was that the meatballs had a smooth outer skin, a firm and chewy texture, and were not loose at all.

The meatballs are tender and juicy inside, not greasy at all. They are paired with crisp and tender green vegetables.

A bite of meatball and a sip of soup—it's a truly satisfying meal.

This was the first time she had eaten food that suited her taste so well in all the time she had been in Sichuan and Chongqing.

Previously, I had a poor appetite because I wasn't used to the food. But now, I've finished this bowl of soup.

The tension in her face completely dissipated.

Xu Liang pulled up a chair and sat down opposite her.

Seeing her eat so happily, a smile appeared on her face.

"How is it? Is it to your liking? If you think it's bland, I'll add some salt for you."

The girl quickly shook her head, her mouth still full of something, and her speech was still somewhat slurred.

"No, no, it's just right, it's delicious!"

She swallowed the meatball in her mouth and looked at Xu Liang intently.

"These meatballs are even better than the ones I had in Northeast China. The texture is amazing, and the soup is so delicious. I've never had such a good vegetable and meatball soup before."

"Okay, if you like it, that's good!"

Xu Liang smiled at her.

"This soup is nothing complicated; it's just a very common home-style recipe. The key is that the ingredients are fresh."

"Do you often make these kinds of meatballs in Northeast China? I've heard that the Four Happiness Meatballs and Lion's Head Meatballs are especially famous in Northeast China."

When the topic of food from her hometown came up, the girl's face clearly lost its sparkle.

She put down her spoon and began to chat quietly with Xu Liang.

"Yes, we make lion's head meatballs during festivals in our area. They're huge, about the size of a small bowl. They're stewed until very soft and eaten with cabbage and glass noodles. They're so delicious."

She seemed to remember something, then paused and added.

"But the takoyaki you made is different; it's smaller, more delicate, and has a bouncy texture."

"It's light and perfect for everyday meals. It's so filling that you can't finish one in one sitting."

Xu Liang nodded upon hearing this, understanding in his heart.

He had thought about it before; lion's head meatballs are all about being soft, flavorful, and large, making them suitable for banquets held in rural areas for grand occasions.

These small meatballs are delicate and tender, perfect for making soup or serving with rice.

Meatball soup is a perfect everyday dish.

Although they look similar, their preparation methods and tastes are completely different.

"Lion's head meatballs are a main dish at banquets, emphasizing grandeur, while these small meatballs are a home-style side dish, meant to be comforting and easy to eat."

Xu Liang continued, echoing her words.

"Your Northeast is far from here, and the climate is different, so naturally the food is very different. We can't live without chili peppers at any meal here, but do you prefer stews and dishes with a saltier, more savory flavor?"

"right!"

The girl seemed to have met a kindred spirit.

"Winter is cold where we live, and every household loves to stew dishes in big pots. It's warm and comforting to eat them while they're still hot."

"The flavor is indeed on the heavier side, a bit saltier and more fragrant, unlike the spicy food here, or the light flavor of this soup."

At this point, she smiled somewhat shyly.

"When I first came here, I couldn't even stand the smells on the street. I always felt that the spiciness was pungent, and I could only gradually get used to the food."

"Luckily, the chef at the company cafeteria was understanding and put less chili in my food."

"That's normal. Anyone who suddenly moves from Northeast China to Sichuan or Chongqing would need a while to adjust."

Xu Liang understood perfectly.

"I've met a lot of people from other places before. At first, they were afraid of spicy food, but after staying for a while, they could eat spicier food than the locals."

The girl chuckled softly, her eyes crinkling into crescents, as gentle as a girl next door.

"I'm afraid I can't do it. I have a sensitive stomach and can't handle any spice. I guess I'll never be able to get used to the spiciness here."

The two started talking about food.

We chatted away, one sentence after another, until we found ourselves talking.

The atmosphere inside the small restaurant was relaxed and harmonious.

Xu Liang watched as the girl relaxed, and pondered in his heart whether to ask her name.

But we can't keep calling each other "comrade" forever.

After the girl had drunk a few more sips of soup and half of the meatballs in the bowl were gone, Xu Liang smiled and spoke.

"After all this talk, I still don't know your name, comrade. I can't keep calling you comrade."

Upon hearing this, the girl's cheeks flushed.

Only then did she belatedly realize what had happened. She quickly put down her spoon, straightened her expression, and whispered to Xu Liang.

"My name is Su Zhongqing, the 'Qing' in 'sunny day'."

"Su Zhongqing, what a lovely name! It seems you really love sunny days!"

Xu Liang read it once and thought to himself that she must be a very devoted girl, but unfortunately, this Qing was not the same as that Qing.

He then nodded and gave his name.

"My name is Xu Liang, Xu as in making a vow, Liang as in goodness. People in town call me Xiao Liangzi."

"Also, my little restaurant is called Xiao Liangzi Restaurant."

"Boss Xu!"

Su Zhongqing smiled slightly, her eyebrows curving upwards, and called out softly.

Compared to their initial awkwardness, the two now seemed to have no barriers between them, but rather a certain familiarity.

"Boss Xu's cooking skills are really good; he's so good at making light soups."

"It's just a cooking skill, enough to make a living in town."

Xu Liang said that, but he still harbored a dream of becoming a master chef.

Xu Liang waved his hand and said humbly.

"I learned from the factory chefs before, and later I figured it out on my own. Although I can't compare to the chefs in big restaurants, I can still make some home-style dishes that make the neighbors happy."

Su Zhongqing shook her head and said seriously.

"It's already very good, much better than what the cafeteria chefs make."

"The food in the cafeteria is either too spicy or has a monotonous flavor. It's not as sophisticated as what you make. Otherwise, the meatballs wouldn't taste so good."

Su Zhongqing's praise was genuine and not just polite.

In this unfamiliar place, being able to eat a bowl of hot soup that suits her taste and meet a kind and easy-going owner inevitably warmed her heart.

Xu Liang smiled at the compliment and then started chatting about other everyday things.

"Comrade Su, do you work as a clerk in the town government office? You must write a lot. You look so refined and cultured."

When her work was mentioned, Su Zhongqing's eyes softened, and she nodded gently.

"Well, it's just helping to organize documents, copying and writing, nothing serious."

I was transferred here right after graduating from high school. I don't know many characters, so I can barely manage.

"A high school diploma isn't considered a lack of education these days," Xu Liang said.

"Many of the workers in the town only graduated from primary school. It's already quite impressive that you can work as a clerk in the government office."

"Is Changchun a big city with more opportunities to study there than here?"

Su Zhongqing thought of her hometown, a hint of nostalgia flashing in her eyes.

Then she said softly.

"Changchun is quite large, with many factories and schools."

"My parents are both factory workers, and I'm their only child. I thought I could stay in the city, but unexpectedly, we ended up in Sichuan and Chongqing."

"At first, I wasn't used to it. I couldn't understand the local dialect very well, and the climate was different. Summers were hot and humid, and winters were damp and cold, which was completely different from the dry cold of Northeast China."

"Also, I wasn't used to the food, but thankfully I gradually got to know some people, and my work became more stable."

Xu Liang listened quietly without interrupting.

He would nod occasionally when Su Zhongqing said something.

Xu Liang could understand that for a young woman in her early twenties, leaving her hometown and family behind to come alone to an unfamiliar southern town, the language barrier and unfamiliar food would be major obstacles.

The difficulties involved are self-evident.

"So how do you pass the time during your rest periods?" Xu Liang asked softly.

"There aren't many places for entertainment in town, just a few small shops and a supply and marketing cooperative."

"After get off work, I usually read books, copy documents, or chat with the friends who came with me," Su Qing said.

"I occasionally go to the supply and marketing cooperative in town to buy some things and stroll around the streets. Today I got off work early, and while I was strolling around, I came here out of curiosity because I was hungry."

She looked at Xu Liang and asked with some curiosity.

"Where's Mr. Xu? Have you been running this restaurant all this time? You're so busy every day, from morning till night, aren't you tired?"

"It's tiring, but I feel at peace."

Xu Liang leaned back in his chair, his gaze sweeping over the clean and tidy little shop, his tone calm.

"I used to work for others, but I felt more comfortable running my own small shop, so I opened this Liangzi Restaurant, and it's been a while now."

"I have to come to the small restaurant before dawn to prepare ingredients, and I serve customers in the morning and at noon. I'm always busy throughout the day."

But seeing the guests enjoying their food and praising how delicious it is makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Su Zhongqing nodded repeatedly as she listened.

"It's great to earn a living with your own skills."

"I think people who make a living with their skills are really amazing, unlike me, who can only copy and write, and has no real skills."

"That's not how you say it. There's no such thing as a job being superior or inferior," Xu Liang said earnestly.

"Your clerical work and document organization for the government are also doing things for the town, and that's a skill in itself."

"I can only cook, you can write; we each have our own strengths."

Su Zhongqing agreed with Xu Liang's words.

She's been here for so long, and most of her interactions have been with other partners or colleagues.

Xu Liang was the first local person to be so peaceful, down-to-earth, and patient in listening to her.

Today's midday meal transcends geographical barriers and avoids awkward formalities.

The two chatted like friends, about everyday things and mundane matters.

Maintaining this state is both simple and comfortable.

After that, Su Zhongqing scooped up another meatball and put it in her mouth, chewing it slowly as the delicious flavor spread throughout her mouth.

Her heart was filled with warmth.

Xu Liang felt comfortable watching Su Zhongqing eat.

He has been running the restaurant for so long and has served all sorts of customers, mostly factory workers.

They talked about other things, though. This was the first time Xu Liang had ever chatted with a former educated youth from another place about their hometown, food, and daily life.

Su Zhongqing has a gentle and quiet personality, and her voice is pleasant to hear.

Although far from home, he didn't complain much, but simply worked and lived a stable life.

"If you ever crave something lighter or can't get used to the cafeteria food again, come to my shop."

Xu Liang said with a smile.

"I'll cook you some light dishes. I can make most of them, and I guarantee they won't be spicy and will suit your taste."

Su Zhongqing nodded quickly and said "Mmm".

"Okay, then I'll come and bother Boss Xu often from now on, but I'll definitely pay you, I can't let you pay me anymore."

"Sure, you're welcome to come anytime!"

Xu Liang couldn't help but blurt out a phrase in Sichuan and Chongqing dialect.