CHAPTER 1314: CHAPTER 671: THE TREE WANTS TO BE STILL, BUT THE WIND WILL NOT CEASE

The first watch, asking for pink votes

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"How is it, Mr. Loo, does it taste good?" Seeing Mr. Loo’s expression, Lian Manman already knew the answer to this question, but she still asked with a smile.

"It’s wonderful. Better than any roast duck or smoked duck I’ve had along the way. Good, very good." Mr. Loo stroked his beard and said with a smile.

Before the meal was served, Lian Manman had already tasted it. She was not surprised to hear such praise from Mr. Loo. The first attempt at making roast duck seemed a bit less seasoned than the ones she had in her previous life, but it was quite delicious. That’s how Lian Manman thought, and getting the recognition from Mr. Loo, the "gourmet," greatly boosted her confidence.

Such deliciousness still has much room for improvement. For instance, mastering the precise timing in roasting the duck, and perhaps using plump ducks instead of the current ones. Also, this is summer; it’s not the best season for roast duck. If it were in winter, spring, or fall, the roast duck would be even more delicious.

How could this not fill Lian Manman with confidence and hope for the future?

"Then I’ll help myself." Mr. Loo wiped his hands with a cloth beside him and said with a smile, displaying a somewhat impatient expression. Of course, much of it was probably just for show. It was Mr. Loo’s kind gesture and the highest praise for the chef.

The family all laughed and began to eat in the manner of Lian Manman.

"Delicious."

"Truly fragrant."

"Not greasy at all."

"Especially this duck skin, it’s really good."

Lian Manman stopped after eating a few slices of duck meat, listening to the family’s comments and watching their joyful expressions, feeling very pleased at heart. Even without considering using it for future business, just bringing such culinary joy to her family, making them enjoy it so much and be so happy, was a worthy reason for her own happiness.

Besides the duck skin and meat, the duck frame was also a treasure. Lian Manman used the duck frame to make a milky-white soup, adding some cabbage and chestnuts inside. Even the innards were not wasted; Han Zhong’s wife stir-fried a plate of duck giblets.

The family had a delightful meal.

After the meal, everyone sat together, having tea and chatting leisurely.

"... want to open a roast duck shop? That’s a great idea." Mr. Loo nodded in agreement upon hearing Wu Lang and Lian Manman’s idea of opening a roast duck shop. "When do you plan to open it?"

"There’s no rush, we need to prepare well." Lian Manman said. She had grand plans for the roast duck shop, intending to carry them out step by step, steadily.

The success of the first roast duck trial not only filled Lian Manman with confidence but also greatly encouraged Lady Zhang and Lian Shouxin. The family began the second and third trials.

In this era, without thermometers, judging the right stove temperature could only be based on experience. Lian Manman’s records were a huge help in this regard, and with the cooking experience Lady Zhang had accumulated over the years, she could quickly determine the optimal temperature for roast duck by the color of the flames in the stove, and the timing of the roast duck improved steadily.

Lian Shouxin’s skill in slicing duck meat progressed rapidly.

The third roast duck was divided into halves; one half was reserved for Mr. Loo, and the other half was packed in a food box by Lian Manman and sent to Nian Garden. Previously, Lian Manman had told Shen Jin and Shen Qian about the roast duck, and they were rather eager.

Shen Jin wrapped some duck meat with lotus leaf pancakes and ate, drank a bowl of duck soup, then nodded to Lian Manman, saying it was delicious. Shen Qian, needless to say, from his previous stature, one could tell his dietary preference. This roast duck was very much to his taste. Hearing Xiao Qi describe how delicious the roast duck was, he was even happier than Shen Jin now that he actually tasted it.

"The weather now is still a bit warm. The roast duck will taste even better when autumn comes." Lian Manman then smiled and told Shen Jin and Shen Qian, "I’ll pick a few ducks, take good care of them, and roast them for you in due time."

"Okay," Shen Qian readily agreed, "Manman, you must keep your word."

"Of course." Lian Manman nodded with a smile.

"Autumn, huh..." Shen Jin smiled, but his tone carried a hint of longing, "I wonder if I can still eat it by then."

In October, Shen Jin will be heading to the capital.

"Fifth sister, don’t worry, you will definitely get to eat it." Lian Manman quickly said, "By that time, regardless of whether fifth sister is in Prefecture City, the roast duck I promised will be delivered."