Chapter 129 - Want to Eat

It was full of collagen and fat but was not greasy. If the marinating was done right, the pig trotters would be stewed until they were soft, which would make people drool.

At the thought of this, Yue Jiaojiao looked at Zhao Zhan with bright eyes.

“Let’s grill pig’s trotter first when the oven is ready, shall we? After sprinkling some spices and chili powder, the skin of the pig trotter should be roasted until it’s brown and tough.”

“Are you hungry?”

It was rare for Zhao Zhan to see such a childish side of his lover.

Although she was usually smart and delicate, most of the time, she was covered in a veil of alienation. Now that their relationship was tighter, Zhao Zhan felt happy whenever she expressed herself like this.

“Do you want to go to Manager Li’s, or do you want me to cook for you at home?” Zhao Zhan paid close attention to her expression. “If we’re going back, we’ll buy some groceries before going back.”

“There’s no need for that. Fand Tianliu should be going to manager Li’s place soon.” Yue Jiaojiao grabbed his wrist. “The new shop has just taken its first step. Shouldn’t you celebrate with him?”

“Let’s go. I’m so hungry. I can’t wait to eat”

“Sir Zhao? Madam Zhao?” Manager Li hadn’t seen Zhao Zhan for a long time, and he was surprised to see him. “What brings you here today? Waiter, empty one of the private rooms upstairs.”

“Your shop seems to have changed,” Zhao Zhan said as he looked around. “The upper floor used to be used for accommodation, no?”

“It’s all thanks to your blessing. There are too many guests in this shop, and some customers feel that sitting in the lobby is detrimental to their status, so I thought of emptying out half of the rooms upstairs, leaving only a few VIP rooms to entertain special guests.”

Manager Li said as he led the way. After entering the room, he closed the door with a hesitant expression.

Zhao Zhan saw this and asked, “Just say what you want to say.”

“It’s a little difficult to talk about. I heard that there’s a very famous dish in Huai County recently called steamed pork ribs.” Manager Li looked at Zhao Zhan’s expression. “I think that the timing of the steamed pork ribs appearance correlates to the time you spent in Huai County. I would like to know… If possible… Do you perhaps know the origin of this dish?”

Zhao Zhan gave Manager Li a deep look.

Since the other party asked this question, it was obvious that they had already investigated his movements in Huai County.

Huai County was so big, if it weren’t for the fact that they had already found out that he had checked into the Huai Jing Inn at that time, Manager Li would not have asked him such a question.

“If it’s difficult to answer…”

“Manager Li,” Zhao Zhan lowered his eyes and picked up the teapot beside him to pour Yue Jiaojiao a cup. Then, he considerately placed the cup of tea by her hand and continued, “I’ve already sold the recipe for the steamed pork ribs to manager Zhou at a fixed price. So, I’m afraid I can’t tell you about this dish.”

Manager Li’s face was full of regret.

The steamed pork ribs were a meat dish. It was said that the first plate was sold for 100 silver.

However, he couldn’t possibly keep a piece of tofu and run this inn for the rest of his life.

“If that’s the case, then forget it. I’ve been presumptuous.” Manager Li shook his head. “Today happens to be the day to pay your share of the silver. Since the dishes haven’t been served yet, I’ll go get the account book and check it with you.”

“Alright then, thank you.”

“Zhao Zhan,” Yue Jiaojiao confirmed that Manager Li had already gone downstairs before continuing, “Why do I feel that Manager Li has changed? The first time I met him, he looked quite good.”