Chapter 310: The Enchanting Flavor
It was mealtime. With Kang Rong's help, Yue Hen and his granddaughter settled in after their journey. Once they had put down their luggage, the three of them headed to the food street for a meal.
Along the way, Yue Hen couldn't help but continue inquiring about Qi Han, and Kang Rong was more than happy to introduce the wonders of Han Shi to him.
As he listened to Kang Rong's descriptions, Yue Hen's expression grew more and more astonished.
Dishes capable of triggering phenomena, cuisines he had never even heard of, unprecedented utensils and chopsticks…
He had already considered Qi Han impressive, yet after truly learning the details, he realized he had still underestimated him.
In his mind, the image of that warm yet youthful boy from before resurfaced.
I really misjudged him…
Meanwhile, Yue Lian quietly held her grandfather's hand, listening attentively. Her big eyes gleamed even brighter.
Big Brother Qi Han is truly amazing!
Soon, the three of them arrived at the entrance of Nine Dragons Delicacy. Kang Rong paused for a moment before chuckling. "Brother Yue, we're here—Nine Dragons Delicacy, please, after you!"
Yue Hen nodded politely. "Let's go in together."
Holding Yue Lian's hand, the three of them entered the restaurant, where Kang Rong hosted the welcome feast.
<+>
At Han Shi, lunchtime service had just ended. After tidying up the restaurant and seeing off his seven employees, Qi Han changed out of his chef's uniform, picked up Pururu, and made his way toward the food street.
It was time to continue exploring other delicacies.
Meanwhile, across the street from Han Shi, at Tang Sect, Zhou Long silently stepped out of his disciple dormitory, followed by the ever-cheerful Tang Zi.
"Hey, Old Zhou, do we really need to queue so early for that Mo Wu Tuan? It's not like it's a dish from Han Shi."
"You don't get it." Zhou Long shook his head. Recalling the strangely pungent yet oddly enticing smell from yesterday—and how the customers had fought over it, exclaiming its deliciousness—he added, "I haven't tried it yet, but I have a strong feeling that there will be a long queue today. And since they have a limited supply, we'd better go early."
"Fair enough." Tang Zi shrugged. "If no one's in line, I'll just grab some grilled trout balls—I haven't had those in ages."
Before Han Shi appeared, Tang Zi had loved grilled trout balls. Although many foods on the street paled in comparison to Han Shi's dishes now, he figured that revisiting an old favorite after a long time might still be enjoyable.
Tang Sect wasn't far from the food street, and after a few minutes of walking, the two arrived at its entrance.
"Wait here. I'm going to grab some skewers!" Tang Zi grinned. "Want one? My treat."
"I'll take one." Zhou Long didn't refuse, nodding in agreement.
Though both had eaten their fill at Han Shi, over an hour had passed, and they were ready for another round.
Tang Zi gestured an "Okay" before jogging over to a stall Qi Han had visited earlier that morning. "Uncle Liu, still remember me?"
It was clear that Tang Zi was a regular customer.
"Of course I do." The middle-aged vendor laughed. "The usual—grilled yak skewers?"
"That's right!" Tang Zi beamed, pleased that his preferences were remembered. "Give me three!"
Soon, three skewers were handed over. Each was generously portioned, with chunks of yak meat the size of an egg—fat and lean pieces alternating—strung onto deep-red wooden sticks. The skewers sizzled with oil and were evenly coated in a blend of seasonings, making them look incredibly appetizing.
Each skewer cost two silver soul coins, which was quite reasonable given Shrek City's prices.
Tang Zi, who hadn't had these in a while, was practically drooling at the familiar aroma. Handing one skewer to Zhou Long, he clutched the other two in both hands and made his way toward the Mo Wu Tuan stall, taking a big bite of his skewer as he walked.
As he chewed, the rich juices and sizzling fat seeped from the meat, releasing a pure, savory aroma that filled his mouth and nose. Tang Zi's face instantly showed satisfaction.
He had always loved these skewers. Though after tasting Han Shi's exquisite dishes like fragrant Honey-Glazed Grilled Ribs, this grilled skewer no longer felt as astonishing as before, he still found himself deeply enjoying it.
Sometimes, an old favorite could still bring back that familiar joy.
After all, who doesn't love the feeling of taking big, hearty bites of meat?
For these two, a skewer or two wasn't much at all—considering their towering two-meter frames, it was hardly a snack. They quickly discarded the now-bare wooden sticks and looked ahead—just a few steps away was the entrance to the alley where the Mo Wu Tuan stall was located.
"So, we just go in from here?" Tang Zi glanced at the alley entrance, baring his teeth slightly in hesitation.
As a regular of the food street, he was familiar with most spots, but this alley? He had no recollection of it at all. Wasn't this place way too remote?
Setting up a food stall here? That takes guts.
"Yeah, this is the place. I came by yesterday." Zhou Long chuckled and took the lead, stepping into the alley without hesitation.
Tang Zi followed closely behind. As they entered, he was greeted by a sight that surprised him.
Zhou Long was right.
There were already a few people in line—five or six at most—but considering how hidden and out-of-the-way this stall was, the fact that anyone was lining up early was impressive.
At the moment, Ye Lingqing was explaining something to the waiting customers. When he noticed Zhou Long's arrival, a smile appeared on his face.
He still remembered how this big brother had helped him out yesterday.
"Big Brother, you'll have to wait a little longer. We still need about half an hour before we can start selling."
"Still need to prep?" Zhou Long blinked, glancing at the neatly arranged pots, bowls, and cooking tools at the stall. It looked like everything was ready to go.
"Yeah. The Mo Wu Tuan needs to be soaked in brine for at least four hours to ensure the right texture. The time isn't up yet, so we just have to wait." Ye Lingqing didn't mind sharing this secret—it wasn't really a secret at all. Everyone in his village knew how to make Mo Wu Tuan.
So that's how it is.
Zhou Long nodded in understanding before turning to Tang Zi. "Looks like we'll be waiting for another thirty minutes."
"Then save my spot." Tang Zi grinned mischievously. "I saw a grilled trout ball stall earlier—I'll go grab one. You want one?"
"Yeah, bring me one too."
"Got it!"
<+>
Half an hour passed quickly. After buying and finishing their trout balls, the two returned to the queue just in time for Ye Lingqing's stall to officially open.
By then, over twenty more people had joined the line behind Tang Zi.
"Damn, this hidden alley stall really pulls in customers, huh?" He was surprised by how many people had shown up.
But his surprise was quickly replaced by bewilderment.
As soon as Ye Lingqing began frying the first batch of Mo Wu Tuan, a peculiar, almost sinister stench spread through every corner of the alley.
"What the hell—" Tang Zi's face twisted in shock. He had not expected this.
He turned to Zhou Long, only to see that the other man's face remained completely neutral. "You don't smell that?"
"Of course I do." Zhou Long grinned. "I'm telling you, keep sniffing. You'll be in for a surprise."
"...Huh?"
Keep sniffing?
Tang Zi hesitated, then took a deeper whiff. The strong, pungent odor invaded his nostrils, making his expression even stranger.
He instinctively wanted to pinch his nose shut—but at the same time, he hesitated.
Why… why do I kind of want to smell it again?
What is this… enchanting, almost addictive stench?
<+>
if you want to see more chapters of this story and don't mind playing $5 per month to see my latest update, please go to my Patreon[1]
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/collection/67255?view=condensed[2]
Latest Chapter in Patreon: Chapter 384: The Sweet–Savory Dispute Emerges[3]
Link to the latest chapter: https://www.patreon.com/posts/becoming-food-in-138083855[4]
[1] https://www.patreon.com/collection/67255?view=condensed
[2] https://www.patreon.com/collection/67255?view=condensed
[3] https://www.patreon.com/posts/becoming-food-in-138083855
[4] https://www.patreon.com/posts/becoming-food-in-138083855