Sheng Jiu quickly boiled some water, then asked Ares if Spicy Stir-Fried Octopus Feet were okay.
Ares swallowed hard upon hearing this.
Spicy stir-fried…octopus feet?
That thing that made them run all night, edible?
His body was covered in a slimy substance with an indescribable, fishy stench.
But now Sheng Jiu said the meat was incredibly delicious.
Slurp!
If someone else said it, Ares might question it.
But if Sheng Jiu said it…
It's highly credible!
Soon, Ares realized another problem: "You just went hunting?"
Sheng Jiu didn't lie and explained her strategy from earlier.
Ares: ...
So, he was thankful he'd reacted quickly enough to offer to work as a handyman in exchange for meals.
Otherwise, once Sheng Jiu is able to obtain ingredients on her own, what will they rely on to exchange for food?
Ares sighed inwardly, but didn't forget to praise her aloud: "Little Boss, you're amazing!"
He even gave her a thumbs up as he spoke.
His gloves were covered in slime, which slid down as he moved his hands.
The scene was slightly comical, and Ares smiled awkwardly.
Sheng Jiu also found it very funny, but she was afraid that if she laughed out loud, Ares would be embarrassed, so she controlled herself: "Commander is equally excellent!"
After their mutual flattery, Ares and the others went to wash up.
Sheng Jiu went downstairs to stir-fry octopus feet.
The blanching process for octopus requires more precise timing than that for squid.
Sheng Jiu carefully controlled the time, then removed the octopus from the water. Next, she heated oil in a wok and sauteed the base sauce until fragrant.
Ares and the others can handle spicy food, and so can Sheng Jiu herself.
Moreover, the base sauce her grandfather made wasn't actually particularly spicy, it was more of a rich, aromatic flavor.
The aroma of the base sauce was already incredibly enticing.
Once the fresh octopus feet are put into the wok, the neatly cut little feet, like running elves, keep turning and jumping in the wok, releasing their gentle yet domineering fresh and fragrant aroma.
Every time Sheng Jiu stirs the spatula, it's as if a wave passes by her nose, gently lapping against the surface, leaving behind a salty aroma before gracefully departing.
The waves have receded, but the fresh, delicious aroma lingers, making one yearn for more.
Sheng Jiu swallowed hard, then continued wielding the spatula, mentally counting down the time.
She didn't use many garnishes, just a base sauce, shredded green bell peppers, and shredded ginger.
After a slight stir-fry to allow the sauce and aroma to meld, it's ready to be plated.
If left to cook for too long, the fresh aroma of the ocean will remain, but the meat might lose its chewy and crisp texture!
After serving one portion, Sheng Jiu served herself a bowl of rice.
She intended to savor the food first.
It was already mealtime.
Many people instinctively rushed over, only to find…
Huh?
Why is it closed again?
No, Little Boss, don't be so capricious!
If you keep doing this, if you keep doing this…
We'll come again tomorrow!
However, the door was closed, but the aroma lingered!
"Why is it so fresh?"
"Is the Little Boss making seafood again?"
"It smells like the squid rice from before, but there's something different."
"Little Boss, if you're so confident you won't open for business, then why don't you just not cook!"
"May be it's just a food tasting? That's normal."
"But it's not normal for my stomach, waah!"
...
Customers come and go, but those attracted by the aroma inevitably stay to complain a bit.
Next door, Li Cheng Xiang, smelling the familiar fragrance, was somewhat distracted. Who could resist such a delicious aroma?
The problem was, he could only smell it, not taste it.
The Little Boss is too capricious, closing the restaurant just like that.
Li Cheng Xiang thought, "If I sold it at such high prices…"
He'd do the same!
After the spicy stir-fried octopus was served, Sheng Jiu took a small bite.
The first sensation was a slight spiciness, like chili peppers carrying the freshness of nature, rushing to the tip of your tongue, slowly releasing their aroma.
The next bite, gently biting into the chewy octopus feet, and the fresh, fragrant flavor exploded in your mouth.
Like waves lapping against the surface, gently landing on the tip of the tongue, the waves carry away the sand and gravel, leaving only delicate traces of freshness that warmly bloom on the tongue, leaving a lingering aftertaste.
The octopus meat was crisp and chewy.
Sheng Jiu timed the cooking perfectly, resulting in a dish that was both delicious and flavorful, satisfying people's expectations and desires for good food to the greatest extent possible.
At this moment, the body is soothed, and the soul is fulfilled.
It seems that all worries and frustrations can be temporarily forgotten, allowing only the enjoyment of this moment's deliciousness and comfort.
I am enjoying the food, and I am also savoring life.
Sheng Jiu squinted her eyes contentedly, then scooped up another mouthful of fragrant rice with a slightly lingering aftertaste.
A bite of octopus, a bite of rice—perhaps the most satisfying moment in life is enjoying delicious food.
Whether it's food, a beautiful woman, or any other beautiful thing.
Beautiful things can always help one temporarily set aside their worries.
Just as Sheng Jiu was savoring the moment, there was a knock on the upstairs door.
[Alright, system upgrade complete, new features added~]
The system's previous feedback received a swift response.
Now, when there's a knock on the upstairs door, Sheng Jiu no longer needs to open it herself.
As long as Sheng Jiu agrees, the system can open the door automatically.
However, considering the possibility of new customers, Sheng Jiu still personally went upstairs to open the door.
Ares and the others finally finished cleaning up.
Before, he was a sticky, dirty commander, now he was completely transformed into a handsome young man.
Ares's first reaction upon seeing Sheng Jiu was…
She looks so fresh!
Upon closer inspection, he realized that Sheng Jiu must have just been cooking downstairs.
Thinking of delicious food, Ares's eyes lit up: "It smells like octopus?"
Sheng Jiu nodded: "Want to eat now? I haven't cooked it yet."
Ares, though expectant, but wasn't in a hurry. He nodded and followed her in: "Let me help you."
The two went downstairs and started stir-frying over high heat. The aroma, even richer and more fragrant than before, wafted out even through the roller shutter door.
Li Cheng Xiang: ?
Wait, is this how you do a food tasting?
With this high heat, how many portions will she have to cook? Can she share some with him?
He had just seen off a group of customers and finally had some free time. Unable to resist, Li Cheng Xiang picked up his phone and asked Sheng Jiu on WeChat.
[AAA Hot Braised Duck Products: What are you doing, Little Boss? It smells so good!]
At this moment, Sheng Jiu was bathed in a gentle ocean scent, oblivious to the sounds of the outside world, and completely unaware of her phone.
Sheng Jiu had already experienced these scents and had developed a slight resistance to them.
But Ares hadn't!
At this moment, as the domineering aroma kept wafting into his nostrils, Ares thought: Mutant octopus...
It's not like I can't kill it!