Chapter 357 - 190: So Good You Cried?

Chapter 357: Chapter 190: So Good You Cried?

The Mapo Tofu, fresh from the wok, was scalding hot.

Qian Siyuan felt like he was stir-frying a two-course meal in his mouth just to cool the tofu down. The sweat on his forehead grew thicker. ’It definitely wasn’t this hot last time!’

As the searing pain on his tongue subsided, it was replaced by a symphony of flavors: numbing, spicy, savory, and fragrant. The tofu was incredibly smooth and tender. The rich aroma of the ground beef had completely infused the sauce, permeating every inch of the tofu.

Scalding!

But so delicious!

’If this is Mapo Tofu, then what on earth did I eat at the Guocheng Silk Factory?’

That tofu hadn’t been nearly as smooth or tender; it had a slight beany aftertaste. The ground meat seemed to be pork, carrying a hint of gaminess. The seasoning, by comparison, was a complete disaster. All he could taste was the spice and the numbing sensation. He’d mindlessly finished a bowl of rice with it, then spent the afternoon gulping down glass after glass of water.

In contrast, this Mapo Tofu’s spiciness was much more moderate, allowing each distinct flavor to be released to its fullest potential.

It was so much more welcoming to an out-of-towner like him.

It was just a little too good with rice.

The rich, oily sauce soaked into the rice. With every mouthful, he was lost in its intoxicating aroma.

"My God, this Sichuan Cuisine restaurant is incredible! Simply unbelievable!" Qian Siyuan finally exclaimed, unable to hold back his praise.

Since arriving in Sichuan, he thought he had already tasted many of the region’s unique and delicious foods.

But today, in this small town eatery, he felt like he had discovered a culinary paradise.

Thanks to his parents, he had always held a fondness for Chinese cuisine.

After his parents passed away, he found himself eating out most of the time. His wife wasn’t much of a cook, and her work kept her busy. They would occasionally eat at Chinese restaurants, but the food never tasted quite authentic, and the flavors from his memory began to fade.

On this trip back to his homeland, those memories were slowly being unlocked.

And the feeling from today’s lunch was particularly intense.

Qian Siyuan’s Mandarin, spoken with a foreign accent, drew sideways glances from the other diners. The way he spoke was so Westernized.

Plus, he was being personally hosted by Director Lin. Dressed smartly in a suit and tie, he looked quite distinguished. They figured he was probably a foreign investor or a Hong Kong Businessman visiting the factory for business.

The silk from Jiazhou Textile Factory was sold all over the world. They’d even had foreigners come to inspect the factory before, so it wasn’t an unusual sight.

A smile played on Lin Zhiqiang’s lips. He just loved seeing the shocked expressions on foreigners who’d never had truly good food before.

"Here’s the Fish-Fragrant Pork. That’s everything for you," Zhao Hong said as she brought the dish over, setting it gently on the table.

A subtly sour and spicy aroma wafted up with the steam, tickling his nose.

Qian Siyuan stared at the Fish-Fragrant Pork, his expression complex. The hand holding his chopsticks was even trembling slightly.

Lin Zhiqiang watched him with some surprise. This big-shot overseas Chinese businessman from the United States usually projected an air of witty humor, tempered with a calm and dignified composure. ’But now that the Fish-Fragrant Pork is here, is he... losing control a bit?’

Qian Siyuan picked up a mouthful of the pork with his chopsticks and brought it to his lips. A wave of salty, savory, sour, and spicy flavors washed over his palate. His eyes widened as countless memories flooded his mind.

"Be a good boy, sweetie. Mommy’s making you Fish-Fragrant Pork today."

"But Mommy, why isn’t there any fish in Fish-Fragrant Pork?"

"Because my little boy doesn’t know how to eat fish yet."

"Then I’m not eating it!"

"Not eating? I am Shu Dao Mountain! One... Two..."

"I’ll eat! I’ll eat right now!"

...

"Mommy, I want more Fish-Fragrant Pork."

"I’m too tired to cook anymore. If you’re my son in the next life, I’ll make it for you then..."

"Mom—"

...

He slowly chewed and swallowed the Fish-Fragrant Pork. Two streams of tears were already rolling down his cheeks.