Chapter 642 - 522: Satisfaction
Mayor Yang and his entourage nodded in gratitude, then gently stepped over the threshold and entered the kitchen, heading straight to the spacious and bright dining area of the cafeteria.
As soon as they entered the cafeteria, everyone’s attention was simultaneously drawn to a banner hanging on the wall.
On that banner, the four big characters "Skilled Hands Revive Spring" shone brightly under the lights.
Mayor Yang had already guessed some of the story behind the banner but still curiously asked Director Liang, "Director Liang, is this banner with ’Skilled Hands Revive Spring’ the one that has been widely talked about online, the one a parent gifted to express gratitude to Chef Huang?"
Director Liang smiled and nodded in confirmation, "That’s right, Mayor Yang. The child of that parent was hospitalized due to illness and had a poor appetite. But ever since tasting Chef Huang’s food, the child’s appetite miraculously returned. This deep gratitude led her to present this banner."
Wan Zhenhong couldn’t help but chime in, "The parent’s child had just transferred from another school and is now in the same class as my daughter."
Mayor Yang was even more eager to experience Huang Jun’s culinary skills: "Hearing all of this, I am even more eager to try Chef Huang’s porridge!"
Liang Yinqiu warmly invited, "Mayor Yang, please feel free to sit anywhere, and I will go check if the porridge is ready."
Just as she was about to turn and head to the kitchen, she saw Chef Huang coming over with a large tray, holding a steaming large clay pot along with a set of bowls and chopsticks.
Understanding flashed in her eyes, and she then turned to Mayor Yang, smiling, "Mayor Yang, it seems we don’t need to wait any longer, Chef Huang is ready."
With those words.
All eyes turned simultaneously, drawn to the steam rising from the clay pot.
"Chef Huang, your skills truly live up to the reputation." Mayor Yang praised, "The aroma of this porridge makes one eager to taste it."
"You flatter me, Mayor Yang. I’m just doing my job to the best of my ability."
Chef Huang humbly responded, "Mayor Yang, this pot is scorched rice and dried tangerine peel porridge, which can be very beneficial for old stomach ailments. I hope it helps improve your stomach condition."
Saying this, he gently placed the clay pot in front of Mayor Yang, then slowly lifted the lid.
Instantly.
A wisp of white mist leisurely rose, carrying with it the warm aroma of scorched rice and dried tangerine peel, slowly permeating the air.
This aroma, with the subtle smokiness of the scorched rice, blended with the unique freshness and slight bitterness of the dried tangerine peel, and the faint sweetness of the red dates, harmonized together, instantly activating everyone’s taste buds, with throats gently moving.
Everyone’s gaze was then drawn to the golden porridge within the clay pot, garnished with a few strands of dried tangerine peel and dates, appearing particularly enticing, revealing at first glance that this porridge was extraordinary.
"Mayor Yang, please taste it." Liang Yinqiu carefully served a bowl of porridge and respectfully placed it beside Mayor Yang’s table.
"Thank you very much."
Mayor Yang smiled, accepting the bowl, picked up the spoon, and gently scooped a spoonful of porridge.
The golden porridge swayed lightly in the spoon, shimmering with an enticing luster.
He blew on it gently to cool it, then brought it to his mouth.
The richness of the scorched rice and the natural fragrance of the rice spread slowly on his tongue, followed by the freshness of the dried tangerine peel and the sweetness of the red dates subtly permeating, complementing each other, retaining their distinct characteristics while achieving a perfect balance, neither too sweet nor lacking warmth.
The porridge was delicate and smooth, melting in the mouth without any greasiness.
As the porridge slowly slid down his throat, a warm current gradually spread through Mayor Yang’s stomach, like a gentle force, softly soothing his often-neglected stomach due to his busy work schedule.
That tension and discomfort quietly dissipated, replaced by an unprecedented ease and relaxation, causing him to reveal a satisfied smile.