Chapter 295 - 172: [Mapo Tofu] Acquired

Chapter 295: Chapter 172: [Mapo Tofu] Acquired

"That makes sense. I’m no good at cooking, but I’m an expert at eating," Zhang Zhengping said, smiling at him. "Our Niu Hua is famous for its tofu pudding, and our tofu is pretty amazing too. I grew up eating tofu, so I’d like to see if the tofu you make can compare to the tofu your great-aunt makes.

When I was working in Rongcheng, there was a restaurant behind the hospital. The chef used to work at Chen Mapo Tofu, and his Mapo Tofu was absolutely perfect."

"Since Granduncle puts it that way, I’ll have to let my skills do the talking," Zhou Yan said with a laugh.

Everyone chatted for a while. When the first slab of tofu had been pressed long enough, they lifted the cheesecloth, and a block of tofu, white as jade, came into view.

[A perfect slab of tofu]

Zhou Yan could already see its quality.

’As expected of a grandmaster in the world of tofu. With just a little guidance, he can enable his apprentice to create tofu of such perfect quality.’

Zhou Yan asked Lai Fu to cut him two pounds. The cut surface was smooth and delicate, with no air pockets. When picked up, it trembled precariously, steaming hot, and gave off a rich, beany aroma.

Zhang Zhengping had already fetched two bowls. He cut a small piece for Zhang Shufen and himself, took a bite with his chopsticks, and nodded repeatedly. "Mmm! This is authentic West Bank Tofu! It’s so tender! And fragrant, with a hint of sweetness. It would be even more amazing with a spoonful of chili sauce."

"I haven’t eaten freshly made soft tofu in years, either. It’s just as fragrant as I remember. It’s sweet and aromatic even without any toppings. You really can’t find another tofu stall in all of Suji that’s at this level."

Their talk made Zhou Yan’s mouth water. Just as he was about to get a bowl, Lai Fu came out holding two bowls with two pieces of tofu, handing them to Zhou Yan and Zhou Miao with a smile.

’Granduncle was right. He can’t hear or speak, but he understands everything.’

Zhou Yan raised his right hand into a fist towards Lai Fu and bent his thumb twice.

Lai Fu’s eyes instantly lit up, and a happy smile spread across his face.

Zhou Yan smiled too and picked up his chopsticks to try a bite of the tofu.

The freshly made tofu was indeed exceptionally tender. It had a smooth texture and a rich, beany flavor. With a SLURP, it slid down his throat, leaving a fragrant aftertaste.

Compared to tofu pudding, it had a bit more resilience; it didn’t fall apart at the slightest touch.

He finished half a bowl of tofu in just a few slurps.

That’s how good tofu is—a rather delicious food all by itself.

Zhou Yan took out forty cents and placed it on the stool, and the group prepared to head back.

"Li Hua, I’ll come by every other day to give you acupuncture. After three consecutive sessions, your condition should improve. I can’t say you’ll be running around, but at least it won’t hurt so much," Zhang Zhengping patiently instructed Mrs. Sun. "Remember not to do any heavy labor, and keep warm."

"Alright. I’m sorry to trouble you, Cousin Zhengping," Mrs. Sun said, looking embarrassed.

"What’s the trouble between family? I’m planning to stay and relax here at Third Sister’s place for a whole week. I’ve already cleared it with my wife," Zhang Zhengping said, waving his hand dismissively before following them out the door.

"Dad, can you swing by the armed forces department and tell Uncle to come to the restaurant for dinner after work? Otherwise, he’ll come home to an empty kitchen," Zhou Yan said to Zhou Miao on the way back.

"Alright," Zhou Miao agreed.

Zhou Yan took Zhang Zhengping and the tofu back to the restaurant first.

The moment Zhou Yan’s bicycle came to a stop, Zhou Momo ran over, pouting her little lips and whining in a cutesy voice, "Brother~ where did you go? I couldn’t find you when I got back..."

The more the little one spoke, the more aggrieved she sounded, her big eyes already welling up with tears.

"I went to see our great-aunt," Zhou Yan explained hurriedly, feeling like the worst criminal on earth.

"Then... then why didn’t you take me with you?" The little girl sounded even more hurt. She pulled two fruit hard candies from her pocket and said with a sniffle, "I wanted to see Great-aunt too. Mom said she’s sick, and I even brought Tangtang for her."

"My fault. I’ll take you next time, okay?" Seeing the candy in the little girl’s hand, Zhou Yan’s guilt intensified. ’She’s so young, how is she so considerate? She even thought to visit our sick great-aunt.’

"This must be Zhou Momo, right?" Zhang Zhengping got off the back of the bike, his eyes full of affection as he looked at the porcelain-doll-like child before him. "Aiyo, she’s so adorable! The men in the Zhou family are all big and tall. How did you end up with such a darling little girl?"

Zhou Momo stared at Zhang Zhengping for a moment, then instinctively scooted closer to Zhou Yan’s leg. With a curious expression, she asked, "Grandpa, who are you?"

Zhang Zhengping beamed. "I’m your grandma’s younger brother. You should call me Granduncle."

"Granduncle!" Zhou Momo called out in a clear, sweet voice.

"Yes! Such a good girl!" Zhang Zhengping couldn’t stop grinning. He patted all six of his pockets but couldn’t find anything suitable to give Zhou Momo. Finally, he just pulled out a one-yuan bill and handed it to her, smiling. "This is a red envelope from last New Year. Here, take it."

"One yuan." Zhou Momo glanced at it, but didn’t reach out. She shook her head. "That’s too much! I don’t want it!"

"My, you’re so young, yet so sensible." Zhang Zhengping’s smile grew even wider. He pushed the money forward again. "But I always put one yuan in the red envelopes for my youngest grandchildren. You should take it and buy some Tangtang."

Zhou Momo turned to look at Mrs. Zhao, who was standing in the doorway.

"If Granduncle is telling you to take the red envelope, you should take it," Mrs. Zhao said with a smile.

Only then did Zhou Momo reach out and take it. She then bowed to Zhang Zhengping and said in her cutesy voice, "Thank you, Granduncle. Wishing you prosperity, and Happy New Year."

’Well now, she’s taken the red envelope and triggered the keywords.’

The adults couldn’t help but laugh.

"My dear, you’re welcome." Zhang Zhengping waved his hands repeatedly. That one-yuan red envelope was well worth it. The little girl’s emotional payoff was more than enough, unlike his own unruly grandsons, who would snatch their red envelopes and run off to buy firecrackers faster than anyone else.

"Mom, we’re having Mapo Tofu tonight," Zhou Yan said to Mrs. Zhao as he pushed his bicycle into the restaurant.

"But I thought you didn’t know how to make Mapo Tofu?" Mrs. Zhao asked, confused.

"I just learned a couple of days ago. I’ll show you what I can do tonight. If it tastes good, we’ll add it to the menu tomorrow," Zhou Yan said with a smile, heading to the kitchen with the tofu.

He placed the tofu on the cutting board. With a thought, he opened the [Mapo Tofu] recipe.

...