Braised Pork Rib Noodles

Zhou Yan had a plan in mind.

Little Zhou had offended Director Wang of the Factory Canteen. Once the restaurant business picked up, it would be competing for the Factory Canteen's customers. To guard against retaliation, it was absolutely necessary to build a good relationship with Deputy Factory Director Lin Zhiqiang.

Besides, he had already accepted the system task. Bringing it up himself was simply a matter of trying his luck.

If one bowl of Spare Rib Noodles could complete the task and resolve Lin Zhiqiang's heart knot at the same time, wouldn't that kill two birds with one stone?

"Little Zhou, you really are thoughtful. I was only thinking about filling my own stomach. Your noodles are so delicious that Xia Yao might actually be willing to eat a few bites." Lin Zhiqiang's eyes lit up, but then he hesitated. "But how are we supposed to pack the noodles?"

"There's a large lunch box in the kitchen. It's just right for noodles," Zhao Tieying said.

She could tell that the two men were leaders, but she had never expected them to be the deputy factory director and a director. They were major leaders of the Textile Factory.

"Alright, then make me another bowl of Spare Rib Noodles, Little Zhou. I'll take it back with me." Lin Zhiqiang nodded.

Zhou Yan answered and turned into the kitchen. Before long, he came back out carrying a cloth bag, with the lunch box inside.

"This is for the noodles. You have to take it." Lin Zhiqiang accepted the bag and placed three yuan on the table. Before Zhou Yan could decline, he continued, "Old Zhao told me about your restaurant. It isn't easy for young people to make a living as independent business owners. Once your business is on track, you can treat me to a meal then. I definitely won't refuse."

"Alright, then thank you." Zhou Yan did not insist. Three yuan was indeed very important to him right now.

"What are you thanking me for? If Xia Yao eats these noodles, I'll have to come thank you instead." Lin Zhiqiang smiled as he carried the bag toward the door. "Old Zhao, I'm taking your bicycle to deliver the noodles."

"Alright, take it slow." Zhao Dong responded, nodded to Zhou Yan, and followed him out.

After Zhou Yan watched them leave, he closed the door as well.

Once the Textile Factory started work, they would have to wait until noon, when everyone got off work, for more customers.

"What exactly is going on?" Zhao Tieying finally could not hold back any longer.

"Deputy Factory Director Lin Zhiqiang is the uncle-in-law of the girl I saved yesterday. He came today to thank me. That bicycle was his gift..."

Zhou Yan briefly explained the situation.

"Leaders really know how to conduct themselves. They repay kindness and gave such a hefty gift." Zhao Tieying was somewhat moved. A Twenty-Eight Bicycle her family had bought on the black market two years ago had cost three hundred yuan.

"But you're never allowed to go into the water again in the future. No number of bicycles would make it worth it!" Zhao Tieying stared at Zhou Yan, her face stern. "Otherwise, I'll break your legs!"

"Got it." Zhou Yan nodded with a smile. Being cared for and worried about like this really was something special.

He counted the money in his hand. This morning, he had sold twenty-one bowls of noodles, earning a total of 12.6 yuan. His start had far exceeded expectations.

By seizing the opportunity Lin Zhiqiang and Zhao Dong had given him this morning, he had successfully opened up sales channels. At the same time, he had shattered the terrible reputation that had built up before.

It was foreseeable that with those eighteen customers spreading the word, together with the customers who had missed out this morning because of limited time, plus his new reputation as a hero who had saved someone, there might be even more customers at noon.

Yet the toppings and meat sauce he had prepared today were only enough for eight more bowls.

"Mom, help tidy up the shop. I'm going to buy more beef and ribs. There'll probably be more customers at noon." Zhou Yan tucked the money away, picked up a back basket, and pushed the Twenty-Eight Bicycle leaning against the wall outside.

Zhou Yan naturally did not want to miss such a good opportunity to open up sales and improve his reputation.

If customers came and failed to get a bowl, they might not come back next time.

As long as they tasted the noodles he made, there was a chance of turning them into repeat customers.

"Alright, go on." Zhao Tieying agreed.

"Big brother—" Zhou Momo chased him to the doorway, tilting up her little head and looking at Zhou Yan with eager anticipation. "I want to ride the new bike too!"

"Come on, then." Zhou Yan smiled indulgently, bent down, lifted her up in one motion, and placed her on the crossbar, letting her small hands grip the handlebars.

The Twenty-Eight Bicycle was tall, and most people had to stand on tiptoe to get going. But Zhou Yan was six feet tall, so his feet could plant directly on the ground. One push on the pedal and he rode away.

Zhao Tieying stood at the shop entrance, watching Zhou Yan's retreating figure with deep satisfaction.

This child had finally started to look like an adult. He played with his little sister, was learning how to deal with leaders, and the restaurant was getting more customers too.

Lin Zhiqiang rode his bicycle back to the Silk Factory residential compound in five minutes, noodles in hand.

He was the deputy factory director and one of the factory's technical backbones. He had even won a provincial technological advancement award this year, so he had been allotted a three-bedroom apartment with a living room. It was fairly spacious.

"Weren't you going to thank Comrade Zhou Yan? Why are you back already?" When Lin Zhiqiang opened the door, Meng Anhe emerged from the side bedroom holding a plate of dumplings, looking somewhat surprised.

Lin Zhiqiang glanced at the plate of dumplings in her hands and asked quietly, "Yaoyao still can't eat anything?"

Meng Anhe nodded helplessly. "Tofu pudding, steamed buns, fried dough sticks, wontons, dumplings—she can't eat any of it. She won't even drink soy milk." Her eyes revealed her heartache.

Lin Zhiqiang sighed as well, then raised the cloth bag in his hand. "I brought her a serving of Braised Pork Rib Noodles. Let her try it."

He emphasized, "These are the best noodles in Suji Town."

"She isn't used to alkaline noodles. She didn't touch that bowl of noodles last night." Meng Anhe shook her head.

"These aren't alkaline noodles. They're authentic handmade pulled noodles, made by Comrade Zhou Yan. They smell incredible. Neither the canteen nor the state-run restaurants can make them taste like this. I ate two bowls at his shop this morning." Lin Zhiqiang was brimming with confidence. "Take them in and let Yaoyao try some. She might want to eat."

"They're really that good?" Meng Anhe was somewhat surprised.

She knew Lin Zhiqiang far too well. Outside Shanxi, there were rarely any noodles that could satisfy him. He always said that the pulled noodles from back home needed nothing added to them. It was truly rare for him to praise noodles so highly.

"You eat these dumplings. I'll take this in and give it a try." Meng Anhe handed the dumplings to Lin Zhiqiang, then took the cloth bag from him. Her hand dipped at once. "Such a big portion? Go get a small bowl from the kitchen."

"Alright." Lin Zhiqiang agreed readily.

Carrying the lunch box, Meng Anhe knocked and entered the side bedroom again.

On the small bed, a young girl was leaning against the headboard reading.

Her brows were like distant mountains, her lips like cherries, and her features delicate. She possessed an understated, ethereal beauty.

Both her appearance and bearing were exceptional, but her complexion was visibly pale.

Yesterday's accidental fall into the water had frightened Xia Yao badly.

She had forgotten the details of what had happened, yet she could never forget that sensation of nearing death.

The rushing river, the inability to breathe, nowhere to struggle—she could only let the water swallow her whole.

It had been truly terrifying.

Right, she remembered that hand, slender and strong.

That person had pulled her back from Death's grasp.

Hearing the knock, Xia Yao looked up. Her gaze fell on the lunch box Meng Anhe carried, and her fine brows knitted slightly in distress. "Auntie, I really don't want to eat anything."

"Your uncle brought you Braised Pork Rib Noodles. They were made by Comrade Zhou Yan, the one who saved you yesterday. It's rare for your uncle to sing the praises of any noodles, so try at least one bite." Meng Anhe walked in and set the lunch box on the small table beside the bed.

Xia Yao put down her book. A trace of surprise appeared on her sickly face. "Noodles made by Comrade Zhou Yan?" The image of that tall, lean, agile figure surfaced in her mind.

She had originally wanted to go with her uncle this morning to thank the person who had saved her life, but she had been too weak, and her aunt had made her stay home. Still, the matter had remained on her mind.

She had not expected that person to make noodles for her.

Xia Yao shook her head gently and helplessly. "But I really can't eat..."

Meng Anhe had already opened the lunch box. A wave of steam carrying the fragrance of Braised Spare Ribs and beef bone broth rushed toward them. Rich but not greasy, the thick white broth gleamed with a faint sheen of oil. Large chunks of Braised Spare Ribs lay spread across the noodles, coated in amber-colored sauce, with several tender green vegetables nestled between them. It looked utterly irresistible.

Gulp.

Xia Yao's throat bobbed involuntarily.

Even her previously lifeless eyes brightened somewhat.

Braised Spare Ribs... her favorite Braised Spare Ribs.

The impact of that fragrance was simply too powerful, and the sight of the Braised Spare Ribs was an even more devastating blow. Her stomach, which had been on strike for a day and a half, began to stir at that moment.

Grrr—

Not wanting to eat was one thing, but the stomach did not lie, and it would voice its protest.

Meng Anhe took in every one of Xia Yao's little reactions. A smile appeared at the corner of her mouth. There was hope!

Knock, knock!

Someone knocked at the door.

Meng Anhe knew it was Lin Zhiqiang. "Come in."

Lin Zhiqiang came in holding a small bowl, a pair of chopsticks, and a soup spoon.

"Yaoyao, try the noodles. If you wait any longer, the noodles won't be springy anymore, and the soup won't taste the same." Lin Zhiqiang walked to the table, served Xia Yao a bowl of noodles, and placed it before her.

Xia Yao did not pick up her chopsticks right away. Instead, she looked at Lin Zhiqiang with concern. "Uncle, about Comrade Zhou Yan..."

"I already expressed our thanks to Comrade Zhou Yan. He accepted the bicycle, and I told him that once you're feeling better, we'll personally visit him to thank him." Lin Zhiqiang smiled.

"He was very concerned about your condition. He was the one who suggested I bring these noodles back for you. The young man is not only handsome, but thoughtful too. He's a good person."

"That's good." A smile appeared on Xia Yao's face, and some of the haze in her heart dispersed.

Once she recovered, she truly needed to thank him in person, the sooner the better.

"Eat while it's hot. How will you have the strength to go out if you don't eat?" Meng Anhe helped Xia Yao sit at the bedside and pressed the chopsticks into her hand.

"Mm." Xia Yao answered. She first leaned over the bowl, blew lightly, and took two sips of the soup. The fresh, fragrant bone broth flowed across her lips and teeth, carrying the distinctive deliciousness of beef bone soup. Warm and flavorful, it washed over taste buds that had lain dormant for a day.

Once the soup entered her stomach, warmth rose from within, bringing heat even to her icy fingertips.

Her taste buds opened, and hunger came surging after it. At that moment, her stomach had completely overpowered her mind.

Xia Yao eagerly picked up a piece of rib that had been stewed until tender, then bit into it gently. Sauce mingled with the fragrance of meat and exploded across her lips and teeth. The soft, melting texture was so exquisite and soul-stirring that her scalp tingled.

After she swallowed, the lingering flavor remained, and the meat fragrance did not fade.

Ah! It's so delicious!

Xia Yao wanted to scream. This was absolutely the best rib she had ever eaten in her life!

The number-one Braised Spare Ribs in her heart had always been the ones her father made for the past eighteen years, but today, someone else had taken that place.

In just a few bites, she finished the rib, spat out a bone, then slurped up some noodles. Though she was starving, she still ate quickly in small bites without making the slightest sound.

The pulled noodles had soaked up the bone broth. They were springy and smooth, truly unlike the alkaline noodles sold in outside shops.

Delicious!

The noodles were delicious too.

One bite of noodles, one bite of rib, one sip of soup. Before long, she had finished the small bowl.

A thin layer of sweat appeared on Xia Yao's forehead, and some color returned to her pale face.

Meng Anhe quickly served her another bowl. She and Lin Zhiqiang exchanged a glance, and neither could stop smiling.

As long as Xia Yao was willing to eat, that was all that mattered. Once she was full, she would not let her thoughts run wild.

She kept eating bowl after small bowl, until she somehow finished every last noodle in the large lunch box, leaving not even a mouthful of soup.

Hic.

Xia Yao covered her mouth, feeling a little embarrassed.

She had not eaten all day, and the noodles were simply too delicious. Once she started, she could not stop at all.

"Walk around the house for a while, then get some proper sleep. I'll call you for lunch at noon." Meng Anhe and Lin Zhiqiang smiled as they cleared away the bowls and shut the door behind them.

"I never expected his noodles to be so delicious. Those Braised Spare Ribs were simply unbelievable." Xia Yao pulled open the curtains and let sunlight stream into the room. Looking at the Qingyi River outside the window, she smiled. "Tomorrow morning, I'm going to his shop for noodles!"

[ Ding! Side quest completed. After eating the Braised Pork Rib Noodles you made, Xia Yao was in a cheerful mood and has resumed normal eating. Quest reward: Skill—Food Appraisal. ]

As Zhou Yan was returning to the restaurant after buying meat, the system notification suddenly rang in his mind.