Li's Braised Beef in Clay Pot

Fang Ming and the others made their way to the snack street.

It was a not-too-wide street lined with shops on both sides.

The moment the five reached the entrance, they caught the scents of all kinds of food drifting out from within.

The charred aroma of grilled meat, the sweetness of roasted chestnuts, and the savory fragrance rising from sizzling woks intertwined, making their mouths water.

Vendors called out their wares one after another, their cries rising and falling through the street, filling it with a bustling atmosphere.

"Boss, want to try the braised beef in clay pots? The flavor's absolutely authentic."

Xie Xie's eyes lit up. Pointing at a shop not far ahead with a sign reading "Li's Braised Beef in Clay Pot," he made the suggestion.

Hearing that, Fang Ming first looked at Gu Yue, then at Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi. "What about you guys?"

"Sure."

Gu Yue spoke in a cool voice.

"No problem."

Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi nodded as well, smiles on their faces.

"Xie Xie, then let's have that braised beef in clay pots."

Fang Ming spoke decisively.

"Alright!"

Upon hearing that, Xie Xie immediately led the way. He was clearly very familiar with this place.

Braised beef in clay pots was a famous local snack in Eastsea City.

It was a dish cooked in brownish-yellow earthenware pots. The beef was washed clean and stewed with scallion and ginger slices.

The clay pots locked in the beef's moisture and rich flavor. Once the beef changed color, more than a dozen spices were added and it was simmered for a long time.

By the time the beef became completely tender, the flavors of the spices had perfectly fused with the meat. Paired with a bowl of white rice, it was simply delicious.

The five arrived at Li's Braised Beef in Clay Pot.

Though the shop was small, it had its own distinctive charm.

The stove was set outside, with nearly a hundred small burners arranged neatly atop it. Each burner held a steaming clay pot.

The rising aroma of beef made the pot lids tremble lightly from time to time, producing soft bubbling sounds.

The tempting fragrance took the chance to slip out and drift freely down the street, luring the appetites of passersby.

There was not much room inside the shop. It only had five rectangular tables, enough for at most twenty-some people.

It was mealtime, and half the seats were already occupied.

Some diners were bent over their food, eating heartily, while groups of friends chatted as they ate. The atmosphere was warm and lively.

"Oh, Xie Xie, you're here!"

As soon as the five entered, a middle-aged man came forward with a broad smile and greeted them warmly. "These your friends?"

"That's right, Uncle Li."

Xie Xie smiled, his tone casual and friendly, without the slightest trace of arrogance. "The usual. One bowl of beef and one bowl of rice for each person, plus a plate of side dishes."

"Alright, take a seat first. It'll be ready in a moment!"

Uncle Li responded cheerfully before turning around and getting busy at the stove.

His movements were swift and practiced. He lifted lids, scooped out meat, and sprinkled chopped scallions in one smooth sequence. He had clearly done it countless times.

The five found a table and sat down.

Fang Ming and Gu Yue sat together, while Xie Xie, Zhang Yangzi, and Wang Jinxi sat opposite them.

Before long, five steaming portions of braised beef in clay pots, glistening white rice, and side dishes were brought over one after another.

A rich beefy aroma immediately filled the air, making everyone's mouths water.

"Come on, everyone, eat while it's hot!"

Xie Xie was the first to pick up his chopsticks. He grabbed a piece of beef, blew on it to cool it, and placed it in his mouth.

He narrowed his eyes in satisfaction, an expression of enjoyment appearing on his face. "You won't find another place in all of Eastsea City with cooking as good as Uncle Li's!"

"Not bad. Tastes great!"

Zhang Yangzi copied Xie Xie and started eating. He nodded repeatedly as he ate, praising the food through a mouthful of beef.

He ate in such a hurry that the heat made him gasp, yet he could not bear to slow down.

As for Wang Jinxi, he remained silent and simply kept eating. His chopsticks never stopped moving, clearly conquered by the flavor as well.

Fang Ming picked up a piece of beef. It was tender the moment it entered his mouth, with the flavors of the spices unfolding layer by layer across his tongue. It truly lived up to its reputation.

He nodded, then looked at Gu Yue. "How does it taste?"

"Not bad."

Gu Yue nodded lightly, her tone calm, but the faint upward curve of her lips gave away her mood.

"If you like it, eat more."

Fang Ming pushed his clay pot toward her.

"Alright."

Gu Yue did not refuse.

After taking a few bites, she pushed her own clay pot toward Fang Ming. "You eat too."

Fang Ming did not say much. He simply nodded. "Alright."

He picked up a piece of beef and put it in his mouth. The meat was tender and the broth rich. It really was delicious.

Just like that, the two exchanged clay pots and continued eating.

Neither of them felt that there was anything improper about it, as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

Xie Xie, Zhang Yangzi, and Wang Jinxi exchanged glances, all pretending they had seen nothing.

"What has this done to our boss..." Xie Xie could not help muttering under his breath.

"Hm?"

Gu Yue smiled when she heard him.

Her smile was gentle, yet it inexplicably sent a chill down Xie Xie's back.

Her gaze settled on Xie Xie, seemingly casual but carrying a hint of deeper meaning.

"Sister Gu Yue, no, no... I didn't say anything!"

Xie Xie immediately felt a chill run down his spine and hurriedly waved his hands. "Eat, eat!"

After saying that, he buried his head in his rice and did not dare say another word.

Zhang Yangzi muffled a laugh, while the corners of Wang Jinxi's lips also lifted almost imperceptibly.

The two exchanged a knowing glance, silently conveying an expression that said, "Those who know, know."

Only then did Gu Yue withdraw her gaze and continue eating the beef in her bowl at an unhurried pace.

Fang Ming continued eating his braised beef in clay pot as though everything around him had nothing to do with him.

The meal was deeply satisfying.

By the time the five put down their bowls and chopsticks, every clay pot on the table had been scraped clean, and even the plates of side dishes were empty.

Zhang Yangzi patted his stomach contentedly, leaned back against his chair, and let out a long breath. "That hit the spot!"

"Uncle Li, the bill!"

Xie Xie called toward the stove.

Uncle Li wiped his hands and walked over, saying with a chuckle, "Xie Xie, since you brought your friends here, this meal is on me."

"That won't do, Uncle Li. Running a business isn't easy for you."

Xie Xie shook his head and took out federal coins from his pocket, placing them on the table. "It costs what it costs. If you don't take it, I won't dare come again next time."

Uncle Li smiled helplessly and shook his head before accepting the coins. "Alright, alright. You kid, you're still as stubborn as ever."

"Come again next time, and I'll give you extra meat!"

"That's a must!"

Xie Xie grinned.

The five walked out of the shop. The snack street was still packed with people and as lively as ever.

"Boss, where are we going next?"

Xie Xie stretched lazily and loosened up his limbs.

Fang Ming thought for a moment, his gaze moving down the street. "Let's wander around first and see what other interesting places Eastsea City has."

"Alright."

Everyone nodded.

The five continued along the snack street, the lively sights on both sides too numerous to take in.

There were elderly candy sculptors, their sugar ladles dancing up and down in their hands as they shaped a lifelike phoenix in the blink of an eye.

There were also stalls selling all kinds of little trinkets, their goods dazzling and plentiful enough to make people stop and look.