The three men entered the courtyard, and Li Xiaoyue immediately came forward to greet them.
Though she did not recognize them, their composed presence, almost entirely detached from the surrounding bustle, made her unwilling to slight them in the least. She dipped politely with a gentle smile.
"Please come in, gentlemen. Unfortunately, the only table left is the one in the far corner."
"That's fine. A corner is good. Quiet." Gao Yuliang waved a hand, surveying the courtyard with interest.
The courtyard was simple, yet remarkably clean for a farmhouse.
The diners ate with flushed faces, heedless of appearances. The powerful aroma of food mingled with their satisfied laughter and conversation, creating a vibrant picture of everyday life.
"This place is rather interesting." Gao Yuliang nodded, much of the scrutiny fading from his eyes.
Before long, all the dishes had arrived.
Braised fish, its sauce a lustrous red, its rich aroma lingering.
Steamed chicken, its skin glossy and silky, its flesh glistening and plump.
There was also a plate of vegetables so vividly green they looked freshly picked, and a plate of crisp, refreshing smashed cucumber.
Gao Yuliang was the first to pick up a piece of snowy-white fish belly and put it in his mouth.
The next second, his chopstick hand froze.
The fibers of the fish dissolved on his tongue in an instant.
An indescribable, exquisite sweetness and freshness swept through his entire mouth like the gentlest warm current, washing over every parched taste bud.
There was not the slightest muddy taste.
Only utterly pure freshness and sweetness.
After so many years in high office, he had sampled every kind of state banquet and private dining delicacy. Yet this one bite of fish completely overturned everything he understood about delicious food.
"This..." Gao Yuliang's eyes widened, disbelief covering