Chapter 97

Qing Mengzhu acted so quickly that Tan Wenlei's other friend was a step too late and couldn't book it when he wanted to.

The other party even came to Qing Mengzhu to discuss whether they could share one of their heads, but Qing Mengzhu politely declined.

Zhou Yan, having heard that they had bought some good farm-raised pigs, also came over to inquire.

This time, Qing Mengzhu generously agreed to share half with Zhou Yan, and it would be even better if Zhou Yan could come and help make the cured meat.

After hearing the request, Zhou Yan was both amused and exasperated. "Why are you so agreeable? Let me make this clear first, I haven't made much cured meat before, so the taste might not be very good."

Qing Mengzhu: "It's alright. You're a top chef; no matter how bad your skills are, they can't be worse than mine. I believe in you."

Zhou Yan complained, "I don't even believe in myself."

Despite saying that, Zhou Yan still came over to help make a batch of cured pork and sausages.

The wine and spices used to marinate the meat were brought by Zhou Yan himself, and they had a very fragrant aroma, quite different from those available on the market.

Just smelling that aroma, Qing Mengzhu knew this batch of cured meat was top-notch. "Anything produced by Brother Zhou is guaranteed to be of the Fine Grade."

Zhou Yan: "Stop flattering us. We'll only know if it tastes good after it's dried."

Qing Mengzhu: "Come and try it after it's dried. Then we'll have claypot rice with preserved meat."

Zhou Yan: "I'll cook?"

Qing Mengzhu: "If you're interested in my cooking, I can cook for you."

Zhou Yan: "Alright, I'll do it then. Make sure your cured meats dry properly, don't let the Dharma Protector and Guard ruin them."

Their autumn and winter climate is relatively dry, so the cured meats are not smoked but sun-dried directly. Under the influence of sunlight and north wind, the meat slowly shrinks, eventually developing a completely different flavor.

Qing Mengzhu and Ming Chunxi carried the preserved meats to the rooftop to dry, making sure to avoid the Dharma Protector and Guard, and carefully closing the door when entering and leaving.

Seeing their wary look, the Dharma Protector was so angry that he whimpered through his nose and scratched at Qing Mengzhu and Ming Chunxi's legs with his rough claws.

Qing Mengzhu grabbed the Dharma Protector's hand. "To be honest, if I asked you to go up to the roof, could you really resist? I couldn't resist."

Dharma Protector: "Woof! Woof woof!"

Qing Mengzhu stroked the dog's head. "Stop barking, I'll make you big bone stew for dinner tonight."

In autumn and winter, not only pork becomes more succulent, but chicken, duck, beef, and lamb are also quite delicious.

Qing Mengzhu and the others bought a batch locally and another batch online, filling the refrigerator to the brim.

The family now eats meat in all sorts of ways; not only him, but even the two dogs have gotten fat.

Seeing that her four-pack abs were almost lost, Qing Mengzhu had no choice but to put fitness on her agenda. She ate meat and exercised every day, as if she were doing that math problem of "how long will it take for the pool to fill up while water is being poured in and drained out at the same time".

Exercise is tough, but you can't give up meat.

Qing Mengzhu not only buys in real life, but also searches in the Interstellar Mall.

That day, Qing Mengzhu lay on the bed, browsing the Interstellar Mall again, without even looking up, appearing extremely focused.

After Ming Chunxi finished washing up, she patted his lower back and said, "Doesn't the Interstellar Mall not sell fresh meat to people in our dimension?"

Qing Mengzhu: "We're definitely not selling, but we can get a little something from the promotion."

As she spoke, Qing Mengzhu showed Ming Chunxi the event interface. "Look, here's an event where you can exchange points for goods, including beginner-level spirit beef. The product description says that this meat has a little bit of spiritual energy, and ordinary humans can eat it."

Ming Chunxi glanced at it and, seeing that it was indeed beef, asked, "Did you get it?"

Qing Mengzhu: "It's a race against time. The next batch of exchanges will open in two minutes. Wait a minute, don't talk to me yet, let me concentrate on getting the meat first."

Ming Chunxi took his phone. "I'll take this Spirit Beef!"

Qing Mengzhu gave up her spot. "Yes, yes, just grab this one. I've been eyeing it for days, but I haven't been able to get it yet."

When Qing Mengzhu first started accumulating points, he just wanted to take advantage of the freebies in the Interstellar Mall. Now that he sees that the Interstellar Mall has Spirit Beef, but he can't seem to get it, his rebellious streak kicks in. He tries to get it every day, refusing to believe that he'll never be able to.

Unfortunately, he's never been very lucky, and his hand speed is only so-so. After several days of hard work, he couldn't even snag a hair.

Ming Chunxi stared at his phone screen, and as soon as the product refreshed, he immediately started grabbing it, his fingers moving so fast they were almost blurry.

A few seconds later, he looked down at Qing Mengzhu.

Qing Mengzhu stared at him expectantly. "Did you manage to snag it?"

Ming Chunxi: "I managed to snag the five-jin size."

Qing Mengzhu screamed "Ah!" and then clung to him, yelling, "It worked!!!"

Ming Chunxi's eyes crinkled with laughter. "Yes, we got it."

Qing Mengzhu: "As expected of you! It's a five-jin size. I never dared to snatch a five-jin one before, I only dared to snatch a two-jin one."

Ming Chunxi: "Generally speaking, fewer people choose options that are placed later in the list."

Qing Mengzhu: "Understood. Next time, I'll do the opposite and boldly snatch it! Come, let me see, what's the difference between this spirit beef and our beef?"

Qing Mengzhu immediately opened her personal center, found the Spirit Beef, and said, "I clicked to extract it. Let me see how this meat differs from our beef."

Ming Chunxi: "Wait, let's go to the kitchen to get it. Otherwise, the room might still smell of raw beef."

Ming Chunxi is a bit of a germaphobe and can't stand this.

Qing Mengzhu: "That makes sense, let's go."

Qing Mengzhu, wearing cotton slippers, pulled Ming Chunxi out of the house and headed towards the kitchen.

Startled by their commotion, the Dharma Protector and Guard crawled out of their den and followed behind them, their tails wagging.

Once they entered the kitchen, the two dogs stood guard at the kitchen door, curiously watching the kitchen.

Qing Mengzhu found a large plate, then pointed her phone at the plate and clicked "retriev".

Under the glow of the Interstellar Mall, a large piece of beef appeared on the plate.

This time, there was no packaging, just raw beef. I don't know if it's because this is a product redeemed with points, but the Interstellar Mall is particularly stingy, not even providing outer packaging.

However, the piece of raw beef that the Interstellar Mall pulled out, although unpackaged, looked extremely fresh and of excellent quality.

It is deep red overall, with pale yellow snowflake patterns in the middle, looking tender and tempting, and has a rich beef aroma.

Qing Mengzhu smelled such a strong beef aroma for the first time and couldn't help but move closer. "It smells so good! Did the Interstellar Mall marinate it?"

Ming Chunxi checked it and said, "There shouldn't be any. It looks very dry; it's just pure beef."

Qing Mengzhu: "That's because of its high quality. As expected of products from the Interstellar Mall, they are always Fine Grade."

Ming Chunxi agreed, "Many of the products in the Interstellar Mall are indeed quite good."

After checking and finding no problems, Qing Mengzhu wrapped the beef in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator. She couldn't help but say, "I've discovered you're a real expert at getting the best deals on the Interstellar Mall!"

Ming Chunxi: "Then next time there's a chance to get something for nothing, remember to send me on stage."

Qing Mengzhu excitedly reached out to hug him. "Okay!"

Ming Chunxi grabbed Qing Mengzhu's wrist. "Wash your hands!"

Author's Note:

See you tomorrow!

Chapter 97

There was an extra piece of spirit beef in the refrigerator, and the next morning, Qing Mengzhu got up very early, full of energy.

He cut off a piece and made beef stir-fry noodles.

The beef was simply marinated and then stir-fried in a pan, yet it had a rich, milky flavor and tender texture. Paired with stir-fried noodles that were bursting with wok hei (the smoky aroma imparted by a hot wok), it was absolutely delicious.

Qing Mengzhu touched her abs. "My abs are dangerous!"

Ming Chunxi: "Eat first, then lose weight."

Qing Mengzhu: "That's true. If we miss out on this spirit beef, who knows when we'll be able to eat it again."

Qing Mengzhu turned to look at Ming Chunxi, her eyes sparkling. "Shall we eat it again tonight? I'll ask Auntie and He Xi if they're free later, and if they are, I'll have them come over for dinner."