Chapter 769 - 567: Teaching a Man to Fish Is Better Than Giving Him a Fish (2)

Chapter 769: Chapter 567: Teaching a Man to Fish Is Better Than Giving Him a Fish (2)

Liu Ruihan called out with a sweet smile: "Godfather, I’m a big eater. I’ll definitely finish all the dishes on this table~"

Wen Xueqian smiled softly and said gently: "Don’t worry, we won’t shortchange ourselves."

Huang Jun encouraged: "Alright, then eat a little more."

Then, Huang Jun turned to Liu Shiwei and suggested, "Brother Liu, how about some wine to liven things up? I have some excellent Maotai here."

Liu Shiwei quickly waved his hand to refuse: "No, Brother Huang, I have to drive today, so drinking would be inconvenient."

Huang Jun laughed and suggested: "Isn’t sister-in-law here? She can be the designated driver."

Liu Shiwei shook his head, looking serious: "Your sister-in-law isn’t very good at driving, and her vision isn’t great at night. For safety’s sake, better not to drive."

Huang Jun nodded in understanding: "Alright then, let’s substitute drinks for wine tonight."

Weiwei timidly chimed in: "Daddy, I want a drink too..."

Though there’s usually a limit on kids drinking soft drinks, this special night of New Year’s Eve was an exception, allowing the children to indulge and enjoy themselves.

Huang Jun smiled and nodded: "Okay, no problem!"

Saying that, he turned around and fetched a few bottles of orange juice, carefully unscrewing the caps for Qingqing, Weiwei, and Liu Ruihan, the three little ones.

"Thank you, Daddy (Godfather)!"

The three kids took it happily, each taking a sip.

Ah...

Chilled, sweet...

Refreshing...

Huang Jun and Liu Shiwei enjoyed the food and drinks while chatting about the progress of the expansion and renovation at Dorami Kindergarten.

The two were deeply engrossed, completely immersed in the conversation on this professional topic.

So much so that Wen Xueqian couldn’t get a word in edgewise.

So...

She adhered to the principle of not forcing her way into circles that are not hers, choosing instead to enjoy her food alone while taking care of the three children.

With the start of the Spring Festival Gala, she focused attentively on the TV program, no longer paying attention to Huang Jun and Liu Shiwei’s topic.

For many, the Spring Festival Gala is like a side dish to the New Year’s Eve dinner, optional, mostly serving as background noise even when the TV is on.

Nowadays, there aren’t as many highly anticipated programs in the Gala.

But Wen Xueqian’s situation was different; in the past few years, she and Liu Shiwei often chose to travel abroad for the New Year, rarely having the chance to watch the Gala.

So, this year she watched it more intently, as if to make up for all the wonderful moments she missed before...

Qingqing, Weiwei, and Liu Ruihan were also quite interested in the song and dance performances in the Gala, watching the screen without blinking, their hands still busy enjoying the delights of the food.

After some time dining, filled with light conversation...

Huang Jun suddenly remembered the main affair, and with slight apology, he smiled and said: "Brother Liu, you continue eating at your leisure. I’ll go check how the red-braised lamb is doing..."

With that, he politely stood up, headed to the kitchen, and checked on the cooking of the red-braised lamb.

This dish is known for slow stewing, with a flavor that grows richer over time, but it requires constant attention to the heat so as not to burn the bottom and ruin the entire dish.

At this moment, the lamb in the pot was already stewed to extreme tenderness.

He used chopsticks to pick out every piece of bay leaf, cinnamon stick, green onion, and ginger, then added pre-cut chunks of white radish and carrot to the pot, along with some seasoning such as salt and pepper.

Allowing the deliciousness to stew for another approximately ten minutes until the ingredients were perfectly merged, Huang Jun finally turned off the flame, pouring the meaty chunks along with the rich broth into a flat-bottomed pot designed for the induction cooktop.

He added a handful of bright green coriander leaves over the top.

And with that.

A pot of fragrant red-braised lamb was ready!

He carried the induction cooker back to the table, moving the barely-eaten garlic lobster aside, plugging in the power.

Then, he placed the steaming pot of red-braised lamb in the center of the table, enthusiastically inviting everyone: "The red-braised lamb is ready, come on everyone, give it a try while it’s hot, that’s when it tastes the best..."

Finally, he didn’t forget to remind the three little ones watching the Spring Festival Gala with rapt attention: "Qingqing, Weiwei, Hanhan, stop watching the Gala now. There’s a rerun tomorrow to catch. Let’s focus on eating first, and after we’re full, I’ll take you down to the open space in the community to set off fireworks."

In the city, setting off fireworks and firecrackers is generally prohibited, but the policy is relaxed around the New Year, adding a festive atmosphere.

Indeed!

Sitting at home, one could clearly hear the sound of firecrackers coming from downstairs and surrounding communities, one after another, lively and bustling.

For Huang Jun, this was precisely the flavor of New Year in his heart, filled with joy and celebration.

Qingqing, Weiwei, and Liu Ruihan could hardly contain their excitement, eager to go downstairs and set off fireworks, hastening their pace of eating...

"Eat slowly, don’t choke."

With a doting smile, Huang Jun shook his head gently and reminded them softly, then thoughtfully added a piece of enticing and aromatic red-braised lamb to each of their bowls.

After serving them, Huang Jun resumed eating and made a point of tasting the red-braised lamb.

As soon as the lamb touched his taste buds, it revealed its delicate and layered texture, instantly blossoming in his mouth.

After a long slow stew, the lamb had become exceptionally tender, melting at a light press, with a rich aroma leisurely lingering in the mouth, as if fusing the vastness of the grasslands and the gifts of nature.