Chapter 70 - 65: Deep into the Dense Forest

Chapter 70: Chapter 65: Deep into the Dense Forest

Ning He’s soup dumplings were about the size of one’s palm. She had originally estimated that each person would eat three at most just to tide them over, so six steamers containing nearly fifty dumplings would leave plenty to share with others.

But in the end, the red-haired young man devoured eight all by himself, and the others weren’t far behind. Even the little girl ate four. All that remained were six empty steamer baskets.

From a corner, Watson, who had been craving them but hadn’t gotten a single bite, shot them a resentful glare.

Jia Mei put down her chopsticks and patted her stomach.

"I’ve never felt so satisfied. You can eat several and not get tired of them at all. They’re just too delicious!"

"The vinegar dipping sauce was a great pairing, too. It cut through the richness and whet the appetite. I can’t remember the last time I ate until I was stuffed. Chef Ning’s skills are truly incredible," Doctor Liszt said, then tipped his chin toward Macken. "You’ve found a real treasure in her."

Next to him, Mr. Rochester also made a rare comment, "They are indeed quite good."

Macken raised an eyebrow slightly, glanced at Ning He, and gave a small nod.

The snack had left everyone feeling about half-full. To save room for lunch, they all eagerly headed back out to play in the snow.

Johnny gave Ning He a piggyback ride, and they returned to the small tent with Watson.

One hadn’t gotten a single bite, and the other hadn’t had nearly enough; both wore expressions of utter dejection.

"All right, all right. I’ll make a couple more things to tide you over. Just wait!"

Ning He gestured for Watson to hand her the other portion of fish scales. She poured them into a bowl, sprinkling them with pepper, salt, and flour, then coated the chopped fish bones in batter.

She heated the oil, first frying the fish scales until they were golden and crisp before taking them out. Then she fried the fish bones until they were golden, before double-frying them to achieve a crispy exterior and a tender interior.

Next, she flash-fried some minced scallions, ginger, garlic, and finely diced green, red, and yellow peppers until fragrant. Then she added the fried fish scales and bones and stir-fried everything over high heat. Finally, she added a sprinkle of salt and pepper and a splash of vinegar around the rim of the wok before plating the dish.

A golden mound dotted with colorful vegetables sat on the plate. The presentation alone left Johnny and Watson staring in a daze, to say nothing of the wonderfully crisp aroma.

"Go on, eat up!"

Ning He waved her hand magnanimously. Johnny was ecstatic. He and Watson carried the plate to the side and immediately started eating with their hands, unafraid of the heat.

The fried fish scales had no fishy smell whatsoever. They were as crispy as potato chips, shattering with the slightest bite. Savory and mildly spicy, they were so delicious it was impossible to stop.

The batter on the fish bones had been fried into a hard shell, but the meat clinging to the bone inside remained soft and tender, giving off a fresh scent. It had the same savory, mildly spicy flavor. The batter shell had also absorbed a faint hint of vinegar, which further enhanced the delicious flavor of the fish.

The two of them licked their fingers after every bite. Just as they were blissfully eating away, Watson suddenly remembered something and froze.

"Should we save some for the boss?"

Johnny, who was happily gnawing on a fish bone, slapped his thigh. "I almost forgot!"

Though he hadn’t had his fill yet, Watson reluctantly pulled his hand back. He found an insulated food container for Johnny and packed up the remaining half-bowl of food.

"I’ll take this to the boss and the guys for a taste!"

Johnny excitedly grabbed the container and ran out.

Watson wiped his mouth and returned to help, now even more eager than before. He cleaned this, tidied that—Ning He’s cutting board and stove were kept spotless at all times. He clearly knew how to make himself useful.

Since there were no high expectations for lunch, Ning He didn’t go to the trouble of making anything too complex. Still, the various aromas continuously wafting from the small tent filled everyone with anticipation, leaving them to wonder what other delicacies were in store.

Finally, tired out from skiing and done building their snowman, everyone simply sat back down in the main tent to wait for the meal.

At twelve-thirty, the temporary assistant, Watson, once again pushed a food cart into the tent under the watchful eyes of everyone present.

The first set meal was served to Mr. Rochester, who was seated in the very center.

In the center of the tray was a portion of pearly white rice, surrounded by several small saucers holding different dishes.

There was a piece of squirrelfish drizzled with a red sauce, tender dry-pot cauliflower with slices of meat, and a small bowl of steamed egg custard topped with soy sauce.

Each dish had its own distinct aroma, and their colors complemented one another—red, green, and yellow. It was already a feast for the eyes and the nose.

Just as all the set meals were served and everyone was eagerly preparing to dig in, Watson reappeared, pushing another cart.

Ning He arrived as well, leaning on a crutch. She pointed to the cart, which was laden with food.

"This is a soup base for mala tang. For anyone who wants some, I can prepare it now. Also, I have some sliced fish here. You can eat it raw or cook it in the soup. The choice is yours."

At her words, everyone’s attention was drawn to the platter of glistening, translucent fish slices.

Doctor Liszt was the first to speak up. "I’ll try the sashimi first."

Ning He nodded, and Watson immediately arranged some fish slices on a small saucer, topped them with the garnishes Ning He had prepared—shredded scallions and mint—then drizzled the sauce over them and served it to the doctor.

"I’ll try some, too!" the red-haired young man chimed in.

"I’ll have a serving as well!" Jia Mei added, eager to try.

In the end, all the adults except for the little girl ordered a serving of sashimi.

The little girl, however, soon received a bowl of mala tang brimming with fish slices, which she began to enjoy with great concentration.

Ning He had already tasted the raw fish herself. It was fresh and sweet, crisp yet tender, with a springy texture that was soft yet resilient. Combined with the sweet, sour, and spicy notes from the garnishes and the fresh aroma of the sauce, it was incredibly satisfying.

After his first bite, Doctor Liszt’s expression turned serious, and he requested another serving. The same went for Mr. Rochester; his usually placid, expressionless face revealed a look of gravity as he carefully savored the flavor of the sashimi.

Everyone ate with intense focus.

Most of them were trying sashimi for the first time, yet their acceptance of it was surprisingly high, which took Ning He by surprise.

’Perhaps it’s because the people who attend these kinds of events are food lovers with an open mind.’

The small remaining portion of raw fish was added to the mala tang with the other ingredients to cook. Everyone ladled out a small bowl to have as the soup portion of their meal.

The only sounds in the tent were the soft chewing and the clinking of bowls and spoons. Everyone was completely immersed in the wonderful experience of the meal, unable to stop eating.

By the time everyone finally put down their chopsticks, they were too stuffed to move. They simply lay back for an afternoon nap. Even Doctor Liszt, who was usually so energetic, leaned back in his lounge chair and dozed off for a bit.

After serving her clients, Ning He threw all the remaining ingredients into a pot, and she, Macken, and his crew had it for lunch. She left the kitchen in Watson’s hands, put on her protective gear, and prepared to head out.

"I’m having Johnny and Wild Wolf go with you. With those two around, you’ll be safe. But you still can’t go more than three kilometers away. Understood?" Macken instructed.

Ning He’s gaze swept over Johnny and the short, wiry man beside him. She nodded.

"Understood."

"Good. One more thing." Macken beckoned to a subordinate nearby, who walked over holding a device that looked like a metal brace.

"This is a mechanical exoskeleton. It will allow you to walk normally for a while, but don’t go too fast, or you’ll aggravate your foot injury."

Ning He looked at the high-tech device, which gleamed with a silvery light, in pleasant surprise. She let them fit it onto her left leg and tried taking a couple of steps.

The device focused the effort above her knee. It felt a little strange, but her foot didn’t hurt at all, and she could walk normally.

"Alright, head out now while you have plenty of time. You must be back within two hours."

Not daring to waste any more time, Ning He immediately set off with Johnny and Wild Wolf.