Chapter 474 - 226: The Brave Enjoy the World First

Chapter 474: Chapter 226: The Brave Enjoy the World First

Everyone had been quite touched, but now they couldn’t help but laugh.

The little fellow was adorable!

In the front row, Shen Shaohua raised his camera to capture the moment.

As a reporter for the Jiazhou Daily, he had volunteered to cover the event. The story was big enough for the Jiazhou Daily’s front page, which certainly piqued his interest. But he was also looking forward to interviewing Zhou Yan in Suji and, while he was at it, grabbing a meal at his restaurant.

Next, Zhou Yan posed for a photo with the two officials.

The simple awards ceremony was over.

"It’s just about lunchtime, so I won’t hold up your business or keep the workers from their meal," Director Wu Liwei said with a smile, shaking Zhou Yan’s hand. "After next month’s Model Citizen awards are decided, we might just see each other again."

"Thank you for your consideration, Director Wu," Zhou Yan said.

So many workers were waiting to eat. He really was in a hurry to open his doors. After all, the lunch break was only so long, and the workers still needed some time to rest after their meal.

Huang Chen chimed in, "Director Wu, why don’t we have lunch here at Zhou Yan’s restaurant? It’s a perfect chance for you to try our traditional Suji specialty, Kneeling Beef. It’s a delicacy that’s been passed down for a century in Suji Zhou Village."

"Ah," Wu Liwei said, realization dawning on him. "Is this the same Kneeling Beef you reported on at the last meeting? The one that was featured in *Sichuan Cuisine* magazine?"

Huang Chen nodded. "That’s right. Zhou Village has many Cow Slaughterers. They don’t just sell beef; their families also sell soup dishes. There are over a hundred people in the trade, and Zhou Yan’s Kneeling Beef is the most delicious and authentic of all."

"Definitely," Wu Liwei nodded. "Since we’re already here, I have to try Suji’s traditional cuisine. And get a taste of Zhou Yan’s cooking, too."

Huang Chen then turned to Shen Shaohua, smiling. "Reporter Shen, why don’t you join us? Come and taste the signature dish of Suji."

Shen Shaohua nodded. "I’ve heard so much about it. Since Mayor Huang is inviting, I’d be happy to tag along. It’ll help me flesh out the profile on Zhou Yan."

Huang Chen dismissed the staff and the gong and drum troupe, then led Wu Liwei, Shen Shaohua, and an employee from the county committee into the restaurant to take a seat.

Only then did the workers file in.

"Congratulations, Boss Zhou!"

"You’re incredible, Boss Zhou! A Model of Bravery! Our respects to you!"

"Mrs. Zhao looks so happy today."

The customers greeted and congratulated him warmly, their smiles genuine.

’The owner of our regular spot is a hero. It’s not like we’re sharing the glory, but it shows we have good taste for picking this place.’

"An incredible hero," Xia Yao said as she walked in, smiling radiantly at Zhou Yan, her eyes shining.

’He saved my life. I’ll never be able to repay him.’

"That was incredibly brave. You’re really something," Lin Zhiqiang said, patting Zhou Yan’s arm. His voice was filled with emotion and a hint of pride. After spending so much time with him lately, he had come to see Zhou Yan as one of his own.

"Amazing," Meng Anhe said, giving Zhou Yan a thumbs-up as well.

’Two banners, representing two acts of heroism.’

’This young man, Zhou Yan, really has a strong sense of justice. It’s hard not to admire him.’

’Compared to that, things like his education level seem so unimportant.’

’The whole Sichuan Military Family thing did catch her attention, though.’

’Zhou Yan’s father is a Cow Slaughterer, but he seems so calm and dependable, and his clothes are always clean and neat. Maybe that’s a reflection of their family’s character.’

"Thanks. Please, have a seat over here," Zhou Yan said with a smile, finding it a little hard to keep the corners of his mouth from turning up. It was the first time he’d ever been praised by so many people at once.

The two silk banners were hung directly on the empty nails in the menu area.

With their dark red backgrounds, gold lettering, and the Jiazhou City Government’s official seal, they looked especially prestigious.

Customers coming in to order would give them a second look.

"Well, I’d better get to work," Zhou Yan said to Xia Yao as customers took their seats and began to order.

"Go on," Xia Yao said, nodding with a smile.

Zhou Yan headed into the kitchen and got to work.

Lin Zhiqiang’s eyes lit up as he looked at the menu. "Braised Pork Intestines... looks like he quietly added a new dish! Why don’t we order some and give it a try?"

"Pork intestines? No, thank you," Meng Anhe said, shaking her head immediately.

"Yaoyao, what about you?" Lin Zhiqiang looked at Xia Yao.

Xia Yao hesitated. To be honest, she wasn’t a fan of pork intestines either. As a child, while visiting relatives in Shanghai, she’d had a sweet-and-savory braised intestine dish that left a lasting negative impression. She hadn’t touched a single dish with intestines in it since.

’But Zhou Yan is the one making this... maybe it’ll be different?’

"Let’s get an order," Xia Yao said, seeing how much her uncle wanted to try it. "Let’s taste Zhou Yan’s new dish."

"Great!" Lin Zhiqiang nodded enthusiastically and placed the order, adding a serving of the Braised Pork Intestines.

At the next table, Huang Chen was also ordering.

"Two bowls of Kneeling Beef and an order of Twice-Cooked Pork. You can’t even be sure of finding flavors this good in Rongcheng. Zhou Yan’s braised dishes are also in a class of their own. This Braised Pork Intestines looks new on the menu today, so let’s get an order of that to try as well." Huang Chen ordered the three dishes, then looked to Wu Liwei. "Director Wu, why don’t you see what else you’d like to add?"

Wu Liwei studied the menu carefully. "In that case, let’s add a Mapo Tofu. It’ll go great with rice. For the four of us, three dishes and a soup should be plenty."

"Sounds good." Huang Chen nodded and finalized the order.

"Do you eat here often, Huang? You seem to know the menu pretty well," Wu Liwei said with a smile.

"I bring my wife and kid here for a treat every now and then," Huang Chen said with a smile. "My child especially loves Zhou Yan’s braised vegetable dishes. Sometimes after work, I’ll stop by and grab thirty or fifty cents’ worth to take home, and they’re absolutely thrilled."