Era: Starting with the struggle to refuse being taken advantage of

Chapter 54 A Mistake (Please continue reading)

The key to making crispy shredded potatoes is to wash off the starch with water before stir-frying. The rest is about controlling the heat.

As Wang Chengpeng exerted force with his right hand, the shredded potatoes mixed with shredded meat tumbled up and down in the pot, quickly releasing an enticing aroma.

Wang Meiyan, craving something delicious, abandoned her work and leaned against the kitchen door, drooling.

She knew that Wang Chengpeng's cooking was bound to be delicious; just thinking about these tasty shredded potatoes made her mouth water!

It was a last-minute leave, so after finishing lunch, Wang Chengpeng hurriedly rode his bicycle back home.

Because he was riding a bicycle, it didn't take him long to reach the place where he was working.

Perhaps it was because it was lunchtime, and most people gathered in twos and threes to enjoy the lunch they had brought from home.

Wang Chengpeng's arrival caused a little commotion, but it was so small that it went completely unnoticed by anyone.

As soon as they sat down, Wang Chengpeng subtly instructed his sister to call Xia Zhiqing over to have lunch together.

Not only did the other party treat me to a delicious stir-fried potato and pork dish last time, but they also helped me get a day off this morning. It's only right and proper that I ask them to order the food.

Wang Chengpeng was well-prepared for this, bringing enough staple food and dishes for three people.

As for Wang Meiyan? Having fulfilled her role as a "tool," she naturally had to rush off to deliver food to her parents.

It's up to you whether you eat with your parents or go home to eat by yourself.

Hearing that Wang Chengpeng was only treating her to stir-fried shredded potatoes with meat, Xia Zhiqing did not refuse and also brought An Qiuyun along as Wang Chengpeng requested.

It's not that Wang Chengpeng has any feelings for An Qiuyun; in this era, even men and women have to be careful when eating together.

With An Qiuyun present, the three of them wouldn't attract so much attention.

As soon as she arrived, Xia Mingyue expressed her gratitude to Wang Chengpeng. She wasn't the type to take advantage of kindness, saying:
"Comrade Wang, you're too kind of you to even treat us to food."

"If there's a chance next time, I'll treat you to a meal as a way of repaying you."

If Wang Meiyan hadn't said she brought enough to avoid waste, she wouldn't have come at all.

Lunch break time is limited, so the three of them didn't stand on ceremony and started eating.

Xia Mingyue broke open the coarse grain steamed bun she had prepared, then stuffed some shredded potatoes and stir-fried meat into it.

This way of eating is the most mainstream way, and even An Qiuyun and Wang Chengpeng do the same.

Seeing the tempting golden potato shreds sandwiched inside the coarse grain steamed buns, the three of them couldn't resist and immediately took a big bite.

The crunchy potato shreds made a satisfying crunch in my mouth, which added a unique flavor to the meal.

Although there wasn't much shredded meat, it was incredibly tender and fragrant, offering an exceptional taste every time you touched it.

Perhaps for convenience, Wang Chengpeng specially prepared a slightly stronger flavor, which went perfectly with the whole-grain steamed buns, giving everyone a pleasant culinary experience.

The only slight regret was perhaps the coarse grain buns in the hands of the two educated youths.

Since the buns weren't freshly steamed, they weren't hot and were even a bit hard, affecting the overall taste of lunch.

Overall, thanks to the delicious stir-fried shredded potatoes and meat brought by Wang Chengpeng, the three of them had a good lunch.

An Qiuyun praised without reservation, "This stir-fried shredded potatoes with meat is really delicious."

"You won't know until you try it, and once you do, you'll be amazed. I never imagined that Comrade Wang's family had such a superb chef with such outstanding culinary skills."

Xia Mingyue seemed rather withdrawn, saying, "Why does this stir-fried potato and pork taste different from mine?" "They look almost identical, so why does it taste so different?"

Xia Mingyue blushed as she recalled how she had proudly served Wang Chengpeng her homemade stir-fried potato and pork. It was just too embarrassing.

Wang Chengpeng smiled and said, "You flatter me, you flatter me. I'm glad you like it."

Little did he know that An Qiuyun didn't buy Wang Chengpeng's praise at all, saying, "Comrade Wang, we're praising your chef, what are you so smug about?"

"Such a skillful person must be your aunt, right?"

"I really envy you for having such a wonderful mother."

In this era, women were the ones who did most of the household chores, and few men knew how to cook. So An Qiuyun clearly misunderstood the origin of these stir-fried shredded potatoes with meat.

Wang Chengpeng wasn't annoyed and retorted, "What, can't I be my family's head chef?"

“If you say that, An Zhiqing, I won’t invite you next time there’s something good to eat.”

Wang Chengpeng's soft words were like a brick hitting the two educated youths on the head, making their expressions instantly interesting.

Xia Mingyue's expression, in particular, was incredibly interesting. The more proud she had been of showing off her dishes back then, the more embarrassed she was now.

The idea of ​​asking Wang Chengpeng to return was completely aborted and could never be revived.

Why did I do something so humiliating?
Recalling the high praise Wang Chengpeng had given her, Xia Mingyue felt embarrassed but also thought that Wang Chengpeng was a really good person.

Perhaps only someone with such a delicate and considerate mind would go against their conscience and keep praising themselves.

Recalling Wang Chengpeng's terrifying talent in learning, Xia Mingyue, who was always striving for excellence, felt a sense of powerlessness and frustration rise in her heart for no reason.

An Qiuyun apologized sheepishly, saying, "Comrade Wang, I'm sorry, I didn't know these dishes were all your creations."

"With your skills, I think you don't need to work here at all. Wouldn't it be better to find a chef's job in the county or city?"

"You can't make much money by working in the soil all day. A proper job not only earns you more money, but also makes you more respected."

"Comrade Wang, if you agree to one condition, it's not impossible for me to find someone to introduce you."

These sent-down youths are not to be trifled with; among them may very well be descendants of powerful figures.

Even knowing this, Wang Chengpeng was still surprised by An Qiuyun's words. He couldn't believe that this lively and lovely educated youth was such a powerful figure.

Unlike Ji Yongyue, who already worked in the town, An Qiuyun, as an educated youth, could influence the county or city, so her family background could not be simple.

However, even when offered a second job recommendation, Wang Chengpeng refused without hesitation, saying:

"I appreciate An Zhiqing's kindness."

"I know my own abilities; they're really not worth the job you're introducing me to."

The importance of family environment becomes apparent at this point. What An Qiuyun heard from Wang Chengpeng's words was not humility or a lack of confidence, but rather a tactful rejection.

After realizing what Wang Chengpeng meant, An Qiuyun immediately became anxious and said:

"Comrade Wang, please don't rush to reject my proposal. My request is really very simple."

"As long as you cook for me every day, I'll recommend you for a job. It seems like a very worthwhile deal."

"Or perhaps you doubt my abilities? You can ask Mingyue to confirm that."

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(End of this chapter)