You were sent to participate in a transformation program, not to participate in poverty alleviation.

At the threshing ground, the villagers who had received their money did not disperse. Instead, they spontaneously began to help set up stoves, wash vegetables, and move tables and chairs.

Lin Feng and Qin Hao directed several strong laborers to move the newly purchased furniture back to their grandparents' house.

Looking at the brand-new table, chairs, and bed, the elderly couple were so moved that tears welled up in their eyes, and they held Qin Hao's hand tightly, refusing to let go.

After settling into his home, Qin Hao returned to the threshing ground.

But they found Su Wan standing in front of the pile of ingredients, twisting the hem of her clothes with her small hands, looking uneasy.

"What's wrong, Wanwan?"

Qin Hao walked over with some confusion.

"Aren't the ingredients fresh?"

Su Wan raised her head, her delicate face filled with conflict:

"No... Brother Qin Hao, the ingredients are all very good."

But... there are several hundred people here!

Su Wan shrugged helplessly:

"I used to cook for just a few people at home at most."

Cooking for hundreds of people in one big pot, chopping so many vegetables, and stir-frying in such a huge wok... I'm afraid I won't do a good job and will mess it up.

Indeed, Su Wan is, after all, a wealthy young lady.

Although she has a talent for cooking, the intensity of this kind of rural banquet was indeed beyond her capabilities.

She estimated that she couldn't even lift a spatula from that huge iron pot, which was a meter in diameter.

Qin Hao smiled and comforted him:

"It's okay, this time we're focusing on meat!"

I bought so much meat, as long as it's cooked thoroughly and I add enough salt, no one will complain.

Everyone was happy as long as there was meat to eat.

Hearing this, Su Wan felt a little better, but looking at the mountain of radishes and cabbages, she was still somewhat worried:

"But... if it doesn't taste good, I'll feel like I'm letting everyone down."

Qin Hao felt a warmth in his heart when he saw her earnest expression.

This girl has a pretty strong sense of responsibility.

"Alright, since you want to do this well, let's find some outside help!"

Qin Hao turned to look at the old village chief who was directing everyone to build the stove:

"Grandpa Village Chief! Does our village have any chefs who can cook a grand feast?"

Or perhaps someone with better cooking skills who can help with the cooking?

Upon hearing this, the village chief slapped his forehead, suddenly realizing what was happening:

"Oh dear! Look at my memory! I almost forgot! Yes, I do!"

"Who?"

"It's my second uncle who lives at the east end of the village! Li Guoqiang!"

The village chief pointed to the distance.

"He was the head chef of the state-run restaurant in town when he was young! His skills were absolutely superb!"

Later, after retiring, I wanted to return to my roots, so I went back to the village to live out my retirement.

He's one of the few wealthy people in our village, and he's always been generous to everyone.

"The head chef from the state-run restaurant in town before?"

Qin Hao's eyes lit up.

"That's a professional! Come on, Wanwan, let's go ask this expert to come out of retirement!"

Qin Hao, accompanied by Lin Feng and Su Wan, carrying two bottles of fine wine, arrived at a small courtyard at the east end of the village under the guidance of the village chief.

Although the courtyard also had earthen walls, it was kept extremely clean and tidy, and was filled with flowers, plants and vegetables, which showed that the owner was a person who appreciated things.

As soon as I entered, I saw a sprightly old man with a buzz cut drinking tea and listening to the radio in the yard.

"Second Uncle! Sunbathing?"

The village chief greeted him with a smile.

Li Guoqiang put down his teacup, glanced at the village chief, then at Qin Hao and the other two, and stood up with a smile:

"Hey, isn't this Young Master Qin, the one who's bringing everyone riches? What a rare guest!"

Qin Hao quickly stepped forward and bowed:

"Second Uncle, you're flattering me too much. Just call me Qin Hao."

Second Uncle, I heard you used to be the head chef of a state-run restaurant?

Today I'm treating the whole village to dinner, and I'd like to ask you to come out of retirement, take charge of the cooking, and set the tone for the occasion!

After hearing Qin Hao's purpose, Li Guoqiang looked at these energetic children who genuinely wanted to do things for the village, and his admiration deepened.

"Great!" Li Guoqiang laughed heartily.

"It's rare to see city kids like you with such a kind heart, even thinking of treating the whole village to a meal."

My second uncle really helped! It just so happens that my old bones haven't been active in ages, my hands were itching to get moving!

With the addition of a professional chef, the evening banquet was instantly elevated to a whole new level.

As night fell, the threshing ground was brightly lit.

Several large iron pots were placed on a makeshift earthen stove, and the firewood underneath crackled and popped as it burned.

Li Guoqiang, with an apron tied around his waist and a large iron shovel in his hand, stood in front of the large pot, giving orders with composure.

"Su girl, cut the meat into big chunks! Braised pork is only truly satisfying when eaten in large bites!"

"Hey kid, turn the fire up! Stir-frying needs to be done over high heat!"

"Young Qin, get the scallions, ginger, and garlic ready!"

Su Wan assisted from the side, and by watching Uncle Li's smooth and skillful movements, she learned a lot of real skills.

Soon, one main dish after another was served.

The braised pork belly is bright red and not greasy; the stewed pork ribs with potatoes are tender and flavorful, with an enticing aroma.

The pickled fish is tangy and spicy, and the fish is tender; there are also big bowls of stir-fried vegetables, which are lush and green.

The aroma wafted on the night breeze, whetting the appetites of everyone in the village.

"Let the feast begin—!!"

With a shout, hundreds of villagers gathered around the table and began to feast.

"Delicious! So delicious!"

"This braised pork is amazing! It's even better than the ones at the restaurants in town!"

"Second Uncle's cooking skills are impeccable, and the meat Young Master Qin bought is truly excellent!"

The villagers ate with gusto, their mouths brimming with oil, praising the food endlessly.

Qin Hao, Lin Feng, and Su Wan, holding their bowls and chopsticks, listened to everyone's laughter and chatter, and their hearts were filled with an unprecedented sense of accomplishment.

Just when everyone was full and thought the banquet was about to end, Uncle Li suddenly smiled mysteriously.

"Qin boy, and those two kids, come here."

Uncle Li waved.

Qin Hao and the other two walked to the stove with some confusion.

Uncle Li then pulled out a dark brown earthenware jar that looked quite old from under the stove. The jar was sealed tightly.

"Everyone is enjoying the meat, but for us mountain people, there's another treasure that's even more delicious than meat."

As Uncle Li spoke, he removed the clay seal from the earthenware jar.

For an instant.

An extremely unique aroma wafted out of the jar, instantly overpowering the smell of meat.

"This is……"

Lin Feng's nose twitched, and a look of shock appeared on his face.

"It smells so good! What's that smell?"

"This is mushroom oil."

Uncle Li said with considerable pride.

"This is my unique recipe, which I developed by simmering wild mushrooms from the mountains that don't sell for much money, along with rapeseed oil, for a long time."

"Back when I worked at a state-run restaurant, this was one of my best skills."

After saying that, Uncle Li scooped a large bowl of freshly steamed white rice from the side and poured it directly into the pot.

There was no meat, no eggs, and no vegetables.

He simply scooped out two large spoonfuls of dark red, glossy "mushroom oil" from the earthenware jar.

The crispy fried mushroom bits, along with the mushroom pieces, were poured over the white rice.

"Sizzle—"

When hot oil comes into contact with rice, the aroma explodes instantly.

Uncle Li quickly stir-fried the rice, coating each grain with the dark red mushroom oil, making it translucent and radiating an enticing sheen.

"Come on, try Uncle's 'Mushroom Fried Rice'."

Uncle Li served Qin Hao, Lin Feng, and Su Wan each a small bowl.