I won 90 million, all I want to do is lie down and relax!

Since he was inviting a group of men who did manual labor, Lu Zhaoyang went all out, buying not only two large, fat free-range chickens but also a large piece of fresh pork ribs.

A balanced mix of meat and vegetables, with generous portions.

As soon as the sun began to set, Lu Zhaoyang placed the large black iron pot on the stove.

Although it's not as impressive as an old-fashioned earthen stove, it's still a wood-burning iron stove, which is quite classy.

Lu Zhaoyang kept an eye on the time, estimating when the workers would finish work, and started a fire to burn firewood on time.

Soon, the dancing flames licked the bottom of the pot and emerged from the cracks.

Lu Zhaoyang had a towel draped around his neck and a spatula in his hand, ready for anything.

As the bottom of the pot gradually heated up, some oil was poured in.

Next, Lu Zhaoyang threw all the scallions, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and a few bright red dried chilies into the pot.

With a sizzle, the hot oil released the rich aroma of the spices.

Lu Zhaoyang took a satisfied breath and nodded in approval.

Without much delay, I quickly poured the washed and drained chicken pieces and ribs into the pot.

Fire! Blazing fire!

stir fry!

The weather in May is already quite hot.

Standing in the open courtyard, tending to the burning stove, Lu Zhaoyang quickly broke out in a sweat.

He twirled the spatula, his eyes fixed on the chunks of meat in the pot.

The meat chunks rolled around in the wok, sizzling as the fat seeped out, and the surface began to turn slightly browned.

The color became enticing, and the rich aroma of meat instantly filled the entire courtyard.

"Light soy sauce for flavor, a touch of dark soy sauce for color, a pinch of salt, stir-fry..."

Lu Zhaoyang pulled the towel from his neck and skillfully wiped the sweat from his forehead, muttering the seasoning addition method he had memorized.

After several days of practice, his cooking skills have become less clumsy and chaotic at first, and have begun to show some basic structure.

As it continued to stir-fry, the aroma emanating from the iron wok became increasingly rich and intense.

Lu Zhaoyang lifted the kettle and poured the prepared boiling water into the pot, filling it completely and submerging all the meat.

Next, the potatoes that had been chopped in advance, the soaked dried shiitake mushrooms, and a handful of fresh green beans were all thrown into the pot.

The already full iron pot is now even more "bulky".

"Bang!"

The heavy wooden pot lid was slammed on.

Lu Zhaoyang squatted down, bent over, and turned down the firewood in the stove.

Next, it's time to simmer it over low heat.

He came from a rural background and often served the big pot when he was young, so these were basic skills that were no challenge for him at all.

The fire in the stove was getting quite hot, but he didn't want to leave, so he just moved a small stool and sat a little further away.

The firewood crackled intermittently, and steam seeped out through the gaps in the pot lid.

The aroma of chicken, the aroma of ribs, and the dried fragrance of shiitake mushrooms wafted freely throughout the yard.

Lu Zhaoyang would occasionally bend down and squat down to add two wooden sticks to the stove.

Occasionally, he would lift the pot lid and stir it with a large iron ladle.

Time passed slowly, and an hour went by as the flames flickered.

It's almost time.

Lu Zhaoyang carefully lifted the pot lid, and the aroma that had been tightly sealed in immediately wafted out.

Rich and full-bodied.

Lu Zhaoyang blew hard and saw that the soup in the pot had become thick and glossy.

Its luster is warm and inviting.

Without even looking, Lu Zhaoyang was certain from experience that the chicken was stewed until it was tender and falling off the bone, and the ribs looked like they would fall apart if shaken with a little force.

The potatoes and green beans had completely changed color by then.

Both were soaked in the broth, one soft and tender, the other oily and juicy.

It looks even more tempting than meat.

Lu Zhaoyang couldn't help but swallow hard just looking at him.

Indeed, practice makes perfect.

The results after just two practice sessions are even better than he imagined.

I glanced at the time and guessed that Zhang Zhizhong and the others should be getting off work soon.

Lu Zhaoyang put the lid back on the pot, preparing to turn up the heat and reduce the broth.

After reducing the sauce over high heat, Lu Zhaoyang sprinkled a handful of chopped green onions into the pot.

Amidst the rising steam, specks of emerald green adorn each little meat mound, their rich aroma making one's mouth water.

If he hadn't already eaten it for two days in a row, Lu Zhaoyang would have almost been tempted to start eating as well.

Lu Zhaoyang took a picture before finally putting the lid on the pot, satisfied.

This meal was generously portioned, and the meat was incredibly flavorful; it was enough for several people to eat to their heart's content.

Soon, the firewood at the bottom of the pot had stopped burning, but it hadn't burned out completely, which was just enough to keep the temperature going.

Lu Zhaoyang took his time, boiled a pot of water, brewed himself a pot of tea, and waited patiently.

Although Yunzhao is a small county town, coffee is still available.

However, since Lu Zhaoyang wasn't working overtime and was free from work pressure, he wasn't as interested in coffee anymore.

I've recently started learning how to brew tea.

About half an hour later, Lu Zhaoyang heard a lively conversation and footsteps coming from the doorway.

Lu Zhaoyang knew that the guests had arrived.

"Wow, it smells so good!"

Before anyone could be seen, a gasp of surprise came from the main gate.

Zhang Zhizhong walked in, surrounded by several of his men.

Zhang Zhizhong was walking ahead, followed by several younger men, two of whom were carrying two packs of beer.

"Xiao Lu, your cooking skills are amazing!"

Zhang Zhizhong stared in amazement at the large iron pot, which still exuded its powerful energy and emitted a rich aroma. He couldn't help but twitch his nose a few times. "I could smell the aroma as soon as I stepped outside the alley. Even if I didn't know the way, I could still find my way here by following the smell."

The others didn't have time to speak for a moment, but their eyes were all fixed on the big iron pot.

"Brother Zhaoyang, don't tell me you made this. That's impossible. There must be a chef. You didn't hide it in the toilet, did you?"

A young worker grinned and joked.

After a long day of hard work, being able to eat a big piece of meat and drink a couple of beers is like living in paradise for them.

"Good lad, I'll take that as flattery!"

Lu Zhaoyang stood up with a smile and greeted everyone, "However, just smelling the aroma isn't enough; it has to taste really good to be considered authentic."

Over the past few days, Lu Zhaoyang has met with everyone every day and they have become familiar with each other.

Two of the workers were just over twenty years old, much younger than him.

Lu Zhaoyang was also prepared, and took out two thick stainless steel basins that were placed next to him.

This dish is so firm that it can't be held in ordinary plates or bowls. Only this kind of plate or bowl can hold it all so that we can enjoy it to our heart's content.

Before the food even appeared, everyone got excited as soon as they saw the steel basin, which was bigger than a washbasin.

Under the expectant gaze, Lu Zhaoyang raised his hand and lifted the pot lid.

boom!

In an instant, hot air shot into the air.

After more than two hours of buildup, the rich aroma burst forth unrestrainedly.

Everyone present stared wide-eyed.

(Sorry, the other chapter will be a little later.)