Chapter 54: Seeking Favor

Chapter 54: Seeking Favor

Wang Guocheng truly went to great lengths to please Fan Xiaoxiao’s eldest aunt. As soon as he hung up the phone, he hurried out the door, dialing his own aunt for advice as he walked.

In Wang Guocheng’s family, his aunt was renowned for her culinary skills. After a good session of instruction, Wang Guocheng, quick on the uptake, felt confident—yet as he arrived at the market, the scene there left him at a loss.

He needed to buy a chicken, but since the meal was meant to entertain Fan Xiaoxiao’s eldest aunt, it would not do to pick up a mass-produced chicken from the supermarket.

So, he decided to head for the live poultry market to select a fresh chicken, only to be confronted by an awkward scene. In his rush out the door, Wang Guocheng had thrown on a suit, and now, stepping into the market, he frowned at the sight of blood pooling on the ground.

Carefully, he picked his way through feathers and fresh blood staining the concrete.

“Hey, buddy, looking to buy a chicken? Mine are all free-range—the best for making soup!” the poultry vendor called out enthusiastically, poking his head out to greet him.

Wang Guocheng peered into the vendor’s cages, inspecting each bird. “Could you help me pick a smaller one? There are only three of us; if it’s too big, we won’t be able to finish it.”

“Brother, these are the finest free-range chickens around, famous far and wide. They drink mountain spring water and eat goji berries—these chickens are in top health! Tell you what, I’ll pick one for you. If you can’t finish it in one meal, you can portion it out over several. But honestly, there are ten ways to eat one chicken! Ha! These just came in and are selling fast, so if you want one, you’d better act quickly!”

The vendor heaped praise on his own chickens, in the way of an old hand touting his wares.

Wang Guocheng didn’t call him out on it, simply checked his watch, hesitated, and then said, “All right, please pick a small one for me. And what do you mean by ten ways to eat a single chicken?”

With practiced hands, the vendor selected a slightly smaller bird from the cage and placed it on the scale. “This one weighs four jin, feathers and all. Take a look!”

While the vendor handled the de-feathering and cleaning, Wang Guocheng continued his line of questioning. “Could you explain those ten ways to cook a chicken? I must admit, I can’t really cook, but I promised my girlfriend I’d make her aunt a chicken soup. Could you help me out and tell me how? I’ll pay extra if you like.”

The vendor glanced at the well-dressed Wang Guocheng, an appreciative look in his eyes. “Brother, you look like a real scholar in those clothes. Not many people of your standing would go to the trouble of cooking themselves. Your girlfriend is a lucky lady. Just for you, I’ll explain the ten ways to cook a chicken.”

Wang Guocheng had brought a small notebook with him for just such an occasion. Seeing the vendor willing to share, he quickly took it out and jotted down notes with care.

The vendor slowed his speech for Wang Guocheng’s benefit. “It’s not that these ten dishes are particularly exquisite, but they make full use of every part of the chicken. Listen closely: chicken bone, corn, and carrot soup; crispy fried chicken skin; chicken oil stir-fried greens; three-color pepper stir-fried chicken breast; chicken breast with green and red apples; pan-seared herb chicken steak; sizzling chicken wings and pork liver casserole; chicken leg burgers; celery stir-fried chicken giblets; and diced chicken with oyster sauce.”

Carefully taking notes, Wang Guocheng asked humbly about the unfamiliar dishes. “What’s this sizzling chicken wings and pork liver casserole you mentioned?”

The vendor chuckled. “The name just sounds fancy. It’s really just chicken wings stewed with pork liver—very simple. You young folks can look up the recipe online.”

From his manner, Wang Guocheng sensed the vendor was no ordinary poultry seller, but as it was their first meeting, he didn’t pry further.

By the time the vendor finished preparing the chicken, Wang Guocheng had already picked up the necessary side ingredients from neighboring stalls. With everything in hand, he thanked the vendor and left the market.

The vendor watched Wang Guocheng’s retreating figure, and in that moment, seemed to see himself years ago—dressed in a suit, braving the market to buy a chicken for someone he loved. Lost in memory, his eyes filled with tears.

When Wang Guocheng returned to the dorm, arms full of groceries, Huang Yun had already arrived. She stood at Fan Xiaoxiao’s door in a smart little suit, just in time to see Wang Guocheng coming back.

Wang Guocheng greeted her politely. “Good afternoon, Auntie. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Huang Yun looked him up and down, noting his expensive suit, the chicken feathers and blood on his shoes. Her eyes softened with appreciation, and the stern expression she’d worn for so long finally gave way to a smile.

“You must be little Wang. My second daughter-in-law has mentioned you several times these past days.”

(Had Yang Yeyue been present, she’d have sworn she never mentioned him at all—it was Huang Yun who’d ferreted out the information herself.)

Wang Guocheng smiled gently, then took out his keys to open the door. “Oh, really?” Once inside, he politely invited her in. “Please, Auntie, come in.”

He set aside his concern for his clothing, put the groceries in the kitchen, and made Huang Yun a cup of hot tea. “Auntie, please make yourself comfortable. I’ll just pop in to change clothes.”

Huang Yun raised her eyebrows but said nothing, turning on the TV in the living room and flipping through the channels. Quietly, she called Rong Jinfeng.

“Feng, I arrived first just now. I saw Xiaoxiao’s boyfriend, dressed in a designer suit, coming back from the market with groceries. He seems like a man who knows how to run a household.”

At some point, Wang Guocheng slipped back into the living room, and Huang Yun hurriedly ended her call. “Feng, I’ll call you back later!”

Just then, Fan Xiaoxiao returned as well. She rushed over to Huang Yun, all warmth and affection. “Auntie, what brings you to my humble abode? You must be on a mission, right?”

Huang Yun coughed lightly, tapping Fan Xiaoxiao on the head. “What a thing to say! I’m not on a mission—can’t I come check on my future nephew-in-law myself?”

Seeing the two had launched into conversation, Wang Guocheng quickly excused himself to the kitchen. “Auntie, Xiaoxiao, please make yourselves comfortable. I’ll call you when the food is ready.”

Fan Xiaoxiao stood up considerately and called after him, “Need any help?”