Reborn As Super Heiress

Chapter 801: Chapter 797: Meeting Su Lan Again

Having arrived at Zhouzhuang, and after visiting the old residence of Shen Wansan, it’s essential to taste the local delicacies of Zhouzhuang.

When mentioning Shen Wansan, one cannot neglect Zhouzhuang cuisine. Shen Wansan was the richest man in Jiangnan during the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties, with wealth that could rival the entire country. His stories and legends are abundant; besides the Cornucopia, building Nanjing City, and his anecdotes with Zhu Yuanzhang are frequently mentioned by the people of Zhouzhuang.

This influential figure not only left a significant mark on history but also contributed numerous classic dishes to Zhouzhuang, including the Wan San Banquet Eight Big Bowls and Wan San Wine, which are endlessly cherished and remembered by food enthusiasts.

Huo Sining and Gu Xu, who came here for a trip, naturally wouldn’t miss the delicious food. After enjoying the beautiful scenery of Zhouzhuang, they searched and found a restaurant named Huajiantang near Shen Hall by Fu’an Bridge.

This restaurant preserves the style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with extremely elegant and unique decorations. Located by the river, it perfectly matches the local flavor of Zhouzhuang. At the sight of this charming signboard, Huo Sining was immediately captivated. Feeling tired after wandering around, they decided to go inside for a bite.

Entering the restaurant, they were taken to a waterfront booth on the second floor. This table was by the window, and sitting by the water, one could lift their head and see the riverside scenery through the window. At dusk, the houses along the water began to light up, the night was hazy, and the lights reflected on the rippling water, scattering bits of starlight.

In such an atmosphere, just by looking up at the person sitting opposite, one could feel slightly intoxicated even without tasting the famous Wan San Wine yet.

When ordering, Huo Sining unsurprisingly chose the Wan San Banquet Eight Big Bowls.

The so-called Wan San Banquet Eight Big Bowls consist of eight dishes: Wan San Trotters, Shen Family Treasure Eggs, Three-Flavored Chicken Balls, etc., served in large celadon bowls. This is a unique culinary culture of Zhouzhuang. It is said that this banquet was originally used by Shen Wansan to entertain dignitaries and relatives, carefully cooked by hired famous chefs according to the customs of Wu Zhong.

The most famous dish among the Eight Big Bowls, Wan San Trotters, is a signature dish with rich broth and red sauce. The meat is tender and fragrant, and it was one of the main dishes when Shen Wansan entertained Zhu Yuanzhang.

”Where there is a feast, there must be tender trotters.” After hundreds of years of inheritance, Wan San Trotters have become the main dish for Zhouzhuang people during New Year’s, festivals, and weddings, symbolizing reunion and serving as a top-grade dish to entertain guests.

Although having pig trotters in this weather seems a bit greasy, being here and not trying this dish would make Huo Sining feel as if the trip was wasted. So, without hesitation, she ordered this famous dish.

Besides the Eight Big Bowls, other local specialties include Wan San Cake, Three-Flavored Rice Dumplings, Steamed Mandarin Fish, Steamed Braised Eel Rolls, Fish and Vegetable Soup, Ginger Snails, Stuffed Oil Bun, Hundred Leaf Wrapped Meat, Stewed Tofu, and Roasted Lotus Root. Huo Sining carefully selected two more dishes, estimating they wouldn’t be able to finish everything, and handed the menu back to the waiter.

While they were eating, someone ascended the wooden stairs, making a loud noise. Several people came up from outside. Huo Sining inadvertently looked up and immediately bit her tongue due to a careless jaw movement, the pain making her let out a hiss and inhale sharply, her face twisting in pain.

”What’s the matter?” Seeing Huo Sining’s pained expression, Gu Xu panicked, quickly standing up and leaning towards her to ask.

The pain made Huo Sining unable to speak. Feeling aggrieved and embarrassed, she didn’t dare to explain being bitten by her own teeth. It was truly embarrassing.

Gu Xu was busy offering water and napkins attentively. Meanwhile, Su Lan’s face darkened as he stood by.

Upon coming upstairs, Huo Sining noticed Su Lan immediately. It was because he was making faces at her that she got scared, lost her concentration, and bit her tongue.

Seeing that Huo Sining actually bit herself, Su Lan initially found it amusing, a mocking expression appearing on his face. But the next moment, seeing Gu Xu’s affectionate gestures towards Huo Sining, even drinking from her cup without avoiding anything, Su Lan was infuriated, his face darkening, looking furious enough to pounce on Gu Xu.

”Mr. Su?” Seeing Su Lan standing at the corner not moving, staring fiercely at the young couple by the window, with a repressed anger on his face, Zou Guangping, who was leading the way, found it odd and called tentatively to Su Lan, following Su Lan’s gaze.

Su Lan came to his senses, smiled faintly at Zou Guangping, and said, ”Director Zou, please.”

Gu Xu, being a former special forces soldier, had keen observation skills. He sensed someone staring at him with ill intentions. Abruptly turning his head, his sharp gaze like a hawk’s looked towards Su Lan’s position.

Unfortunately, Su Lan had already turned and walked away. Gu Xu only caught a glimpse of his back, which seemed vaguely familiar, but he couldn’t recall where he had seen it before, furrowing his brows in thought.

On Zheng Huaqing’s yacht that day, Huo Sining had unexpectedly rescued Su Lan, who drifted from the sea. The first thing the man said when he woke up was that he was her fiancé.

Huo Sining thought this man was crazy, but soon, he mentioned the Ice Spirit Bead, changing her understanding of the Water-Repelling Pearl.

Since then, Huo Sining hadn’t seen Su Lan again. He disappeared without a trace as if he had never appeared.

More than half a year passed, and despite meeting this mysterious man only once, his shadow lingered in her mind. There seemed to be an unseen string pulling her, making her feel that sooner or later, she would meet Su Lan again.

Now, the man really appeared, and while surprised, Huo Sining couldn’t help feeling puzzled.

How did Su Lan end up in Zhouzhuang? And wasn’t that Director Zou she saw earlier at Shen Wansan’s old residence walking in front of him? How did Su Lan and Director Zou get together?