Back To The 80s: President's Doted Wife

Chapter 1617 - 1618: Bonds Forged Through Food

The venue the Cheng family chose to host Cheng Su’s parents and in-laws was a luxurious hotel, an upscale choice that left the Cheng and Qi families, who had rarely ventured out of the countryside, feeling a bit uneasy and unsure.

They had lived half their lives, and the best restaurant they had visited was Cheng Su’s Joy Soon Loy, with its modest decor that was far from luxurious, nothing compared to the current lavish hotel.

They all thought to themselves that it was all thanks to Cheng Su’s good fortune.

Old Master Cheng was delighted to see Qi Xiaoqi, holding him without letting go, yet still managed to ask a few people: ”Are you adjusting to the climate in Guangcheng? It must be quite cold where you are from too, right? It’s very humid here; I wonder if you’re getting used to the water and soil here?”

”For now, it’s alright, it’s hotter than our place,” Father Cheng replied with a smile.

”Well, while you’re here, make sure to enjoy yourselves for a few days and tour around. Although Guangcheng doesn’t have mountains and rivers everywhere, there are famous spots to see,” Old Master Cheng added.

”Oh, good.”

Old Master Cheng then asked Cheng Su why Qi Taiguo didn’t come, and Cheng Su answered each query, keeping the atmosphere pleasant.

When a manager, dressed in a suit, approached to inquire about serving the food, Cheng Yaozu looked to Old Master Cheng for his decision.

”Serve the food; it’s mealtime already,” Old Master Cheng said to everyone: ”It’s unfortunate today, as the kids aren’t here; the eldest is out on a field trip, the second is in the Capital, and our third one is focused on research, always immersed in class or the lab. Today, it’s just a few of us eating quietly, and when it’s time for Yaozu’s big day, we’ll have them greet you then.”

”No need, no need, let them focus on their work.” Father Cheng and his group felt pleasantly flustered and even more at a loss.

Old Master Cheng smiled lightly and began to tease Qi Xiaoqi again.

Soon, a waiter came over with dishes, starting with a soup; each person got a small bowl. Upon opening the lid, they found winter worm summer grass stewed with lean meat. The broth was clear and mild, and a sip would fill one’s mouth with saliva.

As more dishes were brought out, Old Master Cheng said, ”Our local cuisine tends to be mild in flavor; I’m afraid you might not be used to it. There are two stronger-flavored dishes, braised lamb and spicy pan-fried shrimp. Let me know if you need more.”

”The taste is indeed milder than ours, but it’s quite fresh,” Father Qi remarked with a smile.

”When it comes to food, the original flavor is the most important, especially with seafood. ’Seafood’ emphasizes freshness; using too many seasonings can overwhelm its freshness. Take crabs, for example; they’re best steamed. Stir-frying them may smell good but overshadows the fresh taste, which isn’t ideal,” Old Master Cheng shared his extensive knowledge on food.

Cheng Su suddenly remembered when she first met Old Master Cheng; it was also because of food—they bonded over it. Without that chance encounter at the food stall, there might not have been this gathering today.

Thinking this, she couldn’t help but laugh.

”Why are you laughing, girl? Are you saying I’m wrong?” Old Master Cheng squinted his eyes, pretending to be angry.

Seeing this, Father Cheng and the others felt a rush of anxiety, just about to say something when Cheng Su laughed and said, ”I didn’t mean that; you’re an authentic old gourmet, with a top-notch appreciation for food. I was just reminiscing about how we met last year, wasn’t it because of food?”

Saying this, Cheng Su picked up the chopsticks, held the rotating tray, and personally placed a piece of white-cut chicken into his bowl: ”Thanks to the chicken, we became acquainted through food, and I became your goddaughter. Old Master, please eat more.”

Old Master Cheng paused, recalling the scene at that time, feeling a bit like it was destiny, and then laughed heartily, pointing at her and saying to Father Cheng and the others: ”See, it’s not that I don’t care for her; this girl really knows how to talk!”

Father Cheng and the others breathed a sigh of relief, exchanged a few modest words, and the atmosphere was joyful and harmonious.