20: Chapter 12 Going Out 20: Chapter 12 Going Out After living alone for many years, Lin Xiaoguai was not the type to shortchange herself, so naturally, her cooking skills were not lacking.
In fact, with the Life Profession System as an aid, Lin Xiaoguai had not put much effort into learning, but she was definitely not at a novice level.
Although she hadn’t specialized in any particular dish due to treating cooking as a part of life’s variety, her talent was clear for all to see.
The skills Lin Xiaoguai had mastered were not only numerous but also of a standard that could be shown off, with several items quite impressive.
Perhaps there was a gap from a master, but it was truly “just a bit.”
Without a doubt, her cooking skill was one of those with notable proficiency.
Lin Xiaoguai was very particular about cooking.
It wasn’t about whether the dishes were famous or not, nor did she insist on complex methods, but she was keen on preserving the original flavors of the ingredients.
As a result, the dishes she made often looked simple and homey, but in reality…
only those who tasted them would know.
When Shen Xiu pushed the door open and was about to announce “I’m back,” she was instantly distracted by the tantalizing smell that filled her nostrils.
“Sister-in-law, what did you cook that’s so fragrant?” As she finished her question, she immediately realized something was wrong and exclaimed in shock, “Sister-in-law, why are you cooking yourself?” Grandma had specifically instructed her before she left to ensure that her sister-in-law didn’t have to cook, claiming it could affect a pregnant woman’s appetite.
Lin Xiaoguai was busy dishing out the fried long beans and didn’t even turn her head, “Xiuxiu’s back, come and help me set the table.”
Shen Xiu subconsciously did as told and only after setting the table did she realize that her sister-in-law hadn’t answered her question.
Looking annoyed, she said, “Sister-in-law, you’re too cunning.
I said I’d make dinner.
If grandma finds out I allowed you to cook, she’d definitely scold me.”
Grandma’s just over-worried,” Lin Xiaoguai replied, which wasn’t wrong; in future generations, even the most treasured pregnant women, unless they had severe morning sickness or instability with the pregnancy, could still manage cooking.
Shen Xiu grabbed the steamed fish from Lin Xiaoguai’s hand and placed it on the table, saying, “Sister-in-law, are you really okay?”
The brightly colored Mei vegetables with pork, the light sponge gourd soup, the vivid green fried long beans, and the beautifully presented steamed carp – Shen Xiu couldn’t help but swallow her saliva.
“I’m fine, let’s eat,” Lin Xiaoguai filled a full bowl of rice for Shen Xiu.
Before eating, Shen Xiu had plenty of complaints, but after tasting the Mei vegetable pork, all thoughts vanished from her mind except for the deliciousness of the food.
It was incredibly delicious!
Under the guidance of several renowned chefs in the system, whether it was the angle and force of flipping the pan during basic techniques, the timing and amount of seasoning, the control of heat, or various techniques to finish sauces, Lin Xiaoguai mastered every detail to perfection.
Not to mention the preservation of the ingredients’ freshness, which was absolutely guaranteed, and there was no need to even mention the taste.
The simpler the dish, the more Lin Xiaoguai’s cooking skills shone through.
Even though Shen Xiu had never experienced the “gourmet” food from later generations that was piled with various expensive ingredients and MSG, she knew the food before her was definitely above standard.
Her eyes sparkling, she said, “Sister-in-law, this is so delicious.”
“If it tastes good, eat more.” Lin Xiaoguai wasn’t as excited as Shen Xiu, but after many days of eating meals she considered barely passable, finally being able to satisfy her taste buds put her in a good mood.
People of this era weren’t like those in future generations, where commonly men would be full with one bowl of rice and women would finish after three bites.
Not to mention Shen Chi, who could easily finish three heaping bowls, even Shen Xiu could eat two full bowls herself, whereas Lin Xiaoguai, with her small bowl, was the odd one out.
—In fact, Lin Xiaoguai remembered that in her youth, her own appetite was not smaller than Shen Xiu’s.
So, even though the quantity of dishes was more than enough, only the Mei vegetable pork remained in the end, with all other dishes emptied.
With a look of complaint, Shen Xiu remarked, “Sister-in-law, you didn’t eat more.
Otherwise, there wouldn’t be any leftovers.” Although she said this, she knew that her sister-in-law had eaten more today than before.
Despite the shallow bowl of rice remaining the same, Lin Xiaoguai had indeed eaten quite a bit of the dishes.
At that moment, Shen Xiu also began to understand why her sister-in-law had repeatedly tried to snatch the cooking utensils from her and grandma.
After eating food cooked by her sister-in-law, she felt as if their own cooking was hardly edible, and yet Lin Xiaoguai never had a word of complaint before.
Lin Xiaoguai had no idea about Shen Xiu’s thoughts.
In reality, while she wasn’t used to the food cooked by grandma and Shen Xiu, she didn’t despise it as Shen Xiu thought; instead, she even found it nostalgic.
Before she had gone to Shanghai in her previous life to encounter a variety of foods, Lin Xiaoguai’s cooking skills, although good, were definitely not at the current level, perhaps just slightly better than grandma’s and Shen Xiu’s.