Chef at the University Canteen-Chapter 350 - 242: Sizzling Squirrel Mandarin Fish

Chapter 350: Chapter 242: Sizzling Squirrel Mandarin Fish

PM, Room Seven.

"Xiaojiang, the food you made today is really delicious. I haven’t had such authentic Gannan cuisine in a long time. Thank you so much."

Liu Xining had a flight to catch, so everyone ate quickly. They were full even before six, and obviously, the plates on the table were empty; otherwise, they wouldn’t have stopped.

With a satisfied look on her face, she turned to glance at Pan Jingchen, then addressed Jiang Yu,

"Once I get back, I’ll have to rely on you to handle things here. If there’s any problem, just call me anytime."

"Okay, I got it, Sister. You can rest assured."

Jiang Yu nodded with a smile and added,

"I’m really busy with the restaurant, so I can’t see you off at the airport."

Liu Xining waved her hand quickly, saying, "No need, no need. I fly back and forth often. If someone had to see me off every time, it would be too much trouble." 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"Alright, that’s good."

Jiang Yu laughed again, turned around, took an insulated lunch box from Yan Tongtong’s hand, handed it to Liu Xining, and explained,

"Today was a coincidence; a table ordered Xin Feng radish dumplings, which are one of Gannan’s top ten famous snacks. So I made some extra for you. If you get hungry on the road, you can have some."

"Xin Feng radish dumplings?"

Liu Xining was taken aback upon hearing this and, after a while, looked deeply at Jiang Yu and said emotionally,

"Thank you, Junior Brother Xiaojiang! I haven’t had these in so many years..."

Despite the name, Xin Feng radish dumplings resemble dumplings only in shape. The skins are made from sweet potato starch, and the filling is a mix of white radish, pork, and fish, steamed to perfection.

The steamed Xin Feng radish dumplings have thin, translucent skins. The slightly visible filling offers a chewy and soft texture, with a fragrant, spicy flavor, and fresh, juicy taste you won’t forget after trying once.

"Senior Sister, stop thanking me; my ears are growing calluses!"

Jiang Yu waved his hands with a bitter smile and said,

"I already told you, these weren’t specially made for you. A customer ordered them, and I just made a bit extra..."

Liu Xining nodded, "I know, I know!"

"... ..."

Jiang Yu looked speechless. From her expression, it was clear she didn’t believe him. So, what did she really know?

Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but shiver all over:

Impossible, impossible. She’s a big star in the entertainment world; how could she think that way?

He must be overthinking it!

Jiang Yu quickly shook his head to clear those random thoughts from his mind.

Truth be told, seeing Liu Xining’s reaction, he started regretting it. If he had known, he might as well have saved the effort instead of making those Xin Feng radish dumplings!

While mulling over these thoughts, he caught sight of Pan Jingchen standing nearby, pouting and looking at him with a resentful gaze, muttering softly,

"Why only make them for Ah Ning? I want to taste Ah Ning’s hometown flavor too..."

"Uh, Sister Chen, it’s not that I didn’t think of you, it’s just that time was tight, and I could only make so much..."

Now it was truly awkward; how could he forget there was another lady?

Jiang Yu scratched his head, smiled sheepishly, and said,

"Sister Chen, you’re not leaving so soon, right? Whenever you want to eat, I’ll make it for you."

"Forget it, I was just saying."

Pan Jingchen couldn’t help but smile, meaningfully saying,

"If you really cook especially for me, I’m afraid someone might get upset."

Jiang Yu: "..."

I didn’t understand; I’m playing dumb, am I not?

Liu Xining hurried to catch her flight, so she didn’t stay long. After chatting with Jiang Yu for a while, the group quickly went downstairs, got into the business car parked outside the canteen, and headed straight to the airport.

Jiang Yu stood at the canteen entrance, watching the car drive away, and couldn’t help letting out a long sigh of relief, feeling much lighter, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

It’s good that they left. If they hadn’t, and if any misunderstanding arose, how embarrassing would that be?

Just a while ago, standing there felt so awkward to him. If the ground wasn’t cement, he might have used his toes to dig a hole to hide in.

Back in the kitchen upstairs, Jiang Yu shook off his distracting thoughts and continued his work.

It was just past six, and the guests in the four private rooms had not been there long; he still had many dishes yet to cook.

Jiang Yu washed his hands, looked at the menu stuck on the wall, and was about to start cooking when Du Guangning suddenly whispered,

"Boss, this dish might still require your personal touch to make..."

"Huh?"

Jiang Yu turned around with a puzzled look, seeing Du Guangning with a troubled expression. He pointed to a neatly cleaned fish on the countertop, looking a bit uneasy,

"The guests in the ’Autumn’ room originally ordered braised fish, but before I started cooking, they changed their mind to ’Squirrel Fish’ instead...

This, this Squirrel Fish, I can’t make it!"

Squirrel Fish, also known as Squirrel Mandarin Fish, is a renowned signature dish of Jiangsu cuisine, one of the ten classic dishes of Gusu, celebrated at home and abroad for its perfect blend of color, aroma, and taste.