Chapter 51 Sweet and Honeyed Rice

  Liu Cuizhu and Wang Huating held hands, bypassing the noisy nuptial chamber to arrive at an even noisier wedding banquet. The entire school's chairs were basically all gathered here, with four or six tables joined together, and slightly larger ones with ten tables joined together. Food was being carried in on trays, aside from large bowls of dishes there were also large basins of steamed buns. There were elderly women holding their grandsons, groups of three to five old men, as well as young people shouting and cheering, all eating at the long tables set up under the sky, creating a lively atmosphere.

  In the crowd, many people recognized the teachers from the city and politely called them to come up to the table. Wang Huating thanked them one by one, while Si Mu Xian was waving at her and Liu Cuiyun from afar, rushing over to take a look at the big courtyard of this house. It turned out that the kitchen was also outdoors, and he walked straight into the courtyard. The band had already gathered around a table, with Shan Yong and Principal Shan helping in the kitchen. Lei Da Peng was idle and bored, his head raised, blowing on a whistle made of reeds, unable to produce a clear sound. When he saw Wang Huating arrive, Lei's eyes gazed blankly at the white-clad, high-heeled team leader, his expression full of grievance.

  Wang Huating didn't dare to bother with him again, and sat down with Liu Cuicui at the four desks that had been moved over. Si Muxian asked the class monitor why he hadn't arrived yet. Wang Huating made an excuse about being in a hurry to finish her paper. Liu Cuicui also noticed Lei Ge's expression and quietly nudged Wang Huating with her elbow, who gave her a sideways glance. Si Muxian turned around and smiled, saying: "Da Peng, take a seat, what? Do I need to invite you?"

  "We'll wait for that pot to come out before we go up." Lei Dapeng mysteriously pointed to a large steamer, at first glance it was quite impressive. The steamer was as big as a millstone, with nine layers stacked on top of each other. This outdoor kitchen for the wedding banquet was also remarkable, with eight temporary stoves made of stone, five steamers, three cauldrons, and four mud-sealed fires. The chopping board was as large as half a basketball court, with cabbages, potatoes, rice, and flour piled up like small mountains. The chefs gathered around the chopping board were all invited from the village, with over a dozen people working on preparing the banquet.

  "What's in the pot?" asked Liu Cuicloud.

  "Eight Treasures Sweet Rice." Lei Dapeng said with a smile, turning his head to ask Shan Dao: "Egg Brother, what did you call it again?"

  "Sweet sweet honey rice." Dan Yong didn't even turn his head back and gave a perfunctory response.

  "Isn't that what Du Shiniang's Eight Treasures Porridge is all about?" Liu Cuicui teased, and as soon as she mentioned this, several people burst out laughing. But Lei Ge just rolled his eyes and said with a toss of his head, "You're so ignorant, it's not worth talking to you." After saying that, he turned his head away, ignoring everyone, and rummaged through his pockets, pulling out a bunch of filtered cigarettes. He handed two packs with five or six boxes each to Shan Changgen, who was quite likable at times - at least, he was liked by Principal Dai, to whom he had given all the cigarettes he and his brothers had earned.

  "Is this eight-treasure sweet rice good?"

  The waiting skills, Wang Huating added a sentence, also knowing Lei Dapeng's temperament, ordinary chicken meat fish duck really can't be seen in this foodie's eyes. As expected, Dan Yong, who was cutting pears carefully, turned back and smiled, maintaining the mysterious feeling of not uncovering the pot or revealing the bottom. Si Mu Xian said: "It's from the village, it's just like that, ten big bowls for the wedding banquet, chicken duck fish meat ball soup, just those few things, but this dish is made by Egg Brother, so it's naturally different."

  "Cut it out," Wang Huating said deliberately.

  " Facts are more powerful than eloquence." Simu Xian said elegantly, but Shan Yong heard it and turned back with a smile: "I can forgive your ignorance, but I won't forgive your disdain. Let's try first... Da Peng, come over, lift the lid, don't blow on it, is that something you can blow?"

  One shout, one surprise, as long as it's a living thing, Lei Dapeng stopped blowing the whistle, got up with a thud, and rushed forward. He lifted the lid of the large iron pot, which was over 30 kilograms in weight, and inside, there were three large bowls that had been steamed. It was said to be rare, and even Liu Cuicui and Wang Huating's curiosity was piqued. They gathered around to take a look, and saw that the bowls contained red, black, white, and other unknown types of millet and beans, which had become steamed rice. At this time, Shan Yong was using chopsticks to pick up thin slices of pear, placing them on top of the rice in a fan shape. Then, he scooped out the golden honey from the bowl and poured a few spoons onto each bowl. Liu Cuicui blurted out: "Isn't this mixed rice?"

  To put it bluntly, in the past when there was a lack of food and noodles in rural areas, people used various grains and beans to cook a mixture of rice, which is just different from the work. Unexpectedly, this sentence touched the nerves of the foodies, and Lei Dapeng rolled his eyes and scolded: "You're really stupid, the mixed rice in the village is just glutinous rice, bean pods, and dried persimmon steamed together... What's this? Eight Treasures Sweet Rice, something that can be served in a five-star hotel."

  "Really? Don't brag, it's just a five-star hotel." Liu Cuicloud didn't believe him.

  "Really? Even if it's fake, the cooked food can't be faked... glutinous rice, bean paste, melon seeds, persimmon cake, walnut kernel, high millet, cooked lotus seed, and soybean kernel, eight treasures, plus sugar pear, wild honey, and small honey dates, three sweets. After eating, you won't be able to find your tongue. This is still a makeshift dish, if it were at our Resonant Horse Village home, we'd swap the bean paste for fish roe, and the melon seeds for almond, that would elevate the flavor."

  Lei Dapeng said that eating is much more efficient than reciting Tang poetry and Song lyrics, and as he spoke, a string of bright saliva dripped down from his thick lips. Liu Cuicui and Wang Huating burst out laughing, which made Lei's brother wipe his mouth while saying "these women have long hair but short vision".

  This trip to welcome the bride was really tiring. The village custom is that the groom's family has to lead a white horse and walk with the bride all the way back, from the center of the village where they caught the horse to the bride's new home, which is over ten miles away. Halfway through, they ran back. Originally, there was a lack of drummers for the music, but unexpectedly, Principal Shan found even more lively ones. The host family came in from time to time to offer cigarettes and wine to Shan Yu and others. The cigarettes were all given to Principal Shan, while Lei Dapeng put all the wine in his waist. When they left, Si Muxian chased after them, afraid that this guy would be fooled again. Lei Dapeng refused to give him any, and the two of them quarreled and struggled.

  The banquet hall only had these few idle people, waiting for the time to pass, but outside, several tables had already been served. The ten big bowls were all rural favorites such as braised pork belly, sugar-coated pork knuckle, whole fish and chicken, all ready-made and cooked on the spot. After a while, Wang Huating noticed that Shan Yong was selecting ingredients from the host's kitchen, intending to personally cook a few dishes for everyone.

  Look at that, very focused, the washed white cabbage leaves were finely chopped, leaving only the green; the green bean pods were cut into flower shapes at an angle; and there was a small half bowl of flour wrapped in meat, kneading and grasping the dough while squeezing it, as soon as it was squeezed into the pot, round and white dumplings floated up, Liu Cuiyun knew that this dish was called rolling egg dumplings, half of which came from the work, and half meant that after finishing this dish, you could roll away, implying that this was the last dish on the wedding banquet table.

  Laughing, they were almost ready. Shanyong shouted for Simu Xian and Lei Dapeng. The three of them worked together seamlessly, lifting the lid, carrying the dishes, and arranging the chopsticks. In the blink of an eye, everything was on the table. There was a whole fish, a whole chicken, eight-treasure sweet rice, and a dish of ice sugar pork knuckle. At this point, Wang Huating and Liu Cuicui must have been paying extra attention to the sweet rice. They inverted it into bowls, with a layer of pear slices at the bottom. The half-round shape had already solidified into a ball of sweet rice, with black soybeans, white melon seeds, red dried dates, golden walnut kernels, and steamed persimmon strips that were hard to describe in terms of color. What really caught their attention was that after letting it sit for a while, the steam dissipated, and a layer of golden color seeped out from the half-round shape. The fragrance of pears and honey wafted up to their noses.

  "Ah, not bad, I'll bring some honey back for my mom later... Hey, don't fight over it." Lei Dapeng had just closed his eyes to savor the moment when he opened them again, and several spoons were already in the bowl. Each person took a spoonful, taking away a big chunk. Lei quickly scooped up half a bowl, blew on it, and shoveled a spoonful into his mouth, humming with pleasure as he chewed, feeling very satisfied.

  Originally afraid that this thing would stick to her teeth, Wang Hua also took a shallow taste. Unexpectedly, after one bite, her eyes moved and she was surprised to find that it wasn't sticky at all, but sweet without being greasy, with a full fragrance. It wasn't until the second spoonful that she realized the subtlety of this dish. The eight treasures made from broad bean, melon seeds, and walnut kernels, except for glutinous rice, were all crispy ingredients, which had a nice texture. After steaming over high heat, the honey flavor was infused into it, without losing its crispiness, blending with the original flavors and the fragrance of dates, making people unable to find their tongues.

  "Have you guys tasted sweetness?" Dan Yong suddenly asked.

  At this time, Wang Hua-ting had just eaten to the exciting part and her face was slightly flushed with joy. When she heard these words, everyone nodded in agreement, but she discovered that Shan Yong was sneaking glances at her, as if admiring her eating posture. While savoring the sweet rice's fragrance, she deliberately curled up her mouth and belittled it: "This... what sweetness is this? It doesn't taste good at all."

  "Nonsense, it's not good to eat, you're eating so much." Lei Dapeng shouted.

  "It's just not delicious." Wang Huating muttered while chewing and choking on Lei Dapeng.

  "It can't be, it's quite delicious." Liu Cuicui tasted two mouthfuls and spoke up. She turned her head to look at Wang Huating, suddenly discovering the subtlety of this dish, smiled but didn't speak, shaking her head: "It's just so-so, third in the village. Maybe Dapeng can do better."

  Lei Dapeng was pleased with himself and stirred up half a bowl of food, eating with gusto, no longer arguing.

  "Shan Yong, why aren't you eating?" Wang Huating joked and then turned to care about Shan Yong. He was watching several people's eating expressions with great interest and smiled: "I'm usually full just by looking at Da Peng's eating expression. Hmm? Why didn't the class leader come? Didn't Cuiyun ask you to call him up?"

  "What's he doing here?" Lei Dapeng cursed, and Shanyong immediately came up with a chopstick. This guy was dodging everywhere, but Leiguo had always been clear about his likes and dislikes. Ever since he found out about this "rival", he hadn't said anything nice. Liu Cuicui, however, said that it would be fine if they just brought some back later.

  Several pairs of chopsticks crossed, eating with gusto. Dan Yong only took a few sips of each dish, waiting for the Eight Treasures Sweet Rice to be finished before bringing up another bowl of boiling water white vegetable soup. The soup had green floating leaves and white boiled egg drops, the soup was stewed pork knuckle bone broth, the drops were meat-filled wontons, just after the sweetness passed, refreshing again, eating with classmates several more "mmm" sounds and voices calling out in praise.

  Wang Huating eats very slowly, occasionally glancing at Shan Yong with her eyes. Shan Yong chews and swallows slowly, sometimes sharing interesting stories while eating, but even more slowly. When the two people's eyes meet occasionally, Shan Yong always quickly avoids eye contact. Since the love triangle was exposed, the two people seem to be even more estranged than when they first met. Perhaps it's because of consideration for Lei Dapeng's feelings, or perhaps Wang Huating suspects that this foolish Lei has almost told everything in Ding Yizhi's diary to his idolized Egg Brother. In this small group of six people, can't we just avoid another quadrangle love affair? Even Wang Huating feels embarrassed about the situation.

  Although the food was delicious, when worries came to mind, it lost its flavor. As she ate absent-mindedly, Wang Huating inadvertently discovered that Liu Cuicui was looking at her with an unusual gaze. She paused, and Liu Cuicui pointed, only then did she realize that there was a large piece of braised pork belly in her bowl, which she had already eaten half of. Liu Cuicui asked in surprise: "Sister Huating, when did you start eating fatty meat?"

  "Rare and strange, last time you didn't go to Shijia Village, the donkey whip was eaten." Lei Dapeng inserted a sentence, but unexpectedly raised his head, Wang Huating stared with her eyes, about to explode, scaring Lei Ge not daring to continue.

  "A balanced diet has no effect on one's figure, don't be too picky about food, otherwise having a good figure but not being healthy is useless," said Shuang Yong. Lei Da Peng also strongly agreed, saying seriously: "Exactly, look at me, I have both a good figure and good health."

  Everyone burst out laughing at the thunderous remark, and the food in their mouths almost sprayed onto the table. Lei Dapeng, however, was grinning foolishly, probably thinking it was purely for fun and didn't mind making a joke at his own expense.

  Before long, several dishes were eaten up, and Dan Yong arranged for Si Mu Xian to pack a portion for the class leader. As they were about to leave, someone arrived - Wang Xiangzhang, Single Schoolmaster, and Dong Jia. He pointed inside as soon as he entered, then turned back to ask: "Is it him you're talking about?"

  He was pointing at Shan Yong, and behind him came the director with very long hair and a thick beard, which made him look really ugly, not even as good-looking as Lei Ge. Lei Da Peng turned his head in disdain, but immediately turned back again, and behind the director were two pretty girls who didn't look bad, the kind of people that make you want to take advantage of them.

  "Hello, hello...... Let me introduce myself, my name is Qin Wangchuan, a contracted director of the Dahai Film and Television Company...... You are Shanyong, right?" The director came up to shake hands without giving him a chance to speak, being very polite. Shanyong nodded dazedly, only understanding after a long explanation that they had arrived at the wedding scene and wanted him to make a guest appearance as a suona player, playing a few suona tunes to liven up the banquet, of course, it would be recorded live on the spot. Upon hearing this, Shanyong was taken aback. Wang Huating and Liu Cuicui heard that it was a good thing and were eager to answer for Shanyong, but unexpectedly he blurted out: "Will you pay me?"

  "Ah? The director was stunned, nodded: "Got it!""

  "How much?" Dan Yong asked extremely eagerly.

  This made Wang Huating, Liu Cuicui and even her brothers lower their opinion of Shan Yong a notch. Some things can't be too exposed, right? Director Qin was also stunned, saying in a normal tone: "The artists invited by the village will receive a daily allowance of 200 yuan."

  "No, it's too low. Aren't you trying to cheat the honest people of Laoqu?" Dan Yong rebuked. The county head's face fell and he stepped forward, saying: "Teacher Dan, this is a good thing. Our city's large-scale special program 'Charming Luzhou' can show your face, it's a blessing, being able to come to our countryside is a blessing for our countryside, can't everything be about money? Isn't that almost the case?"

  "Village head, this is blowing the suona, not bragging. One tune blows and it's dizzying, brain numbness." Dan Yong said, Lei Dapeng listened to the price, came with momentum, and suddenly a face joined in: "Right, right, this can't be blown by anyone... I've studied for several years and still can't... at least..."

  He said that and turned around to look at Shan Yong. Shan Yong nodded silently. The director understood the implication and asked inquiringly: "How much did you say?"

  "This number." Shou Yong stretched out his palm.

  "Five hundred?" The director's eyes lit up.

  "Add another zero," said Dan Yong.

  50,000? Hmm, having the village head, school principal and two people brought by the director appear for at most a few dozen seconds or even shorter, it's possible that they might be cut out in editing. This price is not low. Single Longgen was about to persuade him when he was stopped by Single Yong, who pointed to the school: "Think it's too expensive? How about sponsoring 100 sets of student desks and 20 sets of office desks instead?"

  As soon as this was said, the village head and Principal Shan were overjoyed and didn't say a word, secretly rejoicing in their hearts, thinking that this kid was really good, knowing how to kill two birds with one stone, saving them from having to spend money. Wang Huating also burst out laughing, it turned out that Shan Yong had come up with this stupid idea.

  However, the price was too high, even higher than the 5,000 yuan earlier. The director was clearly taken aback and only said he would consider it, suggesting they try a dress rehearsal first. Shan Yong shook his head, unmoved, saying "no way, pay me and I'll play, no negotiating"...and with that, he called out to his three brothers and left, not caring about the consequences.

  The director was a bit disappointed, but unexpectedly Lei Dapeng had an idea and walked two steps before turning back to ask: "Director, do you want me to?"

  "Can you also play the suona?" The director's eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope.

  "No way." Lei Da Peng shook his head, and an idea popped out, he grabbed the director's suggestion: "What's the point of filming 'Charming Lu Zhou' when nobody watches it? Let's film a palace drama instead, I'll play Emperor Ama, and you two girls can be imperial concubines... wouldn't that be great? The ratings would definitely be high... how about it? Just look at me, I'm perfect for the role of a tyrannical and lustful emperor."

  Just out of the door, Shan Yong and Si Mu Xian were laughing so hard they had to lean against the wall. Liu Cui Yun and Wang Hua Ting were laughing so hard their waists were bent. But no one knew how Lei Da Peng came up with such an idea. The director and the script girl who followed him looked a bit embarrassed, hastily refusing: "We don't film ancient costume dramas."

  "It's okay, modern plays are also good." Lei Dapeng chased after the director and volunteered: "Anti-war, anti-war dramas are very popular. I'll play a Japanese devil... no, no, an imperial army soldier. I'll play an imperial army soldier who kidnaps a flower girl... I'm absolutely suitable for the role, no need for makeup... Hey, hey, don't go! Can't I even get a supporting role?"

  They chased and scolded, but instead, the director was so embarrassed that he hurriedly refused and walked away. Wang Xiangzhang and Shan Changgen exchanged a knowing glance, implying that they understood each other's intentions - if they wanted to take advantage of them, they would not cooperate. They smiled and left.

  The business fell through, and the visitor left in disappointment.

  Wang Huating and Liu Cuizhen finally stopped laughing after a while, and when they turned their heads back, Lei Dapeng was strutting around with his chest out, walking in the "Eight Master Steps" with Si Muxian and Shan Yong. It's really hard to tell if he's being genuine or pretending. He said proudly: "Look at them, they're obviously here to cheat the common people. If we don't get paid, we won't serve them. Don't let them think we're short of money."

  "Exactly, Second Brother wins a few thousand just by drinking and playing the suona, haha." Si Mu Xian flattered the two brothers with a smile. The three of them really didn't take this seriously, and Shan Yong also smiled and said: "Da Peng, I wouldn't have thought of it if you hadn't mentioned it, but you'd definitely make a good Japanese devil, like that... Brother Xian, come up with a name?"

  Dan Yong teased, Shi Muxian's face lit up with joy and blurted out: "Taro the Turtle."

  "Whoa, close call! Let's call it a day, Tian Shang." Jian Yong said with a smile, winking at him. The two of them burst out laughing and ran off together.

  Lei Dapeng woke up a little late, stared his eyes wide and shouted "I rely on", picked up a stone egg, chased the two of them and went straight to school.

  "These two, they only know how to bully Da Peng." Liu Cuicui was speechless with rage and couldn't help but laugh. Wang Huating, who was standing behind her, had already turned red with anger and muttered: "Not a single good thing about them."

  After saying this, she thought about the Japanese name that the two of them had given to Lei Dapeng, and even she couldn't help but laugh...