Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 65.1 Esteemed Guests Amidst the Rain

After enduring several scorching days, heavy rain finally poured down, accompanied by lightning and thunder, the rain droplets as dense as glutinous paste.

Shen Shaoguang fetched a stool and settled in front of the door, engrossed in sorting through vegetables while admiring the rainfall.

‘Rain droplets as dense as glutinous paste’ wasn't originally coined by Shen Shaoguang; rather, it was a phrase from a novel penned by Yi Shu, read during her past life. In the same literary work, there was also the poignant quote, ‘Wistful for the past joy akin to a dream; amidst torrential rains, with tides surging upon the sandy shore.’

Shen Shaoguang never experienced a ‘past joy akin to a dream’. Yet, in her youth, there was a boy with whom she shared a mutual affection. He was tall and slender, seated in front of her in class. As they toiled over their studies, they often listened to the classic tunes of the Backstreet Boys, each sharing an earphone bud. Whenever the lyrics ‘As long as you love me’ resonated in their ears, they would exchange glances and smile.

After the college entrance examination, their paths diverged, one heading south and the other north. The nostalgia of those songs gradually faded amidst the freedom and vibrancy of university life. Eventually, the boy ventured to Florida, where the Backstreet Boys had held their inaugural concert, pursuing a Ph.D. at UF and choosing to remain in Florida to relish its sunshine and coastline.

During her college years, Shen Shaoguang found herself unexpectedly minoring in an unconventional field, causing her immense stress and worry. She was constantly juggling exams, preparing her thesis, and working part-time to support herself. Riding a worn-out bicycle, she would dart between her dormitory, study hall, library, cafeteria, and off-campus job, burdened with a backpack filled with various notebooks. As for relationships, they were non-existent in her hectic life.

Upon entering the workforce full-time, the idea of being in a relationship seemed even more distant. On one hand, she yearned for a carefree lifestyle of indulgence and pleasure-seeking, where the night held sway and the next day was of little concern. On the other hand, every aspect of life was meticulously weighed and measured, with every clause and article scrutinized to a t. Those deep, lingering emotions could only find solace in songs.

"Once, vibrant blooms adorned every space; Now, dilapidated wells and walls take their place.[1]" 

Deputy Magistrate Lin, how wonderful it would be if we had met in my previous life...

A’Yuan smiled and asked, "Miss, you sing so beautifully. What song is this?"

One of those songs she had sung to herself to sleep with? Shen Shaoguang sighed softly and changed the topic with a smile, "Shall we have wax gourd and duck soup today?"

A’Yuan's eyes widened as she took a moment to process the news. Then, she clapped her hands together and beamed. "That's wonderful! That's wonderful!" After subsisting on millet congee and green vegetables for the past few days, A’Yuan felt like she had transformed into a vegetable herself.

Too much was just as detrimental as too little. Shen Shaoguang lifted A’Yuan's food restriction, but still exhorted her, "Only eat until you’re seventy percent full, otherwise you will damage your stomach. Don't worry, it's only for a short time only."

…

With no customers in sight, Yu San meticulously sharpened each blade in the store—the chopper, vegetable knife, carving knives, and fruit knives.

"Tsk, tsk," Shen Shaoguang nodded approvingly. "You know, Sir San, your conduct resembles that of a knight-errant."

Ignoring her, Yu San continued with his task, the sound of sharpening knives filling the air.

Shen Shaoguang patiently waited until he finished with the current knife before informing him of her plan to make duck soup and assigning him the task of preparing the poultry. Without a word, Yu San donned a woven rush raincoat and conical bamboo hat before heading to the backyard to catch the duck.

This duck was not home raised; it was delivered by the butcher the day before, and had been left untreated. Unaware, it managed to survive for more than a day and was enjoying the rainwater from the sky. It had no inkling that its fate would soon take a drastic turn, as it unwittingly faced the prospect of being prepared for a meal.

After a while, Yu San returned, and Shen Shaoguang promptly took the basin from his hand. Upon inspection, she noted that he had washed it with well water. Despite his occasional arrogance, Princess Yu San was also remarkably considerate and meticulous. Shen Shaoguang couldn't help but wonder what his previous owner had been thinking to let go of such a valuable servant.

Shen Shaoguang carried the basin back to the kitchen, starting with the meticulous task of removing the duck skin to avoid excessive greasiness. Next, she heated up the oil pan and sautéed the ginger slices and green onion pieces until fragrant. Then, she added the duck meat and continued to stir-fry. After seasoning with a pinch of salt, sugar, and a splash of yellow wine, she poured in the water all at once. While bringing it to a boil, she carefully skimmed off any foam and scum that rose to the surface, allowing the stew to simmer gently.

She learned this soup-making method from her dormmates in the south, a classic of dormitory rice cooker cuisine. As a northerner, Shen Shaoguang typically stewed duck with beer, although the most famous preparation was roasting it.

The heavy rain did not last for long. As the duck simmered, the rain gradually lightened but continued for over two hours. By the time it was time to add the wax gourd to the soup, the rain had stopped altogether. Shen Shaoguang glanced at the sky. It was almost noon, and the rain had ceased. Would there be any guests arriving?

Indeed, there were, including Deputy Magistrate Lin, who arrived bearing the wind and rain, ‘traveling over land and water’.

Although it was a day off, seeing him come for a proper meal was a rare occurrence, and Shen Shaoguang found it a bit surprising.

Lin Yan removed his waterproof boots at the entrance, exchanging them for the wooden wooden sandals provided by the establishment. With a smile, he remarked, "Today, my grandmother is joining Senior Buddhist Nun Yuanjue from Guangming Nunnery for lunch."

Shen Shaoguang nodded. ‘That's good. With two old foodies who have a discerning palate and hearty appetites, they'll be bound to eat to their heart’s content.’ ——No wait, I didn’t ask anything just now. Shen Shaoguang inwardly reminded herself to be more mindful of her expressions, particularly her eyes.

As Lin Yan passed by Shen Shaoguang, he paused and inquired with a warm smile, "What's that wonderful aroma wafting from your kitchen today?" His tone carried a casual and domestic charm, akin to a husband returning home and asking his wife about the meal.

Shen Shaoguang glanced up. He was already tall, and with the wooden sandals adding to his height, he seemed even taller. Standing so close, Shen Shaoguang couldn't help but look up at him. Meeting his smiling gaze, Shen Shaoguang quickly averted her eyes once more. She observed the Hufu-style garments he wore today, noting a small red mole adorning one of his exposed collarbones...

Shen Shaoguang cleared her throat, "Ole duck and wax gourd soup."

"Excellent, especially well suited summertime meal. Just a touch more pepper, if you please," Lin Yan requested with a smile before making his way to his customary seat.

Observing his back, Shen Shaoguang couldn't help but wonder if Confucian teachings neglected the concept of personal space. This is our private meal, okay!?

Despite her inner reservations, Shen Shaoguang diligently served Lin Yan a bowl of ole duck and wax gourd soup, accompanied by small sesame flat cakes and an assortment of light vegetarian sides.

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Footnote:

[1] Once, vibrant blooms adorned every space; Now, dilapidated wells and walls take their place - is quoted from the famous <The Peony Pavilion《牡丹亭》>. The Peony Pavilion, also named The Return of Soul at the Peony Pavilion, is a romantic tragicomedy play written by dramatist Tang Xianzu in 1598. 

You can listen to the song here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1GxmBsxQ1g 

Translated lyrics here - https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/600825513 

And for those who want to read the story, it’s available on amazon - https://amzn.to/3xigLji