Food Stall: Customers Chase Me across the Country

Chapter 597 - 568: Northeast Oozing Steamed Bun (Part 2)

Jing Chuan also arrived early, but he didn’t disturb Wang Fan.

Today, he’s not coming to manage things directly, just as an observer. Their goal is for that this place can continue to operate well in the long run. Just because things are fine when watched doesn’t mean they won’t go wrong when they’re not being watched. Today he didn’t even wear an administrative jacket, just an ordinary tracksuit.

However, the vegetable farmers clearly cherish this place. Everyone quietly stands to the side waiting for the market to open, carefully tidying up their surroundings, afraid of accidentally messing it up.

"Grandpa Jiang, invite everyone to eat Steamed Bun."

Wang Fan waved to Grandpa Jiang from afar, the skinny old man had rarely changed into new clothes today and looked a bit embarrassed seeing Wang Fan’s gesture.

Seeing Grandpa Jiang in his outfit, Wang Fan couldn’t help but praise: "Grandpa Jiang, you’re looking very sharp in this outfit, you look 20 years younger now."

Grandpa Jiang uncomfortably adjusted his clothes, which his grandson brought him, hardly worn because he was afraid of getting them dirty at work. If it weren’t for today being the opening of the new vegetable market, he still wouldn’t have worn them.

"For those who haven’t had breakfast, please sit and wait a moment. These steamed buns will taste better if simmered for two more minutes after the fire is turned off."

The biggest advantage of official initiation is having enough space; the area in front of the vegetable market has been temporarily allocated for Wang Fan’s use, with simple tables and chairs set up.

There are especially more vegetable farmers here today, at a glance, there are over 100 people, big and small baskets covered with thick cloth piled at the feet, full of life atmosphere.

Wang Fan’s extra-large steamer only has over 20 Steamed Buns at a time. Even with five layers, the first batch was split up among these elderly people.

"There’s tofu pudding and millet porridge, I’ve ladled them in front, grandpas and grandmas please help yourselves to whatever you like."

It’s a bit inconvenient with insufficient help, but fortunately these elderly folks are familiar with Wang Fan, and upon hearing the words, they all got up and came forward.

Those who came for the first time were rather reserved, but were pulled over by these people.

"Is this breakfast really free?"

"Just eating his food for free like this, it feels kind of bad."

Wang Fan heard him and laughingly explained: "It’s no problem, grandpa. Please eat to your heart’s content. These are all here to thank you for your contributions to this city over many years; eat as much as you want, and don’t be polite with me."

Grandpa Jiang echoed: "Eat, eat, I reckon this meal might be the best you’ll ever have in your life. This young fellow might leave after this meal; there’s no shop like this again once you miss it." As he spoke, he had already moved to the table.

On the table beside Wang Fan, a row of millet porridge had been set out, its color like golden autumn sunlight, warm and bright, looking at which brings joy, mist enveloping, and the dense aroma wafting richly, mixing the fragrance of earth with the sweetness of grains in a scent that seems to reach one’s heart.

Grandpa Jiang picked up a bowl of porridge without a word, this little thing looked just so appealing!

By now Wang Fan had also lifted the steamer, a great cloud of mist rising, and the dough scent growing even stronger.

The steamer was filled with round, white, chubby Steamed Buns, making one’s mouth water just at the sight.

And these Steamed Buns weren’t just plain white; nearly every Steamed Bun had several layers of oil-soaked skin, such that through the translucent skin, you seemed to see the delicious filling inside; even if the meat scent hadn’t yet emerged, no one would doubt the bun’s tastiness just by appearance.

Though a bit expensive, but not unworthy of a try!

Many were already secretly swallowing saliva, as these freshly steamed buns held irresistible allure. Not just buns, even when seeing freshly steamed bread, few were able to resist buying a few.

A Steamed Bun and a long fried dough stick laid onto the plate handed to Grandpa Jiang: "Enjoy, come back for more if it’s not enough."

Looking at the bun as big as half his face, and the long, arm-sized fried dough stick, Grandpa Jiang chuckled: "If you want to fill me up, just say so. With this portion, can’t I get full?"

Wang Fan laughed heartily, "Eat as much as you can, there’s chili oil, yellow mustard, and vinegar on the table. The mustard is ready to be poured directly into the plate, then add some chili and vinegar; dip with the bun and enjoy. Oh yes, the bun is a bit hot inside, bite a little opening and blow before eating."

Listening to Wang Fan’s chatter, Grandpa Jiang felt warmth all over; such warmth surpassing that from family, far making him enjoy it more than the bun itself.

With a bowl in one hand and a plate in the other, Grandpa Jiang quickly returned to his seat, and soon the small table was filled with people.

Looking at the large bun before them, everyone felt somewhat stuck on where to start.

Grandpa Jiang called out, "Don’t just stand there, hurry and eat, finish up and give the youngsters some room to set up the stalls inside."

With the elder having spoken, those at the table woke up as if from a dream and began to move.

Taking a good look at the large bun, Grandpa Jiang felt a great liking, especially those oil edges, just seeming to want a bite.

What he thought he did, Grandpa Jiang lowered his head and bit a piece of oil skin.

The oil-soaked skin and the surrounding dough were entirely different in texture, the bun’s outer layer being slippery and slightly elastic; after biting through, it’s like enjoying a soaked bread core, yet much more delicate and smooth.

Grandpa Jiang followed Wang Fan’s instructions carefully, just nibbling a tiny bite as told, and steam dispersed from the small opened bun, sending a rush of rich beef aroma directly into the elder’s nose, prompting him to take a deep breath involuntarily.

The robust meat fragrance pervaded the body, leaving the elder feeling heartily comfortable, longing for a good feast.

Wang Fan had stuffed the bun dough neither too thin nor too thick, too thin to hold oil or meat, too thick and one bite reaches no filling with two reaching fingers.

Perfect thickness ensured aroma and warmth inside, with meat accessible in a single bite.

Grandpa Jiang’s bite revealed the meat.

Through the bun’s newly opened window, a Mahjong-sized beef piece stood proudly, leaving those unseeing the scene dumbfounded.

Who’d expect such a large piece of meat inside a bun?!

Recalling the morning’s doubts, Grandpa Jiang pressed force into both hands, and split the bun entirely.

Rich meat juice immediately flowed through bun cracks, luckily Grandpa Jiang preemptively put the porridge bowl underneath, waste avoided.

"Oh my goodness!"

"Oh, dear!"

"Can something like this be packed into a bun?"

Seeing Grandpa Jiang’s bun clearly, cries of astonishment burst forth from those watching.

Initially thinking that’s the limit, no one expected more than five or six pieces inside the bun!

Honestly, this bun packed more than meat portions in my braised beef takeaway!

"Goodness, and these buns sell for 6 yuan each?"

"Sorry, I realize my previous doubts were too loud, who thought you could pack a braised beef serving inside a bun?"

Shen Bowen heard all feeling smug yet annoyed, pleased the face-slapping was so swift, annoyed as these folks would clearly be rivals.

Glancing around, Shen Bowen’s eyes flashed with flames; soon it’d be time for speed competition!

Grandpa Jiang felt quite satisfied with the effect of his little demonstration, just in a short while his drool nearly filled his mouth.

Scents of rich meat filled his nose like there’s no tomorrow; who could endure that?

"Slurp..."