Among the various cuts of pork, Pork Trotters have a slightly stronger gamey smell, so blanching is an essential step. Moreover, they need to be boiled a bit longer during blanching to be thoroughly cleansed.

Just as the water began to boil, Shen Baobao suddenly sent a message:

"Xubao, what are you up to?"

"That big spender who topped up a million wants a dish rich in collagen, so I'm blanching Pork Trotters, planning to make Braised Pork Trotter. Eat more later since he's treating."

"HAHAHAHA, sure thing, sure thing!"

Although her own family was wealthy, Shen Baobao felt a thrill of anticipation at the thought of feasting on someone else's dime when she saw Lin Xu's message.

Wahaha, no wonder people used to enjoy freeloading off the rich in tough times; the feeling really is different.

Even though she had eaten her fill at lunch, she strangely felt hungry again.

Thinking that her mom also loved this kind of dish, Shen Baobao immediately sent a message:

"Make plenty! My mom loves it too."

"Our parents will both be there. Don't forget to thank the big spender at dinner."

"GAHAHA, of course not! I really can't wait for tonight so I can take my parents to freeload off that *fat cat*!"

Lin Xu: "..."

"Freeloading" is one thing, but "fat cat"? Better to avoid such terms. After all, there's no need to speak so ill of successful people—it's like cursing oneself.

After the water in the pot boiled and the scum was skimmed off with a spoon, he boiled them for about five more minutes, until the Pork Trotters were thoroughly blanched. Lin Xu then removed them from the pot, rinsed them with warm water, and placed them in a basket to drain.

Next, he heated oil in a wok.

He added a handful of Crystal Sugar to the wok and stir-fried it slowly over low heat to caramelize it.

Once the sugar had caramelized to the right color, he added the prepared Scallion and Ginger, Sichuan peppercorns, Star Anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, and several dried chili segments. He stir-fried them until fragrant, then added the Pork Trotters and poured in some hot water.

Then, he began seasoning.

He added two small spoonfuls of salt, a few pieces of Crystal Sugar, and a small piece of Aged Tangerine Peel to the wok.

After bringing the contents to a boil over high heat, he transferred everything into a pressure cooker, sealed the lid, and cooked it under pressure for an hour.

To make delicious Braised Pork Trotter, long hours of stewing are necessary. To save time and energy, restaurants generally use a pressure cooker for this.

「Five o'clock in the afternoon.」

The online fans who couldn't check in at noon swarmed in again.

Compared to lunchtime, there were many more familiar faces in the evening.

These included Wu Kexin and Panda, sent by Chen Yan to do a live stream review of the restaurant; Yue Liyue, who was also live streaming; and Brother Qiang, who had gotten off work early today.

They first toured the restaurant, carefully showing their viewers the decor, before returning to the ground floor lobby. There, they happened to meet Geng Lele, who had signed out on leave for herself. Everyone sat down together at a dining table, eating and interacting with the online viewers.

While Wu Kexin was eating the soft and mildly spicy Tiger Skin Chicken Feet, she relayed a question from the bullet comments, "Are you guys eating for free? Has Boss Lin started paying streamers now too? Ha, that's a good question from this viewer!"

Sucking on a chicken foot, she continued, "Boss Lin hasn't paid us; his reputation doesn't need that kind of promotion. And this meal isn't free either. Our boss deposited a million here at noon, and she'll settle the bill when she arrives."

Hearing this, the live chat exploded.

"Truly a model boss from China!"

"A boss that good should hire more employees!"

"A million in cash for employees to eat, drink, and have fun? Can we get a dozen bosses like that?"

I wish I had a boss who could see through my tough exterior...

"Does your boss need someone to carry bags or shine shoes?"

"Can I be a cleaner at your company?"

"..."

After answering the question, she looked at Geng Lele and asked, "Why didn't you come at noon?"

"I had an exam; it was the last placement test before school starts. After I finished, I saw Brother Xu say that the shop was swamped, so I just bought some pan-fried buns near the school gate to eat."

Ever since Yang Lin took charge of the pan-fried bun shop at the school gate, Geng Lele had gained at least three pounds.

This girl would go to the shop whenever she had a craving, trying one flavor after another. After she became friendly with Yang Lin, he even specially made her pan-fried buns that were crispy on both sides.

"Yang Lin asked me to bring him some pig's head meat when I go back. Don't forget to remind me to get it to-go later, okay?" Geng Lele added.

"Sure, we'll remind you," Wu Kexin replied.

Just then, Shen Baobao entered the restaurant.

The streamers greeted Shen Jiayue, who was also present:

"Hi, Sister Yue!"

"Come join us, Boss Lady!"

"The new dishes are amazing! Boss Lin really went all out."

"..."

Shen Jiayue greeted everyone individually and also said hello to the viewers in the live stream before gracefully making her way upstairs.

Although she didn't mind being on a live stream, she wasn't particularly fond of being stared at. Especially while eating; it always felt a bit strange. Besides, the Braised Pork Trotter ordered by the big spender was upstairs. With Yan Bao not here yet, it's the perfect chance to sneak a couple of bites!

However, just as she reached the top of the stairs, Chen Yan arrived, practically on her heels.

"Brother-in-law!" Chen Yan called out to Lin Xu. "Hurry up and bring out the dish I ordered! I paid for this, you know. No one else gets a single bite."

Shen Jiayue snorted. "As if anyone wants your food... Xubao, don't forget to steam a Longevity Peach for me later. I need it to celebrate the birthday of a certain single-and-lonely 'old woman' over thirty."

Chen Yan: "..."

Why does my cousin always manage to hit my weak spot so perfectly?

Chen Yan cleared her throat. "I wasn't referring to *you*, dear cousin. We're practically sisters! Even if I didn't have enough for myself, I'd make sure you got to eat."

Her birthday was coming up, and President Chen was genuinely afraid Shen Baobao would actually get her a massive Longevity Peach.

"You said it!" Shen Jiayue replied. "I won't be polite then."

Chen Yan: ??????

I was just being courteous! You actually took me seriously?

In the kitchen, Lin Xu lifted the lid of the pressure cooker. A cloud of steam, rich with the fragrance of spices, billowed out.

The Pork Trotters inside were rosy and glistening with collagen; even the broth had thickened considerably.

He poured the Pork Trotters from the pressure cooker into a wok. Using chopsticks, he picked out the Scallion, Ginger, Sichuan peppercorns, Star Anise, bay leaves, cinnamon, and other aromatics. Then, he turned up the heat to reduce the excess broth.

Once the sauce had thickened, he drizzled in some Scallion Oil, gave it a quick stir, and then transferred the Pork Trotters to a serving dish.

The Pork Trotters were so tender they trembled. When scooping them with a spoon, one could feel the rich, sticky collagen in the sauce.

After plating, he garnished the dish with a pinch of fresh coriander leaves and then brought it out.

Chen Yan and Shen Baobao, who had just been discussing weight loss methods, were instantly captivated by the sight of the dish.

That glistening skin, that rich, rosy color—it looked incredibly appetizing.

"Rice, Xubao! Where's the rice?" Shen Baobao exclaimed. "Hurry up, I'm starving!"

"I'll need at least two bowls, Brother-in-law!" Chen Yan declared. "Make sure there's plenty. If there isn't enough, I'm not paying!"

Lin Xu gave a wry smile.

Weren't you two just talking about dieting a moment ago? Is this the plan? Eat your fill now and worry about losing weight later?

--- Author's Note ---

I can't believe I've managed daily updates of 10,000 characters for 16 consecutive days! Just 14 more days to go, and I'll get that badge for 30 consecutive days of 10,000-character daily updates. This chapter is 5,200 characters. Please subscribe and give your Monthly Tickets, everyone!

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