Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 204 Lin Yan Shows Off with a Manchu Han Imperial Feast

Lin Yan was very efficient at school, and finished all his homework for the day in just over half an hour. As he packed his bag and walked out of the now quiet school gate, Lin Gang's black sedan was already parked at the agreed spot across the street.

Back at the villa, as soon as Lin Yan opened the door, a white shadow pounced at his feet with a cheerful "woof woof" sound, rubbing its little head against his trouser leg.

"Brother! You're finally back! I've been waiting for you for so long!" Xiao Qi's childish and clear voice rang in Lin Yan's mind, filled with obvious grievance and affection.

Lin Yan smiled, bent down, and scooped the little guy into his arms. He reached out and patted its round little belly, teasingly saying, "Waiting for me? I bet you ate a lot of Yu Ling's roasted spirit beast meat, didn't you? Your belly's practically a little ball."

Once exposed, Xiao Qi immediately twisted her body and broke free from Lin Yan's arms. With a wiggle of her little bottom, she pretended to be angry and "whoosh" darted up the stairs, leaving only a fluffy white silhouette, which made Lin Yan burst out laughing.

Lin Yan put down his schoolbag, walked into the living room, took out the empty lunchbox, and handed it to Wang Yuling who came to greet him.

"Yuling, thank you for your hard work. Today's lunch was wonderful," Lin Yan said with a genuine smile. "I shared some with a few classmates, and they all loved it. They almost devoured mine."

Upon hearing this, Wang Yuling's face immediately lit up with joy, her eyes crinkling with laughter: "I'm so glad the young master likes it! And the classmates love it too? That's wonderful!" Being able to do something for the young master and his friends made her feel very satisfied.

"Yes," Lin Yan nodded and gently instructed, "So, from now on, when you prepare lunch, please make an extra portion, a generous amount. I might share it with my classmates often."

"Yes, sir! Don't worry!" Wang Yuling quickly agreed, already planning which signature dishes she should prepare tomorrow to impress her young master. "I'll make sure everything is perfectly prepared every day, guaranteeing that you and your classmates will be satisfied!"

Wang Yuling happily carried the lunchbox to the kitchen. Then, hearing the faint rustling sounds from upstairs, which Xiaoqi was deliberately making to indicate that she was still "angry," Lin Yan resignedly went upstairs to coax the pet.

The next morning at the assembly, Lin Yan handed his club activity application form to Mr. Morris. As soon as the bell rang, Mike and Tom eagerly crowded around.

"Lin, tell me quickly, what did you choose for sports and art?" Mike asked curiously.

Tom also looked on with anticipation, especially interested in the sports options.

Lin Yan smiled and replied, "I chose basketball for sports and piano and violin for arts."

Upon hearing about basketball, Tom excitedly patted Lin Yan on the shoulder: "Great! Lin! I knew you would choose basketball! You must come to the selection competition next week!" Mike was also happy for Lin Yan's choice.

The morning classes ended in a relaxed atmosphere. When lunchtime arrived, Lin Yan went to the locker and took out two three-tiered lunchboxes. Wang Yuling, having been instructed, specially used a larger lunchbox, which she quietly heated with her true energy before carrying the heavy lunchbox into the cafeteria.

As soon as he entered the cafeteria, he saw his usual spot: Mike, Tom, and even the rather introverted Daniel were already seated there. All six of them were staring intently at the entrance. Upon seeing Lin Yan, Mike and Tom immediately waved their arms wildly, their faces filled with undisguised anticipation, as if they'd seen a savior. Lin Yan, seeing their expectant looks, couldn't help but cover his mouth and chuckle, thinking to himself, "These guys are pretty conscientious!"

He had just sat down when three heads couldn't resist crowding around. The moment the lunchbox lid was lifted, an even more complex and enticing aroma than yesterday exploded out, as if creating a unique realm of Chinese cuisine in the bustling cafeteria.

Braised Beef Brisket with Potatoes: The beef brisket chunks are braised until tender and flavorful, and the potatoes absorb the rich meat juices, becoming soft and tender. The dark sauce looks incredibly appetizing.

Matsutake and Chicken Soup: Although it was stored in an insulated container, the moment the small lid was lifted, the extremely delicious and rich chicken soup with the aroma of the mountains and forests still wafted out. The soup was clear and bright, and you could see the golden chicken oil and precious matsutake slices.

Mapo Tofu: With its red oil and dark soy sauce, snow-white tofu cubes are soaked in the spicy sauce, topped with bright green scallions and dark minced meat. The aroma of numbing spiciness is incredibly appealing.

Garlic Choy Sum: Crisp, bright green choy sum paired with golden garlic sauce is refreshing and helps to cut through any greasiness.

Wang Yuling thoughtfully prepared several extra bowls and spoons.

Without Lin Yan even having to call out to them, Mike, Tom, and Daniel seemed to hear the starting gun and immediately transformed into "hungry tigers pouncing on their prey," grabbing their spoons and launching an "attack" on their favorite dishes.

"God... this beef... is so tender! It's a perfect match with potatoes!" Mike exclaimed indistinctly, his mouth full of beef brisket. He then quickly scooped a spoonful of Mapo Tofu and mixed it into the rice Lin Yan had given him. The spiciness made him gasp for breath, but he couldn't stop eating.

Tom was particularly fond of the soup. He carefully blew on it, took a sip, and his eyes lit up: "This soup! It tastes amazing! I feel so warm all over! The mushrooms have such a unique and delicious flavor!"

Even the usually mild-mannered Daniel blushed quickly after taking a bite of Mapo Tofu, fanning himself with his hand while scooping out another spoonful: "Ouch...it's so spicy, but...but it's so delicious! I've never tasted anything like it before!"

Amidst the swirling dust and smoke, Mike and Tom managed to look up, their mouths glistening with grease, and asked, "Lin, is all Chinese food... really this delicious? This is even better than the best restaurants in town!"

Watching them wolf down their food, Lin Yan felt a small surge of vanity. He elegantly picked up a piece of bok choy, a slightly Versailles-esque smile spreading across his face.

"This is nothing, guys. These dishes are just average home-cooked meals back home." He paused, noticing the three men's stunned expressions, and continued his unhurried "bragging":

"A truly impressive banquet for Chinese people, such as the Manchu Han Imperial Feast, can have 108 dishes on one table! Frying, stir-frying, cooking, deep-frying, steaming, boiling, stewing... the variety is beyond your imagination. The dishes we have today don't even qualify for that kind of table."

"One...one hundred and eight?!"

Mike's spoon clattered onto the plate, and Tom and Daniel stopped chewing, staring at Lin Yan with their mouths agape as if they were hearing a fairy tale. Their limited understanding made it impossible for them to imagine what it would be like to have 108 such delicious dishes laid out on the table at the same time.

"Lin, I'll work hard. Can I go to China with you next summer vacation?" Lin Yan shook his head. No, foreigners are not allowed to enter China now. I'll definitely invite you to China when I have the chance in the future.