Chapter 87

The iron skillet began to smoke gently as it heated. When the oil was added, it sizzled, and soon, the sound of sliced pork belly hitting the hot oil filled the room. The pork started to turn golden brown, releasing a mouthwatering aroma.

Slices of ginger, garlic cloves, and green onion followed, sizzling and mingling with the scent of the pork. Spices like Sichuan peppercorns, bay leaves, and star anise were tossed in, releasing a rich fragrance. Finally, the chicken, pre-blanched in hot water, was added to the mix, frying in the aromatic oil until it turned slightly golden.

As Summer stirred the chicken, she added a splash of soy sauce, intensifying the flavor and filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Linda couldn't resist peeking over Summer's shoulder, "Summer, your cooking skills are impressive."

Summer smiled, continuing to stir, "My grandfather and father were both chefs. I must have inherited their talent. I've been cooking since I was too short to reach the stove without a stool. My grandfather taught me a lot."

Linda laughed, "Whoever marries you will be very lucky!"

Summer just smiled, not engaging further. She had once honed her culinary skills with the dream of marrying Henry, but now, she saw a broader purpose for her talent.

With the soy sauce infused into the chicken, Summer added hot water from the kettle to the pot, ensuring there was enough liquid to braise the chicken properly. She covered the pot and told Logan, who was tending the fire, "Keep it at a medium-low heat."

Logan nodded, adjusting the firewood. Linda watched them with a smile, imagining how perfect they looked together, like a well-matched couple. She thought of how they could have a bright future together, living a life that others would envy.

While the chicken simmered, Summer chopped the vegetables they had prepared earlier. She rolled out the dough and cut it into noodles. Linda helped with small tasks, chatting about life in the countryside while Summer shared stories from the city.

Once the vegetables were ready and the noodles cut, Summer added the potatoes to the chicken and covered the pot again to let it cook further. She mixed some cornmeal, and Logan heated another pan, allowing Summer to dry-fry some peanuts and stir-fry vegetables.

Linda offered to tend the fire, but Logan insisted she relax, so she continued helping Summer with prep work. Summer started on the sauce, and the rich, savory smell made Linda's mouth water.

Linda laughed, "I feel like a child again, drooling over food. People will think I've never had a decent meal in my life!"

Summer smiled, "I'll take that as a compliment."

With the sauce ready, Summer poured it into a large bowl and filled the pot with fresh water. While the water heated, she pressed the cornmeal into small cakes and placed them around the pan to cook. By the time the noodles were cooked, the chicken was ready, and the corn cakes were golden and fragrant.

Summer added chopped chilies to the chicken, stirring until they were just tender. Linda noted that it was almost time for dinner and left to fetch the guests from the community center. Summer arranged the chicken and potatoes in a large bowl, placing the corn cakes around the edge.

With everything ready, Linda returned with the guests: Community Leader Anthony, Village Chief Leonardo, Militia Leader Ken, and Village Accountant Ben. As they entered the dining room, they were greeted by the sight and smell of a feast.

The centerpiece was a large bowl of braised chicken and potatoes, surrounded by golden corn cakes soaked in flavorful juices. Other dishes included stir-fried peanuts, smashed cucumbers, and a variety of vegetables. Each guest also had a bowl of noodles with vegetables and meat sauce.

Anthony looked at the spread, clearly impressed, "What's the occasion? It's not a holiday or anything special, is it?"

Linda smiled, "We're having a meal together to discuss something important."

Anthony looked at Linda skeptically, "What's so important that we need all this food? I feel like I can't touch anything until I know."

Linda laughed and guided them to their seats, "No rush. Let's eat first. We can talk afterward."

Leonardo, understanding Linda's cue, encouraged Anthony to sit. Once seated, Anthony still hesitated, waiting for an explanation.

Linda simply placed a piece of chicken in Anthony's bowl, urging him, "Try it first."

The aroma was too tempting. Anthony took a bite, and his expression immediately changed, "Did you make this, Linda?"

Linda smiled but didn't answer directly, "What do you think of the taste?"

Anthony nodded, "It's excellent."

Leonardo, already familiar with his wife's cooking, took a bite and was equally surprised, "Did you really make this?"

Linda still didn't answer, instead urging Ken and Ben to try. They too were impressed, nodding in approval.

The group, now too tempted by the food, began eating in earnest. The conversation halted as they focused on the delicious meal. Each dish was savored, and soon, the bowls were empty, with everyone feeling fully satisfied.

Leonardo, still hungry, went to the kitchen to fetch more bread to soak up the remaining juices. He was startled to find Summer and Logan sitting inside, playing a game to pass the time.

"Oh, you two are here?" he exclaimed.

***

Summer and Logan stood side by side in the dining room, smiling. The four community leaders, Anthony, Leonardo, Ken, and Ben, stared at them, especially Anthony, whose expression was particularly curious.