In the kitchen, the master was preparing braised pork, and Su Qinghe stood nearby, observing carefully.
She felt incredibly happy. After successfully making braised pork once, she had now gained 4 skill points and even earned double the ingredients for the dish. It was perfect—one portion for her family back home, and one for her current household. When she returned home that weekend, she’d be bringing big meat. The thought alone made her excited.
“Xiao Su, your pork turned out great. Look at mine—it just doesn’t come out like yours,” said Master Qiao.
He used to be confident about his cooking, especially when it came to flavor. But after tasting Su Qinghe’s cooking, he had to admit—his dishes weren’t quite as good.
Qiao Da now felt a sense of urgency.
Su Qinghe replied modestly, “Master, I only know a few dishes and practice them a lot, so maybe they turn out a bit better. Unlike you—you’ve mastered all 18 culinary techniques.”
Master Qiao beamed at the compliment. “You’re right. I can cook everything—just not as tasty.”
Understanding his sentiment, Su Qinghe smiled. “Master, if you don’t mind, I’d love to exchange ideas with you about these dishes. We can learn and improve together.”
Another chance to cook? Absolutely. That idea made her secretly gleeful.
Master Qiao laughed to himself. This young comrade was genuine and thoughtful. She was so down-to-earth. He thought to himself that he had to look after such girls more. If they liked to eat, they should eat well and grow strong.
Just as they reached an understanding, the braised pork was finished. Aunt Li carried the dish out, announcing loudly, “Master’s braised pork!”
At the sound of "braised pork," everyone turned toward the counter, eyes lighting up. But very few were willing to eat it on the spot. Even those who bought it usually took it home for their families. Most of the people dining in were workers rushing between shifts, just grabbing a quick dumpling for the sake of eating something.
Several men, including Lao Yan, were still deep in thought when they suddenly heard someone shout, “We can still get meat?!”
They were startled and glanced around to see everyone staring. Then, the young secretary rushed over to buy a bowl of braised pork—of course they had to eat it!
Once the meat was served, they encountered a problem—there was nowhere to sit. They couldn’t put the food on the floor either. From the window, Su Qinghe observed that these men didn’t look like regular workers. They had the same air as her father-in-law. Plus, they hadn’t waited in line like the others, suggesting they were in a hurry.
As a former novelist, Su Qinghe imagined a hundred different scenarios. Without hesitation, she brought out a small round table.
“There aren’t any stools, so please make do,” she offered.
“Comrade, thank you,” one of them said sincerely.
The secretary set the meat down and went to fetch chopsticks and rice. He was familiar with state-run restaurant routines—no one would serve him, so he had to get it himself.
Watching the young man’s behavior confirmed Su Qinghe’s suspicions—these people had to be cadres. But she didn’t linger and returned to the kitchen.
Aunt Li asked curiously, “Why are you so involved? I’ve gotten used to it.”
Su Qinghe replied, “I think those men are probably officials. I just didn’t want to offend anyone unknowingly.”
Aunt Li looked around and nodded. “They do have that look. But if they’re really cadres, why eat here? Wouldn’t they dine at the county committee canteen?”
“Maybe they just wanted to eat braised pork,” Su Qinghe suggested.
As the men ate, their expressions turned sour.
“This doesn’t taste right,” Lao Yan said.
“I agree,” Lao Lin added. “This isn’t the same flavor we smelled earlier.”
The young secretary said, “This must be made by the master. I saw him cooking when I went to get the food. There were two others at the window.”
That didn’t make sense. How could a master chef's dish not taste as good?
Even though they were eating meat, it didn’t live up to expectations. They felt cheated—and annoyed.
Watching their reactions, other diners silently cursed them. Don’t want it? Hand it over! Meat was a luxury! How could they frown while eating it?
Aunt Li would’ve normally snapped at them, but thinking they were cadres, she held back. Still, she muttered a few silent curses.
Afterward, she asked Su Qinghe to check in on them.
Worried, Su Qinghe approached them. “Is everything alright? If something’s not to your taste, please let us know.”
Lao Yan asked, “We smelled a great aroma earlier and decided to order a bowl. Why does this braised pork taste different?”
That was awkward. Turns out, they were drawn in by her cooking, but ended up with something else.
Su Qinghe quickly explained, “Our master is very skilled, but braised pork isn’t his specialty. The meat you smelled earlier was made by me—it’s my signature dish.”
The research team fell silent. Just their luck.
The food in their mouths tasted even more bland now.
Trying to save the situation, Su Qinghe offered, “Would you like me to make another batch for you? It’s no trouble. I know you’ve come from far away.”
Lao Yan declined. “No need. We’ll eat this. Don’t trouble yourself.”
He added, “But little comrade, next time we’re here, you’ll have to make your braised pork again for us.”
Su Qinghe nodded immediately.
Because she’d been so polite and sincere, Lao Yan then asked, “How are things going in the county this year? Better than last year?”
Now was the time to give a political answer—something about how life was improving under leadership. But their current county secretary was... well, not ideal.
Su Qinghe sighed, “It’s about the same. I don’t know much about what’s happening in the city, but in our rural areas, we’re running out of food early in the year. We’re just waiting for spring planting and the autumn harvest. Rural folks aren’t afraid of hard work. We answer the Chairman’s call and roll up our sleeves to grow food, to build a better home for the motherland. But without seeds, there’s nothing we can plant. It’s frustrating…”
Lao Yan frowned deeply, clearly displeased.
Su Qinghe wasn’t sure what that meant—was he upset with her words or with the situation?
He said, “Comrade, don’t worry. I’m just asking. By the way, didn’t the county buy any seeds?”
“I’m not sure,” Su Qinghe said. “Some officials said they would, but that depends on the county magistrate and secretary. Maybe they’re not in a hurry since there’s still food here. You can still eat dumplings in restaurants, after all… But I’m not clear on all that. Still, we believe that under the leadership of the organization, things will get better. We have faith!” she added, patting her chest with a silly, hopeful expression.
The research team: “…”
After their meal, the men left.
Aunt Li asked, “What did they say?”
“Oh, they just asked about how to make braised pork.”
Aunt Li sighed, “Even cadres are struggling. They can’t even eat meat peacefully.”
Su Qinghe nodded. Compared to the restaurant staff, those cadres really did seem pitiful.
But the research team left in a sour mood. If even a restaurant worker knew about the seed shortage, it confirmed how serious the problem was.
Spring planting had begun, but rice and corn seeds were lacking. The situation wasn’t good.
“Tomorrow, we’ll visit the county government and ask what their plans are,” Lao Yan said. “If they’re not capable, they should step aside. Cadres who don’t serve the people—what are they doing?”
Meanwhile, Su Qinghe was also reporting the noon events to Deputy County Magistrate Gu. After all, with her father-in-law being a cadre, she had to keep him informed—just in case anything happened.