MtaurNovel Chapter 122 Secret Base
Chapter 122 Secret Base
Su Qingxue agreed almost without hesitation.
"Okay, since you think it's a good place, I definitely have to try it."
Got in the car.
The car drove away from the place that had made them feel unhappy.
The destination wasn't far from the restaurant; after crossing a few streets, we turned into a slightly narrow old alley.
Everything around us seemed to be sped up, slowing down noticeably.
The walls are lined with old sycamore trees, and sunlight filters through the leaves onto the mottled walls, giving a sense of tranquility.
I stopped the car at the entrance of the alley.
Chen Yuan said, "The car can't go into the alley, let's park the car here and walk in."
Su Qingxue looked at the scenery outside and nodded with a smile.
"Of course! The sun is shining so brightly today, I'd like to come down for a walk too."
The two walked side by side.
Chen Yuan was familiar with everything around him, so he acted as a guide for Su Qingxue, introducing everything to her.
Soon we reached the depths of the alley, where an inconspicuous little shop came into view.
This little shop doesn't even have a decent sign.
A wooden sign hung at the entrance, with the words "Old Liu's Home-Style Dishes" written on it in large characters.
There were only three or four tables in the shop, and handwritten menus hung on the wall. The kitchen was filled with the crisp sound of spatulas clattering and the rich aroma of stir-frying.
Chen Yuan lifted the plastic curtain at the door, and a wave of hot, smoky aroma wafted out.
"Watch out for the steps."
"Uncle Liu! Business is good today!"
A middle-aged man wearing an apron poked his head out of the kitchen. When he saw Chen Yuan, his face immediately lit up with a smile.
"Hey! Isn't this Xiao Chen?"
"You haven't been here for a long time. What's wrong? Busy with work lately? You've come at just the right time. If you hadn't come any later, my stove would have gone out."
The conversation between Uncle Liu and Chen Yuan clearly shows that Chen Yuan is a regular here.
Just as Chen Yuan turned slightly to the side, Uncle Liu saw Su Qingxue behind him.
Uncle Liu was stunned for a moment, then said in a very exaggerated way.
"Oh my, who is this girl? She came with you, and she's so beautiful! She's like a fairy."
Su Qingxue just smiled shyly and didn't say anything.
Chen Yuan said, "Uncle Liu, this is my friend. I brought her here today to try your cooking."
Uncle Liu gave a simple, honest smile and teased him.
"This isn't about tasting my cooking; it's clearly about testing my skills."
"What are you saying? Your skills don't need our testing! The neighbors have been testing you for so many years, and everyone praises your skills!"
"Hey, stop praising me! If you keep praising me, I might accidentally add half a spoonful of salt."
Chen Yuan easily picked up the paper and pen from the counter.
"Let's write down the names of the dishes first."
"Okay, you guys take your time. I'll cook these two dishes."
"Okay, Uncle, you're busy."
Uncle Liu readily agreed and went back to his work.
The clanging and tinkling sounds came from the kitchen again.
Su Qingxue looked around. Although the shop was simple, it was very clean, especially the tables and chairs, which, although old, were polished to a shine.
Besides the two of them, there was also an elderly couple dining in the restaurant.
The two were talking in a relaxed and casual tone, which made one feel completely at ease.
Su Qingxue took a deep breath and smiled as she spoke to Chen Yuan.
"This place is so nice. The food smells wonderful, and the aroma makes me feel very at ease."
"I used to come here often with my roommates when I was in college. I would come here when I was in a bad mood, or when I didn't know what to eat."
Chen Yuan poured Su Qingxue a cup of tea for free, speaking in a calm tone.
"Order a couple of side dishes, have a few drinks, eat and go back to sleep, then get back to work the next day, just like nothing happened."
"Uncle Liu's dishes are generous in portion and affordable, taste good, and have a nice wok hei (wok aroma). There are no pre-made dishes; everything is stir-fried to order."
Seeing that Su Qingxue didn't know how to order, Chen Yuan offered his recommendations.
"Uncle Liu's braised pork is exceptional, and it's made with a 70/30 fat ratio. You don't have to worry about it being too greasy."
"Stir-fried shrimp with broccoli is also quite delicious."
"If you think this dish is too bland, you can order something with a stronger flavor, like stir-fried pork with chili peppers. Stir-fried pork with chili peppers is also very delicious; I order it often."
At Chen Yuan's recommendation, the two quickly decided on two dishes and a soup.
The dishes were served shortly afterward.
The braised pork belly is a bright red color, the stir-fried broccoli is a tempting green, and there's also a steaming bowl of tomato and egg soup.
Chen Yuan handed over the chopsticks: "Try it quickly."
Su Qingxue picked up a piece of braised pork and put it in her mouth.
As expected, it's fatty but not greasy, melts in your mouth, and has a rich soy sauce flavor. Although the taste is a bit strong, it has a unique home-style warmth.
"It's actually quite delicious, much better than I expected."
Chen Yuan was also very happy to receive recognition.
"Right? Some shops may look small, but their products are really good. Other shops may look luxuriously decorated, but they're just so-so."
"Yes, yes, of course."
Old pop songs were playing in the store.
Sunlight streamed in through the window.
The food was piping hot and smelled wonderful.
In such a setting, it's easy to feel the happiness found in the ordinary.
"Senior brother." Su Qingxue suddenly put down her chopsticks and looked at Chen Yuan very seriously.
"Hmm?" Chen Yuan looked up.
Actually, I prefer it here.
Su Qingxue's expression was very serious, with a hint of anticipation.
"Hmm... Although that restaurant was more upscale, I always felt there was something separating us. But here, I feel like I'm closer to your life."
Chen Yuan was stunned for a moment, then a warm feeling welled up in his heart.
"I'm glad you like it here too. You know, she used to never come to places like this with me. She thought these little places were dirty and messy."
"So I always come here alone, but now it's great that someone can share this place with me."
Chen Yuan smiled with relief.
A man always hopes that his partner can understand him.
Su Qingxue smiled and said, "Thank you for sharing this place with me. We can come here often in the future."
Chen Yuan returned the same bright smile.
"Okay, I'll bring you here anytime you want to eat this."
Just then, Su Qingxue reached out and gently touched the back of Chen Yuan's hand with her warm, soft fingertips.
"It's settled then."
"From now on, this place will be our secret base."
Chen Yuan nodded with a smile.
Life here is peaceful and serene.
the other side.
In the corridor of the municipal hospital.
The smell of disinfectant, mixed with the chaotic footsteps, created an atmosphere of haste and tension.