In the middle of the afternoon, Jiang Wanxi’s younger cousin, Jiang Jue, came over and told them that Second Uncle had reserved a table at Quanjude on Qianmen Street. The whole family would be going there for roast duck that evening.
Ever since arriving in the capital, Jiang Wanxi had been looking forward to trying one of the city’s specialties—Peking roast duck.
In her previous life, she had heard elderly people talk about how incredibly delicious roast duck had been during this era. Of course, it had also been extremely expensive. A single roast duck cost ten yuan—an entire *Great Unity* banknote.
Considering that an ordinary worker earned only twenty or thirty yuan a month at the time, roast duck was undoubtedly a luxury.
In her previous life, Jiang Wanxi had also eaten roast duck at Quanjude. She remembered it tasting quite good. Back then, however, she had always thought those elderly people weren’t truly craving the roast duck of their youth.
What they missed was the nostalgia.
Only after coming to this era did she realize just how delicious food could actually be.
Although the flavors were lighter, there was something about the food that lingered pleasantly on her palate.
She had always heard older generations complain that food in modern times wasn’t as good as it had been when they were young. Jiang Wanxi used to think it was simply their bias toward the past.
Now, however, she was beginning to believe them.
Perhaps it was because there weren’t as many chemical fertilizers and pesticides being used yet.
Or perhaps it was because the animals were raised on more natural feed.
Whatever the reason, everything tasted incredibly fresh and natural.
The delicious food alone was enough to make her feel considerably more fond of this era.
Jiang Wanxi also had a good impression of her younger cousin. From what she had seen so far, both the Jiang family in Ji Province and the Jiang family in the capital had done an excellent job raising their boys.
As Jiang Jue watched her knit a sweater, he eagerly asked about life in the countryside.
He was extremely curious about this newly returned cousin of his. On their way home yesterday, his parents hadn’t stopped praising her.
Looking at Jiang Jue reminded Jiang Wanxi of Little Seven and Little Eight, who used to trail behind her like two little tails, as well as Little Nine, who had only recently learned how to walk.
She happily began telling Jiang Jue about her life in Ji Province.
She described the local customs, the food, and the unique sights of the countryside in detail.
Jiang Jue listened with great interest, occasionally interrupting with questions. Their conversation flowed naturally, and the room was frequently filled with laughter.
As they continued chatting, Jiang Wanxi gradually became more relaxed and cheerful.
Jiang Jue, meanwhile, listened attentively, showing genuine interest and respect for everything she told him.
Before either of them realized it, the entire afternoon had passed in this pleasant atmosphere.
It wasn’t until the sun began sinking toward the horizon, casting its warm evening glow into the room, that Jiang Wanxi realized how late it had become.
Although the afternoon had passed quickly, she felt deeply content after spending such an enjoyable time talking with her cousin.
After just one afternoon together, Jiang Jue had already grown quite fond of this new cousin.
In truth, he had never particularly liked Jiang Yu.
There was something about her that always felt fake.
Whenever other people were around, she acted as though she adored him. But the moment they were alone, she usually became cold and indifferent, barely bothering to acknowledge him.
When it was time to leave for Quanjude, Jiang Jue stubbornly insisted on riding on the back of Jiang Wanxi’s bicycle.
Jiang Wanxi indulged him.
With Jiang Jue seated behind her, she rode after her second brother while everyone else traveled by car.
By the time they arrived at Qianmen Street, they discovered that Second Uncle Jiang Hongbin and Second Aunt Liu Na were already there.
Liu Na was wearing the outfit she had altered according to Jiang Wanxi’s suggestions.
The modifications had completely transformed the way she looked, giving her an unusually stylish and distinctive air.
As soon as Liu Na arrived at the hospital that morning, the women in her department had immediately noticed her outfit. Everyone complimented her on how beautiful and fashionable she looked that day, leaving Liu Na in an excellent mood.
Now, she enthusiastically called Jiang Wanxi over to sit beside her while urging the waiter to hurry up and serve the food.
Both Second Uncle and Second Aunt looked at Jiang Wanxi with warm smiles.
“Come on, have a taste of the roast duck!” Liu Na said cheerfully.
The waiter brought out three roast ducks, while the remaining duck carcasses were taken away to be made into a rich, flavorful soup.
The ducks had perfectly crisp skin and tender, juicy meat. Each piece had been sliced paper-thin and neatly arranged on the plates, looking so appetizing that it made everyone’s mouth water.
“Wow, it smells amazing!” Jiang Wanxi exclaimed.
“Hurry and try some!”
Liu Na picked up her chopsticks, took a slice of duck, dipped it in sauce, wrapped it up, and handed it to Jiang Wanxi.
Jiang Wanxi took a small bite.
The crisp skin and succulent meat filled her mouth with a rich, savory flavor that lingered deliciously afterward.
She immediately gave a thumbs-up.
“It’s delicious!”
So those elderly people really hadn’t been exaggerating.
The roast duck of this era truly was more delicious than the roast duck she had eaten decades later.
Seeing how happily Jiang Wanxi was eating, her second uncle and aunt couldn’t help smiling as well.
The family enjoyed the delicious roast duck while chatting leisurely together, the entire meal filled with warmth and harmony.