Chapter 132 - 132: Tomorrow’s Star
Ning Ling hesitated for a moment. “Why did you think of replacing it with chicken leg?”
Liao Ning replied with excitement, “No, not at all! On the contrary, this dish is incredibly delicious! It surpasses even the dried meat of the cooing bird that I made!”
Relieved, Ning Ling sighed and said, “That’s good to hear. I was worried it wouldn’t taste good. Last time, my mother made chicken soup with chicken legs. I had a drumstick and found the meat to be tender and succulent. Today, when I saw fresh drumsticks in the kitchen, I thought of using them to make lemon shredded chicken, hoping it would enhance the flavor.”
Elder Jiang was highly impressed with Ning Ling’s creativity and praised her generously. “The ancient food and culture world truly needs young minds like yours—bold and innovative. Don’t fear making mistakes. Just keep exploring!”
Setting down his bowl and chopsticks, Elder Jiang spoke earnestly, “Your generation excels in many aspects, but sometimes lacks innovation, particularly in ancient American culture. You focus solely on studying and restoring ancient formulas without realizing the potential for innovation.”
Elder Jiang looked at Ning Ling, wiping tears of excitement from his eyes. “I apologize for my previous remarks. I was mistaken. I’ve been immersed in studying ancient books for years, eager to revive the ancient food culture, but I failed to acknowledge the importance of tolerance for young individuals like you.”
Quickly trying to console Elder Jiang, Ning Ling interjected, “Elder Jiang, please don’t blame yourself…”
However, Elder Jiang interrupted him before he could finish. “I was mistaken today. I admit it! I almost overlooked a promising talent like you. My thoughtless words could have stifled your potential, the ‘star of tomorrow.’”
Witnessing this, Liao Ning and the others rushed to comfort Elder Jiang, knowing that it was crucial to calm him down before the dishes grew cold.
The fifth and final dish was prepared by Ning Ling, following the recipe generously provided by Elder Jiang on Star Web. Liao Ning had also savored this dish in her previous life. It was a northern specialty—meat buns.
The juice from the braised meat burst out with the first bite, instantly saturating the flatbread. Liao Ning, having tasted authentic meat buns before, had to admit that the braised meat was exceptional. It left a lingering desire for another bite after each one.
Witnessing the meat bun, Elder Jiang felt even more touched. He understood that Ning Ling was apologizing to him in a tactful manner for her earlier attitude.
“You’re a good girl!”
And Ning Ling smiled shyly, knowing that Elder Jiang understood her intentions.
The three children, having filled their stomachs, praised Ning Ling enthusiastically, treating her as their powerful elder sister. Their compliments made Ning Ling blush with embarrassment.
Observing Wei Xin praising Ning Ling alongside Liao Nai and Mili, Lin Wan thought that the young lady appeared to be livelier. Perhaps, for the sake of her mental well-being, Lin Wan should occasionally send the children to the Zhou family, allowing Liao Ning to take care of them.
Unaware of the upcoming role she would play as the nanny for the three children, Liao Ning gazed at the blushing Ning Ling and the three children.
Upon returning to the Zhou family with the two cubs, Liao Ning found Zhou Ling already back. The lights in his study were on, indicating his involvement in official matters.
Respecting his work, Liao Ning chose not to disturb him. Instead, she bathed and put the two cubs to sleep before making her way to Zhou Ling’s study.
“Please come in,” Zhou Ling’s voice beckoned, and Liao Ning pushed open the door to enter. To her surprise, Zhou Ling was not alone in the study. Lan Yin and Gao Dian were also present, clearly engaged in an important discussion.
“Do you want me to leave?”
Zhou Ling halted her, preventing her from leaving. “Ningning, you arrived at the perfect time. You should hear about the recent developments.”
“Can I not listen?” Liao Ning had an aversion to trouble and wanted to avoid it decisively.
Helplessly, Zhou Ling stopped her. “Ningning… I simply want you to be informed about the progress of the plan. I’m not asking you to undertake a mission… ”
Gao Dian couldn’t help but laugh and remarked, “Sister-in-law, you’re always afraid of trouble.”
Liao Ning remained unperturbed by the criticism and shrugged. ‘Yes, I’m too afraid of trouble.”
Lan Yin smiled gently and commented, “Indeed, this matter is quite complex and can be considered troublesome.”
“Ling, see, even Lan Yin agrees that it’s troublesome. So, it must be more than just ordinary trouble. It must be super troublesome!” Liao Ning pouted and cast an accusatory glance at Zhou Ling..