noffsinger Chapter 121 Enjoy the Dinner
Chapter 121 Enjoy the Dinner
When both sets of parents finally had their long-awaited meeting, a sumptuous meal was naturally an essential part of the occasion! As the host, the Gu family had carefully ordered a variety of delicious dishes well in advance, just to add more warmth and joy to this gathering.
Time flew by, and before long it was mealtime. A soft footstep could be heard; the servants of the manor were carrying dishes, one by one, carefully placing them on trays and presenting them to the table. The neatly arranged trays resembled a long, winding dragon, a truly magnificent sight.
The first dish to catch the eye was the main course—braised lion's head meatballs. Also known as Four Happiness Meatballs, its bright red color was incredibly enticing, and its aroma was irresistible. A gentle bite revealed an incredibly soft and chewy texture, and a burst of rich, savory flavor that instantly filled the mouth. The dish's auspicious symbolism was even more delightful: it represented joy, celebration, and harmony. At that moment, as if on cue, Mr. Gu and Miss Chestnut picked up their chopsticks, each taking a large lion's head meatball and gently placing it in their grandmother's bowl. A contented smile immediately appeared on the old woman's face, and the entire scene was filled with a warm and loving atmosphere, truly heartwarming.
Next up was the second delicacy – "Golden Abundance." This dish not only has an auspicious name, but its appearance is also incredibly tempting. Golden corn kernels and emerald green peas intertwine, resembling a vibrant painting; coupled with its unique and enticing aroma, it's simply mouthwatering. One bite reveals refreshing vegetables paired with fragrant and succulent shrimp – a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate, truly a delicious treat suitable for people of all ages.
Finally, the much-anticipated braised fish makes its appearance! Look at the fish on the plate, golden and crispy all over, as if it's draped in a gorgeous coat. And the auspicious meaning of "abundance year after year" makes this dish an indispensable part of the dining table.
With practiced ease, Mr. Gu picked up his chopsticks and carefully removed each fish bone from the fish meat. Then, he gently placed the tender, juicy, boneless fish meat into Mrs. Gu's bowl.
Seeing this, Young Master Gu quickly followed his father's example, first carefully removing the fish bones from his grandmother's fish, then thoughtfully placing the prepared fish meat into her bowl. Of course, he didn't forget the beautiful and charming Miss Chestnut beside him, also offering her a heartfelt meal. And so, the family sat together, sharing this sumptuous dinner, their laughter echoing throughout the mansion.
When the fourth dish was served, everyone's eyes lit up—it was a delicious and visually appealing cold beef salad. This dish not only looked mouthwatering, but also carried a beautiful meaning: soaring success like a bull.
Seeing this, Gu's mother enthusiastically picked up her chopsticks, took a piece of tender and juicy beef, put it in the old lady's bowl, and said with a smile, "Mom, try this cold beef salad, it's delicious!" However, the old lady smiled and waved her hand, politely declining, "No, no, my teeth aren't good anymore, I'm too old, I can't chew beef, you young people should eat more." Hearing this, Gu's mother didn't want to force her any further, so she could only smile and give up.
Next, the fifth dish was served: a golden-brown, fragrant roast chicken. This dish also carried auspicious connotations—good fortune and prosperity. Seeing this, Mr. Gu quickly stood up and began distributing the chicken. He first placed two plump chicken legs on the plates of the guests, then carefully selected two crispy chicken wings and placed them in Mrs. Gu's and Mr. Gu's bowls respectively. Finally, Mr. Gu himself simply picked up a piece of chicken neck from the plate and began to gnaw on it with relish.
At this moment, the grandmother, sitting to the side, took a bite of the chicken and couldn't help but smile with satisfaction. She praised with a smile, "Hmm, this roast chicken tastes quite different from what we usually eat. It feels more fragrant and delicious!" Hearing this, Mr. Gu's face also showed a proud expression, and he replied with a smile, "Haha, Auntie, you really know your stuff! This is Wang's Roast Chicken. They've been in business for decades, and they've always been famous for this roast chicken. It's said that they have a unique secret sauce, which is why the chicken is so delicious!"
After saying that, Mr. Gu turned to look at the old lady and continued, "Since you like this roast chicken so much, Auntie, I'll have Wan'er buy some next time and deliver it to you personally!"
Upon hearing this, the old lady beamed with joy and nodded in agreement, saying, "Hehehe, that's wonderful! Thank you so much!" In an instant, the dinner table was filled with laughter and the atmosphere was very harmonious.
Next, the sixth dish was carefully brought out by the waiter: a plate of golden, tempting, and fragrant shrimp balls. This dish was not only beautiful in appearance, but its name also carried a beautiful meaning—a joyous reunion. Each shrimp ball was fried to perfection, with a crispy and delicious outer layer and a tender and juicy filling. Combined with a perfectly balanced sweetness, it was simply one of the most beloved foods among young people!
Upon seeing the delicious dish served, Mr. Gu, sitting to the side, immediately picked up the serving chopsticks, placed a few golden shrimp balls into Su Yuning's small bowl, and thoughtfully brought over her favorite tomato sauce as well. Seeing her son so attentively caring for his fiancée, Mrs. Gu felt a little jealous, but quickly recovered and also put some shrimp balls in the old lady's bowl, smilingly instructing, "Auntie, please try these golden shrimp balls, they're fragrant, crispy, and delicious!"
Hearing this, Grandma first smiled and thanked Mrs. Gu, then gently picked up a shrimp ball with her chopsticks and put it in her mouth. After chewing it carefully, Grandma nodded in satisfaction and replied with a smile, "Hmm, it's really good! I didn't expect the chef here to be so skilled. Actually, I often make this dish at home. Next time you have the chance, you're welcome to come to my house as guests, and I'll cook it for you myself!"
"That's wonderful! We'll definitely come and bother you!" Mr. and Mrs. Gu quickly agreed with smiles.
As everyone chatted happily, the seventh dish made its grand entrance. This time, it was a delicious and visually appealing steamed fish head with chopped chili peppers. This dish is famous for its unique flavor; the bright red chilies covering the succulent fish head symbolize a prosperous and thriving life. Because this dish was quite strong in flavor, both numbing and spicy, the group didn't add more food for the old lady as they had done before. Instead, Gu's mother moved the other milder dishes in front of her, inviting her to savor them at her leisure.
Before long, the eighth dish was placed steadily on the table. It was a refreshing-looking clear soup with meatballs; each round and adorable meatball floated in the crystal-clear broth, emitting an enticing aroma. Needless to say, this dish also carried the auspicious meaning of good fortune and family reunion.
Just then, Mrs. Gu slowly stood up, a kind smile on her face. She reached for the soup ladle on the table, intending to serve the old lady a bowl of steaming soup. However, before she could even make a move, the old lady smiled and politely declined, saying, "Thank you, my dear wife. But it's too much trouble for you to serve me the soup. I'll do it myself."
Upon hearing the old lady's words, Gu's mother was slightly taken aback at first, but then she understood. She nodded gently and replied, "Alright then, Auntie, I'll listen to you." With that, Gu's mother handed the small soup bowl and delicate soup spoon in her hand to the old lady, and then stood quietly to the side waiting.
After the old lady skillfully served herself her soup, the others took turns picking up their bowls and spoons, ladling out soup in an orderly fashion, and placing the round, adorable meatballs into their own bowls. In an instant, the table was filled with an enticing aroma.
Before long, two more delicious dishes were served. One of them, a bright red and fragrant dish, was braised pig's trotters, which symbolized good fortune and wealth; the other was mutton soup, which exuded a rich and savory aroma and represented a joyous and auspicious occasion.
Seeing the newly served food, Gu Wanfeng's eyes lit up. He turned to the old lady sitting next to him with a smile and said warmly, "Grandma! How about I serve you a bowl of delicious mutton soup?" As he spoke, he made a move to get up and get a soup spoon.
But before she could finish speaking, Chestnut Girl quickly waved her hand and stopped her, saying, "Oh dear, Brother Wanfeng, Grandmother doesn't usually eat mutton, so please don't bother."
Upon hearing this, Gu Wanfeng scratched his head somewhat awkwardly, then smiled sheepishly and said, "Oh, I see. Well then. Since Grandma doesn't like mutton soup, I'll serve a bowl to our beautiful little fairy—Chestnut Girl." With that, he quickly picked up a ladle, deftly scooped a full spoonful of piping hot mutton soup from the pot, carefully poured it into a clean little bowl, and then steadily presented it to Chestnut Girl.
After a sumptuous and delicious lunch, the servants of the manor quickly and efficiently cleared away the leftover food from the table. Next, a series of exquisite desserts were served. First to catch the eye were bunches of glistening, jewel-like grapes, each one plump and round; then came large watermelons, their bright red flesh exuding an enticing sweet aroma; next to them was a dish of golden, juicy oranges, mouthwatering; then came chilled lychees, their bright red shells revealing pure white flesh, each bite releasing a refreshing, sweet juice; neatly arranged, evenly sliced melons emitted a refreshing fruity fragrance; finally, sliced apples, their bright red skin revealing snow-white flesh, looked incredibly appetizing.
So, Chestnut and her grandmother smiled and joined the Gu family again to enjoy the delicious fruit and chat happily.
Just then, Mr. Gu said with great interest, "The seventh day of the seventh lunar month is the annual Valentine's Day. Legend has it that the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl will meet on the Magpie Bridge. It is truly a rare and auspicious day! In my opinion, why not set our children's wedding on the Qixi Festival? It will surely ensure that their marriage is happy, fulfilling, and lasts a long time."
However, Grandmother gently shook her head, indicating her refusal. She slowly explained, "Although the Qixi Festival is indeed very meaningful, according to our older generation's traditional beliefs, the seventh day is an odd number, which doesn't quite fit the requirements for an engagement. How about this, could you see if we could change it to the sixth or eighth day? After all, being in pairs is more auspicious." After saying this, Grandmother looked at Mr. Gu with a smile, waiting for his response.
“How about the sixth day then? Six is an auspicious number, as the saying goes, ‘sixes bring good fortune!’ And good things come in pairs, how festive!” Master Gu responded with a broad smile, his hearty laughter seemingly able to fill the entire room.
“Father, you don’t know this, but I’m always on the go doing business, and I’m particular about these days! In my opinion, it would be more appropriate to set it on the eighth day. Think about it, the number 'eight' sounds like the word 'prosperity,' which means that you will prosper every eight days. Isn’t that exactly what I, as a businessman, hope for?” Gu Wanfeng said, his eyes firm and full of expectation.
Mr. and Mrs. Gu exchanged a smile, then simultaneously turned their gaze to the old lady seated at the head of the table. The old lady nodded slightly in agreement, her face also beaming with satisfaction. Thus, as if reaching a tacit understanding, the family said in unison, "Very well! Let's set the wedding date for the eighth day of the seventh month!"
"Haha, now that the wedding date is set, I, as the grandmother, can finally rest easy! It's getting late, we should head back home. We'll have a proper get-together on the wedding day!" The old lady said cheerfully, as she took out a pair of exquisite jade pendants that she had prepared beforehand from her bosom. She first handed one to Gu Wanfeng, and then lovingly gave the other to her granddaughter, gently patting their hands as if her blessings and love were unspoken.