Chapter 9: The Conquest of a Bowl of Noodles, Uncle 3's Expertise in Curing All Dissent
Chapter 9: The Conquest of a Bowl of Noodles, Uncle 3's Expertise in Curing All Dissent
The setting sun dyed the sky blood red, just like Gong Jian's bleeding heart at this moment.
After the physical training was over, the soldiers of the whole company helped each other, like defeated soldiers who had just retreated from the battlefield, and staggered back to the company.
The 50-plus kilogram load during the cross-country run almost drained them of their last bit of strength.
"I'm starving... I'm starving..."
Wang Yanbing slumped onto the steps at the cafeteria entrance, feeling like a hand was scratching at his stomach. "I feel like I could eat a whole cow right now!"
"Don't mention Niu!" He Chenguang waved his hand weakly. "My legs go weak just hearing that word. Erniu is a pervert, a perpetual motion machine in human skin!"
Just then, a strange aroma wafted out of the cafeteria.
It's the aroma of wheat mixed with the fragrance of scallions and garlic brought out by hot oil, along with the slight sourness of aged vinegar and the spiciness of chili peppers.
This smell was more effective than the best sleeping pills for the starving soldiers.
"It smells so good! What's this smell?"
"Didn't we say we'd have compressed biscuits tonight?"
The soldiers' eyes lit up instantly, and their bodies seemed to be recharged. They rushed into the mess hall one after another.
……
Inside the canteen, Li Erniu was wearing an apron and standing in front of a huge stainless steel insulated bucket.
Although he had just run five kilometers, thanks to the continuous effect of the [Primary Physique Enhancement Liquid], his physical strength had recovered remarkably. At this moment, he was not only not tired, but also full of energy.
"Come on, everyone! Don't rush! There's enough for everyone!"
Li Erniu, holding a large ladle, greeted them with a smile.
Because of the tight schedule, there really wasn't time to make those time-consuming and laborious elaborate dishes.
But Li Erniu, who possesses god-level culinary skills, can make even a simple bowl of noodles look amazing.
Today's main dish—oil-splashed noodles!
"Squad leader, you must be exhausted too! Take a break, I'll knead the dough!"
Recalling the scene in the kitchen, Sergeant Ma still feels like he's dreaming.
Li Erniu was like a tireless machine, his two large hands flying across the dough table.
Kneading the dough, letting it rest, and pulling the noodles.
The dough in his hands was like an obedient pet, kneaded and shaped at will.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
The sound of pulling noodles is like a war drum, and each noodle is stretched to be wide, thin, and even, as long as a jade belt.
Put it in a pot, cook until done, and then take it out.
Spread a thick layer of minced garlic, chopped green onions, and chili powder, then sprinkle with a few grains of salt and Sichuan peppercorn powder.
Finally, pour boiling hot rapeseed oil on top!
"Sizzle—!"
With a crisp crack, the aroma exploded instantly, filling the entire kitchen and then wafting throughout the camp.
……
"Line up! Line up! Grab your bowls and chopsticks!"
Li Erniu filled a large bowl to the brim for Wang Yanbing, who was first in line.
Wide noodles are coated with chili oil, garnished with bright green scallions and white minced garlic; just looking at them makes your mouth water.
Wang Yanbing couldn't wait and took a big slurp.
"Hmm!"
His eyes widened, and he even forgot to chew, swallowing it whole.
Chewy! Smooth! Spicy!
The satisfaction from carbohydrates, combined with perfect seasoning, instantly cured my fatigue.
"Brother Niu! My dear brother! This is so delicious!"
Wang Yanbing was on the verge of tears, exclaiming, "These hand-pulled noodles are even better than my grandma's!"
He Chenguang also held his bowl, eating without looking up, only able to give a thumbs up in praise.
The soldiers wolfed down their food, leaving only the slurping sounds of noodles in the mess hall – the highest praise for the cook.
In the corner, Gong Jian held a bowl of noodles, his feelings complicated.
He didn't originally want to eat it; he wanted to use it to express his "unyielding spirit."
But this scent... it's just too much!
In addition, I was really exhausted from running five kilometers just now, and my body's instincts overcame my so-called pride.
He picked up a noodle and put it in his mouth with some restraint.
The next second, his composure crumbled.
The noodles are smooth and tender when you bite into them, yet they have a wonderful chewiness. The chili oil is fragrant but not overpowering, and the spiciness is just right to stimulate your taste buds, making it irresistible.
"This...this really was made by this idiot?"
Gong Jian was shocked.
He knew Li Erniu's cooking skills were good, but not to the point of making people's souls leave their bodies!
Before I knew it, the whole bowl of noodles was gone.
Gong Jian couldn't resist and picked up the bowl, drinking all the remaining soup clean before reluctantly putting it down and letting out a satisfied burp.
"belch--"
The burp sounded particularly loud in the quiet cafeteria.
Gong Jian blushed and quickly sat up straight, trying to restore his authority as an instructor.
Just then, Li Erniu came over carrying a tray with a few cloves of peeled raw garlic and a bowl of hot noodle soup on it.
"Come here, Xiao Gong... ah, no, instructor."
Li Erniu chuckled and placed the items in front of Gong Jian:
As the saying goes, eating noodles without garlic diminishes the flavor by half. The original broth helps digest the food, and a sip of soup helps to soothe the stomach.
Gong Jian looked at the few cloves of garlic, then at Li Erniu's sincere face, and his lips twitched.
If this had happened in the past, he would have definitely scolded Li Erniu for doing this.
but now……
He who eats another's food is bound to him!
And this noodle dish is absolutely delicious!
Gong Jian hesitated for a moment, then picked up a clove of garlic and took a sip with the noodle soup.
Comfortable!
From stomach to heart, it felt so refreshing!
"Cough cough..."
Gong Jian put down his bowl, glanced at Li Erniu somewhat awkwardly, and finally his tone was no longer as sharp as before:
"Um... the noodles are quite good. You put a lot of effort into them."
This was already the highest praise Gong Jianneng could give, and it was also a form of tacit admission of weakness.
Li Erniu was delighted.
[Ding! Congratulations, host! You have conquered Gong Jian's stomach with delicious food! You have gained 2000 Shock Points!]
[Gong Jian has developed complex emotions towards the host, including dislike, inability to eliminate, and even slight admiration. Bonus reward: Basic Firearms Mastery!]
Oh ho?
What unexpected surprises awaited you?
Li Erniu was secretly pleased, but his face remained humble:
"Instructor, you flatter me. It's all I should do. As long as everyone enjoys the food and has the energy to train, my efforts haven't been in vain."
At this point, Li Erniu changed the subject, leaned forward slightly, and lowered his voice, saying:
"Instructor, you see, I'm pretty well-rounded, right? I can be a sparring partner, I can lead in physical fitness, and I can even cook for you. From now on, could you perhaps get some 'Third Uncle' treatment?"
Gong Jian's face stiffened, and the atmosphere that had just eased instantly became awkward again.
He glared at Li Erniu and hissed:
"Li Erniu! Don't push your luck! It's fine if you yell at me in private, but if you dare to yell at me in front of the regimental commander or other leaders, I... I'll transfer you to feed the pigs! I really will! Feed the pigs!"
Li Erniu chuckled, not angry at all:
"Alright, alright, I'll listen to you. After all, I'm the elder, I have to pamper the younger generation, right?"
Gong Jian: "..."
God is so incredibly fond of the younger generation!
Are you trying to piss me off so you can inherit my Alipay account?!
Although he still maintained a tough stance, the way Gong Jian looked at Li Erniu had completely changed.
If before I just thought this kid was a crooked person or a nuisance.
So now, he has come to regard Li Erniu as a real opponent, or even an unfathomable "potential king of soldiers".
This seemingly honest but actually cunning cook, with superhuman physical abilities, exceptional fighting skills, and outstanding culinary skills...
How many more surprises are hidden?
Gong Jian took a deep breath, stood up, and shouted to the entire company:
"Everyone, listen up! After dinner, rest for half an hour! Then go back to your dorms and tidy up your belongings! No extra practice tonight!"
"Yay! Long live the instructor!"
The whole company cheered.
Gong Jian glanced at Li Erniu, who was clearing away the dishes, and secretly vowed in his heart:
Li Erniu, you just wait.
Whether it's combat or physical fitness, I, Gong Jian, will get my revenge sooner or later!
I refuse to believe I can keep being suppressed by you, my "Third Uncle"!
As Li Erniu watched Gong Jian's departing figure, he was checking his newly acquired rewards.
[Firearms Proficiency]: Proficient in the use, disassembly and maintenance of conventional light weapons, with shooting accuracy improved to the level of world's top special forces soldiers.
"Hehe, I think tomorrow is shooting practice?"
Li Erniu stroked his chin, his smile deepening.
"Little Gong, it seems you'll be shocked again tomorrow!"
MM Racing