Rebirth at the Start: This Fate is Too Explosive!

Chapter 74 The Imperial Gift of a Golden Robe, Please, Miss Liu, Take a Look!

Liu Ruyan playfully poked Ye Fan's arm, her eyes and brows full of laughter:

"Wow, Ye, you've already gained a little fanboy before school even starts."

Ye Fan also sighed:

"Yes! It seems this trip to the Forbidden City today was quite fruitful! I even saved the younger brother of a future classmate."

Ye Fan gazed at the majestic silhouette of the Divine Martial Gate, steaming under the blazing sun, and a slight smile appeared on his lips:

"Old Jiang is right, some periods are drawn quite perfectly."

..........

Step out of the shade of Shenwu Gate.

The scorching July sun felt like burning sandpaper, instantly enveloping my entire body.

The bustling crowds, the constant flow of traffic, and the lingering smell of asphalt in the air proclaimed that the solemnity and grandeur of the Forbidden City had been left behind.

Liu Ruyan raised her hand to shield her eyes from the sun, and the Vacheron Constantin on her wrist reflected a shimmering light under the blazing sun.

"Honey, our energy bar is empty! We urgently need strategic supplies! Target—roast duck!"

Ye Fan chuckled, his arm naturally encircling her slightly sore waist, his fingertips lightly pressing her lower back in a very discreet manner.

This earned her a soft, reproachful gasp:

"...You little brat, we're outside!"

He ignored her protests, pulling her away from the flag-bearing tour groups, his gaze sweeping over the rows of restaurant signs lining the street:

"Want some authentic Peking duck?"

"Of course!"

Liu Ruyan's eyes sparkled:

"Coming to the capital and not eating Peking duck would be a waste of all the hard work on this 'battle outfit shopping trip,' wouldn't it?"

She deliberately emphasized the last few words, and lightly scratched his palm with her fingertips.

Ye Fan's breath hitched. This little devil...

Under the golden signboard of Quanjude Wangfujing Store, crowds snaked like dragons outside the ancient and imposing gate.

The air was filled with a unique atmosphere that blended caramelized oils, the smell of wood smoke, and eager anticipation.

Liu Ruyan's lips curled into a smug, fox-like smile as she waved her phone:

"Fortunately, I planned ahead and booked a scenic spot yesterday."

"......"

Ye Fan raised an eyebrow and gave her shapely buttocks a punishing pinch with his large hand:

"Oh, you naughty auntie, so you already planned what to eat!"

The waiters, dressed in traditional Chinese uniforms, respectfully led them to a great viewpoint on the second floor.

Beside the antique-style carved window frame, a small table faces the open kitchen.

This area is right next to the open kitchen, and behind the huge transparent glass is the ultimate stage for roast duck.

The rustic brick walls, dark wooden beams, and exquisite palace lanterns create a profound sense of history, and at this moment, everyone's attention is drawn to the "protagonist" behind the glass.

A master chef, wearing a tall hat and with a solemn expression, stands in front of the chopping board.

The long knife in his hand gleamed coldly as a plump, glossy, dark red roast duck was solemnly pushed in front of him.

The master chef focused his energy and lightly touched the fullest part of the duck breast with the tip of his knife—with an extremely subtle "snap," a piece of duck skin as thin as a cicada's wing, almost transparent, with edges curled like flower petals, was precisely removed, perfectly demonstrating what it means to be "crispy but not crumbly."

Followed by.

With a flash of knife, so fast that only afterimages could be seen, slices of duck meat, glistening with even fat and with picturesque marbling, landed like colorful butterflies on the pristine white porcelain plate.

The thin, crispy duck skin is piled up like a small mountain of gold, while the tender duck meat is as smooth and warm as pink jade.

The entire process was fluid and graceful, full of the beauty of power and rhythm, a feast for both the eyes and the nose.

"This isn't just slicing duck; it's clearly an artistic creation."

Liu Ruyan rested her chin on her hand, watching intently, her amber eyes reflecting the tempting luster of the roast duck and the focused figure of the master chef.

Ye Fan poured her a freshly brewed jasmine tea.

The emerald green tea leaves unfurled and floated in the crystal glass, the rising steam blurring the slyness in her eyes, leaving only pure appreciation.

He whispered in her ear:

"The 'inspection' process is coming up later, so the naughty auntie needs to be on her guard."

The sliced ​​roast duck was served by waitresses dressed in cheongsams pushing an exquisite food cart.

The blue and white porcelain plates are arranged in order: Caramel Gold Mountain (crispy duck skin), Pink Jade Fragrance (tender duck meat), Cicada Wing Cloud Garment (thin lotus leaf pancakes), Emerald Jade Exquisite (crispy cucumber strips), Frosty Snow Ice String (refreshing scallion shreds), Amber Congealed Fat (secret sweet bean sauce), and Jade Dust and Jade Sand (granulated white sugar).

Add a small dish of honey-preserved hawthorn cake to cut through the richness, and you have a mouthwatering, colorful, fragrant, and delicious Beijing-style dish.

"Come on, let's see the skills of the chef from this century-old restaurant."

Ye Fan personally demonstrated, taking a thin lotus leaf pancake, picking up two crispy duck skin pieces, and dipping them in a little white sugar—this is the most authentic way to eat "one-bite crisp".

He didn't rush to put it in his own mouth, but instead gently lifted his wrist and brought it to Liu Ruyan's lips:

"Imperial gift of a golden-threaded robe, please have Miss Liu examine it."

The moment it enters your mouth, the richness of the oil and the granular texture of the sugar explode on your tongue, transforming into an ultimate crispy and fragrant flavor.

Liu Ruyan squinted her eyes contentedly:

"Hmm... this 'battle robe' was worth the money; it really replenishes my energy!"

Ye Fan's smile deepened before he began making the classic burrito.

He took a flatbread, spread some sauce on it, laid out two slices of tender, pink duck meat with skin and meat on, and then added shredded scallions and cucumber strips.

His fingers were long and strong, yet his movements were exceptionally nimble and elegant. With three folds and two rolls, a firm, full, and layered roast duck roll was formed.

This time, he still brought it to her lips:

"The Ye family's secret recipe, please inspect it."

Liu Ruyan took a bite, her pearly teeth piercing through the supple pancake. The extreme crispness of the duck skin, the tender and juicy duck meat, the rich and complex sweet bean sauce, the spicy and refreshing scallions, the crisp and refreshing cucumber, and the chewy wheat aroma of the pancake that contained everything, all unfolded and blended perfectly in her mouth.

If Lao Zhao were here, he would definitely say: "Holy crap, awesome, this is amazing!"

The richness of the duck fat is balanced by the refreshing flavors of scallions and cucumbers, while the salty and sweet flavors of the sweet bean sauce unify and elevate all the tastes.

She chewed slowly, her cheeks puffing out slightly, like a satisfied cat, and mumbled her evaluation:

"...Hmm, the cooking time is precise, the sauce is well-prepared, and the rolling technique is superb. Chef Ye has truly mastered the imperial cuisine. Barely...acceptable."

"That's all?"

Ye Fan raised an eyebrow, rolled one himself, and savored it slowly.

The two of them go back and forth, one rolling up the paper and the other tasting it, or they cook for themselves and have enough to eat.

.........

After eating!

He gestured to the waiter:

"Please pack two roast ducks for us, vacuum-sealed, and handled with care."

Step out of the heavy gate of Quanjude.

The heat and noise of Wangfujing Street instantly engulfed them.

The shouts of vendors selling candied hawthorns, the jingling of bells from sightseeing tricycles, and the laughter of tourists intertwine under the scorching July sun to create a lively urban symphony.

Ye Fan naturally took Liu Ruyan's hand, their fingers intertwined, and they walked towards Tiananmen Square.

Their figures appeared and disappeared in the crowd, and the smoky aroma of roasted duck still lingered on the corners of their clothes.

Turning the corner of Chang'an Avenue, the view suddenly opened up before me.

The solemnity of Tiananmen Square contrasted sharply with the bustling city life just moments before, and even the sunlight seemed to have become dignified.

The white marble memorial hall gleamed with a sacred glow under the blazing sun, and the surrounding air seemed to freeze in a stillness.

Outside the South Gate, people from all over the country spontaneously formed a winding queue.

No one made a loud noise; even the children held their parents' hands quietly.

The procession moved forward slowly and steadily, like a silent river flowing with the most genuine respect.

Liu Ruyan unconsciously softened her breathing, feeling Ye Fan tighten his grip on her hand.

...........