To make layered Horse Hoof Cake, one shouldn't pour too much raw batter, as it would affect the cake's solidification. Lin Xu then coordinated with the freshly squeezed colorful fruit juices and other ingredients, stirring them until evenly mixed, and began to cook the Seven-colored Liquid.

After everything was prepared, he placed a steamer on the stove. He then fetched several molds suitable for steaming desserts, washed them, wiped them dry, and greased them to facilitate demolding. Once all preparations were complete, he began the steaming process.

Once the water in the steamer boiled, he first poured a layer of white Coconut Milk Pudding into the bottom of the molds and placed them in the steamer for two to three minutes. When he took them out, the Coconut Milk Pudding had solidified. Lin Xu then scooped in a spoonful of Horse Hoof Paste made from purple sweet potato juice and placed it back in the steamer. Next, he steamed another layer of Coconut Milk Pudding. Once that was done, it was time for the blue Horse Hoof Paste made from blueberries.

Following this pattern, layer by layer, the liquids were poured into the molds until all the prepared paste was used up.

"Son, why are you making all these colorful liquids? Are you planning to surprise your grandmother?" Chen Meijuan was full of curiosity, feeling that her son was up to something mysterious.

"Uncle just brought a box of Horse Hoof. I thought I'd make some Horse Hoof Cake for everyone to try. But an ordinary Horse Hoof Cake wouldn't showcase your son's skills, so I made Seven-colored Water Chestnut Cake instead."

Seven-colored Water Chestnut Cake? Chen Meijuan looked at the seven different colored liquids in the bowls and couldn't help but praise, "To think that such a Horse Hoof Cake could be made! My son is truly impressive."

"It's because Mom has excellent genes," Lin Xu flattered her, then removed the molds from the steamer and placed them in the freezer to accelerate cooling. At this point, the Horse Hoof Cake was still sticky, soft, and not yet edible. Only after its temperature dropped would it solidify and set, its texture becoming bouncy and firm like jelly.

It was already past eleven in the morning. All the relatives had arrived. After greeting them, Lin Xu began to cook.

He layered the marinated fish head with sautéed red millet chili paste and green Chaotian chili paste. Then, he took out the marinated eel, placed its head in the center, and coiled its body on the plate, creating the standard coiled dragon design. Next, he steamed the eel and fish head together in the steam cabinet. Then he got busy preparing the other dishes.

Soon, dish after dish was brought upstairs.

"Grandma, this dish is called White Jade Lotus Root Strips. It's a designated dish served to foreign guests at the Fishing Platform. The last time I participated in an internal competition at the Fishing Platform, I won the championship with this very dish," Lin Xu explained.

"Oh my, then I simply must try it!" exclaimed Old Lady Lin, who was wearing a birthday hat. In the dining room on the second floor, Old Lady Lin happily tried the White Jade Lotus Root Strips and couldn't help but give a thumbs-up, "Delicious! It's so crisp and crunchy, and the flavor is wonderful. Everyone, try it quickly! My eldest grandson's skills are truly excellent."

Hearing Old Lady Lin's praise, everyone eagerly picked up their chopsticks to taste. They were instantly captivated by the crisp texture of the lotus root strips.

"Our Little Xu is indeed incredible!"

"I didn't even realize this was made from lotus root."

"Such impressive skills! Truly worthy of a Central Finance graduate—his cooking is top-notch!"

"We're planning to have our Little Xun apply to Central Finance too. Then he can go and be Little Xu's head chef!"

"Our Shaokang will apply too."

"And Moli too! Female chefs are becoming quite sought after these days..."

Shen Baobao listened to the relatives' discussions, unsure whether to laugh or cry. His alma mater's reputation was certainly taking an... interesting turn!

Soon after, the Steamed Rice Flour Silver Strips were served.

"Grandma, this is Steamed Rice Flour Silver Strips, made from shredded radish. Chairman Liu, who visited last time, mentioned that this is a lost dish recorded in ancient texts, and I managed to recreate it," Lin Xu explained.

Old Lady Lin was even more delighted to hear this and immediately took a bite. The soft, tender, and slightly chewy texture, paired with the faint garlic aroma, delighted her immensely, "Delicious, truly delicious! I never imagined that at my old age, I'd get to eat such wonderful food. It's all thanks to my eldest grandson!"

The relatives tasted it and were equally astounded. In terms of preparation, this dish wasn't much different from the steamed radish strips they made at home. However, the texture and flavor were worlds apart. It left them marveling, even wondering if the common radishes found everywhere in the countryside could truly be made this delicious.

Then, dishes like Sweet and Sour Pork Loin, Oil Braised Large Shrimp, and Crystal Sugar Pork Knuckle were served one after another. Each dish drew gasps of amazement from the relatives.

By the time Lin Xu brought in the White Robed Shrimp, specially prepared for Old Lady Lin, everyone was almost experiencing sensory overload. Their thoughts had shifted from 'Is this dish good?' to 'Just how incredibly good can this dish possibly be?'

"Grandma, when I was little, I often heard you talk about this dish, White Robed Shrimp. This time in Beijing, I made a special effort to learn how to make it. Please try it and see if it's exactly like the taste you remember," Lin Xu offered.

Old Lady Lin said with a beaming smile, "There's no need to taste it to know it must be delicious when made by my eldest grandson."

She took a bite. It was crisp and refreshing, savory yet not heavy. The freshness, saltiness, and aroma were all perfectly balanced.

Shen Baobao was quite surprised. She had no idea when her Xu Bao had managed to learn this dish.

"I learned it from Huo Yifan during the competition," Lin Xu explained to Shen Baobao, then returned to the kitchen and brought out the Qingshui Furong.

After serving the soup, he looked at Shen Jiayue, who was eagerly waiting beside Old Lady Lin. Then, he said to Shen Baobao, "Baobao, go ahead and snap your fingers."

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