"Oh? In our Yunnan area, someone actually dares to label something as extra spicy?"

Xu Yan widened his eyes when he saw the sign: "Today, I must try just how spicy this 'extra spicy' really is."

Chen Shuo laughed and said, "The spice level the owner talks about isn't quite what you think. The 'extra spicy' you talk about is self-torture; the one he's talking about is within human tolerance. You just feel the spice while eating, but afterward, your body won't have any serious reactions, unless you're really challenging your limits."

As he said this, he thought of Di Renjie. Just because he competed with him over a dish, eating a spice level he wasn't used to, he ended up in the hospital.

Xu Yan snorted, "If I have a sip of water during this meal, I'll consider it a loss. The price is set at 300 yuan and if it's not good, I'm definitely reporting him."

Chen Shuo scoffed, "You have no clue how expensive the dishes here are? Last time I had a rice bowl next door, it cost me 30 and was pathetically small. It didn't even fill me up and had nothing special. Don't be fooled by the high price; once you take the first bite, you'll see it's worth it."

Since it was a place he recommended, Chen Shuo felt the need to defend it, and he was speaking the truth.

Xu Yan said, "Okay, okay, let's go and try it. I really want to see what kind of delicacy could make you praise it so much, even come here so early."

Chen Shuo pointed at a small line under the sign: "Didn't you see? Limited to 100 servings, one per person. If you're late, you can only smell the aroma."

Xu Yan took a closer look and scoffed, "Isn't this just a hunger marketing strategy?"

Chen Shuo chuckled without explaining further, "How about sharing half of your portion with me?"

Xu Yan clicked his tongue, "Look at you, acting like you've never seen the world, fine, half for you. After we're done, I'll treat you to Yunnan delicacies tonight."

As they stepped into the restaurant, Wang Fan had just finished prepping the ingredients.

Chen Shuo greeted with a smile, "Boss Wang, I'm back! Two portions of spicy chicken."

Wang Fan remembered Chen Shuo as the one who ordered the stir-fried chicken with "spicy valley peppers" that time, even causing Di Renjie to end up in the hospital.

"Hello, ordering the 'spicy valley peppers' again today?"

Chen Shuo laughed, "Definitely, my friend here is also good with spicy foods. Boss Wang, don't be stingy with the chili."

Wang Fan smiled, "Find a place to sit. It'll probably be a half-hour wait."

The cooking methods for Zaozhuang spicy chicken and Linyi stir-fried chicken are somewhat similar. Both don't blanch the chicken before stir-frying, then simmer with water. The difference lies in the seasonings used, resulting in different tastes.

Linyi stir-fried chicken is known for its rich sauce and unique flavor, while Zaozhuang spicy chicken is famous for its vibrant color, rich aroma, and delicious taste, often paired with local flatbreads, pot stickers, or pancakes, suitable for both hot and cold conditions, and boasting a superb taste.

Zhuo Qianqian had already placed the dough into the electric griddle, estimating it would be ready in about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, Wang Fan had also put the chicken into the pot to start stir-frying, and that rich aroma quickly permeated the air again.

When an ingredient hits just the right temperature, the fragrance it can unleash is unimaginable.

The same ingredient handled by different people can result in vastly different aromas and flavors.

Wang Fan even showed off a bit while making the stir-fried chicken.

Standing in front of the stove, his eyes were focused, and the spatula in his hand glinted under the intense heat.

Every time he flipped the pot, roaring flames would burst forth, as if Wang Fan was dancing with the fire.

The ingredients in the pot flew through the air as if they had been brought to life.

The flames licked at the bottom and the contents of the pot, and Wang Fan's actions were skillful and confident. He deftly flipped and caught the ingredients with precision.

As the fire subsided, with the next flip, flames erupted again, and the scorching heat kept rushing forth.

Among the burning flames, Wang Fan seemed like a master of fire manipulation, his cooking skills kept the three onlookers completely captivated.

The burning temperature inside the iron pot wasn't high, yet it perfectly complemented the bottom of the pot's temperature triggering the Maillard reaction, adding much complexity to the flavors of the chicken.

Seeing it nearly done, he poured a few ladles of boiling water into the pot and began to stew.

Then he picked up a second pot, and the fierce flames rose once again.

Xu Yan exclaimed, "Wow, regardless of anything else, just watching the owner play with fire makes it worth the trip."

Chen Shuo was a bit excited too, "Didn't see this show last time I was here. It's great to watch a performance while waiting for the food."

This stewing took about 15 minutes. Wang Fan occasionally lifted the lid to stir the meat, preventing it from sticking to the bottom.

Adding white vinegar sped up the cooking and tenderizing of the chicken, which is what differentiates it from Linyi stir-fried chicken.

Once the sauce reduced enough, Wang Fan tossed a whole load of chili peppers into the pot with a clang.

There were both chili peppers from Yunnan and thin-skinned peppers from Lu Dong, and the amount was indeed intimidating.

After a quick stir, Wang Fan plated the dish, and Zhuo Qianqian brought the plate to the two.

Seeing the plate of Zaozhuang spicy chicken, both Xu Yan and Chen Shuo couldn't help but swallow.

The dish wasn't plated elegantly, but who says roughness isn't another form of beauty?

The moist red chicken, the green peppers, yellow ginger slices, and white garlic filled an entire plate, perfectly matching the rugged temperament of a Lu Dong native.

The refreshing aroma of peppers mixed with the rich scent of chicken constantly tantalized the duo's taste buds, making them eager to dig in.

Chen Shuo licked his lips and said, "Like I said, you split it with me. This plate is yours; let's share it equally."

Xu Yan asked quizzically, "When did I say I'd share it with you? Do you have any proof?"

Chen Shuo smirked, "I figured you'd go back on your word, good thing I came prepared."

He then pulled out his phone, opening a recording app.

Listening to his own words, Xu Yan showed no reaction but rather admired, "Impressive, impressive, being able to synthesize such a realistic voice in just a few minutes. You really are something, studying voice acting."

Chen Shuo immediately gave Xu Yan the finger complimenting him, "Indeed, one who is shameless is invincible, you win."

By then, the second plate was ready, so each had their own, eliminating any need to bicker. Also, Zhuo Qianqian's pancakes were sliced and served alongside.

Chen Shuo pointed at the plate and said, "We agreed, whoever drinks water before finishing the chicken has to pay the bill."

Xu Yan snorted, "If you're in Yunnan, of course, I'll treat you, but since you said that, I definitely won't lose. Once you've paid, I'll transfer you the money."

The two stole a glance at each other, neither willing to back down, and simultaneously reached out their chopsticks for the meat on each other's plate.

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