Most Northerners have one flaw, and that's a stubborn sense of pride.

No matter how hungry I am, even if my belt is pulled tight around my waist, I'll insist on treating this meal.

Of course, I only treat friends. First meeting, then familiar face; if I've turned my head to see you, you've become a familiar friend on the second try.

Even sub-zero temperatures won't freeze Northerners' enthusiasm.

Wang Fan looked at the heap of ingredients in front of him with some concern; too many, honestly!

Some weigh over ten pounds, others twenty; expecting him alone to finish them means the group might not get to eat today. Even with Second Uncle's help, they'll be quite busy.

Wang Fan shared his worry with Second Uncle, who chuckled and said, "It's simple, let them help. Luckily, I bought a bunch of peelers during a sale earlier."

With that, he picked up the loudspeaker and shouted, "Hey there, handsome guys and pretty gals! There's a lot of stuff here. If my nephew and I do it all, you might not get to eat. Anyone here helps out with chores at home? Just help us peel."

Oh, really?

An opportunity to do it yourself?

Second Uncle's words sparked light in many eyes.

"Me! I'm great at peeling!"

"I can peel too, I often help my mom at home."

"Though I've not peeled much myself, I'm smart enough to learn. Please give me a chance to prove myself."

Liu Hehe, Jiang Xinyue, Yin Jiakuo, and Liu Zhaofeng grabbed some peelers.

The four were excitedly brandishing their peelers like they were wielding some legendary weapon.

Second Uncle reminded them, "Those of you with peelers, be careful with safety; don't end up cutting yourself until blood's everywhere during the holidays. Those without peelers, don't worry; you can help me snap broccoli, aiming for ping-pong ball size."

Even in sub-zero temperatures, even with hands bright red from cold, their excitement hasn't waned a bit.

Jiang Xinyue admired Liu Hehe's potato, full of holes, and praised, "You peeled this potato really well, capturing the essence of a war-torn relic."

Liu Hehe looked at Jiang Xinyue's peeled potato, left only ping-pong-sized, and praised back, "Nah, this potato of yours is superb, you've truly mastered the Dubai tycoon style."

Liu Zhaofeng watched Yin Jiakuo, opened his mouth several times without speaking, and finally couldn't hold it in, asking, "Brother, I've been curious for a while, what is this big cabbage for?"

Yin Jiakuo scratched his head awkwardly, "I didn't know cabbage can't be used for braising."

"Pfft..."

Jiang Xinyue and Liu Hehe burst into laughter at this, and Liu Zhaofeng also couldn't help but laugh.

Yin Jiakuo shrugged and explained, "At home, it's always my mom and dad cooking; they say I mess things up in the kitchen. It's normal not to know these things, isn't it? I can't help it."

Hearing this, Liu Zhaofeng recalled his tragic experiences.

"You just lie there day in and day out, doing nothing; why are you so lazy? Can't you wash some dishes? Learn to cook and help out?"

"Go away, go away; look at this dishwashing, not even as clean as the dog leaving it."

"Stop washing vegetables; all the good ones are ruined by you, splashing water all over the kitchen. Just go rest somewhere."

Ugh, just thinking about it makes my scalp tingle!

Liu Zhaofeng vigorously shook his head and sympathetically patted Yin Jiakuo's shoulder, "I get you."

Yin Jiakuo nodded heavily, punched Liu Zhaofeng's shoulder with a sense of newfound camaraderie.

The attendees today were mostly young people, the oldest around twenty-seven or twenty-eight.

Without much opportunity to cook at home, not out of laziness, but due to criticism and impatient parents, they barely get a chance.

Today presents a rare chance, and they've gone completely wild.

Potatoes frozen like bricks are eagerly peeled.

Don't even mention if the peel's hard; holding it feels like grasping ice, but they grit their teeth, unwilling to put it down.

Wang Fan has begun the washing, as Second Uncle continues to boil pot after pot of hot water. Luckily, the pot's big enough to brew dozens of cups at once; otherwise, they would be waiting forever for a sip of warm water.

…

Harbin's Tourism Bureau director Liu Hao was at home tinkering with his computer.

Before him, reports and feedback constantly load; even on New Year's Day, the director hasn't paused.

He genuinely doesn't dare rest!

It took Harbin a full five years to snap up this wave of prosperity; if he fumbled and couldn't handle the influx, he'd have to answer for it in disgrace.

Fortunately, united efforts ensured online responses were overwhelmingly positive, allowing him some relief.

As long as this momentum keeps, he'd have justified his directorship.

"Ring ring ring…"

The phone on the table suddenly rang. After massaging his stiff face, he answered, "Hello, Liu Hao speaking."

The voice was urgent yet joyful, "Director Liu, it's Qian Mingxuan; do you have a moment?"

Liu Hao considered, apart from reviewing reports, he had nothing else planned, "I have no other arrangements, is there anything urgent?"

Qian Mingxuan excitedly replied, "If you're free, you might want to come visit Ice and Snow World; there's an event that could inspire you."

"Oh? Tell me more?"

Qian Mingxuan hurriedly explained, "Did you see yesterday's discussion online? Sun Yunpeng's comedy act hid a key figure, and I tracked him via social media, finding him at Ice and Snow World's snack street. A crowd's gathering, up to over a hundred now, increasing steadily. I can't quite describe it in a few sentences, but I think you'll find it meaningful if you see for yourself."

Liu Hao found it compelling; Harbin's at the peak and slightest events gain attention. He couldn't afford instability now.

"Stay put; I'll arrive in 10 minutes."

Quickly dressed, with thermos of wolfberries and dates in tow, Liu Hao dashed out.

In seven or eight minutes, he reached snack street, finding Qian Mingxuan waiting. Together, without drawing attention, they observed, as Qian Mingxuan occasionally filmed with a handheld camera.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.