32 (ii)

                                    

                                          
Xiao He handed out disposable gloves to everyone, then broke off a chicken leg first, smiling as she offered it to Huo Mianmian: "Here, little one gets special treatment, you can have the chicken leg."
Huo Mianmian didn't take it but looked at Lin Yi, clearly seeking his opinion.
Lin Yi told him, "Eat it, and thank the pretty sister."
After hearing Lin Yi's words, Huo Mianmian reached out to take the chicken leg, then in his soft, childlike voice, quietly thanked Xiao He: "Thank you, pretty sister."
Xiao He, upon hearing this, became so excited that she almost clasped her hands to her chest and cheered.
What an adorable little one!
Not only is he cute, but why does he have such a pleasant voice too?
Xiao He restrained herself before saying to Huo Mianmian, "No need to be polite, if you need anything, just ask me, okay?"
Xiao He, usually not a timid person, spoke with vigor and vitality, but now, to please Huo Mianmian, she spoke in a gentle, almost drippingly sweet voice.
Her companions laughed and said, "Xiao He, I didn't know you could be so gentle."
Xiao He huffed, "What do you know? When faced with such a cute little one, I wouldn't even dare speak loudly!"
Amidst laughter, everyone began eating the beggar's chicken.
Since Lin Yi was new and exceptionally handsome, he also received a chicken leg by exception.
There were only four chicken legs in total, and they each took one.
One of the boys joked, "Well, now I understand the benefits of being good-looking."
Another teased him, "Why didn't your parents make you look better?"
He laughed, "Can't help it, I wasn't born to be a handsome guy!"
Amid the laughter, Lin Yi took a bite of the chicken leg.
He finally got to taste the legendary beggar's chicken.
The chicken was incredibly tender and flavorful; every bite was smooth and required little chewing.
Moreover, because the outer layer of clay was mixed with alcohol during roasting, the chicken had a subtle alcohol flavor, making it even more unique.
In addition, the chicken absorbed flavors from ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, creating a rich and satisfying texture.
After finishing one chicken leg, Lin Yi was given some other pieces of meat.
Overall, this meal was very satisfying.
Initially strangers, they all became familiar with each other after sharing a meal of beggar's chicken.
At this point, Xiao He said mysteriously, "I brought some specialties from my hometown. Would anyone like to try them?"
Everyone was intrigued by her mysterious demeanor and nodded in agreement.
Soon, Xiao He left briefly and returned carrying a heavy-looking box.
Someone asked, "What kind of specialty did you bring? Why is it in a box?"
Xiao He smiled, "Don't ask, you'll see soon. Let's find a table first, preferably a square one, and a large one."
Finally, they arrived at a pavilion.
Inside the pavilion was a large square stone table surrounded by four stone stools, meeting their requirements perfectly.
Xiao He then revealed the specialty she had been hiding.