Chapter 34 Eating hot pot
Jiang Zhiyu pondered for a moment and said, "Dad, Second Uncle, what you said makes sense. But I think that instead of splitting up, we should work together to solve the current predicament of the family."
Qi Zimo said, "That's right. We can start from the following aspects: first, strengthen the family industry and increase profits; second, improve interpersonal relationships within the mansion and reduce internal fighting; third, cultivate a new generation of successors and prepare for the long-term development of the family."
Liu Mengmeng added: "At the same time, we can also seek support from the court and strive for more preferential policies."
Jiang Haolin and Jiang Haowen's brows relaxed slightly when they heard this.
In the study room of the Jiang residence, sunlight shone through the window onto the table, illuminating a golden hue. Jiang Zhiyu, Qi Zimo, Liu Mengmeng, and Jiang Haolin and Jiang Haowen sat together, discussing the future of the family.
Jiang Zhiyu pondered for a moment, looked up at everyone, and said in a firm tone: "Since we already have a preliminary plan, then we need to divide the work and implement it."
Jiang Haolin nodded in agreement and continued, "Zhi Yu is right. We must each perform our duties and work together. I will be responsible for the adjustment and optimization of the family business to ensure stable growth in profits."
Philip Keung also stated, "As for interpersonal relationships within the family, I will personally take care of it to ensure family harmony and reduce infighting. At the same time, I will also pay attention to the growth of family members and train a new generation of successors."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Jiang Zhiyu smiled and said, "Okay, it's settled then. From today on, we will work together to strive for the prosperity of our family."
After the discussion, everyone got up and left, each going about their own business.
In the study, Jiang Zhiyu was the only one left, deep in thought.
There is only one night left before the month-long vacation ends.
Jiang Zhiyu, Liu Mengmeng and Qi Zimo returned to the Imperial College chatting and laughing. On the way, they had discussed how to solve the dinner problem, which was to call the other seven classmates in class to have hotpot together!
The idea of having hotpot in the evening was first proposed by Liu Mengmeng. Qi Zimo was the first to raise his hand to express his agreement, and Jiang Zhiyu was drooling the most.
The six boys went to the kitchen to borrow pots, bowls, chopsticks and other things, while the four girls were responsible for going to the market to buy vegetables and meat.
As the sun sets, in the backyard of the Imperial College, six male disciples Liao Zhen, Xu Guokun, Zou Ting, Hu Jiahong, Kang Yining and Zhang Anjie are busy shuttling back and forth in the kitchen. Their figures appear particularly busy under the dim light.
"Xu Guokun, look at this pot, can it burn more vigorously?" Liao Zhen picked up a pot and asked Xu Guokun.
Xu Guokun came forward, took a closer look, and nodded, "Yes, this pot looks good, it should be able to produce enough fire."
"Then let's choose this." Qi Zimo put the pot aside and turned to the others, "Who will borrow bowls, chopsticks and plates?"
"Me!" Kang Yining immediately raised his hand. "I'm going to the Imperial College's study to borrow some books. I'll take the bowls, chopsticks and plates with me."
"Okay, then you should bring more so that there won't be enough." Qi Zimo nodded in response.
Kang Yining ran to the study and came back with a pile of bowls, chopsticks and plates. He put these things on the table and everyone started to get busy.
"Qi Zimo, do you feel that eating hotpot tonight is more lively than usual?" Zou Ting asked with a smile while wiping the dishes.
"Yes, it feels like a small banquet." Qi Zimo responded with a smile, "And there are beautiful women accompanying us, isn't it wonderful?"
"Haha, then we have to treat them well." Xu Guokun smiled and patted Qi Zimo's shoulder, "When they come back later, we have to prepare hot pot."
"That's a must." Hu Jiahong said, "I've already started imagining the taste of the hot pot. I can't wait."
"Stop talking, the hot pot base is not ready yet," Zhang Anjie reminded.
"Yes, yes, I have to prepare the base ingredients." Zou Ting put down the bowl and chopsticks in his hands, turned and walked towards the storage room.
On the other side, at the market, Jiang Zhiyu, Liu Mengmeng and Xiao Wen were selecting fresh ingredients.
"This beef looks good, and the meat is tender." Jiang Zhiyu picked up a piece of beef and said to Liu Mengmeng.
"Yeah, it's really good." Liu Mengmeng responded with a smile, "Let's buy this one."
"We also have mutton. Do you want to buy some?" Xiao Wen pointed to the mutton stall.
"We want mutton too. Let's have a mutton hotpot. It should taste good." Jiang Zhiyu said excitedly.
"Good idea!" Liu Mengmeng nodded in agreement.
The three of them picked out their ingredients and started to pay. The stall owner was an old man with a smile on his face. He looked at the three young female disciples and said with a smile, "Girls, are you going to have a hot pot feast tonight?"
"Yes, we are going to eat hotpot with our classmates." Jiang Zhiyu replied with a smile.
"Then you must prepare well. I'll recommend you some side dishes. I guarantee you'll enjoy your meal tonight." The old man recommended enthusiastically.
"Thank you, we will definitely prepare well." Jiang Zhiyu said gratefully.
The three of them bought some food and walked back with their things. On the way, they talked and laughed, completely forgetting their tiredness.
As night fell, smoke from the hot pot rose in the backyard of the Imperial College. Six male disciples had already set up the pot, the fire was burning, the base ingredients in the pot were boiling, and an alluring aroma was emanating.
"Jiang Zhiyu, Liu Mengmeng, Xiao Wen, you are back!" Qi Zimo shouted happily when he saw them come back.
"Here we come!" The three put down the food in their hands and ran to the fire.
"Look, how about the hot pot we prepared?" Qi Zimo asked with a smile, pointing at the pot next to the fire.
"Wow, it smells so good!" Jiang Zhiyu couldn't help swallowing.
"Let's get started!" Liu Mengmeng picked up her chopsticks and excitedly directed everyone. "The base of the pot is already boiling, everyone quickly put the prepared ingredients in."
Following Liu Mengmeng's instructions, Jiang Zhiyu carefully put the beef and mutton into the hot pot, Liu Mengmeng arranged the vegetables and tofu one by one, and Xiao Wen was responsible for placing the prepared seasonings and dipping sauces on the table.
The six boys divided the work among themselves. Some were responsible for turning the ingredients to ensure that they were evenly heated; some were responsible for adding various seasonings to make the hot pot more fragrant; and others were responsible for observing the heat to ensure that the hot pot would not burn.
Jiang Zhiyu, Liu Mengmeng and Xiao Wen were enjoying the hot pot "performance" on the side. From time to time, they picked up ingredients and put them into the bowls in front of them, ready to dip them in the sauce and enjoy them.
Soon, the ingredients in the pot began to change color and the aroma filled the air. Everyone began to taste this homemade hot pot with satisfied smiles on their faces.
"This hot pot tastes so good, it's better than what we eat outside!" Jiang Zhiyu exclaimed while eating.