Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1665

The lights of the high-rise buildings are bright or dim, red or green, reflecting each other like a colorful painting. In the distance, the waters of the Yangtze River and Jialing River sparkle under the lights, like two silver ribbons surrounding the city.

Li Xiao was so shocked by the beautiful scenery that he was speechless. It took him a long time to come back to his senses: "This night view is simply a paradise on earth. I have never seen such a beautiful city night view."

Lin Yifei set up his camera and took long-exposure photos, hoping to perfectly freeze the dreamlike night scene: "With this light and this angle, I must take the most stunning photos of Chongqing's night scene, so that more people can see the charm of this city."

After coming down from the observation deck, they headed to a nearby hot pot restaurant. Before they even entered the restaurant, the rich aroma of butter hit their noses. The restaurant was bustling with people, diners sat around the hot pot, laughing and talking, and the air was filled with a hot breath.

The three of them found an empty seat and sat down, and ordered a classic nine-grid hotpot. The red soup base was bright red and attractive, with the aroma of butter, while the clear soup base was fresh, fragrant and nourishing, and the soup was delicious.

Soon, the dishes were served, including tripe, duck intestines, yellow throat, beef, and county flower. Li Xiao looked at the full table and said excitedly: "Eating hot pot in Chongqing should be so rich, just looking at it is enjoyable." Zhang Yuedong introduced with a smile: "Chongqing hot pot pays attention to 'seven ups and eight downs' to make the tripe the crispiest; the same goes for duck intestines, just simmer it a little, roll it up and you can eat it, it is crispy and tender."

As he spoke, he picked up the chopsticks, picked up a piece of tripe, put it into the red soup pot, and swished it skillfully a few times. The tripe was covered with the spicy soup. When he put it in his mouth, it made a crisp "crunching" sound: "This tripe is too crispy, spicy and fragrant, so addictive!"

Li Xiao also followed Zhang Yuedong's example and started to fry the duck intestines. The duck intestines curled up instantly in the pot. She couldn't wait to take them out, dip them in sesame oil and garlic sauce, and put them in her mouth. The tenderness of the duck intestines and the fragrance of the sauce were perfectly combined, which made her praise it endlessly:
"This duck intestine is absolutely amazing, so tender and tasty. I feel like I can eat a whole plate of it." Lin Yifei was busy taking pictures of the steaming hot pot on the table and his companions who were enjoying the meal. He would pick up a piece of food with chopsticks and put it into his mouth from time to time: "This hot pot is not only delicious, but also looks so appetizing. The photos taken will definitely be very tempting."

After eating hot pot, the three of them went to a nearby open-air teahouse to watch the Sichuan Opera face-changing performance.

In the teahouse, there are simple bamboo chairs, a simple stage in the middle, and a red curtain on the stage, full of Sichuan style. The audience took their seats one after another, ordered a cup of tea in a covered bowl, ate melon seeds, and waited for the performance to begin.

The performance began, an actor in gorgeous costumes walked onto the stage and bowed to the audience. As the exciting gongs and drums sounded, the actor's face changed instantly, from a red face to a black face in the blink of an eye, and the speed of the technique was so fast that it was hard to keep up. The audience applauded and cheered.

Then, the actor changed into several masks one after another: blue face, green face, white face... Each mask was lifelike, representing a different character.

Li Xiao watched without blinking, exclaiming: "This face-changing is too magical, there is no flaw at all, how did the actor do it?" Zhang Yuedong explained with a smile:

"Face-changing in Sichuan Opera is a unique skill, which includes wiping the face, blowing the face, pulling the face and many other techniques. The actors have to undergo a long period of training to perform so skillfully on the stage. This contains the profound Sichuan culture." Lin Yifei quickly pressed the shutter to record this wonderful moment: "This performance is so unique. I must organize the photos when I go back so that everyone can feel the charm of Sichuan Opera face-changing."

After the performance, the three of them went to the specialty store next to the teahouse to pick up Chongqing specialties. The store was filled with a variety of special products, including hot pot base, Chen Mahua, snacks from Ciqikou Ancient Town, and Three Gorges ebony handicrafts.

Li Xiao picked out several packages of hot pot base with different flavors and prepared to take them back to give to relatives and friends: "This Chongqing hot pot is so delicious. Let everyone taste the authentic Chongqing flavor." Zhang Yuedong bought several books about Chongqing's history and culture and some postcards:

"These books and postcards can help me get to know Chongqing better and tell students stories about Chongqing." Lin Yifei bought several mobile phone cases and key chains with Chongqing characteristics to decorate his photography equipment: "These small items are very Chongqing-style. Looking at them reminds me of this unforgettable trip to the mountain city."

With full of joy and harvest, the three returned to the hotel. In the room, Li Xiao lay on the bed, recalling every detail of the day, and said excitedly: "Today's trip to Chongqing is so wonderful. The night view of Hongyadong, the Yangtze River Cableway, hot pot, and the face-changing performances all left a deep impression on me. This city is full of charm."

Zhang Yuedong also nodded in agreement: "Yes, Chongqing has unique natural scenery, profound historical and cultural heritage, and a warm city atmosphere that makes people not want to leave once they come here." Lin Yifei was sorting out the photos in the camera with a satisfied smile on his face:
"There will be more beautiful sights waiting for us tomorrow. Let's go to sleep and get enough rest to continue exploring this magical mountain city." In the night of the mountain city and the anticipation for tomorrow, they gradually fell asleep, and the story of Chongqing is still being written...

Bidding farewell to the passion and enthusiasm of Chongqing, the three of them took a high-speed train to Suzhou, a city full of tenderness and poetry of the Jiangnan water town. Outside the train window, the scenery of Jiangnan unfolded like a poem and a painting, with green fields, winding rivers, and scattered villages, like an ink painting.

Li Xiao's eyes were attracted by the beautiful scenery outside the window, and he couldn't help but sigh: "It is said that Jiangnan is as beautiful as a painting. Now I can see it with my own eyes. The scenery along the way is so charming. I can't imagine how beautiful Suzhou will be."

Zhang Yuedong also smiled and nodded, his eyes full of yearning for the history and culture of Jiangnan: "Suzhou is an ancient city with a history of more than 2,000 years. It is one of the birthplaces of Wu culture. Gardens, ancient towns, silk, Kunqu opera... each one carries a profound heritage. We must appreciate it this time."

Lin Yifei had already adjusted his camera and kept pressing the shutter button, wanting to capture the charm of the Jiangnan water town: "This light, this color, is so touching. I feel like I can take a set of beautiful Jiangnan style photos."

After arriving in Suzhou, they took the subway to their hotel near Pingjiang Road.

After putting down the luggage and taking a short rest, I couldn't wait to go to Pingjiang Road. Pingjiang Road, the most well-preserved ancient street in the ancient city of Suzhou, is like a quiet river of time, flowing with thousands of years of stories. The bluestone road is winding, and on both sides are the Jiangnan folk houses with white walls and black tiles. The mottled walls tell the vicissitudes of time. In front of the house, the river is gurgling, and on the river, a small boat is leisurely passing by, the boatman hums the melodious Jiangnan tune, and the bow cuts through the green water, creating layers of ripples.

Li Xiao strolled along Pingjiang Road, gently touching the ancient walls, and said with emotion: "Walking on this road, I feel that time has slowed down, as if I have traveled back to ancient times, and I can step on traces of history with every step." Zhang Yuedong pointed to an old house on the street and introduced it to his companions:

"Look, the wood carvings and window grilles of this old house are exquisitely crafted, and every detail contains the ingenuity of the ancients. This is the charm of traditional Jiangnan architecture."

Along the way, they saw many specialty shops. They walked into a Suzhou embroidery shop, which was full of exquisite embroidery, flowers, birds, fish, insects, landscapes and figures, lifelike, with delicate needlework and the luster of the silk threads sparkling in the light.

The shop owner enthusiastically introduced: "Suzhou embroidery is one of the four famous embroidery styles in China, known for its fine needlework and elegant colors. A good Suzhou embroidery work often takes the embroiderers months or even years of hard work."

Li Xiao was attracted by a handkerchief embroidered with peonies. The peonies on the handkerchief were so gorgeous and the petals were so overlapping that you could almost smell the fragrance of the flowers. She couldn't put it down and bought it: "This handkerchief is so beautiful, with a strong Jiangnan flavor. I will give it to my friends when I go back, and it will definitely let them feel the beauty of Suzhou."

Tired of walking around, they found a teahouse by the river and sat down, ordering a pot of Biluochun. After a while, the waiter brought the tea set and poured boiling hot water into the teapot. Instantly, the tea fragrance filled the air. Li Xiao took a sip, and the fragrance spread in her mouth, fresh and elegant. She closed her eyes in satisfaction: "This Biluochun is worthy of being a famous tea in Suzhou, with a rich aroma and a mellow taste. After drinking it, I feel refreshed."

Zhang Yuedong picked up the tea cover, gently brushed off the tea foam, and said: "Biluochun is produced in Dongting Mountain, Taihu Lake. Its original name was 'Scary Fragrance'. Emperor Kangxi named it 'Biluochun' during his southern tour. It combines the fragrance of flowers, fruits and tea. It is known as 'one tender and three fresh'. Tender refers to the tenderness of the buds and leaves, and fresh refers to the freshness of color, fragrance and taste."

After drinking tea, they continued walking and came to the Humble Administrator's Garden. Humble Administrator's Garden, a Jiangnan classical garden known as the "Mother of Chinese Gardens", is like a shining pearl, exuding a unique charm.

The garden is centered on water, with pavilions, rockeries, ponds, flowers, plants and trees scattered in an orderly manner. Stepping into the Humble Administrator's Garden is like entering a paradise, isolated from the hustle and bustle of the world.

They walked along the winding path, and the first thing that came into view was Yuanxiang Hall. Yuanxiang Hall was ventilated on all sides, making it particularly cool. In front of the hall, lotus flowers were in full bloom, and the fragrance was fragrant.

Zhang Yuedong introduced: "Yuanxiang Hall is the main building of the Humble Administrator's Garden. It is named after the meaning of 'the fragrance is far away and pure' in Zhou Dunyi's "On the Love of Lotus". It is the most pleasant place to appreciate lotus in summer. You can see the furnishings in this hall, which are simple and generous, integrated with the surrounding natural landscape, and fully demonstrate the elegant taste of Jiangnan literati."

Li Xiao stood in front of the hall, looking at the lotus pond, and took a deep breath: "The lotus flowers are so beautiful. The ancients really knew how to enjoy life. Living in a place like this, with beautiful scenery every day, one must be in a very good mood."

After passing Yuanxiang Hall, we arrived at Xiaofeihong. Xiaofeihong is an exquisite covered bridge, with vermilion railings reflected in the water, like a gorgeous rainbow. Flowers and plants are planted on both sides of the bridge, and the breeze blows, and the fragrance of flowers fills the air.

Lin Yifei quickly found the best shooting angle and pressed the shutter: "This little Feihong is simply a paradise for photography. Whether it is color, composition or light and shadow, it is just right. The photos taken will definitely be beautiful."

Then, they came to Xiangzhou. Xiangzhou is shaped like a cruise ship, with a slightly raised bow and a lightly raised stern, moored at the shore. There are tables and chairs in the cabin for tourists to rest. Li Xiao walked into the cabin and sat down to experience it: "Sitting here, it seems like you are really on a cruise ship, drifting with the water, and enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. The imagination of the ancients was really rich."

Zhang Yuedong smiled and explained: "Xiangzhou is one of the classic landscapes in the Humble Administrator's Garden. It is not only a building, but also a creation of artistic conception, which allows people to experience the fun of boating on the water in the garden."

After visiting the Humble Administrator's Garden, it was almost evening and the three people's stomachs began to growl. They went to a Suzhou restaurant and ordered a few signature dishes.

After a while, the squirrel mandarin fish was served. The fish body was fried golden and crispy, with its head held high and its tail raised, shaped like a squirrel. It was poured with steaming hot marinade, and it instantly made a "squeaking" sound, and the aroma was fragrant. Li Xiao exclaimed: "This dish is simply a work of art. The shape is so beautiful that I can't bear to pick it up." Zhang Yuedong smiled and said:
"Squirrel mandarin fish is one of the representatives of Suzhou cuisine. It is said that Emperor Qianlong tasted it when he went to the south of the Yangtze River and praised it highly. This fish must be made of fresh mandarin fish, which is carefully processed, fried, and then poured with a special marinade to achieve a crispy outside and tender inside, with a sweet and sour taste." Li Xiao picked up a piece of fish and put it in her mouth. The fish was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the marinade was moderately sweet and sour, blending perfectly in her mouth. She gave a thumbs up: "It's really delicious, the taste is amazing!"

Then, Biluochun shrimp was served. The shrimp was crystal clear, plump, and exuded a faint tea fragrance. Lin Yifei picked up a shrimp and put it in his mouth. The shrimp meat was tender and chewy, with a fresh Biluochun aroma. He praised it highly: "The combination of shrimp and Biluochun is so clever. You can taste the deliciousness of the shrimp meat and feel the long-lasting tea fragrance. It is really unique."

After dinner, they came to a Kunqu opera teahouse on Pingjiang Road to enjoy a Kunqu opera performance. The teahouse was decorated in an antique style, with wooden tables and chairs, exquisite carvings, and soft lighting, creating an elegant atmosphere. The audience took their seats one after another, ordered a cup of tea, and waited quietly for the performance to begin.

The performance began, with actors wearing gorgeous costumes and delicate makeup, walking onto the stage with light steps. The melodious sound of the flute sounded, and the actors began to sing in a gentle and delicate voice, as if bringing the audience into a dreamlike world. They performed a classic segment from The Peony Pavilion, where the love story of Du Liniang and Liu Mengmei slowly unfolded on the stage. The actors performed the characters' emotions vividly through their superb performances.

Li Xiao was so mesmerized by the performance that he even forgot to put down the teacup in his hand: "Kunqu Opera is worthy of being the ancestor of all operas. The singing and performance are so charming. Every movement and every look are full of affection, which makes people immersed in it." Zhang Yuedong also nodded in agreement: "Kunqu Opera has a profound cultural heritage. It integrates multiple art forms such as literature, music, dance, and fine arts. It is a treasure of Chinese traditional culture. Actors must receive strict training from a young age to master this skill."