Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1719

After coming out of Balihe Scenic Area, the three people's stomachs were already rumbling. They came to a famous local restaurant to taste the special food of Fuyang. As soon as they entered the restaurant, the rich aroma hit their noses, which greatly increased their appetite.

"Wow, the food here smells so good. I wonder what it tastes like." Li Xiao said.

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said, "We will definitely not be disappointed. Fuyang's food is very famous."

Lin Yifei couldn't wait to open the menu and said, "Let me see if there's anything delicious. I want to have a big meal."

After some discussion, they ordered several Fuyang specialties such as Gela noodles, Taihe flat noodles, Fuyang powder chicken, and beef soup with flower arrangement. Soon, the dishes were served one after another. The first dish served was Gela noodles. The noodles in the bowl were evenly thick and smooth, with a layer of special spicy sauce on top, and some bean sprouts, cucumber shreds and other side dishes, which looked very tempting.

"This is the Gela noodles. They look very appetizing." Li Xiao said, and then he picked up the chopsticks and took a bite. "Well, the noodles are chewy and the sauce is fragrant. It tastes really good."

Zhang Yuedong also tasted it and nodded in agreement: "Yes, this noodle has the chewiness of pasta and a unique wheat flavor. It really lives up to its reputation."

Lin Yifei ate and said: "It's so delicious, I want another bowl."

Then, Taihe Banmian was served. The noodles were smooth and white, and paired with tender green leaves, bright red sauce and various seasonings, it made people salivate. The three of them couldn't wait to eat it. They slurped the noodles in big mouthfuls, and exclaimed in admiration from time to time.

"The taste of this Taihe Ban Mian is so authentic. The noodles are chewy and the臊子 is spicy and delicious. It is so addictive to eat." Li Xiao praised it highly.

Zhang Yuedong also said: "Yes, this Taihe Banmian is indeed a specialty of Fuyang. It is different from any noodles I have eaten before."

While eating, Lin Yifei said: "I think the Taihe Ban Mian and the Gela Noodles have their own characteristics, and they are both very delicious."

In addition to the Gela noodles and Taihe Banmian, the three also praised the Fuyang Pink Chicken and the Arranged Flower Beef Soup. The Fuyang Pink Chicken is soft on the outside and tender on the inside, and paired with the special slightly spicy and slightly numbing sauce, it is unforgettable. The Arranged Flower Beef Soup is famous for its pure taste and long aftertaste. The freshness of the beef and the mellowness of the beef bones are perfectly combined, making people want to drink another bowl after drinking one bowl.

While tasting the food, the three also learned from the boss about the production process and historical culture of these delicacies. They gained a deeper understanding of Fuyang's food culture and felt the charm of Fuyang's food. This sumptuous meal not only satisfied their taste buds, but also made them love the city of Fuyang more deeply.

After eating and drinking, the three of them came to a local square to watch the Yingshang Flower Drum Lantern performance. Yingshang Flower Drum Lantern is one of the three major schools of Anhui Flower Drum Lantern. It is a folk dance that perfectly combines dance, lantern songs, gong and drum music, plot-based duets and group dances, and is known as the "Oriental Ballet".

Many spectators had already gathered in the square, and everyone was looking forward to the performance. Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei found a seat and looked around curiously. The stage was decorated simply and distinctively, with a painting of the Huaihe River as the background, and red lanterns hanging on both sides, full of strong local flavor.

Soon, the performance began. With the sound of clear drums, the Huagudeng performers in brightly colored costumes stepped on the drum beats and swayed in pairs. Their dance was full of dynamics, with a tight and powerful rhythm, full of charm, quick and sharp speed, and frequent changes of postures. The performance was passionate and exciting. The performers were cheerful and excited, and their singing was rough and high-pitched, full of strong local characteristics.

"This Yingshang Huagu Lantern is really wonderful, and the actors' performances are just perfect." Li Xiao said excitedly.

Zhang Yuedong also nodded in agreement: "Yes, I have only seen it on TV before, but I didn't expect it to be so shocking to watch it live. The dance, singing and gongs and drums are perfectly combined, which makes people excited."

Lin Yifei said as he watched: "I think the costumes of the Yingshang Huagudeng are also very distinctive, with bright colors and unique styles, which complement the dance movements."

While watching the performance, the three also learned about the historical origins and current development of Yingshang Huagudeng. The Yingshang Huagudeng originated in the Song Dynasty. After generations of development, it has formed a distribution area with Bengbu, Huainan, Fuyang, Anhui as the center, radiating to more than 20 counties and cities in Henan, Anhui, Shandong, and Jiangsu provinces. In recent years, Yingshang Huagudeng has continuously innovated and has been invited to participate in international art exchange activities many times, presenting the folk culture of the Huaihe River Basin on the world stage.

"I didn't expect that Yingshang Huagu Lantern has such a long history and rich cultural connotations. It's really eye-opening." Li Xiao said with emotion.

Zhang Yuedong also said: "Yes, this intangible cultural heritage is indeed worthy of its reputation. We should pay more attention to and protect these traditional cultures so that they can be passed on."

Lin Yifei said mischievously: "Maybe I can learn to dance the Yingshang Huagudeng in the future, and show it to everyone when I go back."

After the performance, the three were reluctant to leave for a long time, and they were still immersed in the wonderful performance of Yingshang Huagu Lantern. The unique charm of Yingshang Huagu Lantern made them have a deeper love and respect for Fuyang's folk culture, and also added a unique color to their trip to Anhui.

On the last day in Fuyang, the three decided to buy some local specialties to bring back to their relatives and friends. They came to a local specialty market, which was filled with a variety of Fuyang specialties, which was dazzling.

"There are so many local specialties here. What should we buy?" Li Xiao looked at the dazzling array of local specialties, feeling a little overwhelmed.

Zhang Yuedong thought for a moment and said, "I think Fuyang pillow steamed buns and Linquan mustard greens are good. These two specialties are very unique and easy to store and carry."

Lin Yifei also nodded in agreement: "Yes, I have also heard of these two specialties. I will buy some back for my family to try."

So they came to the stall selling Fuyang pillow steamed buns. They were shaped like pillows, about 30 cm long, 15 cm wide, and weighing 1-1.5 kg, and they were called the "king of steamed buns". The buns were golden brown, about 1.5 cm thick, crispy and refreshing; the buns were white, layered, moist and soft, dry but not dry, chewy and soft, and could be stored for several days without getting moldy or hard. Li Xiao picked up a pillow steamed bun, looked at it carefully, and said, "This pillow steamed bun looks really good and smells good. Let's buy a few and take them home."

Zhang Yuedong also said: "Great, this pillow steamed bun has a long history, and there is a legend about it. It is said to be related to the Battle of Shunchang during the Southern Song Dynasty." Lin Yifei asked curiously: "What legend is it? Tell us quickly."

Zhang Yuedong told them the legend of pillow steamed buns: "It is said that in the early years of the Southern Song Dynasty, during the Battle of Shunchang, the Song army fought against the Jin army in Fuyang. It was summer at that time. Although there was a lot of grain in the city, the processing capacity of the stone mill was limited, and the supply of flour was insufficient. Some troops had to eat boiled wheat grains, which led to the spread of diseases. One night, when the Song army generals Liu Qi and Chen Gui were patrolling, they found a soldier chewing a pillow. When they got closer, they found that it was a big steamed bun. The soldier said that this was brought to him by his father, and he could sleep with it as a pillow and chew it to eat. Liu Qi tasted it and thought it tasted good, so he sent people to notify the villages outside the city, and each household steamed pillow steamed buns overnight and sent them to the city to entertain the troops. From then on, the morale of the Song army was greatly boosted, and they finally won the Battle of Shunchang. Since then, making pillow steamed buns has become a unique craft of Fuyang people, and it has been passed down to this day."

After hearing this, Lin Yifei couldn't help but sigh: "I didn't expect that this small pillow steamed bun has such a legendary history. It really broadens my horizons."

Then, they came to the stall selling Linquan mustard greens. Linquan mustard greens are a famous specialty snack in Linquan County, FY City. The mustard greens are shaped like radishes. The leaves can be eaten as dried vegetables, and the roots can be used for pickling. They are crispy, spicy and fragrant, and have a good effect of moistening the lungs, clearing the lungs and reducing internal heat. Li Xiao picked up a bag of Linquan mustard greens, smelled it, and said, "This mustard greens tastes so special, it smells very appetizing."

Zhang Yuedong also said: "Yes, this Linquan mustard greens is pickled just right, with a crisp texture and goes very well with rice."

Lin Yifei said: "Buy a few packs and eat them with meals. They will definitely be delicious."

In addition to Fuyang pillow steamed buns and Linquan mustard greens, they also bought Fangji Sanzi, Taihe Gongchun and other specialties. Fangji Sanzi is thin and contains sesame, with a crisp and crisp taste and a full fragrance; Taihe Gongchun is plump and tender, with a strong fragrance, thick oil, and no wood on the petiole. It is crisp and delicious and extremely nutritious.

The three returned home with bags of local specialties, which not only brought them fond memories of their trip to Fuyang, but also a token of their appreciation to their relatives and friends.

During their stay in Fuyang, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Balihe Scenic Area, tasted Fuyang's special food, felt the folk vitality of Yingshang Huagu Lantern, and bought Fuyang's specialties.

Li Xiao also nodded in agreement: "Yes, every shot needs to be shot repeatedly, and the actors have to put in a lot of effort to present such a wonderful picture."

Lin Yifei smiled and said: "It would be great if I could experience the feeling of filming in person. Maybe I have the potential to be an actor."

After leaving the Qin Palace, the three of them came to the Ming and Qing Palaces Scenic Area. This place was built in a 1:1 ratio of the Forbidden City in Beijing. The architectural style is solemn and majestic, with red walls and yellow tiles, and it is magnificent. Entering the scenic area, it feels like being in the Forbidden City of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, feeling the majesty and luxury of the royal family. They walked along the central axis and visited the main buildings such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Palace of Heavenly Purity, and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. Each palace is well preserved and has exquisite interior decoration, making people feel like traveling back to ancient times.

During the tour, they met a group of tourists wearing ancient costumes, who were taking photos. These tourists were dressed in gorgeous ancient costumes and had exquisite makeup, as if they had traveled from ancient times. Seeing this scene, Lin Yifei was moved: "Let's rent a set of ancient costumes and take some photos as a souvenir."

Li Xiao and Zhang Yuedong also thought this was a good idea, so the three of them went to the ancient costume rental store and picked out their favorite ancient costumes. Li Xiao chose a scholar's outfit, holding a folding fan, looking elegant; Zhang Yuedong wore an official uniform, looking majestic; Lin Yifei chose a knight's outfit, wearing a sword on his waist, looking heroic. After putting on the ancient costumes, the three of them seemed to have become different people, walking on the stone slabs of the Ming and Qing palaces, attracting the attention of the surrounding tourists.

They took photos in front of the palaces and posed in various interesting poses, as if they had really become ancient figures. Sometimes they were scholars reciting poems and painting, sometimes they were officials attending court meetings, and sometimes they were knights traveling the world with swords. They had a lot of fun.

"Haha, I feel like I have traveled through time. It's really fun to take photos in ancient costumes." Lin Yifei said happily.

Zhang Yuedong also smiled and said, "Yes, this photo must be very impressive. I can show it off when I get back."

Li Xiao joked: "Maybe our photos can go viral and become internet celebrities."

Then, the three of them came to the Qingming Shanghe Tu scenic area.

The crabs were plump, with hard shells and fresh meat; the shrimps were tender and tasty, very chewy; the fish had delicate meat and delicious taste; the shellfish were fresh and delicious, leaving a lasting aftertaste.

"This seafood is so delicious, fresh and tasty. It turns out that the seafood at the seaside is the most authentic." Zhang Yuedong praised it while eating.

Lin Yifei also ate with gusto: "Yes, this trip to Putuo Mountain not only allowed me to appreciate the beautiful scenery and experience Buddhist culture, but also to taste such delicious seafood. It was really worth it."

Li Xiao smiled and said, "Everyone, eat more. Only when you are full will you have the energy to continue playing."

After dinner, they took a walk along the beach, enjoying the scenery. As the sun set, the sky was dyed orange-red, and the sea was also reflected red, sparkling, and beautiful. The mountains in the distance looked even more hazy and mysterious under the afterglow of the sunset.

As they walked, they came to a Dharma distribution center. There were all kinds of Buddhist souvenirs here, including Buddha statues, Buddhist beads, incense burners, scriptures, etc. Each one was beautifully made and full of the charm of Buddhist culture. They walked into the store and picked out some souvenirs they liked, ready to take them back to give to their family and friends. Li Xiao chose a string of Buddhist beads, hoping to bring good luck and peace to his family; Zhang Yuedong bought a Buddha statue ornament and placed it at home to remind himself to keep a kind heart at all times; Lin Yifei picked a sutra, planning to study Buddhist knowledge after returning.

"These souvenirs are very meaningful. I can take them back and give them to my family and friends. They will definitely like them." Li Xiao said with satisfaction, holding the Buddhist beads.

Zhang Yuedong also nodded in agreement: "Yes, this is not only a gift, but also a blessing and sustenance."

Lin Yifei smiled and said, "I will study this scripture carefully. Maybe I can understand some truths of life from it."

As the sky gradually darkened, they left Putuo Mountain with a full harvest. On the boat back, the three of them were silent, each immersed in the beautiful memories of the day.