Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Unconsciously, the sun gradually set in the west, and a beautiful sunset glow appeared in the sky. They left the Dalongqiu Scenic Area with full joy and shock, ending the day's trip.

On the way back to the hotel, the three were still excitedly discussing the beautiful scenery they saw today and were full of anticipation for tomorrow's journey.

After returning to Wenzhou from Yandang Mountain, night had already fallen and the lights were on, making the whole city particularly charming. The three of them dragged their slightly tired but still excited bodies and walked on the streets of Wenzhou. The air was filled with the aroma of various delicacies, stimulating their taste buds.

"I'm so hungry after a whole day of shopping. I wonder what kind of special food is waiting for us in Wenzhou." Li Xiao rubbed his stomach and said with anticipation.

Zhang Yuedong smiled and replied, "There are too many. Wenzhou is the capital of gourmet food. Fish ball soup, lantern cake, and glutinous rice are all excellent. Let's try them today."

Lin Yifei also became interested: "I've heard that Wenzhou glutinous rice is very famous, let's go eat this first."

Following the navigation, they came to a small shop called "Ahua Glutinous Rice". The shop looked ordinary, but the long queue at the door showed its popularity.

“This shop must be very authentic, otherwise there wouldn’t be so many people queuing up.” Li Xiao said excitedly as he looked at the long line.

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "That's right, sometimes these inconspicuous little shops hide the most authentic delicacies."

The three of them joined the queue and observed the situation in the store while waiting in line.

The owner was seen skillfully scooping steaming glutinous rice from the big pot, pouring it into a bowl, pouring a spoonful of fragrant gravy on it, and sprinkling a handful of golden and crispy fried dough sticks and green chopped green onions on it. His movements were done in one go, and it was a feast for the eyes.

Finally it was their turn, and the three of them couldn't wait to walk into the store and find a seat to sit down. After a while, three bowls of steaming glutinous rice were served on the table.

"Wow, this glutinous rice looks so tempting!" Li Xiao couldn't help but exclaimed as he looked at the glutinous rice in front of him.

The plump glutinous rice grains are wrapped in rich gravy, exuding an attractive luster. The fried dough sticks and chopped green onions dotted on top add a bit of color.

Zhang Yuedong also picked up the spoon and stirred the glutinous rice to allow the gravy to fully penetrate into every grain of rice, then scooped a spoonful and put it into his mouth.

"Hmm~ This taste, the soft and sticky rice, the fresh and fragrant gravy, and the crispy fried dough sticks, is simply wonderful!" Zhang Yuedong gave a thumbs up while eating.

Lin Yifei also quickly tasted it, and his eyes lit up immediately: "It's really delicious! The gravy is rich in flavor, with a hint of mushroom flavor, and it goes perfectly with the glutinous rice. The fried dough sticks are the finishing touch, adding a layered texture to the taste. It's crunchy when you bite it, so delicious!"

Li Xiao also ate the glutinous rice in big mouthfuls, mumbling: "This is the most delicious glutinous rice I have ever eaten. It is more delicious than I imagined. The glutinous rice I had before can't compare to this at all."

While tasting the glutinous rice, they also asked the owner how to make it. The owner enthusiastically introduced:
"For glutinous rice, the key lies in the selection of glutinous rice and the soaking time. You should choose glutinous rice with full grains and soak it for several hours in advance, so that the steamed glutinous rice will be soft, sticky and chewy.

The gravy is also very particular. Fresh pork should be used, and mushrooms, onions, ginger and other seasonings should be added. It should be slowly boiled to bring out the fragrance. Only then will it taste good when poured on glutinous rice. The crumbs of fried dough sticks must be fried freshly, so they are crispy and delicious. If they are left for a long time, they will not be crispy anymore. "

The three listened with great interest and showed more respect for this bowl of glutinous rice. It turned out that there was so much detail and knowledge behind the seemingly simple bowl of glutinous rice.

"This Wenzhou glutinous rice is not only delicious, but also contains a strong breath of life, allowing people to feel the fireworks of this city." Li Xiao said with emotion.

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, food is the business card of a city. After reading this bowl of glutinous rice, I have a deeper understanding and love for Wenzhou."

Lin Yifei also smiled and said: "This trip to Wenzhou is really worth it. Not only did I enjoy the beautiful scenery, but I also tasted so many delicious foods. It was a great experience."

The three of them shared their interesting experiences and feelings during the trip while tasting the glutinous rice. The laughter and joy echoed in the shop. This bowl of Wenzhou glutinous rice not only filled their stomachs, but also warmed their hearts, becoming an unforgettable and beautiful memory of their journey.

On the last night in Wenzhou, the three heard that there was an Ou opera performance in the local area. For them who love culture, this is an opportunity not to be missed. They arrived at the performance venue early, an antique theater. The theater was full, and everyone was waiting for the performance to begin with great anticipation.

"I heard that Ou Opera is a traditional opera in Wenzhou with a long history. Today I can finally see it with my own eyes." Li Xiao said excitedly.

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, Ou Opera is mainly sung in Wenzhou Luantan tune, and also sings in six other tunes, including Gaoqiang, Kunqiang, Huidiao, Tanhuang, and Shidiao. It is one of the ancient Chinese operas with multiple tunes, and it is worth watching."

Lin Yifei is also full of expectations: "Moreover, the performance of Ou Opera is very distinctive, with equal emphasis on singing and acting, and both literary and martial arts. I can't wait."

The performance officially began with the sound of melodious stringed instruments. On the stage, actors appeared in gorgeous costumes. Their makeup was exquisite, and their eyes and eyebrows revealed a unique charm.

The first performance was an excerpt from the classic Ou Opera "Gao Ji and Wu Sanchun".

The story tells of the love between Gao Ji, a silk weaver, and Wu Sanchun, a rich lady, but Wu's father opposes their relationship. After many hardships, they finally reunite. The actors' performances are delicate and moving, showing the deep friendship between Gao Ji and Wu Sanchun vividly.

The actor who played Gao Ji had a high and clear voice, and his singing was melodious and graceful. Every note seemed to carry the power of emotion, deeply touching the hearts of the audience. The actor who played Wu Sanchun had a graceful figure, lively eyes, and every frown and smile was full of charm. She portrayed Wu Sanchun's gentleness, kindness, bravery and perseverance to the core.

"This actor's singing skills are so great. Every word he sings is so charming. I am mesmerized by it." Li Xiao couldn't help but admire.

Zhang Yuedong also nodded and said, "Yes, their performance is really wonderful, and they show the characters' emotions and personalities very well.

Moreover, the singing style of Ou Opera is really unique, integrating a variety of vocal styles, which sounds quite unique.”

Lin Yifei stared at the stage and said, "I think their movements are very graceful, every move is very particular, and full of the charm of opera." During the performance, the actors also demonstrated the unique performance techniques of Ou Opera, such as "playing with teeth", "shaking hair" and "kicking shoes".

The actor who played the villain had four long fangs in his mouth. As the plot developed, the fangs turned and stretched flexibly in his mouth, sometimes tilted upwards and sometimes bent downwards, which was thrilling to watch.

"Hair shaking" is when an actor quickly shakes his hair to show the character's inner pain, anger or excitement. The actor's hair flies like a black waterfall, matching his expression and movements to fully display the character's emotions.

The "kicking shoes" is even more amazing. The actor kicks the shoes into the air, then catches them accurately with his feet, and then performs various difficult movements, such as standing on one leg and spinning, which makes people applaud his superb skills.

"These performance skills are so amazing. They must have practiced for a long time." Li Xiao said in surprise.

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, opera actors have solid basic skills. They have put in a lot of effort to present wonderful performances to the audience. These performance skills are not only a form of artistic expression, but also an important part of Ou opera culture."

Lin Yifei also said with emotion: "Through this performance, I have a deeper understanding and knowledge of Ou Opera. It is really a very unique art."

In addition to the wonderful performances, the stage layout of Ou Opera is also very exquisite. Although there is only a simple table and two chairs on the stage, various scenes can be created through the performances of the actors and the use of props.

For example, an actor holding a horse whip can make the audience feel that he is riding a horse through simple movements and expressions;

The actors waved their fans to show that the characters were strolling, admiring flowers or enjoying the cool breeze, etc. This virtual performance method left the audience with rich imagination and allowed them to integrate more deeply into the plot.

"This virtual performance method is really interesting. Although there is no real scene on the stage, through the actors' performances, I can feel as if I am in the scene," said Li Xiao with a smile.

Zhang Yuedong also said: "Yes, this is the charm of opera. It creates a colorful art world through the performances of actors and the imagination of the audience. Although the stage setting of Ou Opera is simple, it contains profound cultural connotations and makes people have endless aftertastes."

Lin Yifei went on to say: "I think this way of performing also reflects the wisdom of traditional Chinese culture. It is really remarkable to express profound emotions and complex scenes in a simple way."

The whole performance was brilliant, with one climax after another, and the audience's applause and cheers were continuous.

On the last morning in Wenzhou, the three of them came to the Wuma Historical and Cultural District, where they could not only feel the historical charm of Wenzhou, but also buy local specialties. In the district, antique buildings were scattered in an orderly manner, and shops on both sides of the street were full of various Wenzhou-style goods. The shouts and laughter were intertwined, making it very lively.

"The atmosphere here is so lively, and it feels like everywhere is filled with the flavor of Wenzhou." Li Xiao looked around excitedly, with curiosity flashing in his eyes.

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, and the specialties here must be authentic. Let's pick them carefully."

Lin Yifei had already been attracted by the cakes displayed at the door of a shop, and walked over quickly: "Come and see, there are white elephant cakes here!"

Li Xiao and Zhang Yuedong hurriedly followed, only to see that the store was filled with various beautifully packaged White Elephant Cakes, some in traditional paper boxes as well as in exquisite iron boxes, all printed with Wenzhou-style patterns, which looked very festive.

"Boss, how is this White Elephant Cake made?" Li Xiao asked the owner curiously.

The shop owner enthusiastically introduced: "This white elephant cake is a traditional delicacy in Wenzhou, with a history of more than 100 years.

Its production process is not simple. First, you have to wash and dry the pure glutinous rice and black sesame seeds, and then stir-fry them separately in an iron wok. The heat and time have to be controlled well, otherwise the taste will be wrong.

After frying, grind it into powder. Then mix glutinous rice flour and soft sugar evenly to make the outer skin. For the filling, mix glutinous rice flour, sesame powder, soft sugar, orange cake, maltose and other ingredients evenly. The color is dark brown.

After it is done, spread the glutinous rice flour on the bottom and around the frame, put the filling in the middle, flatten it, add the mark, cut it into small pieces with a blade, and steam it in a steamer for a few minutes. The white elephant cake made in this way is white in color, sweet in taste, soft and crispy, and very popular. "

After hearing this, the three of them could not help but admire this small fragrant cake. It turned out that there was such a complicated production process behind it. Li Xiao picked up a box of fragrant cakes, opened the package, took out a piece, put it in his mouth, and chewed it gently.

The fragrant cake melts in your mouth. The sweetness of glutinous rice, the aroma of sesame, and the unique flavors of tangerine cake and maltose spread instantly in your mouth. It is sweet but not greasy, and leaves you with an endless aftertaste.

"Well, this White Elephant Cake is really delicious. It's soft and crispy, with a rich flavor. It's full of the taste of Wenzhou." Li Xiao praised it while eating.

Zhang Yuedong also tasted a piece and nodded, saying, "Indeed, the taste of this fragrant cake is very unique, different from any cake I've eaten before. No wonder it has been passed down for so many years."

Lin Yifei smiled and said, "Let's buy a few more boxes of delicious cakes and bring them back for our family and friends to try."

So they picked out a few boxes of White Elephant Cakes, strolled around the block, and bought some other Wenzhou specialties, such as Wenzhou fish cakes, Pingyang Huangtang tea, etc.

Wenzhou fish cakes are tender, fresh but not fishy, ​​low in fat, and chewy. They can be eaten directly, cooked in soup, or used in stir-fries. Pingyang Huangtang Tea is one of the four traditional yellow teas in China. It has thin and slender leaves, yellow-green color, bright orange-yellow soup, clear and sharp aroma, fresh and mellow taste, and tender and even leaves that leave a lingering fragrance on the lips and teeth.

"I am so happy to come to Wenzhou this time. Not only did I enjoy the magnificent scenery of Yandang Mountain and taste all kinds of delicious food, but I also learned about so many interesting cultures and specialties." Li Xiao looked at the specialties in his hand with a satisfied smile on his face.

Zhang Yuedong also said with emotion: "Yes, Wenzhou is a very charming city. It has both the wonders of nature and a profound historical and cultural heritage. It really makes people reluctant to leave."

Lin Yifei nodded and said, "But all good things must come to an end. Our journey continues, and there will definitely be different surprises waiting for us at the next stop." (End of this chapter)