Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1752

The three of them finished the sumptuous dinner with laughter and left the restaurant with a full sense of happiness and good memories of Yan'an cuisine. The cuisine of this city has been deeply imprinted in their hearts and has become the most unforgettable part of their trip.

During their stay in Yan'an, the three heard that Ansai waist drum was a unique local folk performance, so they couldn't wait to go and watch it. The performance venue was located in a spacious square, surrounded by spectators, and everyone was looking forward to the start of this visual feast.

"I didn't expect so many people would come to watch the Ansai waist drum performance. It seems it is really popular." Li Xiao said as he looked for a viewing spot.

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, I heard that Ansai waist drum is known as the 'best drum in the world' and has a unique charm. I must appreciate it today."

Lin Yifei also said with anticipation: "I can't wait to experience the stunning scene. It is said that the waist drum players are all strong men from northern Shaanxi. They play the drums with great momentum."

At this moment, a burst of exciting drum beats sounded, and a group of men from northern Shaanxi dressed in bright clothes walked onto the stage with vigorous steps. They tied red waist drums around their waists, held drumsticks in their hands, and their eyes revealed heroism and confidence. The leader was a middle-aged man, who raised the drumsticks high and shouted loudly: "Guys, cheer up and let everyone see the power of our Ansai waist drum!"

At the command, the drummers began to dance. Their movements were vigorous and full of strength. The drumsticks collided violently with the drumheads, making a deafening sound that seemed to break through the sky. Every drum beat was like the rhythm of a heartbeat, strong and powerful, making people's blood boil.

"Look, their movements are so coordinated!" Li Xiao said excitedly, pointing at the stage. "Every drum beat is just right. It feels like their bodies and the drums have become one."

Zhang Yuedong was also deeply attracted by the scene in front of him, staring at the stage without blinking: "Yes, the rhythm is so strong that I feel my heartbeat is beating with the drums. The power and passion of these drummers are really shocking."

Lin Yifei could not help but exclaimed: "This Ansai waist drum is indeed worthy of its reputation and is worthy of being an artistic treasure on the Loess Plateau. It is not only a performance, but also a symbol of spirit, showing the heroism and tenacity of the people of northern Shaanxi."

The performance of the drummers became more and more exciting. They sometimes jumped and sometimes spun, with large movements but in unison. Their faces were filled with warm smiles, and sweat slid down their foreheads, glittering in the sunlight. They used their bodies and drumsticks to interpret the story of the Loess Plateau, conveying the love of life and vision of the future of the people of northern Shaanxi.

The performance reached its climax, the drummers' movements became more intense, and the drum beats became more rapid. The atmosphere on the scene was pushed to its peak, and the audience cheered and applauded. Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei were also infected by the warm atmosphere. They clapped and shouted loudly to the rhythm, as if they had become part of the performance.

"What a great Ansai waist drum!" Li Xiao shouted excitedly, "This is the most wonderful performance I have ever seen, no doubt about it!"

Zhang Yuedong also echoed loudly: "Yes, this momentum and power are really exciting! I feel that my soul has been awakened by this Ansai waist drum."

Lin Yifei said with emotion: "This performance gave me a deeper understanding and knowledge of northern Shaanxi culture. Ansai waist drum is not only an art form, but also the spiritual sustenance of the people of northern Shaanxi. It carries the history and culture of this land and makes people feel a strong vitality."

The Ansai waist drum performance slowly came to an end amid the passionate drum beats and cheers of the audience. But the shocking scene and the passionate drum beats lingered in the hearts of the three people for a long time, becoming the most unforgettable memory of their trip to Yan'an.

On the last day in Yan'an, the three of them came to the local specialty market, ready to pick out some gifts with Yan'an characteristics to take back. As soon as they entered the market, the lively scene came to their faces, with shouts and bargaining sounds coming one after another, and a variety of specialty products were dazzling.

The first thing that caught their attention was the plump and rosy Yanchuan red dates on the stall. Under the sunlight, these red dates sparkled with an attractive luster, like rubies. Li Xiao picked up a red date and took a bite. The sweet juice instantly spread in her mouth. She couldn't help but exclaimed: "This Yanchuan red date is really as good as its reputation. It's sweet and crispy. It's so delicious!"

Zhang Yuedong also picked up a red date and looked at it carefully: "I heard that the Yanchuan red dates have a history of more than 3,000 years of cultivation. The unique natural environment here makes the red dates large, bright in color, thin in skin, thick in flesh, small in core, mellow in taste, and high in nutritional value."

Lin Yifei smiled and said, "Then we have to buy more and bring them back for our family and friends to try, so that they can also experience the taste of Yan'an."

So, the three of them picked a few bags of high-quality Yanchuan red dates. The stall owner enthusiastically introduced to them how to preserve and eat the red dates: "These red dates can be stored at room temperature. You can eat them directly, or use them to cook porridge and stew soup. They are very effective in replenishing qi and blood."

After leaving the red date stall, they were attracted by the colorful and unique Ansai peasant paintings. These paintings hung on the stalls formed a beautiful landscape. Most of the paintings depicted the local customs and people of northern Shaanxi, including the lively scenes of waist drums, the figures of farmers working, the cave dwellings and landscapes of northern Shaanxi, etc. Each painting was full of rich life atmosphere and simple emotions.

Li Xiao stood in front of a peasant painting of Ansai waist drum and stared at it for a long time: "The colors of these paintings are so bright, the composition is also unique, and full of imagination. It feels like each painting is telling a story."

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, Ansai peasant paintings are known as the 'Picasso of the East'. They incorporate elements of folk art such as paper cutting and embroidery, and have a unique artistic charm."

Lin Yifei was very interested in art. He started chatting with the stall owner: "Master, did you draw all these paintings yourself?"

The stall owner proudly replied: "Yes, I have loved painting since I was a child. These paintings are all created by me based on the life and folk customs of northern Shaanxi. Ansai peasant paintings emphasize bold imagination, free creation, and using colors and lines to express inner emotions."

The three were deeply attracted by the Ansai peasant paintings and each chose a painting they liked. Li Xiao chose a painting depicting life in a cave in northern Shaanxi, Zhang Yuedong chose a painting depicting a scene of Xintianyou in northern Shaanxi, and Lin Yifei bought a painting showing an Ansai waist drum performance. They rolled up the painting carefully, as if they were cherishing a precious memory.

In addition to Yanchuan red dates and Ansai peasant paintings, they also bought Wuqi buckwheat vinegar, Ganquan dried tofu and other specialties. Wuqi buckwheat vinegar is brewed using traditional techniques and has a mellow taste, sour and delicious; Ganquan dried tofu has a delicate texture, strong bean fragrance and rich nutrition. Each specialty made them feel the unique food culture and local customs of Yan'an.

"I bought so many meaningful specialties in Yan'an this time. I must share them with everyone when I return." Li Xiao said happily. Zhang Yuedong looked at the specialties in his hand and said with a smile: "These specialties are not only gifts, but also the inheritance of Yan'an's red culture and folk culture. They carry our beautiful memories of this city."

Lin Yifei nodded in agreement: "Yes, next time we have the chance, we will come to Yan'an again to explore more red footprints and folk customs."

The three left the specialty market with a lot of harvest. They are about to embark on a new journey, go to the next city, continue their travel adventure, feel the unique charm of different places, and write their own wonderful stories.

With full harvest and reluctance, the three set off on their return journey. On the plane, they looked out the window at the Shaanxi land gradually going away, feeling a lot of emotion in their hearts.

Li Xiao broke the silence: "This trip to Shaanxi is really unforgettable. Every city has its own unique charm, which made me feel different customs and cultures."

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, the historical heritage of Xi'an, the bronze culture of Baoji, and the red spirit of Yan'an all left a deep impression on me. And the delicious food makes me drool just thinking about it now."

Lin Yifei said with a smile: "Not only that, we also enjoyed wonderful folk performances and bought so many unique specialties. This trip is like a feast of culture and food, which opened my eyes."

Li Xiao recalled the shocking scene when he visited the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, saying: "The Terracotta Warriors are really spectacular. The huge array of terracotta warriors seemed to remind me of the majestic posture of Qin Shihuang sweeping across the six kingdoms. Standing there, I seemed to travel through time and space and have an intimate contact with history."

Zhang Yuedong was also immersed in memories: "There are also the community fire performances in Baoji. The lively scene and the exciting gong and drum sounds are still echoing in my ears. The enthusiasm and vitality of those actors made me feel the unique charm of folk art."

Lin Yifei went on to say: "The Ansai waist drum in Yan'an is also unforgettable to me. The shocking drum sounds and powerful movements fully demonstrate the heroism and tenacity of the people of northern Shaanxi. And the Hukou Waterfall, the rushing Yellow River water, seems to be the spiritual symbol of the Chinese nation, which makes me feel awe."

The three of them talked and shared every bit of their journey, and those beautiful memories kept playing in their minds like a movie. They knew that this trip to Shaanxi was not just a simple journey, but also a spiritual baptism and cultural inheritance.

Shaanxi, this ancient and magical land, with its rich history and culture, magnificent natural scenery, unique folk customs and delicious specialties, has left them with an indelible impression. Every scenic spot, every kind of food, every performance, and every specialty here carries a profound cultural heritage and strong regional characteristics, making them full of nostalgia and reluctance to leave this land.

The plane gradually went away, and the outline of Shaanxi gradually blurred in their sight, but the three knew that this unforgettable journey would always remain in their hearts and become the most precious wealth in their lives. They looked forward to the next trip, looking forward to more beautiful encounters, and continuing to write their wonderful stories.

Time flies, and in a blink of an eye, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei's trip in GD Province is coming to an end. In this journey full of joy and surprises, they have experienced the ancient charm of Guangzhou, the dynamic of Shenzhen, the romance of Zhuhai and the historical charm of Shaoguan. Each city has left them with an indelible impression.

On the day of the return trip, the sun was still bright, shining on their smiling faces. The three of them sat in the car, looking at the scenery that was constantly receding outside the window, feeling reluctant to leave, but more of a recollection of this trip.

"This trip is so wonderful. Every place has its unique charm. I don't want to go back." Li Xiao leaned back in his seat with a satisfied smile on his face.

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said: "Yes, along the way we not only enjoyed the beautiful scenery and tasted various delicacies, but also felt the cultural atmosphere of different cities. It was a great harvest."

Lin Yifei also nodded in agreement: "And we have experienced so many interesting things together. I will cherish these memories forever."

They began to recall every detail of their trip, from the moment they climbed up Baiyun Mountain to overlook Guangzhou City, to seeing the famous places around the world at Window of the World, from the close contact with cute marine animals at Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, to marveling at the wonders of nature at Danxia Mountain. Every moment seemed to be right in front of them, filling their hearts with warmth and emotion.

"Do you still remember eating rice rolls in Guangzhou? The taste makes me drool just thinking about it now." Li Xiao said with a smile.

Zhang Yuedong couldn't help laughing, "Yes, there is also the Guangming pigeon from Shenzhen, the skin is crispy and the meat is tender, it's really delicious."

Lin Yifei went on to say: "The Hengqin oysters in Zhuhai are also good. The delicious oyster meat paired with minced garlic is simply a delicacy."

In addition to the food, they also recalled the wonderful performances and unique cultural experiences. The beautiful singing of Cantonese opera, the lively scenes of dragon and lion dances, and the fireworks show of the Ocean Defense War all made them feel the rich cultural heritage of Guangdong.

"The Cantonese opera performance was so wonderful. The actors' singing and acting skills were admirable," Li Xiao exclaimed.

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "There are also dragon and lion dances. Watching those performers dancing the dragons and lions flexibly, I seem to see the charm of traditional culture."

Lin Yifei also said: "The fireworks show of the Ocean Defense War opened my eyes. The gorgeous fireworks and wonderful performances were simply a visual feast."

In the process of reminiscing, they also took out their mobile phones to look through the photos and videos of the trip. Those beautiful scenery and happy smiles were all frozen in the camera and became their most precious memories.