Sludge suction system

Fang Xiaobei and Xia Zhi dragged their heavy steps back from the market. It was already dusk, and the sky was dyed orange-red, as if ignited by the hustle and bustle of the market. They remained silent the whole way, each lost in their own thoughts.

Back home, Fang Xiaobei went straight to her spice room, which was filled with a mysterious atmosphere. The room was small, located in a corner of the courtyard, and was quiet all around, with only the rustling sound of the breeze through the windowpanes. Inside, there were rows of old wooden shelves filled with spice bottles and jars of various shapes and colors. Sunlight shone through the mottled window paper, casting colorful light on these bottles and jars.

Xia Zhi followed closely behind, closing the door behind her to completely shut out the noise from the outside world. She looked around, noticing Fang Xiaobei's slightly forlorn figure in the dim light, and gently walked over, patted Fang Xiaobei's shoulder, and said earnestly, "Xiaobei, we can't let those upsetting things affect us. This competition is a great opportunity for us to prove ourselves. We must create a spice formula that will amaze everyone."

Fang Xiaobei took a deep breath, nodded slightly, and turned to walk to the wooden table piled with books and bamboo slips. On the table were several packets of spices they had carefully selected from the market, each packet carrying their hopes. She gently untied the string of one of the packets, and a fresh and unique fragrance instantly filled the air, as if dispelling some of the gloom that lingered in her heart.

Xia Zhi stepped forward, picked up a packet of bay leaves, and gently sniffed it, her eyes revealing a hint of excitement: "Xiao Bei, look at these bay leaves, they're so good in color and have such a pure taste. I think we can start with these newly found spices and try some combinations we've never tried before. Maybe we'll get some unexpected results."

A glint of light flashed in Fang Xiaobei's eyes. She picked up a brush and began writing rapidly on the bamboo slips in front of her. Because the surface of the bamboo slips was uneven, she was extra careful with her strokes, writing each character neatly and forcefully. As she wrote, she said, "Hmm, you're right. I've read some theories about spice combinations in ancient books before. Perhaps we can combine them with these new spices to create something new. For example, this packet of basil leaves has a rich and unique flavor. If we combine it with the lemongrass we usually use, plus a touch of cardamom..."

Xia Zhi watched Fang Xiaobei write intently, nodding slightly from time to time. After Fang Xiaobei finished speaking, she immediately chimed in, "Yes, and we also need to adjust the proportions of spices according to different cooking methods. For example, roasted dishes might need more drought-resistant spices like rosemary and thyme, so that their aroma can be better released at high temperatures; while stewed dishes can benefit from adding more rich and long-lasting spices like cloves and cinnamon. What do you think?"

Fang Xiaobei's eyes brightened even more. Excitedly, she drew some simple diagrams on the bamboo slips, marking the characteristics of various spices and possible combinations: "Xia Zhi, I think that's absolutely right! We also have to consider the judges' taste preferences. Most of the judges in this competition come from different regions, and their tastes are definitely different. We need to create a dish that can showcase our unique creativity while also catering to the general public's taste. This won't be easy, but I believe we can definitely do it!"

Xia Zhi clenched her fists and said with great enthusiasm, "Of course! Xiao Bei, we'll put all our effort into this these next few days, trying different things and making improvements. I refuse to believe that with our skills, we can't earn the title of 'God of Cookery'."

By this time, the sky outside the window had completely darkened, and inside the room, only a dim oil lamp on the table flickered and danced, illuminating the focused and determined faces of the two people.

Fang Xiaobei and Xia Zhi, filled with anticipation, solemnly carried the various spices they had carefully selected from the spice room into the small kitchen, which was filled with the warm aroma of cooking. The kitchen wasn't spacious; the walls, weathered by time and the smoke from countless cooking fires, had a rustic, deep black patina, as if silently bearing witness to countless stories of culinary creations. A heavy, old-fashioned iron pot sat steadily on the stove, its rim gleaming with a dark sheen. Next to it, neatly stacked were some rough earthenware bowls and plates, their rough surfaces radiating a rustic yet captivating charm under the dim light. A faint, lingering aroma of rice, mixed with a hint of the unique smoky scent of burning firewood, filled the air, stirring a sense of longing and tranquility for delicious food.

Xia Zhi walked briskly to the stove with practiced ease, slowly squatted down, squinted slightly, and gently blew on the still-smoldering embers in the firebox. Instantly, the orange-red flames illuminated her face, making her eyes exceptionally bright and bathing the entire kitchen in warmth and light. She stood up, reached for a bundle of dry firewood she had prepared, and carefully placed it into the firebox. With the addition of the firewood, the fire gradually grew stronger.

Fang Xiaobei stood quietly before the cutting board, her expression focused and solemn. Her slender fingers gently picked up a small handful of fresh, vibrant green basil leaves, slowly bringing them to her nose and deeply inhaling their rich and unique fragrance. The refreshing aroma made her involuntarily close her eyes slightly, a look of rapture appearing on her face. She seemed to be meticulously envisioning the exquisite flavor of the "Lemongrass Chicken" dish that would soon unfold in her mind. Next, she picked up several long sprigs of lemongrass, skillfully and deftly chopping them into even, fine pieces, arranging them neatly alongside the basil leaves. Beside her was a small dish of finely ground cardamom powder; the three spices complemented each other, their vibrant colors and layered textures exuding a captivating aroma.

On the cutting board lay a cleaned, tender Sanhuang chicken. The meat was as white as jade, the skin slightly glossy, and the fat marbling beneath the skin was clearly visible, as if telling a story of its tenderness and juiciness. Fang Xiaobei placed sliced ​​ginger and scallions into a bowl, added a little Shaoxing wine, then put the chicken into the bowl and gently rubbed it to allow the chicken to fully absorb the aroma of the ginger and scallions, removing any fishy smell and enhancing the flavor.

"Xia Zhi, I've already prepared the chicken and spices. You need to put them into the pot in the order we've discussed before, making sure it's accurate. For this lemongrass chicken dish, we need to highlight the unique flavor of the spices while maintaining the tender texture of the chicken. There can't be any carelessness." Fang Xiaobei's voice was gentle yet firm.

"Okay, Xiao Bei, don't worry. I'll control the fire well, and I'll make sure the dish is heated evenly, bringing out the full flavor of the spices and letting the chicken fully absorb their essence." Xia Zhi answered confidently, carefully and skillfully adjusting the position and density of the firewood in the stove with her slightly worn fire tongs, ensuring the fire remained stable and moderate. Every movement revealed her love and expertise in cooking.

Fang Xiaobei took a deep breath, then steadily placed the marinated chicken into the pot. Instantly, with a crisp sizzle, the hot oil and chicken collided passionately, releasing a rich aroma of meat that mingled with the fragrance of the spices, quickly filling every corner of the kitchen. Xia Zhi stood attentively to the side, her eyes fixed on the subtle changes in the chicken in the pot, her hand gripping a wooden spoon tightly, gently stirring occasionally, her movements delicate and precise, ensuring that the spices and chicken were fully and evenly blended together.

"Xiao Bei, look at the color of this chicken! Doesn't it look golden and tempting? I have a strong feeling that our combination will definitely be perfect this time! This lemongrass chicken will definitely amaze everyone in the competition!" Xia Zhi's cheeks flushed slightly with excitement, her eyes sparkling, and her face beaming with a smile.

Fang Xiaobei nodded slightly, a complex emotion in her eyes: "Hmm, it does look good, but we'll have to taste it ourselves to know how it tastes. I hope this attempt will be successful, giving us an advantage in the upcoming competition and allowing us to take the lead."

The two of them worked intently in the small kitchen, while outside it was completely dark and all was quiet, with only the flickering firelight and the burning hope in their hearts shining brightly.