Chapter 18: The Miserably Dirty Scoundrel Is Truly Disgusting

“What’s that smell? It’s so fragrant.” Zhang Xuan sniffed the air, feeling a surge of satisfaction just from the rich aroma of the meat.

Wu Chenchen was also tracing the source of the scent, but when she realized it was coming from Jiang Suisui’s stall, the delight in her eyes instantly vanished.

No, it can’t be.

Even though she knew Jiang Suisui made delicious braised lion’s head meatballs, she never believed Jiang Suisui could master every dish and snack to such an extraordinary degree.

After all, even chefs at top restaurants only have a few signature dishes; they’re not experts at everything.

But now, this fried crispy pork seemed truly exceptional.

Wu Chenchen swallowed her saliva and walked back to Jiang Suisui’s stall. Indeed, the closer she got, the stronger the aroma became.

Just then, Jiang Suisui was draining the oil from the freshly fried crispy pork. “What flavor would you like for your crispy pork? We have spicy, pepper-salt, and original.”

Wu Chenchen had intended to seize the opportunity to criticize, to ask what kind of meat or oil was used.

But Zhang Xuan beat her to it, saying, “I’ll have the pepper-salt flavor!”

Wu Chenchen fell silent.

Is this still my friend? Didn’t we agree to sabotage their stall?

Sigh...

“I want the spicy one. I love spicy food—make it extra hot,” Wu Chenchen said with a look of resignation, hoping her friend would still remember why they came to Red Maple Park.

Jiang Suisui cheerfully seasoned the pork, packed the orders, and handed them to Zhang Xuan and Wu Chenchen.

As they took their food, a little child suddenly climbed out of the vehicle, clutching a cup of sour plum juice, and ran over to Ding Haitao.

“Sister, here’s your sour plum juice~”

Ding Haitao was momentarily stunned, then smiled gently and accepted the drink and straw. “Thank you, little one.”

Jiang Yueyi grinned brightly and cheerfully said, “You’re welcome!” before running back to the car.

She and Jiang Xingran had planned it perfectly—one handled packing, the other delivery.

With Jiang Yueyi gone, Wu Chenchen’s attention was once again drawn by the intense aroma.

For a moment, she forgot her plan to sabotage the stall and skewered a piece of crispy pork.

The first bite revealed a crisp exterior and rich, savory juices bursting on her tongue.

The heat rolled around her mouth; it was hot, but she couldn’t spit it out.

She huffed and puffed for a while before recovering.

At that moment, she tasted the deep, fragrant oil soaked into the pork, mingling with a boldly spicy, numbing heat.

The two flavors, combined with the succulent meat, intertwined delightfully in her mouth, making her unable to stop.

The crispy pork dusted with chili flakes was thrillingly spicy—painfully satisfying without the discomfort she usually felt when eating spicy food.

Crunch after crunch, she kept eating piece after piece, unable to stop.

What criticism? What sabotage? Did she ever say that?

Zhang Xuan was the same. After the first bite, she couldn’t help but have a second, then a third...

Not only was the crispy, fragrant crust amazing, but the tender, juicy meat inside drove her wild.

The pepper-salt seasoning enhanced the already delicious flavor with a hint of fragrant Sichuan peppercorns.

It was simply delicious.

Seeing the two so engrossed, not even saying a word, Ding Haitao licked her lips and quickly opened the straw to sip her drink.

She had tried sour plum juice sold outside before, which was either too sour or overly sweet.

So she hadn’t expected much from Jiang Suisui’s juice; she just wanted to quell her cravings and avoid eating the pork, which would ruin her diet.

But to her surprise, the icy cold juice was perfectly balanced in sweet and sour.

Pure and refreshing, with a faint scent of osmanthus.

So delicious that Ding Haitao hesitated to swallow, savoring the coolness until it faded before slowly swallowing.

Then she took another big sip.

The cool, sweet, and tangy flavor washed away the irritability brought on by recent dieting, leaving her feeling refreshed and clear-headed.

Five minutes passed.

Having finished her portion of crispy pork, Wu Chenchen instinctively said to Jiang Suisui, “Another order, a large one, spicy again!”

Zhang Xuan followed quickly, “I want a large, pepper-salt flavor!”

Even dieting Ding Haitao said, “Give me a small original flavor. Hmm... and a tea egg.”

Jiang Suisui smiled slightly, hands busy but steady. “Alright, please wait a moment.”

The price list was displayed, so no further explanation was necessary.

As she spoke, Jiang Xingran popped her head up from a small stool nearby, blinking her brown eyes and saying in a sweet, childish voice, “Three lovely ladies, would you like a cup of super tasty sour plum juice? It goes perfectly with crispy pork!”

Wu Chenchen and Zhang Xuan, both a little thirsty and charmed by Jiang Xingran’s cuteness, promptly added a cup each.

Ding Haitao, having already had one, hesitated a moment, then ordered another.

No other reason than it was the best sour plum juice she’d ever tasted.

While the three waited for Jiang Suisui to fry more crispy pork, seven or eight other customers, drawn by the aroma, came to place orders.

Jiang Xingran and Jiang Yueyi took turns helping out, their well-behaved demeanor winning favor.

Customers who initially only planned to order crispy pork also added sour plum juice because of them.

Hearing the constant sound of payment confirmations, Jiang Suisui, busy frying pork, felt in high spirits.

Until, while packing orders, a familiar sharp voice suddenly cut through.

“Oh, weren’t you shouting about sending your little brother and sister to Morning Star Kindergarten? What’s this? Can’t pay tuition and begging for money now?”

Xiao Hui’s mother glared at Jiang Suisui with eyes full of mockery.

She had come to Red Maple Park with friends and children for an event that had just ended.

She’d planned to dine at a fancy restaurant, but her two kids had fussed, insisting on cotton candy and ice cream from the night market.

So she and her friends wandered towards the night market area.

Following the tempting aroma, they silently tracked it down—only to discover it came from Jiang Suisui’s stall.

After the initial surprise, Xiao Hui’s mother found the situation laughable.

She looked at Jiang Suisui, recalled how badly she had been burned by her before, and her eyes gleamed with cunning.

Loudly addressing the customers placing orders, she sneered, “Tsk tsk, you’ve got some nerve. Don’t you know these three come from the slums? They’re dirty and careless, and who knows how many germs are in the food they make. Be careful—or you’ll end up in the hospital’s medical ward!”

At her words, several customers who were about to place orders stopped, hesitation flickering across their faces.

Lü Xiao Hui, being led by Xiao Hui’s mother, happened to see Jiang Yueyi bringing out sour plum juice and joined in, “Poor and filthy, disgusting!”

Jiang Suisui’s face immediately darkened. She took off her apron and gloves, ready to step out of the vehicle to confront them.

No one could bully her or her little brother and sister!

Yet unexpectedly, Wu Chenchen, who had been at odds with her, suddenly spoke up.

“Ma’am, do you need me to arrange a checkup for your brain? My sister is the director of neurology at Suzaku City’s First Hospital. Considering how serious your condition is, I can get you priority treatment.”