Transmigrated as Cannon Fodder — I Rise to Female Lead Through Hard Work-Chapter 85: Jiangcheng Restaurant

Afterward, Zhu Dangting had a conversation, one by one, with Yi Roujing, Ding Anguo, and Ding Anmin. It was the warm concern of an elder for the younger generation, showing particular interest in Yi Roujing’s emergency response techniques.

When asked about her specialized field, Yi Roujing, being quite talkative, took this opportunity to share several types of emergency methods. Zhu Dangting and the others listened attentively, as these methods could be life-saving. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Roujing, you seem to be knowledgeable in both traditional Chinese and Western medicine?" Zhu Dangting voiced his curiosity.

"My grandfather was a traditional Chinese medicine doctor. When I was young, I often visited him and read quite a few of his medical books, which piqued my interest in Chinese medicine. After he passed away, he left all his medical books to me, and I read them during my free time," Yi Roujing said with a smile. "Some methods I found in those books may have been distributed by the hospital he worked at."

"Meeting you is truly a blessing for our family," Zhu Dangting remarked.

The group talked for nearly two hours before ending the conversation. Hu Heping volunteered to take Yi Roujing and the four others out for a stroll.

Hu Heping was in the later stage of pregnancy and needed to move around a bit more. The Hu Family agreed, so Yi Roujing did not refuse. Zhu Lanzhen arranged two cars, and when they arrived, they were taken to tour the provincial capital.

"Let’s inform the family, otherwise they might worry about us." Yi Roujing used the phone at Hu Heping’s house to call the Dingping Production Team. Ten minutes later, the call was returned by Li Hongying, who, upon hearing they were staying at Hu Heping’s house, felt reassured. Due to the high cost of the call, Li Hongying hung up after a brief chat.

As they were going to explore the provincial capital, Yi Roujing and her companions tidied themselves up. Ding Anmin also wrapped herself in the scarf Yi Roujing had previously bought for her, pairing it with a green shirt, a white waist-length skirt, and leather shoes, making her look just like a city dweller.

Yi Roujing wore the blue V-neck long sleeve dress that Ding Ancheng had earlier purchased for her. Instead of wearing the scarf around her neck, she tied it around her waist with a small knot.

"Wow, scarves can also be used as a belt," Hu Heping exclaimed, finding Yi Roujing’s attire refreshing.

"Loose dresses with simple patterns can be styled this way," Yi Roujing explained with a smile.

Ding Ancheng and Ding Anguo, both tall and well-built, were considered exceptional for that era. With their stature, they looked good in anything they wore.

"This morning, we’re going for a boat ride on the lake. West Tower Lake is Jiangcheng’s most famous spot. We’ll take a boat tour, then visit the pagoda by the lake. We’ll have lunch outside, head to Red Sun Square in the afternoon, then catch a movie at Tower Lake Cinema, and have dinner at home," Hu Heping laid out her plan in one breath.

"Since you’ll be staying for a few days, we can go shopping tomorrow."

During the ride, Ding Anmin and Yi Roujing admired the view outside the car window. Ding Anmin marveled at Jiangcheng’s prosperity, while Yi Roujing reflected on the simplicity of the current era, contrasting it with the decadence and materialism of the future.

The breeze caresses the green willows, the clear water reflects the red peaches. Boats glide on the emerald waves; we sail through a painting.

Yi Roujing and her companions sat lined up in a wooden painted pleasure boat, enjoying the gentle breeze, gazing down at the rippling lake, and admiring the exquisite view of the shores from afar. Occasionally, egrets and other birds flew by, enhancing the idyllic atmosphere.

"Click—"

Yi Roujing turned her head. Hu Heping lowered the camera from her eyes, "Be natural, just relax. I’ll take pictures of you, and later I’ll have them printed and sent to you."

The prospect of having her photo taken made Ding Anmin both excited and nervous, causing her actions and expressions to be somewhat stiff, even adjusting her clothes. Being siblings, Ding Anguo also tidied himself up, which Yi Roujing found amusing.

"Heping, let me take a few pictures of you and Zhixin as well. Could you show me how to use it?"

After Yi Roujing made the suggestion, Hu Heping explained simply, "Just focus and press the shutter button."

Yi Roujing had never used such an antique camera before. After a brief study, she got the hang of it. While taking pictures, she would give prompts, demonstrating various poses. "Click click—" went her camera as she took pictures of everyone.

"Roujing, is there anything you can’t do?" Hu Heping was thoroughly impressed with Yi Roujing, adopting the stance of a devoted admirer.

After the boat ride, the group visited the nearby Yellow Peak Tower. Yi Roujing realized that one of the essential aspects of tourism in this era was taking photographs.

For lunch, Hu Heping had made a reservation at Jiangcheng Restaurant by West Tower Lake, currently the most upscale establishment in Jiangcheng, offering both dining and lodging, and the only one accommodating foreign guests.

The architecture of Jiangcheng Restaurant resembled a palace, with towering gables, curved eaves, and exquisitely carved columns, alternating red and white, occupying a vast area. The central part had six stories, with four-story wings on either side, stretching approximately one hundred meters in length. Sixteen massive pillars supported the grand portico, making for an impressive sight from the outside.

"Wow, how can there be a building this magnificent?" This was the largest structure Ding Anmin had ever seen, and just looking at it made her feel intimidated and hesitant to enter.

"The restaurant is on the second floor. I’ve already booked a private room for us to enjoy Jiangcheng’s specialty dishes," Hu Heping said as they entered. After giving her name, they were led to the second floor and into a private dining area.

The private room had a large round table that could seat ten people, covered with an elegant tablecloth, with plates, chopsticks, and spoons neatly arranged.

Ding Ancheng, Yi Roujing, and Hu Heping sat casually and at ease, while Ding Anguo, Ding Anmin, and Hao Zhixin appeared apprehensive, evidently first-time visitors.

"Sister-in-law, aren’t you nervous?" Ding Anmin, seated on Yi Roujing’s right, asked of her unease.

"What’s there to be nervous about? It’s not like it will eat you," Yi Roujing replied with a smile.

"It’s my first time seeing such a big restaurant, and the table is so large. Even the tablecloth feels so high quality. City restaurants are so upscale," Ding Anmin marveled.

"Not all places are like this," Yi Roujing noted.

"How do you know?" Ding Anmin wondered.

"On our way here, how many buildings like this did you see? It’s obviously limited," Yi Roujing explained.

"I bet having a meal here costs a lot of money and tickets, right?"

"Since we’re already here, don’t worry yourself about it. Just enjoy the food and savor the taste," Yi Roujing reassured her.

"That makes sense," Ding Anmin relaxed immediately, adopting a more composed demeanor.

The cold dishes were served first: White Chrysanthemum Chicken Shreds, Premium Braised Duck, Smoked Beef Tongue, Jasmine Green Peas, and Pickled Radish.

For drinks, Hu Heping ordered freshly ground soy milk and soda.

Soda was a rare treat in those days. It was also Yi Roujing’s first time seeing glass-bottled soda with various flavors such as orange, lemon, and pear.

As they finished half of the cold dishes, the hot dishes arrived one after another: Dongpo Pork, Fresh Lake Vinegar Fish, Dragon Well Shrimp, Eight Treasure Tofu, Bamboo Shoots and Old Duck Casserole, Clear Soup Fish Balls.

The last to be served were the desserts and fruits, Red Bean Paste Spring Rolls, and Loquat.