89. The Taste of the Preserved Eggs
Gu Bai didn't tease his fans but held the jar out directly. Under everyone's attention, he opened the lid and took out the eggs.
They were all wrapped in a slightly hard layer of quicklime, seeming like small pieces of clods.
[It looks a little… I can barely find a word to describe it.]
[Is it clod on the surface? How are you going to eat it?]
All the fans stared at Gu Bai's movements carefully for fear of missing a single part of it.
"Xiaobai, how are we supposed to eat them? Shall we boil them the same way we dealt with the salted duck eggs?" Fang Weixuan stared at the preserved eggs, having every intention to start cooking.
Previously, he had pickled the duck eggs as Xiaobai did the same on his live stream. However, he wasn't there when his eggs were done but in the spaceship. Because of his brother, he missed both the duck eggs and the chaffy dish.
How annoying it was!
"You don't have to boil them before eating. It's eatable, but I suggest you not eat too much at a time. It would be best if you could have one every a few days," Gu Bai explained as he took the eggs out.
Du Yikang finally had a chance to speak, so he asked, "Why is that?"
"We've added mixed soda ashes and B quicklime, which includes a lot of lead when making preserved eggs. Therefore, you might suffer lead poisoning if you ate too much of it, needless to say, insomnia and lack of concentration." Gu Bai continued to tell them the details and warned again that they shouldn't make preserved eggs by themselves.
[I didn't expect a small egg to contain so many things.]
[If we were poisoned after eating it, why should we bother to make it? I don't dare to eat it now.]
[Come on, Xiaobai has made it clear that we shouldn't eat too much at a time. Eating it occasionally is acceptable.]
[How dare you promote the poisonous thing to the fans? I can't believe you are doing this to us! I'll report your crime!]
[Is he hurting human lives by doing so? Neither the Chef Guild nor the Plant Research Institute has evaluated its value yet. I'll call the police if he dares to offer such a thing to the fans!]
[Hey, the anti-fans, aren't you tired from disgracing Xiaobai?]
[I feel sorry for your hard work. How much did your buyer pay for this? Haven't you insulted yourselves enough after Xiaobai proved himself so many times?]
After Gu Bai finished talking about the preserved eggs, people had divided into two groups on the live stream.
Except for the anti-fans, some of Xiaobai's fans had the same worries and didn't dare to try it, but more people were full of expectations. After all, Xiaobai had never failed them before, so they chose to trust him even if it sounded a little bit dangerous.
What's more, they all would try eating it through the live stream instead of eating it for real, so they wouldn't face real risks if they were really poisonous. Compared to them, those who were at the spot should be worried.
However, none of the present fans felt worried. They all trusted Gu Bai wholeheartedly.
"Xiaobai, you have mentioned before that they would blossom. Come on, show us the inside!" some fans urged anxiously, sharing no worries from the anti-fans.
The others echoed, "Hurry, I want to see it, too. I wonder what it looks like when the eggs blossom. Will the egg wash become something like flowers?"
Gu Bai didn't open them directly but gave them to Fang Weixuan, Du Yikang, and other fans around him and said, "Go ahead and peel it yourselves."
Fang Weixuan was quite interested in the egg, looking at it with passion as if he wouldn't put it down.
"How are we supposed to do that? Smash it open?" asked Fang Weixuan.
Gu Bai pointed at the material outside the egg. "Clean the quicklime first."
Those who got the eggs started to deal with the quicklime while the rest fixed their eyes on the doers for fear that they might miss a detail.
After the material was cleaned up, the egg became a dark-colored duck egg.
"Are you sure we don't have to boil them? Will the liquid flow out after peeling off?" Some fans were still worried and asked carefully.
Fang Weixuan and Du Yikang were bolder than others, trusting Gu Bai with all their hearts. Therefore, as Gu Bai confirmed the eggs would be fine, they didn't hesitate to break the skin.
The liquid that everyone expected did not flow out. Instead, as the skin was peeled, the smooth egg white was revealed. However, it wasn't as white as before but became purple and even black to some extent, which was weird.
"We don't have to boil it indeed. Xiaobai, did you boil them when making them?" The other fans thought it was magical, wondering how the liquid became gels without boiling.
Gu Bai said, "That's because the alkaline properties of the quicklime had changed the protein of the eggs into gels."
At that moment, Fang Weixuan couldn't help but scream, instantly drawing everyone's attention. He looked at Gu Bai excitedly, raised the egg in his hand, pointed at the clear textures above, and excitedly said, "It's really blooming. The egg is really blooming."
Only then did everyone find that the purple and black egg white had clear flower patterns on them.
"It looks so beautiful," some girls felt weird when they first saw the patterns on the egg and the semi-translucent egg white, but now, they thought the patterns were adorable.
"It's just that the smell is a bit strange."
"I wonder what it tastes like."
The fans looked at Fang Weixuan and Du Yikang, who had eggs in their hands, and felt excited.
After all, Xiaobai had mentioned that the eggs were eatable now.
Not only the present fans but also those on the live stream couldn't wait to know how it tasted.
[That's beautiful and amazing to see the blossoms on the egg whites.]
[I'd like to say it's magic, and Xiaobai is the magician. He can always make unexpected delicacies.]
[I can't wait to try it.]
[Xiaobai, my grandmother said that her final wish was to take a bite of the preserved eggs. Will you satisfy her wish?]
[Man, how have you been after offending your grandma last time? Did she spot you? Please respond to my message if you are still safe.]
Since the man didn't reply for a long time, others realized what was happening to him and continued to talk about the preserved eggs.
[Am I alone who thinks the smell was strange?]
[I have the same doubts and even wonder if my nose has a problem. The smell is not strong, but I can smell it.]
[Does it mean Xiaobai failed to make preserved eggs?]
"It does smell because it creates ammonia during the process. I know the smell is strange, but it tastes different as well. Some of you may love it while others may find it hard to bear it. Try not to eat too much when you try it later so that you can get used to the taste," Gu Bai reminded them.
As the unique delicacies in Cern, it was favored by many people, but some foreigners couldn't even tolerate it.
Although the interstellar people were all the descendants of the Cern people, it was the first time they had ever heard and seen preserved eggs. Gu Bai wasn't sure whether they could take it.
Fang Weixuan had already bitten it when Gu Bai said the eggs were eatable. The semi-transparent egg white was quite chewy than the ordinary ones, but the taste was so strong that he almost vomited it out.
"What does that taste like?"
Fang Weixuan puckered his face in "sorrow", which stopped Du Yikang from eating it directly.
"Fang, how does it taste? Is it delicious?"
"Why does it look like you are not enjoying it?"
Everyone asked in a daze, so they couldn't help questioning Gu Bai slightly.
"The taste is really strange, but I wasn't prepared just now. I like it after getting used to it." Fang Weixuan took another bite after he adapted to the smell.
As he ate half of the egg white, the half-liquid egg yolk was revealed.
"Why isn't the yolk part condensed? Is it edible?" Although Fang Weixuan asked Gu Bai with doubts, he already took a bite.
The egg yolk tasted stronger than the egg white, but Fang Weixuan preferred the taste after he got used to the egg white.
Soon, he finished the whole egg before Gu Bai could stop him.
"You may find it hard to bear if you eat it directly. After peeling off the skin, you can mix it with vinegar and garlic. They will better the taste and protect your stomach by counteracting the soda inside." Gu Bai explained, peeling three eggs off, cutting them into small pieces, and then mixing them with vinegar and garlic. Later, he served it on the table so that the fans could have a try.
"I don't suggest you eat too many preserved eggs at a time, especially if you haven't eaten it before. Take it slow until your body finally gets used to it. Try a small piece and learn the taste. I'll make you Minced Pork Congee with Preserved Egg later." Gu Bai took the dish to the fans and granted the fans on the live stream to taste it.
The fans couldn't wait to eat it regardless of Gu Bai's reminding. After all, tasting on Starnet wouldn't hurt because they couldn't eat it for real.
However, they obviously underestimated the taste of the preserved eggs. It would be interesting if someone could watch their varied responses through Starnet.
90. Minced Pork Congee with Preserved Egg
[That's the best thing I've ever tasted. I don't even know how to describe how much I love it. I need to work harder to enrich my vocabulary.]
[I tried the mixed dish first and loved it, so I tried the original egg later. Oh, I regret it. It was too strong. Why does it taste so good with the sauce? That doesn't make sense!]
[Haha, it turns out that I'm not the only one who tasted the primordial egg."]
[Oh, I can't bear it. Sorry, Xiaobai. My body doesn't allow me to love this.]
[Neither do I. I can't stand the smell, either. Why do you guys love it so much? Is there anything wrong with my smell?]
[Don't worry. Remember? Xiaobai said before that the smell is special. People would either love it or find it hard to accept it. That's quite normal. Don't be anxious. People vary, after all.]
[I love the taste. Looking for the Minced Pork Congee with Preserved Egg!]
Those at the spot were divided into two groups as well.
Those who loved it expected to taste the Minced Pork Congee with Preserved Egg while those who despised it felt depressed to see the rest of the eggs on the table.
They had looked for the day for a long time, so the result was hard to bear. They couldn't help feeling upset.
Gu Bai saw all their reactions.
"The taste is indeed strong, but it would be much lighter in the Minced Pork Congee with Preserved Egg. You can try some if you want. Also, I'll make a salty congee so that you can have a replacement if you don't like the Minced Pork Congee with Preserved Egg. It's tasty, too."
"You are so thoughtful, Xiaobai. I will have three meals a day in your restaurant if you can have a branch in the Central Star," a female fan said emotionally.
"That's right, Xiaobai. Your delicious dishes will surely be popular in the Central Star. Will you give it a thought?" Others, especially those from the Central Star, encouraged Xiaobai to do so.
"Xiaobai, Z03 Planet is developed as well. We have a large population, among which many are Irish. If you have a branch there, I'll promote your restaurant for free and call my family and relatives to have meals there!"
"My planet is in a perfect location, having great scenery as well. You'll love it there, Xiaobai. Please open a branch there if you can!"
It had been one day since Gu Bai had his first physical restaurant, but the fans were passionate about urging him to have branches on their planets. Gu Bai was surprised to realize how much they loved his dishes.
"I'm all alone in doing this. I'm afraid I won't be able to have so many branches. That can wait," said Gu Bai.
Gu Bai loved his present life. Besides, he wasn't that ambitious. All that mattered to him at present was to operate the restaurant and the farm well. As for the branches, he would know what to do later in the future.
"Alright then, but please do consider having one on my planet if you have such plans! Remember you have many fans there!" a man shouted first.
Others were not willing to lag and expressed how much they wanted the same. They also mentioned what benefits Gu Bai could get if he went there.
"Xiaobai, are your eggs for sale? I'd like to buy some for my family."
When others were passionate about telling Gu Bai the benefits, a man's voice sounded. His words silenced the fans for a few seconds, and then more voices sounded.
"Xiaobai, I want five!"
"I want ten, no, I want twenty."
"Xiaobai, please leave me some. Three will be good enough for me!"
"Xiaobai…"
For a time, the sound was louder than before. Gu Bai, who was in the middle of the sound wave, received the strongest impact and his ears were buzzing.
A shout came from afar. It grew bigger and closer from afar. Something rushed into the crowd and stood in front of Gu Bai with its fangs clenched as it yelled at everyone else.
"It's so cute! Where did it come from? That's adorable," some female fans couldn't resist its charm and forgot about the preserved eggs.
The male fans continued to ask for the eggs, but the dog prevented them from getting near Gu Bai.
"Mu Qiu," Gu Bai picked it up, stroked its fur, and felt in a better mood.
"I didn't make much this time, so they are not for sale for the time being." Taking the chance when all their attention was on Mu Qiu, Gu Bai took both Mu Qiu and the preserved eggs to the kitchen.
Although they felt disappointed, they were soon attracted by other things.
After all, they knew where Gu Bai lived and opened his restaurant. It was only a matter of time before they could buy these things. They would kidnap Gu Bai to their planet and open the restaurant even if they had to pay for the building of it.
[Haha. This is the first time I saw Xiaobai slipping away.]
[Good job, Xiaobai. You can't sell the eggs to them. They are for all of us. There is no reason for them to buy them in advance.]
[Xiaobai, now that you've opened your physical restaurant, when are you going to sell the takeaways? I want to eat your dishes in real life.]
[I don't think the takeaways will work. After all, the M95 Planet is too far to reach. I'm afraid the Starexpress Company will be willing to deliver the dishes for so long.]
[Alas, if so, we won't be able to eat the dishes until Xiaobai has branches on our planets. Am I right?]
[The M95 Planet is really too far. I wouldn't even know its existence if Xiaobai wasn't there.]
[Me, too. The scenery there is great, though. It's a nice place to visit, but we have to spend a long time on the way.]
[If the takeaways can't reach there, what about other delivery companies? Xiaobai, please make more dishes like preserved eggs as long as they are easy to keep. I'll be willing to pay for the expressage. Will you agree?]
[Am I the only one who noticed the puppy? It's so cute. I want to touch it.]
[You're not alone. I can't take my eyes off it since it appeared. If it weren't a little dog, I'd say it's very manly when protecting Xiaobai just mow.]
[Is it really a dog? Why did it sound different?]
Gu Bai didn't notice the following cameras until he "fled" into the kitchen. All the fans witnessed how embarrassed he was and discussed it.
Thankfully, the fans were kind and didn't talk much about it. They then changed the topic and continued to discuss Gu Bai's dishes and Mu Qiu.
These people had work and other things to do in the real world, so they didn't have enough time to go to Gu Bai's planet. Therefore, they wished Gu Bai could open the interstellar express so that they could buy what they wanted and eat Xiaobai's dishes through the Starexpress Company.
Although the Starexpress Company only accepted half-finished products, what Xiaobai made was much better than what they made by themselves.
"I'll think about it once my business here is settled," Gu Bai answered the fans.
He did have plans to see the half-finished products, but that depended on stabilized production of the crops. He had so many things to do at present, so the takeaways had to wait.
The fans didn't urge him but wanted an answer. Knowing that he had plans for this, they were full of expectations.
[Xiaobai, did you raise the dog? Why haven't we seen it before?]
"It was picked up by Mu Mu. It's called Mu Qiu." Gu Bai lowered his head and stroked Mu Qiu's fur. Then he corrected them, "Also, it's not a dog but a wolfie."
[No wonder it sounded different.]
[Mu Mu? Does it mean Xiaobai has dated Mu Mu secretly? What does Mu Mu look like?]
[We want to see Mu Mu's face. Now that Fang has shown his face, can you please tell Mu Mu to do the same? Also, we'd like to see your face as well, Xiaobai. Please, cancel the setting so that we can see your face.]
Gu Bai's eyes turned gloomy as he saw the comments, holding Mu Qiu tighter.
He was referring to the mutated vine, but the fans thought he meant Mu Mu in the Second World.
They all knew that Gu Bai and Mu Mu were always together when they were in the Second World and never separated, but they didn't know Mu Mu was an NPC, who might not come back and had a chance to be formatted.
Gu Bai could feel his heart in pain as he thought of this.
In the past month, he had worked hard to deal with the farm and get himself busy. He was afraid that once he was free, he would think of Mu Mu, the one who wasn't talkative but kept him company.
[Xiaobai? What's wrong?]
[Why don't you say anything? Although I can't see your face, I can feel your sadness.]
[Is it because of Mu Mu? It occurred to me that Mu Mu didn't show up in the Second World for a long time. What happened? Did you fight?]
[Let's not talk about this. Don't make it worse for Xiaobai if you don't know what has happened.]