Chapter 111: Big Brother, Teach Me How to Cook

Chen Zhe truly hadn’t expected that in just a mere two years, Bai Fan’s progress would be so remarkable. To an outsider like Chen Zhe, Bai Fan’s knife skills now nearly rivaled those of his father.

“Looks like you haven’t wasted these past two years, Old Bai. Your knife work is almost as good as Uncle Bai’s now,” Chen Zhe remarked appreciatively after witnessing Bai Fan’s deft display of culinary prowess. It was clear that his good friend had been working hard during these years.

“I still have a long way to go to match the old man’s level,” Bai Fan admitted with a smile. “I went home to compete with him earlier this year, but I was soundly defeated—both in knife skills and cooking. I lost terribly!”

Chen Zhe’s praise momentarily paused Bai Fan’s movements, but he quickly resumed preparing the meal he had planned for his friend. Reigniting the small stove’s flame, he waited for the oil to heat before delicately placing each marinated shrimp into the olive oil, which had been infused with garlic. He turned the heat to medium and fried the shrimp until perfectly cooked.

“The Spanish garlic chili shrimp is ready. Give it a try and see if it suits your taste,” Bai Fan said, plating the shrimp with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, smoked paprika, and the crisped garlic slices from earlier. A final drizzle of olive oil completed the dish, which he then set before Chen Zhe with a polite gesture, inviting him to savor the flavors.

As Chen Zhe lowered his head to sample the shrimp, Bai Fan began preparing the next course: clam chowder. According to Western dining customs, a soup usually follows the appetizer.

He cleared away the small pot and retrieved another from beneath the bar. Filling it with water, he brought it to a boil before adding a dozen fresh clams, cooking them until their shells opened wide. He then reduced the heat to low and simmered for an additional three minutes. Removing the clams, Bai Fan added a clam stock cube to the pot, dissolving it completely before turning the heat back up to high for three more minutes. The resulting clam broth was then strained and set aside.

For the next step, Bai Fan took a clean pot, heated it without oil, and added diced bacon, frying it until fragrant and crisp before removing it to rest.

Using the rendered bacon fat, he sautéed finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery, stirring until the vegetables softened. Then he added shallots, garlic, and butter. Once the butter melted, he sprinkled in 30 grams of flour, stirring gently with a wooden spatula to coat the vegetables evenly.

With the veggies fully coated, Bai Fan added the cooked clam meat—both from earlier and some extra he had prepared—briefly stirring before pouring in the clam broth. After simmering for a short while, he introduced diced potatoes, stirring lightly before adding milk and cream. To finish, he added two bay leaves and a small amount of thyme, covering the pot to let it simmer for 15 to 20 seconds.

Once done, Bai Fan removed the bay leaves and poured the chowder into a blender, pureeing the mixture until smooth. He seasoned it with salt and pepper, then paused briefly before retrieving a bottle of white wine from a nearby rack. Adding two spoonfuls to the soup, he enhanced its flavor and aroma.

Finally, he ladled the chowder into a hollowed-out bread bowl, topping it with the crispy bacon, presenting the clam chowder in its finished form.

Noticing that Chen Zhe had finished the Spanish garlic chili shrimp, Bai Fan placed the clam chowder on the bar and cleared away the empty shrimp plate along with the three pots, beginning to wash them.

The round bread bowl brimming with golden chowder looked oddly charming, which made Chen Zhe’s appetite stir anew. The enticing aroma from the simmering clam chowder had already been teasing him, making his mouth water as he faced the kitchen.

He scooped a small spoonful, and the moment the soup touched his tongue, his taste buds seemed to rejoice. The creamy, velvety texture was so rich and delicate that he found himself licking the spoon.

The flavor unfolded on his palate in endless waves, as if every captivating note of taste had been concentrated into this small bowl.

“Chef Bai, this clam chowder is fantastic!” Chen Zhe exclaimed.

After savoring several more spoonfuls, he gave Bai Fan a thumbs-up. Whether before or after his rebirth, this was truly one of the best clam chowders he had ever tasted.

“As long as it suits your palate, that’s what matters. Hurry and enjoy it—I’m preparing the next dish!” Bai Fan replied with a light laugh, drying his hands after washing the dishes.

—————————— Time flew quickly as they enjoyed the meal ——————————

After finishing the final dessert Bai Fan served—a light cheesecake—Chen Zhe felt uncomfortably full. He stood up and paced around the dining room, hoping to aid digestion.

“Let’s go upstairs to sit. It’s been too long since the two of us just sat and talked,” Bai Fan called out, having finished cleaning the kitchenware and dishes.

As Chen Zhe turned to continue walking, Bai Fan’s voice stopped him.

“Hey, Bai, what are you holding there?” Chen Zhe asked, noticing Bai Fan standing nearby with two drinks in his hands, motioning for him to come over.