AWB Chapter 319: Do it yourself, the fish is more delicious
Chapter 319: Do it yourself, the fish is more delicious
Chapter 319: Cook Yourself, Fish Tastes Better
Thankfully, we all reached shore safely. When our feet finally touched solid ground, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, as if they'd just escaped a near-death experience. Yet, none of us was willing to give up fishing. After all, the fish beneath the ice hole were like a tantalizing dream, haunting us. Everyone discussed the situation, their eyes revealing a reluctance to give up.
The staff member seemed to see our concerns. He approached and gently reassured us, "This ice is unstable, and everyone's safety is paramount. But don't worry, I'll take you to another safe area where the ice is thicker and there are more fish." Hearing these words, hope rekindled in everyone's eyes, like a bright star suddenly appearing in the dark sky. We followed the staff, full of anticipation, heading towards our new destination, longing for the joy of harvesting on that safe ice.
In that icy, desolate landscape, we were nearly despairing from the successive hardships we faced, exhaustion and frustration written all over our faces. However, just as we were about to give up, a glimmer of determination suddenly flashed in the eyes of our leader. He declared, "We can't give up just like this. Perhaps there's a better place waiting for us out there!" These words, like a beam of light, instantly pierced the thick haze within us. We looked at each other and saw the rekindled flame of hope in each other's eyes. That hope, like a torch suddenly lit in the darkness, was warm and bright, filling us with renewed strength.
We followed our leader closely, trudging forward across the vast expanse of ice. The crackling ice beneath our feet seemed to speak of the antiquity and mystery of this land. The chill wind stung our cheeks like a knife, but at that moment, we felt nothing for the new hope that lay ahead. Finally, we arrived at a new place. The ice here seemed thicker, and the surroundings were remarkably quiet, as if hiding countless secrets.
We sprang into action, unearthing our tools and beginning to chisel our way through the ice once more. The ice pick struck the ice again and again, sending up glittering shards of ice. Each strike felt like a challenge to fate. After considerable effort, a deep, deep cave appeared before us, and icy waters slowly surged from its opening. We carefully lowered our fishing net, which slowly sank into the water, like a hand reaching out to hope.
Time ticked by, as everyone waited in silence, their eyes fixed on the ice hole, not daring to breathe. Soon, I suddenly felt the slightest movement of the net in my hand. Though faint, it was like a thunderclap, instantly exploding in our hearts. I excitedly shouted, "Fish! Fish!" Everyone immediately gathered around, their faces beaming with excitement. Together, we began to pull the net up. The net was heavy, and every inch of it required immense effort. But at that moment, we had only one conviction: we had to get these fish in!
As the net slowly emerged from the water, our eyes widened, our mouths wide with astonishment. Wow! The net was filled with fish, shimmering in the sunlight with a dazzling brilliance, like a flock of spirits from another world. There were the ice fish we'd caught before, their bodies as transparent as crystal, swimming ethereally in the water. There were other fish whose names we couldn't identify, each with its own unique shape: some slender like snakes, others covered in bizarre patterns. Everyone cheered with joy, their cheers echoing across the ice sheet for a long time. The previous shock had long been forgotten.
Time slipped by amidst the joy of our catch, and before we knew it, dusk had arrived. The golden afterglow cast a shimmering golden glow across the lake, bathing the waters in a blanket of gold. Afterward, laden with our bountiful catch, we returned home with a brisk, satisfied pace. Along the way, the warm evening breeze caressed our faces like the gentle caress of a pair of hands. Everyone's face was filled with happiness, as bright as a blossoming spring flower. Everyone's eyes sparkled with excitement, and everyone chatted enthusiastically about how they would prepare the delicious fish that evening.
"I think steaming is the best way to preserve the freshness of the fish to the greatest extent." Lele said excitedly.
"No, no, braised fish is more delicious. The sauce wrapped around the fish is absolutely amazing!" Yaheng retorted immediately.
Everyone expressed their opinions and argued happily, and laughter echoed on the way home.
Once we got back to our quarters, we immediately bustled about like a swarm of industrious bees, each with their own distinct roles. Shaoyu and the other boys rolled up their sleeves and enthusiastically began cleaning the fish. Shaoyu's eyes were focused, his knife expertly traversing the fish's body, meticulously removing the guts and scales. His brow furrowed as he concentrated intently on the fish's belly, and his lips curled upwards, as if he were already imagining the delicious flesh. The other boys, not to be outdone, meticulously scrubbed the fish with brushes, while others helped pass tools, working in perfect harmony.
Vaughn and Abel expertly built a fire and began cooking. Vaughn expertly piled the firewood in the stove, carefully lit it with a match, and then gently fanned it. Soon, the flames danced joyfully. Abel carefully adjusted the heat, keeping a close eye on the stove, fearing that too much heat would burn the food, or too little would undercook it.
Bailey, like a professional chef's assistant, methodically prepared various seasonings in the kitchen. She opened the cupboards and neatly arranged bottles and jars of seasonings on the stovetop: soy sauce, vinegar, cooking wine, salt, sugar, and so on. The children weren't very good at cutting fish yet, so Lei's husband, Bert, carefully selected some fresh onions, ginger, and garlic after cutting the fish, then cut them into strips, slices, and sections, setting them aside for later use.
Soon, the kitchen was filled with the aroma of fish, which, like an invisible hand, hooked our noses tightly. It was a mixture of the fresh aroma of fish and the mellow flavor of seasoning, which made people salivate at the sight.
We girls had no role in this meal; the children and a few men cooked everything. Watching them busily in the kitchen filled us with emotion and joy. When the food arrived, plates of fish, each bursting with color and aroma, appeared before us like exquisite works of art. The fish, smothered in a rich sauce, shimmered with an alluring sheen, while garnishes of chopped green onions and cilantro added a touch of fresh color.
We sat around the dining table, all of us beaming with anticipation. Someone suggested taking a group photo, and we all adjusted our poses and expressions. With a click, the camera captured this beautiful moment.
Everyone began savoring their own catch. The tender, fresh fish flesh melted in their mouths, a delicacy unleashed by the sea. Each bite revealed the perfect blend of the fish's freshness and the seasoning. The meat was tender, juicy, and melted in their mouths. Everyone ate with gusto.
"This fish is so delicious. I have never eaten such delicious fish!" Zi Yan said vaguely while chewing the fish.
"Yes, the fish you catch and cook yourself tastes different and is especially delicious," Maggie agreed.
This culinary journey not only satisfied our taste buds but also allowed us to experience the happiness brought by hope and hard work. In this world full of challenges and uncertainties, through our own hands, we harvested delicious food, precious friendships, and unforgettable memories. This happiness, like the warm sun on a winter's day, warms our hearts, and like a clear spring in the desert, nourishes our souls. It reminds us that as long as we hold onto hope and strive hard, life will be filled with infinite possibilities and beauty.