From Cui Hongyu's terrified eyes, Chen Xiaobei began to understand.
In his previous life, he had read a saying that man's greatest fear is the fear of the unknown. This way of eating was something they had never experienced, so it was naturally difficult for them to accept.
As expected, when Chen Xiaobei picked up a slice of meat and offered it to Liu Rumei, he encountered a similar expression.
Chen Xiaobei helplessly picked up a slice and put it in his own bowl. He tumbled it in the seasoning a few times, coated it thoroughly with sauce, then gently picked it up and put it in his mouth.
To be honest, rehydrated dried meat, when used in a hot pot, was indeed not as flavorful as fresh meat.
However, under these circumstances, being able to eat slices of meat made from dried meat was already better than most people.
The meat slices, coated in sauce, tasted quite good. Chen Xiaobei nodded slightly.
"Delicious, delicious! You two should try it!"
Seeing Chen Xiaobei's look of rapture, Cui Hongyu and Liu Rumei exchanged glances. Then, they gently picked up slices of meat and, like Chen Xiaobei, carefully put them into their mouths. Their eyes widened almost simultaneously, they looked at each other, and then quickly began to chew.
It was evident that the taste suited their palates. From then on, they didn't need Chen Xiaobei to urge them further. Their chopsticks continuously reached into the pot, and the dozen or so slices of meat were quickly consumed. Chen Xiaobei added more meat slices, and then threw in some winter melon and cabbage.
Actually, eating only meat wouldn't have been a problem; they could certainly afford it. However, a balanced diet of meat and vegetables provided more comprehensive nutrition.
After their stomachs felt comfortable, Liu Rumei and Cui Hongyu's spirits were much higher.
"This way of eating is truly excellent. Brother Xiaobei, how did you come up with it!"
Chen Xiaobei thought to himself, "How did I come up with it? I ate it often in my past life!" But saying that now would likely be unbelievable, so he just smiled and said, "Ah, it's strange. Last night I had a dream. In the dream, an old man with a white beard taught me this way of eating. He also said this was called 'hot pot.' So today I just wanted to try it out. And indeed, it turned out to be quite good."
Liu Rumei, with her eyes blinking rapidly, had an idea.
"It's snowing outside, and it's warm inside. I think we should have another drink."
Upon hearing this suggestion, Cui Hongyu also nodded in agreement. She got up and went to the side room, returning shortly with a jar of wine.
After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere in the room became even more lively.
Liu Rumei and Cui Hongyu even took off their padded jackets, revealing the bright red close-fitting clothes underneath. Chen Xiaobei felt a stir within him.
Liu Rumei and Cui Hongyu were completely unaware of this. They continued to discuss how to make money from this.
"Sister Hongyu, I think we should open a restaurant in the county town and specialize in this hot pot."
Cui Hongyu, upon hearing this, also smiled and said, "Yes, it will definitely be a success. However, I think instead of the county town, going to Xiao Family Town would be better. It's closer to Sister Xiaoyue, and for some matters, we'll need to seek her advice."
After hearing this, they both turned to look at Chen Xiaobei again, their meaning clear: you are the head of the household, you make the decision.
Chen Xiaobei, however, did not think this way. He did not want his women to be out in the open, doing such work. Moreover, the catering industry was very hard.
Chen Xiaobei shook his head and stood up. "I've eaten enough, and my head feels a little dizzy. I need to go and take a nap."
Saying this, he staggered towards the bed.
Seeing that he indeed looked as if he had drunk too much, Cui Hongyu and Liu Rumei stood up almost simultaneously and walked over, supporting him from either side.
Chen Xiaobei's heart suddenly stirred. He had never experienced the feeling of having arms around women, one on each side. Perhaps he could be a beast today?
With this thought, he deliberately placed his hands on their shoulders and went to the bedside. Then, with a sudden burst of strength, he pulled all three of them onto the bed.
At this moment, Cui Hongyu and Liu Rumei realized they had been tricked. Chen Xiaobei had done it on purpose.
They quickly tried to get up but found their waists held tightly by Chen Xiaobei.
Both of them had drunk some wine, and coupled with the warmth of the room, their faces were flushed red.
Xiaobei looked at Liu Rumei on his left, then at Cui Hongyu on his right. With these two beauties beside him, how could he resist? He kissed one on the left and the other on the right, making Cui Hongyu and Liu Rumei blush and dodge repeatedly.
"Brother Xiaobei, no, it's daytime!"
Xiaobei was already in a frenzy and couldn't care about anything else. He chuckled and said, "Why not? There's a guard dog outside. If someone comes, the dog will bark."
...
...
...
The guard dog outside clearly didn't understand what was happening inside the house. However, the snow was too heavy, so it curled up in its doghouse, lazily listening to the various sounds emanating from the house.
An hour later, Chen Xiaobei lay there, panting heavily.
Beside him, Cui Hongyu and Liu Rumei bashfully covered their faces with the quilt.
Liu Rumei obviously reacted faster than Cui Hongyu. She suddenly reached out and pinched Chen Xiaobei's thigh.
"Brother Xiaobei, you're too naughty!"
Chen Xiaobei suddenly cried out in pain and had to beg for mercy. "No, no, I, I dare not again, I dare not!"
Before he finished speaking, Cui Hongyu also pinched him.
"What did you say?"
Chen Xiaobei hesitated now. He looked from one side to the other. "So, do I dare, or do I not dare?"
Liu Rumei quickly started to get dressed. "Alright, I have to go to class quickly. I only have one hour in the afternoon. It won't be good if I'm late again."
Watching Liu Rumei leave in a hurry, Chen Xiaobei seemed still unsatisfied. He pulled Cui Hongyu into his embrace again.
Cui Hongyu's face turned pale with fright. "No, no, Brother Xiaobei, I'm scared..."
Chen Xiaobei chuckled. "Don't be scared, I still have strength..."
...
Soon, it was time for Qiao'er to get off school. To Chen Xiaobei's surprise, it was Fang Jun himself who brought Chen Qiao'er back.
Upon seeing Chen Xiaobei, Fang Jun appeared to have something to say but hesitated.
Chen Xiaobei could naturally tell that the other party had something on his mind.
"Brother Fang Jun, do you have something on your mind?"
Fang Jun nodded. "Brother Xiaobei, tomorrow is my day off. I want to go to Xiao Family Town tonight!"
Chen Xiaobei looked up at the swirling snow outside. The snow on the ground was already three fingers deep.
"Brother Fang Jun, the snow is too heavy. How about this, after the snow melts in a couple of days, you can make up for this day? You can take two more days off."
Fang Jun shook his head. "No need, no need. Xiaoyue and I already agreed on the date. If I don't go, I'm afraid she'll be anxious."
"Besides, the road to Xiao Family Town is an official road. A little snow won't matter. Don't worry about this."
Chen Xiaobei finally nodded in agreement.
After all, he had lived in the north in his previous life and was accustomed to snow. Thinking about how he had to go to school even in heavy snowfall, it wasn't that bad.