CHAPTER 56: CHAPTER 56: IRRESISTIBLE MAPO TOFU BUNS

When Wang Fan started steaming the Mapo Tofu Buns, people were already gathering in front of his stall.

There were mostly elderly folks, but also a few office workers with over two hours of commute time.

A two-hour commute in Beijing is not short, but it’s definitely not the longest; there are plenty who endure three hours.

The life of waking up at five and getting home at nine is as blissful as it sounds.

Many of the elderly folks knew Officer Zhong and greeted him with cheerful smiles, to which he responded in kind.

Then, they all turned their attention to watching Wang Fan skillfully make the buns.

Auntie Wang was full of admiration: "This young boss has skills that surpass my decades of experience. Look at how he’s making these buns, each one almost identical in size."

"Not just the size, look at the pleats on these buns. They’re so neat and precise; it’s like they’re more perfectly made than by a machine, as if they were carved from a mold."

Feng Haoyu and Li Wei were also there, watching Wang Fan’s speed. Feng Haoyu exclaimed in amazement, "This is at least the product of 20 years of single life, making a bun in three seconds, and with one hand!"

"Haha... indeed, I’d say at least 25 years."

Li Wei casually agreed but felt somewhat uneasy watching Wang Fan.

After all, just yesterday he suspected Wang Fan of adding something to the buns and even went to the police station to report it.

Although only he and the police knew about this, to express his apology, he decided to buy 30 buns!

Wang Fan didn’t pay much attention to the compliments, not thinking he was that great.

Compared to the system, he felt he was still far off.

He stood up and walked toward the steamer, his nose just telling him that the Mapo Tofu Buns were best served right now.

He opened the steamer, and a large cloud of white mist rose up, with everyone feeling that the steam and heat of this dish was never enough to watch.

It’s well known that Sichuan peppercorns are potent in flavor. Just lifting the steamer, the numbing aroma mixed with the bean scent of the tofu and the subtle beef aroma hit full force, making one’s mouth water.

Plus, the Mapo Tofu inside had plenty of oil. The bright red sauce soaked into the bun skins made the allure of the buns even higher.

Officer Zhong was chewing his last Fish-Flavored Shredded Pork Bun, only feeling that the more he chewed, the more his mouth watered.

The distinct aroma from the Mapo Tofu Bun constantly tantalized his taste buds.

"Boss, give me 30 of these Mapo Tofu Buns!"

Officer Zhong didn’t feel the need to resist the temptation of these buns, so he just spoke up.

Wang Fan reminded him, "Sorry, Officer Zhong, yesterday we agreed that each person is limited to 10 buns per filling. Otherwise, those who come late won’t have any to eat."

"What? There’s a limit on buns too?"

Officer Zhong looked at Wang Fan, a bit shocked.

Old Liu chuckled, "You bet there is. Mainly because these buns are too delicious. If there were no limits, I’d buy 50 of them. Can’t finish them for breakfast? I’ll have them at lunch, and for dinner with a side dish for a perfect meal."

Auntie Wang chimed in from the back, "If there were no limits, you’d probably pack up and go home in 30 minutes. Those who come a bit later wouldn’t get any. Without these buns, you’d lack appetite for the whole day. But Officer Xiaozhong rarely comes by, and he’s been quite good to our community, so why not make an exception for him, young boss?"

Before Wang Fan could say anything, Officer Zhong quickly waved his hand, "No, no, no. Since there are rules, I must follow them. We shouldn’t engage in any special privileges."

Then he turned to Wang Fan, "Just pack me 10 of these, and I should have a 5 bun quota left for the Fish-Flavored Shredded Pork ones, pack those together for me."

Once the first steamer of buns is done, the next batch will follow soon after. After getting his buns, Officer Zhong stepped back to join the queue again. After all, there were Shiitake Mushroom and Bok Choy Buns he didn’t want to miss.

With a bag of buns in his hand, Officer Zhong couldn’t help but glance over now and then.

Only 15...

I should let the master try some, right?

I can’t just gift one or two to the goddess, can I?

Thinking this way, he realized he really didn’t have many buns left for himself.

Subconsciously, his hand reached for the bag, but just as it was about to touch, he pulled it back quickly.

No, no, hold it. Absolutely can’t eat them, there are just too few!

Absolutely can’t eat!

Can’t eat!

Can eat!

Eat!

Just one, that makes 14 easier to divide, right? Oops? Seems like there are three people, then maybe eat three more.

Officer Zhong picked up a Mapo Tofu Bun and without hesitation stuffed it into his mouth.

The small bun appeared a bit bigger than his mouth, but the soft bun skin didn’t offer any resistance, easily slipping into his mouth with a gentle suck.

With a light bite, a numbing aroma instantly flowed into his mouth.

Officer Zhong’s heart skipped a beat, could there be Sichuan peppercorns in the bun?

He could handle the flavor of Sichuan peppercorns but biting into one or several would be unbearable.

There used to be a chef in the cafeteria who liked to add lots of Sichuan and prickly ash peppercorns into stir-fried cabbage, and during the cooking, those little things would slip into the folds of the cabbage, resulting in biting into several at once, a feeling like a nuclear bomb exploding in the mouth!

Officer Zhong started to proceed cautiously.

Gently biting into the bun, he used his tongue to mash the tofu inside, trying to avoid using teeth if possible.

The sauce-drenched tofu was spicy and flavorful, and the fragrance was still steaming as it entered his mouth.

Soon, a rich, spicy taste spread through his mouth, giving Officer Zhong an instant hot and spicy sensation.

Then the beef and sauce aroma quickly took over his mouth, so delicious that it made Officer Zhong feel dizzy.

What impressed Officer Zhong the most was the texture of the bun.

Some pieces of tofu were very soft, tender, and smooth like the most delicate jelly, almost dissolving in the mouth.

Other pieces were slightly chewy, providing a subtle, satisfying texture.

While chewing, tiny bits of beef occasionally appeared, with infusions of the Mapo Tofu sauce essence, a highlight though sparse.

Blending with the soft bun skin, the rich wheat aroma combined all the flavors perfectly, making each bite the most delightful experience.

Most surprisingly, he had finished an entire bun without finding a single Sichuan peppercorn!

Could it be his luck?

Officer Zhong wondered curiously.

Wang Fan would surely smile knowingly if he could hear his thoughts.

It wasn’t luck on Officer Zhong’s part, but Wang Fan had not added any when making the Mapo Tofu.

The flavors of Sichuan and dried chili were extracted by frying.

Then, the oil was directly mixed with the filling, maintaining the flavor without giving the diner a "bomb" to bite into.

Texture, after all, is one of the most crucial souls of a bun.