The sweet - and - sour smoked fish had a crispy skin and fresh meat, fully soaked in the sauce. The faint saltiness and slight sweetness and sourness were in perfect harmony, with a very delicate proportion. A bit too much would make it greasy, while a bit too little would make it insipid.
This ordinary grass carp could actually achieve such an amazing taste. The mermaids couldn't help but praise it highly.
As for the sea pearls, they were used to raise groupers. The grouper meat was light and delicious. It only needed simple marination, and after steaming, a thin layer of oil was poured on it. This simple yet delicious dish was suitable for all ages.
These dishes were not difficult to cook and could be served quickly. The hot - pot base needed for seasoning would be delivered by Zhang Lu's ship every month, which saved them a lot of trouble.
Li Ying had considered everything thoroughly. Coincidentally, Su Buchi also brought some people and followed the wreckage of the pirate ships on the sea to find this small island.
She was worried about her family and couldn't stay for long. She quickly explained how the pearl farm should be arranged and told the mermaids to renovate the empty rooms as soon as possible to prepare for the tourists who would come for diving. Then she was about to leave the island with Su Buchi.
Lu Xunguang had excused himself to patrol around the island since he saw Li Ying teaching the mermaids how to cook grass carp. Li Ying just thought he was checking if there were any remaining pirates and didn't pay much attention.
Zhang Lu led a dozen or so young and strong villagers, each holding a fish fork or a firewood knife. Seeing that Su Buchi hadn't even had time to bandage the wound on his forehead, and Li Ying and Lu Xunguang were also in a mess, it was obvious that they had gone through a fierce battle. Everyone couldn't help but feel a lingering fear.
"A Ying, luckily you were smart. If something had happened to you, we really wouldn't know how to explain it to the whole village!"
The pirates were tightly tied up like dumplings and dragged on a small sampan at the stern of the boat. They all looked half - dead.
Li Ying didn't forget to remind Zhang Lu repeatedly. Although this red tide hadn't endangered their village, they mustn't be careless. Taking this opportunity, it was just right to give the villagers a good publicity about the horror of shellfish poison.
Zhang Lu and the fishermen nodded in agreement. Seeing that Su Buchi and Lu Xunguang seemed to have something to say, they wisely dispersed to go about their business.
"Little Master Uncle, are you okay?"
Li Ying looked at this handsome young man with a bruised eye and felt really sorry for him.
Su Buchi waved his hand indifferently, with a bit of apology on his face.
"Miss Li, it's my incompetence. I almost let you fall into the hands of the pirates."
Li Ying smiled and said, "It's just that I'm not skilled enough. I underestimated the ability of these pirates. How can I blame you?"
In the novel, the protagonist just took out some excellent knockout drugs, and the villains immediately lost consciousness and had to surrender obediently. Who would have thought that this trick wouldn't work for her!
A group of pirates who were homeless and drifting around actually had a poison - resistant constitution? It was a bit too absurd.
Li Ying silently complained in her heart. At this time, she saw Su Buchi looking at her seriously with his eyebrows tightly knitted.
"Miss Li, I think there's something very strange about this group of pirates."
Oh?
Li Ying didn't understand what he meant and waited for him to continue in confusion.
"Do you still remember that when we boarded the pirate ship, we saw a triangular flag tied to the mast?"
Li Ying nodded. Of course, she remembered. At that time, she was secretly wondering why such a small group of pirates had such a well - made flag.
"The apricot - yellow flag, with mulberry branches on a sparrow - shaped pole, a golden top in the shape of a ruyi scepter head, and golden - wire dragon patterns. If I remember correctly... this pattern seems to be from the Jiangnan River Transport Gang."
Su Buchi carefully and slowly spoke. As soon as he said this, Lu Xunguang, who had been sitting silently by the side, frowned.
Seeing Li Ying looking puzzled, Su Buchi continued to explain, "The River Transport Gang was originally a secret guild of boatmen and sailors. All its members were engaged in river transport. It was a place full of hidden talents."
"More than a decade ago, there was a salt shortage in the south of the Yangtze River. The River Transport Gang spontaneously transported salt and grain, relieving the people's urgent need. Although they came from humble beginnings and their actions were often unorthodox, they won the hearts of the people. Most people praised the chivalry of the River Transport Gang."
Li Ying raised her eyebrows.
According to what Su Buchi said, everyone in the River Transport Gang was a chivalrous hero who hated evil.
But the pirates who hijacked them and forced Zhu'er and others to collect pearls, colluding with Lady Lian, really couldn't be considered good people.
Did the heroes of the River Transport Gang fall into the pirates' trap, or was all this just a big deception?
Li Ying frowned. She felt that there were so many thoughts in her mind. It seemed that there was an idea about to come out, but she just couldn't catch it no matter how hard she tried.
Su Buchi also noticed that Lu Xunguang looked solemn and asked in a deep voice, "A Xun, do you know something? Was there anything abnormal when you fought with the pirates?"
Lu Xunguang tightened his sword - shaped eyebrows but didn't say a word.
Li Ying had to smooth things over and said, "Anyway, Inspector Lin is still in the village. We'll arrest this group of pirates and hand them over to the inspector for interrogation."
She just wanted to stay in the fishing village safely, take care of her family, do some small business, and live a simple and happy life. She really had no interest in delving into any Jianghu grudges.
Seeing her say this, Su Buchi wisely didn't say anything more.
"Brother Lu, did you find anything when you patrolled the island just now?"
The atmosphere among the three of them was a bit indescribably delicate for a moment. Li Ying simply changed the topic casually.
Lu Xunguang nodded. He took out a small bag from behind, spread it on the ground, and looked at her as if showing off a treasure.
"A Ying, you're used to looking for novel ingredients every time you go somewhere. Due to the limited time, I only found these. Take a look."
Li Ying's heart softened. She didn't expect that he had dragged his tired body and still ran around the island for her.
Most of the things in the bag were the roots of ordinary wild grasses. Li Ying carefully checked them one by one. Finally, her eyes fell on a bunch of cherry - sized fruits.
These round fruits were like jade beads hanging on the thin branches. They were as red as coral, with a few yellow, unripe fruits interspersed among them. They were very cute.
She carefully peeled the skin, revealing two oval - shaped pits that were tightly attached to each other. Immediately, her eyes lit up.
It was coffee!
Great!
The crispy cakes sold in the pastry shop were just right with strong tea, but those Western pastries made of milk were more suitable to be paired with coffee.
God knows how much she had been longing for a cup of fragrant coconut latte every day while looking at the mountains of coconuts in her space!
She didn't expect her wish to come true like this!
The haze left by the "pirates" and the "River Transport Gang" in Li Ying's heart instantly vanished. Overjoyed, she put her arms around Lu Xunguang's neck and said with a smile, "Thank you, Brother Lu. You've really solved my urgent need!"
A faint blush appeared on Lu Xunguang's face, but he didn't hug her back. Only then did Li Ying realize that Su Buchi was still sitting there leisurely. She couldn't help but smile awkwardly.
Oops, she seemed to have been too overjoyed.
Su Buchi noticed their uneasiness. Looking calm, he stood up and said lightly, "I'll go and check on those water bandits. Excuse me."