C22 Grilled Mutton Skewers

"For the best flavor, you've got to go with the loin when choosing mutton. That's the secret to delicious grilled meat. Unfortunately, the mutton you picked isn't top-notch, but it'll do in a pinch."

"First off, we need to wash the mutton thoroughly."

"Next, we'll chop it into roughly two-centimeter square chunks."

As Lee Yun methodically prepared the mutton, he shared his expertise, "This step really puts your knife skills to the test. We need to make some incisions in the mutton with the knife tip to let the heat penetrate quickly. Otherwise, you might end up with a charred exterior and an undercooked interior."

"For the third step, we'll whip up a marinade with sweet bean paste, soy sauce, and cumin powder to ensure the mutton soaks up all the flavors."

Lee Yun's deft hands soon had over a dozen skewers sizzling on the grill.

Before long, the tantalizing aroma of the roasting meat mingled with cumin wafted through the air, capturing the attention of everyone passing by.

"What's that amazing smell? Is that roasted meat?!"

"Wow, I've never smelled roasted meat this good before! Hey, boss, I want a mutton skewer!"

"Count me in! I'll take five skewers. I'm going to take them all home for my wife!"

"Wait, it's not my turn yet? I can't wait any longer – I'm practically drooling! How can these mutton skewers smell so incredible?!"

Hu Xiaomeng caught a whiff of the savory scent but felt it was impolite to linger, so she quickly stopped herself.

Yet the aroma from Lee Yun's mutton skewers was irresistible, and she found herself drawn in, sniffing eagerly with her adorable little nose. She shifted in her seat several times before forcing herself to sit still.

Seeing the growing crowd, Hu Xiaomeng worried the skewers might sell out. She couldn't stay put any longer and scurried over to Lee Yun, gazing at the grilling meat with her big, doe-like eyes.

"Big brother, are the mutton skewers ready?"

From the sidelines, Hu Xiaomeng voiced her longing, "I just can't wait to try the roast meat."

Lee Yun was utterly charmed by her. This little Lolita was too cute when she pouted!

"They'll be ready in no time. I'll have some for you shortly," Lee Yun replied smoothly, only to realize afterward that his words might have a double meaning.

He hadn't meant it that way, of course!

Brother Hu's mouth watered as he called out, "Hey, I want ten mutton skewers too! If I'd known how tasty your grilling was, I'd have had you cook for me ages ago!"

Lee Yun offered a slight smile, about to respond, when a familiar voice echoed from a distance.

"What's that delicious smell? Brother Fei, that kid works here. He's got no parents – he's an orphan."

Lee Yun's classmate, Zhang Dong, approached with two young men sporting yellow-dyed hair, brandishing wooden sticks and shoving their way through the crowd.

Brother Hu was taken aback. What was happening?

Hu Xiaomeng glanced at Zhang Dong, blinked her sweet eyes, and then turned her curious gaze back to Lee Yun, a hint of understanding in her expression.

Was it possible that the big brother before her had enemies, and a confrontation was about to unfold right there?

In a flash, a multitude of tales raced through Hu Xiaomeng's mind. She envisioned the 'Summit of the Forbidden City', the 'Hua Mountain Sword Duel', and the 'Nocturnal Thousand-Mile Journey', among others.

She had been regaled with countless legends of the martial arts world, yet this was her inaugural glimpse into its reality!

Consequently, Hu Xiaomeng's face flushed with excitement. She gripped her tiny fists tightly, eagerly anticipating Lee Yun's display of prowess.

"Hey, kid!"

Strutting up to Lee Yun, Zhang Dong, flanked by a pair of cronies known as the Yellow Hairs—one notably named Brother Fei—was poised to speak. But Lee Yun cut in with a calm, "This is it, Xiaomeng, pay close attention!"