The group chatted as they ate.
Ding Aiguo brought up how to get rid of the gamey taste in river snails.
"A kindred spirit!" Li Xu clapped his hands and said cheerfully, "Speaking of chives, I'm reminded of a quote from the epicure, Mr. Wang Zengqi: 'Prose should strive for elegance and clarity, with little embellishment, much like the taste of new chives in early spring or late cabbage in late autumn.'"
"As they say, chives at the start of spring and napa cabbage at the end of autumn are the most delicious. Even Zheng Banqiao himself said, 'Chives fill the spring garden, ready to be cut at any time. To savor early chives while composing poetry and painting—what a delight!'"
Li Xu's words made Elder Li nod repeatedly in agreement.
"Great minds think alike." Elder Li laughed heartily. "Doctor Li, you've read my mind. The next dish is stir-fried chives with river shrimp."
As soon as he finished speaking, the housekeeper brought out a platter of green and white.
