Bringing out the flavor involves taste and smell, while having the flavor blend in involves texture and appearance. This is the essence of simmering this pot of soup.

The mystery of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall lies in seeking common ground while preserving minor differences, reflecting the beauty of harmony. Various ingredients are simmered together in one broth, so the general taste is somewhat similar, but due to the unique characteristics of each ingredient, subtle differences remain.

Rich and mellow, seemingly rich yet not overwhelming, aromatic and alluring without being overbearing, only steady and harmonious.

Grandpa Jiang picked up the black, shiny worm and brought it close to his eyes. Its body was covered with spikes, appearing as though it should be disgusting, yet it didn’t feel repulsive at all. Instead, its bouncy texture between the chopsticks made it appealing, and with a layer of soup shimmering on it, it looked quite appetizing and tempting to take a bite.

As he opened his mouth for a bite, the rich and delicious flavor rushed to his head, while his tongue felt a slimy sensation that compelled him to take a gentle bite.

"Crunch..."

A slight crisp sound emanated from his mouth, the tender yet slightly resilient sea cucumber broke in his mouth, turning into pieces upon chewing and releasing even more intense flavors.

The sea cucumber is one of the representatives of having the flavor blend in.

Although this little thing is quite expensive, besides its unique fishy taste, it holds almost no flavor by itself, and the fishy taste must be entirely removed. Its flavor depends entirely on the chef’s craftsmanship.

Cooked with scallions, it’s about the scallion aroma; with fish, it’s about the fish aroma, enjoying the bite for its own chewy crispy freshness.

Blended with the essence from eight ingredients simmered for two days, paired with its unique texture, this very moment the sea cucumber is undoubtedly one of the world’s most top-notch delicacies.

This little worm growing in the mountains is fresh enough that Grandpa Jiang feels disoriented, an ultimate challenge to the taste buds.

Grandpa Jiang typically eats quickly, chewing four to five times before swallowing, but now his speed slowed considerably. His mouth, devoid of teeth, instinctively chewed slowly and thoroughly, subconsciously unwilling to spoil this exquisite flavor.

This moment, the grandpas and grandmas are deeply immersed in the delicious food, while young onlookers can only lament why they met the right one at the wrong age, all the while seduced by the intoxicating aroma.

Isn’t it unfortunate not to be born at the right time!

Grandpa Jiang ladled a spoonful of soup, the rich broth at just the right temperature, slightly scalding yet still drinkable, without any thickeners, rich enough to clog one’s mouth, an unforgettable thick and silky smoothness.

Sighing deeply, Grandpa Jiang murmured, "Even if I only taste this delicacy once in my lifetime, it’s already enough. Anymore and I fear losing longevity."

He looked somewhat embarrassed at Wang Fan, saying, "Young man, I think I lack the blessings to finish this bowl. May I pass it on to someone else to taste?"

Wang Fan chuckled, "Once it’s given to you, it’s yours, and you surely have the right to choose whether to share it."

"Thank you!"

Grandpa Jiang then beckoned to the butcher shop owner, saying, "Young man, come, taste this Blessings and Longevity with me."

The butcher shop owner was genuinely kind, often helping with change, sometimes treating them to meals and drinks, assisting with accounting and closing the stall.

Hearing Grandpa Jiang’s call, the butcher shop owner felt a bit excited yet hesitant.

These elders didn’t know the value of this bowl, but he knew very well, feeling somewhat awkward as he looked at Wang Fan.

Wang Fan spoke up, "When an elder invites you, you shouldn’t refuse. Grandpa Jiang asks you to eat, so go ahead, it’s not worth much." With a wink, he added.

Understanding, the butcher shop owner stopped hesitating, realizing that continued hesitation might alert the elders.

He took a disposable spoon, scooped some dry goods, and drank a bit of soup, rich, fresh, mellow, chewy, juicy, soft... almost any texture imaginable was contained in this small bowl.

Exhaling fragrant air, the butcher beckoned the poultry shop owner, saying, "Old Liu, come, taste this."

Meanwhile, the other grandpas and grandmas also caught on, each offering their Buddha Jumps Over the Wall to familiar faces.

Some were regular customers, others exceptionally close shopkeepers, and some gave to children.

Those who received the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall simply tasted it lightly before passing it to their friends.

Thus, one bite after another, almost everyone in the marketplace got to taste the pot of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.

But there were some who usually kept to themselves, or were new tourists to the city, feeling awkward and tense, fearfully looking around lest anyone notice their lack of integration.

Wang Fan looked at them and smiled, hurriedly packing the remaining Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, handing the bowls to them, saying, "Try some, there isn’t much left, just a taste. If you want to fill up, wait for my stir-fry later."

"Thank you, Boss Wang!"

"Thank you, Boss Wang, I’m your fan, have been following you for a long time."

"Me too, me too. Couldn’t imagine the first meeting would have Boss Wang treating us to something delicious, feeling so blessed, hehehe."

Wang Fan waved and returned to his stall. Buddha Jumps Over the Wall was just a gift, but today’s last shift still needed to be completed.

"Culture, this is cultural building!"

Watching the scene from afar in the marketplace, Jing Chuan couldn’t help but exclaim.