nycdaug Chapter 115 The Journey of Exploring Wine Begins
Chapter 115 The Journey of Exploring Wine Begins
The journey of exploring wine begins
The next morning, sunlight streamed onto the bluestone path as Su Yunlan, dressed in a light blue dress, walked lightly toward the winery.
Xiao Yuhan, dressed in a black outfit, followed closely behind, his tall figure like a majestic mountain, silently protecting her.
His gaze was calm and resolute, as if silently saying: no matter what she does, he will be by her side, becoming her strongest support.
The distillery was located on the edge of town, and the paint on the signboard was already peeling, giving it an air of decay.
A faint smell of fermented grains filled the air, but it also carried a lingering musty odor.
Su Yunlan pushed open the creaking wooden door, and dust rushed in, making her frown slightly.
The distillery was in a mess, with brewing equipment scattered haphazardly on the ground, covered in a thick layer of dust.
Several workers were listlessly cleaning the broken jars.
Su Yunlan looked around, her gaze finally settling on a corner where an elderly man with gray hair and shabby clothes sat. He was the brewer of the aged wine.
“Sir,” Su Yunlan’s voice was clear and steady, “I have heard that you are the winemaker here, and I would like to ask you some questions.”
The winemaker raised his head, his eyes cloudy, and his whole body exuded an aura that kept strangers at bay.
He crossed his arms, glanced sideways at Su Yunlan, and asked with obvious disdain, "Who are you? What are you doing here?"
"I am Su Yunlan, a new resident of this town. I am interested in brewing and would like to learn about your brewing recipe," Su Yunlan said, neither humble nor arrogant, her gaze honest and firm.
The winemaker snorted coldly, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "The recipe? That's something passed down from my ancestors, priceless. How could I just give it to an outsider?" His voice was hoarse, carrying an innate arrogance.
Su Yunlan smiled slightly; she had expected this outcome.
Her tone softened slightly, but her words remained sharp: "Old sir, you've been guarding this recipe, yet the distillery has fallen to such a state. Don't you feel it's a pity? This recipe can only realize its true value when it's in the hands of someone who truly understands it."
The winemaker's face darkened, and his disdain became even more pronounced.
"Hmph, what do you laymen know? My Chen family's recipe is beyond your comprehension. You'd better leave now and not disturb my peace." His tone was harsh, with no attempt to hide his intention to get rid of them.
Xiao Yuhan stepped forward, his tall figure blocking Su Yunlan's path, and an invisible sense of oppression instantly enveloped the entire winery.
Su Yunlan felt a surge of warmth in her heart as she sensed Xiao Yuhan's protection. She gently tugged at Xiao Yuhan's sleeve, signaling him to calm down.
She simply said, "I'm determined to get this distillery."
"
The winemaker was taken aback, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by disdain. He sneered, "Such arrogance! I'd like to see how you manage to revive this dilapidated distillery!" He turned and stood up, walking into the inner room, leaving behind only a chilling statement, "The recipe? Forget about it!"
Su Yunlan watched his departing figure, a slight smile playing on her lips. She turned to look at Xiao Yuhan beside her, a meaningful smile in her eyes. "Yuhan, this winemaker is much more interesting than I imagined." Her voice echoed in the empty winery, carrying a hint of mystery.
After returning to her temporary residence, Su Yunlan immediately entered her spatial dimension.
A vast, cloud-like bookshelf stands before me, the air filled with the ancient scent of ink.
She walked purposefully towards the area where ancient books were displayed, her fingertips lightly brushing across the scrolls, searching for any clues about winemaking.
A yellowed, thread-bound book caught her eye; the four characters "The Secret Record of Wine" came into view.
Turning the pages, the paper makes a slight rustling sound, as if telling the story of the passage of time.
The book records various winemaking recipes and techniques, some of which have long been lost. However, with his modern knowledge and understanding, Su Yunlan quickly found some clues related to the ancestral recipes mentioned by the winemaker.
She studied the clues carefully, her eyes sparkling with hope, like stars twinkling in the night sky, dazzling and captivating.
"Sister-in-law, did you find anything?" Young Master Xiao's voice broke the silence of the room.
He looked at Su Yunlan's focused expression.
Su Yunlan raised her head and smiled slightly. "We've found some clues, but we still need to verify them further." Her voice was gentle yet firm, carrying a reassuring strength.
Young Master Xiao looked at the ancient book in Su Yunlan's hand, his eyes filled with curiosity. "What is recorded in this book? Can I take a look?"
Su Yunlan handed him the book and patiently explained its contents.
Young Master Xiao listened with great interest, occasionally letting out exclamations of surprise.
"Sister-in-law, you are really amazing!" he exclaimed sincerely.
"I only know a little bit," Su Yunlan said with a modest smile.
At this moment, Xiao Yuhan walked in and saw Su Yunlan engrossed in her books, his brows furrowing slightly.
He walked behind her and gently massaged her shoulders.
"Lan'er, you need to rest." His voice was deep and gentle, with a hint of concern that was barely perceptible.
Su Yunlan felt the warmth of his palm, and her heart warmed.
She looked up and met his deep gaze.
"I understand, Yuhan." Her voice was soft and gentle, as if carrying a hint of coquetry.
Xiao Yuhan's massage pressure was just right, relieving Su Yunlan's fatigue.
She leaned against him, feeling his warm embrace, her heart filled with happiness and a sense of security.
"Lan'er, no matter what happens, I will be by your side." Xiao Yuhan's voice rang in her ears, like a vow, firm and powerful.
Su Yunlan nodded slightly.
Because she has Xiao Yuhan and the Fourteenth Young Master Xiao, they are her strongest support.
"Knock knock knock..." A knock on the door broke the silence of the room.
"Who?" Young Master Xiao asked warily.
"It's me, Miss Sun." A clear voice came from outside the door.
Miss Sun pushed open the door and entered; her coarse clothes could not conceal the heroic spirit between her brows.
She walked up to Su Yunlan, her eyes firm and her tone sincere: "Madam Su, I've heard that you're searching for a lost brewing recipe, and I'd like to join you." She paused, her tone pleading, "I've been interested in brewing since I was a child, and I know a little bit about it. I hope I can serve you, Madam."
Su Yunlan looked at the enthusiastic woman in front of him and secretly admired her.
Although this Miss Sun is a woman, she has an indomitable spirit, which is exactly what she needs now.
"Miss Sun, I would naturally be most pleased if you were willing to join us." Su Yunlan's tone carried a hint of relief, as if she had found a like-minded partner.
Ms. Sun's addition undoubtedly provided her with a boost.
The restoration work on the distillery is underway, with the clanging and hammering sounds echoing throughout.
Suddenly, a commotion came from outside the door, and several burly men barged in, cursing and reeking of alcohol.
"I heard you're going to reopen the distillery? Don't you even know whose territory this town is?" The leading man, with a face full of scars, glared fiercely at Su Yunlan.
Upon seeing this, Young Master Xiao immediately stepped forward and stood in front of Su Yunlan.
"Who are you people? How dare you cause trouble here!" His tone was cold, and his eyes revealed an undeniable authority.
"Hey, where did this brat come from, daring to challenge me!" The man sneered disdainfully and reached out to shove Young Master Xiao.
Young Master Xiao was agile and dodged to the side, then punched the man in the stomach with a backhand.
The man cried out in pain, clutching his stomach as he collapsed to the ground.
Seeing this, the others gathered around.
Young Master Xiao was fearless and engaged them in fierce combat.
Su Yunlan watched all of this coldly without intervening.
She knew that Young Master Xiao needed this kind of experience.
Although the men outnumbered them, Young Master Xiao was highly skilled in martial arts and quickly subdued them.
"Get out!" Young Master Xiao roared, and the men scrambled out of the distillery.
After driving away the troublemakers, Su Yunlan continued to bury himself in ancient books, trying to piece together the complete recipe from fragments of text.
Although she has found some clues, she is still far from getting the complete recipe.
As time ticked by, Su Yunlan's brows furrowed deeper and deeper.
At this moment, Young Master Xiao rushed in, looking flustered.
"Sister-in-law, something bad has happened! I heard..." he said urgently, with fine beads of sweat on his forehead.
"I heard...what?" Su Yunlan looked up at him with a puzzled expression.
Young Master Xiao took a deep breath and said in a heavy tone, "I heard that several other wineries are also searching for brewing recipes, and..." He paused, his tone tinged with disbelief, "...they seem to be... trying to poach people!"