Chapter 33: Too Exaggerated! Waiting in Line for Lunch Under the Scorching Sun?
The discussion among netizens primarily revolved around the authenticity of the construction site's grand meal. Many believed that the video was mere hype and found it impossible to believe that food from a construction site could be so delectable. They speculated that the workers featured in the video were actors.
"Construction site food..." Zhang Keke put down her phone, her eyes filled with curiosity. Subsequently, she addressed her live audience, saying, "I haven't explored a shop in a while. Why don't I head to this construction site to uncover the truth about this big pot meal?"
In previous years, Zhang Keke had gained fame through her shop explorations. Wherever there was delicious food, she was sure to be present. And for the restaurants that had been overly hyped, they usually ended up going out of business after her investigation.
"Alright! Enough of the crayfish; let's get this construction site torn down!"
"What's the deal with construction site food? Big pot rice isn't even that palatable; it doesn't deserve to be called food!"
"These workers are all from Shanhe University; they must be actors. Crackdown on counterfeits is necessary; we must expose this."
"And Shanhe University's president, his cooking skills have been blown out of proportion on the internet!"
In the studio, the barrage was filled with excitement, urging Zhang Keke to leave quickly and reveal the truth about this construction site's big pot meal.
...
That night, Zhang Keke booked a flight and traveled overnight to the nearest airport near the junction of the four provinces. She spent several hours on a bus, navigating through the mountains. Finally, at eleven o'clock the next morning, she arrived at the construction site.
"This construction site... is incredibly remote," she remarked, holding her live broadcasting equipment in one hand while rubbing her sore legs.
Surrounded by mountains, the rough and inconvenient roads made it challenging to fathom why a university would choose such a remote location for its campus. Even if the university were constructed here, Zhang Keke doubted whether many people would be willing to attend.
"It should be this way," Zhang Keke glanced around before proceeding toward the construction site.
However, as she entered the site, she was met with an astonishing sight. People were everywhere, standing in long lines under the scorching sun, but it was unclear what they were waiting for.
"Why are there so many people?" she muttered, bewildered.
In her live broadcast room, the barrage was equally surprised.
"Isn't it lunchtime? Typically, construction site workers would still be on the job."
"Judging by their clothing, they seem quite clean; they shouldn't be construction workers."
"The construction site machinery hasn't stopped; where did all these people come from? There are men, women, and even children!"
"Should the anchor go to the front to investigate?"
Zhang Keke nodded, then took her live broadcast equipment and attempted to bypass the line.
However, after just a few steps, a burly man blocked her path. He wore a stern expression as he questioned her, "What are you doing? Trying to jump the line?"
Startled, Zhang Keke tried to explain in a low voice, "I... I'm here to explore the shop..."
"Explore the shop? What's that?" the big man furrowed his brow.
"It's... just tasting delicious food and providing evaluations..." Zhang Keke nervously explained.
However, before she could finish, the big man sneered and said, "Alright, alright, you're here to buy boxed lunches like everyone else. If you want to eat, just queue up properly!"
Zhang Keke was taken aback, wanting to say more, but she heard a voice over the loudspeaker from up ahead. "Please maintain order, line up one by one, and those who cut in line will not receive boxed lunches!"
Realization struck her. These people were all here for the construction site's big pot meal. There was a long line ahead, so she obediently retreated and joined the queue.
Through conversations with those around her, she learned that these people were local residents living nearby.
"Brother, aren't there people at home to cook for you?" Zhang Keke couldn't help but ask.
She looked puzzled, wondering why the nearby residents, so close to home, would come to the construction site and wait in line to buy lunch.
"Can my mother-in-law's cooking be compared to this food? It's like heaven and earth compared to the rice at home!"
"My cousin works at this construction site and said that the big pot rice here is the best in the world. He insisted that I come and try it."
"My son works here too, and he strongly recommended that I come. If I didn't, I would regret it for the rest of my life!"
"Do you smell that? It's the construction site cooking. Can my mother-in-law's food produce this aroma?"
The people around her were ecstatic and eagerly pointed forward, inhaling the scent as if it were intoxicating.
"It's too exaggerated," Zhang Keke mumbled, feeling a sudden sense of apprehension. The nearby residents were passionate about the construction site's big pot meal. They would skip meals at home to queue up under the scorching sun.