Jiang Ling was not fazed by the situation. She directly tackled a high-difficulty task, taking a large hairy crab from Chengyang Lake onto her plate.
She then picked up the pure silver crab eight utensils prepared beside her. First, she used the round-tipped scissors to snip off the crab's large claws and legs one by one. Next, she gently tapped the crab's shell all around with the waist hammer, and then used the long-handled axe to split open the carapace and the navel.
Afterward, using the awl, tweezers, fork, and hammer, she either pried, pinched, forked, or tapped, effortlessly peeling away the golden, lustrous roe and the snow-white, tender meat.
Her movements were so elegant and smooth, so beautiful they resembled a culinary masterpiece, leaving everyone astonished and impressed.
Jian Ma and An Shizhu's pupils dilated in shock, their eyes filled with disbelief.
Was this woman's table manners just too outrageously perfect?
Little did they know, in her previous life, Jiang Ling's mediocre looks prevented her from playing the leading lady in idol dramas. Just after turning thirty, she was cast as the mother of the male lead, who was five years her senior.
Although Jiang Ling found it immensely awkward, she had no choice. Good roles were rare, and to make a living, she had to bite the bullet and act. She even jokingly quipped to the male lead, "If I can't be your wife, I'll be your mother!"
To better embody the character, Jiang Ling dedicated herself to diligently studying the etiquette and demeanor of high society and noblewomen.
Thanks to her exceptional acting and the show's massive success, not only the male and female leads became popular, but she, as the mother, also gained widespread recognition.
Many viewers found Jiang Ling's portrayal of a wealthy matriarch to be outstanding. Her gaze, her aura, her poise—they were all so perfect, leaving no room for criticism.
From then on, whenever such roles arose, production teams would approach her. Thus, she played the mother of male leads again and again, her demeanor and image becoming increasingly refined.
To the point where, in real life, many people seeing her face would assume she was the lawful wife of some super-rich magnate.
Having been reborn, Jiang Ling might not have taken on similar roles again, but the etiquette and noble bearing of high society were already deeply ingrained in her bones, etched into her memory.
The current challenging meal was, to her, nothing more than child's play.
Under their shocked gazes, Jiang Ling picked up another piece of tender beef coated in rich sauce and brought it to her mouth.
The sauce was yellowish, simmered to a thick, viscous consistency, and it clung easily to the lips. Anyone a bit less careful would surely end up with a mouth full of it.
A messy yellow smear around the mouth would make one look truly disgusting, as if they had just returned from the restroom after eating feces.
Jiang Ling, however, handled it with effortless grace, not leaving a trace around her mouth, giving no one an opportunity to mock her.
She smiled at Jian Ma and An Shizhu, "This shredded beef is excellent. You should try some too."
Jian Ma, An Shizhu: "..."
Throughout the meal, Jiang Ling not only savored the delicious food but also conducted herself with an elegance that rivaled a beautiful classical melody.
Jian Ma and An Shizhu found their food tasteless, feeling like two defeated roosters.
Jian Ma's face was a mixture of pale and green. She said, "The meal is finished. I have other matters to attend to. I'll see you next time."
With that, she picked up her bag and, with An Shizhu in tow, left in dejection.
Jiang Ling twitched her lips speechlessly.
They left so quickly? She hadn't even gotten a chance to use the verbal sparring skills Sister Sa taught her.
Seeing them gone, Jiang Ling felt there was no point in staying. She grabbed her bag, preparing to leave as well.
Just then, a set of footsteps approached.
Jiang Ling looked up and saw Jian Zhou walking in with a smile. He asked, "How was it?"