Webnovel Author In The Apocalypse World-Chapter 329 : New Year’s Feast
Although Kim Haru was in charge of cooking, Go Okrim and Kang Hose were more than happy to assist.
The pork from the feast after the pig slaughter finally found its use, alongside various fresh vegetables.
The sausages they had stuffed earlier were now perfectly smoked and infused with the distinct aroma of cured meat. Kim Haru cut a few sections, cleaned their surfaces with hot water, boiled them, and sliced them into thin pieces for plating. The smell was heavenly.
To honor the tradition of "abundance year after year," Kim Haru had, a few days earlier, fished from the small pond. He specifically set aside the larger fish, ensuring there would be leftovers to carry into the "new year."
Unlike the luminous fish, these catches looked like ordinary fish, though Kim Haru couldn't identify the species. After confirming through the system that they were safe to eat, he decided to use them for the occasion.
Since these weren't luminous fish, there was no need to peel their skin. Kim Haru decided to prepare a dish with an artistic presentation.
After gutting the fish and cleaning off its scales, he made careful incisions along its body. He marinated the fish, coated it in flour, and shaped it into an arch resembling a leaping pose. Then he carefully fried it in hot oil.
The first fry achieved a golden hue, after which he set the fish aside to cool. He then fried it again to ensure it maintained its shape and wouldn't collapse as it cooled.
The result was a beautifully arched fish, resembling a leap frozen in time. Kim Haru plated it and poured a specially prepared sauce over the fish, completing a dish with a unique and eye-catching design.
"Brother Haru, you're amazing!" Go Okrim who had been observing the entire process, clapped enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Kim Haru was equally pleased with his success.
"This dish shall be called 'Fish Leaping Over the Dragon Gate.'"
Such a beautifully crafted fish dish could be given any auspicious name, but Kim Haru couldn't think of anything better at the moment. "Leaping Dragon Gate" seemed fitting enough.
The New Year's Eve dinner for the three of them was as sumptuous as ever. Not only did they feast, but the animals on the farm also had their own special New Year's meals. Kim Haru had prepared each animal's favorite food with great care.
For the dogs, who adored bones, he made a large, aromatic serving of pork ribs for each one. Even Cresent wasn't left out, receiving a rib all to himself.
For Luna, who loved fish, the smaller fish that Kim Haru had caught, ones too small to serve at the table, were cooked especially for the feline. In addition to the fish, there were shrimp, and Luna meowed endlessly in delight as he ate.
Kim Haru hadn't forgotten about the Unmelted Frost Bamboo Tree, still active despite the winter chill. He dug a pit, filled it with fertilizer, soil, and water—everything plants loved—and encouraged them with, "Eat as much as you like."
The Unmelted Frost Bamboo Tree immediately gathered around, clearly thrilled.
As for the plants in winter dormancy, Kim Haru had instructed Go Okrim and Kang Hose earlier in the day to add ample fertilizer around their roots.
The Unmelted Frost Bamboo Tree working at the Pyeongseong Safe Zone weren't forgotten either. During lunch at the safe zone, Kim Haru had brought them several bags of fertilizer.
For their New Year's Eve dinner, the table was set outside the wooden cabin on an open patch of ground. The night sky was exceptionally clear, stars sparkling brightly, and an occasional meteor streaked across the heavens.
Nearby, a bonfire blazed, its warm, orange glow painting their faces with a rosy hue. Around them, vibrant red decorations—spring couplets, lanterns, and the character "Fu" for good fortune—added to the festive atmosphere.
"Can we light the firecrackers now? Can we?" Go Okrim asked eagerly.
Kang Hose looked just as excited.
Even Kim Haru couldn't help but anticipate it.
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"Let's do it!"
With that, they tossed bamboo tubes into the bonfire. As the fire burned through them, they crackled and popped loudly, mimicking the sound of firecrackers. The rhythmic explosions echoed through the night, filling it with the spirit of celebration.
Firecrackers, or anything involving real gunpowder, had long since disappeared in the post-apocalyptic world. Still, a New Year's celebration without their sound seemed incomplete. That's when Kim Haru had remembered this trick.
He'd read about it in those farming novels where the protagonist traveled back in time to ancient eras. Surprisingly, it worked quite well.
While they were lighting their makeshift firecrackers, the sky over the Pyeongseong Safe Zone lit up with bursts of color.
It was the handiwork of ability users, crafting dazzling fireworks with their powers. Even from Kim Haru's little farm, the brilliant displays could be seen.
The first day of the new year heralded the tradition of visiting friends and family.
Before his transmigration, Kim Haru wasn't particularly fond of such customs, but now, for reasons he couldn't quite explain, he felt a bit inclined.
Kang Hose had plans to visit the Caeruleus Drac Squad, so Kim Haru decided to go with Go Okrim to the safe zone.
The latter didn't go empty-handed, of course.
One of them carried a broomstick with skewers of candied hawthorn stuck all over it, while the other brought pre-made orange peel candy and dried sweet potatoes.
Today's Pyeongseong Safe Zone was bustling with activity.
The families come around visiting one another, and even the poorest households had prepared small treats to share during their visits.
When Kang Hose left, Kim Haru handed him a bag of orange peel candy and dried sweet potatoes, telling him to share them with the members of the Caeruleus Draco Squad.
Afterward, only Kim Haru and Go Okrim remained.
They didn't take the sled Cryo Wolf directly to the central district.
Instead, they entered through the East Gate and strolled around the Fourth District first.
