One year, while traveling to Guiyang, an older sister who hosted us casually mentioned the food in Chengdu at the dining table, somewhat dismissively. Out of politeness, she expressed it rather tactfully. Guiyang is also a city rich in culinary delights, and the pride in her tone was hard to conceal.

Of course, her pride was natural because Guiyang indeed has a plethora of delicious foods with various levels of quality. They have a snack street that gives you an irresistible feeling, making you want to linger and not leave.

At that time, I couldn't help but ask the older sister, "With so much good food in Chengdu, do you not like any of it?"

The older sister laughed and replied, "It's not that exaggerated. There is one dish that left a deep impression, and that is 'Couple's Lung Slices'."

Chengdu indeed has a penchant for some peculiar foods. When I was a child, I grew up in my mother's food company, and the most common things I ate were beef jerky, eggs, and pig spleen. There weren't any particularly strange foods. I remember trying snake meat once at Uncle Carpenter's house, but it was just a small taste, and afterward, I felt quite uncomfortable, always feeling a bit queasy. Near my middle school, there was a silkworm cocoon company, and the transport trucks often passed by the road in front of Team 68. Many friends had the skill to climb up the back of the truck in a few moves, and the silkworm pupae they stole were still warm, ready to eat right after tearing them open. It was said to be very nutritious, but I couldn't quite accept the taste; I have always disliked the patterns on insects, and silkworm pupae were no exception.

When I arrived in Chengdu, I found that the food there was simply dazzling and diverse.

For example, rabbit heads, which I had never eaten before. When I shared them with my family, they found it particularly troublesome and not very chewy. For instance, I only started trying 'Huang Huo' (a type of tripe) after arriving in Chengdu. The ways of eating cold dishes like 'Guai Rou' and 'Bai Rou' were also something I only began to enjoy in Chengdu. The food back home was relatively simple and traditional, while Chengdu's culinary methods are truly rich. Perhaps because it is a city of immigrants, Chengdu is inclusive and draws from many strengths. As someone who loves 'Twice-Cooked Pork', I only had my first taste of 'Lian Shan Hui Guo' in Guanghan, Chengdu, where each piece was as big as my palm, yet it managed to be rich without being greasy, showcasing the chef's exquisite skills.

Chongqing kids are tough, while Chengdu girls are gentle. This actually highlights the stark contrast between the two cities.

People in Chengdu have a gentle and soft personality, not as fiery and intense as those from Chongqing. Moreover, the entire city moves at a leisurely pace, with a light and carefree atmosphere. I once doubted whether the 'slow past' written by Mu Xin was about Chengdu. All foreign foods become milder in Chengdu, naturally blending into the city's slow rhythm. The men here are also more homely and gentle.

Located in the plains, people in Chengdu love to ride bicycles. I come from a small town where I had never even seen a female bus driver. I had never seen a girl riding a ladies' bike carrying her boyfriend. In this city, everything is allowed, everything seems reasonable, and everything is extremely interesting.

I often see two bicycles available, yet they insist on leaving one empty, squeezing together on one bike, with one hand holding the handlebars of the bike carrying a person, while daringly using the other hand to support the empty bike.

In the mid-1990s, human-powered tricycles still existed on the streets, and it was said that the license was quite expensive, over 300,000. They mainly served the tourist route along Chunxi Road, not cheaper than taxis. At that time, there weren't many taxis; the price for an Alto started at 4.8 yuan, and a Xiali started at 5 yuan, which wasn't very cost-effective. The drivers were quite proud, often overcharging, refusing to take passengers, and sharing vulgar jokes over the intercom. In the era before the subway, buses were the absolute mainstay of urban transport.

At that time, there was also a locally unique mode of transportation, which, although not legal, still existed very actively.

That was the "Pa Er Duo," a highly Chengdu-style modified product. The modification method is quite simple; a seat is added to the right side of the bicycle, allowing for a comfortable ride beside the rider. It likely originated from those with bronchitis taking their wives out, creating a particularly warm scene.

Therefore, I personally think that the emergence of 'Couple's Lung Slices' is similar to the rise of 'Pa Er Duo'. It has such an interesting and affectionate name, comparable to 'Wife Cake'. Every time I eat this dish, I have a wonderful feeling of being served dog food.

The ingredients for Couple's Lung Slices come from beef head skin, beef heart, beef tongue, beef tripe, and beef. First, they need to be braised, then sliced very thinly. The most important part is the sauce made primarily with chili oil, poured over the slices along with chopped celery, cilantro, and crispy peanuts, filling the plate with an enticing aroma that makes one drool.

Couple's Lung Slices is a dish full of vibrant colors and flavors, and it also represents a passionate attitude towards life.