What’s so special about these things? The former head chef at Fishing Platform used to wander around the restaurant in floral T-shirts every day, and the current executive chef often helps out too. Fishing Platform isn’t mysterious anymore. Still, Boss Lin should go see these kinds of cooking competitions. He might get inspired to create some new dishes, and then we’d all get to enjoy them.
Geng Lele asked, "Can I bring a friend?"
"Of course, you can."
"That’s fine too... Wait, are you making friends with cats now?"
Geng Lishan glanced at his granddaughter. Has human interaction ceased to satisfy this girl’s genius brain?
He didn’t understand the world of a top student, so he just continued munching on chicken feet. "These chicken feet are really well-made. There aren’t many restaurants in Beijing that can match this place. The ones with good flavor have a bad texture, those with a good texture lack the right color, and those that look decent still have their claw tips on. Overall, I’d say this place serves the best chicken feet in Beijing."
Old Master Geng wasn’t just a calligrapher but also a renowned food critic in Beijing. Not only was he picky with food, but he also didn’t mince words. For example, a few years ago, he lambasted a private kitchen that had supposedly even hosted Clinton and charged over 3,000 yuan per person, claiming their dishes weren’t about taste but about showing off status—a disgrace to the culinary world. He also blasted a famous Beijing duck restaurant for its excessively high prices and poor service, tarnishing Beijing’s reputation.
Geng Lele, sitting on a nearby lounge chair, said earnestly, "When we go to Fishing Platform, Grandpa, please don’t start scolding everyone again."
Geng Lishan smiled as he gnawed on chicken feet. "I’m not a shrew. Why would I scold anyone? However, I would like to offer some advice to those young chefs. Cooking shouldn’t just be by the book—it lacks culture, depth, and imagination. The culinary world hasn’t had any intriguing tales for a long time..."
After finishing two chicken feet, he was about to try some pork ear with his chopsticks when Geng Lele stopped him. "Eat more of the bony ones and save the others for dinner. This way, there will be fewer bones in front of you, and it will seem like you’ve eaten less... Don’t you know this trick, being such a great gourmet?"
Geng Lishan chuckled bitterly. "Since when do food critics study such tactics?"
Still, he put down the pork ear and opted for the Steamed Pork Ribs with Black Bean Sauce. "This dish is also delicious—smooth and slightly chewy, and you can taste the freshness of the Pork Ribs. This level of skill is truly impressive."
Geng Lishan couldn’t praise Lin Xu’s culinary skills enough. He had never imagined he could find Cantonese cuisine in Beijing that was even more authentic than in Yangcheng.
「Inside the restaurant.」
The evening’s group meals were already prepared and were currently being loaded into cargo vans.
"Haha! Finally, I don’t have to go home to millet porridge and mixed-grain flatbreads!"
Employee Shen, who was usually keen on slacking off, arriving late, and leaving early, had actually grown fond of working overtime ever since her family started eating millet porridge and mixed-grain flatbreads at home. She boldly told her parents she wouldn’t be home for dinner. This feeling was great! You guys can have those millet porridge and mixed-grain flatbreads yourselves. This young lady isn’t joining you!
However, what she didn’t know was that upon learning his daughter was working overtime and wouldn’t be home for dinner, Shen Guofu, after finishing his company work, drove to the People’s Hospital. He picked up Han Shuzhen, who had just finished her shift, and they headed straight for Yingchun Street.
"Finally, we can eat heartily in the restaurant. It feels so good not having to pretend."
Shen Guofu drove his Bentley, his eyes sparkling with excitement for the food ahead.
Han Shuzhen muttered from the passenger seat, "I wonder if they have any new dishes. I’ve gotten a bit tired of the same old things these past few days."
"But I remember you ate seven out of the ten chicken feet we took away last night. You call that tired..."
As Shen Guofu was speaking, he felt a threatening aura from his side and quickly changed his statement. "I know you were just forcing yourself so I wouldn’t eat too much. My dear, you go to such lengths for my health. I’m so touched."
The murderous intent vanished, and the danger was averted.
Though it wasn’t quite rush hour yet, the traffic on the road had noticeably increased. The couple drove on, stopping and starting. By the time they reached the entrance of Lin Ji’s Food, it was almost 5:30 p.m., and a long queue had already formed at the door.
Just when it was almost their turn, Shen Guofu immediately noticed the newly added dishes on the blackboard. "Shuzhen, they’ve added Steamed Sea Bass! It’s only ninety yuan per pound. Shall we try it?"
Han Shuzhen was completely focused on Dundun, who was lying on the cashier counter, worry evident in her eyes. Why is this little guy not cheerful at all? Could he be feeling unwell?
As a doctor, she instinctively associated listlessness in young ones with illness. She hadn’t even glanced at the new dishes.
Shen Guofu said with a smile, "Don’t cats love to sleep? You’re worrying like he’s your own grandkid."
Han Shuzhen shot him a glance. "If my future grandson clung to me , I’d wake up laughing from my dreams."
The queue moved forward gradually. Finally, it was the couple’s turn to enter the restaurant.
As soon as Han Shuzhen entered, Dundun, who had been sleeping on the cashier counter, sprang up. He looked at Han Shuzhen and let out a pitiful "MEEOOOW~~~~~"
"Oh my, what’s the matter, little one?" Han Shuzhen scooped up the little ’gas tank’ into her arms.
Dundun nestled against her arm, curling up in her embrace just like a baby. Director Han’s maternal instincts surged, and she suspected the little fellow must have suffered some terrible injustice. "Has someone bullied Dundun?" she asked Song Tiantian curiously.
"No, our boss’s wife was just teasing him. He always looks this pitiful whenever she does."
Their boss’s wife? Han Shuzhen glanced at Lin Xu, busy in the kitchen. So young and already married? I wonder what this fortunate girl looks like. Is she even good enough for such a young man?
Shen Guofu ordered a Steamed Sea Bass, a plate of onions with black fungus, a portion of boiled pork slices, plus four bowls of rice and two cups of Sour Plum Soup.
After ordering, two seats became available inside. To avoid hindering other customers, the couple left Dundun on the cashier counter and went inside to eat. Hmm, after we eat, we’ll have to spend some quality time playing with the little fellow. That aggrieved look... he’s really no different from a child.ŸŸŸ
The steamed fish was served. Shen Guofu tasted it and instantly fell in love with the flavor. "Oh, this tastes so good! Shuzhen, have some more; it’s good for your skin..."
While the couple was eating, a Cayenne slowly parked in a spot right outside the door. Xie Baomin got out of the car, glanced casually at the Bentley in the next spot, and chuckled, muttering, "Even people who drive Bentleys come here to eat. Junior Brother’s business is really booming!"
Upon entering the shop, he headed straight for the kitchen. "Sorry, Junior Brother, I had a meeting to discuss an event at the end of the month, so I’m late... But I’m free all day tomorrow. I can help out in the shop then."
After saying that, he washed his hands and tied on an apron. Then he started to help fry the Fried Crispy Pork.
While busy, Xie Baomin glanced at the prepared cold dishes on the nearby workbench. He said casually, "Your selection of cold dishes is a bit limited here. How about I add one for you tomorrow? Is there anything you’re interested in?"
These words exactly scratched Lin Xu’s itch. He had just received a Superior Cooking Learning Card today and was wondering how to use it.
He said with a smile, "How about dry-fried green beans? I’m quite interested in that dish!"