When Lin Xu placed a large platter heaped with Braised Pork Belly on the dining table, Shen Guofu’s eyes practically popped out.
"Oh my! The color of this meat is really something—so rosy and wobbly, it just makes you want to take a bite."
Shen Jiayue was at the doorway with Song Tiantian, assembling a new cat bed. Dundun was beside them, "helping" by pawing at the cardboard box. After hearing her dad’s comment, Shen Jiayue couldn’t help but say, "Dad, you’re too old to be using those cutesy, repetitive words. It’s gross... Huh? What smells so delicious?"
She turned her head, saw the Braised Pork Belly on the table, and immediately tossed the half-assembled cat bed aside and ran over.
"Wow! Braised Pork Belly, my absolute favorite!"
Song Tiantian, still assembling the cat bed according to the diagram, couldn’t help muttering, "Every time a new dish is made, the boss lady claims it’s her favorite. Isn’t her love a bit too... widespread? What do you think, Dundun?"
... I don’t know how to respond. Because I’m just a cute little kitty.
At the dinner table, Tan Yajun looked at the Braised Pork Belly and couldn’t help but swallow. "This meat is cooked beautifully! The pieces are so substantial... I was planning on eating less tonight so I could go swimming. But to heck with that! Now I’ll have to eat at least two big bowls of rice with this!"
Soon, the White Jade Lotus Root Strips were also served. Wei Qian, who had some free time, also made a dish of Fried Pork and another of Stir-fried Pork with Chili—both perfect accompaniments to rice.
Shen Jiayue immediately took out her phone, snapped a photo, and posted it on her social media. "Tonight’s dinner is rather lavish! My dad looks like he’s going to need a basin for his rice."
Shen Guofu was completely focused on the dishes, unaware his daughter was taking photos and posting online. Once all the dishes were on the table, he slapped it as if possessed by Li Chungang. "Bring the rice!"
He had originally planned to have a few drinks with Old Tan, but given the circumstances, a big bowl of rice felt more appropriate to start with.
The rice had just been served when Xie Baomin arrived with Guo Weidong and Guo Xinghai.
Shen Guofu promptly got up to greet them. "Ah, Master Xie, you’re here! Quick, come in! Lin Xu just finished preparing the food."
This is my son-in-law’s senior brother, and also the executive chef at Fishing Platform. He could be very helpful to my son-in-law in the future, so I need to cultivate a good relationship.
Xie Baomin hadn’t expected to run into his junior brother’s father-in-law. He pulled Guo Weidong over. "Let me introduce you. This is Guo Weidong, the executive chef of Building Number 10. We’re very close friends. We came together today to congratulate my junior brother on winning the championship."
Guo Weidong: ...Why twist the knife after you’ve already stabbed me? Does it make you feel powerful?
"Ah, Chef Guo! Please, have a seat, have a seat." Shen Guofu became even more enthusiastic when he learned Xie Baomin had brought another executive chef.
Tan Yajun picked up the bottle of Wuliangye on the table, and as he poured it into the glasses, he said, "I just ate at Building Number 10 the other day. Their Cantonese cuisine is truly authentic. Especially the roasted suckling pig—even in Yangcheng, few places can make it this well."
Hearing himself praised, Guo Weidong quickly returned the pleasantries. He hadn’t expected that customers dining in this small eatery would also patronize Building Number 10. The average bill there was several thousand yuan, so its clientele was hardly ordinary.
Seeing Lin Xu and Wei Qian in the kitchen, Guo Xinghai walked over. "Well, Lin Xu. You said you’d treat us to drinks, but it looks like you’re making us work for it instead, huh?"
Lin Xu replied with a smile, "Not at all. Our staff was just about to have dinner. Why don’t you join us?"
Guo Xinghai wasn’t accustomed to eating staff meals, nor did he think a restaurant’s staff meal could be particularly good. But when Lin Xu brought another platter of Braised Pork Belly and a dish of Steamed Pork Ribs with Black Bean Sauce to the table, his eyes widened. For more chapters visit NoveI[F]ire.net
All this for a staff meal?
As he wondered, he also saw freshly made Boiled Fish, steamed chicken feet so tender the skin practically melted off the bone, and another plate of White Jade Lotus Root Strips.
Momma mia! This staff meal is better than what they serve guests at noon in Building Number 1. Lin Xu treats his staff incredibly well!
Wei Qian said, "The atmosphere in this shop is fantastic! I never realized a restaurant kitchen could be free of infighting, arguments, or cliques, where everyone helps each other despite having different roles. It’s so much better than the kitchens at Fishing Platform."
At Fishing Platform, he had almost become Chef He’s disciple, experiencing both being eagerly sought after and then coldly shunned. So, suddenly arriving at Lin Ji felt like coming home. This congenial atmosphere was truly heartwarming.
As they began to take their seats, Shen Jiayue also came over with her bowl of rice. When Xie Baomin had entered, she had been about to pop a piece of Braised Pork Belly into her mouth. But upon hearing her dad invite Master Xie and Chef Guo to sit at that table, she quickly snagged a few pieces of pork for her own bowl and moved to the side to eat.
The fatty portions of the meat were cooked to perfection, practically melting in the mouth, while the lean meat remained tender and juicy. This texture, combined with the interwoven sweet and savory flavors, immediately whetted the appetite.
"This Braised Pork Belly is super tasty! When will this be added to the menu?" Shen Jiayue asked curiously.
I wish I could eat it every day.
Lin Xu smiled and said, "It won’t be added for now. In a few days, this place is going to close."
What? Closing? Business is booming, why would they close?
The employees were all stunned.