EBE Chapter 123: Screen Separation
Chapter 123: Screen Separation
The burly chef who made the abalone rice opened his eyes wide, with astonishment written all over his face. He could never have imagined that when the abalone rice he had carefully prepared and was determined to cook failed to catch Boss Ji's eye, a humble dish of wild vegetable dumplings could actually take the first place.
"This... this is not a joke, right?" The bald young man who made satay beef scratched his head, his mouth wide open, unable to close for a long time. He fully believed that with his superb craftsmanship, the remaining spot would surely be in his pocket, but at this moment, he felt as if a basin of cold water was poured over him from head to toe.
"My squirrel mandarin fish with such exquisite shape is not even worthy of Mr. Ji's approval?" Master Chen, who made the squirrel mandarin fish, had a look of disbelief on his face. During the production process, in order to make the shape of the fish more realistic, like a lively squirrel, he even spent twice as much time to carve it carefully. The unique sweet and sour sauce was also a secret recipe that he had improved over the years. He thought he had a sure win, but in the end, it was overshadowed by a dish of wild vegetable nests, which he could not accept for a while.
Everyone was whispering and talking among themselves, their eyes filled with disbelief.
“I made the wild vegetable nest!”
Amidst the uproar, Cheng Yuntao walked out from the corner with a calm expression. Her posture was upright and her steps were steady, forming a sharp contrast with the faces around her, which were either shocked or frustrated.
Mu Qingfeng only looked at Cheng Yuntao seriously at this moment. Thinking back to when he first met her, he thought she was just an ignorant girl who was just here to make up the numbers. After all, among all the chefs who were scrambling for delicacies from land and sea and showing off their skills, she was concentrating on the inconspicuous wild vegetables, which was really a bit different.
But no one would have expected that this seemingly ordinary girl was actually a hidden master, who would make a big splash when she did.
Mu Qingfeng had been with his master for so many years, observing every nuance of Ji Yanchuan's preferences and moods. He naturally understood how pleased his master was with this cook. His master had always possessed a high level of appreciation for fine food, rarely pleasing ordinary dishes. Yet, today, he showed particular favor for this wild vegetable nest, even requesting it be brought to him for a viewing. The implications were self-evident.
Thinking of this, Mu Qingfeng looked at Cheng Yuntao with a bit more respect and flattery in his eyes. He leaned sideways and slightly bowed, made a "please" gesture, and said softly: "Miss, please follow me, Boss Ji is waiting for you."
Cheng Yuntao nodded slightly in response, ignoring the complicated looks from everyone, and followed Mu Qingfeng out of the kitchen steadily.
Walking slowly along the long and winding corridor, the two passed many houses one after the other. Cheng Yuntao remembered Mu Qingfeng's initial instructions carefully, lowered her head and looked around without looking around. Seeing this, Mu Qingfeng felt that she was a person of measure, and his impression of Cheng Yuntao improved a little.
Along the way, Mu Qingfeng reminded her intentionally or unintentionally: "Miss, our Ji Mansion is not like ordinary families. There are more rules. If you can stay, you must be more careful in your future actions." Cheng Yuntao nodded and responded softly: "Thank you, Manager Mu, for your reminder. I'll remember it." She knew in her heart that since she had just arrived, it was best to be cautious in what she said and did.
Soon, the two entered an elegantly decorated room, filled with a faint scent of sandalwood, which unconsciously calmed one's heart. An exquisite screen separated the inside and outside. Standing on the outside, Cheng Yuntao could only see the landscapes, flowers, and birds painted on the screen. The shadows were hazy, and she couldn't really see what was happening on the other side.
The more he covered up, the more curious he became. What kind of person was this Boss Ji? Many possibilities flashed through Cheng Yuntao's mind.
Could it be a middle-aged, wealthy man with a potbelly? Such individuals are not uncommon in the business world, indulging in a life of luxury, their wealth accumulating excess weight. They are often accompanied by a large group of men, their every move exuding arrogance. When negotiating business, they often lean back in an armchair, gently stroking their chubby bellies, sizing up their opponents with shrewd and sophisticated eyes. At the slightest sign of dissatisfaction, they impatiently wave their hands, delegating the trouble to their subordinates.
Or perhaps he's a mean-spirited, profiteer? In this fiercely competitive and volatile business world, there's no shortage of people willing to do anything to achieve their goals. Perhaps Boss Ji is just like that. When working with others, he's meticulous about every penny, seeking every possible advantage. He's even more meticulous about signing contracts, meticulously scrutinizing every detail that could put him at a disadvantage. He must also be incredibly harsh with his subordinates, bringing down a barrage of criticism for the slightest misstep.
Or perhaps a woman of unparalleled grace and charm? After all, in the legends of the underworld, stories of women as capable as men abound. If Boss Ji is truly a woman, she must have wielded her sleight of hand, navigating the powerful with her tactful manner, perceiving people with a fleeting glance and quietly securing partnerships with a smile.
A gentle knife, a knife that cuts people's lives.
Cheng Yuntao was full of curiosity and doubts, but for now she could only stare at the screen and wait quietly for Boss Ji's next instructions.
"Are you the cook who makes the wild vegetable nest? Your name is Cheng Yuntao, right? You just moved to Junhua City with your family not long ago." Ji Yanchuan's magnetic voice came from behind the screen, breaking the brief silence in the room.
Cheng Yuntao was stunned when she heard Ji Yanchuan's voice. The voice was deep and rich, like the sound of jade clashing against each other, and it didn't match her initial expectations. She had never expected that the famous Boss Ji, who had created countless fortunes, was actually so young.
"it's me."
What shocked Cheng Yuntao even more was that her information had been collected and reported so quickly by Ji Yanchuan's servants. It seemed that there was no place in Junhua City that he couldn't reach. She couldn't help but feel a chill in her heart, realizing what an unfathomable person she was standing before.
"What did you name this dish? Wouldn't you just call it Wild Vegetable Nest?" Ji Yanchuan raised one eyebrow slightly, his tone slightly rising, the ending sound slightly dragged out, and there was a hint of sarcasm in his tone, making people feel like he was joking, but also like he really wanted to know the answer.
When Cheng Yuntao heard this, she was slightly startled and subconsciously looked up at the screen, trying to see through the exquisite barrier what Mr. Ji's expression was like at the moment.
Although she could only see the landscapes, flowers and birds painted on the screen, she could imagine that Ji Yanchuan was leaning forward slightly, with a faint smile on the corner of his mouth, his eyes looking straight at her through the gap in the screen, waiting for a response with interest.
Cheng Yuntao bowed slightly and replied respectfully, "Boss Ji, I named this dish Memory of Bitterness and Thinking of Sweetness."