Abnormal Gourmet Chronicle-Chapter 898 - 443: Exchange Meeting (Part 3)
"Me? Exchange meeting? Exchange what? What am I representing?" Qin Huai was a bit confused.
Previously, when he was at Huang Ji, he did hear Huang An Yao mention exchange meetings, but Huang An Yao was just a nickname. At these meetings, he couldn't really exchange culinary skills with those chefs, and no one would exchange with him. He could only eat, drink, and comment on which host's food was the best.
"The new boss of Babaozhai is hosting an exchange meeting. Not sure what they were thinking, but the invitation even came to our Zhiwei Restaurant," Master Zhou said. "I heard from Xiao Tan that the boss studied abroad a few years ago, learned some new management methods or something, and upon returning, made bold reforms. Babaozhai's profits have been quite good in recent years, likely because his reforms were effective." 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖
"In the past, it has always been red cooking with red cooking, pastry with pastry. Now that Babaozhai's invitation has arrived, it wouldn't look good if our Zhiwei Restaurant didn't attend. Little Su has to go to Gusu next month to discuss factory matters with Zheng Da and can't find the time. We planned to draw lots during the morning meeting to decide who would go, but Lao San heard about it and insisted on going."
"I think he's lost interest in making snacks, so giving him something to look forward to might keep him working diligently on snacks for a while."
"I heard from Xiao Tan that you have a good relationship with Tong Dayan from Babaozhai. Want to go with Lao San then?"
"If you want to go, I can help get you and Lao San a reservation at Fen Garden. Mr. Xia's health hasn't been great this year; he's been taking frequent breaks. Reservations at Fen Garden, the top private dining place in our country, have been getting harder to secure. Xiao Tan told me you haven't eaten at Fen Garden, and neither has Lao San. Last time he went to Beiping, he couldn't get a reservation, said he must try it when he gets there."
"Also, Beiping has a lot of art exhibitions. If you do go, Xiao Qin, take Lao San around the exhibits, but keep an eye on him so he doesn't buy too many paintings."
"Buying 88 paintings at once, can he even appreciate them all?"
Master Zhou's words got Qin Huai a bit tempted, but he was still slightly hesitant.
"Brother Cheng'an representing Zhiwei Restaurant surely wouldn't be a problem. But if I also go, won't it be..."
"Little Su will take care of that for you."
With Master Zhou saying this much, Qin Huai naturally wouldn't refuse. He was already planning to go to Beiping, but not for Fen Garden's food. He wanted to try Tong Dayan's signature dishes at Babaozhai.
"When is the exchange meeting roughly?"
"July 15th, lasts two days. You and Lao San can have an extra day in Beiping, then come back on the 18th or 19th."
"Alright, thanks for giving me this opportunity, Master Zhou," Qin Huai said with a smile.
Master Zhou chuckled, and warmly reminded, "While you're improving your skill level, that thing you talked about — I don't quite get it, but don't push yourself too hard."
"Sometimes you should learn from Lao San and Xiao Tan, learn to be lazy, balance work and rest, and relax a bit."
"The little notebooks others gave you, just keep them for reference. They can't teach you much. If something is unclear, ask them directly. No need to learn what they voluntarily teach."
"Zhou Guanghai, what do you mean?!" Master Hua's angry shout came from afar, "What do you mean 'just keep them for reference'? Those are my hard work!"
In one swift move, Master Hua rushed in front of Qin Huai, first glaring at Master Zhou fiercely in his mind, then smiling as he glanced at the steamer filled with Pork Buns and Hedgehog Buns, and praised, "Xiao Qin, your snacks are looking better and better."
Finally, the truth came to light.
"I remember you haven't made noodles yet today, are you planning to make stretched noodles, pulled noodles, or hand-rolled noodles? If you have questions, ask me anytime. What Master Zhou said was right, ask when in doubt, I have plenty of time."
"Really plenty of time!"
