Abnormal Gourmet Chronicle-Chapter 913 - 450: Pei Shenghua_2
"This..."
Ten minutes later, Qin Huai completely forgave Zhao Cheng'an's blabbering, and finally understood why Zhao Cheng'an couldn't gather any intel yesterday even though he spent half a day at Pei Shenghua's place.
Pei Shenghua was simply too adept at gossiping. Mention any chef, and he could effortlessly recount their experiences, signature dishes, glorious achievements, and exciting past adventures, with a memory that was astonishingly good. Though it was unclear why he had a penchant for matchmaking, it wasn't annoying, more like a reflexive act of promotion—a pure personal hobby.
Qin Huai's ears perked up at the gossip, almost forgetting his purpose there today. If Ling Guangzhao hadn't taken the stage to speak, he would have completely forgotten about Ling Guangzhao.
Last night, while searching for information on Ling Guangzhao, Qin Huai saw his photo. Just from the photo, Qin Huai could guess that Ling Guangzhao was very self-assured, possibly even a bit arrogant, with "full of oneself" almost carved into his expression.
He indeed matched that impression, dressed sharply in a suit with a confident demeanor, being young and fairly good-looking, even sporting a styled haircut. At first glance, one might mistake him as the returning tycoon from a neighboring romance novel's tale of love lost and regained.
"Good morning to all my fellow industry colleagues, esteemed masters in the culinary circle. I am Ling Guangzhao; some of you might recognize me. I'm thrilled that many of you have traveled from afar to Beiping to attend today's networking event at Babaozhai. Our main goal in hosting this event at Babaozhai is to bring together industry masters to exchange culinary skills and experiences, strengthen connections, and promote the ongoing excellence of Chinese cuisine."
"..."
After speaking for about 15 minutes with polished words, Ling Guangzhao finally got to the point. He suggested forming a big group, pulling everyone into it, and proposing that chefs from different regions, different cuisines, and different restaurants should increase their exchanges and connections, sending chefs out for collaborative exchanges. He then went on to discuss Babaozhai's management philosophy and operational insights over the past two years, with efforts to casually disclose salary levels for Babaozhai chefs, lavishly praising Tong Dayan's current culinary level, and vividly introducing the new dishes Tong Dayan has launched recently.
In Qin Huai's ears, this held the tone of Ling Guangzhao flexing to the chefs present, signifying Babaozhai's financial prowess and indicating that they offer comprehensive salaries and respect for any capable chef. The once poorly reputed Master Tong, who was previously ostracized within the industry, is a respected figure at Babaozhai, even making progress and able to launch new dishes.
This wasn't a networking event; it was essentially a talent poaching conference.
Some restaurants sent their bosses to the meeting. Qin Huai quietly observed, noting that these bosses turned green. Likely, after this morning's meeting, Ling Guangzhao's reputation among the circle of bosses would be even worse than what Tong Dayan previously had in the chef circle.
As for the chefs present... actually, chefs don't mind such things. Many high-end restaurants steal away staff from each other, but this usually happens covertly. Back in the day, Zhiwei Restaurant retained many pastry masters through high salaries and shares. Such matters are only understood tacitly, handled secretly, and outwardly styled with a facade of harmony, with insults left to private complaints or stealthy complaints posted to social media.
Ling Guangzhao's act of directly hosting a networking event to post job recruitment...
Qin Huai could only describe it with two words: impressive!
The morning's meeting lasted less than two hours, with only Ling Guangzhao talking incessantly. The rest was free networking time. The banquet hall offering abundant snacks and drinks kept the atmosphere pleasant, unless considering a few restaurant bosses who were almost angered to the point of walking out.
Most chefs rarely have the chance for outings or vacations due to work constraints. Festive periods are the busiest for chefs, and their usual rest time is spent at home with family. Networking events are one of the few chances for industry peers to gather, with gatherings of Babaozhai's scale even rarer.
The turnout this time was largely due to the prestige of the event, with notable chefs attending to honor Babaozhai. Many were there just to rest, converse, and holiday.
At such times, socializing becomes significant.
Socialite Pei Shenghua was already surrounded by innumerable chefs, whereas Zhao Cheng'an was darting around, hoping to overhear some fresh gossip.
Qin Huai was seated under Huang Ji's banner, with many chefs mistaking him for Huang An Yao, hence showing little desire to chat. Pei Shenghua intended to help Qin Huai make some introductions, but due to Qin Huai's genuinely introverted and socially anxious nature, Qin Huai politely declined.
Qin Huai had his own plan.
Qin Huai set his sights on Tong Dayan.
Frankly speaking, Qin Huai found Tong Dayan a decent person. His notorious background of rebelling against a master perhaps can't be scrubbed clean, but such instances aren't rare in the culinary circle. Masters and apprentices fall out, siblings turn against each other, even brothers fight bitterly. Tong Dayan's ordinary act of rebelling against a master seems trivial among shocking gossip.
Tong Dayan's poor social relations mainly stem from his terrible temper, with unexpected black moods and sudden fallouts catching people unaware of where they went wrong—definitely something offended him.
If Xia Mubing has a pin-point nasty temper, indiscriminately attacking, Tong Dayan's bad temper appears targeted, with those targeted unsure of the reason, adding more notoriety to his already bad reputation.
Of course, this was merely Qin Huai's heard version.
From a brief exchange in A City, Qin Huai felt Tong Dayan was quite alright.
Although he seemed distanced and his tone rigid, actions speak louder than attitudes. During Qin Huai's first catering event when he knew less, Tong Dayan was willing to offer advice and help. Plus, Tong Dayan even added Qin Huai on WeChat, inviting him to Beiping to taste his signature dishes whenever he had a chance, and occasionally liking Qin Huai's social media posts.
Such a good master of hot dishes!
This time, Qin Huai came to Beiping without informing Tong Dayan through WeChat, but he did make a social media post, and Tong Dayan liked it.
With a glass of lemon water, Qin Huai walked over to Tong Dayan, who sat alone, not moving or using his phone, silently gazing around, an air of isolation surrounding him.
"Master Tong." Qin Huai greeted warmly.
Seeing Qin Huai approaching, Tong Dayan generously squeezed out a faint smile and nodded at Qin Huai.
"Sit." Tong Dayan concisely invited.
Around him were vacant seats, and Qin Huai directly plopped down next to Tong Dayan.
"Lunch today is a buffet, nothing special, just some cold dishes, bread, desserts, snacks, and hot dishes. The afternoon agenda isn't worth participating in either; it's similar to now but just moving to a smaller hall for chatting."
"Come find me in the kitchen at 4 o'clock. Last time in A City, I promised you that when you come to Beiping, I'd make you some signature dishes, which you can have tonight." Tong Dayan stated, "Do you have any dietary restrictions?"
"No, none." Qin Huai quickly replied.
Tong Dayan nodded, didn't engage further, continuing to sternly eyeball a group of people in the northwest.
Qin Huai: ? That table was at least twenty to thirty meters away. What exactly was Master Tong contemplating?
Clearing his throat, Qin Huai suggested, "Master Tong, would it be possible for me to use Babaozhai's kitchen this afternoon?"
Tong Dayan calmly responded, "You need to discuss that with Ling Guangzhao; he should have no objections."
"I've recently made some breakthroughs in desserts. Remember tasting my work last time in A City? I'd like you to sample my latest desserts, to see if they can be further improved. Typically, I mainly exchange ideas with pastry chefs, the chance to discuss with masters of hot dishes like yourself is rare, so I'd appreciate your feedback."
"Earlier, hearing Boss Ling speak, seemed like he has unique insights on snacks. Could you help ask Boss Ling to try them and offer me some pointers?"
Tong Dayan's expression shifted from calm to puzzled as he gave Qin Huai a puzzled look, "Have Ling Guangzhao try... you're sure?"
Qin Huai nodded.
"I'll bring it up with him," Tong Dayan said, hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Are you short on money?"
Qin Huai: ?
"I shouldn't... be."
Tong Dayan's demeanor softened significantly: "Well, if Ling Guangzhao says anything odd to you, just ignore him."
"This guy... has some issues up in the head, likes pondering weird stuff; his only merit is generosity with money. If you aren't hard-up, just don't pay attention to him."
Qin Huai: ...?
Eh?
Tan Wei'an, Zang Liang, what did you both say to me that I wasn't aware of?
