Cooking System: Street Food Rules

The business at Jiangyue Terrace was truly on fire.

Wang Shulin took a newfound interest in Jiang Feng. Originally, he was just accompanying his granddaughter for a meal, mostly to join in the fun. But this meal had excited the long-retired old man more than he had anticipated. Jiang Feng's culinary skills were indeed formidable, and the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix tasted incredibly authentic.

Top-tier royal cuisine has its standards—these are an accumulation of millennia of experience from predecessors and represent food at its absolute finest. Later imitators might mimic the methods to create similar dishes, but the taste could never compare to those made with authentic recipes. The Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix that Jiang Feng made possessed this genuine flavor, without the slightest deviation.

Who on earth did he learn from? Wang Shulin wondered. Which master chef had instructed him?

So, Wang Shulin asked his granddaughter Wang Shuran about Jiang Feng. Upon learning that Jiang Feng had opened three restaurants, specializing in Shandong, Sichuan, and Zhejiang cuisines respectively, he was even more amazed.

"Does that mean this Boss Jiang is planning to open restaurants for all eight major culinary traditions?" he asked in surprise.

"Hmm, it seems he's mentioned that before and acknowledged it himself," Wang Shuran nodded.

"This man has great ambition and courage; it's quite impressive for him to have such an idea," Wang Shulin remarked. In terms of Jiangsu cuisine, I could actually offer him some help, he thought, remembering something. He had a friend who happened to have a Jiangsu Cuisine Restaurant in Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, that was up for sale.

Wang Shulin's specialty was Huaiyang Cuisine. This cuisine is extremely famous, as many dishes served at state banquets are from Huaiyang Cuisine, and numerous household meals also belong to this tradition. Examples include Braised Lion's Head Meatballs, Squirrel Fish, Wensi Tofu, and Casserole Wild Duck. It was precisely because of his expertise in Huaiyang Cuisine that he gradually became a state banquet chef and later took charge of the entire banquet's menu. Wang Shulin was indeed a very formidable figure.

Hearing that Jiang Feng intended to open restaurants for all eight culinary traditions, he considered discussing the Jiangsu Cuisine Restaurant with him. Ordinarily, Wang Shulin wouldn't meddle in other people's affairs. But Jiang Feng had genuinely impressed him, and he was interested in an exchange with the young chef.

At this moment, Jiang Feng was still busy in the kitchen. He seemed somewhat tired. Although he had only made a hundred portions of Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix today, it was more exhausting than when he used to prepare larger quantities of food at his street stall. The food from his stall hadn't required such a high level of skill; he could prepare it quickly, relying almost solely on muscle memory. But Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix was different. Each dish demanded ample attention and meticulous care, posing a significant test of one's mental stamina.

Finally, a little after eight in the evening, Jiang Feng completed the last order. He also announced that the kitchen was closed for the day, as all prepared dishes were sold out.

While he was taking a break, the hall manager approached Jiang Feng and reported, "Boss, an old gentleman wants to see you. He said it's about the restaurant business and he'd like to chat with you. He specifically asked me to make sure you were notified."

Hearing this, Jiang Feng was curious. "About the restaurant business?"

"Alright, I'll wash my hands and go see," Jiang Feng replied.

He took off his apron and chef's hat, washed his hands thoroughly, and then followed the hall manager to a quiet corner to meet the so-called old gentleman.

The person was, naturally, Wang Shulin.

"Hello, Boss Jiang," Wang Shulin greeted him amiably as Jiang Feng approached.

"Hello," Jiang Feng replied courteously. His demeanor remained gentle, his expression open and friendly, putting others at ease.

Seizing the opportunity, Wang Shuran discreetly took out her phone and snapped several photos from the side.

"My name is Wang Shulin," the old man began. "I've served as the head chef in charge of state banquets three times and participated in fifteen state banquets altogether."

"I've sought you out for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix you made is exceptionally authentic—a genuine state banquet dish. The recipe for this dish is rarely found outside, so I'm curious as to who your master was."

"Secondly, I heard you're interested in opening restaurants for all eight major culinary traditions. I have some connections in the Jiangsu cuisine scene, and as it happens, there's a particularly good Jiangsu Cuisine Restaurant here that I'd like to recommend to you."

"Rest assured, I have no ulterior motives. Whether this proceeds or not is entirely up to you," Wang Shulin stated plainly, getting straight to the point.

Hearing this, Jiang Feng was somewhat astonished. Judging by the old man's demeanor, his words seemed genuine. Having served as the head chef in charge of state banquets three times—that credential alone made him a formidable figure in the culinary world. After all, even if one were an incomparable chef, without connections or channels, one couldn't become a state banquet chef, let alone be in charge.

"Hello, Master Wang. This is indeed quite unexpected," Jiang Feng said.

"As for the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix, I found a recipe online and followed that."

"And as for the Jiangsu Cuisine Restaurant, I'm very interested. We can certainly discuss this in more detail."

"I do indeed want to open a Jiangsu restaurant. When I had my stall in Yangzhou, I specifically learned to cook Huaiyang dishes," Jiang Feng responded with a smile.

This turn of events was a pleasant surprise. The restaurant's opening had attracted an impressive figure. Of course, whether it would work out remained to be seen, but Jiang Feng still held a great deal of respect for the old man's standing.

"No problem. Let's exchange contact information, and I'll send you the details about that restaurant," Wang Shulin said. "The location is excellent. However, the current owner encountered some family issues leading to financial problems, so he wants to sell the restaurant. I couldn't bear to see such a fine establishment close down, so I hope someone capable can take it over."

"Understood," Jiang Feng replied.

The two exchanged contact details.

"I want to add you on WeChat too! I also want to discuss business with Boss Jiang," Wang Shuran piped up from the side, immediately scanning Jiang Feng's QR code.

Jiang Feng couldn't very well refuse, so he agreed.

This matter weighed heavily on Jiang Feng's mind. Although he favored a leisurely life, he was also very ambitious. If he aimed to establish restaurants for the eight major culinary traditions, he was determined to do it well. Jiang Feng had already planned to handle the Zhejiang Cuisine Restaurant matters before starting on a Jiangsu Cuisine Restaurant. Now, it seemed things might proceed much sooner than he had anticipated. That would be for the best, he thought.

Wang Shulin chatted with Jiang Feng about culinary arts for a while longer. He even offered a couple of minor suggestions for Jiangyue Terrace's Jiangsu cuisine, both of which were remarkably insightful and directly to the point. The reputation of a state banquet head chef was truly well-deserved. Wang Shulin's comments were quite enlightening for Jiang Feng.

Soon after, Wang Shulin left Jiangyue Terrace.

"Goodbye, Boss Jiang! My name is Wang Shuran. Remember to check WeChat!" Wang Shuran waved, bidding Jiang Feng farewell.

"Goodbye," Jiang Feng replied with a smile, finding the girl rather interesting.

Before long, Wang Shulin sent Jiang Feng the information about the Jiangsu Cuisine Restaurant. Upon seeing it, Jiang Feng was immediately surprised. This Jiangsu Cuisine Restaurant was currently ranked first in Nanjing City. Out of a total score of 5, it had a rating of 4.8, with reviews from as many as twenty thousand people. Based on these reviews, the food was excellent, and the menu was rich and diverse.

This restaurant is up for sale? Jiang Feng was astonished. He was surprised that such a thing could happen.

No wonder Wang Shulin was willing to recommend it. It seemed he genuinely valued this restaurant and hoped it wouldn't simply go under. If the owner sold it, even if the name changed, the restaurant's culinary heritage could continue.

This actually makes things convenient, Jiang Feng thought. As long as the chefs were genuinely skilled, Jiang Feng had no objection to acquiring this restaurant and making it part of the Jiangyue Terrace brand.

This Master Wang is really my lucky star, Jiang Feng mused.

People from all walks of life came to eat at Jiangyue Terrace. It was natural, then, to encounter people connected to his business endeavors. Of course, this was also inextricably linked to Jiang Feng's own reputation and skill. Having only tasted Jiang Feng's Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix and chatted with him briefly, Wang Shulin felt reassured in potentially entrusting the restaurant to Jiang Feng. Having spent the better part of his life at the stove, his judgment was unlikely to be mistaken.

"Grandfather, Boss Jiang is really amazing, isn't he?" Wang Shuran said contentedly, looking at the photos on her phone.

"Indeed, very impressive," Wang Shulin affirmed. "This is the first time I've met such an outstanding young man. Extremely impressive!"

It was rare for Wang Shulin to praise someone so highly. He had been notoriously short-tempered when teaching apprentices. In his eyes, those apprentices were almost hopelessly inept. Yet, it was precisely this harshness that forged several formidable disciples, who now held important positions in the culinary association. However, Wang Shulin had never praised any of them as lavishly as he was now praising Jiang Feng.

"I told you, that dish today was really delicious!" Wang Shuran exclaimed. "Boss Jiang should still be cooking his signature dishes himself tomorrow. We're free, so let's go queue up again! I'll get a ticket at noon, and we'll join Boss Jiang's dedicated queue," she declared, already planning.

"Alright, I'll come too," Wang Shulin said with a smile.

Jiangyue Terrace was destined for a bustling day.

In the evening, Jiang Feng announced that every employee would receive a bonus this month. He also encouraged everyone, saying they'd have to work hard for this period. The employees were exceptionally excited. All the talk was pointless; cold, hard cash was what motivated them. Many working people shared this mindset. Bosses often liked to make grand promises, preach lofty principles, and try to motivate employees with mere words. But the actual way to get employees to work hard was very simple: pay them more. Pay them well enough, and employees would proactively complete their tasks without needing the boss to micromanage.

Jiang Feng was indeed a conscientious employer. Of course, he was also very strict. Employees who didn't follow the rules were dismissed, though they still received due compensation.

The first day of business was over, but the buzz on the internet was just beginning.

Jiang Feng was pleased with this outcome. Since it's already this popular, let's fan the flames and make it even hotter, he thought.

Meanwhile, as he browsed Dianping, looking at Nanjing's top-ranked Jiangsu Cuisine Restaurant, his interest was thoroughly piqued.

To be honest, I quite want to buy it.

This is probably the joy of being wealthy, he mused. Buying a phone or a handbag isn't much to get excited about. But purchasing an entire restaurant—now *that* sounded exciting.