Chapter 287: The New Boss is Actually Him!?
Once the dish "The Nine Dragon Offspring" was presented, the patrons instantly felt a surge of class.
In life, what's the point if you don't show off a bit?
Many people hustle every day, just for a dose of vanity.
Jiang Feng's newly launched Imperial cuisine truly satisfied the customers' cravings for a "big shot" experience.
"This dish is genuinely what the emperor used to eat!"
"Did you see the video? The ingredients are selected from all over the country, gathering the essence from every corner to make these meatballs."
"I saw that video; it was really impressive!"
"I'm telling you, there are plenty of amazing dish videos online, but how many can you actually try? Only at Jiangyue Terrace."
The patrons couldn't stop praising the dish.
Jiang Feng was truly on fire.
"The popularity is high; it seems everyone really likes this style of Imperial cuisine."
In the kitchen, Jiang Feng reflected on the online buzz.
A chef heard Jiang Feng and responded, "Boss, it's not just because of the Imperial cuisine, but because you made it accessible to people, which makes it precious."
"There are many videos of top-notch dishes online, but after watching them, most people feel it's unrelated to them and don't pay much attention."
"But with your dish, just lining up allows them to taste it, hence more people come."
"If you ask me, the price is still too cheap. With the current popularity, even if you sold it for 2,888 per dish, there would definitely be buyers."
"There's no shortage of wealthy people around here."
Hearing this, Jiang Feng just smiled and replied, "With such popularity, let's not bring trouble upon ourselves. If we raised the price, I bet tons of people would curse me online."
"That bit of money isn't worth the hassle."
Jiang Feng always had a good attitude.
It's better to keep a low profile when the whole internet is watching.
Otherwise, the reputation could easily suffer.
This week, making Imperial dishes in the kitchen, Jiang Feng felt particularly indulged.
All were the pinnacle of China's culinary arts.
Naturally, they attracted people's attention.
In the following two days, Jiang Feng became much more low-key, no longer shooting explanatory videos, but silently cooking delicacies.
The business at Jiangyue Terrace continued to thrive.
The last two dishes were Jade Dragon Tendon and Colored Glaze Fish Bone.
Both dishes were made from deep-sea sturgeons.
Jade Dragon Tendon was a dish where the tendons were extracted entirely from a sturgeon's body. Colored Glaze Fish Bone used the bones and flesh of the sturgeon, meticulously cooked to perfection.
Both dishes were top-notch Imperial specialties, quite popular with everyone.
After finishing the last day's dishes, Jiang Feng left the kitchen of the Zhejiang Cuisine Restaurant to attend to other matters.
For instance, he had many unavoidable interviews with mainstream media.
There were also dedicated talk shows, similar to 'A Date with Luyu,' where he would chat in a studio with a female host and share amusing stories about running a stall.
Jiang Feng participated in two interviews, then completely disappeared from the public eye.
He needed to take a break.
One should know when to retire bravely from the rapids.
Being this popular every day isn't necessarily a good thing.
In the next few days, Jiang Feng stayed home playing with his cat, walking his dog, and then paid a visit to the Shandong Cuisine Restaurant and the Sichuan Cuisine Restaurant to check on the business operations.
The restaurants were running normally, with high revenue and a daily influx of patrons.
Jiangyue Terrace had become a prestigious name by now.
Everyone knew it was founded by Jiang Feng, who also had the reputation of being a descendant of the Imperial Chef. With delicious food, people naturally were willing to come.
Sometimes, Jiang Feng felt rather helpless.
Really, how did I become a descendant of the Imperial Chef? When did I ever claim that?
How did the rumors get so outrageous?
There was no way to refute the news. The key issue was that even if he said he was not, no one would believe him.
On the whole internet, you're the only one capable of making 'The Nine Dragon Offspring.' Even state banquet chefs haven't heard of this dish. And you still claim you aren't a descendant of the Imperial Chef?
Boss Jiang is just low-key!
Jiang Feng didn't care anymore. Let it be.
Besides some trivial matters, Jiang Feng's focus was on another matter: the acquisition of Nanjing's top-ranked Jiangsu Cuisine Restaurant.
This Jiangsu Cuisine Restaurant had a very good reputation and many regular customers.
However, due to some issues with the owner behind it, who might face the risk of incarceration, the restaurant had to be sold off to pay debts.
The owner gambled at the edges of the law, making a considerable amount of money through speculation and cunning strategies. But alas, those who often walk by the river are bound to get their shoes wet.
In the end, his schemes were exposed.
No one knew why.
Mysterious are the ways of destiny.
The restaurant was called Good Fortune Cometh.
At this moment, within Good Fortune Cometh, the staff was anxious.
After all, with the boss going to jail, the restaurant could shut down just like that.
Who knew what the new owner would do with the restaurant after purchasing it?
Maybe everyone would be out of a job.
The pay and conditions at Good Fortune Cometh were decent, and its revenue was good. If it closed down, it would be a great loss.
Moreover, the chefs here were exceptionally skilled; their culinary expertise was unquestionable.
In the kitchen, during the evening meeting, Executive Chef Li Wenhai did his best to comfort everyone, "You all know what's been happening recently, but don't worry too much about it."
"From what I learned from my master, the boss who is buying this restaurant will continue to serve Jiangsu cuisine, at most changing the sign."
"As long as we all do our jobs well, there won't be a problem."
Hearing Li Wenhai's words, everyone felt slightly reassured.
After all, they all knew Li Wenhai's master, Wang Shulin, once the president of the Jiangsu Cuisine Association and several times the head chef of state banquets.
Wang Shulin's news was definitely reliable.
A chef responded, "Our Good Fortune Cometh does excellent business and is very profitable. The new owner will surely want to keep things as they are after taking over. We just need to continue doing our jobs well."
"I heard the sale of the restaurant is already in progress."
"No idea what the new boss is like."
Everyone chimed in, discussing the matter.
For workers, the character of the boss can really affect how comfortable their life is.
If you have a good boss, life can be comfortable, and the work atmosphere can be pleasant.
If you have a meddlesome boss who likes to micromanage, then every task becomes frustrating.
Some bosses are good, like at Jiangyue Terrace.
Now, Jiangyue Terrace is truly a hallmark of excellence.
Just take the recent opening of the Zhejiang Cuisine Restaurant that went viral all over the internet.
Owner Jiang Feng even showcased several state banquet dishes and stole the show.
Anyone who saw those dishes had to admit they were impressive.
While everyone was chatting, suddenly, the lobby manager came to the kitchen.
She politely said to Li Wenhai, "Chef Li, there's something I need to discuss with you."
Li Wenhai approached, "What is it?"
"The new owner will come over tonight and plans to hold a staff-wide meeting."
"Let's wrap up early today. Then at eight o'clock tonight, please have everyone come over."
"The new boss has arrangements."
"But rest assured, it's definitely a good thing," the lobby manager said with a smile.
"Alright, no problem. We'll definitely go," Li Wenhai hastily agreed.
Speak of the devil. They were in the thick of discussing the new boss, and now his visit was confirmed.
It seemed the restaurant's transaction had gone smoother than expected.
"The new boss is coming, huh!"
"Ah, who knows what he's like. In our line of work, plenty of restaurants shut down after changing bosses."
"No worries. We just need to do our jobs well. It's not like we'll get a pay cut."
"It's just that it'd be a pity if such a good brand were to go under—it wasn't easy to build up Good Fortune Cometh."
While talking, everybody would also look towards Li Wenhai.
Li Wenhai had made an indelible contribution to Good Fortune Cometh Restaurant, enabling it to become the top-ranked Jiangsu cuisine restaurant in Nanjing.
His excellent kitchen management had earned everyone's trust, allowing the restaurant to thrive and grow.
The previous owner was an absentee landlord who didn't care much, as long as the restaurant made money without him having to ask too many questions.
This was actually just fine.
Li Wenhai himself also worked very hard.
What he feared was a new boss who liked to meddle in affairs.
This upcoming meeting, called so soon, seemed to hint at potential issues.
Everyone was filled with apprehension about the future of Good Fortune Cometh Restaurant.
Li Wenhai was also feeling uneasy.
Such a well-established brand, and it was about to change.
He had no idea what the future would hold.
If only the restaurant could continue as it is.
He had gotten used to working here and really didn't want to start over somewhere else.
However, his master, Wang Shulin, had said that the new boss was very impressive and advised him not to worry too much.
So he could only trust Wang Shulin's words.
「Time flew, and soon it was evening.」
The employees of Good Fortune Cometh Restaurant all gathered in the lobby.
They stood in three rows, silent.
After all, the new boss was coming, and this involved future employment adjustments. Everyone was naturally concerned.
After waiting for just a few minutes, they saw the lobby manager follow Jiang Feng to the front of everyone.
When the employees saw Jiang Feng appear, they were all momentarily stunned.
At first glance, This boss looks so young, almost too young!
At second glance, He seems somewhat familiar...
At third glance, Oh my god, Boss Jiang? Jiangyue Terrace's Boss Jiang?!
The employees were utterly shocked, their eyes wide and mouths agape.
Li Wenhai was astounded as well.
It's Jiang Feng.
It's actually him!
He came to Nanjing?
The new boss was Jiang Feng! This means Good Fortune Cometh Restaurant is going to become a Jiangyue Terrace Restaurant!
This is great news!
The reputation of Jiangyue Terrace was far superior to that of Good Fortune Cometh.
The lobby manager then smilingly said to everyone, "Everyone, this is our new boss, Jiang Feng, Boss Jiang."
"Now, let's welcome Boss Jiang with warm applause and listen to what he has to say!"
Following the lobby manager who started clapping first, the other employees excitedly joined in.
For a moment, the hall reverberated with applause.
Jiang Feng gestured for silence and, as the applause died down, he began to speak, "Good Fortune Cometh Restaurant has been acquired by me. These past few days, I've come here several times to taste a variety of dishes."
"The flavors are quite impressive."
"I don't know if you all know about me, but I purchased Good Fortune Cometh with the intent of transforming it into Jiangyue Terrace."
"So, I plan to start renovating the restaurant next week, with an expected duration of half a month."
"As long as you continue working here during this period, your wages for this half month will be paid in full."
"The kitchen will still need to be busy during this time, as I'm planning a training and evaluation session."
"As long as everyone performs as usual, there will be absolutely no problem."
"Furthermore, once Jiangyue Terrace opens, everyone's salary will increase by 10% to 20%."
"That's all for now. I won't waste time with pleasantries."
"As long as everyone understands the restaurant's future direction, that's what matters. You are dismissed."
"Li Wenhai, Chef Li, please stay behind for a while. I'd like to have a chat with you."
Jiang Feng's words were concise and to the point.
No corporate spirit slogans, no nonsense about employee dedication.
The corporate spirit of Jiangyue Terrace was: work well and earn money.
Jiang Feng never made empty promises, especially since the restaurant's good profits made them unnecessary.
The employees had not yet recovered from the surprise.
Jiang Feng then left with Li Wenhai and the lobby manager. Everyone was still a bit dazed.
Wait, have we suddenly become Jiangyue Terrace employees?
That's Jiangyue Terrace!
The industry's benchmark!
This happiness came so suddenly!
It's like worrying about failing college entrance exams yesterday, then finding out today you've been accepted into Tsinghua University!
Who could we even complain to about such a twist of fate!
"Our new boss is actually Boss Jiang!"
"I thought I was hallucinating just now!"
"So we're going to become Jiangyue Terrace?"
"Jiangyue Terrace Jiangsu Cuisine Restaurant, that's truly impressive!"
"And we even get paid leave during the renovation!"
The employees looked at each other, smiling broadly.
They had been quite nervous at first.
But it turned out to be a huge blessing.
Information about the benefits at Jiangyue Terrace had been made public before.
So they knew what Jiangyue Terrace was really like.
Excellent working conditions.
And Boss Jiang Feng was known as a conscientious owner.
Moreover, every Jiangyue Terrace branch thrived.
Countless people sought employment there.
Now, they were employees of Jiangyue Terrace.
In that moment, there was nothing but excitement and exhilaration in their hearts.
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