Cooking System: Street Food Rules

Word of mouth spread like wildfire. After just a few days, a long queue had formed in front of Jiang Feng's Sizzling Claypot shop. The line stretched from inside the shop all the way outside. All the tables inside were taken, and four additional tables placed outside were also full. On the integrated stove, Jiang Feng juggled four claypots at a time, the rich aroma continuously wafting out.

Jiang Feng no longer operated in the evenings; instead, he was open daily from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. The crowds only grew larger.

"This is the place! This shop makes the real Sizzling Claypot dishes!"

"The flavor of their sizzling dishes is amazing! I swear by their claypots."

"And their boat congee is delicious too. Who knows what secret ingredients they add."

"Indeed, theirs is the tastiest!"

People in the queue chattered excitedly. Jiang Feng was accustomed to such scenes, but this time was slightly different: his identity hadn't been revealed, yet the business was still booming. This was a testament to his true skill.

The Sizzling Claypot dishes were exceptionally popular. Jiang Feng successively introduced several new varieties: Sizzling Eggplant, Sizzling Cauliflower, Sizzling Ribs, Sizzling Chicken Wings... The names he coined for them grew increasingly elaborate. Sizzling Cauliflower couldn't just be called Sizzling Cauliflower; it had to be "XO Sauce Sizzling Organic Cauliflower." Sizzling Chicken Wings wasn't just Sizzling Chicken Wings, but "Osmanthus and Aged Plum Sauce Sizzling Chicken Wings." There were also "Lemon Fragrance Sizzling Pork Ribs," "Poplar Mushroom Sizzling Tenderloin," and so on. Each name needed a little prefix. It couldn't be helped; when in Rome, do as the Romans do. It was like how bubble tea wasn't just called 'bubble tea,' but something like 'Bouncy Milky So-Good-It-Makes-You-Gulp Tea.'

Jiang Feng's skill in the art of sizzling dishes in claypots became increasingly consummate. Treating a claypot like a wok, integrating both frying and stewing techniques—that was the essence of a sizzling claypot. Thanks to the delectable flavors, the number of customers swelled daily, and the shop slowly achieved its current bustling state.

"Boss, one Sizzling Chicken Wings, one Sizzling Cauliflower, and a Sizzling Three Crisp!" a customer ordered.

"Alright, please wait a moment." Jiang Feng set a claypot on the stove, poured in hot oil, and immediately began stir-frying the aromatics.

Business was booming.

Someone looked at Jiang Feng curiously and asked, "Boss, why are you always wearing a mask? It must be so hot in this weather."

Jiang Feng calmly replied, "It's more hygienic, and I'm used to it."

Hearing his response, the customer didn't inquire further. The shop was packed, both inside and out, with the temperature inside even higher than outside. Several fans whirred, barely managing to dissipate some of the scorching heat. Besides Jiang Feng and Sun Zhuangfei, they had hired two cleaning ladies. They were paid a higher daily wage, and the ladies worked diligently. The shop had changed significantly in just a few days.

This continued until the seventh day Jiang Feng had been open, which was also the last day of his weekly mission. He was particularly pleased with his culinary performance this time because everyone who came to the shop was a genuine food lover, there specifically to eat, not for any extraneous reasons. It was pure. Many customers praised his food, and there were plenty of regulars each day.

Among these regulars were Zhou Xiaohui and her golden retriever, Woof Woof. Zhou Xiaohui had been coming every noon lately; she couldn't help it. Ever since tasting Jiang Feng's Sizzling Claypot dishes, Woof Woof would refuse its dog food at home and would try to bolt out the door at mealtimes. Correcting this usually meant letting it miss two meals. But Zhou Xiaohui was soft-hearted and couldn't bear to see Woof Woof go hungry, so she brought him over every day. She would order two Sizzling Claypot dishes—one for herself and the other for Woof Woof. For this, she had specially prepared a food bowl, into which she poured the meat from the Sizzling Claypot so as not to disturb other diners. This pair became a regular sight.

「Today at noon, Zhou Xiaohui called a friend, took golden Woof Woof on a leash, and headed towards Jiang Feng's shop to line up for Sizzling Claypot dishes.」

Once her friend learned about the shop's situation, she casually remarked, "This little shop is pretty impressive. It's been open for about a week, and there's such a long queue every day. The skill is on par with Boss Jiang."

It was this remark that made Zhou Xiaohui feel as if something had exploded in her mind; the mystery that had long clouded her thoughts instantly vanished.

Boss Jiang!

Right, isn't he Boss Jiang?

I remember now! That bald server is Boss Jiang's former stall assistant!

That's him!

Upon this realization, Zhou Xiaohui was thrilled. She immediately grabbed her friend and ran towards the Kung Fu Sizzling Claypot shop.

At this moment, Jiang Feng was leisurely preparing Sizzling Claypot dishes. Today was the shop's last day of operation; he wouldn't be doing business here starting tomorrow. He had basically familiarized himself with the situation in Guangzhou and wanted to try various local delicacies. Cantonese culinary culture was quite developed.

This week has been relaxing, and nobody knows I'm in Guangzhou. Jiang Feng thought to himself. It would be good to maintain this rhythm.

He knew many people were looking for him at Jiangyue Terrace, and the newly opened Jiangsu Cuisine Restaurant had also garnered significant attention. But Jiang Feng hadn't appeared at either place. Consequently, many people were asking daily about his whereabouts. Some astute individuals guessed that Jiang Feng must have relocated, especially since Jiangyue Terrace was officially open, meaning there was no need for him to remain in Jiangsu or Zhejiang. But they didn't know where he was. He was, after all, the Contemporary Culinary God; not only had his culinary arts reached their peak, but he was also always so unpredictable.

However, Jiang Feng's wish to go unnoticed for a week ultimately fell through.

Zhou Xiaohui led Woof Woof to the shop's entrance. The moment she stepped inside, her eyes fixed on Jiang Feng, and she exclaimed excitedly, "Boss Jiang, are you Boss Jiang? Boss Jiang, I recognize you!"

Her shout caused quite a stir. The queue in the shop was already long and crowded. With her cry, everyone immediately turned to Jiang Feng, whispering among themselves.

"Boss Jiang? Which Boss Jiang?"

"Goodness! Is that the top chef who cooked for the state banquet?"

"Really? Is it him?"

"Is it really him? I didn't even recognize him!"

"I know him! He's the young chef who made all those dragon and phoenix dishes some time ago."

"It seems like it really is him!"

Everyone's gaze converged on Jiang Feng. At this moment, Jiang Feng was still unhurriedly cooking his sizzling claypots. The atmosphere in the shop suddenly grew peculiar, people's curiosity almost palpable. After all, they ate here daily, always thinking the food was exceptionally delicious, but never associating the chef with one who could prepare state banquets. Now, with belated realization, they understood this chef was quite a significant figure.

Jiang Feng remained unruffled, simply smiling at Zhou Xiaohui before replying, "Hello."

His "Hello" served as an admission. Over the past few days, Jiang Feng had hardly interacted with customers, as Sun Zhuangfei handled all the orders, so people rarely heard him speak. Jiang Feng had also purposely been reticent, knowing his voice could easily give him away. Now that he was discovered, he didn't bother to pretend anymore.

"It really is you!" Zhou Xiaohui exclaimed as she entered the shop, excitedly chatting with Jiang Feng. Her friend by her side had already taken out her phone to start capturing the moment. Jiang Feng's words were all recorded.

He responded gently, "Yes, I came to Guangzhou to experience Cantonese cuisine. The culinary culture here is very developed, which I quite like."

No one had ever expected to encounter Jiang Feng here. Not long ago, many had seen his interviews, and the court cuisine incident had caused quite a stir. They never imagined he would now be in a Kung Fu Sizzling Claypot shop. The customers were both shocked and excited.

So it was a top chef making the sizzling claypots! No wonder it tasted so good!

"It really is him!"

"He's come to Guangzhou!"

"No wonder it's so delicious!"

"His skill is the real deal!"

The customers looked at Jiang Feng excitedly. Jiang Feng simply took off his mask. Seeing his face, everyone became even happier.

Indeed, it was him! He looked so handsome!

"Welcome, Boss Jiang!"

"I can't believe it's you!"

"We've met a huge internet celebrity!"

The customers were extremely excited, many taking out their phones to take photos. Since it was the last day of business, Jiang Feng was also in a good mood, so he smiled and chatted with them, "How do you all find the taste of the sizzling claypot?"

Upon hearing his question, people immediately responded:

"Delicious!"

"Explosively delicious!"

"The skill is undeniable!"

"Amazing!"

"I've never had such delicious sizzling claypot!"

The atmosphere at the scene heated up. Jiang Feng continued to cook calmly, no different from before. The diners, however, were completely transformed, looking extraordinarily excited and frequently taking photos with their phones. The small shop's atmosphere became even more electric. Business, however, continued to run smoothly.

As the customers ate the sizzling claypot, they inexplicably felt an air of opulence emanating from the claypot. It was as if this wasn't an ordinary claypot, but one used by an emperor, and this pot of sizzling claypot wasn't made with ordinary ingredients, but those specially reserved for royalty. Under this psychological effect, everyone's enjoyment was heightened to the fullest.

「This continued until the afternoon, when the small shop closed for business.」

After attending to the last wave of customers, Jiang Feng instructed Sun Zhuangfei to quickly pack up, ready to leave. They had to leave quickly, or it would be too late.

Just as Jiang Feng had expected, videos of him quickly appeared online. The hashtag #BossJiangAppearsInGuangzhou shot to the top of the trending topics yet again.

However, by the time many people saw the news and hurried to the Kung Fu Sizzling Claypot's address, the place was already deserted. The shop's door was tightly closed. An A4 sheet of paper was taped to the glass, bearing the words "Prime Location for Rent." Inside, there wasn't a soul, making it seem somewhat desolate. Only the brand-new sign for Kung Fu Sizzling Claypot hinted at the brief period of glory this place had once known.

"Did Boss Jiang run away?"

"Didn't we just find out? Where is he?"

"I heard from people online that he had been operating here for a week, and today was the last day!"

"He cleared out so quickly!"

The fans who rushed over were dismayed, on the verge of tears. They had missed him just like that. One could only say that Jiang Feng's decisiveness was truly impressive.