I'm the Culinary God

Lin Xu knew very well. His dish had definitely been overinterpreted by the renowned calligrapher again. Although the feeling of being misunderstood by a celebrity was quite nice, it was, after all, a misunderstanding. It was better to clarify things to prevent people from calligraphy or cultural circles from knocking on his door for a challenge in a couple of days.

He said with a smile, "There was no special arrangement for today's meal. Just enjoy your food and drinks."

Although the others were somewhat surprised, they didn't think of it as a misunderstanding. After all, one was a long-established great calligrapher, and the other a genius chef. The two had always treated each other as equals, so it was quite normal for them to engage in witty banter.

Only Geng Lele watched her grandfather with a knowing smile, afraid the old man would impulsively drag Brother Xu off to behead a chicken and burn yellow paper to become sworn brothers. Fortunately, that scene didn't occur.

Geng Lishan didn't say anything more, just remarked that he would "keep it firmly in mind," before taking small sips of the Crucian Carp Tofu Soup the waiter had served him.

"Does Sister Yan need anything else?"

The large private room was filled with Chen Yan's friends and employees. Chen Yan, a sophisticated woman dressed like a trendy young diva, sat in a conspicuous position and waved her hand at Lin Xu. "Nothing else is needed. Just remember to serve a beauty-enhancing Jade Soup when we're about to finish... Oh, right, and pack me a portion of Tendon Jelly. I'll snack on it tonight while I'm on my phone."

Lin Xu was speechless. Is she planning to live on collagen?

But since the patron had given her order, he agreed. "Alright, alright. I'll check the next room and then start preparing it for you. If you need anything else, just let the waiter know. Everyone, please eat and drink your fill."

Having said that, he was about to leave when Zeng Xiaoqi, who was sitting by the door, tugged his clothes.

"What's up, Sister Xiaoqi?"

"Get me a portion of that beef Tendon Jelly too. I want some as well."

"Alright!"

Lin Xu leaned in and whispered to the beautiful Zeng Xiaoqi, much like an underground agent making a clandestine contact, before leaving the private room.

Right. If he didn't leave soon, the other women dining inside would probably also ask for Tendon Jelly to go. Because when Chen Baiwan had given the order just now, Lin Xu had seen Wu Kexin, Weiwei, Dou Wenjing, and the others all brighten up, clearly tempted as well.

Looks like Tendon Jelly is going to be a permanent fixture. Even if it didn't make money, he'd still have to satisfy this group of beauty-conscious women around him first.

Leaving the large private room, Lin Xu walked a couple of steps to the door of a private room named "Everlasting" and asked the attendant standing there, "How much have they drunk inside?"

"They've finished two bottles of liquor and have just started on the third."

Lin Xu nodded, understanding. Once his father-in-law drinks a bit more, it'll be time to notify his mother-in-law to come and clear the scene. This will prevent this group of middle-aged men from damaging their health with excessive drinking.

He pushed the door and went in. The room reeked of alcohol, and the atmosphere was lively.

Tan Yajun, usually reserved and cultured, had taken off his high-end dress shirt. He was wearing just a white tank top underneath, which he had rolled up to his chest. If he had a cattail leaf fan, he'd look just like one of those old men cooling off at the entrance of an alley.

His father-in-law was also very unrestrained, having lifted his collared T-shirt to reveal a belly that was a size smaller than before. Ever since he started exercising under Han Shuzhen's supervision, Shen Guofu's belly had not only shrunk, but his overall health had also improved considerably. He was currently showing off his weight-loss tips to his buddies.

Lin Xu really wanted to speak the truth for his father-in-law: there were no secrets to it, just sheer endurance. If it weren't for his mother-in-law's unyielding, military-like discipline, Old Shen, with his tendency to overeat, would have likely gained at least another thirty pounds.

"Aiyo! My son-in-law is here! Are you done with work, Xiao Xu?"

"Not yet, but even if I'm not, I still had to come in and offer a toast to all the uncles here."

These words brought a satisfied and proud smile to Shen Guofu's face. Look at the son-in-law I, Old Shen, picked! Absolutely perfect!

After speaking, Lin Xu picked up an unused new glass from the side cabinet, then took the bottle of Red Star Er Guo Tou from the table and poured himself a glass. Shen Guofu and his friends had transformed from poor kids in the alleys into leading figures in various industries, with fortunes of at least eight figures. However, when they got together, they still chose the Er Guo Tou, the same liquor they used to drink half a jin of with just pickled vegetables back in their younger days. To others, this was just a low-grade liquor. But for them, it was a memory of their youth.

Who knew how much pressure and unspoken grievances from all these years were contained within this Er Guo Tou.

Tan Yajun, seeing Lin Xu intending to make a toast, quickly said, "Xiao Xu, none of us here are strangers. You probably have things to do later, so don't go around toasting everyone one by one. Let's all raise our glasses together and drink up!"

The others, hearing this, also picked up their glasses. Those with empty glasses quickly refilled them.

Lin Xu held his glass and clinked it with everyone's in turn, then said, "Our restaurant has just opened, so there might still be some shortcomings. I hope all you uncles will give us plenty of suggestions!"

With that, he downed the Er Guo Tou in his glass in one gulp.

Shen Guofu's friends, seeing this, also immediately drained their glasses.

After drinking, they commented one after another:

"Old Shen's son-in-law can really drink!"

"The food here is perfect; there's nothing to criticize."

"The only drawback is that it's *too* delicious. I'm afraid I'll gain two pounds from this meal alone."

"Me too. Every dish is perfect; I just can't stop eating."

"Eating such delicious food every day, how has Old Shen actually lost weight?"