"Old Xue, isn't that Mr. Lishan?"

Aunt Xue was originally struggling with whether to pack black bean sauce pork ribs or black bean chicken pieces. Hearing her husband's voice, she instinctively looked up and blurted out, "Mr. Lishan? Is it really you, Mr. Lishan?"

When they first came to dine, they saw Geng Lishan's inscription. Therefore, they often came to eat during that period, hoping to meet Mr. Lishan. But they had never encountered this titan of the cultural circle; instead, they were captivated by the restaurant's dishes. They not only became devotees of Lin Ji's Food but also made friends with young people like Yue Liyue, and even followed Geng Lele to join the Meow Meow Sect, becoming one of the four Elders.

"You are... little Xue from the art gallery?"

Geng Lishan pondered for a long time before he remembered Aunt Xue's identity.

Meanwhile, Geng Lele, who was playing with her phone next to him, looked up upon seeing Aunt Xue and the others, and quickly stood up to greet them, "Haha, the four Elders of our Meow Meow Sect have arrived! Old man, since you and Dundun are so fated, you might as well join our Meow Meow Sect too. As the High Priest, I can at least arrange a minor lackey position for you."

Geng Lishan: "..."

Why is this girl so madcap wherever she goes? And yet, there are always people willing to join in her madness.

Aunt Xue and the others came over, smiling, and asked, "Mr. Lishan, what brings you here today?"

"I heard that young friend Lin's establishment is going to be renovated, so I specially wrote a piece of calligraphy for the shop sign and brought it over. Since you all are here too, let's sit together. My granddaughter hasn't been causing you any trouble, has she?"

"Lele is sensible and well-behaved. How could she possibly trouble us?"

They only found out a few days after the competition ended that Geng Lele was Mr. Lishan's granddaughter. Back then, they finally understood why the restaurant had Mr. Lishan's handwriting; they suspected it was Geng Lele who had coaxed her grandfather to write it. But now it seemed Mr. Lishan, hearing that the shop was closing for renovation, had actually come in person to deliver the calligraphy for the shop sign. He also referred to Boss Lin as "young friend Lin."

This relationship seemed quite extraordinary. Could it be a friendship that disregards age?

As they were chatting, Lin Xu came over with a large plate of Steamed Rice Flour Meat. "Everyone, try this Steamed Rice Flour Meat. It's my first time making it, and I'm always worried about getting the flavor right. You taste it first. I'll go make the White Jade Lotus Root Strips that Mr. Lishan likes."

White Jade Lotus Root Strips?

Professor Xu and the others felt a surge of delight. They had heard about the dish White Jade Lotus Root Strips a few days ago but never had the chance to try it. They didn't expect to get the opportunity today, thanks to Mr. Lishan.

But it's Mr. Lishan's favorite? Does Lin Xu often cook it for Mr. Lishan? No wonder he came in person to deliver the calligraphy for the shop sign. The two really do have a friendship that disregards age.

The server brought over bowls, chopsticks, and plates. Geng Lishan called out, then picked up a slice of pork belly, glistening with oil and covered with granules of Steamed Meat Powder. A rich aroma of meat and rice wafted from it, mingled with the sweet fragrance of pumpkin. It instantly whetted everyone's appetite.

"Hmm, this smells truly fragrant," Geng Lishan praised, then put the meat into his mouth.

The first sensation upon entering his mouth was the sticky texture of the Steamed Meat Powder, followed by the distinctive flavor of the pork belly. Chewing it, the meat within the Steamed Meat Powder was perfectly cooked; the fatty part melted richly in his mouth, while the lean meat was tender and juicy. Eaten alone, the meat slices might have felt a bit greasy. But paired with the outer layer of Steamed Meat Powder, everything became perfectly balanced. Especially the subtle spice notes in the Steamed Meat Powder, which made the meaty flavor even more intense and delicious.

"Delicious! This meat is steamed wonderfully. Everyone, hurry and try it. This flavor is fantastic! Young friend Lin's skills are truly exceptional, out of this world!"

Upon hearing this, Professor Xu and the others also picked up their chopsticks to taste it. The Steamed Rice Flour Meat was indeed superb. Thanks to the Steamed Meat Powder, the pork belly wasn't greasy at all. It was fragrant and delectable, as if opening the doors to a new world for them.

"I didn't like Steamed Rice Flour Meat before because I had a bad experience at a restaurant before I retired. The meat was gamey, and the powder was tough," Elder Zhou said with deep feeling. As a former management member of Beijing University, he was also a renowned food lover. "I didn't expect Boss Lin's version to be so delicious—fragrant, sticky, and the flavor is great."

Due to that single disappointing experience with gamey Steamed Rice Flour Meat, he had lost all interest in the dish. Only now did he realize how delicious it could be when prepared well.

"Not only is the meat delicious, but the pumpkin underneath is also amazing... Old Zhou, you should eat more pumpkin; it's good for your health," Elder Liang thoughtfully said, placing a piece of pumpkin on her husband's plate.

Elder Zhou only wanted to eat meat and had no interest in the pumpkin. However, worried about his wife's nagging if he didn't eat it, he picked it up and took a bite.

"Oh my, this pumpkin is actually delicious! It's sweet and glutinous, with a hint of meaty aroma. This combination is so good! Mr. Lishan, Professor Xu, you should all try it too."

While everyone was enjoying their meal, Lin Xu brought over the White Jade Lotus Root Strips and a few other side dishes, making Geng Lishan's eyes widen.

The White Jade Lotus Root Strips he had been craving since the competition! Finally, they were before him again.

He picked up a mouthful with his chopsticks and put it into his mouth. Mmm, still so crispy and delicious. This texture was truly unforgettable.

"Young friend Lin, you're the first person I've met who can make vegetarian dishes this tasty. It's absolutely brilliant, a dish I wouldn't trade for meat!"

Lin Xu said with a smile, "Then please eat more. Whenever you feel like having some, just come over, and I'll make it for you."

While the two chatted, Professor Xu and the others also tried the White Jade Lotus Root Strips. It had to be said, the flavor was indeed fantastic. No wonder Mr. Lishan was so fond of this dish. The texture, the flavor, and the presentation were all impeccable!

At this time, the staff also began eating their dinner. Lin Xu casually grabbed a pair of chopsticks and sat down at their table. Just as he was about to start eating, Shen Jiayue pushed the door open and walked in.

"I'm off work!" she announced. She first rushed to Dundun, giving his head a good rub, then ran over to Lin Xu. She was about to hug her beloved Xu Bao, whom she hadn't seen for several hours, when she suddenly noticed the Steamed Rice Flour Meat on the table.

The intended loving embrace immediately transformed into a yearning for the delicious food. "Wow, it's Steamed Rice Flour Meat! No wonder it smells so good."

After greeting everyone, she sat down next to Lin Xu, casually snatched his chopsticks, and began devouring the Steamed Rice Flour Meat in large mouthfuls, all while recounting amusing incidents from the audit firm.

"Uncle Tan heard we were going to have bento boxes again and canceled his business trip, so Assistant Yuan had to go cancel the plane tickets again..."

Lin Xu picked up a pair of chopsticks from another table and tasted the Steamed Rice Flour Meat he had made.

The flavor really is good. No wonder so many people like it. I'll have to find a way to improve it further. When the new restaurant opens, I can add it to the menu and make more money.

The new establishment had upgraded from a roadside stall to a large restaurant, requiring many more dishes.

During this month at Fishing Platform, I need to learn as much as possible and also poach as much talent as possible. Yes, for such a large restaurant, it's unrealistic for me to handle all the cooking alone. It's best to recruit a few chefs with signature dishes to support the kitchen.

Just as he thought of this, the system's notification sounded in Lin Xu's mind:

"The host is concerned about the operational status of the new restaurant's kitchen, triggering the side quest [Desperate for Talent]: Please invite five chefs recognized by the system to join Lin Ji's Food before the new restaurant opens. Upon completion, you will receive one Cuisine Upgrade Card, two Perfect Level Stir-fry Dish draws, and two Perfect Level Braised Dish draws."

Five chefs? And they have to be recognized by the system?

Lin Xu was somewhat surprised.

Getting five chefs is simple; with enough money, many would be willing to switch jobs. But being recognized by the system…

While he was pondering, a list appeared on the screen in his mind. It contained the names of all the chefs Lin Xu knew. However, only the names of his master Gao Peisheng, Senior Brother Xie Baomin, Mr. Guo Weidong, his nephew Guo Xinghai, and Wei Qian were illuminated.

This must mean they are recognized by the system, right? But this list is too... Including his retired master's name—isn't the system afraid of being strung up on a lamppost? Senior Brother Xie Baomin and Guo Weidong both have jobs, so they're a no-go. And Guo Xinghai has already moved to Yangcheng; it's impossible to poach him. So, is the current priority to recruit Wei Qian? But he's just managed to establish himself at Fishing Platform. Would it really be appropriate to abruptly try and recruit him to Lin Ji?

As he was contemplating, Wei Qian pushed open the door and strode in. "Am I late? Every time I come here, it feels like coming home. It's not like Fishing Platform, which is so dull and lifeless it's irritating..."

Lin Xu: "!!!!!!!!!!!!"

If you put it that way, I'm wide awake now!

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