Chapter 51: A Great Surge of Achievement Points Approaching
When it came to business, Chen Feng had no doubt that Xiao Yu could outdo him ten times over, but that didn’t mean he was a fool. Among the essentials of life—food, clothing, shelter, and transportation—food came second only to survival itself. Chen Feng had immense confidence in his own signature Urine Beef Balls. If they were really packaged as canned goods and sold, there was no question he could fetch a high price. Making money, however, was not his primary concern; what he truly sought was fame.
The greater his renown, the more achievement points he would gain. Money was ultimately external; achievement points brought real benefits. Chen Feng understood very well that the woman sitting before him wielded enormous influence in Jiangzhou. A celebrity entrepreneur with powerful connections—by relying on her, he had every chance of earning a windfall of achievement points. Frankly, even if he only got a twenty percent share instead of forty, he would have agreed. Compared to money, achievement points were far more tangible. Xiao Yu’s beauty was certainly alluring, but Chen Feng, mature beyond his years, kept his wits about him. He admired her charm, but he wasn’t about to sell himself short. He didn’t know much about business, nor did he intend to manage anything himself—the entire operation would be left to Xiao Yu. In comparison, taking forty percent was already a great bargain for him. People suffer most when they lack self-awareness.
“Oh, this is getting interesting. I have a few requests for you as well. Why don’t you share your conditions?” Xiao Yu said.
Chen Feng didn’t state his demands immediately. Instead, he looked at Xiao Yu and asked, “Sister, have you had enough to eat?”
Xiao Yu was momentarily taken aback, but then she replied softly, “I usually eat very little for dinner. I only tried a bit of your family’s Urine Beef Balls. But if there’s more food, I could still eat a little.”
“That’s good!” Chen Feng smiled and said slowly, “There’s a kitchen here, right? I wonder if I could borrow it for a while?”
Xiao Yu laughed, then nodded. “Of course there is.”
She was a shrewd woman; from Chen Feng’s words, it was clear he was about to show off his skills. Her curiosity was piqued. So far, Chen Feng had only revealed his talent for making Urine Beef Balls. What other abilities did he possess? What other dishes could he create? Though he hadn’t shown any more, Xiao Yu didn’t believe a man like him was limited to just one specialty.
In the kitchen, Chen Feng didn’t mind Xiao Yu watching. He never worried that anyone could replicate the unique combinations of his seasonings. This was confidence—a complete faith in his own skills.
Xiao Yu had no intention of stealing his techniques. From her perspective, her focus was on operations, not culinary skills; she wasn’t a chef, after all.
The kitchen was spacious, and all necessary ingredients were well-stocked.
When Chen Feng began, Xiao Yu steadied herself and watched as he became utterly absorbed in his cooking—lighting the fire, preparing the dishes, every movement as fluid as running water. In one seamless flow, he was working three woks at once, stir-frying simultaneously.
With his culinary mastery already at a grandmaster level, his control over portions was exquisite. His stamina was remarkable, his energy abundant, and his movements quick and precise.
In less than fifteen minutes, a steaming dish of West Lake Vinegar Fish was set before Xiao Yu. Chen Feng smiled and said, “Have a taste.”
Xiao Yu did not stand on ceremony. She delicately picked up a piece of fish and put it in her mouth. Instantly, her eyes widened—the fish was tender and fresh, and as she chewed, a rich aroma spread throughout her mouth. Unlike the explosive flavor of the Urine Beef Balls, the taste of this fish lingered and dispersed gently, comforting her to the core.
She closed her eyes, savoring the profound flavor.
“It’s delicious!” Xiao Yu suddenly exclaimed, her face glowing with admiration. Chen Feng had already prepared several dishes, and she tasted each one. Very quickly, she realized that he mastered an astonishing variety of cuisines—the eight major culinary traditions of China, all perfectly executed.
Each dish was exquisitely made. For several, Chen Feng had created unique seasoning blends that were simply divine.
Among them, two dishes stood out: Golden Pea Jade Soup and West Lake Vinegar Fish. They were flawless. Xiao Yu was in awe—how did Chen Feng achieve this?
These two came from the Celestial Banquet Recipe Compendium, of which Chen Feng had acquired four dishes, including Urine Beef Balls and Buddha Jumps Over the Wall. Xiao Yu had already tasted the beef balls, but Buddha Jumps Over the Wall took too long to prepare, so Chen Feng hadn’t made it. The Stephen Chow he’d extracted was not the post-training version with inner strength to fuel the flames.
Soon, Xiao Yu found herself unable to eat another bite, yet the tantalizing aroma continued to tempt her appetite. She watched Chen Feng devour the remaining food with longing.
Chen Feng’s appetite was enormous. He could eat a lot or a little as he pleased, and any excess nutrients were stored in the layer of flesh between his skin and muscles.
After a long while, the two sat facing each other again in the private club.
“Sister Xiao, what do you think of my skills?” Chen Feng smiled at her.
Xiao Yu nodded earnestly. “I never expected you to be such an extraordinary chef. Now, can you tell me your request?”
“I want fame!” Chen Feng replied swiftly. “I believe, with your connections and influence, it shouldn’t be difficult to make me famous. That’s my only request. You know how to package and promote me, don’t you? And with my abilities, surely you realize I’m not lacking in skill.”
“Fame?” Xiao Yu looked at Chen Feng with curiosity. She had met many people, but never someone who stated so bluntly that they wanted fame. Yet she sensed that Chen Feng was not simply chasing after fame and fortune for their own sake; his request genuinely surprised her.
Little did she know, for someone like Chen Feng, fame equated to achievement. The greater his reputation, the more achievement points he would earn, and the more benefits the Extraction System would grant him.
“Little brother, I’m very curious—why do you desire fame so much?” Xiao Yu stretched and tried to ease her full stomach.
Chen Feng shrugged. “I have my own aspirations. Sister Xiao, this shouldn’t be difficult for you, should it?”
“Of course not,” Xiao Yu replied seriously. “But it will require some maneuvering on my part. I’m just surprised—at first, I was worried about persuading you to step into the spotlight!”
“Step into the spotlight?” Chen Feng was puzzled. “What do you mean?”
“Oh, nothing. I’m planning to host a Jiangzhou Culinary Competition to crown our city’s King of Chefs!” Her eyes gleamed with the cunning of a businesswoman. “We’ll partner with the TV station to produce the show. If you’re willing to showcase your skills, that would be perfect!”
Chen Feng’s heart raced. To become famous on television—how many achievement points would that earn him?
Money was secondary; achievement points were the true foundation.
“Excellent. I have no objections. I’ll leave it all in your capable hands, Sister Xiao,” Chen Feng replied with a broad smile.
They both laughed together. Xiao Yu looked at Chen Feng as if she were seeing a mountain of gold, while Chen Feng regarded her as a limitless source of achievement points.
They struck a deal, each getting what they wanted.
Xiao Yu rose and said, “It’s getting late. You should rest. Stay here tonight, I’ll arrange a room for you. Also, I’ll draft a contract and have my lawyer bring it to you in a few days. You’re welcome to consult any other lawyers you like to check for loopholes.”
“Alright,” Chen Feng nodded. Xiao Yu’s candor made him like her even more. Truth be told, he didn’t think he could outmaneuver Xiao Yu—she was a seasoned veteran of the business world, while he was just an ordinary high school student. Even with the Extraction System, he might not be her match.
Such a wealth of life experience was not something Chen Feng possessed.
And that was not something the Extraction System could grant; life experience had to be gained one step at a time.
Lying on the soft bed, Chen Feng was filled with excitement. He could almost see a mountain of achievement points coming his way.