Chapter 117: How Could It End Like This?

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Chapter 117: How Could It End Like This?

Wu Cuo and several others around him had already dined at Yunhe. Therefore, it was no surprise that the head chef at Yunhe could produce such an enticing aroma—the dishes the rival chef prepared were indeed delicious.

But Mr. Chu’s restaurant chef truly astonished everyone.

The aroma was absolutely unmatched by anything at Yunhe. The scent alone deeply attracted everyone nearby.

In this regard alone, Yunhe’s chef was decisively outclassed.

The onlookers gathered around could feel this most directly.

Sensing the unique fragrance emitted by the special cooking wine, one by one, they all flocked toward Pan Yue’s side.

Bao Changkong’s brows furrowed slightly.

Fragrance is one of the criteria for judging a dish, but it is not absolute; ultimately, the taste must prevail.

Bao Changkong had great confidence in his culinary skills and thus was not swayed by the alluring aroma created by the opposing chef.

This was where his true dedication lay.

Pan Yue had also prepared a fish dish, seemingly using the same method as Bao Changkong.

How could such a chef produce this kind of fragrance?

He had conducted extensive research on aromas over the years, developing his own secret seasoning formula and precise ratios. Once perfected, the cooking would bring out the best fragrance in the food.

Naturally, he intended for these few to first taste his culinary skills so that after, they would have no desire to dine at the opposite restaurant.

Yet, the aroma now produced was something he had never achieved.

“Old Wu, is this Mr. Chu’s dish? It’s unbelievably delicious.”

Upon witnessing this, Bao Changkong’s brows knitted tightly.

He realized he was facing a chef deliberately trying to imitate and outshine him, employing some unknown special method to attract people with that aroma.

He separated another portion of the dish and pointed toward a particular spot where a few people stood—namely Wu Cuo and his group.

The onlookers sampling the food were all full of praise, claiming it was far superior to the fare at other restaurants.

Although the rival may have used some special trick to create such an aroma, it would inevitably affect the dish’s true flavor.

“That’s right. I’ve been to all the high-end places in Min City, and I’ve never tasted anything this good.”

The taste astonished even him.

He had only experienced such exquisite culinary skills at the banquet hosted by their leader; to encounter this level of excellence here was an unexpected delight.

“If all the dishes at Mr. Chu’s restaurant are this good, I’ll hold all my company’s high-end receptions here from now on.”

The assistants understood immediately and carefully carried the divided fish portions over to Wu Cuo and his party.

Their Erbai Group also frequently hosted high-end receptions, typically choosing upscale restaurants or hotels. But if there were a high-end restaurant they held shares in, and it served such delicious food, it would change the impression for both themselves and their guests.

Being chefs themselves, they knew many cuisines shared common techniques; it was only the taste that differed.

These dishes could rival those of the top chefs nationwide. Yunhe’s three head chefs were the best in Min City, but across the country, far more formidable masters existed.

Wu Cuo and his group showed no surprise upon seeing the dishes served. Given their status, they were no strangers to such special treatment.

The others who tasted the fish were equally amazed.

One member of the Fujian Business Chamber liked to host banquets at Yunhe and specifically requested their head chef, so these individuals had met several times before and knew they were from the Minjiang Chamber of Commerce.

However, exquisite taste alone was not enough.

Once the dish was served, Bao Changkong immediately instructed his assistants to divide the fish into two portions, placing the larger one on a special table already set with disposable bowls and utensils for the onlookers to sample.

Hearing this, Wu Cuo suddenly realized something. He had personally arranged this storefront earlier, drawn by the channels behind Mr. Chu. Now, this might prove to be another wise decision on his part.

Although Bao Changkong was a chef, he knew some of the Minjiang Chamber members.

They tasted the fish Bao Changkong had the assistants bring out and confirmed its deliciousness—one bite and it was clear this was the work of a master, not comparable to ordinary chefs.

Such scenarios were not uncommon.

Wu Cuo had some expectations for the dishes at Linyue Restaurant. After all, Mr. Chu’s confidence in setting this up must be well-founded.

Pan Yue, brimming with anticipation, also instructed his assistants to divide his fish into two portions, delivering one to Wu Cuo’s group.

He wasn’t acquainted with Pan Yue, indicating the latter might not be among the top echelon of the Chefs Association.

But culinary skill does not improve through shortcuts; such tactics cannot change the overall outcome.

It was as if, for a moment, Wu Cuo’s group had become the judges.

Spending a few million on a banquet was trivial; whether one deserved to invite certain chefs was another matter.

With that in mind, he diligently began cooking. Soon, he prepared a classic Yunhe dish—fish braised in garlic, scallion, and fragrant sauce—one of his specialties.

With high expectations, he took a bite. The dish still carried a rich, enticing aroma that made one’s mouth water. Upon tasting the fish, an indescribable delicacy blossomed on the palate.

At this moment, Linyue Restaurant also completed one of their dishes.

The opposing chef’s work was truly extraordinary—meals even he could not easily obtain.

A dish must taste good to satisfy.

Some chefs, seeking fame, resorted to such tricks in culinary competitions.

Meanwhile, Cai Da had brought Cai Sen to queue immediately to sample Pan Yue’s fish.

Father and son did not enjoy the privileges Wu Cuo’s group had.

When it was Cai Sen’s turn, he grabbed disposable bowls and utensils and began to taste.

Behind him, Cai Sen complained, “Dad, what’s the point of queuing? I know this Pan Yue; he once applied at our Zhizhen but was rejected by me. His cooking is about the same as a few other chefs, but he asked for a higher salary. I suffered just to keep him out.”

Cai Da ate the fish, savoring its deliciousness but feeling his heart bleed—as if his son had stabbed him deeply.

How could his son have let go of such a talented chef simply over salary demands?

After tasting it himself, Cai Sen was stunned, then blurted out, “That woman, Cai Yao, schemed against me. Pan Yue’s cooking is so good, yet she never told me, and I fired him.”

Cai Da sighed deeply. He now felt his son was not only useless but foolish. He had given up on him completely.

Perhaps it was time to divorce Cai Sen’s mother and marry the secretary. The child she carried must be nurtured well.

Sensing his father’s strange expression, Cai Sen realized his mistake and quickly promised, “Dad, don’t worry. I’ll be more cautious from now on and won’t let anyone trick me again.”

The onlookers who had gathered gradually tasted Pan Yue’s fish, all showing great surprise.

“This fish is even tastier than the previous one.”

“…”

“Compared to this, the earlier one just doesn’t measure up.”

The crowd’s comments stunned Bao Changkong, disbelief written all over his face.

Were these people planted? Otherwise, how could they say his fish was inferior?

Who in Min City dared to question his culinary skills?

Yet the next moment, he saw Wu Cuo and the others from Minjiang Chamber warmly greeting Pan Yue and praising the chef.

“Your fish is incredibly delicious!”

“Yes, I’ve never eaten such good fish before!”

“…” Bao Changkong’s complexion darkened. So the fish he had tasted earlier was truly not as good.

The onlookers might be planted, but these few were genuine, making his expression utterly grim.

However, one dish could not decide everything.

He quickly composed himself and instructed his assistants to start cooking the second dish.

Pan Yue was in excellent spirits. Even though he had long anticipated this outcome, hearing Wu Cuo and his group’s praise still made him feel elated.

What did signing a confidentiality agreement with Mr. Cai matter? What did working hard matter? This feeling was simply delightful.

Watching the rival begin preparing their second dish, he ordered his assistants to do the same.

More and more onlookers gathered, and more guests arrived who had reserved tables at Linyue Restaurant. Several wealthy patrons who had come because of Wu Cuo greeting him enthusiastically.

“Mr. Wu, what’s going on here?”

“Yes, why does this feel like a culinary showdown?”

Wu Cuo looked at them and said, “Everyone, there will be delicious food soon, guaranteed unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.”

They were stunned.

Though not as wealthy as Mr. Wu, they were not poor in Min City. Was there really any delicacy here they hadn’t tried?

They had frequently dined on meals customized by Yunhe’s three head chefs.

Looking up, they saw Yunhe’s culinary event going on across from them.

Soon, Bao Changkong’s second and third dishes were ready, and he promptly sent them over to Wu Cuo’s group.

Pan Yue did the same. Moreover, he had his assistants serve a portion to Bao Changkong himself.

This startled Bao Changkong, his expression darkening further.

This was a direct challenge.

Just as he was growing angry, Wu Cuo’s group began to voice their opinions.

“I used to think Yunhe’s dishes were the best in Min City, but apparently not.”

“Linyue’s cuisine is truly remarkable, even better than Yunhe’s.”

“Yes, Yunhe’s status is at risk, especially since during their grand opening, their culinary event was outshone. That will become a hot topic.”

“…” Bao Changkong, overhearing these faint remarks, could hardly believe it. He sampled the two dishes sent to him, and his face drained of color.

Such exquisite flavor…

Such aroma…

And the dishes instantly sparked his appetite.

He could feel the vast gulf in quality.

After tasting, Bao Changkong was disheartened and had no desire to remain. He hurriedly left.

The person responsible for the scene arrangement at Yunhe tasted Pan Yue’s dishes and immediately sensed trouble. Seeing Bao Changkong leave in a daze, he quickly pulled out his phone to call Cheng Jian.

Cheng Jian had assigned him here to monitor the situation and report back.

In the café, Cheng Jian and Ma Zhen could see the platform was bustling, though they did not know the details.

“Young Master Ma, the outcome should be coming soon,” Cheng Jian smiled. “You’ve tasted Chef Bao’s cooking. This is bound to be exciting.”

“Mm,” Ma Zhen nodded, a trace of anticipation on his face. Cai Yao’s expression must be sour now.

At that moment, Cheng Jian’s phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, he smiled and said, “It’s a call from there. The result must be out.”

He answered immediately.

The next instant, hearing the news, he turned pale and stood up in shock. “What did you say? How could this happen?”

(End of chapter)