Chapter 17: All Factions Compete for Chen Yun

“My goodness, does that mean this master chef’s skills are already touching the threshold of Grandmaster Chef?”

“Yes, even if he hasn’t quite reached it, he’s not far off. That’s why I’ve come in person this time. Currently, the Tianlong Empire has only three Grandmaster Chefs, all monopolized and supported by the royal family. This master could very well become the empire’s fourth Grandmaster Chef. We must build a good relationship with him. If we can invite him to preside over our hotel… heh, Yehua Hotel will become the largest hotel group in the Tianlong Empire, bar none!”

...

In the small Fire Rooster County, the more prominent restaurants had all set their sights on the suddenly-emerged master chef, Chen Yun. Before ten o’clock, they had already prepared gifts and headed to the unremarkable “Delicious Cuisine” restaurant.

In the kitchen of Delicious Cuisine.

“Master, all the ingredients are ready. Will you teach me how to make cold dishes?” Having finished chopping vegetables, Chen Yun suddenly remembered that his basic cold dish preparation skill had yet to be activated, so he turned to his master.

“You don’t know how to make cold dishes?” Hu Daniu asked in surprise.

“You only taught me hot dishes yesterday, not cold ones,” Chen Yun replied matter-of-factly.

“All I showed you yesterday was stir-fried shredded radish. I didn’t teach you the rest. How did you learn those?” Hu Daniu retorted.

“By intuition!” Chen Yun replied resolutely, “It’s a feeling—it tells me what to do.”

Hu Daniu suddenly felt as though he’d dug his own grave. Shaking his head with a wry smile, he said, “I truly envy that intuition of yours. Alright, I’ll teach you how to make a cold dish. Let’s start with smashed cucumber salad.”

He brought over a plate of peeled and chopped cucumbers and explained as he worked: “The ingredients for smashed cucumber salad are simple—just three: cucumber, garlic, and red chili. Soak the cucumber in salted water for a bit, rinse, and peel sections at intervals—we’ll skip those steps and use these chunks. Peel and crush the garlic, wash and dice the chili, then mix soy sauce, aged vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl, add the garlic and chili, stir well, and pour the mixture over the cucumber. That’s all there is to it—a simple cold cucumber salad. Got it?”

“NPC Basic Chef Hu Daniu wishes to activate player Chen Yun’s Basic Cold Dish Preparation skill. Activate?”

“Yes.” Chen Yun silently agreed, then pulled out 100 copper coins from his pocket and said to his master, “Master, I ran into the boss in the restroom earlier—he praised my work yesterday and gave me a bonus. I’ll use it to pay you back.”

“No need, really, you don’t have to,” Hu Daniu replied without thinking. “We’re master and apprentice—no need for formalities.”

“I can’t have that, Master. Have you forgotten my habits? If you don’t take this money, I won’t sleep tonight.” Chen Yun grew anxious—how could he not accept it? If he didn’t, how could he activate the skill?

“You… sigh, you’re just too earnest.” With a sigh, Hu Daniu took the money.

“Player Chen Yun’s Basic Cold Dish Preparation skill has been activated. Current proficiency: 0 out of 300. Once proficiency is maxed, see an Intermediate Chef for the skill advancement quest.”

“Player Chen Yun has activated all three basic chef skills. Side profession upgraded from Apprentice Chef to Basic Chef. Basic Chef title obtained.”

Basic Chef: When cooking, there is a 1% chance for the dish to gain an additional attribute.

Seeing the attribute attached to the Basic Chef title, Chen Yun was secretly amazed. This title was far superior to the previous two. An extra attribute meant that, for example, if a dish boosted Spirit, it could now also boost Intelligence—a single dish would have the effect of two!

Chen Yun seemed lost in thought, which Hu Daniu took for reflection on the cold dish process, so he didn’t disturb him. Only when Chen Yun’s eyes cleared did he ask, “Have you learned it?”

“Yes, Master, I have.” As soon as Chen Yun replied, a clamor of voices rose from the dining hall. He glanced at the clock—just after ten. Customers already?

“Try making a few more cold dishes,” Hu Daniu said, having heard the noise too. “We’ve never had customers this early. I suspect they’re here because of you. Don’t go out; I’ll check.”

As his master left, Chen Yun was puzzled. Because of me? I only know a handful of people in this world—who could it be? Or is it because of the dishes I made?

Out in the dining hall, Xi Jiu anxiously watched the dozen or so well-dressed, unfamiliar faces who exuded the air of success, and asked cautiously, “And you are?”

“Good day, Ms. Xi Jiu. I’m Yun Qi, General Manager of Fire Rooster Grand Hotel. I’ve heard that your establishment has a master-level chef, so I’ve come to pay my respects,” Yun Qi stated bluntly.

Xi Jiu’s heart skipped a beat—her worst fear had arrived, and so early, too. With a strained smile, she replied, “So it’s General Yun from Fire Rooster Grand Hotel. Welcome.”

“Allow me to introduce myself—I’m Meng Zhi. Firecloud Hotel is my father Meng Tu’s business. I’m here to meet your master chef as well,” said a young man in his mid-twenties as he approached.

“A pleasure,” Xi Jiu replied, feeling sweat bead on her brow.

A hearty laugh came from another, “I’m here to join the fun too—I’m Jiang Shan, Chairman of Yehua Chain Hotels. My reason for coming is the same as theirs. I hope you’ll introduce us, Ms. Xi.”

Jiang Shan’s status was the highest among them, and his presence caused Yun Qi and Meng Zhi to frown. They hadn’t expected the chairman of one of the Empire’s top three hotel chains to come in person—surely his hotels lacked no master chefs?

Xi Jiu nearly fainted at the mention of Jiang Shan. Who was he? The son of the Empire’s great General Jiang Tian! Though officially only a businessman, neither in the army nor government, his formidable background and status as a national champion were undeniable—no one dared overlook him. For a mere commoner like her to encounter such a figure was utterly terrifying.

The later arrivals could only force a bitter smile after hearing Jiang Shan introduce himself. Their own establishments couldn’t even compare with the first two, let alone a behemoth like Yehua Chain Hotels, one of the Empire’s top three.

“Please wait a moment, everyone. Master Chen should be in the kitchen—I’ll fetch him,” Xi Jiu said, already resigned. Any one of these people was beyond her ability to entertain—especially Jiang Shan. If he so much as sneezed here, her restaurant might not survive. She’d best send Chen Yun out as quickly as possible. Old Hu was right—know your limits.

“Boss, who are all those people in the dining room?” Hu Daniu asked as he approached.

“Didn’t you already guess? Why ask me? Go on, call Xiao Chen out and let him choose for himself. My little establishment can’t keep such a great talent,” Xi Jiu sighed heavily, unable to hide her reluctance.

“They’re here so soon? Ah, well, you keep them company. I’ll speak with Xiao Chen.”

“Hurry, please—their presence makes me nervous. The difference in status is just too great.”

“I know.”