Peerless Divine Doctor in the City of Flowers
Chapter 456: Even a Culinary God Is No Better than This

Chapter 456: Chapter 456: Even a Culinary God Is No Better than This

Piaoxiang Bao was not very big.

But the decoration still had an ancient charm.

Lin Fan sat in the middle, with Lu Feifei beside him.

He watched several dishes with rich color, aroma, and taste being served.

Lu Feifei immediately passed over the bowl and chopsticks with great care.

"It does look good, but I’m afraid you’re going to make things difficult for me by asking me to taste the food. After all, it seems that I haven’t eaten many good things in my life, so I can’t really discern flavors well."

Lin Fan picked up a piece of fish and put it into his mouth.

The taste overall was quite acceptable.

Unfortunately, having gotten used to the dishes made by Qi Qi, this flavor could only be considered ordinary.

He couldn’t really find anything to praise.

Now he understood why the Heavenly Master, who had traveled all over the country, was so partial to Qi Qi.

It turned out that her culinary skills were truly exquisite.

If there had to be a shortcoming, it was only that her carving and plating couldn’t compare with those of a professional chef.

But the core flavor was simply not on the same level.

"This chef is quite famous in the industry, and many of his apprentices have opened their own restaurants."

Lu Feifei was quite satisfied with the taste of the dishes.

After all, she had never tasted the food made by Qi Qi.

"That’s excellent, a master like him willing to work for others indicates you must have offered him a good share of the equity."

Lin Fan put down his chopsticks.

At that moment, he truly missed Qi Qi’s cooking.

"No choice, after all, a restaurant’s taste is the foundation."

Lu Feifei might not understand gourmet food, but she knew how to use people.

Pay more, get better service.

But just as the two of them were talking, a voice came from outside the door.

"Sister Fenghuang indeed has a strategy!"

As the private room door was pushed open, Xu Dakang, dressed in a chef’s uniform, walked in.

In his fifties, he was also built strong and sturdy.

His large head made Lin Fan involuntarily think of a phrase.

A big head and a thick neck, either a tycoon or a cook.

However, the look he gave Lin Fan carried a trace of hostility.

"This is Mr. Xu, Xu Dakang, our head chef."

Lu Feifei introduced naturally.

"Oh, the taste is good."

Lin Fan leaned back in his chair.

From the way Xu Dakang looked at Lu Feifei,

He had already guessed the ins and outs.

"Mr. Xu, the invitations have been sent out, and we’ll have about three hundred tables. Tomorrow’s opening event will need much of your attention. Our restaurant’s success or failure may hinge on your performance."

Lu Feifei, wearing a blue cheongsam, smiled and linked arms with Lin Fan.

Having been involved in the underworld for many years, how could Xu Dakang’s gaze escape her discerning eyes?

So, she performed a seemingly unintentional action.

It was also a kind of soft rebuff.

"That’s not a problem. After all, I’ve been in the catering industry for more than thirty years, starting odd jobs in my teens, from five-star establishments to snack bars, I’ve seen it all. However, Sister Fenghuang, there’s another matter I’d like to discuss."

Xu Dakang looked at Lin Fan and Lu Feifei’s affectionate display.

It was as if a knife had stabbed into his heart.

That bleeding feeling made him particularly uncomfortable.

"What’s the matter? Just say it."

Lu Feifei frowned slightly.

The tone from the other party was clearly that of malice.

"Phoenix Sister, at your command, I brought over forty disciples to support your opening. Although you’ve been fair to me, what you’re offering is just the market rate. Moreover, not to conceal anything from you, Tongtian Pavilion contacted me last night, willing to pay one and a half times what you’re offering to rope me in. I didn’t accept because you should understand where my loyalty lies."

Xu Dakang crossed his arms, his gaze scornfully flitting over Lin Fan as he spoke.

After that speech, Lu Feifei’s expression turned sour in an instant.

Just as she was about to harshly scold the brazen toad for lusting after a swan’s flesh.

Lin Fan, however, wrapped an arm around her fragrant shoulder with a smile and spoke up for her.

"How can others understand your intentions if you don’t express them? Why not have an open and candid talk tonight with drums and gongs to announce it?"

"What business is it of yours when I’m speaking to Phoenix Sister?"

Xu Dakang glared at Lin Fan, his face showing clear defiance.

In his heart, this pretty boy was just another one climbing the ranks with his looks.

"I’ll also have you know, my apprentices are at the level of culinary gods, having made their mark in Beijing already. So, don’t you play any hooligan tricks with me, Laozi’s not afraid."

"I really didn’t see that, that you are the teacher of culinary gods. Wouldn’t that make you the god of culinary gods? However, the taste and presentation of these dishes are, at best, mediocre."

Lin Fan squinted, looking at Xu Dakang with disdain.

Upon hearing this, Xu Dakang became livid with rage.

"Who do you think you are to criticize my cooking skills?"

"If I say your cooking skills aren’t up to the mark, you’ll have to accept it unless you dare to put them to the test."

Lin Fan stopped Lu Feifei once more from losing her temper.

The grand opening was tomorrow, and if the head chef walked out now, it would be a real headache.

Besides, the business had just started; it couldn’t just flop immediately.

"What a joke, who do you think you are to challenge me? Nevertheless, since Phoenix Sister brought you here, I’ll honor her and show you what a real god of culinary gods is like. Shandong, Sichuan, Canton, Su, Min, Zhe, Xiang, Hui—what kind of cuisine or dish do you want to compete in?"

Xu Dakang said with a smirk on his face.

He was indeed looking for trouble.

This kid actually dared to challenge his strongest culinary skills.

That was practically a death wish.

"Who said anything about competing in cooking? I’ve tasted dishes a thousand times better than this. Let’s keep it simple with a soup. I’ll give you three hours to prepare, and the only condition is that you can’t let any disciples know about the soup you make. Later, I’ll order some takeout and have it delivered."

Lin Fan looked at Xu Dakang with a smile: "But since we’re going to compete, there has to be something at stake. If the takeout I order tastes better than your soup, you’ll cut your salary in half and sign a five-year contract with no backing out. Do you dare?"

"Why wouldn’t I dare? Here in Jiangning, even if you bring in an outside helper, you won’t beat me. I’ll ask you, though, what if you lose?"

Xu Dakang accepted the challenge without hesitation.

He didn’t believe there was a chef in all of Jiangning better than him.

Before Lin Fan could respond, Lu Feifei directly spoke up.

"This restaurant will be yours, how about that?"

"It’ll be mine?"

Such a daring bet took Xu Dakang by surprise.

No matter how little the hotel might be worth, it was still worth at least forty to fifty million.

Yet she spoke of gifting it to someone just like that.

"Are you doubting my credibility in the Jianghu? Stop hesitating, as men we honor our words. Just bring over the soup for the contest in three hours, and rest assured, I will ensure the fairest judgment."

Lu Feifei had an unwavering confidence in Lin Fan.

If he was going to bet, they might as well go big.

"Alright then, Phoenix Sister, it’s settled. If you back out, don’t blame me for joining Tongtian Pavilion."

Xu Dakang clenched his fists, his face filled with anticipation.

This time, he was going all in.

Lu Feifei gave a cold snort: "Don’t worry, I never regret my words. Three hours, and we’ll see whose skills are truly superior!"

"Fine, it’s agreed, we’ll see in three hours."

Xu Dakang said no more.

He turned with his apprentices and started walking toward the exit.

In this war without gunpowder, he was determined to emerge victorious.