She Only Cares About Cultivation
Chapter 231: [230] Tasty and Pretty Fisherman 81 (twenty-fourth update)

Chapter 231: [230] Tasty and Pretty Fisherman 81 (twenty-fourth update)

Xiao Yu asked very directly, skipping the shopkeeper and directly seeking guidance from their chef because she wanted their insights. The chef’s character was extremely important.

From the moment she entered the kitchen, she kept observing the expressions of the people there. The boy washing vegetables still seemed very naive, unable to see that the kitchen was also a battleground. The other helpers were quite evident, neither calling the food delicious nor distasteful, simply afraid of offending someone they shouldn’t, especially since the chef had not yet expressed his opinion.

At this moment, the chef’s expression was just the kind of normal reaction she expected, and she wasn’t in a hurry, calmly waiting for his response.

Sure enough, when Xiao Yu asked him so directly, he could not help but give his evaluation.

He composed himself and began evaluating each dish one by one.

"In terms of the shrimp preparation, your method is indeed quite creative, breaking away from the local traditional sweet and spicy flavors, focusing on a fresh, spicy, and invigorating taste. This is very good."

"The first dish, Spicy Shrimp, was very enjoyable for me personally. It was aromatic, spicy, and the saltiness was just right. The addition of potatoes and green and red bell peppers not only enhanced the color of the Spicy Shrimp but also balanced the spiciness very well. The combination was excellent."

"The second dish, One shrimp, two ways, the Steamed Shrimp maintained the shrimp’s original sweet freshness, while the Fried Shrimp was crispy on the outside and tender inside. Paired together and dipped in a special sauce mixed with minced garlic and chili sauce, it was a fresh way to eat, quite a good idea compared to our local methods of merely stewing and steaming."

"The third dish you just mentioned is suitable for elderly and children, the Shrimp Egg Custard, right? Even though you didn’t add anything else, the flavor was still wonderfully fresh and light."

"As for the last dish, I carefully tasted it just now, you should have added minced shrimp and minced chicken to these meatballs, right?"

Xiao Yu wasn’t surprised when the head chef pinpointed the key ingredients of her dishes. After all, he was a professional, and if he hadn’t been able to identify them, she wouldn’t have been comfortable entrusting these methods to him!

She immediately smiled and said, "You’re truly a great chef. Yes, this last dish is called Shrimp and Chicken Meatball Soup."

"Your sequence of serving the dishes was perfect, starting from oily, spicy, and salty to light, and ending with a soup to balance it out, making the meal not too salty but leaving one craving more. It’s impressive that despite your young age, you are so meticulous. If you’re here to audition as a chef, then the shopkeeper, she is qualified. Not just qualified, but your skill level might even surpass mine!"

The chef’s honest evaluation not only took the shopkeeper by surprise but also made Xiao Yu raise her eyebrows in astonishment. To openly acknowledge the possibility of being replaced showed that he had accepted the reality and, despite this, he showed no sign of panic whatsoever. Such composure was certainly not common.

She immediately admired him greatly and thus she respectfully stood up straight and gave him a deep bow.

"Chef, you misunderstand, I am not here to audition as a chef," she said, turning her gaze towards the shopkeeper.

"Shopkeeper, now that you have tested my skills, are you willing to discuss this business deal with me?"

The shopkeeper, stroking his beard and grinning, stood up: "You are quite straightforward, young lady. In that case, follow me."

Then, to the others who were still stunned, he said, "Alright, everyone’s had their meal, let’s clean up. Li Wei, don’t feel burdened, I’ll explain things to you in a moment."

"No, shopkeeper, I am not,"

"Ha ha, good, best if you’re not. Come along, young lady, let’s talk over here."