"This is fantastic! Even better than the state-run restaurants!"

"The fire control is perfect! The skin is crispy, and the meat is tender but still has a nice chew to it—not mushy at all!"

"This chili oil smells incredible! It would be perfect for tossing with noodles!"

Everyone showered it with praise and raised their glasses in frequent toasts, livening up the atmosphere in an instant.

"Weiguo, what’s the name of Zhou Yan’s restaurant?" Huang Chen asked.

He lived in the town dormitory from Monday to Saturday, so riding his bike to the textile factory for a meal was quite convenient; it was only a ten-minute trip.

Hearing this, the others also turned to look at Zhou Weiguo.

These four cold dishes alone were worth going for.

If you had guests over, you could just get these four dishes as takeout. Add a couple of simple stir-fries, and your guests were guaranteed to be happy.

For some guests, a private dinner at home is more appropriate, so there was definitely a need for something like this.

"It’s right at the main entrance of the textile factory, Zhou Yan Restaurant," Zhou Weiguo replied.

"Sounds good. I’ll go check it out one of these days."

...

Weddings weren’t so elaborate back then. The bride and groom served tea to their new in-laws upon entering, and as soon as the banquet food was brought out, chopsticks were handed out to everyone.

Second Uncle Zhou Ze went around toasting the guests in the courtyard, not forgetting to put in a plug for Zhou Yan. "These cold dishes were all braised and prepared by our Zhou Yan! If you like the taste, you should go eat at his restaurant next time. It’s right at the entrance of the textile factory. All the factory workers love it, and business is booming."

The guests were already raving about the cold dishes, so they naturally responded with enthusiasm.

Everyone knew that Mrs. Zhang made excellent braised dishes, but you only had the chance to eat them when the Zhou Family held a banquet, which was a rare treat.

Now that Zhou Yan had mastered her skills and opened his own restaurant, getting a taste would be much easier from now on.

"Dad, this is it! The exact same flavor, it’s perfect! From now on, I’m getting a portion of this every week to have with my drinks. It’ll be fantastic!"

"Deal! This means we can finally have a few more slices each."

Zhou Hongwei found it a little funny watching his father and grandfather whispering and plotting. He quickly snatched a slice of pig ear and popped it into his mouth.

’It’s delicious! It’s *really* delicious!’

’Is Zhou Yan the real deal?’

’He actually managed to master Grandma Zhang’s braising recipe.’

’Look at those two, they’re so moved they’re on the verge of tears.’

As everyone ate, the hot dishes began to arrive one after another.

Inlaid Bowl, Salted Burnt White, Sweet Steamed Pork, Steamed Pork with Rice Flour, Steamed Chicken, Pearl Meatballs, Dongpo Pork Knuckle, and Pork Stomach Soup—these made up the "Eight Great Bowls."

A dish of braised carp was also brought to the table.

That made nine large dishes, served with four cold appetizers.

This grand spread of meat dishes, a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate, looked absolutely incredible.

The presentation was far better than what you’d get from an ordinary village chef.

With all the dishes on the tables, the Chef and his assistants finally had a moment to rest.

Zhou Yan looked at Xiao Lei and a sweat-drenched Zheng Qiang and said with a smile, "The three of us are pretty amazing."

Xiao Lei and Zheng Qiang laughed as well. It was their first time managing a countryside banquet, and so far, it seemed to be going well.

"You’ve all worked hard today. We’ve set aside two tables over here, so please, come and eat." Zhou Jie approached, carrying a dish, and guided them and the other helpers to their seats.

The head chef holds a very high status at a banquet. A seat must be specially reserved for them, and a member of the host family must accompany them.

"Zhou Yan, is there any more of the cold-tossed chicken and pig ear? The VIP table is almost out," Zhou Jie pulled Zhou Yan aside and asked in a low voice.

"We’re out of pig ear, but there’s one extra plate of the cold-tossed chicken. You can take it." Zhou Yan turned and brought him the extra portion.

"Got it. You go and sit down. Keep your master and Master Zheng company. Thank you all for your hard work today." Zhou Jie picked up the plate of chicken and quickly walked off.

"Let’s go eat!" Mrs. Zhao called out to Zhou Yan.

Zhou Momo was already at the kids’ table, eating away. As the darling of the entire event, her mouth hadn’t stopped moving since she woke up this morning. There was absolutely no need to worry about her not getting enough to eat.

On the contrary, Mrs. Zhao was so worried she’d eat too much that she had already emptied her pockets three times.

"Coming!" Zhou Yan replied, quickening his pace to catch up and sitting down next to his master.

There was another meal in the evening. Given Zheng Qiang’s lightweight tolerance for alcohol—he was the type to get knocked out by one cup—Zhou Yan poured him a cup of tea.

"We’ll drink tonight! Tonight, we don’t stop until we’re drunk!" Zheng Qiang declared heroically, raising his teacup.

Master Xiao smiled but said nothing. ’The resting part will come all too quickly, then.’

A criminal returns to the scene of the crime to admire their masterpiece.

A chef, on the other hand, will secretly hide off to the side to watch the guests’ reactions.

"This Salted Burnt White today is fantastic! This is the real deal, an old master’s craftsmanship!"

"No, the Inlaid Bowl is the truly fragrant one! The sweet steamed pork is delicious too!"

"The Steamed Chicken is the truly savory one! The broth is simply unbeatable!"

"Master Xiao’s skill is just too good! He’s the head chef of the textile factory for a reason!"

Today’s steamed dishes received unanimous praise from the guests, and the compliments for Master Xiao were endless.

The same nine large dishes, the recipes were more or less the same, but they turned out completely different when made by different chefs.

Master Xiao raised his wine cup and took a small sip, the corners of his mouth tilting up slightly, the very picture of a master.

"This braised fish today is also fantastic! Numbing, spicy, sour, and sweet, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and so flavorful."

"The fish is so tender, and there’s no fishy smell at all. What else would you expect from a chef from Rongcheng Restaurant! Truly skillful!"

"We’re really moving up in the world, getting to eat Rongcheng Restaurant’s food right here in the village."

The braised fish made by Zheng Qiang also received unanimous approval from the guests, and the aunties helping at the tables all praised it as well.

The corners of Zheng Qiang’s mouth curled up uncontrollably.

’That’s right! This is exactly the effect I was going for!’

’Master, I haven’t brought you any shame!’

"Master Xiao, why don’t you try my braised fish and give me a few pointers," Zheng Qiang said to Master Xiao, a look of casual indifference on his face.

"Master Zheng, you’re too kind. What pointers could I possibly give? Everyone who’s tried it is full of praise. The recipe for Rongcheng Restaurant’s braised fish must be extraordinary. Let me have a taste. In fact, I should be the one asking you for advice," Xiao Lei said with a smile.

Hearing this, Zheng Qiang grinned from ear to ear. He waved his hand and said, "Oh, not at all! Master Xiao, if you have any questions, just ask. My master always says that professionals should be open with each other to learn and improve together."

Zhou Yan pursed his lips, running through every painful memory he had in his entire life, and still barely managed to suppress a smile.

Master Xiao picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of meat from the fish’s belly, coated it in the thick sauce, and placed it in his mouth. He savored it carefully, spat out a couple of small bones, and nodded. "Mhm. The fish is numbing, spicy, savory, and fragrant. It’s crispy outside and tender inside. The sauce has completely penetrated the flesh, the fishiness is suppressed perfectly, and the seasoning in the sauce is fantastic."

"The Fire Control and seasoning are both handled to perfection. Master Zheng, your skill is truly on another level!"

After hearing this, Master Zheng was absolutely beaming. His eyes darted left and right, and he looked like he was about to float off the ground, his smile was so radiant.

"I think, at this level, your braised fish is on par with my senior apprentice brother, Xu Yunliang. If you were to compete, he might even have to concede to you," Master Xiao continued.

"I..." Master Zheng was just about to offer a few humble words when his eyes suddenly widened. He whipped his head around to look at Master Xiao. "Who... who did you just say?"