Chang Yunwei looked at the cards in his hand, growing increasingly angry. He muttered to himself, "I must be possessed by the god of misfortune. I've lost over a million in one night. How long will it take me to earn that money back?"
He felt like dying.
The critical issue was how to explain this to the tigress at home.
Having lost over a million, wouldn't he be flayed alive, his skin stripped and his flesh consumed upon his return?
"Sigh..." Chang Yunwei was consumed by pain.
Just then, a call came in from the television station.
He answered, "Hello, Xiao Liu, what's up?"
The voice on the other end replied, "Director Chang, where are you? Have you forgotten? We need to go to Mingyue Zhai at the Su family's place today for preparations. Filming is scheduled to begin the day after tomorrow. The latest episode of 'A Bite of Wudu' will feature Mingyue Zhai."
This reminder jolted Chang Yunwei into remembering.
Mingyue Zhai's reputation had grown considerably recently.
Its name as a purveyor of medicinal cuisine had spread throughout Wudu, but it was only known locally. To gain national recognition, more significant promotion was needed.
Appearing on a program was an excellent means to achieve this.
Furthermore, Chang Yunwei's mentor, Xie Yuqing, had personally recommended it.
It was well known that Xie Yuqing was an old-fashioned, stubborn man. Since his retirement, Xie Yuqing had never recommended any restaurant, as he wished to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
Moreover, Xie Yuqing was a person of high self-regard and generally disdained ordinary restaurants.
Yet, this very old man had personally recommended the Su family's Mingyue Zhai, indicating that it possessed genuine substance.
The Su family must be no ordinary establishment to earn Xie Yuqing's endorsement!
Chang Yunwei was also eager for Mingyue Zhai to be featured on the program.
For no other reason than the Su family's wealth.
Thinking of the Su family, Chang Yunwei broke into a grin, muttering to himself, "Haha, my mentor truly looks out for me, bringing me such a prominent restaurant even after retirement. The Su family, they are among the most affluent clans in Wudu, brimming with wealth. Having the Su family on the program, such a plump pig, it would be a shame not to take a slice."
Normally, restaurants appearing on the program had to pay a sponsorship fee ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 yuan. For a wealthy family like the Su family seeking exposure, wouldn't they readily offer three to five million?
Tenfold the usual fee seemed perfectly reasonable to Chang Yunwei.
He slapped his thigh and declared, "Alright, I'm heading to the Su family's right now. I'm going to get back every cent I lost last night, with interest! Su family, I apologize in advance, but you'll have to bleed a little, hahahaha."
In truth, three to five million yuan was a mere trifle for the Su family; it wasn't even considered significant expenditure.
Chang Yunwei was confident that this trip would be immensely profitable.
Two hours later.
Chang Yunwei, accompanied by his television crew, arrived at Mingyue Zhai. To welcome them, Mingyue Zhai had specially closed for the day, not accepting any guests.
All tables were cleared to properly host Chang Yunwei and his team.
For the Su family to grow and prosper, they needed Chang Yunwei's program for promotion; Chang Yunwei was crucial to the Su family!
Therefore.
As soon as Chang Yunwei's car pulled up, Su Wanran arranged for lively music and entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere.
Following this.
Everyone stepped forward to greet Chang Yunwei.
As he walked, Chang Yunwei surveyed his surroundings. Upon seeing the opulent decor of Mingyue Zhai, he became even more pleased.
Such exquisite renovation clearly indicated wealth.
Upon entering the establishment and ascending to the second floor.
Su Wanran had designated the largest and finest private room to exclusively host the television crew.
Once everyone was seated, the servers brought tea and attended to each person.
The guests settled in.
Chang Yunwei scanned the room, giving a thumbs-up. "Director Su is truly remarkable. Mingyue Zhai's renovation is top-notch, and the environment is excellent and very clean. Dining in such a pleasant setting is invigorating, allowing me to eat two more bowls of rice than usual, hahahaha."
Su Wanran blushed slightly at the praise.
She said, "We will be counting on your expertise, Director Chang, for the program feature."
Chang Yunwei chuckled, "Ah, it's a small matter, a small matter. Your Mingyue Zhai is indeed outstanding, and with my mentor's personal recommendation, it undeniably possesses genuine substance. It's only fitting that it appears on the program. By the way, Mingyue Zhai is most famous for its medicinal cuisine, isn't it? I will ensure it receives excellent packaging and extensive promotion, guaranteeing that people nationwide will learn about your medicinal dishes. Once the program airs, medicinal cuisine will become a signature dish of Wudu. Future visitors to Wudu will surely want to visit your Su family's Mingyue Zhai to savor it!"
This effusive praise made Su Wanran feel quite shy, her face flushing slightly.
Ahem.
Lu Ming cleared his throat and smiled. "Director Chang's compliments are indeed too generous. To ensure a better presentation for the filming, perhaps we could allow everyone to first sample Mingyue Zhai's medicinal cuisine? What do you think?"
"Certainly, absolutely!"
Free food and drink? What's not to agree with? Chang Yunwei displayed a 'magnanimous' demeanor in this regard.
Lu Ming waved his hand. "Bring out the medicinal cuisine."
Immediately, the servers brought forth the prepared medicinal dishes and placed them before everyone; several of the dishes from the thirty varieties of ordinary medicinal cuisine were presented.
"Mmm, the aroma alone is quite enticing," Chang Yunwei said with a smile, picking up his chopsticks to eat.
The other members of the television crew also began to eat.
Once they started, they couldn't stop.
Delicious beyond compare—these four words described it perfectly.
Chang Yunwei possessed strong professional acumen, having studied under Xie Yuqing and possessing profound knowledge in appreciating fine cuisine.
Indeed, ordinary food rarely impressed him.
However, the medicinal cuisine he tasted today left Chang Yunwei thoroughly satisfied. He secretly marveled, "Tsk, tsk, tsk. As expected of a restaurant recommended by my mentor, it is truly extraordinary. The flavor is not inferior to the Wu family's Wuyue Zhai, and perhaps even surpasses it!"
After finishing.
Chang Yunwei wiped his mouth and declared, "Such earthly delights are truly magnificent, perfectly suited for 'A Bite of Wudu.' I believe Mingyue Zhai will undoubtedly become the flagship restaurant of our third season."
Hearing his words, both Su Wanran and Lu Ming smiled.
Up to this point, everything had proceeded smoothly, without any hitches.
But soon, a problem arose.
After eating and drinking their fill.
Chang Yunwei's expression grew slightly stern. He gently tapped his fingers on the tabletop and said, as if casually, "The environment is first-class, the taste is superb, and both soft and hard capabilities are nearly perfect. Now, all that remains is for the program production fee to be settled, and then you can proceed with program promotion."
Su Wanran's smile froze.
Program production fee?
She had never heard of this before!
What, does appearing on the program require payment? Isn't it free?
Chang Yunwei chuckled, "Producing a program is quite costly, and the purpose of producing it is to promote your restaurant. Therefore, this program production fee naturally must be borne by your Mingyue Zhai, no problem, right?"