Xie Sui had explained everything clearly to Zhang Wenfeng. If he was still easily swayed, or provoked by his wife into doing something, Xie Sui wouldn't be lenient.
Arriving at the factory, Xie Sui instructed Gu Lei to buy a barrel of milk and a gas stove. The cold storage's electricity was also connected. Money was flowing out like water.
The gas stove wasn't as practical or cheap as the honeycomb briquettes, but Xie Sui wasn't accustomed to honeycomb briquettes; they were too slow. Even though the gas stove was pricier, he insisted on buying it.
With everything ready, he had Gu Lei and the others go deliver goods while he tinkered in the room. He intended to make ice cream to sell.
The cost was low, but the profit was high. Summer had just begun, with three to four months of peak season ahead, promising a significant income.
Making ice cream was also straightforward. He would boil milk to extract butter, then whip egg whites. He had watched countless videos in his previous life and made it for fun in his spare time; it was finally coming in handy.
Wang Tiezhu helped out, mainly because whisking egg whites was tiring, and Xie Sui's arm ached.
It was as if Wang Tiezhu's arm wasn't an arm at all. Xie Sui was quite bossy with him.
After fiddling for a long time, he produced two large boxes of ice cream, which were then placed in the cold storage to freeze. Afterward, he went to the state-run restaurant with Wang Tiezhu.
The waitress, Hao Yuxiu, saw them arrive and smiled, "Xie Sui, what big business are you in? Haven't seen you for days. The fish you sold last time was delicious; people are still asking about it, wanting to buy some."
"You could sell it at your restaurant. I can't always be taking business away from you. So, I've brought you someone. Tiezhu knows how to do it; let him stay and help you out."
Hao Yuxiu sensed something was amiss. Wang Tiezhu, with his head bowed and daring not to breathe, was extremely nervous. He didn't know how to make fish. Why had Brother Xie said that without consulting him? What if he was exposed?
Would they think he was a fraud?
"Xie Sui, what do you mean?"
"Is Master Fang here? Brother Tiezhu, you're familiar with him. He wants to learn a trade. Can I ask Master Fang and Sister Hao to help him out?"
Hao Yuxiu said, "You'll have to ask Master Fang about that. I can't make the decision."
Xie Sui took him to the kitchen. Master Fang was watching his subordinates cook. Leaders from the county were coming today, and there could be no mistakes.
"Master Fang, busy?"
"Mmm, Xie Sui, go to logistics if you're selling fish. The kitchen is forbidden territory; not everyone can come in."
Fang Shiyuan was a very rigid man, rarely smiling, stern, and cold. His subordinates feared him. Only Xie Sui could joke around with him, and Fang Shiyuan was helpless against his thick skin.
Xie Sui watched them work and suddenly said, "Are you making Gong Bao Chicken? Sichuan cuisine. If you make it like this, the taste won't be authentic. Better to make a different dish you're good at."
"You know how to cook?"
"Master Fang, you underestimate me. Although I can't compare to you, a master chef, I have my advantages. I know many dishes, like Shredded Cabbage with Garlic and Pickled Fish. The guests are from the south, so you're making Hunan and Sichuan cuisine."
Fang Shiyuan looked at him intently, took off his apron, and handed it to him. "You make it. If you do well, you can eat here for free from now on, and I'll approve it."
"Oh, that's too kind. I'm not someone who seeks small advantages."
If he was going to take advantage, it would be of big opportunities. Xie Sui said it verbally, but his hands were already working. He picked up the spatula, looking quite competent.
In his previous life, what kind of cuisine hadn't he eaten? He had specifically learned from master chefs in his spare time. Hunan and Sichuan cuisines were mainstream, and he had cooked them the most.
He threw in handfuls of chilies and Sichuan peppercorns, filling the kitchen with a fragrant, spicy aroma that stung the eyes of the assistant cooks. They were somewhat displeased with Fang Shiyuan, letting just anyone cook.
Fang Shiyuan, however, was filled with pleasant surprise. He hadn't cooked himself but had his assistant cook first, precisely to capture this aroma. In his youth, he had seen a Hunan chef cook, and it smelled exactly like this.
Gong Bao Chicken, Shredded Cabbage with Garlic, Pickled Fish, Maoxuewang. Dish after dish was served. Just looking at the color made their mouths water excessively. They hesitated to pick up their chopsticks, fearing the overwhelming amount of chili. Could they eat it?
"Are the dishes ready? The guests have all arrived. The leaders are asking for the food to be served."
Fang Shiyuan, unable to think further, quickly served the dishes. Xie Sui continued to cook Mapo Tofu, Fuqi Feipian, and Hunan-style Pork Liver – dishes they had never seen before.
It was a pity there were no fish heads, missing the perfect dish of Steamed Fish Head with Chopped Chilies. Sudananovel.com
The rice was also steamed differently, in small bowls, with a few drops of lard added, making it more translucent. Finally, a bowl of fish intestine soup was added, and it was complete.
Afterward, they waited. Xie Sui drank tea while an assistant cook voluntarily poured him water, "Brother Xie, not bad. I didn't realize you were such a good cook. Teach me someday!"
Xie Sui sneered internally. What a way to speak! Who was he calling "brother"?
However, he said, "No problem. We can teach each other. I was just messing around."
Fang Shiyuan was also called to entertain the leaders. He was gone for half an hour. When he returned, he was beaming, "Xie Sui, the leaders are asking for you. They are very satisfied with your cooking. You'll be rewarded handsomely. Be humble, alright? Don't cause any trouble for me."
Xie Sui sighed, "I am very humble and never cause trouble. Master Fang, you don't believe me."
"I believe you. I misspoke. Hurry up, don't keep the leaders waiting."
Xie Sui entered the private room with him. The room was filled with leaders, the large round table packed with over a dozen of them, all important figures from the county.
The leader at the head, not tall, around fifty, was already elderly. He had the typical appearance of someone from the south, shrewd yet gentle.
"You are the young comrade who cooked. You're quite young, very good. I haven't had such authentic hometown cuisine in years. Thank you!"