Chapter 119: The Head Chef’s Approval
Wen Yao was short, and the stoves here were built for adults.
Qiu Rongrong watched the little girl standing on a stool, focused and skilled, her movements steady and powerful.
The pungent smell of dogwood filled the air, making Qiu Rongrong sneeze twice. She was still holding back—her maid beside her had already been sneezing repeatedly without restraint while trying to shield her mistress from being seen in such an unrefined state.
Soon, the sharp scent of dogwood was gradually replaced by a rich fragrance. It felt almost magical, making Qiu Rongrong suddenly feel her appetite awaken.
Her eyes lit up as she lifted her skirt and stepped into the kitchen.
“Madam—” the maid tried to stop her, but Qiu Rongrong had already reached the stove.
Covering her mouth with a handkerchief, she asked excitedly, “Yaoyao, what is this dish called?”
Wen Yao was heating the oil—the final step of the boiled pork slices. Hearing the question, she replied, “This dish is called boiled sliced pork. Dogwood, scallions, ginger are stir-fried for fragrance, then seasonings are added. Most importantly, the pork must be tender—that’s the key to making it delicious.”
Qiu Rongrong had lived in luxury since childhood and never entered a kitchen before. Though she didn’t fully understand, she felt it sounded impressive.
“Sister Qiu, step aside,” Wen Yao reminded kindly. The woman’s clothes were clearly expensive—oil splashes would ruin them.
Qiu Rongrong moved aside, then watched Wen Yao lift a small pot and pour a ladle of boiling oil over the bowl.
The sizzling sound burst out, and the aroma became even stronger. Qiu Rongrong swallowed instinctively.
“So fragrant… I want to eat it.”
“Yaoyao, may I taste it?” she asked.
Wen Yao smiled at her childlike eagerness and asked the two stunned assistants—who were also drooling—to bring bowls and chopsticks. She picked up a piece for Qiu Rongrong.
“Sister Qiu, try it.”
Qiu Rongrong smelled it. It was intense but irresistible. She took a small bite, froze, frowned—and then her eyes lit up.
“Delicious!” The stimulating flavor whetted her appetite instantly. Spicy, bold—she wanted another bite.
Suddenly, she felt everything she had eaten before was bland.
Wen Yao smiled. “Do you think this dish would sell well?”
Qiu Rongrong nodded repeatedly. “Absolutely!” Her eyes remained fixed on the bowl, chopsticks itching to move again. Years of etiquette barely held her back.
“Call Manager Lu—and Chef Chen too,” she instructed her maid.
Soon, Manager Lu and the busy Chef Chen arrived. Chef Chen looked displeased; the kitchen was swamped with customers. Hearing the young miss had brought a little girl to cook made his expression even worse.
“Miss, the kitchen is busy. Many guests are waiting,” he said bluntly.
Qiu Rongrong beckoned. “Chef Chen, come taste this.”
The two men approached and stared at the bright red bowl in shock.
“This has dogwood?” Chef Chen immediately recognized it. “Ridiculous! Even a little dogwood is unbearable—how can anyone eat this much?”
“Just taste it first,” Qiu Rongrong insisted.
Unable to refuse, Chef Chen reluctantly picked up a piece after much hesitation.
Qiu Rongrong watched his changing expression with a smile.
“Well? If Zuixian Restaurant launches this dish, will business boom?” she asked.
Chef Chen didn’t answer. He picked up another piece and chewed slowly, savoring it.
Manager Lu thought he might explode in anger—but instead saw him take a second bite. Curious, he tasted it too and nearly burst into tears from the heat.
“Water! Water!” he shouted.
After gulping water, the heat faded—but strangely, he still wanted more.
Wen Yao and Qiu Rongrong exchanged glances and burst into laughter.
“Sister underestimated you. I apologize. This dish will definitely be a hit,” Qiu Rongrong said happily, already imagining the restaurant fully booked.
“This is only the first dish,” Wen Yao said calmly. “If you trust me, consider my proposal.”
“Why consider? Tell me how to cooperate. My only request is that your dishes are exclusive to Zuixian Restaurant.”
“We’ll discuss the details later?”
“Deal.”
After several more bites and much water, Chef Chen finally remembered the main issue.
“Miss, who made this dish?” he asked, looking at Wen Yao uncertainly.
Qiu Rongrong took Wen Yao’s hand. “Chef Chen, Miss Wen made it. You’ve served the Qiu family for years—do you think it will be popular?”
Though he had guessed, Chef Chen was still surprised.
He turned to Wen Yao. “Miss, your cooking skills are excellent.”
Wen Yao smiled. “I’m merely showing off before a master.”
Chef Chen laughed and shook his head. He had looked down on her earlier, thinking she was here to cause trouble—but she clearly had real skill.
“You’re too modest,” he said, nodding to her before telling Qiu Rongrong, “Miss, you can give it a try.”
Qiu Rongrong immediately grabbed Wen Yao’s hand. “Then this will be our first collaborative dish. How shall we cooperate?”
“Let’s not rush,” Wen Yao said gently. “I’ll teach Chef Chen the recipe first. There’s another key to this dish: the pork preparation. Tenderness isn’t just about heat—it must be properly treated.
To be honest, I marinated the meat with my special tenderizing powder. That’s why it’s so tender. This powder is essential and can be used in other dishes too. However… making it is rather troublesome.”
