Chapter 284 - 169: You Don’t Understand, Xue’Er Is Different

Chapter 284: Chapter 169: You Don’t Understand, Xue’Er Is Different

"Grounded in a love for one’s country, it also embodies the indomitable spirit of Sichuan women from that era. This pot of braised delicacies is more than just a delicious memory for the people of Suji; it’s a continuation of a legacy of dedication."

"Chief Editor He, you’ve summed it up perfectly." Zhou Yan heaped on the praise. He Zhiyuan’s ability to elevate the theme was on a completely different level than his own.

’This is great. The loftier the concept, the easier it is to get published.’

’In tiny Suji, people were getting featured in magazines one after another, and they were all connected to him.’

’If the concept wasn’t profound enough, it would be hard for anyone to buy it.’

He Zhiyuan looked at Zhou Yan and said, "Why don’t you take me to see your great-aunt? I’m quite curious how one can make such authentic West Bank Tofu here in Suji. I’d like to do a follow-up interview."

Zhou Yan glanced at his watch and shook his head apologetically. "My apologies, Chief Editor He, but I have to get back and prepare for dinner service. As it happens, I’m planning to take my great-aunt for a check-up on her leg and eyes tomorrow afternoon. Perhaps the two of you could join me then?

"Alternatively, you could go to the Stone Bridge Head tomorrow morning and look for my cousin. He sells tofu there every morning. His stall has a sign that says ’Silent Tofu’—it’s very easy to spot. If you’re short on time, you can go find him directly. I’ll write a note for you to give him, and he can take you to their home for the interview."

He Zhiyuan nodded. "Sounds good. We have to head back to Rongcheng tomorrow afternoon, so since you’re not free, we’ll just go find him ourselves."

Zhou Yan stopped his vehicle, pulled out a notebook and a fountain pen, jotted down a few lines, then tore out the page and handed it to He Zhiyuan.

Back in town, they parted ways at the Stone Bridge Head. Zhou Yan returned to his restaurant, while He Zhiyuan and Li rode off toward their guesthouse.

"Chief Editor, about this article on the old woman... do you think we can get it published? After all, she isn’t exactly a professional Chef," Li asked, curious.

He Zhiyuan smiled and asked, "Li, what exactly is a professional Chef?"

Li thought about it seriously. "Someone who’s worked in a restaurant kitchen for a few years, at least. Or someone who has an official Chef certification."

"That’s too narrow-minded," He Zhiyuan said, shaking his head. "If you can cook food that the majority of diners find delicious, then you’re a professional Chef. The true measure of a professional is whether they can leave their customers satisfied and happy."

"Mrs. Zhang’s skill with braised dishes is absolutely top-tier, even among masters of cold appetizers. Her craft comes from a lineage stretching back to a Sichuan Cuisine Grandmaster from the late Qing dynasty. It’s a family recipe, passed down to the fourth generation, and Zhou Yan still maintains that incredible standard. To call it the number one braise in Jiazhou is a well-deserved title."

"Even now, if Zhou Yan were to take that master stock of his to Rongcheng, what restaurant wouldn’t be fighting to hire him?"

After listening, Li nodded repeatedly. "You’re right, Chief Editor He. My view was too narrow."

As Zhou Yan rode back to the restaurant, he saw the siblings, Huang Ying and Huang Bing, playing with Zhou Momo by the entrance.

"Brother!" Zhou Momo spotted Zhou Yan and immediately ran over, delighted.

The pair also smiled, standing up to greet him.

"Boss Zhou."

"Yan."

"What brings you two here so early tonight? We won’t be opening for a little while," Zhou Yan said, ruffling Zhou Momo’s hair. He glanced at his watch; it was exactly four-thirty.

"We saw you’re in a magazine, so we came here specially for your autograph." Huang Ying pulled out two magazines and held them out to Zhou Yan with a wide smile. "Come on, Boss Zhou, give me an autograph."

"I’m not a writer or a celebrity. Why would a Chef be signing autographs?" Zhou Yan said with a laugh, looking at the two magazines.

"Kneeling Beef is on the cover! And there’s a two-page feature interview. Yan, you’re being too modest! You’re definitely going to be a famous Chef someday." Huang Bing chimed in, holding out a magazine with a sycophantic grin. "Sign one for me, too. Your handwriting is great. And add a line for me, okay? Just write: ’Bao Gu Snow, I will endure your trials and become your most loyal soldier!’"

Zhou Yan: "Huh?"

Huang Ying clicked her tongue. "Ugh! Huang Bing, you’re so cringey. When you’re out, don’t tell people you’re my brother. This is so embarrassing. That Bao Gu Snow girl is just stringing you along. All she ever does is ask for money and gifts, and you’re actually falling for it?"

"You don’t get it. Xue’Er is different," Huang Bing said, looking unconcerned. "Besides, what’s wrong with being ’fished’? If she’s fishing for me every single day, how is that any different from loving me?"

Zhou Yan unclipped the Parker fountain pen from his pocket, quickly scrawled his name, and patted Huang Bing’s shoulder. "Brother, don’t listen to that woman’s talk about ’trials.’ Remember, in our country, only the Party and the People have the right to test you."