CH 58

Rainbow Garden’s ready-made dishes’ sales have repeatedly reached new highs, and the news has reported multiple times on the popularity of Rainbow Garden’s ready-made dishes, which are almost sold out as soon as they are on the shelves.

People who have tried Rainbow Garden’s ready-made dishes were unable to buy them have to settle for other brands of ready-made dishes. However, the brands they used to find decent now taste terrible, and they can’t even finish eating them. This has led to a significant slump in sales for other brands of prepared food, causing major impacts on various prepared food companies.

The major ready-made dishes companies wanted to unite and fight against Rainbow Garden’s ready-made dishes for self-preservation. However, the food industry relies on taste to win over customers, and if customers are not convinced, any efforts would be in vain. Moreover, Rainbow Garden is a subsidiary of the Shenghong Group, and the formidable background strength of Shenghong cannot be underestimated. It is even more challenging to find ways to deal with them from other aspects.

The deliciousness of Rainbow Garden’s ready-made dishes has once again led to an explosive increase in Lu Jingqian’s fan base. Although his fans are disappointed that he has been live streaming less frequently, the thought of Rainbow Garden opening branch stores gives them the opportunity to taste Lu Jingqian’s dishes by spending money, which balances their hearts to some extent.

On the opening day of Rainbow Garden Villa, all the guests were people with status and position who came specifically to show support to Shenghong Group. With a large number of guests, most of whom had business dealings, Hong Boxiao and Ou Wenyu would certainly be unable to handle the reception alone. Therefore, they called upon the major shareholders of Shenghong to help greet the guests.

It is an unwritten rule that the opening banquet does not allow guests to order dishes. The purpose is to showcase the most confident and specialty dishes of the restaurant to attract customers. Considering that the guests attending the opening day were extraordinary individuals who must have tasted various master chefs’ dishes, Lu Jingqian put a lot of effort into this opening banquet.

The opening banquet originally only had the unwritten rule of not allowing guests to order dishes. However, Rainbow Garden Villa added two additional rules, no adding dishes, and no taking leftovers. The guests who initially didn’t care much about these two added rules started to complain while eating the dishes, asking why they couldn’t add more dishes or take leftovers.

The guests who had business dealings with Shenghong initially came to show goodwill, but it turned into them asking for favors as they progressed. Not only did they begged Hong Boxiao and Ou Wenyu to add more dishes, but even Shenghong’s shareholders were also being constantly pestered and unable to escape.

“President Ou, we’ve been friends for so many years. Could you please pack a portion of caramelized pork trotters for me to take home? My elderly father has no other hobbies, but he loves this dish. If I bring it back to him, it will make him happy. Who knows, he might even give me more shares. I will remember your kindness!”

“President Xu, you’re too kind. We’ve known each other for so long, and it’s just caramelized pork trotters1. How can I bear to stop you from taking it home? The quantity for each table is already fixed, and this dish requires a lot of effort. Otherwise, how can it melt in your mouth? It’s too late to make more now. Next time, bring your father here, and I will personally take care of him. The kitchen will prepare an excellent dish just for him.” Ou Wenyu finally managed to escape from the private room, only to be cornered by President Xu in the corridor.

“I was thinking of bringing my father here, but I asked your staff just now, and they said all the future reservations are unavailable!” President Xu held onto Ou Wenyu’s hand tightly.

“Don’t worry, I’ll find a solution for you. I’ll go find the manager right away and arrange a reservation for you.” Ou Wenyu forcefully pulled his hand back and quickly walked away.

“All right then!” President Xu shouted after Ou Wenyu’s figure, “Please keep it in mind!”

After finally breaking free, Ou Wenyu rushed into the rest area, closed the door from the inside, and let out a sigh of relief. When he turned around, he saw Hong Boxiao sitting there, already resting and drinking tea.

Owen Yu didn’t even have the energy to greet him. He sat down heavily on the other side of the bed, and let out a long sigh.

Seeing the exhaustion on his face, Hong Boxiao poured him a cup of tea. “Why are you like this? You’re exhausted to this extent.”

Ou Wenyu took a sip of tea, soothing his dry throat a bit, and said in frustration, “Why aren’t you tired? Why did you come here to hide? I’ve only had a sip of tea until now and haven’t even eaten a bite of food. I was too busy dealing with those people. How is it going on Grandfather’s side? If there are any leftovers, I’ll go over and have some. I’m starving.”

“I advise you not to go. Those old folks are probably going crazy. Decades-long friendships almost turned into fights just to have a few more bites of food. Even my dad couldn’t handle it. I went to check and quickly ran away.” Hong Boxiao said.

“Go talk to Shaoxuan. He went a bit overboard with this opening banquet. It’s already past the time for dispersing, but those people are still lingering, demanding more dishes and takeout.” Ou Wenyu complained, “In the future, he should tone down his culinary skills a bit. Don’t make the dishes too delicious, or they’ll all cling to us with their friendship obligations, and we won’t be able to handle it. I’ve never been this tired before. If this continues, I’ll go crazy.”

“Today, there were too many people we know and have connections with coming all at once. It will be better in the future. Even if they want to come, they won’t have time to come every day,” Hong Boxiao said.

“Heh.” Ou Wenyu forced a smile and said, “President Yun of Cloud Intelligence Technology was just asking if we offer monthly packages here. He plans to live here in the future.”

Hong Boxiao’s phone rang, but he hesitated to answer it.

“Who is it?” Owen Yu asked.

“It’s my dad,” Hong Boxiao said.

“You dare not answer Uncle’s call?” Ou Wenyu raised an eyebrow, looking at him.

“Who said I won’t answer? I’m just busy, so I pick it up a bit late.” Hong Boxiao slowly lifted his phone to his ear.

“Where are you? Hurry up and come to me,” Hong Dongbo, who has always been gentle and composed, sounded a bit impatient.

“I’m busy attending to guests. You handle Grandfather for now, and I’ll come over later,” Hong Boxiao said.

“You unfilial child!” Hong Dongbo lowered his voice and said, “Don’t think I don’t know you’re slacking off. Leaving your own grandfather and father aside, and running off to rest. How did I teach you from childhood to adulthood?”

“It was Grandfather who taught me from childhood to adulthood. You were always busy with your research and didn’t have time to teach me,” Hong Boxiao took the opportunity to argue with his father.

“So you’re just abandoning your Grandfather who taught you from childhood? Come over quickly!” Hong Dongbo hung up the phone after saying that.

Hong Boxiao sighed and looked at Ou Wenyu, “Let’s go.”

“What do you want me to do?” Ou Wenyu had a look of ‘I’m not going to my death’ on his face. “I’m not going.”

“I asked the kitchen to add more dishes for Grandfather and them. If we go now, maybe we can still get a few bites to eat. If you don’t want to go, forget it,” Hong Boxiao got up and walked towards the exit.

“Okay, okay, I’ll go with you. How can I let you face so many elders alone? That would be too heartless of me as a brother.” Ou Wenyu quickly followed along.

…………………………

After finishing the additional dishes, the old gentlemen finally sat contentedly and peacefully, chatting together. Those who had family members come to pick them up had also sent them back, saying they would stay overnight and return after having breakfast tomorrow.

“Old Hong, your birthday is coming up. Let’s have a big celebration this year,” Old Man Li suggested. “Every year, Old Man Yan from Rongyuan throws a birthday banquet that’s as grand as an emperor’s celebration and invites famous chefs to present their dishes. You can hold it at Rainbow Garden Villa, there’s no need for fancy chefs, and it will definitely surpass his annual birthday banquet.”

“That’s right!” Old Man Wu agreed. “Invite all those people from the culinary world when the time comes and let them witness what true gourmet cuisine is. Let’s see if they still have the face to establish Gourmet Association.”

“I agree. While we old folks are still alive, let’s also occupy the realm of gourmet cuisine and relieve the frustration we’ve had all these years from their boasting.” Added another.

“That’s it. They have dominated the culinary industry for so many years, always saying that food is the most important and enjoying delicious meals is the greatest blessing. It’s as if nothing else matters and they win everything as long as they win in the food and beverage industry. Now let Boxiao eliminate them in the culinary world and see how they can continue to be arrogant in front of us.” Said another.

“It’s settled then!” Old Master Hong decided firmly. “In the past, they used to send us invitations, and we couldn’t refuse to go. But once we went, we had to endure their flaunting. Even the dishes that were usually enjoyable became hard to swallow. This year, let’s send them invitations and see if they dare to come. If they don’t come, it shows they’re afraid and guilty, and we’ll have something to say in the future. If they do come, let them know what true gourmet cuisine is, let them shut up in front of us, and never have the qualification to talk about gourmet food with us again!”

Lu Jingqian was busy in the kitchen from morning till afternoon before he could finally leave. The closing tasks were naturally not his responsibility, but it was still a tiring day.

He returned to Yunyue Tower and as soon as he entered the front hall, he saw Hong Boxiao and Ou Wenyu sitting on the bed, looking completely exhausted and out of shape.

“Why do you look more tired than me?” Lu Jingqian walked over to the side bed and sat down, pouring himself a cup of tea. “I’ve been busy in the kitchen all day, feeling dizzy, but you two look even more exhausted.”

Ou Wenyu felt like he had exhausted all the words he had to say for the year in just one day, so now he didn’t feel like speaking at all.

Hong Boxiao stood up and gestured towards the door with his thumb, indicating that Ou Wenyu could leave.

Ou Wenyu struggled to stand up and looked at Lu Jingqian. He let out a long sigh and then walked out as if floating away.  He truly regretted convincing Boxiao to enter the food and beverage industry. If he had known it would be this tiring, they could have just hired Lu Jingqian specifically to cook for them. Why bother with the exhaustion of running a food and beverage business?

“What have you all been doing today? Why are you so exhausted?” Lu Jingqian looked puzzled as he watched Ou Wenyu leave.

Hong Boxiao waved at Lu Jingqian, motioning for him to come over.

Seeing that Boxiao had something to say, Lu Jingqian walked over and sat beside him, looking at him and asking, “What’s wrong?”

Hong Boxiao cupped his face and kissed his lips passionately, using a deep kiss to alleviate the longing they had felt throughout the day of not seeing each other.

Lu Jingqian’s body quickly softened, and he could only lean against Boxiao’s chest, enduring his domineering possession. He not only invaded his mouth and took away his breath but it seemed like he wanted to take away his tongue as well.

After the deep kiss ended, Hong Boxiao held Lu Jingqian and caressed his face, saying, “Let me discuss something with you. When we create new dishes in the future, can you make them not too delicious?”

Lu Jingqian looked up at him, and blinked his eyes, not understanding. He blinked his eyes again, still not grasping the meaning behind his words.

“You see,” Hong Boxiao explained, “Delicious food can earn a lot of money. But, if the dishes are too delicious, they will attract a lot of people seeking favors. Shenghong Group has a large business with many companies in various industries. But eating is not limited to any industry. When all these people come knocking at our door together, even if we have three heads and six arms, it would be difficult to handle. It takes a lot of effort and mental energy. Not to mention my grandfather, my father, and a bunch of friends. It hurts their feelings to keep refusing them.”

Lu Jingqian raised his hand and touched his face, sympathetically saying, “I understand your difficulties, but I’m a chef. I can only make the dishes taste good; there’s no reason for me to intentionally make them bad.”

“I’m not asking you to make the dishes bad,” Hong Boxiao looked at him and said, “I just want you to tone it down a bit, not make them too delicious and irresistible.”

Lu Jingqian thought for a moment and said, “I’ll try my best.”

Hong Boxiao kissed him firmly and said, “Baby, you’ve worked hard.”

“You’ve worked hard too,” Lu Jingqian kissed him back.

After the grand opening banquet at Rainbow Garden Villa, the moment the guests who needed to be seen off were sent away, and the main gate was closed, the staff inside the villa collectively breathed a sigh of relief. They finally managed to send away those masters who tried every possible way to stay.

As for how delicious the dishes at Rainbow Garden Villa were, curious people could only rely on the comments from the food critics present and the reports from food journalists to find out. They praised the dishes at Rainbow Garden Villa to the heavens, making some people wonder if they were paid to exaggerate like that.

These food critics and journalists were already well-known figures with many fans, and they were accustomed to receiving contrary comments under their reviews. But this time, they couldn’t ignore these people and directly responded by criticizing them, saying that they had no right to comment if they hadn’t tasted the food. They challenged them to go and try it before leaving negative comments.

Zia’s here:

冰糖肘子