Chapter 352

Chapter 352 - This Wind Came at the Right Time

At the entrance of a five-star hotel, luxury cars were parked as far as the eye could see, and guests swarmed like the sea. A portly middle-aged man, dressed in a suit and tie but oddly wearing slippers, had his hair slicked back, gleaming with oil. He was sweating profusely and looked visibly distressed. With hands planted firmly on his hips, he paced back and forth impatiently.

?His anxious stride halted when he spotted a woman in uniform approaching briskly. The man, Wang Liang, the hotel's owner, stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes bulging with disbelief. He pointed accusingly at the woman's nose and bellowed, “What's going on with you? What is that smell?”

Today, the hotel was graced by the presence of a VIP—a chef of state banquet caliber. Renowned in the culinary circles of his homeland, he was as famous as Yao Ming in basketball, Zhong Nanshan in medicine, and Yuan Longping in agriculture.

?The imperial court boasted a civilization rich and ancient. Over thousands of years, it had lost countless classical texts, traditional techniques, and many age-old recipes. Yet, this culinary maestro had dedicated thirty years to painstakingly recreate eight dishes from antiquity—one for each cardinal and intercardinal direction.

The culinary profession, part of the service industry, often goes unnoticed in society. Most chefs work in obscurity. But this chef was a household name, commanding respect for his exceptional talent. His culinary prowess was evident, making any of his appearances a sensational event.

Journalists with cameras in tow would clamor for an interview whenever he stepped out. Hotels vied for the honor of hosting him, hoping he would sample their signature dishes. More often than not, he would simply shake his head in disapproval. Nevertheless, his mere presence at a hotel was tantamount to the best advertisement they could hope for. People would flock to a hotel he had visited, eager to taste the dishes he had sampled.

And if the gentleman ever gave his nod of approval to a dish, the news would spread like wildfire. Crowds would descend upon the hotel, eager to savor the chef-endorsed culinary delight. The hotel owner would be overjoyed, laughing all the way to the bank as he counted his earnings until his hands ached.

Unfortunately, the chef had yet to arrive.

He had only confirmed two dishes.

These two dishes remained incredibly popular.

One could infer the chef's esteemed identity and status.

Wang Liang had paid a steep price for the opportunity to host this renowned chef on his business trip.

Moreover, his establishment was a five-star hotel with an excellent reputation.

At last, the esteemed chef came to Eastsea on business and agreed to sample the hotel's signature dish.

Wang Liang was thrilled, as if he had been given a shot of adrenaline, and began preparations a full two weeks in advance.

He instructed the chef,

“For the next half month, you have no other tasks. I've arranged a private room for you to focus solely on perfecting our signature dish. I will provide all the necessary ingredients and funds, and in return, I'll triple your salary.”

“You have free rein with the signature dish you create.”

“But I have one requirement: the flavor must be exceptional.”

Wang Liang had labored tirelessly for half a month.

He had just received a call that Mr. Sun was en route.

Suddenly, an unbearable stench wafted through the air.

The odor was a vile combination of sewer, durian, and canned herring, boiled together, then mixed with two pounds of rice noodles and five pounds of stinky tofu, left to ferment in a cellar for three months.

?The resulting smell was what now filled their nostrils.

Wang Liang was seething with anger.

He had gone to great lengths and expense to bring Mr. Sun here.

The chef was all set.

Now, there was a real chance that Mr. Sun might leave due to the unbearable stench.

If that happened, it would be a disaster for Wang Liang!

Just then, a black sedan appeared in the distance.

Wang Liang felt a chill in his heart.

All his meticulous preparations could be for naught!

But Wang Liang was out of options. With Mr. Sun's arrival, he had to proceed as planned.

Taking a deep breath, Wang Liang forced a smile onto his face.

He hurried to the entrance to greet the approaching black car.

The sedan inched closer, nearly there.

Suddenly, a strong gust of wind swept through.

?It was a powerful gust that dispersed the stench from the air.

Wang Liang was on the verge of tears!

He silently thanked the heavens for this timely blessing!

?Overwhelmed with relief, he watched as the car came to a halt.

Sun Jianjun stepped out, followed by his secretary.

?The reporters, who had been eagerly waiting, swarmed around Sun Jianjun, creating a bustling scene.

Several vans pulled up behind, and the security team quickly emerged to keep the reporters at bay.

“Mr. Sun, I've heard rumors that you've unearthed several ancient recipes. Can you confirm that?”

“During your recent trip to Eastsea, did you come across any dishes that particularly impressed you?”

“Mr. Sun.”

The journalists in Eastsea City were practically beside themselves with excitement.

A visit from a luminary like Sun Jianjun was a rare event in Eastsea.

They were determined not to squander this chance!