"Do you think a mere reward is enough to convince me to participate in the competition?" Bu Fang stood ramrod straight and looked at Ouyang Zongheng with a serious expression.
Ouyang Zongheng's heart trembled. As expected of a chef recognized by His Majesty. His strength of character was indeed not something any chef could compare to. It seemed like it would be extremely difficult to invite Owner Bu to participate this time.
"Owner Bu, are you really not going to think about it? This is the time to showcase Owner Bu's culinary skills! "Ouyang Zongheng said unwillingly.
Bu Fang looked at him, blinked, and let out a light breath. Then, he said, "First, tell me what the prize for first place is."
Hmm? What? Ouyang Zongheng's eyes widened and he looked at Bu Fang with a grin. You're giving in just like that? Didn't you say you wouldn't be moved? Didn't you say you were of noble character and unquestionable integrity, and that you wouldn't be moved by gifts?
"Cough cough … Owner Bu, it's like this. The prize for the Hundred Family Banquet this time was personally chosen by His Majesty from the imperial palace's treasury. The prize will only be announced when the champion is chosen at the end, so this old man is not too sure at this moment … However, this old man dares to guarantee with my character that the prize this time will definitely not disappoint Owner Bu!"
Ouyang Zongheng's nostrils slightly flared as he patted his chest and vowed.
Bu Fang slightly lowered his gaze and pretended to be in deep thought. Then, he raised his head and said to Ouyang Zongheng, "Alright, I agree to participate."
Hearing that Bu Fang actually agreed to participate in the Hundred Family Banquet, Ouyang Zongheng's face immediately bloomed like a chrysanthemum, bright and resplendent.
"Oh my, if Owner Bu participates, he definitely won't be able to escape first place. Tsk tsk tsk, Owner Bu's dishes are the most delicious dishes I've ever tasted. They're even more delicious than the dishes cooked by the imperial chefs in the imperial palace! There's only one word to describe them, great! " Ouyang Zongheng gave Bu Fang a thumbs up and compliments poured out of his mouth as if they were free.
If others saw this scene, they would never have thought that this uncle who looked like a marketer was actually a famous general of the empire.
Ouyang Zongheng heaved a long sigh of relief. His heart was at ease. Since Owner Bu had already promised him, then he had completed the task that His Majesty had given him.
Although the process made his heart ache so much that he couldn't breathe, the result was very satisfying. Although his secret stash of money for a few months had been dug out by his deceptive daughter …
Bu Fang watched as the Ouyang family left, then turned around and returned to the kitchen.
Bu Fang was a person who was afraid of trouble, but he was also a serious person. He had always been serious when it came to food. If he didn't want to do it, then he wouldn't do it. Since he had chosen to do it, then he would do it to the best.
Since he had chosen to participate in the Hundred Family Banquet this time around, he definitely had to prepare well and obtain the first place.
…
As the Spring Festival approached, the streets and alleys of the imperial city became extremely lively and busy. Everyone was cleaning up their houses, putting up red couplets, and cooking delicacies in preparation for the upcoming new year.
On the ten-mile long street, the vendors who had set up their stalls had already packed up their stalls. Their faces were filled with impatient joy as they eagerly returned home to celebrate the Spring Festival with their loved ones.
Wisps of smoke rose into the air and rose straight into the sky before being scattered by the wind.
As night fell, two bright moons hung high up in the night sky like two round silver plates. The usually cold moonlight seemed to have become warm as it shone on the streets, giving off a faint fluorescent glow.
On the street, many children were carrying lanterns and wearing thick cotton clothes. They were breathing heavily, and their little faces were flushed. They were playing around, and the sound of their laughter broke the silence of the night, bringing with it the joy of a festival.
Large red lanterns were hung in front of the doors of the wealthy families. Housekeepers and maids were all busily preparing the necessities for the festival.
The kitchen was bustling with activity. The sound of stir-frying resounded incessantly and the fragrance of the dishes lingered in the air, lingering in the air and lingering in the air.
Plate after plate of exquisite dishes were cooked and placed on the dining table. Many of the descendants of the wealthy families sat in a circle and happily enjoyed their reunion dinner.
The atmosphere of the Spring Festival was rich and high.
Inside Fang Fang's Little Store, Bu Fang pushed open the door and walked out. The alleyway was quiet and cold. Even the moonlight that was warmer than usual was unable to disperse the emptiness in the alleyway.
He pulled over a stool and sat at the entrance of the store. Even though the store was not open for business, he was still curled up in the alleyway. As the cold wind whistled past and slapped against his cheeks, he could not help but shrink his neck.
The cold moonlight shone down on the entrance of the store. A person, a chair, and a dog seemed to be incompatible with the festive atmosphere outside the alleyway.
Boom!
A firework soared into the sky and bloomed in the pitch-black night sky. It was so beautiful that it was enchanting.
"Phew, so beautiful," Bu Fang thought to himself.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps came from the alleyway. Bu Fang puzzledly looked toward the entrance of the alleyway and saw three figures slowly approaching.
Xiao Yanyu and Xiao Xiaolong were dragging the bouncing Ouyang Xiaoyi along as they approached. Tonight, Xiao Yanyu was not wearing a veil and her beautiful face was exposed to the air. Her creamy skin seemed to be faintly glowing under the illumination of the moonlight.
"Smelly boss, we're here to bring you food!" Ouyang Xiaoyi said with a smile.
Xiao Yanyu still had the elegance of a young lady from a wealthy family. She was wearing a silk dress as she walked over. She was holding a lunchbox in her hand and had a faint smile on her face.
"Tsk tsk, Owner Bu, are you admiring the fireworks? How leisurely and elegant. But I have to say, this is the best angle for you to see the fireworks! " Xiao Xiaolong said with a smile as he pulled out a few chairs from the store and placed them at the entrance. He then sat beside Bu Fang.
Bu Fang was a little dazed and looked at the three of them in confusion. "What are they doing? Are they here to bring me food? "
Xiao Yanyu smiled gently and said, "Tomorrow is the Spring Festival and tonight is the time for reunion dinner. We noticed that Owner Bu seems to be alone and thought that he might be a little lonely, so we brought you some food. Hmm, these pastries were personally made by my mother. She said that she wanted to thank Owner Bu for his kindness."
As she spoke, Xiao Yanyu sat on the chair in a dignified manner and placed the lunchbox in front of Bu Fang.
When the lid of the lunchbox was opened, a faint fragrance immediately assailed his nostrils. Even though it was not as fragrant as Bu Fang's dishes, this refreshing fragrance was still quite enjoyable.
Stacks of exquisite pastries were taken out from the lunchbox. They were extremely pleasing to the eye.
"Come and have a taste. These were personally made by my mother." Xiao Yanyu held up a plate of pastries and looked at Bu Fang with a smile on her face.
Bu Fang gave the three of them a serious look. His heart warmed up and the corners of his mouth slightly curled up.
He picked up a piece of pastry and took a bite. His eyes immediately lit up. The taste of the pastry was excellent. Even though it was sweet, it was not greasy. Moreover, the pastry crumbled the moment it entered his mouth. The texture was excellent. Moreover, the fillings were emitting a faint warmth, as if one had eaten honey.
"Not bad." Bu Fang exclaimed in admiration. Even though in his opinion, there were still many flaws in this plate of pastries.
Xiao Yanyu's eyes lit up. It was rare to hear praise from Owner Bu. Xiao Xiaolong and Ouyang Xiaoyi also impatiently took a piece of pastry and stuffed it into their mouths. Just like that, the four of them sat facing each other and enjoyed the delicacies.
This warm atmosphere immediately dispersed much of the coldness in the alleyway.
"Owner Bu, come and try this plate. These are Pineapple Jade Cake!" Finally, Xiao Yanyu took out a plate of pastries from the lunchbox with a face full of expectation. She passed it to Bu Fang while blinking her eyes and said in a serious manner.
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