Gu Zheng returned to Shen City. Every time he went out, he would not be seen for at least a few days. At most, he would not be seen for half a month or even a month.
The people in the shop were already used to him going out. In any case, the two bosses were always elusive, so it was not easy to see them.
Fortunately, everything in the restaurant was on the right track. The manager was also good at management. He cooperated with Gao Changhe. Whether it was the restaurant or the kitchen, everything was in order. Gu Ji Chicken Blood Soup also became the most popular restaurant on their street.
With a good business, there were bound to be jealous people.
When Gu Zheng went to Tianshan Mountain, there were some gangsters who came to make trouble. One day, they even messed up the business of the restaurant. As a result, these gangsters were still in the hospital. None of them had a good ending.
In addition to the gangsters, there were also people who wanted to buy the restaurant or invest in it.
Most of them were nouveau riche. When the real powerful people found out who the boss of the restaurant was, these thoughts would naturally disappear. Ordinary nouveau riche were still fine. They would be told that it was impossible. Last time, a nouveau riche who speculated in real estate came and said that he was rich enough to take a fancy to the restaurant.
After knowing that there were two bosses in the restaurant, he said that the business of two bosses was not stable and that three bosses were needed.
He also said that he would talk to the two bosses and buy 60% of their shares. They could name the price. As a result, this guy was still in the police station.
His capital for speculating in real estate was not clean. He made many fake identities and asked Changfeng to throw him into the police station.
After several incidents, these kinds of troubles were reduced. However, these troubles were dealt with by Changfeng before Gu Zheng knew about it. It was good to have a partner with a strong background. At least, he did not have to think about many troubles and would not disturb Gu Zheng.
The next day after returning to Shen City, Gu Zheng went to the restaurant and went to another place directly.
This was a small restaurant decorated in an antique style. The area was not big, but it was very special. When Gu Zheng went there, it was not lunch time and it was still in the morning. It was not very busy inside, but many people came to make reservations.
This store only accepted in-store reservations and did not accept phone reservations. Moreover, reservations could only be made on the same day and could not be made in advance.
The cost here was not low. The lowest cost per table was more than a thousand yuan. Even so, the shop was fully booked every day. Even if one came a little late, they would not be able to get a table.
The reason was very simple. The chef of this restaurant was surnamed Hu. He was a famous chef in the country and had participated in three Chinese Food Competitions. He was ranked sixth once and tenth twice.
He had gotten into the top ten in three Chinese Cuisine Competitions. He was already a very impressive person.
"Brother Gu, why are you here?"
The moment Gu Zheng entered the store, a surprised voice rang out. Wang Dong put down the things in his hands and wiped his hands on his apron before running over happily.
Gu Zheng came to the small restaurant opened by his Uncle Hu. This time, the test was a test to become famous. The time limit was only fifteen days. Excluding yesterday's day, there were only fourteen days left. Gu Zheng didn't know how to quickly become famous in the food industry, so he specially came to Uncle Hu to ask for his advice.
No matter what, Uncle Hu was still a senior. It would be good to listen to his opinion.
"I'm here to find Uncle Hu for something. Is he here?"
Wang Dong was learning very well and was making rapid progress. He was no longer the Wang Dong who only knew how to cook egg fried rice. Uncle Hu was very satisfied with him and had been teaching him attentively.
In a few years, Wang Dong could be independent and even have the opportunity to participate in the Chinese Food Competition in the future and get a good ranking.
"Master is here. I'll take you there!"
Wang Dong nodded excitedly and led Gu Zheng inside. Uncle Hu was sitting alone in the office drinking tea. Usually, when he was not cooking, he liked to sit here quietly.
"Gu Zheng is here!"
Seeing Gu Zheng, a smile appeared on Uncle Hu's face. Gu Zheng was a junior that he had watched grow up. Now that he had achieved good results, he and Gu Ming were very pleased.
"Uncle Hu, I would like to ask for your advice. How can I become famous in the food industry in a short period of time?"
Gu Zheng went straight to the point and explained his intention. Time was tight and Uncle Hu was not an outsider. He did not want to waste any more time.
"Become famous? You want to become famous? Why?" Uncle Hu was full of doubts.
"You don't need to know why. Anyway, I have this idea. It's best to make my reputation higher than all the contestants in the food industry before the Food Competition. As long as I'm in the food industry, it will be fine!"
Gu Zheng said quickly. Uncle Hu looked at him and suddenly, a look of realization appeared on his face. He smiled and said, "Brat, have you been stimulated by something? Don't worry about those rumors. You just have to be yourself!"
These days, there were indeed bad comments about Gu Zheng on the Internet. He was not the only one. A few unknown contestants were attacked. Gu Zheng was among them. Even Uncle Hu heard some bad comments.
"Uncle Hu, just tell me. What is the fastest way to become famous?"
Gu Zheng did not object, nor did he admit it. He just happened to have no reason now. Uncle Hu helped him think of a reason, so he did not need to waste his brain.
"You're still so competitive!"
Uncle Hu sighed. He watched Gu Zheng grow up, especially after Gu Zheng went abroad. He even attended the parent-teacher conference. Of course, he knew Gu Zheng's temperament very well.
"In fact, if you want to become famous quickly, it's very simple. But the premise is that you have to have absolute strength. Since you want to become famous in the food industry, you have to conquer more people's taste buds. Let people in the food industry recognize you and believe in you. You don't need to do too much. You just need to make more delicious food and let them eat the food you make. They will naturally recognize you, which is equivalent to making you famous!"
As Uncle Hu spoke slowly, Gu Zheng's eyes became brighter and brighter. What Uncle Hu said was right. Since he wanted to become famous in the world of gourmet food, then he should let his own food help him become famous. He didn't need to worry about how to become famous every day.
"Thank you, Uncle Hu!"
The more he thought about it, the more he felt that it was a good idea. Gu Zheng thanked Uncle Hu and left quickly.
"This child!"
Looking at Gu Zheng's back, Uncle Hu could not help but shake his head and sigh. After thinking about it, he said to Wang Dong, "Gu Zheng has a big temper. You are careful. You complement each other. Other people who participate in the food competition have assistants, but Gu Zheng certainly does not. You go and help him. Experiencing the Chinese Food Competition is also a kind of training for you!"
"I, master, you want me to participate in the Chinese Food Competition?"
Wang Dong was stunned and pointed to his nose. He envied Gu Zheng. He could participate in the country's biggest event so early. He never thought that he could go.
Even if it was only as an assistant, he never thought about it.
"It's not that I want you to go. It's that you go and help Gu Zheng. There are not many people who can help him. You also look after him. If there is anything, contact me directly!"
Uncle Hu smiled and nodded. The surprise in Wang Dong's eyes was even more intense. He immediately jumped up and said, "Yes, master, I'll go now!"
As he spoke, he had already run out, shouting 'Brother Gu, wait for me' as he ran. Uncle Hu couldn't help but shake his head again.
Gu Zheng was a little surprised that Wang Dong came to help him, but he was more happy.
Each contestant participating in the Chinese Food Competition can bring one or two assistants. He didn't plan to bring them before, but now with Wang Dong's help, he could bring one.
Wang Dong helped him at the Hangzhou Food Competition. The two had a tacit understanding. Gu Zheng was very satisfied that Wang Dong could continue to help him this time.
Back home, Gu Zheng began to pack his things.
There were not only one or two people in the food world, nor were there only the three hundred chefs who participated in the competition. If those who were in the food industry were all people in the food world, then there were tens of thousands of people in the country.
Gu Zheng wanted to be famous in the food world. Before this Chinese Food Competition, he wanted to become the most famous contestant. He couldn't stare at the most ordinary food practitioners. He had to start with the top people in the industry.
Who were the top people? In addition to those old seniors, they were the contestants who had participated in the Chinese Food Competition and this time's Food Competition.
The Chinese Food Competition was the highest level of cooking competition in the country. It was undeniable that those who could participate in such a competition were all experts among experts. To be able to become famous among these people was equivalent to becoming famous among everyone. His test would be completed.
Most of these people were now in the capital. There were not many in Shen City. To complete this test, he needed to rush to the capital in advance.
Gu Zheng came back to pack up his things and planned to set off.
Wang Dong didn't have much to begin with. He thought that when he reached the capital, he could buy himself a few cheap clothes to change into. He didn't bring any luggage and followed Gu Zheng. The two of them packed their things and set off for the train station. They bought the fastest high-speed train ticket to the capital.
Time was tight. It would be afternoon when they arrived today. They definitely couldn't do anything. They had to wait until tomorrow. If they waited until tomorrow, there would only be thirteen days left for his test. That meant that everything else had to be completed within these thirteen days.
"Elder Gao, I'll have to trouble you again!"
On the train, Gu Zheng took out his mobile phone and called Elder Gao first. Gu Zheng was in the dark in the capital. He didn't know anything and had to find someone familiar to help. Uncle Hu was in Shen City all year round and Gu Ming was abroad all the time. Gu Zheng couldn't think of anyone else and could only continue to trouble Elder Gao.
Elder Gao was a member of the Food Association. He had many acquaintances in the capital. Many people in the Food Association were seniors in the industry. If Gu Zheng wanted to be famous, he also needed to invite them.
"I can help you to invite them, but they are all very busy now. I can't guarantee that they will all be there!"
After listening to Gu Zheng's request, Elder Gao was silent for a while before speaking softly. Gu Zheng wanted to be famous before the competition and wanted these people to taste the food he made. His intention was good, but time was a little tight. Moreover, the Chinese Food Competition was about to be held. At this time, everyone was very busy. Elder Gao couldn't guarantee that these people would all be there.
"Elder Gao, you just need to invite them for me. Thank you!"
Gu Zheng hurriedly replied. If it wasn't for the damn Weapon Spirit giving him such a test, Gu Zheng wouldn't want to do this. Gu Zheng had always pursued the principle of keeping a low profile and didn't like to be so high-profile.
Although this time it was in the name of tasting and appreciation and inviting seniors to give advice, it was still a little high-profile to invite so many people.
"You don't have to thank me now. Wait until I help you to invite them!"
Elder Gao responded with a smile. Gu Zheng wanted to show himself. In fact, it wasn't a bad thing. Chefs couldn't keep their skills to themselves. They also had to show themselves. The purpose of the Chinese Food Competition was to show off China's famous chefs and develop culinary exchanges.
It was just that Gu Zheng didn't choose a good time. At this time, it would always give others other feelings.
The high-speed railway was very fast. It arrived in Beijing near the evening. A car drove to the platform. As soon as Gu Zheng stepped down from the train, he saw someone waving to him in front of the train.
"Gu Zheng, are you really going to hold a big banquet?"
The person who came to pick up Gu Zheng was none other than his business partner, Changfeng. This guy happened to be in Beijing. Gu Zheng called him and asked him for help.
Since Gu Zheng wanted to use food to make a name for himself and invite many seniors and peers, he needed a suitable venue. It was a waste of time for Gu Zheng to find such a venue himself. Moreover, he might not be able to find it, so he asked for help from Changfeng.
It was right to ask him. Changfeng immediately booked a restaurant. Changfeng didn't know how many days Gu Zheng would use it, so he simply booked it for half a month. Before the Chinese Food Competition started, Gu Zheng could use it at will.
"Yes, why do you ask?" Gu Zheng nodded.
"This isn't like your character. When did you become so generous? Come, let me see if it's you or someone pretending to be you! "
As Changfeng spoke, he was going to rub Gu Zheng's face to see if someone was wearing a human skin mask to pretend to be him. Gu Zheng hurriedly slapped his hand aside.
"I've never been stingy, okay? If I was stingy, you wouldn't have been able to eat the delicacies I made so many times!"
"Do you know how many people you have to invite like this? No matter how much I eat, it won't be as much as what you made this time!"
Chang Feng was unconvinced and immediately defended himself. What he said was not wrong. This time, Gu Zheng wanted to invite many people. Since he invited them to taste, he had to let them eat to their heart's content. They could not just eat a mouthful and consider it a taste.
In this way, Gu Zheng did have to make a lot of delicacies. Moreover, he had to do it himself and use good ingredients.
"Do you think I want to do this? I have no choice!"
Gu Zheng muttered in his heart and began to curse the artifact spirit again. If it wasn't for the damn artifact spirit forcing him, why would he do this? This time, he would definitely bleed a lot and be exhausted.
Elder Gao had already made his move. Gu Zheng had no other way. It was better to prepare with peace of mind and complete this test first.
Changfeng had more than one house in the capital. After consulting Gu Zheng's opinion, he directly brought it back to his own residence. It was a small villa in the suburbs. The area was not big, but it was very exquisite.
Such a small villa, in a city like the capital, was not cheap.
"The house is good!" After entering the house, Gu Zheng nodded and praised.
"Thanks to you, the shop has made a lot of money recently, so I bought it!" Changfeng said with a smile. There was no maid here, so he directly went to boil water and pour tea.
"Come on, the money we earned is not enough to fill the gaps between your teeth. Besides, even if we gave you all the money we earned in the past few months, it wouldn't be enough to buy this place!"
Gu Zheng immediately argued. Their business was very profitable. The monthly turnover was 15 million yuan, and the net profit was 6 to 7 million yuan.
However, it had not been long since it opened. It had only been a few months. Such a villa in Beijing could not be bought without 30 million yuan. Moreover, it was impossible for Chang Feng to have just bought it. It was possible that he had bought it a long time ago and was just saying that on purpose.
"Haha, but our shop is so profitable. It is also beyond my expectations!"
Changfeng laughed. He was indeed joking. Wang Dong was a little embarrassed. He had never been to such a luxurious place.
"You will stay here for the next few days. I will send you a special car. I have also prepared a place for you, but I only have one request. The delicious food you cook these few days, you must give me a share!"
When Gu Zheng came to the capital, Changfeng did his best to entertain him. He did not live in the villa, but specially prepared it for Gu Zheng and Wang Dong.
He even prepared a car for Gu Zheng with a chauffeur. Gu Zheng was not familiar with the capital, so he could just tell the chauffeur where he wanted to go. The place he found for Gu Zheng was a restaurant that was neither too big nor too small. For the next half a month, he had to use it. Even the staff inside had to listen to his arrangements.
For the next half a month, he would be the boss of the restaurant.
"I won't thank you. I will definitely prepare delicious food for you!"
Gu Zheng was very satisfied with Changfeng's preparation. He knew Changfeng's preferences. As long as he could fill his stomach, it was very easy to get rid of him.
"Okay, then what are we eating tonight?"
Changfeng immediately shouted happily. This guy did not want to waste the night. In the end, Gu Zheng made Egg-Fried Rice. He left satisfied after eating his fill.
Gu Zheng's Egg-Fried Rice made Wang Dong admire him even more.
Originally, he was the one who made the Egg-Fried Rice. Gu Zheng learned it from him. But now, Gu Zheng's cooking was much better than his. Even if he used the same ingredients, his cooking was not as good as Gu Zheng's. He had far surpassed him.
Especially Gu Zheng's Egg-Fried Rice. He was very envious of Gu Zheng's ability to separate every grain of rice. This was something he dreamed of doing. He had not been able to do it, but Gu Zheng had already done it.
Early the next morning, the driver arrived at the villa.
Changfeng had arranged a Mercedes-Benz business car for Gu Zheng. Changfeng had given the driver's phone number to Gu Zheng yesterday. The driver was on call 24 hours a day. Gu Zheng was not in the mood to go anywhere else. He brought the things he had prepared in advance and directly went to the restaurant Changfeng had prepared for him.
In the morning, Gu Zheng went to a few high-end markets and bought some things. After lunch, he rushed to the restaurant.
"Boss Gu!"
The restaurant was very crowded. Everyone from the manager to the kitchen was there. They were all at the door to welcome Gu Zheng. Only the original head chef was not there. Gu Zheng had already snatched his position. It would be strange if he was still here.
The boss behind the scenes of this restaurant was one of Changfeng's underlings. Everyone had been instructed to fully cooperate with Gu Zheng.
The boss even specially came to the restaurant today to help Gu Zheng. He was worried that his subordinates would not do well and offend Gu Zheng. Changfeng rarely asked him to do anything. If he messed it up this time, it would not be easy for him to see Changfeng again in the future.
The employees in the restaurant were curious and looked at Gu Zheng with excitement.
Before Gu Zheng came, the boss had already introduced him. He was a contestant of the Chinese Food Competition, and he was the youngest one. He would be cooking at their place for the next few days. He invited some people and asked them to serve him well and learn from the famous chef.
Those who could participate in the Chinese Food Competition were all famous chefs in their eyes, no matter how old they were.
This restaurant was not big. Even the previous head chef was not famous. For many of them, this was the first time they had seen a famous chef. Moreover, it was a famous chef who could participate in the Chinese Food Competition. It was inevitable that they were a little excited.
"Boss Gu, no matter what you need us to do, just tell us!"
The boss accompanied Gu Zheng and guaranteed there. Gu Zheng looked at the restaurant. The place was not big, but it was very exquisite. It mainly made some exquisite side dishes and some seafood. The consumption level was slightly higher.
The location of this restaurant was not in the city center. This was also Gu Zheng's request. He did not need a particularly good location, but the transportation must be convenient. It could not be particularly remote. Not only was it near the subway, but it was also on the ring road. The transportation was very convenient.
And the thing that satisfied Gu Zheng the most in this restaurant was that there was an open kitchen. People sitting outside could see the chef cooking inside. Originally, this was to make everyone more concerned about the food in the restaurant. Now, it was of great use to Gu Zheng.
The process of him cooking could be seen by all the guests outside.
Cooking was not only about eating. It was also very important to see. Being able to see the process of him cooking was even more beneficial to his reputation.
"You guys rest first. I'll go and prepare. Call me when someone comes!"
Gu Zheng arrived early. Looking at the time, he decided to go to the kitchen to prepare first.
Elder Gao had already helped him send out invitations. Not only were there people from the Food Association, but there were also many old seniors he knew. In addition, Uncle Hu, Gu Ming, and the others had also helped Gu Zheng invite some old friends. This was the first day. Gu Zheng did not invite too many people. He was worried that too many people would come and he could not do it alone.
The invitations were all in the afternoon. It was not even three o 'clock yet. He had to prepare. The guests would usually arrive around four o' clock.
This time, it was a tasting, not a meal. Therefore, it was a little earlier. This way, people who had something to do would not delay their evening matters.
Wang Dong and the staff in the restaurant helped to carry a lot of things out of the car. It was soon 3: 20. Gu Zheng estimated the time and took out three celestial chickens.
Before the time was up, Gu Zheng was already ready to start. The first thing he made was the chicken blood soup. Since he wanted to become famous this time, there was no need to hide. Among all the delicacies he made, the chicken blood soup could release a great influence before it was eaten.
Gu Zheng's plan was to let these guests smell the aroma before they entered the restaurant. When they arrived, they could immediately taste the delicious chicken blood soup.
Half an hour later, a strong aroma spread in the restaurant. From the restaurant owner to the staff, everyone in the restaurant was stunned. They all turned their heads and looked at Gu Zheng in the kitchen.
The aroma continued to spread outside. It did not take long for it to reach the outside of the restaurant. Some people who were walking on the road stopped and sniffed, carefully smelling the aroma.
It was four o 'clock in the afternoon. It was neither dinner nor lunch time. Many people were puzzled. Where did such a fragrant aroma come from?
There were only two people in the kitchen, Gu Zheng and Wang Dong. He did not need the other chefs, nor did he need them.
Looking at the chicken blood boiling in the pot, Gu Zheng smiled faintly. This time, he deliberately used a small fire to cook it. This way, it would take a longer time. As long as he did not take it out of the pot, the aroma would continue to spread outside.
The aroma spread as far as eight miles, which was four kilometers. With Gu Zheng as the center, it could spread as far as four kilometers in any direction.
Fortunately, the restaurant was not located in the center of Beijing. Otherwise, more people would be affected. When Gu Zheng was in Shen City, because the restaurant was located in the center, it affected millions of people. As a result, millions of people prayed for it.
Four kilometers, eight miles.
Soon, everyone in the area smelled the aroma. Many people were still asking around. They did not know where such a fragrant thing came from. Only two people who had smelled this aroma in Shen City knew that the boss of Shen City Ancient Chicken Blood Soup had come to Beijing and made his chicken blood soup.
Only the chicken blood soup that he made himself had such a smell.
A car suddenly stopped by the roadside. Two old people got out of the car.
Both of them were still sniffing. The older one had the surname Huang, and the younger one had the surname Gou. They were the previous president and the current president of the Food Association.
Gu Zheng had also invited them this time. Originally, the two of them did not plan to come. However, Elder Gao personally called them and told them that Gu Zheng was different. Moreover, Gu Zheng had been very cooperative with the Lao Tang incident last time. The Food Association quickly resolved the impact. No matter what, they had to give him face.
Elder Gao's words finally made the two of them decide to come.
Gu Zheng had indeed cooperated last time. Without Gu Zheng's cooperation, just the old people and the Lao Tang alone would have given them a huge headache. At that time, there were one or two hundred people who wanted to collectively leave the association. If not for Gu Zheng's cooperation, these people would have continued to cause trouble. The current head nurse Gou might have been forced to step down because of them.
The top leaders definitely had to take responsibility for internal scandals.
Fortunately, Gu Zheng did not make things difficult for them. He was very cooperative and wrote a statement for them. Even Gu Zheng, the victim's family, did not speak. The others could not say anything either. The impact slowly faded, turning big problems into small problems, and small problems into nothing.
Since Elder Gao had brought this matter up, they could not refuse. For the sake of face, they could only come today.
The previous president Huang was the same. He was the one who brought the troublemaker Ma Shiwei into the Food Association. He was also his junior. Logically speaking, he owed Gu Zheng a favor. The two of them came together this time to give Gu Zheng face.
"What's that smell? It's so fragrant."
President Gou said first. President Huang looked around and then shook his head gently. "This fragrance doesn't seem to come from the surroundings. It's fragrant but not greasy. It's pure but not mixed. This fragrance is not simple!"
"Little Wang, how far are we from our destination?"
President Gou suddenly turned his head and asked the secretary in the car. The secretary hurriedly took out his phone. After checking, he said, "It's two kilometers in a straight line. If we walk, we'll reach in three kilometers!"
It was two kilometers in a straight line. President Gou and President Huang looked at each other. Both of them knew what the other was thinking.
"It's said that Gu Zheng's chicken blood soup has the ability to transform fragrances. The fragrance can spread for eight miles. Everyone within eight miles can smell it. It caused quite a stir in Shen City. Because of this, his Gu Ji Chicken Blood Soup became popular. All this time, I felt that this was exaggerated. Now, it seems that it's true!"
President Huang sighed. Slowly, the secretary got out of the car and looked at the two of them curiously.
"Old Gao is right. This young man is indeed extraordinary!"
President Gou smiled. It was still two kilometers in a straight line, which was equivalent to four miles. They could smell it from here. Although it wasn't as far as eight miles, it wasn't easy for the fragrance of food to spread four miles.
Before they arrived, he was already looking forward to this tasting.
On the other side, at the entrance of the restaurant, the first invited guest had arrived.
The person who came was a senior in the gourmet world. He was the champion of the first Gourmet Competition, Master He Ying.
He Ying was 71 years old. He won the first place in the first Chinese Gourmet Competition 30 years ago. He was a senior in the gourmet world. He was from Beijing. The reason why he was the first to arrive was that he had a good relationship with Gu Ming.
At that time, Gu Ming was also his nephew. Since Gu Ming personally made the call, he would definitely support him. Moreover, it was Gu Zheng this time.
"Grandpa He!"
Seeing He Ying, Gu Zheng called out. He Ying walked into the restaurant and sniffed hard. Then, he laughed and said, "When I smelled the fragrance, I guessed that it was you who made it. I didn't expect it to be you. Not bad, not bad at all!"
"Grandpa He, please take a seat. I'm busy here and can't leave. This pot of soup will be ready in a while. I'll apologize to you when it's done!"
He Ying was considered one of them. He was the first to arrive. Gu Zheng wasn't surprised. A few people would definitely come to the tasting this time. He Ying was one of them. When he was young, Gu Zheng followed Gu Ming to Beijing to visit the old man.
"It's okay, it's okay. You go ahead with your business!"
He Ying immediately waved his hand and looked around. There were some fruits on the table in the restaurant. There weren't many, but they were very exquisite. These fruits were all brought by Gu Zheng.
The fruits weren't bought from the market. They were brought by Gu Zheng from the primitive space. These were some fruits picked in Emei Sect. The quality was above second-grade.
In terms of taste, these fruits were much better than those bought from the market. It wasn't easy to get low-grade fruits from the market, let alone second-grade ones.
He Ying picked up a red fruit that looked like a jujube. He had seen a lot of things, but he had never seen such a fruit before.
It was red like a cherry with a thin branch. He Ying pinched the branch and took a small bite.
These fruits had all been washed. Moreover, they were washed with the best spring water. Gu Zheng had also brought some mineral water from the Emei Sect and placed it in the chaotic space.
The juice of the fruit immediately flowed into He Ying's mouth. He Ying's expression was a little sluggish. He quickly swallowed the juice into his stomach.
Until now, he still didn't know what kind of fruit it was, but the taste was very unusual. When he took a bite of the fruit juice, the juice was sweet but not greasy, sweet to the heart, with a refreshing feeling. It was as if he had eaten a mouthful of ice on the hottest day, his whole body was incomparably comfortable.
He Ying couldn't help but take a few more bites. After a while, the whole fruit was eaten by him.
"Gu Zheng, what kind of fruit is this? It's so delicious."
He Ying couldn't help but ask. He had never eaten or even seen such a fruit before.
"This is a big cherry. Eat more if you like it!"
Gu Zheng smiled. He Ying's luck was good. There were a few ingredients that had reached the normal grade. The one he got was a normal grade fruit. It was better than the second-grade fruit.
The normal grade was the best grade that grew naturally on Earth. Of course, the taste wouldn't be bad.
"Okay!"
He Ying didn't stand on ceremony. He picked up a fruit that looked like a small pear and took a small bite. This small pear was a second-grade fruit. It didn't taste as good as the big cherry, but it wasn't bad. It was much better than the others. He Ying ate it with relish.
"Old He, you're here!"
Another person came in. It was a man in his sixties. He walked directly towards He Ying.
"Master Zhao, come, come and try it. The fruits here are very good!"
He Ying raised his head and immediately waved his hand. This person had participated in the first Chinese Food Competition like him. He was the youngest contestant at that time. However, his results weren't as good as his.
After thirty years, even if his results were ordinary, as long as he worked hard, he would have become a famous chef.
The person sat down opposite He Ying and tasted the fruits curiously. He Ying was right. The fruits here tasted extraordinary. It was impossible to eat them outside.
"Please!"
The shop owner was outside. After confirming the identity of the person, he immediately asked the waiter to bring the person into the shop.
The fragrance of Gu Zheng's chicken blood soup had already spread. Some people followed the fragrance and came here. They wanted to go in and have a look or try what kind of delicacy was so fragrant. The shop owner brought his staff and explained that today was a private gathering and it wasn't open to the public.
Those who weren't invited weren't allowed to enter.
In just a short while, there were already twenty to thirty people gathered outside. He had to guard the door. There were always people who wanted to sneak in.
After identifying a few people, the shop owner was experienced. Most of the people who came were old. Those who weren't old had to be carefully checked. They couldn't be wrong.
After a while, another five old seniors came. They were all welcomed in by the waiter.
President Huang, President Gou, and the others were all here. President Huang was the previous president of the Food Association, but he was also the honorary president. He also had a very high status in the Food Association.
When he saw the two old men, the shop owner's eyes lit up. He went over to greet the two of them. He only went over because he saw that the two of them had different temperaments. Although he was also in the food and beverage business, he was only a businessman. Moreover, the scale of his business was very small. He didn't know that the two people in front of him were the two presidents of the Food Association.
This was normal. People who liked to play Go didn't dare to say that they knew the president of the Go Association. There weren't many jade sellers who dared to say that they knew the name of the president of the Jade Association.
The shop owner asked someone to send the two old men in and continued to guard the door.
"President Gou, President Huang!"
When they saw the two old men, the people sitting in the shop stood up. Their faces were filled with surprise. They didn't expect that Gu Zheng's tasting meeting would invite these two great gods.
These two were different from them. They were either idlers or retired people in name. They weren't like these two who had a pivotal position in the gourmet world and had a very, very high influence.
"Sit, sit!"
President Gou waved his hand. He even glanced at President Huang. As expected, the aroma was coming from here. The aroma of a soup actually spread so far. Just this point alone was extraordinary.
Their eyes quickly fell on the pot that Gu Zheng was cooking in. Gu Zheng was cooking very slowly. There wasn't much white gas formed on the pot, but it was still there. Moreover, there was the shape of a chicken. It was indeed the legendary shape of an extremely fragrant dish.
Following the arrival of the two presidents, more and more seniors arrived one after another.
At 4: 30, a total of more than 30 people had arrived. Gu Zheng had invited close to a hundred people, all of whom were currently in Beijing. Only about 30 people had come. It wasn't a lot, but it wasn't too little either.
Gu Zheng was still too young. He didn't have any reputation or status at all. Although he got the first place in the Hangzhou Food Competition, the Hangzhou Food Competition itself was held for the first time. Its influence was limited. If it weren't for the participation of many contestants who had participated in the Chinese Food Competition, the influence of that competition would be even smaller.
When the time was up, Gu Zheng didn't wait any longer. He first served the chicken blood soup.
Gu Zheng added five kinds of high-grade ingredients to this chicken blood soup. Not only was the effect better, but the taste was also better. It was better than what he made last time when he participated in the Food Competition in Hangzhou.
Today, Gu Zheng didn't lack high-grade ingredients. Since he wanted to become famous, he put in more to make these seniors more shocked.
More than 30 servings of chicken blood soup were not a lot. Many seniors also rinsed their mouths. They just ate fruits. The fragrance of this chicken blood soup was so strong that they didn't want the sweetness of the fruit to conflict with the fragrance of the chicken blood soup.
But soon they found that they were wrong, very wrong.
The sweetness of the fruit and the fragrance of the chicken blood soup didn't conflict at all. Even if they rinsed their mouths, the sweetness in their mouths wouldn't dissipate completely. When this fragrance entered their mouths, it immediately merged with the sweetness, forming a sweet fragrance. Not only did the two not have any conflict, but they blended well.
This made the seniors who rinsed their mouths very regretful. If they had known this, they wouldn't have rinsed their mouths.
The chicken blood soup smelled good and tasted even better. Just one mouthful made everyone who had eaten it give a thumbs up and praise.
Chairman Gou and Chairman Huang also tasted the fruit and chicken blood soup. Both of them were amazed again. This chicken blood soup was really as good as the rumors said. No, it was even better than the rumors. People who hadn't tasted it before couldn't imagine how it tasted.
Both of them had tasted the Sun family's chicken blood soup. Moreover, it was personally made by Old Sun with high-grade ingredients. The taste of the Sun family's chicken blood soup was already very good. Before they came, even if Gu Zheng's chicken blood soup was better than the Sun family's chicken blood soup, there was a limit to how much better it was.
They didn't think that someone could make another major breakthrough in the chicken blood soup.
But now they understood that they were wrong. They were really wrong. Gu Zheng's chicken blood soup was definitely not just a little better. It was really a breakthrough, a major breakthrough.
No wonder Old Sun, who was such a stubborn person, gave the soup to Gu Zheng. Gu Zheng's chicken blood soup was indeed amazing. He was better than anyone else to inherit and develop the chicken blood soup. Although Old Sun was very stubborn, he did the right thing.
The chicken blood soup didn't let them down. They even felt that they had made the right choice to come this time. They should have come. If they didn't come, they would definitely regret it. Gu Zheng was indeed as Old Gao said. He was not an ordinary child.
Just the cooking skills of this chicken blood soup could let Gu Zheng enter the top 30 of this Food Competition. If Gu Zheng had other cooking skills that could be compared with the chicken blood soup, even if it was just a little inferior, it wouldn't be a problem for him to enter the top ten this time.
To enter the top ten, he still had to fight for the top three. In the past, the Chinese Food Competition was not a competition where only one kind of food could win.
Moreover, the Chinese Food Competition was different from the Hangzhou Food Competition. As long as the cooking skills were used, they were not allowed to be used in the next competition and could not be repeated.
After drinking a few mouthfuls of the chicken blood soup, a piece of fried egg was placed in front of them. Gu Zheng was frying the egg with both hands, but frying the egg took time. He couldn't cope with more than 30 people eating one each for the time being, so he could only split it in half.
Fried egg, Gu Zheng's fried egg.
Fried eggs were divided into two types. One was an ordinary fried egg, and the other was Gu Zheng's fried egg. This was what a judge who participated in the Hangzhou Food Competition last time said. Many people who had eaten Gu Zheng's fried egg agreed very much.
Gu Zheng's fried egg was completely different from other people's fried egg.
Although the materials used were similar and the process was similar, the results were completely different. Gu Zheng's fried egg was a work of art, and it was a great work of art. Other people's fried eggs could only be called food.
Even the best chef couldn't make fried eggs as good as Gu Zheng's fried eggs.
The two presidents had also heard of Gu Zheng's fried egg. Gu Zheng relied on this fried egg to win the preliminary round of the Hangzhou Food Competition one by one until the final round.
And in the audition, this simplest fried egg had always been the first place.
Neither of them spoke. They both picked up their chopsticks and picked up the fried egg. Gu Zheng's simplicity was indeed as rumored. It was like a work of art, which made people unable to bear to eat it.
Being able to fry the egg like this was a masterpiece in itself.
President Gou took the first bite. As soon as he bit down, his expression was slightly different. With a dull fragrance, the simple egg flew out of the egg yolk and filled his throat. After this dull smell collided with the previous fragrance, they merged and slowly flowed from his esophagus into his whole body.
This was an extremely different experience.
Gu Zheng's fried egg this time was different from the past. After thinking about it, Gu Zheng decided to upgrade the level of sesame oil. Sesame oil had a wide range of uses, second only to water and table salt. He could also use sesame oil in his newly learned cooking skills. Now, most of Gu Zheng's ingredients were already ordinary level, and the sesame oil was still second-grade. He felt that it was not enough.
After the sesame oil was upgraded to ordinary level, all the ingredients used in the fried egg were also upgraded to ordinary level. The taste of the fried egg was improved again. All the ingredients were ordinary and second-grade. The taste was absolutely different. Now, Gu Zheng's fried egg tasted better and more delicious.
This was the first time for the seniors who came to participate in the tasting meeting to eat fried eggs made of all ordinary ingredients.
President Gou's fried egg was quickly finished. After eating it, he regretted eating it too quickly. Fortunately, he still had chicken blood soup to drink. This was also a kind of happiness.
The fried egg's fragrance was not as strong as the chicken blood soup, but its aftertaste was more mellow than the chicken blood soup. Both had their own characteristics.
President Huang ate slowly, but he finished the fried egg after a while. His thoughts were similar to President Gou's. The fried egg was indeed not inferior to the chicken blood soup. Before, there were rumors that the chicken blood soup was better than the fried egg. It seemed that the rumors were wrong.
Another top-notch food, the two presidents thought silently. The fried egg and chicken blood soup together could basically make Gu Zheng enter the top ten.
The top ten contestants were already famous in the country, and even world-famous. How old was Gu Zheng? He was the youngest in this year's competition, and also the youngest in the past ten years. If he could enter the top ten, it would definitely cause a huge sensation.
However, Gu Zheng did have the qualifications to enter the top ten. The food he cooked was really delicious. The two presidents thought so. As long as he did not have any problems, he would definitely enter the top ten.
After the fried egg was distributed, Wang Dong placed a small plate in front of everyone.
Gu Zheng walked out quickly. His stone beast was holding a wok in its hand. There was a spatula in the wok. Gu Zheng held the spatula and gently swung it. A golden light flew out and landed on the small plate.
What landed on the small plate was Egg Fried Rice. The Egg Fried Rice was arranged in the shape of a dragon.
"Golden Dragon Soars to the Sky!"
He Ying was the first to shout out. The Golden Dragon Flies to the Heavens was also Gu Zheng's signature dish. To be able to cook the Egg Fried Rice like this, he could be considered the first person in the country to do so. Currently, there were still many restaurants in Hangzhou that named the Egg Fried Rice as the Golden Dragon Flies to the Heavens. This name seemed to have replaced the Egg Fried Rice.
However, this was only in Hangzhou. Gu Zheng's Golden Dragon Soars to the Sky was made famous in Hangzhou.
"No one can compare with this skill and shape!"
President Huang sighed. Gu Zheng's skill was really amazing. After so many years, he had never seen anyone who could do better than Gu Zheng. Moreover, Gu Zheng was still a young man in his early twenties. This was not easy.
"If the taste was better, he would not be in the top ten!"
President Gou smiled bitterly. He had already picked up the spoon and was ready to continue tasting Gu Zheng's Egg Fried Rice.
Gu Zheng's Egg-Fried Rice also used sesame oil. After the sesame oil was upgraded, Gu Zheng's Egg-Fried Rice also changed from using substandard ingredients to using only normal ingredients. Normal Egg-Fried Rice was even better than Gu Zheng's Golden Dragon Flies to the Heavens, and its taste was even richer.
After just one bite, President Gou's face became even more bitter.
It wasn't that the food wasn't delicious, but that it was too delicious. With this bite, he could basically conclude that Gu Zheng's results would still improve. The current Gu Zheng was completely qualified to compete for the top three.
The top three was a different level from the top ten. Those who could get into the top three every time were the top existences in the industry. No matter where they went, they would receive endless respect. The top three was not only an honor, but also a symbol of status.
Even the Food Association would be very polite to those who could get into the top three. In the food world, strength was respected. Those who truly had strength would be respected wherever they went.
This time's Gourmet Competition was going to have a huge earthquake. A twenty-three-year-old young man could actually enter the top three. The impact after the competition would probably last for a long time. There would be many people who were unconvinced, and even people who would question him.
He wasn't afraid of doubts. Gu Zheng relied on his true ability, so he didn't need to care about any doubts. However, this impact would really last for a long time, and the controversy about Gu Zheng would also last for a long time.
"The last dish is almost ready. This dish is suitable to be eaten in its entirety. Seniors, you can sit at the big table and taste it together!"
Gu Zheng took out two steamers. Wang Dong brought some waiters and asked the seniors to change seats. The last dish was not easy to divide, so he simply let them all sit together. There was no big table in the restaurant, but a long table could be arranged. Soon, the long table was arranged properly, and all the seniors took their seats in turn.
Gu Zheng opened the two steamers at the same time, revealing two red fish inside. This kind of fish looked like carp, but they had never seen it before.
"The last dish, steamed fish. Seniors, please taste it!"
This time, Gu Zheng personally served it. After putting down the dish, he said with a smile. Gu Zheng had just learned how to make steamed fish. This was the first time he made it. Previously, the fish had not matured, so there was no way to make it. Now that the fish had matured, and the second batch was half grown, it was completely ready to be made.
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