"Manager Shu, was your boss a chef at Building No. 2 before?"

Mr. Jin was quite puzzled. Why had the Braised Pork Belly he'd eaten at Fishing Platform been made by the owner of this restaurant? Weren't the chefs there selected through rigorous procedures? How could an outsider be allowed to cook there?

"Our boss is Fishing Platform's culinary consultant and also a junior to Chef Xie from Building No. 2," Shu Yun replied. She didn't say much, briefly introducing Lin Xu's identity before excusing herself.

In her eyes, Lin Xu's status wasn't important. His exceptional cooking skills and sincere heart were enough. As for other titles and identities, those were just icing on the cake.

After Shu Yun left, Mr. Jin picked up his rice bowl and smiled. "I went to Fishing Platform at noon with great interest, only to end up leaving in haste and without any enthusiasm. But this restaurant, which I originally just glanced at on a whim, has turned out to be such a pleasant surprise."

Not only did he get to eat the Braised Pork Belly he longed for, but the other dishes were also noteworthy. Take the pressed pig's head, for example—a dish high-end restaurants, conscious of their image, wouldn't typically prepare. But this restaurant did. They not only perfected the flavor but also elevated its presentation to rival any main course. Truth be told, if Shu Yun hadn't mentioned it, no one would have guessed this rosy, neatly presented dish was made from pig's head, an ingredient often snubbed by haughty chefs.

Another cold dish, Crystal Pork Hock, was so bright and shiny it resembled a piece of art. Without even tasting it, a single glance made one feel chilled and refreshed.

As for other dishes, such as Ginger Lotus Root, Tiger Skin Chicken Feet, sautéed Beef Tongue, Vinegar Cooked Fish Slices, and Salt-Baked Pork Belly, each had its own distinctive features.

"This visit was worth it, wasn't it, Old Jin?" one of them remarked.

"Indeed! I never expected to find such a place on the North Fourth Ring," another agreed.

"I just flipped through the menu. The prices here are much lower than at Fishing Platform, and the food is just as good. We should come here for our next gathering."

"Today was too rushed. Next time, we absolutely have to try their signature dishes."

Mr. Jin had initially planned to question if this restaurant was faking Mr. Lishan's calligraphy. But now, it seemed unlikely. Could the owner of such a restaurant be just anyone? Never mind anything else, his status as a culinary consultant for Fishing Platform alone was enough to astound his peers.

He picked up a trembling piece of Braised Pork Belly and placed it in his bowl. Not rushing to eat, he instead used a spoon to crush the meat and mix it with the rice. Once thoroughly combined, he scooped up a small spoonful. The chewy pork skin, the jelly-like fat, and the rice grains coated in rich meat juice—it was an incredibly satisfying mouthful! What is perfection? This is it.

"Old Jin, did you find any good food in the Northwest this time?"

Mr. Jin replied, "The most famous dish in the Northwest is undoubtedly the roasted whole sheep. I've had it several times, and I can never get enough. It's far superior to the roasted whole sheep served in Beijing restaurants."

Delicious roasted whole sheep requires freshly slaughtered, fatty sheep. Restaurants in Beijing, however, typically use bulk-purchased frozen or chilled sheep, a clear step down in quality from the start. Furthermore, these establishments in Beijing, in their blind pursuit of profit, opt for smaller sheep. While these cook faster, they aren't as fatty, resulting in dry meat. It's a world apart from the succulent meat of the large, fatty sheep roasted in the Northwest.

After reminiscing, he said, "It's a shame we don't have such good lamb in Beijing. Otherwise, I'd absolutely have to gather everyone to try a whole one."

As they were eating, the nearby elevator door opened. An elderly man in practice clothes emerged, holding two framed scrolls. "Where is my young friend Lin?" he called out, looking around. "Isn't the restaurant open already? Why was I told it would only open this weekend? I've been waiting at home all this time..." Mumbling to himself, he headed towards the kitchen.

Mr. Jin's eyes widened. "Isn't that Mr. Lishan? How could he..."

Remembering the sign outside, a wave of relief washed over Mr. Jin. Thankfully, he hadn't voiced his doubts upon entering; otherwise, he would have made a complete fool of himself. The owner of this restaurant was truly formidable—connections to Fishing Platform and an acquaintance of the most renowned calligrapher, Mr. Lishan. This was astounding! Beijing's culinary scene was in for a major shake-up!

Geng Lishan had barely come upstairs when Geng Lele and Zeng Xiaoqi followed.

"My grandfather doesn't grasp the difference between a soft opening and the grand opening," Geng Lele explained. "He thinks Brother Xu tricked him, so he's here to demand an explanation."

Lin Xu, who had apparently come to the kitchen entrance, added, "It's my fault. When Mr. Lishan asked a few days ago, I said we'd open on Saturday and forgot to clarify."

At the kitchen entrance, Geng Lishan, who had come to "demand an explanation," listened intently as Lin Xu further clarified the difference between a soft opening and a grand opening.

"A soft opening is to build some buzz and make sure we're not empty on the grand opening day. That's why we 'warm up' beforehand. Not all dishes are available yet; the full menu will only be ready for the grand opening."

Only half-understanding, Geng Lishan responded, "Well, it was still wrong of you not to notify me! I was waiting to come and do the on-site calligraphy, and now that chance is gone."

The old man was quite endearing, Lin Xu thought.

Lin Xu smiled. "Your presence alone is a great honor, sir. How could I possibly dare to ask you to work? There's a suckling pig roasting in the oven right now. Perhaps you could help me check on it later?"

At the mention of food, Geng Lishan's attention immediately shifted. "I'm hardly qualified to 'check' your work! I'm just here to offer my congratulations and enjoy the meal. Here, take these. Gifts from me and my granddaughter..."

Lin Xu accepted the two scrolls, amused. One gift from each of them. He really is a straightforward man, Lin Xu mused.

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