Food Intelligence King

Chapter 23 Light and Heat
Putting aside the intelligence report's mention of increasing brand awareness...

Just because Grandpa Yu was willing to spend two thousand yuan to buy his blue and white porcelain plate, Chen Zhou wanted to treat the old gentleman to a meal of steamed buns as a small token of his appreciation.

Yu Shaochun was a very open and generous person. After thanking Chen Zhou, he readily accepted the steamed buns. He didn't hesitate to say polite things like, "These steamed buns are really good. Little Chen's cooking skills are excellent."

However, he was clearly more interested in something else at the stall.

Yu Shaochun slightly lifted the large signboard, revealing the original small signboard.

"Pickled cucumbers, and the old way?"

Chen Zhou nodded. "Yes, would you like to try a couple?"

Yu Shaochun became interested.

"So that's why you took a liking to that blue and white lotus plate, you found the recipe on it!"

Chen Zhou laughed and said, "You don't even know what I do for a living."

Grandpa Yu waved his hand, "It's all the same no matter what you do, there's no such thing as high or low. As long as you can do it well and do it well. Even playing is something you have to do in a creative way."

He thanked Chen Zhou again for the pickled cucumbers and continued:

"Let me try your cooking. Anyway, I personally think that 'Suiyuan Shidan' is obviously an exaggeration. As a small book of essays recording the social conditions of that time, it's just something to read and forget."

The recipes above should not be taken too seriously.

Yu Shaochun himself tried the recipe many times, so he felt that this ancient method was just what it was supposed to be.

However, upon tasting Chen Zhou's pickled cucumbers, he quickly noticed something was amiss. He muttered, "Something's not right, something's not right."

The pickled cucumbers, taken from the mini-fridge, were slightly cool.

For Grandpa Yu, it was a bit of a toothache.

But upon entering his mouth, a crisp "crunch" sound instantly invigorated Yu Shaochun.

Cucumbers themselves have a refreshing and pleasant flavor.

During the marinating process, it is soaked in the sauce, which adds a sweet, sour, salty and savory flavor.

This makes pickled cucumbers both appetizing and refreshing.

The garlic cloves inside are also incredibly delicious; after being pickled, they are spicy but not irritating.

After tasting it, Yu Shaochun said in confusion, "This is different from what I made."

"Did you try making it at home too?" Chen Zhou asked.

“I’ve done it, and more than once.” Grandpa Yu nodded, then began to discuss with Chen Zhou how to make pickled cucumbers.

After a simple comparison, Chen Zhou discovered:

Aside from the fact that the ingredients Grandpa Yu uses are generally more expensive, the cooking methods are not much different from my own.

Ultimately, it's impossible to please everyone.
Even if the seasoning is slightly off, you can still control the sweet, sour, and salty balance yourself. It should be more palatable.

How did it come to make Grandpa Yu look so "shocked"?

Chen Zhou couldn't help but recall what the other person had mentioned about "Daqu" (a type of classical Chinese music).
"What kind of wine did you just say you used?"

Yu Shaochun replied, "This time it's Shuang Gou Daqu. I've also tried Yi Mao and Wu Qu, but none of them worked."

Chen Zhou was slightly taken aback after hearing this. "Uncle, how about we switch to something cheaper? How about some yellow wine? We can buy a big jar for 35."

After listening, Yu Shaochun patted his thigh.

"How could I not have thought of that? People in Jiangnan drink Shaoxing wine! I'll try it again when I get back. What brand did you buy, Xiao Chen?"

Chen Zhou laughed and said, "In your style, why don't you exchange it for 18-year-old Daughter's Red wine? You don't need to go through all this trouble like I did; mine is terribly heavy."

"Hahaha."

The old man's hearty laughter echoed from the stall.

It seems that after eating some pickled cucumbers, this side dish is really appetizing.

Yu Shaochun was never able to escape Chen Zhou's trap.

He then tasted it again in front of him.

"Your steamed buns are really authentic; they remind me of some things from the past."

Grandpa, you've fallen into the trap of commonplace memories. When diners reminisce, they can't escape their homeland and loved ones.

This TV series and novel have been adapted to death.

However, this was Chen Zhou's first time being a stall owner and cook. Therefore, he was very willing to listen to Chen Zhou recount his past stories, showing a receptive attitude.

Yu Shaochun recalled:

"I think I ate this bun in Beijing, but it's been so long that I can't remember it very well."

Hearing a story isn't easy, so I'll have to help you recall. Chen Zhou couldn't help but think that his steamed bun recipe came from a chef who had served at state banquets. So, half-jokingly, he said:

"Could it be the Beijing Hotel?"

"It really is, yes, it's the Huaxia Ceremonial Hall at the Beijing Hotel."

Yu Shaochun tapped his finger.

"I never expected to taste that same flavor here again today. I'll definitely recommend you to others. It's rare to find such authentic steamed buns. I was in my thirties back then."

Grandpa Yu was very satisfied with his meal today. It not only resolved his doubts but also brought back some of the flavors from his childhood.

Chen Zhou also took a moment to look at his own intelligence.

The rare [diner activity] has landed here; let's just wait and see what Grandpa Yu has to do with it.

The business at the steamed bun stall is sporadic and not concentrated on weekends.

There were people at work, but significantly fewer than on weekdays.

Therefore, Chen Zhou appropriately extended the battle lines.

Later that evening, I ran into Jinda Tobacco and Alcohol's neighbor.

Meng Da could keep an eye on his shop from his stall, so after buying some steamed buns, he started chatting with Chen Zhou:
"Brother Chen, I think I saw an old man here around this evening, and we chatted for a while?"

Chen Zhou replied, "Do you recognize him from when you were browsing antique shops before?"

"His surname is Yu?"

"Correct."

“That’s right,” Meng Da nodded and continued:
"That old man's got some skills. I saw him on the 'Daily Treasure Appraisal' livestream last time; there were thousands of viewers there, all spamming—"

If you do not reject me, I am willing to become your godfather.

"It seems that Old Master Yu is indeed incredibly wealthy."

"Who can argue with that? If you're born into a good family, you'll never have to worry about money your whole life."

Chen Zhou could only sigh that people's joys and sorrows are not the same.

Thinking about how my dad is almost retired and his career has long been over, I guess there's not much hope left.

Then Chen Zhou has no choice but to give his daughter a higher starting point.

However, seeing Chen Taotao so happy holding a small megaphone, Chen Zhou felt that it was good that the child could grow up healthy and happy like this.

Pack up and go home.

After several days of hard work, Chen Zhou's positive reviews reached 700/700 just after 9 o'clock.

I wonder which customer is having dinner so late.

But since it's a "good review +1", he/she must have been very satisfied with this meal.

Chen Zhou was pleased to learn that although his steamed bun stall was small, it could still shine in some way.

He checked his food intelligence system. He wondered what new information he'd unlocked after this upgrade.

We're just waiting for tomorrow morning to welcome the new changes.

These days, I've been making pork buns all the time. Now that I've established a good reputation, it's time to gather information and research some other fillings.

If you open a shop in the future, should you also include porridge, wontons, noodles, soy milk, pancakes, and the like?

It would be great if we could get some insider information on finding bargains and making money.
Ms. Lin stepped out of the house, interrupting Chen Zhou's thoughts.

"What are you thinking about? Standing here so late at night?"

Chen Zhou looked around the bedroom.
"Is Tao Tao asleep?"

Ms. Lin was silent for about half a second, then hummed in response.

"Come on, come into the house with me."

(End of this chapter)