Chapter 185 Food is the sky for the people, Chef Lu, you are my sky! “This fried rice noodles are so delicious!” “Eh? Fried rice noodles can smell so good? I’ve never had such delicious fried rice noodles in Haishi!” “It’s Chef Lu’s cooking! Next time, when my father-in-law has his birthday, I’ll invite Chef Lu. You name the price—pick-up by car, airplane is fine!” “Chef Lu’s cooking is unbeatable! He could probably make fried shoe insoles taste delicious!” The plate holding the fried rice noodles was the largest size available at Wangjing No. 1, just a little smaller than a typical basin. A pile of fried rice noodles sat like a little mountain, generously portioned to satisfy hunger. The dish was garnished with red and green vegetables and peppers, with the wok fragrance filling the air, arousing the guests’ appetites. When a guest picked up some noodles, they were smooth and loose, not tangled like hair, and didn’t drag the sauce. The noodles were different from others they’d had before. They noticed that when the fried rice noodles were served, no matter how big a bite they took, they didn’t choke. The noodles were greasy but not heavy, crispy yet tender—absolutely the best fried rice noodles ever. The guests praised Chef Lu’s skills and agreed that it was a blessing to marry someone like him. Many big names even handed their business cards to Shen Muyan, eager to make connections, offering to keep in touch and maintain good relations. Shen Muyan was aware that they were really interested in her husband, but she felt proud too. Lu Xiyao loved hearing people praise her father more than hearing praise for herself. The guests who came to the birthday banquet were initially not there just for the food. Building relationships and networking was the real goal. But after the liver paste soup made by Lu Qin was served, the atmosphere began to change. The guests’ appetites were instantly piqued. They had never tasted anything so delicious. The liver paste soup was a high-end national banquet dish! Although the portion was small—just one bite per person—larger portions followed, and soon, a large plate of fried rice noodles arrived. The guests eagerly grabbed at it, and those who were slow had nothing left! Several chefs from Wangjing No. 1 watched their meticulously prepared dishes being ignored, feeling defeated. “How could fried rice noodles beat expensive seafood?” One of them sighed in defeat. Gu Tielin saw everyone fighting for the fried rice noodles and felt embarrassed. At the old man Ouyang’s birthday banquet, their finely crafted dishes were overshadowed by a simple plate of fried rice noodles! This would be a disaster for Wangjing No. 1’s reputation if it got out. Lu Qin walked out of the kitchen to the hall, and all eyes were on him. “Chef Lu, how can your fried rice noodles be so delicious?” “Food is the sky for the people, Chef Lu, you are my sky!” “Chef Lu, come to my restaurant, just your fried rice noodles could sell for 1288!” Ouyang Peng laughed. By the end of the banquet, all the attention was on Chef Lu, overshadowing the birthday star, Ouyang Peng. But Ouyang didn’t mind. He leisurely enjoyed his bowl of fried rice noodles. It was a good thing he was the birthday celebrant—otherwise, he wouldn’t even have gotten that bowl. Despite being elderly, everyone at the table fought like wrestlers to grab the noodles. Zhu Guangyao, feeling a bit embarrassed, managed to grab a whole bowl of fried rice noodles, despite the commotion. Lu Qin smiled and asked, “How do you all like the taste? The rice noodles’ quality isn’t quite perfect, which affects the taste a bit.” The guests were stunned. “These fried rice noodles aren’t perfect?” If they were perfect, wouldn’t they be out of this world? Gu Tielin’s muscles twitched. Although his words didn’t directly involve them, it felt like an invisible slap to the face. How could he still be criticizing the ingredients? After such praise, Lu Qin even criticized the dish! The birthday banquet ended after a plate of divine fried rice noodles. Everyone was happy. Ouyang Peng stood up and smiled, “Everyone full now?” “If Chef Lu’s dishes come again, I’d still find room for more!” “I can’t eat anymore, but I can scrape it out and eat it again!” After the banquet, Lu Qin was invited by Ouyang Peng. The guests, besides thanking Ouyang Peng, sincerely thanked Lu Qin. Lu Qin’s phone contacts were forcefully added with the names of several billionaires. Shen Muyan was envious—this was a rare networking opportunity! The boss of Wangjing No. 1 found Ouyang Lin, venting his frustrations. “Ouyang, who is this Chef Lu? The whole kitchen team of Wangjing No. 1 was obliterated by a young chef!” “How could a plate of fried rice noodles outshine all the precious ingredients we’ve used?” “You’re honest with me—did you send someone to sabotage us?” The boss of Wangjing No. 1 looked miserable. Ouyang Lin, feeling smug, replied apologetically, “Gong, I’m truly sorry. Chef Lu’s daughter was craving the food and made extra dishes by accident. We didn’t expect such a reaction.” The boss of Wangjing No. 1 felt like cursing but tried to hold it in. Ouyang Lin, his face barely hiding a grin, explained, “Honestly, at first, the boss at Wangjing No. 1 kept boasting about the strength of the kitchen team, how they were top-tier in Haishi, even in the province.” “But the liver paste soup was a disaster! You can’t even make it! So, we had to ask Lu Qin for help. If it weren’t for him, this banquet would have been a letdown.” After the banquet, Lu Qin had no further business. It was time for the blind box event. Ouyang Lin handed Lu Qin a bank card. “Lu, no need for words. The thanks are all in the card.” “Let’s cooperate happily.” Lu Qin smiled slightly, took the card, and replied, “Cooperate happily.” Ouyang Lin invited Lu Qin to stay in Haishi for a couple more days with full hospitality. However, Lu Qin declined. The next day, their daughter was going to kindergarten, and Shen Muyan had to work, so they had to head back to Jiangcheng. Lu Qin also had to return to the stall, as he hadn’t earned many system points in the past two days. Lu Qin gave Ouyang Lin some ice crystal cakes and pickled chicken feet as a thank-you, saying they were made during their short break in the kitchen at Wangjing No. 1. Ouyang Lin hesitated but accepted the gift with gratitude. Googlᴇ search 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵⟡𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⟡𝓷𝓮𝓽 “You know, I should have prepared some local specialties for you as the host,” Ouyang Lin said. Lu Qin chuckled, “Everything’s in the card.” Ouyang Lin sent them to the Kaila Hotel, and Lu Qin drove back, stopping at a gas station to refuel. Shen Muyan offered to drive, but Lu Qin, energetic as ever, insisted on driving. Before they hit the highway, Lu Qin checked the balance in his bank account. Eighty million. Ouyang Lin truly was generous. This trip was a great success. Lu Qin was now a millionaire.