Chapter 997: Chapter 415: Lin Xu Initiates the Raid! We Solemnly Promise Not to Use Xie Baomin First! [Subscribe]

Group?

Lin Xu had joined quite a few groups, but the most active and gossip-filled one was still the [Lin Ji’s Food High-end VIP Customer Group]. Thinking that everyone was already familiar with Huo Yifan, he added him to the group.

As soon as Huo Yifan joined the group, Wei Qian immediately started to tease:

"Welcome the newcomer, report your three sizes and weight!"

Huo Yifan: "..."

Is this your kind of hobby?

He casually sent a red envelope in the group and greeted everyone, then put down his phone and continued to reflect on the changes at the Yanjing Hotel:

"I really didn’t expect that Master Meng was such a person. During Spring Festival I visited him with my dad and he wanted to take me as his god-grandson..."

Lin Xu asked:

"Did you agree?"

"No! My life is already difficult enough without adding an extra ’grandpa’ into the mix... After we left, my dad praised me for making the right choice, saying we’re not the same kind of people. I didn’t understand what he meant at the time, but now after hearing you, I see we really aren’t the same."

Shen Baobao asked, somewhat puzzled:

"If you aren’t the same kind of people, why did you visit?"

Xie Baomin, who hadn’t said anything, chuckled:

"That’s the helplessness of adulthood, even if you’re annoyed, some visits are necessary. Like me, every Spring Festival, I have to carry gifts and visit many houses... By the way, young lad, where are you celebrating New Year’s this year?"

Lin Xu sipped his jasmine tea:

"Yueyue and I will have our wedding before the year ends, and after the wedding we’ll go back to Yinzhou. We’ll hold another banquet there, and we’ll be back after the sixth day of the New Year."

"Sounds nice, a change from the usual hustle and bustle."

After telling this to the in-laws, you can all go to the mountains for New Year’s, and bring over the old lady Shen too, make it a lively gathering.

As for business, the company and Ziqiang Shengjian will be on holiday, but the storefronts will remain open.

At that time, it will be up to Wei Qian and Shu Yun to take care of things.

Around eleven, most of the guests had already arrived, and Guo Jichang, accompanied by Guo Weidong, Guo Xinghai, and others, walked in.

Greeting familiar chefs, Cheng JianShe hurried over to assist.

"Is everything ready, Xiao Cheng?"

"All set."

"Then... let’s begin!"

With everyone present, it’s time to start the initiation... oh no, it’s time to start the apprenticeship ceremony.

Liao Jinming took the microphone and stepped onto the stage, announcing the official start of the ceremony like a master of ceremonies.

"Why is Director Liao here?"

"This is quite grand! The Director of Fishing Platform’s Dining Department acting as the MC himself."

"They’re really making a statement."

"Chef Cheng’s apprenticeship ceremony is truly ceremonial."

Everyone was surprised by Liao Jinming’s appearance, but only those at Fishing Platform knew that his presence had nothing to do with grandiosity.

The old man just wanted to get a closer look at the excitement.

Whether it was Director Liao’s announcement or because Qi Zhentao’s elders were driven away by Dundun leading to a lack of instigators, none of Qi Zhentao’s uncles or displeased masters showed any sign of stirring up trouble. It seemed they were simply there to bring gifts and enjoy the feast.

Lin Xu curiously asked Xie Baomin:

"Senior brother, shouldn’t they be stepping forward to interfere at this point?"

"That would be a losing move. This is an apprenticeship ceremony, not a Yanjing Hotel inauguration. If they dare to cause trouble, Elder Guo would strike them with his cane..."

You can’t make trouble during an apprenticeship ceremony.

Because the relationship between master and apprentice is mutual, others have no right to interfere.

The ceremony proceeded smoothly, and when Cheng JianShe knelt before Guo Jichang with a cup of tea, everyone in the audience simultaneously applauded.

Those from Fishing Platform clapped for Cheng JianShe’s success.

The others clapped because... the long prelude was finally over, and they could finally engage in a lively exchange.

Shen Baobao stifled a yawn, leaned her head on Lin Xu’s shoulder, and whispered:

"A bit boring, nothing seems to be erupting into an argument."

Lin Xu smiled:

"Be patient, even if they don’t argue, I can instigate it."

If this group remained calm until lunchtime, it would be a shame to Geng Lishan’s efforts.

Since they’re not making a move, let’s make the first move.

As the saying goes: the best defense is a good offense!

To fend off their attack, let’s launch our attack now, shall we?

"The apprenticeship ceremony is officially over. Congratulations to Elder Guo on accepting a devoted disciple, and congratulations to Chef Cheng for finding a great mentor!"

Just as Liao Jinming finished speaking, Lin Xu took Geng Lishan’s calligraphy and walked up to the stage.

"To celebrate Chef Cheng’s apprenticeship under a renowned mentor, Mr. Lishan has entrusted me to present this piece of calligraphy, hoping Elder Guo and Chef Cheng will continue to promote Chinese cuisine."

Liao Jinming was about to step down when he heard it was Geng Lishan’s work. He immediately said:

"I really didn’t expect Mr. Lishan to send a piece of calligraphy. Let’s unveil it for everyone to see!"

Cheng JianShe hadn’t expected to receive a piece of Geng Lishan’s calligraphy either. He nodded slightly to Lin Xu and whispered:

"Thank you, Master Lin."

Guo Jichang stroked his beard, looking very interested.

As the scroll was slowly unfurled, the words "Renowned Master, Diligent Apprentice" appeared before everyone.

Those four words alone were nothing special, but the crucial part was the inscription on the scroll, which actually read as a gift to Yanjing Hotel Executive Chef Cheng JianShe.

This stirred up a hornet’s nest.

An elderly man with graying hair stood up and said: