Abnormal Gourmet Chronicle-Chapter 988 - 484: Return to Shan City_2
After finishing, Boss Su seized the moment to ask: "Xiao Qin, last time you mentioned that Master Zhou and I lack experience, and studying recipes suitable for mass production with a lasting shelf life is certainly difficult in a short period. Instead, let's not aim too high, but start with simpler snacks that have a shelf life of 7-15 days, sold only in Hangzhou. I think this idea is great."
"I wonder if you're interested. If you are, we can discuss it in detail once you return to Shan City. It doesn't matter if you're not in Hangzhou, we can have an online meeting."
"I'm not afraid to admit to you, although I was a snack master for ten years early on, in recent years I haven't practiced much, and my skills are quite rusty. Master Zhou has been making mostly mid to high-end and high-end snacks over the years, rarely making simple, homemade snacks. Compared to you, the two of us have less experience in this aspect."
Qin Huai hadn't expected Boss Su's special drive to the airport for him and Zhao Cheng'an was indeed to discuss serious business, related to Zhiwei Restaurant's future lucrative ventures.
Qin Huai pondered, neither agreeing nor rejecting, ambiguously responding: "If I have time and you need my advice, Boss Su, I might be able to offer some thoughts within my capability."
Upon Qin Huai's words, Boss Su understood his meaning and instead handed the conversation time back to Master Zhou.
Master Zhou nagged about some dumpling considerations, repeatedly reminding Qin Huai of what to practice upon returning to Shan City, how to practice, advising not to tire himself, but also not to slack off. If really unclear, he could ask Zhao Cheng'an, who, though still unwell, has rich theoretical knowledge from years of learning, definitely knowing more than Qin Huai.
He's unlike Cao Guixiang, who can conduct online teaching via video calls with Qin Huai; Master Zhou dislikes this method, feeling a video doesn't clearly show the chef's exact technique, and without the person before him, he cannot teach.
Qin Huai expressed understanding, acknowledging each master has their own habits.
Master Zhou chatted with Qin Huai continuously until Qin Huai had to board the plane, only then watching him and Zhao Cheng'an pass through security with a face full of reluctance about his disciple's impending departure. As for which disciple… 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦
Zhao Cheng'an, the proper direct disciple, didn't mind.
During Master Zhou's nagging future precautions with Qin Huai, Zhao Cheng'an sampled each snack Master Zhou made for them to take on the flight, picking his favorites for a feast.
He hadn't even gone through security, and was almost full.
"Burp." At the boarding gate, Zhao Cheng'an let out a loud belch, admitting he'd eaten enough, planning to drink on the plane later, lacking space for snacks, and passed the remaining snacks to Qin Huai.
"Today my master's Autumn Pear Crisp is especially delicious, he specifically left two pieces for you, eat up."
Qin Huai quietly started eating.
"Earlier, what were Boss Su and my master chatting extensively with you about? I didn't listen closely, just heard Boss Su seemed to want to involve you in a business venture, was it about the snack factory? Do you think Boss Su can succeed in this?" Zhao Cheng'an inquired.
Still silently eating snacks, Qin Huai paused a moment before replying slowly:
"I don't know, I don't have experience in that area."
"I only know Boss Su is indeed very interested in this business, encountering as many obstacles in the snack recipe as us two. Given his personality, if he wants to do it, I believe he will eventually succeed."
Zhao Cheng'an's eyes sparkled.
Qin Huai: "What are you planning?"
"Last time in Beiping, didn't Xia Mubing give me hundreds of thousands as pocket money? I've saved those funds, didn't use them for replenishing stocks, but it feels off just sitting in the bank, I want to use them for something."
"You have intermediate management skills, you're reliable. If you think it's promising, I'll ask Boss Su if he can, considering my master, let me invest a bit in the factory. If I lose the money Xia Mubing gave, I'd be embarrassed."
Qin Huai recalled Zhao Cheng'an's all-green account, boringly teased: "So spending your own money replenishing stocks isn't embarrassing?"
"Mind your business."
"By the way, how much have you improved your dumpling skills recently?" Zhao Cheng'an asked.
"Over 7,000."
Mentioning this, Qin Huai tapped into the virtual game panel, glanced at skill level: "Just 2,100 left to level up."
"That's soon, if you keep practicing upon returning, you'll hit the threshold in a few days."
Indeed, very soon. On day one of dumpling making, Qin Huai improved 93 points; after Zhao Cheng'an gave him a private session that day, he practiced for several more hours, improved another 78 points.
Originally, Qin Huai thought this speed was fast enough, but the following days saw unprecedented skill increase, perhaps due to mastering dumpling-making; he gained an extraordinary 1,400 points one day, unmatched efficiency, impossible to replicate.
This speed made Qin Huai suspect absurdly if he had a deadline-driven progress trait, although no one stipulated he must achieve a major breakthrough by August 20th, leveling a skill to master or completing a side quest, he internally felt urgency.
That day, Cheng Gong's words during the video call set a small goal. August 20th was a crucial date when everyone would gather in Shan City, a significant day Qin Huai felt warranted a notable event, befitting its importance.
