Transmigration: The Little Chef Calls The Shots-Chapter 1567 - 357, (first update)

"Isn’t that, isn’t that..."

"Yes, yes, it is him!"

"My goodness! Drunken Immortal Tower actually brought this elderly gentleman back? They really must have spared no expense!"

Listening to the shocked or amazed voices of the crowd, Lin Yuan couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows, looking at the white-haired elderly gentleman being carefully supported by a middle-aged man.

The elderly gentleman appeared to be ninety years old, with hair whiter than Lao Fan’s.

However, unlike Lao Fan, this elderly gentleman did not have a beard, and there were obvious signs of recent shaving on his chin.

Not only that, the elderly gentleman seemed very spirited, and his clothes were very tidy and clean, he looked even more vigorous.

The previously seated Lao Fan and Jin Can, upon seeing this white-haired old man, uncharacteristically stood up.

This really surprised Lin Yuan; she knew Lao Fan’s temperament—people always came to greet him, when did he ever go to greet someone else?

Turning her head, she saw Yan Xiangkai smiling proudly. Lin Yuan grew curious—who exactly was this white-haired old man?

"Mr. Zhuang? You actually came in person? That old Yan really made quite the effort!"

Upon seeing the white-haired old man, Lao Fan greeted him with a beaming smile, even offering his arm for support and whispering something into his ear.

Though the white-haired old man was over ninety years old, he was neither blind nor deaf. Even though Lao Fan deliberately lowered his voice, the old man could hear him clearly.

Hearing this, the white-haired old man laughed heartily, showing off teeth that were yellowed but still strong: "You, you, after so many years, you haven’t changed a bit! Fine! After today’s competition, I will make you the Lotus Wine you’ve been longing for!"

Lao Fan nodded repeatedly, even more eagerly supporting the white-haired old man as they took their seats on the judges’ panel.

Although Lao Fan kept mentioning the Lotus Wine, Lin Yuan could tell from the respect in his expression that his reverence for the old man was not just for a taste of delicious food, but came genuinely from his heart.

Knowing that Lin Yuan must be unfamiliar with the old man, Xia Zheng hurriedly leaned in to explain softly: "That gentleman is named Zhuang Kangping; when Drunken Immortal Tower first opened, it was Mr. Zhuang who took charge of the kitchen."

One could say that the rise of Drunken Immortal Tower was all due to Zhuang Kangping’s exceptional culinary skills—this statement would not be an exaggeration.

Speaking of Mr. Zhuang’s achievements back then, they were practically a glorious Chapter in history.

It is said that his exquisite culinary skills attracted many officials and nobles, and even the Former Emperor personally decreed for him to enter the palace to cook.

However, perhaps it is true that talented people have their quirks, as Mr. Zhuang only entered the palace once and never again. Even when the Emperor sent for him, he excused himself citing ill health.

Had it been someone else, they likely would have been charged with great disrespect, but the Former Emperor, valuing talent and being inscrutable, took great liking to Mr. Zhuang.

Fine! If you won’t come to the palace, then I shall leave it!

From that moment on, the Former Emperor actually made incognito visits and became a regular customer at Drunken Immortal Tower.

This incident almost became a widely known secret throughout the Capital city, and as a result, the reputation of Drunken Immortal Tower grew even better, and so did the business naturally.

The owner at that time was Yan Xiangkai’s father, who had originally opened the restaurant as a hobby, not expecting it to become famous. He also indirectly led his son, Yan Xiangkai, onto the road of business without return.

Listening to Xia Zheng recount the old stories, Lin Yuan couldn’t help but smile lightly, thinking this must be what they mean by "flowers won’t bloom when forced, but a willow grows straight when left unattended."

After listening to Xia Zheng, Lin Yuan couldn’t help but take another careful look at Mr. Zhuang. He had spent most of his life in Drunken Immortal Tower, and retired back home when he was over seventy.

Unexpectedly, today Yan Xiangkai has invited him back, indicating how much importance he places on today’s competition.

With Mr. Zhuang present, Lin Yuan felt an unexplainable weight on her shoulders.

She couldn’t help but turn back to look at the ingredients already prepared, weighing in her mind—the first dish of today might need a different approach.

Sitting in the center of the judges’ seats was the white-haired Zhuang Kangping, and next to him was the equally grizzled-haired Lao Fan.

However, perhaps due to the meticulous habits formed from his younger days cooking, Mr. Zhuang’s hair, though white, was clean-shaven, giving him a tidy appearance.

Next to Lao Fan sat Golden Tongue Jin Can, while the middle-aged man next to Mr. Zhuang, also seemed unfamiliar, nobody she had seen before.

Lin Yuan did not recognize him, but Xia Zheng did.

"That person, hmm, I also only found out about him recently."

Pointing at the man sitting on the edge, Xia Zheng’s smile was somewhat intriguing: "You might not know who he is, but you definitely know his apprentice!"

His apprentice?

Lin Yuan blinked, knowing only a few chefs in the Capital city, but speaking of which, there were but a few.

Suddenly, an image flashed through her mind. Could it be?

Seeing her expression, Xia Zheng knew, and smiled as he nodded: "You guessed right. That man’s apprentice is none other than Cheng Haoxuan!"

So it was Cheng Haoxuan’s master!

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