The two exchanged a smile, but their eyes held a deeper meaning. Gu Weibai then took his leave, saying, "My grandfather is still waiting inside, so I won't bother you any longer. We'll discuss this further at the Chamber of Commerce's regular meeting another day."

After Gu Weibai's figure disappeared through the door, Manager He couldn't help but mutter, "I didn't expect even the Gu family to come and show their support. Manager Meng certainly has quite the influence."

Qiao Yanhe gazed thoughtfully at the gilded signboard at the restaurant entrance and murmured, "Yes, it seems we all underestimated Manager Meng."

The arrival of Dean Gu Chongshan brought the grand occasion of Yingkelou to a new peak. After all, the old master Gu is a literary giant of today. In modern terms, he is like a top literary star. Every move he makes can lead the trend of writers, not to mention the rare thing of him personally appearing in a street restaurant.

"Dean Gu!" Meng Zhao greeted him with delight, "Why did you come in person? You didn't even let me know beforehand, so I could have prepared some of your favorite tea and snacks."

Gu Chongshan stroked his white beard and laughed loudly, "Young friend Meng, I was the one who inscribed the three characters 'Welcoming Guests' at your restaurant. Now that it's open, how could I not come and ask for a bite to eat?"

A scholar in a blue robe at the next table recognized Dean Gu and rushed to the door, looking up to examine the signboard closely: "I knew it! It's Dean Gu's own handwriting! Truly flowing and powerful!"

Hearing Dean Gu's words, Meng Zhao couldn't help but laugh: "Then you've come at the perfect time! Do you remember the 'Fu Shou Quan' I mentioned to you last time? I've prepared it specially today, so you can have a taste."

"Fu Shou Quan?" Dean Gu's eyes lit up. "Is that the story you mentioned last time, 'When the jar of meat is opened, the aroma wafts to the neighbors, and even the Buddha abandons his meditation and jumps over the wall to come'?"

"Yes, it's that 'Buddha Jumps Over the Wall' dish."

"I've been craving this dish for ages!" Dean Gu stroked his beard, feigning displeasure. "You little rascal, you've been making excuses and refusing to make it for me."

"Oh dear, Dean Gu, you're wronging me." Meng Zhao quickly waved his hand to explain, "You have to understand, it's not easy to gather eighteen kinds of delicacies from land and sea for this dish. In order to prepare for today's opening, I started searching for ingredients from all over the place half a month in advance, and then simmered it for three days and three nights before it was made. It's not something you can just make on a whim."

Those who witnessed this scene were stunned. Who was this restaurant owner? How did he become so familiar with Dean Gu?

Gu Chongshan knew Meng Zhao's culinary skills and was eager to go upstairs. Suddenly, he realized something and pushed Gu Weibai forward. "Look at my memory. I was so focused on the food. Come on, this is my good-for-nothing grandson, Gu Weibai. He doesn't like going to the academy, so you haven't met him. He's also in business. You young people can have a good chat with him."

Meng Zhao carefully examined the young man in front of her. One of the reasons she went to Mingde Academy was because of this powerful chamber of commerce president.

She bowed slightly. "President Gu, I have often heard of your great name since I came to the capital. It is truly an honor to meet you in person today."

Gu Weibai returned the greeting with a cupped hand, his posture humble: "You flatter me. I should be the one saying this. Manager Meng has been in the capital for less than a year, yet he has already established himself. His business acumen is truly admirable. I should be the one learning from you."

Gu Chongshan, standing to the side, shook his head. "You two young people are being more polite than this old man! If you keep exchanging pleasantries like this, the aroma of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall will all dissipate!"

Meng Zhao smiled and led the two into the private room. "How could that be? Don't worry, this Buddha Jumps Over the Wall gets better the longer it's stewed."

Having lived most of his life and tasted countless delicacies, Old Master Gu, like everyone else, paused for a moment after tasting this "Fu Shou Quan" (a dish symbolizing longevity and good fortune) before savoring it and exclaiming, "I've spent half my life reading countless classics, but only today do I truly understand the meaning of 'fresh'! It's delicious, absolutely delicious!"

So, Old Master Gu's comment that it was delicious spread like wildfire throughout the capital. Later, the rumors intensified and gradually evolved into various versions. Some said that Old Master Gu was amazed after just one sip, some said that he drank three bowls and still wanted more, and some even said that after finishing the drink, Dean Gu covered his face and wept, sighing that he had no regrets in this life.

One day, a busybody personally asked Dean Gu, "Professor Gu, I heard that you were so moved by the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall dish you tried at Yingkelou Restaurant a few days ago that you were moved to tears? Is that true?"

Upon hearing this, Old Master Gu was both amused and exasperated. He had lived for so long; how could he be someone who could be moved to tears by a dish?

Just as he was about to retort, he suddenly recalled the scene of tasting "Fu Shou Quan" that day. The rich and fresh aroma still seemed to linger on his lips and teeth, making him unconsciously smack his lips and his eyes soften: "Delicious, really delicious. I still think about it now, wondering when I can taste it again."

Soon, rumors began to circulate in Beijing that Dean Gu wished he could taste Buddha Jumps Over the Wall again in his lifetime. In no time, the words "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall" stirred up quite a storm in literary circles.

This rumor, coupled with the unanimous praise from other diners on the opening day, with some calling it "the taste of heaven," others praising it as "the ultimate taste on earth," and still others confidently declaring that "once you've tasted this, you won't crave meat for three months," all these effusive compliments further heightened the curiosity of Beijing's gourmets.

Yingkelou thus became a popular spot for literati and scholars in the capital. Every day, scholars dressed in long gowns would come to try the same dish served by Dean Gu.

But who would have thought that this dish, after its debut on the opening day, would never be served again, causing many literati to look dejected, and some even wrote poems on the spot to express their regret, which made Yingkelou's reputation even more renowned.

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