Chapter 14: Opening of "Finding Taste"
"Next week's Cooking
Can I participate in the Workshop (cooking workshop)? " an international student asked Pei Song on Instagram.
This is already the third private chef invitation this week.
Ever since Shi Yanchen suggested that he start taking orders again, Pei Song's career as a food blogger has gradually picked up.
Just as he was about to reply, a malicious comment suddenly appeared:
"I heard that this blogger's family had an accident and now relies on cooking to make a living! I don't know if the ingredients were cut corners..."
Pei Song's hand paused. This kind of comments have appeared frequently recently, making him feel stressed every time he accepted an order.
"Delete it." Shi Yanchen's voice suddenly came from behind, "Don't pay attention to this kind of person."
Pei Song smiled bitterly: "But such remarks will affect customer confidence..."
"I'll take care of it." Shi Yanchen took his phone and operated it quickly, "Set up a keyword filter, and also..."
He opened his notebook: "I asked my labmates to do a simple data analysis for you. These are the recent peak booking times. I suggest you schedule your appointments at these times."
Pei Song looked at the detailed data charts on the screen and was speechless for a moment.
"Time management is very important." Shi Yanchen pointed to the form and said, "This will ensure that you have enough time to review your lessons."
"When did you..."
"I saw you staying up late to finish your paper last week. Your efficiency is too low." Shi Yanchen said, "If you arrange it this way, your efficiency will be greatly improved."
In this way, with the help of Shi Yanchen, Pei Song began to plan his time scientifically.
Classes in the morning, review in the afternoon, and private chef appointments in the evenings and weekends.
That day, he was preparing a dinner for an important client when a strange number called him.
"Pei Song, it's me, your third aunt." A pretentious voice came from the other end of the phone, "I heard that you are doing well in Country D? Have you started working as a private chef?"
Pei Song's heart sank. This third aunt loved to gossip and often added insult to injury when something happened at home.
"I was still praising you when I was chatting with others!" Third Aunt continued, "I just don't know where you get your ingredients from now? Could it be..."
"I'm responsible for his ingredients." A cold voice suddenly interrupted. Shi Yanchen stood behind Pei Song at some point and pressed the hands-free button.
"Who are you?"
"Leon
Schneider, M. Putting, Ph.D. "Shi Yanchen's voice became colder," If this lady wants to know the source of the ingredients, I can provide the qualifications and certifications of all suppliers. Of course, if you have any questions, I would also be happy to invite the media to conduct on-site interviews. "
There was silence for a few seconds on the other end of the phone, and then the call was hung up in a hurry.
Pei Song stared at Shi Yanchen blankly: "Why are you..."
Shi Yanchen said calmly: "Don't worry about them, just focus on your work."
Since then, the gossip has gradually disappeared.
Pei Song received more and more reservations, and even some Michelin restaurants invited him to be a guest chef.
But academic pressure also increased. As the final exams were approaching, Pei Song often stayed up late to review.
Early that morning, he was working on a complex financial model in his study when he heard a knock on the door.
"Aren't you sleeping yet?" Shi Yanchen leaned against the door frame.
"Almost nothing, only the last question left..." Pei Song rubbed his sore eyes.
Shi Yanchen walked over and took a look at the question: "The wrong formula is used here."
For the next half hour, he patiently guided Pei Song to modify the calculation steps.
"Okay, go to bed." Shi Yanchen closed his notebook, "I'll go to the library with you tomorrow."
Pei Song was stunned for a moment: "Aren't you going to prepare for the defense?"
"I've finished writing the paper," Shi Yanchen said, "so I can help you look at the review plan."
In this way, the two began their nine-to-five library life.
Shi Yanchen not only helped Pei Song sort out the knowledge points, but also specially adjusted the time of the private chef appointment to leave him enough time to review.
"Don't worry about the money," he said. "Just pass the exam first."
Pei Song knew that Shi Yanchen had been silently paying for the rent and daily expenses during this period.
But every time I mentioned this, the other party would always say casually: "Your cooking offset it."
On the day the final exam ended, Pei Song got first place in his major.
"Thank you." He walked out of the examination room and said to Shi Yanchen who was waiting outside.
This thank you is not only for the guidance in my studies, but also for all the silent contributions during this period.
Shi Yanchen glanced at him and asked, "What do you want to eat tonight?"
"You decide." Pei Song said with a smile, "I'll treat you today."
"No need." Shi Yanchen turned and walked towards the apartment, "Everything you cook is delicious."
Looking at Shi Yanchen's back, Pei Song suddenly felt a little sour in his nose.
This seemingly cold person always provides help in the most appropriate way, making people develop a deep trust in him without realizing it.
At night, Pei Song was busy in the kitchen when he suddenly received a message from his third aunt:
"I heard you were hanging out with a rich second-generation guy? No wonder you were suddenly listed on Michelin..."
Pei Song's hand paused when deleting the message.
He turned his head to look at the study, where Shi Yanchen was staring at the screen intently, and the sound of keyboard typing was crisp and powerful.
Perhaps, I really rely on him too much.
…
Pei Song's Chinese restaurant "Xunwei" opened in the fall.
Located at the corner of the food street near M University, the three-story stand-alone building has been carefully designed, retaining the elegance of German architecture while incorporating modern Chinese elements.
On the opening day, the entire street was filled with diners lining up to enjoy the restaurant.
Shi Yanchen was well prepared and invited a professional security team to maintain order.
"I didn't expect there would be so many people." Pei Song was busy in the kitchen, sweating profusely.
"These are your Instagram followers." Shi Yanchen stood at the kitchen door. "I've had people evaluate that you have a great influence in the food circle of Country D."
During the first week of opening, the restaurant was packed every day.
Pei Song spends almost all his time in the kitchen, striving to make every dish perfect.
"You need to train helpers." Late one night, Shi Yanchen looked at Pei Song who was summarizing the dishes and said, "You will be exhausted if you continue like this."
"I feel exhausted too..." Pei Song sighed.
"I will arrange for a few chefs to come for an interview tomorrow." Shi Yanchen made the decision directly, "You only need to be responsible for quality control and teaching."
Soon, several experienced Chinese chefs joined the team.
Pei Song taught them his exclusive formulas and techniques step by step. After a month of training, they were finally able to share part of the work.
"Now we can spend more time on new product research and development," said Shi Yanchen.
The restaurant's business was on the right track, with income and expenditure breaking even every month, and even making a profit.
Pei Song originally wanted to use part of the profits to repay Shi Yanchen's investment, but he flatly refused.
"Use this money to learn at a Michelin restaurant," Shi Yanchen said. "I invested in you because I saw your potential, not to make a little money."