Chapter 172 Chapter 172 Old-fashioned Taste
In the end, Wu Li divorced Qian Yang despite everyone's opposition. Over the years, Wu Li raised her child alone. Qian Yang would come to visit her from time to time, but that was all.
But unexpectedly, no one knew what happened to Qian Yang this year, and he suddenly wanted to get back together with Wu Li. Thinking of what Qian Yang had done, Wu Li had no intention of getting back together with him at all.
She had seen through Qian Yang, and as expected, when he saw Qian Lili, Qian Yang couldn't help himself and wanted to attack Qian Lili.
Wu Li stopped here. She had another guess in her mind as to why Qian Yang came to her to get back together.
That guess was the fundamental reason why Wu Li hated Qian Yang so much and wanted to take revenge on Qian Yang. As long as Qian Yang was unhappy, she would be happy, and as long as Qian Yang couldn't get what he wanted, she would be happy.
This past event made Jiang Xi and Qian Lili silent. Thinking back to Qian Yang's expression just now, Qian Lili felt like she was going to vomit the food she had eaten the night before. It was really unfortunate to be favored by such a disgusting person.
Qian Lili was indignant: "That old guy really wants to be with young girls. His dream is so beautiful. The wrinkles on his face could kill a mosquito. I can't even eat when I see that face."
"If I had known he was thinking this way, I would have thrown all the soup on the table in his face to show him what he really is!"
"This old idiot is addicted to young girls. If I see him next time, I will definitely not treat him well. If he dares to offend me, even if he picks up a stone from the ground, I will beat him up head-on."
Qian Lili scolded without mercy, and Wu Li felt very happy, a happiness she had never felt before.
She didn't tell this secret to anyone else because she felt embarrassed and unable to talk about it. Now that Jiang Xi and Qian Lili have had some experience, Wu Li can share this secret.
This secret has now become a common secret among the three of them. With this relationship, the feelings between the three of them have become closer. Different from the unfamiliarity of the first meeting, they gradually have a feeling of being allies.
Wu Li said bluntly: "You came to me to talk about more than just this, right?"
Jiang Xi also answered directly: "Yes, because we discovered Boss Qian's intentions, I don't want to cooperate with him."
"But we don't have any restaurant-related connections in Shanghai, so I'd like to ask if you could introduce one. We don't need you to introduce them in person, just tell us the name and we'll find it ourselves."
Jiang Xi had also asked Lin Xiurong, but Lin Xiurong had more connections in the hotel. Wu Li was different. Her marriage with Qian Yang meant that her family had connections with these old-fashioned hotels in Shanghai, and was even very familiar with them. They must be in the same circle.
I have to say that Jiang Xi asked the right person, Wu Li. In addition to the hotel business, Wu Li's family also runs a restaurant business.
Therefore, Wu Li also has many connections in this area. Later, her aunt moved to Beijing and the restaurant was no longer open, but the connections from that year were still there.
"You guys are to my taste, and you were able to give that bastard a hard time, which is pretty satisfying. I do know the owner of a long-established restaurant in Shanghai. He's a very honest man and has very high standards for his partners. Your food is of good quality, you should go and give it a try."
As Wu Li spoke, she wrote a name and address on a piece of paper and handed it to Jiang Xi. Jiang Xi hurriedly thanked her. It was better to have someone provide information than for them to rush around aimlessly. Moreover, if Wu Li could say that this person was upright, then he was truly upright.
Jiang Xi didn't want to take shortcuts and get in touch with some unscrupulous people because he was reborn and had this opportunity. Jiang Xi believed very much in karma. If he took advantage here, he would have to pay it back one day. Instead of taking shortcuts to gain benefits, Jiang Xi wanted to work steadily with reliable people.
There was an address written on the paper: Shanxian Hotel.
Qian Lili couldn't help but say, "This is a really big restaurant, much bigger than Yuexiang Restaurant. Jiang Tao took me there for dinner before. The restaurant is really nice, and the prices are even cheaper than Yuexiang Restaurant. The food is also excellent, and many of the dishes are delicious."
"Jiang Tao told me that this is a long-established restaurant in Shanghai. All the gourmets in Shanghai recommend it, and many people from other places also come here to eat."
Qian Lili leaned close to Jiang Xi and whispered, "I also heard from Jiang Tao that there was once a famous boss who specifically asked for the scallion-fried sea cucumber from Shanxian Restaurant before he died. He closed his eyes only after eating it."
Jiang Xi laughed: "This kind of thing can't be true, how can it be spread so convincingly, who saw it?"
Qian Lili also thought it was a bit exaggerated: "It should be a legend. Maybe Jiang Tao is bragging. But it also proves that this restaurant is very good."
Qian Lili has put aside her previous frustrated mood. She doesn't care about Lao Bangcai anymore. Now they have a new choice, and the restaurant is bigger than Lao Bangcai's. She is not afraid that Lao Bangcai will be unwilling to cooperate.
If Yuexiang Restaurant specializes in local cuisine, then Shanxian Restaurant started out as a seafood restaurant. If you want to eat the freshest and highest quality seafood, everyone will go to Shanxian Restaurant.
Shanghai cuisine is characterized by rich oil and red sauce, while seafood emphasizes the original flavor of the food.
"It is said that the seafood at Shanxian Restaurant is delivered early in the morning, and the seafood is still alive and kicking. There are also some particularly rare seafood that only regular customers of the restaurant can eat."
Qian Lili had been there several times and was familiar with the dishes of Shanxian Restaurant. She had also thought about whether she could cooperate with Shanxian Restaurant, but she had been there several times and had no say.
Moreover, at that time, Wu Ji Zao Lu was just a small shop and had no reputation in Shanghai. Qian Lili also focused on cooperation with the factory. She didn't expect that this wish would come true today.
Jiang Xi and Qian Lili sat down under the guidance of the waiter. Qian Lili couldn't help but smile. She was so lucky today. She had two good meals. She had lunch at Yuexiang Restaurant. Although Qian Yang was annoying, the food was innocent. In the afternoon, she went to Shanxian Restaurant. She made a profit.
Qian Lili was content as long as she had food to eat and put all her worries behind her. Although Shanxian Restaurant used more precious ingredients than Yuexiang Restaurant, the prices were very reasonable. Jiang Xi and Qian Lili each ordered two signature dishes.
While waiting for the food to be served, Jiang Xi observed his surroundings calmly.
Compared with Shanxian Hotel and Yuexiang Hotel, it is more humane and many diners are familiar with the waiters.
The average age of the waiters here is around 40 years old. When they see customers, they will greet them warmly and call them Uncle Zhang or Uncle Chen. It is obvious that they know each other and their words are very warm.
Some customers don't even need to order, they just say the old saying and the waiter will know what they want.
The most eye-catching one was a strong old man. He was not tall, wore a bowler hat, and was holding a tray as he walked back and forth in the hall.
These guests greeted him and called him Uncle Lian. The old man also greeted them warmly. Sometimes he even reminded the guests to eat oysters while they are hot, because cold oysters will become fishy and not tasty.
There were also hotel staff who would occasionally find the old man and ask him to sign something, and the old man would sign everything he looked at.
Jiang Xi determined that this old man was not an ordinary person, but the owner of Shanxian Hotel, Lian Qinghua.
Jiang Xi guessed correctly. Although Lian Qinghua was the boss, he was unwilling to stay in the office. Instead, he liked to communicate with diners. What he enjoyed was the satisfied expressions of diners when they ate delicious food, so he always snatched the work from the waiters.
Lian Qinghua is a kind person and generous to his employees. Many people in Shanxian Hotel have worked in the store for many years. Except for those special years when the hotel was not open, the hotel was open as usual at other times. As long as Lian Qinghua calls, these old guys will come back to help.
Lian Qinghua put the dishes ordered by Jiang Xi and Qian Lili on the table. He remembered Qian Lili. This girl had come here several times with a ruffian-looking young man.
As for Jiang Xi, Lian Qinghua felt that he looked familiar, but he was sure that Jiang Xi had never been here. But why did he look familiar? Lian Qinghua was a little confused. It was strange, he was not so old and confused. He just had seen him somewhere, but Lian Qinghua couldn't remember it for a moment.
Although he was a little confused, Lian Qinghua continued to serve as usual: "Seafood should be eaten while it's hot. It won't taste good if it's cold. Especially this sea bass. It must be eaten while it's hot. If it gets cold, the meat will become tight and have a fishy smell."
Jiang Xi nodded and thanked him. Lian Qinghua then told them that they could make the vinaigrette themselves, or the restaurant could help them. His attitude was very good and gave people a very good impression.
Jiang Xi also had a good impression of Lian Qinghua. He was a person who truly loved his career and was very serious about food and service. It could be seen that he had very strict standards for both food and service, and he set an example himself.
Jiang Xi and Qian Lili enjoyed a sumptuous afternoon lunch. Jiang Xi seldom ate seafood before, but after trying it this time, he suddenly felt that seafood was very good. He would bring Wu Yaqin, Chen Xiulian and others to eat here in the future, and of course he could also bring Qi Yuan to eat here.
Jiang Xi and Qian Lili finished their meal and waited until the last table was cleared before they stood up.
Lian Qinghua was directing the waiters to clear the plates, but he himself was not idle either. He took a mop and prepared to mop the floor. Lian Qinghua paid the most attention to the hygiene of the restaurant, and he would mop the floor again every time it was time for a meal.
Jiang Xi approached: "Hello, Boss Lian."
Lian Qinghua looked up. He remembered Jiang Xi and Qian Lili and asked, "What's wrong? How was the meal just now?" He thought Jiang Xi was not used to seafood.
Jiang Xi said, "This meal is very good, the seafood is very fresh. Hello, I'm Jiang Xi, the owner of Wu Ji Zao Lu. Actually, I'm not here just to eat, but to discuss cooperation with you."
Lian Qinghua paused in mopping the floor. He looked at Jiang Xi. What kind of cooperation could he have with a young girl? Besides, his family was a seafood restaurant, which had nothing to do with pickled vegetables.
Jiang Xi saw Lian Qinghua's doubts and had a plan in mind during the meal: "I heard that there is a kind of food called raw pickled food in Guangshi. Pickling fresh crabs, fish, shrimps, etc. will give them a unique flavor."
"Because many people have fragile stomachs, few can handle such delicacies. However, if it is braised shrimp or crab, things like this are convenient, hygienic, and delicious, so they should also be a good choice."
"I just had your seafood and it was delicious, but as far as I know, your menu hasn't been updated in a long time. Even the most delicious food will inevitably become a bit boring if it always remains the same."
"I came here this time to talk to you and see if we can cooperate and provide you with some fresh dishes."
Jiang Xi smiled warmly: "Of course, everything will be done according to your wishes. Even if we can't cooperate, I am happy to exchange some seafood knowledge with you as a diner."
"I rarely ate seafood before, and I didn't know it was so delicious. Today's meal has really opened my eyes. I know you must have put a lot of effort into ensuring that the seafood is so fresh."
"We're both in the food business, and I can feel your hard work and sincerity behind every dish. Because of your dedication, I'd like to be your friend. I hope you can spare some time for a chat."
Lian Qinghua narrowed his eyes slightly when he heard Jiang Xi's words: "Young man, you are very good at speaking, and you hit the nail on the head. The most important thing about seafood is its freshness, but it is not easy to achieve this freshness. Not only does it require effort, but it also requires the right effort, otherwise it will be a waste of effort."
"Since you've said that, it's okay for me to chat with you. However, I have very high standards for ingredients and food. Let me see your food first. If it doesn't meet my standards, then we can't be friends or just talk. I'm quite busy. I'll be closing this afternoon and opening tonight."
Lian Qinghua stared at Jiang Xi. Jiang Xi's eyes were firm, without a trace of uncertainty or lack of confidence. Lian Qinghua added, "Braised pork is a good thing, but it has to taste good. I have a very picky palate and very strict standards. I don't cooperate with anyone casually."
Jiang Xi wasn't afraid of Lian Qinghua's criticism; she was confident in her own stew. "Of course, we've brought samples for you to try. We at Wu Ji's Stewed Lu have always been known for high-quality products. We were even selected as a trusted stall a few days ago. Don't worry, we'll do our best to ensure both hygiene and ingredients are top-notch."
Lian Qinghua knew about the Trustworthy Stall Selection Campaign. He finally remembered where Jiang Xi was mentioned. It was in the newspaper. Jiang Xi appeared in the newspaper, which was a very convincing reason for Lian Qinghua.
As the owner of an old restaurant, Lian Qinghua has always had a wide network of contacts and may know more about the details of the trustworthy stall selection activity than Jiang Xi.
Lian Qinghua knew that this selection activity was sponsored by the Industrial and Commercial Bureau and the conditions were very strict. Since it was selected, it meant that Wu Ji Zao Lu was at least guaranteed in terms of hygiene and safety.
Lian Qinghua said, "Take out your things so I can taste them."
Jiang Xi quickly opened the lunch box: "This is our family's braised chicken and braised chicken feet. In addition to these, we can also develop some braised seafood and other foods according to the needs of the store."
Lian Qinghua picked up a piece of braised chicken and tasted it: "The chicken is quite good, and the taste is also good."
Jiang Xi said: "In order to ensure the supply and quality of ingredients, we set up a chicken farm ourselves."
Lian Qinghua nodded slightly. "You're quite particular about what you're doing, but food cooks should be just as particular. It's the same in our restaurant. All the seafood is caught by our own fishing boats, hauled up in the middle of the night and delivered to the restaurant early in the morning. We only feel comfortable with seafood caught by our own people."
Lian Qinghua didn't expect that Jiang Xi could do this, which coincided with his idea.
Because of the government's endorsement, the samples Jiang Xi provided were of good quality and tasted good, so Lian Qinghua was relieved. "Have you ever made braised seafood before? Can you guarantee the taste and hygiene?"
Jiang Xi: "We'll go back today and make some samples for you to try. I won't make any empty promises now. The results will be revealed when you see the samples. We'll speak for ourselves."
Lian Qinghua also thought so: "Okay, Boss Jiang, you are a pragmatic person, but so am I. Then I will wait for you to bring samples tomorrow. Let me be frank, if the product is not good, no matter how much you say, no matter what awards you have won, I will not cooperate with you."
Jiang Xi nodded: "Don't worry, if our things are not done well, I would be embarrassed to come to you."
Lian Qinghua: "The ingredients you buy aren't as fresh as ours. How about this? I'll grab a few pounds of shrimp and crabs from the kitchen for you. Once the marinade is ready, please bring them to me tomorrow."
Jiang Xi and Qian Lili were a little surprised. Lian Qinghua spoke very decisively and his attitude was not particularly kind, but he was so generous.
Jiang Xi was about to say no when Lian Qinghua put down the mop and went straight to the kitchen.
Jiang Xi shook his head and laughed. This old man Lian was an interesting person and also a man who got things done.
Lian Qinghua caught two large bags of crabs and shrimps for Jiang Xi, and repeatedly told Jiang Xi to cook them immediately when he got home, otherwise the crabs and shrimps would not taste good after they died. Besides, dead crabs cannot be eaten, as eating them would cause diarrhea.
Lian Qinghua was afraid that Jiang Xi was too busy to cook it right away, so he also told Jiang Xi how to store crabs and shrimps.
Jiang Xi wanted to pay Lian Qinghua for the crabs and shrimp, but Lian Qinghua refused to take it. "I gave you these ingredients to ensure fairness. Since I approve of the ingredients, I have to see what you can do. I don't want the money. It's not a big deal to give you a few pounds of shrimp."
Jiang Xi had no choice but to give up and planned to send Lian Qinghua a few gift packs of pickled vegetables as a return for the gift.
Jiang Xi and Qian Lili did not waste any time and went back to process the crabs and shrimps. These two are seafood. Jiang Xi had never cooked them before, but she and Wu Yaqin also learned the method of braising.
Besides, the method of making braising liquid is basically the same. The most important ingredient, the water, has already been prepared by Wu Yaqin. Jiang Xi only needs to mix the seasoning and the lees and boil them to make a pot of fresh braising liquid.
By the time the two of them finished processing the shrimps and crabs, it was already dark. Jiang Xi had never cooked crabs and shrimps before, so he didn't know how long they would take to marinate. He could only use the marinated chicken as a benchmark and used several braising vats to experiment with each one.
Fortunately, the store had just purchased a new freezer. The weather was getting hotter and hotter, and the simple insulated box could not store food for long, so Jiang Xi simply bought a freezer. Fortunately, she now had a certain amount of financial resources, so buying a freezer was no big deal.
Jiang Xi marked the different jars of marinade according to time, constantly adjusted the marinating time, and experimented continuously, and finally selected the most delicious one.
Jiang Xi was worried, so he asked Qian Lili and Liang Jie to try it together. Liang Jie didn't go back today. Jiang Xi originally wanted her to go back, but Liang Jie was determined not to go back. This was a big deal in the store, and she had to do her part.
It was almost five o'clock at this time. Jiang Xi had almost no sleep all night. Qian Lili and Liang Jie were also busy with Jiang Xi.
Liang Jie sat on a small stool in the kitchen, nodding off until Jiang Xi said, "Go get some sleep. The stew is ready."
Link suddenly opened her eyes, yawned, and stood up: "It's almost dawn, you should go and get some rest."
Jiang Xi shook his head: "I'll send the marinated stew to Boss Lian first. If it marinates for too long, I'm afraid the taste will change and it won't be as delicious as it was at the beginning."
Qian Lili said, "I'll go with you."
Although Liang Jie did not go with them, she did not go back either. The store was about to open in a few hours, so Liang Jie simply sat on a stool and took a nap, waiting for the store to open.
Jiang Xi and Qian Lili carefully packed the marinated shrimps and crabs and went to Shanxian Restaurant again.
Old Man Lian is old and sleeps less, so he gets up at five o'clock every day. Sometimes when food is in short supply, he has to get up at two or three in the morning to check the seafood. Old Man Lian has kept this habit for many years. Every day, Old Man Lian has to look at and check all the new seafood one by one before notifying the kitchen to prepare it.
Old Man Lian came to the store early in the morning as usual. He had just opened the door and hadn't wiped a few tables when he saw Jiang Xi and Qian Lili.
Jiang Xi and Qian Lili just washed their faces and came to Shanxian Hotel without even changing their clothes. Both of them had deep dark circles under their eyes.
The old man asked: "Did you not sleep all night?"
Jiang Xi answered honestly: "I guess so. We want to make the sample quickly and show it to you. Besides, the ingredients can't wait, and the taste of the braised food is at its best at this time."
Jiang Xi spoke so sincerely that even the old man was satisfied with his attitude. He thought Jiang Xi was a man who worked seriously, and he liked people who worked seriously.
Jiang Xi did not waste any time. No matter how much he said, it would not be as convincing as the actual facts. Jiang Xi opened the lid of the wine jar, and a scent of wine spread out.
The shells of crabs and shrimps are transparent in color and look very tempting lying in the brine.
Old man Lian picked up a piece of shrimp and put it in his mouth, then said intoxicatedly: "Not bad." The shrimp and the fermented sauce blended very well. The fermented sauce was not strong to begin with, and when combined with the shrimp, it not only made the shrimp meat more elastic, but also retained some of the shrimp's freshness. There was a touch of sweetness in the freshness, and the sweetness was accompanied by the aroma of wine lees. Old man Lian couldn't help but eat another one.
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