"I only know a little, far from mastering it!"
Chen Xiao shook his head humbly and casually covered the stew pot, then turned the heat to low for a slow simmer. The aroma that had filled the air was immediately contained.
Sniffing deeply with her delicate, upturned nose, Song Yan failed to detect the unique fragrance that had momentarily captivated her. A sense of disappointment washed over her. "How could a medicinal stew, prepared by stirring cold water for over twenty minutes before simmering, possibly compare to a provincial-level chef? It seems that intoxicating aroma I perceived earlier was merely an illusion."
Just then, a middle-aged man, as corpulent as a pig and clad in a white chef's uniform, entered with an arrogant expression.
He was Zhu Dachang, the head chef of Partridge Heaven, and one of the renowned culinary masters in Juxian City, highly appreciated by Song Yan.
It was no exaggeration to say that without Zhu Dachang at the helm, who consistently upheld traditional Chinese cuisine, Partridge Heaven would have long been overwhelmed by the myriad of Western culinary offerings.
Therefore, Song Yan, choosing to overlook Zhu Dachang's unannounced entrance, spoke with a gentle tone:
"Master Zhu, may I ask what brings you here?"
Seeing Chen Xiao fiddling at the cooking station, Zhu Dachang shot him a contemptuous glare and stated directly, "I've come to resign!"
"What?"
Song Yan was thunderstruck.
"Master Zhu, why would you suddenly resign without any prior indication?"
Although the Song family owned numerous businesses, they were almost exclusively in traditional sectors. Much like the aging Song Kaichao, in his twilight years, they were unable to compete with emerging industries, hence the gradual erosion of their formerly undisputed position as the wealthiest family.
Undoubtedly, the loss of Zhu Dachang would completely cripple Partridge Heaven's market competitiveness.
"Hmph!"
Zhu Dachang snorted coldly, continuing to eye Chen Xiao with hostility. His words became even more impolite: "Before the New Year, when I considered resigning, I said that for the Song family to develop sustainably, they must maintain good relations with the Ye family. Old Master Song agreed with me wholeheartedly. Yet, the eldest daughter of the Song family publicly offended Young Master Tian for a charlatan selling fake medicine. If I don't resign and flee now, am I to wait and face the wrath of the Ye family?"
Song Yan's face was filled with embarrassment. Gritting her teeth, she retorted, "The Song family's inability to reach an agreement with the Ye family has nothing to do with Doctor Chen..."
Zhu Dachang chuckled, interrupting Song Yan with schadenfreude. "Since you're so protective of this Chen fellow, why don't you just appoint him as Partridge Heaven's head chef!"
"You..."
Song Yan was once again rendered speechless, her eyes reddening with distress, on the verge of tears.
Chen Xiao had initially intended to stay out of Partridge Heaven's affairs. However, Zhu Dachang's constant references to him made him lose his patience. He frowned and retorted, "Master Zhu, is it? They say rivals are enemies. I truly don't understand why a chef like you is targeting me, a doctor. But I can assure you, in terms of culinary skills, I can beat you with one hand tied behind my back!"
Disdainfully eyeing the steaming stew pot in front of Chen Xiao, Zhu Dachang sneered, "Your stewed black chicken and black snake have no aroma at all. What kind of culinary skill do you possess to brag in front of me?"
Song Yan had obtained the medicinal ingredients from him, so he naturally guessed what Chen Xiao was stewing.
Chen Xiao shook his head and corrected him, "The aroma in the stew pot is concentrated and doesn't dissipate. Doesn't that precisely prove my culinary skills are superior to yours?"
Enraged, Zhu Dachang lunged towards the cooking station. "Enough talk. Do you dare let me have a taste?"
Chen Xiao unceremoniously reached out to stop him. "What's the hurry? The heat isn't right yet! Moreover, my secret recipe, Dragon Liver Phoenix Marrow Soup, is a medicinal meal to treat Miss Song. It strengthens the body and prolongs life. Do you have the qualifications to partake?"
"Pfft—"
Zhu Dachang burst out laughing, turned, and walked away, mocking without looking back, "Kid, you really have the nerve to boast! A mere bland, flavorless soup with no aroma, and you dare call it a medicinal meal that prolongs life? The Song family is unfortunate to have a good-for-nothing like you who only talks big. It's no wonder they're heading for ruin! Hahaha... Hahaha..."
"Master Zhu, please wait..."
Song Yan was anxious and rushed out, taking two steps at a time.
However, after more than ten minutes, she returned dejected and dispirited, clearly having failed to retain Zhu Dachang.
Chen Xiao was searching for bowls and spoons, completely oblivious to Song Yan's anxiety. "Miss Song, the Dragon Liver Phoenix Marrow Soup is ready. Please enjoy!"
He then lifted the lid of the stew pot, and a wave of steamy heat wafted out.
With a bitter smile, Song Yan sighed, "Just leave it there for now. I have no appetite at the moment."
As soon as she finished speaking, Song Yan smelled the rich medicinal fragrance and the unique aroma of black chicken and black snake that permeated the air. She was stunned into silence.
"This... this is too fragrant!"
As she spoke, she eagerly poured a small bowl and took a sip.