Chapter Thirty-Four: A New Formula

Chen Huajiang didn't arrive at the eatery until noon; Dagang had already tidied up most of the place. Dagang was a capable and efficient man, and with Liang Long helping, the two of them worked swiftly.

As soon as Chen Huajiang appeared, Liang Long hurried over to him.

"Huajiang, something's happened. Wu De and Gou Weidong are planning to open an eatery next to ours. I'm worried they'll affect our business."

Liang Long wasted no time reporting the news to Chen Huajiang.

Chen Huajiang paused for a moment—what skills did those two have to compete with him?

"Don't worry, it's nothing to be concerned about. Even before, they couldn't outcompete us, and now it's even less likely. You have nothing to fear," Chen Huajiang assured him, patting Liang Long on the shoulder.

He now had plenty of medicinal herbs in stock, and they were planning to improve their braised pork, as well as adjust the marination of their lamb.

Seeing Chen Huajiang so confident, Liang Long set his worries aside.

Once the three of them had the kitchen in order, they began experimenting. They planned to reopen the next day, so they had to finalize the new recipes that very night.

Dagang made several batches of braised pork in a row before finally perfecting a particularly impressive recipe. It was much tastier than before, and not as greasy, either.

The lamb was somewhat simpler—just a matter of adding aromatics and ingredients to remove any gaminess.

With their work done, the three of them prepared to go out for a meal.

Just as they locked up, they saw Wu De and Gou Weidong approaching.

"Closing up so early? Why haven't you been open lately? Is it because you heard we're opening an eatery next door and you're scared?" Wu De taunted, having clearly learned nothing from his recent stint at the police station thanks to Chen Huajiang's group.

"We're just waiting for you to open first. Why haven't you started yet? Is it because the factory isn't willing, or because your fathers just don't have the ability?" Chen Huajiang retorted with mocking sarcasm.

Wu De and Gou Weidong were angry but dared not speak up; after their last encounter, they were more than a little wary of Chen Huajiang.

Ignoring them, Chen Huajiang led Liang Long and Dagang to Flavorful Fresh.

They wanted to sample Dagang's father's cooking. They had heard much about his reputation, but had never actually tasted his food.

The waitress didn't recognize the three of them, and the owner happened to be out as well.

The three ordered two portions of braised pork and a few simple dishes.

To be honest, Lu Cheng's braised pork was indeed flawless. But compared with Dagang's newly improved version, it just couldn't match up in flavor. Their own herbs and seasonings set their dish apart, unlike the limited spices at Flavorful Fresh.

"The flavor is good, but I still think Dagang's recent batch tasted better," Chen Huajiang remarked.

"I feel the same. I wonder if it's just psychological, or if it's really true," Liang Long echoed.

"Our seasonings are more varied than theirs, so of course ours tastes better. I trust my own skills—though my dad taught me, they don't have the herbs we just brought in," Dagang replied, clearly pleased with his new recipe.

After their meal, they went their separate ways home.

Not long after Dagang got home, Lu Cheng returned carrying some pork head meat.

"Have you eaten? Want a drink?" Lu Cheng had a habit of enjoying a little white liquor each day.

"I've eaten, you go ahead. How's work at Flavorful Fresh these days?" Dagang asked deliberately.

"It's going great. Three hundred portions of braised pork are usually gone before 9 p.m. I suggest you stop making braised pork at your eatery—the customers will be few and far between from now on," Lu Cheng replied with pride, pouring himself a glass of liquor.

"Dad, what if my braised pork ends up tasting better than yours—what will you do then?" Dagang asked with a smile.

"You think you can outdo me? Even if you had another ten years, you'd never catch up to my skills," Lu Cheng said, full of confidence.

"I'm just saying, hypothetically—if mine tastes better, what would you do?" Dagang pressed.

Lu Cheng took a sip, considering his answer. "If you really make a better braised pork, then you can be in charge at home, and my wages will go to you. But if yours isn't as good, you have to hand over all your wages to me from now on."

Lu Cheng had long wanted to ask Dagang for his wages, but Dagang had never given them to him. It was for Dagang's own good; he wanted to save up for his son to get married, worried that Dagang would spend it all.

"Dad, as an elder, you have to keep your word. In that case, these next few days, I'll let you taste my cooking," Dagang replied with a grin, before heading to his room.

Lu Cheng chewed on a piece of pork head, smacked his lips, and muttered to himself, "You want to compete with me? Keep dreaming, kid."

Lu Cheng was indeed doing well at Flavorful Fresh—meals were provided, and he was allowed to bring food home. He hardly spent any money except on cigarettes. Thanks to his skills, many apprentices wanted to learn from him, but he found it troublesome and refused.

After a full day's rest, Chen Huajiang's eatery reopened. However, that evening they served only barbecue.

The place was as crowded as before, and customers found the grilled lamb skewers tastier than ever.

Seeing everyone's satisfaction, Chen Huajiang felt reassured—his recipe was flawless.

Just as he finished and sat down, Ermao arrived with a young man.

"Brother Jiang, where have you been these past few days? This is my buddy—I told you before he wanted to learn how to make lamb skewers from you. He's fine with joining your franchise, but he has a question for you," Ermao said happily.

He had been looking for Chen Huajiang at the eatery several times, but had always missed him.

"That's no problem. Dongzi, ask me anything," Chen Huajiang said, turning to the young man.

"Brother Jiang, I've eaten here and the food is great. My only worry is, if I join your franchise, can I add other items to the menu in my shop? I was thinking of serving noodles and such. Or do I have to stick to just lamb skewers if I use your brand?"

Hearing this, Chen Huajiang chuckled—was there ever a franchise that wouldn't let you add other dishes?