I've been possessed by a culinary genius, and I've turned Shaxian snacks into a rip-off!

"System, just how many Gourmet Hearts are needed to create a dish that surpasses even a god-level dish?"

[The host needs to collect at least 10 Gourmet Hearts to unlock the path to "The Form of Taste".]

"10?"

Li Zhibai counted on his fingers and said, "I have 3 now, which means I still need 7 more, wow~~"

Yes, and it's only a possibility, not a certainty.

Because surpassing the divine level is no longer a realm that can be reached by mere technique; it requires the unity and resonance of skill, emotion, and intention to create cuisine. Ten hearts of gastronomy are merely the minimum qualification to gain entry; whether you can ultimately open that door depends on your own destiny.

"So that means the probability is very low?"

[It's extremely low; at least in the short term, the probability that you, host, can create a dish surpassing divine-level cuisine is close to zero.]

This isn't the system trying to discourage you, but rather an objective assessment based on your current state. While your culinary skills are already at a god-like level, they rely heavily on the talent and advantages granted by the system. The truly original, heartfelt skills you possess are still far from sufficient.

Li Zhibai: "........"

Although he was discouraged by the system's setback, he did not lose heart.

Approaching zero but not truly zero, as long as it's not zero, it's worth taking a gamble.

After all, that's a dish that surpasses even god-level cuisine.

If this were actually made, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to sell one for 100,000 or 200,000 yuan, right?

When that time comes, those rich fools will line up to stuff money into his pockets just to see firsthand how the food they ate explodes into fireworks in their minds.

"Damn it! As long as there's a chance, it's fine! I, Li Zhibai, may not have any other skills, but I'm particularly good at drawing inspiration and energy from the masses... especially from that small group of relatively wealthy people among the masses."

"Ten food hearts, right? I'll definitely get them one by one as soon as possible."

........

The outdoor dining area was bustling with activity.

Even with the air conditioning on, the group of diners were still sweating profusely as they ate. This was mainly because they ate too fast. They would start eating each dish as soon as it was served, before it had even cooled down, regardless of how hot it was. They were incredibly enthusiastic.

"The braised pork is tender and flavorful, rich but not greasy, and it's so delicious with rice."

"It's so wonderful to be able to eat food cooked by Li Heizi."

"....."

As they ate, Yu Shen reminded them again, "We agreed that the spending limit for each person today is 10,000 yuan. Don't exceed that limit while you're eating."

"Don't worry, don't worry, we know what we're doing."

"Besides, it's only the first day, there's no rush. The final battle is on the last day."

"right!"

"..."

Compared to the hustle and bustle here, Yang Chongwu, sitting alone in the corner, was particularly quiet and ate very attentively.

Yang Chongwu was slightly shocked when he saw the plate of egg fried rice, which was as white as snow and had no trace of eggs, being served.

It was the first time he had ever eaten fried rice with no visible egg; it was amazing.

After taking a bite of rice, half of the pressure he had been under from starting a business instantly disappeared, and every additional bite felt like a recharge of energy into his body.

"Mmm...this fried rice is really delicious."

"I chose to start a business so that I could eat this taste every day."

During this period, he ate mostly fast food and boxed meals, which were really no different from chewing wax, and he never experienced any so-called happiness.

Only in this Shaxian restaurant, only when eating food made by Li Zhibai himself, could he rediscover that pure, unadulterated sense of satisfaction.

This feeling is like going back to my student days and eating snacks with my classmates outside the school. Even a simple fried rice from a roadside stall can make me feel happy.

Those were such good times. There weren't such high housing prices, no "35-year-old crisis," and no hardships and worries about starting a business. The only worry might be whether the cafeteria lady's hand was shaking again, and whether the girl I liked had noticed.

Life is simple and beautiful.

Yang Chongwu silently cheered himself up: Hang in there! I must hang in there! Once the company survives this round of financing and the product is officially launched, I will definitely come to Boss Li's place for dinner every day.

However, before that, there was one more thing he needed to ask Boss Li for advice on.

Another half hour passed.

After everyone had eaten their fill, they got up satisfied and paid the bill.

This can be considered their privilege. Currently, the restaurant only supports regular customers to eat first and pay later, while new customers must pay first before dining. This is to prevent people from refusing to pay after finishing their meal because they think it's too expensive.

After paying, Yu Shen and the others compared their respective expense bills.

Not bad, everyone was very restrained today, and no one exceeded the limit.

It seems that this gentleman's agreement was effective, at least on the first day.

Just as everyone finished saying goodbye to Su Su, who was helping outside, and was about to leave.

Yu Shen's phone suddenly vibrated.

He took it out and saw that it was Li Zhibai who had sent him a WeChat message.

Before the old shop was about to close, Yu Shen and other regular customers were afraid that Li Zhibai would run away, so it's normal that they had each other on WeChat.

Brother Yu, wait a moment before you leave. Pretend to come to the kitchen to wash your hands; I have some good news for you.

Yu Shen: "???"

good thing?

What good could come from Li Heizi looking for him?

This guy is already being nice by not taking advantage of him normally, so why would he specifically think of him for something good?

There must be a demon in the abnormal situation!

But then again, he was genuinely curious about what Li Heizi wanted from him.

"You guys go ahead, I'm going to the kitchen to wash my hands," Yu Shen said to the others calmly.

"You're making a lot of trouble. Do you want us to wait for you outside?" Pang Yi asked.

"No need, no need, you guys go first, I'll leave by myself later," Yu Shen said, shaking his head.

"Alright, we'll be going now."

The others didn't think much of it and left directly.

After everyone had left, Yu Shen peeked out like a thief to make sure everyone was gone before sneaking into the kitchen.

Li Zhibai was standing in front of the stove, carefully wiping the Dragon-Slaying Saber in his hand with a silk cloth.

The light shone on the jet-black blade, and the eerie dark patterns seemed to come alive, like a black dragon swimming across the edge.

Yu Shen was also drawn to the knife in Li Zhibai's hand.

"Boss, what kind of knife is that? It looks so cool! Can I touch it?"

Li Zhibai decisively shook his head and refused: "No, this is my precious treasure, no one but me can touch it."

Upon hearing this, Yu Shen curled his lip and said, "Tch! If you don't want me to touch you, then don't."

"Boss, what's the matter that you sent me a WeChat message asking me to stay behind alone?"

Li Zhibai carefully put the Dragon-Slaying Saber back into the box, and then asked Yu Shen a question.

"Brother Yu, do you know who I care about most among all our customers?"

Yu Shen thought for a moment: "Uncle Huo?"

"no."

"Fatty?"

"No, not exactly."

"That must be Boss Su. She's your apprentice, so she's definitely the one you care about the most."

"no."

"So who do you care about most?"

Li Zhibai's expression became incredibly sincere, and he pointed at him:

"It's you, Brother Yu!"