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

Li Zhibai quickly handed his written comments to Chef Fang.

At the very top of the main text, he added a line that read: "[This is not a professional review; it represents only my personal subjective feelings.]"

Fang Guoping took the paper with both hands and read it carefully.

As he watched, sweat began to bead on his forehead.

It wasn't because I felt bad about being criticized, but because it was written in such a damn professional way.

For example, one of the problems the other party pointed out with the braised pork was that the star anise was not properly prepared, resulting in a very slight astringent taste. The astringency itself was so subtle that a normal person would not be able to taste it at all, but this guy not only tasted it, but also accurately pinpointed the source of the astringency to the star anise.

The proportions of other ingredients and seasonings were also listed, and the accuracy of the predictions was terrifying.

Fang Guoping is now absolutely certain that this person is definitely a professional gourmet.

Moreover, their level is not low; they are very likely the kind of senior professionals who specialize in conducting undercover evaluations of high-end restaurants, or even special reviewers for a Michelin Guide.

"Been taught a lesson."

Without saying a word, Chef Fang took out his phone, scanned the order code on the table, and paid the bill for the entire table.

"This meal is on me today. Thank you for your valuable feedback."

Li Zhibai never expected that someone would be so eager to pay the bill when he went out for a meal. He thought to himself, "There are so many suckers these days."

You can get a free meal while you go out to eat, what a steal!

He then nodded slightly, acknowledging the other party's respect.

Su Su watched in stunned silence, thinking to herself: Master is so amazing (｀・ω・´)!

To have a top-tier chef like Chef Fang pay the bill and ask for feedback just for a meal—what kind of divine treatment is that?

The three chatted briefly, and Chef Fang's attitude changed from initial wariness and suspicion to complete respect.

It's impossible not to respect them. They know very well how influential food critics' articles are. If you can give them a good impression, maybe they'll go easy on you when they write their food reviews.

Li Zhibai maintained his aloof, poker-faced demeanor throughout, never uttering a word more than a nod.

In the end, Chef Fang personally escorted them to the door, and handed them his business card with both hands before they left.

"Mr. Li, you are welcome to come to our restaurant to try our dishes anytime, whether it's our signature dishes or new dishes. Just let us know in advance and I will cook them for you myself."

Li Zhibai took the business card, nodded coolly, and then turned and left.

Su Su jogged to catch up, but was stopped by Li Zhibai. The direction he lived in was exactly opposite to the direction Su Su was going home. Not wanting to trouble his apprentice to take a detour to take him home so late at night, he took out his phone and typed a message.

"You go back, I'll take a taxi."

Su Su nodded: "Then Master, please be careful on your journey. Send me a message when you arrive."

Li Zhibai gave an OK sign, turned around gracefully, and perfectly captured the aloof and mysterious aura of a food critic.

Chef Fang stood at the door watching Li Zhibai get into a taxi before letting out a long sigh of relief.

Damn, we finally got rid of that big Buddha statue.

Then he took out the piece of paper with the review written on it from his pocket and read it through again. He felt that his performance was passable. At least he hadn't offended anyone, had offered to waive the bill, and had been sincere enough.

Once they get back, they probably won't write anything negative about their restaurant in a food column.

Just then, he saw Su Su, who was about to go to the parking lot to get her car, and called out to her:

"Mr. Su, please wait a moment."

Su Su turned around: "Master Fang, what's wrong?"

Chef Fang walked up to her and asked in a low voice, "Boss Su, tell me the truth, who exactly is this gentleman? Is he a Michelin special judge or an undercover agent from Black Pearl? Judging from his demeanor and manner, I feel he must be a big shot. Can you give me a hint so I can be prepared?"

"After all, judging from his attitude today, he doesn't seem very satisfied with our place."

Su Su was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Master Fang, you've got it wrong. He's not a food critic or a judge."

"He is the owner of Shaxian Snacks."

Chef Fang: "???"

The smile on his face froze instantly.

Shaxian Snacks... Owner?

No, are you kidding me?!

He had imagined so many identities for himself—a food critic, an anonymous restaurant expert, a sharp-tongued industry mogul—but he never expected that he was just a Shaxian restaurant owner.

How could a chef who had won a gold medal in a major competition be fooled by a vendor selling Shaxian snacks? He even offered to pay for the meal.

Chef Fang felt like he was a clown.

After Su Su drove away, he couldn't help but swear: "Damn it!!!"

................

After leaving Hefeng Xiyu, Li Zhibai didn't let Su Su see him off; instead, he took a taxi back to the shop.

Sitting in the back seat of the taxi, he subconsciously wanted to grin, after all, he had gotten another free meal today, but as soon as he moved his lips, his face was pulled painfully.

You have to hold back!

It's not time to laugh yet; we have to hold on for at least one more day.

He then maintained his aloof, poker face, took out his phone, and glanced at his bank card balance.

Ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, ten thousand, hundred thousand...

851247.36 yuan.

850,000.

Since opening, in just over ten days, the company has already made 850,000 yuan in revenue. After deducting 30,000 yuan for tuition, the company still has 820,000 yuan left.

Just ten days ago, he was a sucker who was burdened with 600,000 yuan in debt, but ten days later, the money in his account soared to more than 800,000 yuan. At least 90% of that came from wealthy people.

It's true what they say, you have to rip off the rich; that's a really quick way to make money!

Of course, he had a lot of money, but not all of it was his own.

Su Sujia owes more than 300,000 yuan for food supplies, and with various utility bills and taxes, the actual net profit is less than 400,000 yuan.

In any case, there shouldn't be any problem paying the 600,000 yuan rent at the end of the month.

If all else fails, talk to the landlord to see if you can pay monthly from now on.

Just as Li Zhibai was thinking about the rent, he suddenly remembered something.

Damn it, we didn't seem to discuss whether there was a deposit last time. If there is a deposit, wouldn't that mean an extra 100,000 in expenses?

Forget it, forget it, I don't want to think about it anymore, the more I think about it, the more it hurts.

Let's think about something happy.

Shouldn't we share our joy after making money?

As a good son who has been taught from childhood that filial piety is the most important virtue, his first thought is naturally his parents.

Li Zhibai opened WeChat, found the chat window with his mother, and directly transferred 8888 yuan, typing out the four words with an air of dominance.

[Mom, take this and spend it!]

If it weren't for the fact that he still has debts to pay off, he would have issued at least one more 8.

My mom quickly replied with two voice messages.

"Oh, my son is so filial! I haven't spoiled you for nothing! I'll save this money for you, so you can use it when you get married."

Also, son, now that you've opened your own shop, don't overwork yourself. Making money isn't important; as long as you're safe and sound, Mom will be at ease...

Li Zhibai listened to the voice message with an air of aloofness, but inside, a little voice was crying like a fool.

There's nothing better than a mother's love; a child with a mother is a treasure.

Then he opened his dad's WeChat, transferred 8888 yuan again, and sent the same domineering message.

[Dad, take this and spend it!]

The message has been sent.

One minute passed, and there was no movement.

Two minutes passed, and there was no movement.

His father didn't reply to him until he got out of the taxi.

Li Zhibai couldn't help but mutter, "Something's not right. Old Deng is usually the fastest at grabbing red envelopes in the family group chat, but why hasn't anyone responded to this huge red envelope I sent today?"

"Did you go to work overtime?"

Then he sent another message.

[Dad, why didn't you accept the red envelope I sent you?]

About half a minute later, the father, Li Jiajun, finally replied with a message that was concise and to the point.

I don't want money from the poor; repaying it is worse than loan sharking!

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

..............

P.S.: I don't know why I'm writing so slowly. I wanted to write three chapters, but I only wrote two by almost 1 a.m. It might be because I have a habit of cutting and rewriting, and I'm not satisfied with what I wrote. I'm either a genius or someone who has to grind things out over time. I just can't take it anymore. I owe you one chapter for now for "Shangguan Liuli of Xiaolie Island". I'll keep trying tomorrow.