Chapter 196 - Developing a New Product Line (2/2)

Zhang Heng pulled a tissue to wipe the sweat from his forehead. “Here’s the thing,” he said. “The Imitation Crab was made by Xu Le. Why don’t you try the food first, Dad, before you decide?”

Old Mister Zhang finally gave in a little. He nodded in agreement and said, “Sure, but we definitely have to let the shareholders taste it before we can vote. Get that child to make a few more servings and bring them over.”

Zhang Heng pursed his lips, his expression reluctant. Based on his taste buds and judgment, the dish was basically guaranteed to be a huge sale, but because of his father, he could only agree verbally.

“Let’s go. You’ll know after you try it.”

Old Mister Zhang reluctantly went over. When he saw that Xu Le was just a child, he thought of the words to turn him down and tasted the chicken.

His frown gradually eased and he said, “Ahem, it’s sour and spicy. What’s so good about it? Who would buy it?”

After swallowing it, a tender and sour aftertaste slowly spread on the tip of his tongue.

“Dad, the one you just ate is extremely spicy and sour. You can try this light spicy flavor.”

As Zhang Heng hurried to make the introductions, Old Mister Zhang said, “It’s not like I haven’t tried Dong’an chicken before. When I first started my business, there was authentic Dong’an chicken being sold at the intersection. Who would cut it into strips? Shouldn’t they all be chopped into complete pieces?”

As he complained, he took another bite.

It was medium spicy and sour, just right for his taste. The dry chicken was filled with the fragrance of ginger and vinegar. He was slightly stunned as he chewed. He swallowed it and was still savoring the aftertaste.

When he spoke again, his tone was much gentler.

“The fragrance of Dong’an chicken is mainly in ginger and vinegar sauce. Hunan cuisine emphasizes on the taste of sour and spicy. The taste of rich sour and spicy is top-notch. If it’s pure sour and spicy, it’s too harsh. If it’s slightly sour and spicy, smooth and tasteless, it has no soul. It’s not difficult to make Hunan cuisine, but if you want it to be delicious, it will be a test to the chef’s skills and seasoning. Just the fact that the authentic flavor of the white vinegar is enough to complete half of the dish.”

Listening to Old Master Zhang’s boastful words, Xu Le realized that he had a deep emotional attachment to this dish. That was why he could recall the flavors in one bite. Someone who did not know how to cook could describe it so accurately.

“Sigh, I can’t go back anymore.” Old Mister Zhang sighed deeply and called his assistant downstairs to buy a bowl of white rice. He continued, “This oily and fragrant dish is only suitable for drinking. When I first started my business decades ago, I often ordered this dish when drinking with my friends. It really goes well with wine.”

From his slightly turbid and ancient eyes, it was as if he recalled the golden years of his life through that dish.

Zhang Heng wasn’t convinced by his father’s “dictatorship.” “Didn’t you say you wanted the shareholders to discuss voting?”

“Your old man’s been a fan of the dish for over a decade. How could I be wrong? How could I taste it wrongly?”

Old Mister Zhang waited for his assistant to buy white rice and wolfed down the chicken that had almost turned cold. An indescribable feeling rushed to the tip of his nose, making his eyes water.

By the time he finished eating, Zhang Heng had finalized most of the plans. “As for the publicity, I wonder if the Little Master Chef can help? No matter how much money we spend on publicity, it won’t be as influential as yours alone.”

“Of course.”

Zhang Heng’s expression relaxed. “I’ll get someone to write you a proposal later,” he said happily. “Very soon!”

“No need.” Xu Le did not like to advertise according to the script. He said, “I have a lot of fans on my software platform. Let’s come up with a tutorial.”

“Hmm?”

Zhang Heng’s eyes widened. “But if everyone learned how to make it, who would buy the product we make?”