Chapter 44 - Chapter 44: Chapter 044: Defend the Shortcomings (1/2)

Chapter 44: Chapter 044: Defend the Shortcomings

Translator: 549690339

At first glance, there didn’t seem to be anything out of the ordinary about the tofu stall run by these two young girls. It just seemed like they laughed more and were more business-savvy than the average tofu vendor. There was truly nothing astonishing about it.

Why did the shop manager feel there was more to it?

Just as Sun Xing was wondering about this, Chang Yuanda had already stepped forward and began to walk away.

Sensing this, Sun Xing hastily followed.

The two made their way to Fushun Tower, but instead of entering through the front door, they entered through the back door and proceeded directly into the backyard.

At that moment, the kitchen staff in the backyard were busy preparing food and cleaning dishes. Only Zhang Yongchang sat there, arms crossed and head lowered, on a small stool.

Seeing this, Chang Yuanda instructed Sun Xing to deliver the tofu to the kitchen first. Then he chuckled, “Brother-in-law, who has upset you this time?”

When Zhang Yongchang was upset, he would typically be silent, his face clouded and his head bowed.

“You’re here.” Zhang Yongchang raised his head to see Chang Yuanda. His dark expression relaxed slightly, but his annoyance was still palpable. With furrowed brows and a less than kindly tone, he asked, “What brings you here?”

“Well, 1 heard someone upset you, so 1 rushed right over. Which blind fool dares to upset our esteemed Chef Zhang?” Chang Yuanda joked.

Zhang Yongchang frowned at Chang Yuanda’s jesting demeanor – something he found quite unbecoming for a man in his thirties – and felt it was particularly irksome given his current mood. “If you have something to say, say it. If not, then leave,” he snapped.

Being familiar with Zhang Yongchang’s temperament, Chang Yuanda dropped his joking manner and said with furrowed brows, “Actually, there is indeed a matter I’d like to discuss with you.”

“However…” Chang Yuanda paused and continued, “Considering the state you’re in, brother-in-law, why don’t you go first? Perhaps 1 can help in some way.”

Seeing Chang Yuanda being serious for once was somewhat refreshing. Feeling relief as he spoke, Zhang Yongchang admitted, “Lately, I’ve heard some murmuring that the caramelised tofu at Ruyi Pavilion supposedly tastes better than my own.”

“Once or twice, 1 dismissed it as the Chai family’s attempts to discredit me. But after hearing it several more times, and even noticing Qin Hongbao has been coming in less frequently – and when he does, he doesn’t order the caramelised tofu – 1 became puzzled. That mediocre cook at Ruyi Pavilion, could his caramelised tofu really taste better than mine? The very proposition is absurd!”

“Absolutely absurd!” Chang Yuanda chimed in from the side.

This man, who had travelled to countless townships and tasted dishes in various restaurants, knew that Zhang Yongchang was indeed an excellent cook, especially when it came to caramelised tofu. Even if his skills couldn’t surpass the chefs in the city’s finest restaurants, they were definitely on par with the cooks in the county.

Throughout the entire town, Chang Yuanda would be the first to dispute anyone claiming to make better caramelised tofu than Zhang Yongchang.

Zhang Yongchang shot him a glare, “So, due to this, I got into a heated argument with someone. 1 even went to Ruyi Pavilion to taste their caramelised tofu, just to see how their rendition could possibly taste better than mine.”

At this, Chang Yuanda suddenly broke out into a cold sweat.

A premier chef from Fushun Tower having a row with a patron and then going to Ruyi Pavilion to order food? This complete disregard for face was simply beyond belief – something only the obstinate Zhang Yongchang would do.

“And when 1 got to Ruyi Pavilion, they served me their caramelised tofu, so tried it, and guess what?”