From Wage Slave to Tycoon

At first, Su Chen thought Professor Chen had just recommended a high-end restaurant.

But to his surprise, when he arrived, he discovered it was a private restaurant with a very distinctive atmosphere.

The entire restaurant was decorated in a classical style, with every step revealing a new, picturesque scene.

Interestingly, the restaurant only had thirteen private rooms, and each one represented a different dynasty.

Professor Wu and Professor Chen seemed to be regulars. The moment they entered, the manager greeted them with such warmth that an onlooker might have thought the two professors were hosting the meal.

Su Chen followed the two men and the manager into a private room named "Taste of Qin."

"Professor Chen, Professor Wu, the usual?" the manager asked enthusiastically as soon as they were seated.

The question clearly made Professor Chen and Professor Wu uncomfortable. Their eyes couldn’t help but drift toward Su Chen; after all, they weren’t the ones in the spotlight today.

The manager seemed to sense something was off, inwardly cursing himself for buttering up the wrong people. He hurried to Su Chen’s side and offered him the menu with both hands.

Just as the manager was about to speak, Su Chen raised a hand to stop him. He took the menu, only to immediately pass it to Professor Wu with a faint smile. "Professor Wu, this is my first time here. You’re the regulars, so you naturally know which dishes are good. The ordering... I’ll have to trouble you with it."

It wasn’t just Professor Wu; even Professor Chen was a bit floored by Su Chen’s words. They hadn’t expected him to be so savvy.

A flicker of surprise crossed Professor Wu’s face before he smiled and accepted the menu. "Young friend Su, I’ll say this upfront—if the food isn’t to your liking, you can’t blame this old man, ha."

"Of course not. I have complete faith in you, Professor Wu," Su Chen said with a laugh.

Professor Wu didn’t dawdle. He ordered a few of Xi’an’s specialty dishes based on their usual preferences, then asked if Professor Chen or Su Chen wanted anything else. Once confirmed, he handed the menu back to the manager.

After the manager left the room, Professor Chen was the first to speak. "Old Man Wu, why haven’t you introduced this young friend of yours?"

Professor Wu knew exactly what his old friend was getting at. ’But I don’t really know Su Chen’s background myself,’ he thought. ’And besides, can I even talk about the few things I do know?’

Just as Professor Wu was struggling with how to respond, Su Chen smoothly cut in with a smile. "Hello, Professor Chen. My name is Su Chen, and I’m from the Imperial Capital."

He paused, pretending to be thirsty as he poured himself a cup of tea. After taking a couple of sips, he continued, "Professor Wu told me you are a top expert in nuclear engineering, Professor Chen. I had no idea you were so distinguished!"

Professor Chen seemed to thoroughly enjoy the compliment, waving his hand smugly. "Hahaha! Let’s be modest, let’s be modest. It’s just a top-three ranking in the country, that’s all."

Professor Wu, however, gave him a huge eye-roll, as if looking down on his showboating. But he didn’t refute Professor Chen’s claim, which gave Su Chen more to think about.

They chatted for about ten minutes before the manager returned with several waiters carrying trays of food.

"Softshell Turtle Foam, Sweating Chicken, Aromatic Spareribs, Deep-Sea Fish Head, Gourd Chicken..."

The manager enthusiastically introduced each dish as it was served, explaining it to Su Chen. After his earlier mistake, he now clearly understood who the most important person at the table was.

They had ordered seven or eight dishes, but the portions weren’t large, which was typical for a private restaurant like this.

"Young friend Su, try this Softshell Turtle Paomo. It’s one of the restaurant’s specialties—an innovative take on Xi’an’s local food culture. I think it tastes quite good," Professor Wu said, pointing to a dish to Su Chen’s right.

"In that case, I must see what a dish recommended by Professor Wu tastes like." With that, Su Chen used the serving spoon to ladle two spoonfuls of the broth into his bowl.

Softshell turtles don’t have much meat; the main point is to enjoy the broth.

Looking at the milky-white turtle broth and the few pieces of bread in his bowl, Su Chen blew on it gently before taking a large sip.

The moment the broth entered his mouth, a savory richness spread across his palate, accompanied by the faint fragrance of the paomo bread. The two flavors intertwined, impressing Su Chen so much that he took several more sips in quick succession.

"This Softshell Turtle Paomo broth is really delicious! Professor Wu, Professor Chen, don’t just sit there. Please, start eating."

Professor Chen, who had been waiting impatiently, finally sprang into action. He ladled a large bowl for himself, not forgetting to add a bit of cilantro.

SLURP! He downed half the bowl in one go.

"Haven’t had this turtle soup in two or three months. I’ve really missed it. Guess I have Old Man Wu to thank for this treat today," Professor Chen said, a look of pure bliss on his face.

Hearing this, Old Man Wu didn’t even spare him a glance, remaining focused on the soup in his bowl.

The food at this private restaurant was indeed excellent. Several dishes incorporated local flavors, creating a unique culinary experience.

The meal lasted for about an hour, during which Su Chen stepped out of the room once.

"We’ve made you spend so much today," Professor Wu said, a little embarrassed, as they were leaving the restaurant.

"Hahaha! Professor Wu, you’re being too formal. If you like the food at this restaurant, I can just poach the chef for you and have him cook for your research institute."

Su Chen’s words were very tactful. He didn’t offer a private chef, but a chef for the entire research institute. This framed the offer in a way that would make Professor Wu consider it from the perspective of his team.