The Gourmet Customizer

Take his stir-fried chicken, for instance. And there was also the Eight-Treasure Pumpkin Stuffed with Rice, which he improved based on his own interpretation. The chicken was a huge hit with the people of Jingzhou, while the pumpkin dish earned endless praise from even Master Lu Yongliang.

So... Su Chen wanted to first taste the authentic version of a dish before cooking it himself. Then he would compare it to his own creation and, finally, make slight improvements if possible.

Only then could it be considered truly delicious.

After sorting out his thoughts, Su Chen let out a heavy breath and got up from his lounge chair.

’Delicious, it’s time to close for a few days.’

The good news was that with the hundred thousand yuan Li Mingtao had recovered, he had not only solved his most pressing problem, but after adding the money left over from previous business and paying the rent, he still had about fifty thousand left.

’Fifty thousand... It’s not realistic to try everything. But I can visit a few places.’

Jingzhou was located in the Northwest. If you looked closely at a map, you could understand why it was known as a culinary desert.

It just wasn’t a place with abundant produce.

In ancient times, people couldn’t even get enough to eat, let alone talk about culinary culture...

And the place closest to Jingzhou...

Su Chen zoomed out several times on the map on his phone, pointing to a city—the Capital City!

...

「Meiweilai Company, Conference Room.」

The moment Su Chen made his announcement, the room instantly erupted with shrieks and cheers!

"Really? For real?! Wow! A company-funded trip plus a food tour? Boss, how can there be a boss as amazing as you in this world?" He Shuting was so excited right now she wished she could just pin Su Chen to the table and plant a couple of kisses on him to vent her overwhelming emotions.

Aunt Fang said with a smile, "You young people go have fun. At my age, I’ll sit this one out."

Liu Shengnan frowned slightly. "Boss, I’m all for a company trip, but... you just sorted out the rent, and now you’re closing up shop to go spend more money. Isn’t that a bit reckless?"

As for Bai Xiaobo... a man recently scorned by a woman, "What the hell is there to be afraid of! If we can suffer together, we have to enjoy the good times together! If there’s not enough money for the trip, I’ll front it. What’s the big deal! When we get there, first stop is the Workers’ Stadium!"

"Why go to the Workers’ Stadium?" Zhang Li asked Bai Xiaobo, full of curiosity.

"To watch Guo’an practice." Bai Xiaobo’s sanctimonious look infuriated Ling Shuyu so much she wanted to go over and slap him.

’We just started talking about a company trip, and he’s already thinking about the Workers’ Stadium?’

’What a weirdo!’

At this moment, Ling Shuyu stood up. "I won’t be going. Director Li contacted several contractors recently, and the renovations can start this afternoon. I’ll stay and supervise in person for the next few days."

Su Chen waved his hand. "Just let them handle it. You should come with the rest of us. We won’t be gone long, a week at most."

Ling Shuyu still shook her head. "I’m not going. I won’t feel at ease unless someone is on-site to supervise. You all can just go."

’What’s so great about going to the Capital City?’

’It’s not like I’ve never been there before.’

’What good food is there in the Capital City?’

’Roast duck, douzhir, instant-boiled mutton?’

Ling Shuyu really wasn’t interested.

Since that was the case, Su Chen didn’t insist. "We’ll bring you back something good to eat when we return!"

"No need." Ling Shuyu’s dismissive attitude, as if keeping him at arm’s length, annoyed Su Chen a little, but her next sentence...

"Just make a few extra meals for me when you get back."

Su Chen replied, "No problem!"

As for the other person.

Liu Ahbao gave a silly, simple-minded grin, the fat on his cheeks trembling. "This is so embarrassing. I haven’t even started working yet, and I’m already tagging along to eat and drink for free."

"It’s nothing. If you’re still around when we get back, I have an important task for you." Su Chen hadn’t revealed his plan yet.

Liu Ahbao put his index and middle fingers to his forehead in a salute. "OKAY! Even if you tried to chase me away now, I wouldn’t leave! Just leave any task to me!"

He Shuting trotted over, making fists with both hands and playfully pounding on Su Chen’s shoulders. "Boss, Boss!"

"Hm?"

"So, can we film videos on this trip? Like, videos of us eating, hehe!"

"No problem." Su Chen had been about to say, ’Maybe you should delete those thigh-high stocking videos,’ but then he figured that as long as she liked them, it was her business. He changed his tune and said, "You should start a new company account. Doesn’t Ah Bao want to make short videos too? You two can manage this account together."

Liu Ahbao exclaimed, "Really? That’s great! As long as Boss Su is willing to appear on camera, getting a million followers will be a piece of cake, right?"

’A million followers?’

He Shuting scoffed.

’I’ve been doing this for three years and only have fifteen followers, and you’re saying a million will be a piece of cake? In your dreams!’

"Alright, since no one has any objections, this team-building trip is officially decided."

This was Su Chen’s final decision.

Since the 19th floor was going to slowly move in the direction of high-end, custom dining, it was necessary to consider the tastes of the clientele.

Ancient recipes + modern recipes + his own improvements—this was the standard Su Chen set for himself. But before all that, he had to go taste and see for himself how the recipes of those century-old restaurants had changed after so many years.

The sounds of joyful laughter from the conference room were loud, reaching the office area outside.

Zhan Yang and Brother Fang Chang, who had been waiting to eat, looked at each other in dismay.

"Buddy, is the boss of this company for real?" Brother Fang Chang asked uncertainly. "They just sorted out their rent, and before the money has even warmed their pockets, the boss is organizing a company trip to the Capital City?"

Zhan Yang nodded emphatically. "Now *that’s* what I call a company trip! Our team-building is just drinking and eating with the bosses, damn it! This company’s boss is just too good, isn’t he?"

"No, that’s not it!" Brother Fang Chang was a little confused by his response. "Buddy, what I mean is, if the boss and his staff go on a trip, what are we going to do for food for the next few days? I haven’t even had my egg yet!"