The Game of Life

Jiang Feng at this moment particularly wanted to say to Zhang Guanghang, “You’re already a seasoned contestant, now give everyone a demonstration of droppingout!”

His will to survive made him hold back.

“Are you short of money?” Zhang Guanghang was somewhat surprised.

“Due to some special reasons, I’m short of renovation funds,” Jiang Feng said. Their family definitely wasn’t short of money, and they didn’t need any aunts and uncles to bail them out. If they sold the facade of the Healthy Stir-fry Restaurant and gritted their teeth, they could probably scrape together ten million or so. Reopening Taifeng Building wouldn’t be a problem at all.

However, the operations upon reopening, as well as the recruitment and management of kitchen and hall staff, were filled with problems.

The first and foremost issue was the renovation funds. Without Sir’s nod, nobody could dream of reopening Taifeng Building.

Suddenly, the air became quiet.

“Do you need me to lend you some?” Zhang Guanghang asked. “I have a trust fund. It’s not a lot, but it should be enough for the renovation costs.”

Jiang Feng felt that among the people he knew, besides Ji Yue and Ji Xue, he himself was the poorest.

After declining Zhang Guanghang’s offer, Jiang Feng quickly changed the subject and began to inquire about Xia Mushi. It was strange to say that when Jiang Feng searched for Zhang Guanghang’s information online a while back, everything was detailed, except for his master, Xia Mushi. There was no information found, only that he was a famous chef from Beiping.

“My master is a very eccentric person who is rarely happy and never gives anyone a smile,” explained Zhang Guanghang. “He always speaks harshly and has offended many people. Just because he is elderly, senior, a good chef, and hot-tempered, nobody dares to offend him to his face. He…” Zhang Guanghang slowly recounted what he knew about Xia Mushi.

Xia Mushi was not only Chen Qiusheng’s disciple but also his adopted son, having been bought from a trafficker by Chen Qiusheng.

Chen Qiusheng was Xia Mushi’s master, his benefactor, his father, and Taifeng Building was his dream, his obsession, and his home.

Before the fall of Beiping, many people had heard the news and fled south early. Chen Qiusheng did not leave Beiping because his only son was too ill and frail for a long journey, so he entrusted the barely twenty-year-old Xia Mushi to the care of a friend to have someone look out for him on the road. Unfortunately, the person Chen Qiusheng entrusted was not trustworthy. On the way, his friend absconded with all the money, leaving Xia Mushi to become a beggar.

In his life, he had been a beggar, a bandit, a soldier, and he had fought in wars.

His hands had held kitchen knives, broadswords, and guns.

He had no wife or children, not many friends, only Zhang Guanghang as his sole direct disciple.

He had mastered all of Chen Qiusheng’s knowledge, was eccentric, valued money as if it was his life, and was a famous chef in Beiping. However, he was not highly esteemed and many criticized him privately.

Now, this legendary old man was gravely ill, with not much time left.

“The doctor said he’s just hanging on by a thread now. Whenever that thread breaks, it would be about time for him,” said Zhang Guanghang.

“I wanted him to see Taifeng Building reopen before he leaves, so I decided to join this cooking competition. It was just a coincidence because the competition for the top 32 and onwards is in Alan City, which is why I enrolled. I was planning to come here to find Mr. Li. I did not expect to see you in the contestant’s information,” Zhang Guanghang said.

“So, I ask for your help.”

Jiang Feng could understand Zhang Guanghang’s feelings since there were also two elderly people in his own family who were deeply attached to Taifeng Building. However, the matter of money wasn’t something that could be solved by sheer effort.

“I… I’ll try,” Jiang Feng thought, considering discussing with Sir when he got back, to collectively raise some money and crowdfund for the reopening for the sake of Xia Mushi.

After chatting for a bit more, the staff came to notify the contestants to gather.

With only six contestants left, those unaware were discussing what could have happened to cause two of them to be missing.

“Contestants, please quiet down. Because of Ji Xue from Group Four withdrawing from the competition due to a family emergency, Wu Minqi is advancing directly. I believe everyone is clear about the rules, so there’s no need to repeat them,” the staff member announced.

“During the competition, we will announce the time every five minutes. There is a rest area on the floor where you can sit and watch the others compete. Also, our judges will provide commentary on the spot. The competition will start in half an hour, and if there are no issues, you can now go to the front desk to familiarize yourself with the venue. If you are unsatisfied with any of the kitchen equipment, you can have it changed on the spot.”

No one had any objections, and Jiang Feng noticed that Zhang Xi was wearing a very girly and pink outfit today.

“Ready to lose?” Jiang Feng joked.

“I’m ready. After I lose, my dad and I will go celebrate my mom’s birthday. My dad even took the night off work to cook a big meal for her when we get home,” Zhang Xi said, her face full of excitement.

Other contestants: ???

The number of young women in the audience had obviously increased, and when Zhang Guanghang took the stage, Jiang Feng even heard soft gasps. Ji Yue sat in the fourth row, amidst a group of girls at the flower of their youth, wearing round glasses, staring unblinkingly at Zhang Guanghang, her face declaring her willingness to marry him on the spot.

The Jiang Family members sat in the second row, still the most conspicuous row of burly men in the crowd, each wearing an expression of composure and calm.

Jiang Zaidi had shaken off his usual lethargy and was invigorated. Over the past few days, he had analyzed all the residential areas around Taifeng Building and finally identified a high-end residential area that was convenient in terms of transportation, well-equipped with facilities, had a high green space percentage, and guaranteed security. After checking real estate prices and his savings, and calculating his average annual salary over the years, Jiang Zaidi’s fighting spirit was rekindled. He decided to work hard and sacrifice his hair if necessary, aiming to pay in full for the house he had set his sights on within five years.

He accepted two astounding orders, effectively pushing himself to the brink.

“Come on, bro!” Jiang Junqing and Jiang Junlian, Jiang Feng’s loyal support team, cheered from their seats.

At eight o’clock, the competition began punctually.

Zhang Guanghang and Zhao Shan went to their respective culinary stations. The screen behind was split in two, displaying large and clear images that allowed everyone to see the contestants’ hand motions clearly.

The shrimp were washed, de-antennaed, and de-veined.

It must be said that whether in terms of technique, speed, proficiency, or even looks, height, and popularity, Zhao Shan was no match for Zhang Guanghang.

This was a competition whose outcome could be seen from the beginning.

The fresh shrimp were quickly deep-fried on high heat.

“Not bad, they both have good control of the fire and timing,” PeiShenghua, the judge who spoke the most, praised.

Leaving a small amount of oil in the pan, ginger and garlic minced with tomato sauce were added, along with the large shrimp.

“Zhao Shan didn’t press down on the shrimp heads,” Pei Shenghua noted.

“Press down on the shrimp heads?” Han Guishan, who didn’t understand anything, was puzzled.

“Pressing the heads lets the shrimp roe flow out,” Pei Shenghua explained.

“Their restaurant’s tomato shrimp is just for show anyway,” Tong Deyan snorted coldly.

“It’s all like that. The ‘Spicy Dual Crisp’ in our restaurant is just for show too,” said Pei Shenghua, “Customers like it that way.”

“Did Zhang Guanghang specifically study Cantonese cuisine? His tomato shrimp with eggplant looks very authentic!” Zhu Chang noticed something.

“He visited Sun Maochai in Hong Kong City a few years ago, he must have learned a few tricks. With Zhao Shan choosing this dish, it’s likely he’ll lose quite badly,” Tong Deyan remarked, having not so good relations with Eight­treasure House.

“Zhao Shan chose it?” Pei Shenghua said with a smile, “Cleverness misapplied, huh.”

During the conversation, the tomato shrimp dishes from both competitors were ready.