Chapter 355 - 190: So Delicious It Made You Cry?

Chapter 355: Chapter 190: So Delicious It Made You Cry?

"I can tell you have excellent technical skills, and you handle yourself very professionally. You’re methodical in everything you say and do." Qian Siyuan looked at him and said, "On this trip, I entered through Hong Kong, visited Yangcheng, then traveled north to Hang City before coming here to Sichuan. All along the way, I’ve seen China blossoming with vitality. In every industry, companies and private businesses are all undergoing explosive growth. Everyone is talking about taking the plunge and starting their own business. With your abilities, have you considered giving it a shot?"

Qian Siyuan lowered his voice, his eyes fixed on Lin Zhiqiang.

Lin Zhiqiang met his gaze without flinching and said with a smile, "You’re too kind, Mr. Qian. The textile factory is doing better and better. They need me for technical improvements and updates, so I certainly won’t be starting my own business right now."

A smile spread across Qian Siyuan’s face. He didn’t pursue the topic, changing the subject instead. "Well then, let’s talk about Jiazhou. Director Lin, how many years have you been here? Are there any places worth visiting in Jiazhou?"

Lin Zhiqiang smiled and said, "I’ve been in Jiazhou for three and a half years, so I’ve managed to explore the surrounding area on my days off. If you’re in Jiazhou, you absolutely have to see the Jiazhou Giant Buddha. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Buddhist or not; the largest cliff-carved statue in China is a must-see. It’s incredibly majestic.

Next is Mount Emei, famous for the saying, ’Of all mountains under heaven, Emei is the most beautiful.’ Mr. Qian, if you have ample time, it’s well worth the climb. I guarantee it will be an unforgettable experience.

Of course, what Jiazhou is most famous for is its food. Niu Hua malatang, Wood City sweet-skinned duck, Suji Kneeling Beef, bobo chicken... Each has its own unique charm, and you may not be able to find them once you leave Jiazhou."

Qian Siyuan nodded along as he listened, then glanced at the secretary seated beside him. "Take these down. We’ll have to try them when we get the chance."

"Yes, sir." The secretary acknowledged, taking out a pen and paper and quickly scribbling down the names.

In the kitchen, Zhou Yan heard Lin Zhiqiang’s voice and figured he must have brought the overseas Chinese client to eat.

’I wonder how the business negotiations are going,’ he thought. ’Judging from their conversation, they seem to be getting along pretty well.’

"Here’s the Kneeling Beef," Zhao Tieying announced, placing two bowls of it on the table.

"So this is the Suji Kneeling Beef you mentioned?" Qian Siyuan’s brow furrowed as he looked at the beef soup in the simple earthenware bowl before him.

’Wait, this isn’t just beef. Is that... tripe, with all those little bumps? And pieces of intestine?’

He was born and raised in the United States. While he’d inherited some of his parents’ eating habits, his education, career, and business had led him to fully assimilate into American culture. He had always steered clear of offal like this.

’Beef intestines, beef tripe... How disgusting!’

Qian Siyuan grimaced, not even daring to think about it too closely.

"That’s right, this is Kneeling Beef. It’s a medicinal dish with a long history, known for its ability to dispel dampness and ward off the cold. It’s also incredibly nourishing. I come here for it often." Lin Zhiqiang nodded with a smile. "The owner of this restaurant, Zhou Yan, improved upon an old recipe to create this version. He was even featured in *Sichuan Cuisine* magazine for it—that’s basically the *Time Magazine* of the Sichuan culinary world."

"Really? That impressive?" Qian Siyuan’s eyes lit up; that was a comparison he understood.

"Here, let me show you." Lin Zhiqiang stood up and grabbed the magazine from a display on the wall. "Take a look at this cover. Isn’t that Kneeling Beef?"

Qian Siyuan looked closely, and his eyes lit up again. "This Blue and White Porcelain Bowl is exquisite!"

"I meant the soup *in* the bowl," Lin Zhiqiang said.

"Oh, right." Qian Siyuan looked more carefully and nodded. "It really is the same. They just swapped the earthenware bowl for a Blue and White Porcelain Bowl. I didn’t recognize it at first."

He took the magazine and flipped through a few pages, marveling, "This is a very professional-looking magazine. I’m surprised the owner of a small-town restaurant could make the cover."

"The reasons are all written in the feature story. Maybe after you read it, you’ll see Kneeling Beef—and beef offal—in a new light." Lin Zhiqiang flipped the magazine to the article.

"The chef is this young?" Qian Siyuan said, surprised as he looked at the photo in the article.

"Zhou Yan is twenty, so yes, he’s very young." Lin Zhiqiang smiled and nodded. "It’s just as you were saying—private businesses are flourishing all over China now, creating more and more opportunities for young people."

"I always thought chefs who earned the title of ’Master’ would be much older," Qian Siyuan remarked as he continued reading.

He was a remarkably fast reader, a habit honed by years of scanning industry news.

He finished the two-page feature in just a moment.

"This young man is quite impressive. I never would have thought a simple bowl of soup could hold such a legacy." Qian Siyuan closed the magazine. As he looked back at the Kneeling Beef soup, his eyes now held a glimmer of curiosity and the urge to try it.

’A medicinal dish passed down for over a hundred years, a soup that once saved countless lives... According to the magazine, it’s savory, delicious, and worth a try.’

After a moment’s hesitation, he picked up his spoon and ladled a couple of spoonfuls of the broth into his small bowl.

The broth was clear and carried a rich, beefy aroma, with no trace of any unpleasant, gamey smell.

He’d had clear-broth beef hotpot in Yangcheng, but its aroma hadn’t been this rich.

He blew on the spoonful to cool it, then took a small sip.

The broth was hot. The flavor was gentle, yet exquisitely savory!

’Yes, exquisitely!’

For a broth that looked so clear, the flavor was unbelievably rich and savory, without the slightest hint of gaminess.

GULP. GULP.

He finished the soup in his bowl in two quick gulps. A pleasant warmth spread from his stomach, making his entire body feel cozy.

’A hot bowl of soup like this in the autumn or winter... it’s just so comforting!’

The magazine feature and the delicious broth had greatly lessened his aversion to the offal, but as he picked up his chopsticks, he still reached for a slice of beef first.