Chapter 781 - 707: The Real Expert

Actually, this matter really can’t be blamed on Yao Shi.

He also received the news at the last minute. In his haste, he didn’t have time to arrange anything, and the other party had enthusiastically come looking for him.

Seeing that he couldn’t stop them, Yao Shi rushed to the music restaurant as quickly as possible to personally entertain them.

This time, Liu Shaoxian came to Bei’an representing the Herbal Cuisine Research Association, accompanied by members of an inspection team selected by the association.

However, this visit to the music restaurant was part of his personal trip, and he was not traveling with the other members of the inspection team.

He originally came through Bei’an to visit his old friend, Yang Wenqiang.

Yang Wenqiang ran a private hot pot restaurant in Bei’an, and because he wanted to add herbal cuisine hot pot, upon learning about Liu Shaoxian’s planned inspection tour in the provincial city, he quickly called him and invited him to Bei’an.

Liu Shaoxian is an expert in herbal cuisine, with very rich experience in this field.

Yang Wenqiang had already innovated a few base stock recipes for herbal cuisine hot pot, and this time he wanted Liu Shaoxian to help review them. Additionally, it was a good opportunity for old friends to meet and have a nice gathering.

Along with Liu Shaoxian to the music restaurant were Yang Wenqiang, the well-informed Liu Yunong, and Xiao Jiping, who was accompanying Liu Shaoxian on his friendly visit.

Liu Yunong only recognized Xiao Jiping after being introduced at the music restaurant.

Xiao Jiping is a distinguished traditional Chinese medicine practitioner at the Provincial Third Hospital, with many people traveling long distances to seek his treatment, praising his TCM skills as miraculous.

Although Liu Yunong hadn’t sought treatment at the Provincial Third Hospital, she had heard about the famous Elder Xiao, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner.

The group exchanged introductions and chatted for a while, and just as they were about to enter the restaurant, Yao Shi hurriedly arrived.

Yao Shi really hadn’t expected so many people to come, but fortunately, he is always sociable and warmly greeted each person in the group.

Liu Shaoxian, in his early fifties, was wearing just a parka in the cold weather, seemingly unfazed by the chill and looking quite spirited.

Yao Shi greeted him warmly.

Liu Shaoxian nodded, smiled, and said, "I decided to come here at the last minute, Xiao Yao, I’m sorry to trouble you."

Yao Shi said, "Not at all. If I had known you were coming to Bei’an, I would have invited you myself."

After finishing, he smiled and nodded at Liu Yunong: "You came too? Why didn’t you give me a call to let me know?"

Liu Yunong laughed and said, "I’m just tagging along with Uncle Liu to grab a meal."

Yao Shi wasn’t particularly familiar with Liu Shaoxian, but in this circle, being friendly is more important than having strong connections, so he smiled and said, "Then today, I must bring out our restaurant’s specialties for you to try."

With Yao Shi there, everyone received a very warm welcome and reception.

Upon entering, Liu Shaoxian looked around at the interior decor of the music restaurant and the uniforms of the service staff, then turned and smiled at Yang Wenqiang, saying, "This restaurant is really well run, Old Yang. Look at this decor; it’s grand enough that people feel it’s worth spending money here just for the environment."

Yang Wenqiang, upon hearing this, felt a bit helpless.

His old friend was great in every way, except for being too straightforward, incapable of overlooking minor issues. He was always very direct, lacking tact in his dealings with others.

It’s just that his professional skills are strong enough. Otherwise, with his personality, fitting into the circle would indeed be difficult.

He was about to come up with some words to smooth things over for his old friend when Liu Yunong chuckled and said, "That’s because Chef Yao has a good eye. The restaurant’s design is ultimately decided by the owner."

Yang Wenqiang quickly followed up, "That’s right. I’m also thinking of renovating my restaurant after the New Year when it’s the off-season, and there’ll be time to do it."

Liu Shaoxian nodded and proceeded inside, visiting the reception area and several floors of banquet halls.

Liu Shaoxian genuinely praised, "Yes, a lot of effort was put into it. It looks luxurious, yet being in it, it feels very harmonious and aesthetically pleasing."

The design of the music restaurant is the kind of luxurious grandeur that immediately impresses, but the detailed design carries a thematic consistency that complements each other.

Yao Shi is a very outstanding person, and this is reflected not only in his professional achievements but also in his personal taste and his vision and acumen in business.

After the compliment, Liu Shaoxian turned to Yao Shi and jokingly said, "Xiao Yao, I’ve heard that your newly hired herbal cuisine chef has superb skills and is very professional. I’ve traveled a long way to see his herbal cuisine cooking skills today. You won’t refuse me, will you?"

Yao Shi awkwardly smiled, "How could I refuse? Getting advice from an expert like you is a blessing I couldn’t even ask for! However... Xiao Fu has been quite busy recently, so today, he’s just here to confirm the herbal cuisine menu with some customers and might not be cooking. But, I’ll call him over right away."

He was about to take out his phone to make a call.

At this moment, Fu Yu, having already got the news, followed behind Li Xintong, walking over confidently.

Seeing him, Yao Shi introduced Fu Yu to everyone.

Fu Yu, with a smile on his face, greeted everyone, following Yao Shi’s lead.

When he got to Liu Yunong, he naturally called him "Master," instantly drawing surprised looks from everyone else.

Liu Yunong explained with a smile, "Xiaofu is my new apprentice, and he has been learning Liu Family Cuisine with me."