Gourmet: The Master Chef Just Wants to Leisurely Set Up a Stall - Chapter 40

[Ding~ Congratulations, host! You’ve successfully found the culinary gem. Now, please continue to seek out its creator and learn the recipe.]

Stunned by the exquisite taste of the nest cake, Zhao Xiaojing was interrupted by the system prompt. She paused, then smiled broadly, her eyes sparkling with delight.

What a lucky coincidence to stumble upon this—early birds do get the worm!

The construction site truly had hidden talents. If this nest cake was considered a near-perfect dish, it deserved the title entirely.

Growing up in Yang City, Zhao Xiaojing had eaten many nest cakes, but Geng Mingyan’s version ranked at the top.

Perfectly round with thick edges and a thin, airy center, this nest cake was generously infused with shallots, offering a rich aroma in each bite. The golden crust encased soft, sticky rice batter and vibrant green scallions.

In her mouth, the cake’s crispy, crunchy, and chewy textures melded harmoniously. First, the crust’s fried crispness, followed by the dense chewy batter from sunken areas, and finally, the crispy center where the batter was thinnest and fried at high heat.

Two bites paired with thick, hearty rice porridge dispelled any greasiness.

Zhao Xiaojing savored the satisfying carb-loaded fullness, devouring two nest cakes and finishing a bowl of porridge.

With the hidden gem found and its creator identified as Geng Mingyan, Zhao Xiaojing pondered how to learn her method.

Lost in thought, she returned to the kitchen, where Geng Mingyan and Hou Guihua were already washing vegetables.

“Aunt Geng, your nest cake is incredible—better than any I’ve bought! Aunt Hou’s porridge is also delightful, with a sticky rice fragrance,” Zhao Xiaojing praised upon seeing them.

“Oh Xiao Zhao, such sweet words! I wouldn’t dare claim our cooking is worthy before you—your fried mushrooms were mesmerizing yesterday, truly mouthwatering. We’re just showing off,” Geng Mingyan humbly replied with a smile.

“No way, I’m being honest—this is the best nest cake I’ve tasted!”

“I agree; your nest cake is wonderfully fragrant!” Hou Guihua chimed in earnestly.

“See, Aunt Geng? Even Aunt Hou says so! Your skill is something many strive for but few achieve—it’s truly impressive!”

“Oh stop, don’t flatter me too much—I think your skills are fantastic too!” Geng Mingyan beamed widely.

“Aunt Geng, given that, how about we learn from each other? I can teach you fried mushrooms, and you can teach me nest cakes?” Zhao Xiaojing proposed eagerly yet nervously.

“Really?!” Geng Mingyan visibly brightened.

“Can I join too? Xiao Zhao, I’ll teach you steamed buns!” Hou Guihua added excitedly.

“Of course, of course! Thank you, Aunt Geng and Aunt Hou.” Zhao Xiaojing readily agreed—completing her task while learning new skills was a win-win!

“When should we start? Now?” Hou Guihua asked enthusiastically.

“Umm… we didn’t prepare mushrooms today—how about tomorrow? Tonight, I’ll ask the purchasing aunties to buy mushrooms. I’ll come at five in the morning to cook breakfast with you and fry mushrooms after.”

“That’s fine, Xiao Zhao! But five is too early—come around seven or eight. We live here, so it’s convenient and routine for us. You still have lunch and dinner duties; joining us might be too tiring!” Geng Mingyan advised.

“It’s no trouble, Aunt Geng—I’m an early riser anyway, plus I can lend a hand,” Zhao Xiaojing insisted, eager to hone her skills and complete her task.

With plans set, Zhao Xiaojing began preparing ingredients.

Having requested fresh chicken wings yesterday, the purchasing staff bought enough for two meals, soaking them to draw out blood, and Aunt Geng had already cleaned them.

She scored each wing and marinated them in a large basin.

Next, she started chopping vegetables. Chef Sun planned to make stir-fried pork with bean curd sheets, spicy pig heart, pan-fried tofu, chopped pepper fish head, and minced meat with green beans. Zhao Xiaojing would prepare cold tomato salad, century egg tofu salad, and fried chicken wings.

Halfway through prepping, Chef Sun arrived.

“Wow, Xiao Zhao, you’ve prepped quite a bit already—what time did you arrive?” Chef Sun asked in surprise.

“Good morning, Chef Sun! I got here around eight. I was fascinated by your potato frying yesterday and came early to work and maybe learn more from you,” Zhao Xiaojing admitted sheepishly.

Hearing this, Chef Sun laughed heartily. He’d noticed her diligence and eagerness to learn; now, her words boosted his pride.

“Alright! Come over when you’re done—I’ll show you some tricks.”

Chef Sun readily agreed. He never believed in “teaching kills the master”—skills grow from mutual learning and inspiration. Besides, Zhao Xiaojing taught him fried crab sticks yesterday.

Quickly finishing her prep, Zhao Xiaojing organized ingredients for Chef Sun’s dishes and prepared her own tomatoes with sugar and century egg tofu salad to marinate for richer flavors when served.

“You’re fast!” Chef Sun remarked as Zhao Xiaojing assisted him after completing her tasks.

In his youth, he had similar drive. Back then, learning craft skills was tougher—a master chef might train dozens of apprentices all vying for attention, seeking those rare moments when a master would share secret techniques.

Among three brothers who entered together, he was first to leave yet fared worst.

Decades passed, and while his brothers mentored multiple apprentices, he finally encountered promising talent.

Zhao Xiaojing smiled warmly, asking Chef Sun about her doubts.

“Chef Sun, I tried practicing your potato frying tips last night—I followed everything you mentioned but kept flipping the pan onto the floor… Eventually, I stirred it normally but couldn’t match the flavor…”

“Pfft! Cough, cough…” Chef Sun spat out water in laughter.

Zhao Xiaojing hurriedly grabbed napkins for him, relieved the stove tops were covered and food distant.

Wiping himself dry between chuckles, Chef Sun couldn’t contain his amusement.

“Haha! You tried flipping potatoes last night? Hahaha…”

“Is that wrong?” Zhao Xiaojing chuckled awkwardly, unsure what amused him.

“Do you know how long we practiced basic flipping skills? Haha! And you went straight for it—goodness…” Chef Sun pointed in mirth.

“What basics?” Zhao Xiaojing felt embarrassed by her lack of knowledge.