Come on, What Kind of CEO Chases His Roommate Back to the Country? - Chapter 34

As the department head, Zhou Feng always appeared polite and approachable, but whenever Pei Song was alone with him, he felt an inexplicable pressure.

“Mr. Zhou.” Pei Song forced a smile and sat across from Zhou Feng.

Just then, Liu Yan walked by carrying a food tray. Seeing this scene, a flash of jealousy crossed his eyes. After hesitating for a moment, he still sat down next to Zhou Feng.

“It’s good that you’re both here.” Zhou Feng put down his chopsticks and glanced at the two of them. “This afternoon, I plan to take Pei Song to meet someone. Madam Zhao from Jin Shang Xuan.”

Liu Yan’s expression stiffened.

Jin Shang Xuan was the most famous long-established brand in the area. Gaining Madam Zhao’s approval was crucial for the brand’s upgrade.

“Mr. Zhou,” Liu Yan quickly spoke up, “I’ve been handling this project from the beginning…”

“But we need someone who truly understands gourmet food to oversee it.” Zhou Feng looked at Pei Song. “You managed a Michelin-starred restaurant in Country D. You should be well-versed in high-end dining standards.”

Pei Song put down his chopsticks. “I’ll do my best.”

“You’re too modest.” Zhou Feng’s gaze lingered on him for a moment. “I’ve seen your work on Instagram, very professional.”

Liu Yan’s face grew darker. Since Pei Song joined the company, Zhou Feng’s attention toward him had clearly surpassed everyone else’s.

“Mr. Zhou,” Liu Yan couldn’t hold back anymore, “I still think this project needs someone with experience…”

“Experience doesn’t always equal capability.” Zhou Feng cut him off indifferently. “Although Pei Song joined us later, his perspective and expertise are a perfect fit for this project.”

Liu Yan wanted to argue further, but Zhou Feng had already turned to Pei Song. “I’ll see you in my office at 2 PM.”

As Zhou Feng walked away, Liu Yan sneered. “Looks like someone’s pretty lucky. Just joined, and already landed on such an important project.”

“I’m just doing my job,” Pei Song replied calmly.

“‘Just doing your job’?” Liu Yan scoffed. “Don’t think I don’t know why Mr. Zhou favors you so much.”

Pei Song frowned. “What do you mean by that?”

“Everyone knows you used to have a crush on him…” Liu Yan leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “And now you’re getting close to him on purpose, trying to—”

“Enough!” Pei Song abruptly stood up, the chair scraping against the floor with a sharp noise. “Say another word and see what happens.”

The surrounding colleagues turned to look. Liu Yan shut his mouth reluctantly, though his expression remained mocking.

Pei Song took a deep breath and walked out of the cafeteria. He needed to clear his mind. He couldn’t let these baseless accusations cloud his judgment.

At 2 PM sharp, Pei Song arrived at Zhou Feng’s office.

“I’ll give you a quick briefing on the way.” Zhou Feng said as he drove. “Madam Zhao is in her seventies and highly respected in the culinary industry. To rebrand Jin Shang Xuan, we must get her approval.”

Pei Song nodded. “I’ve heard of her. Jin Shang Xuan’s reputation today is largely due to her dedication.”

“You know quite a bit.” Zhou Feng glanced at him. “But she’s very traditional and values heritage deeply. I’m not sure how she’ll react to our innovation plans.”

The car stopped in front of a traditional-style building, the golden characters of “Jin Shang Xuan” gleaming in the sunlight.

As they pushed open the intricately carved wooden doors, the rich aroma of spices filled the air.

Inside the tea room, an elderly woman in a qipao was sipping tea. When she saw Zhou Feng, she smiled warmly.

“Ah, Xiao Zhou, you’re here.” Madam Zhao set down her teacup. “And this young man must be the one you mentioned?”

“Yes, Aunt Zhao.” Zhou Feng introduced, “This is Pei Song. He studied in Country D, managed his own restaurant, and even earned a Michelin star.”

Madam Zhao examined Pei Song carefully. “Achieving that at such a young age is impressive. But,” her tone shifted, “Young people these days are obsessed with innovation and often overlook the essence of tradition.”

Pei Song replied respectfully, “Traditional techniques are the foundation of heritage brands. They have survived generations precisely because of their craftsmanship. However, while preserving tradition, appropriate innovation is also necessary.”

“Oh?” Madam Zhao’s interest was piqued. “Go on.”

“Take Jin Shang Xuan’s signature dish, Dongpo Pork,” Pei Song explained. “I noticed you use traditional Zhejiang-aged ginger and a special cooking wine. Nowadays, many restaurants take shortcuts, using regular ginger slices and generic wine, which significantly affects the taste.”

Madam Zhao’s eyes lit up. “You could tell?”

“Yes.” Pei Song continued, “But in terms of presentation, I believe some changes could be made. Younger generations are very visually driven. If we can refine the dish’s presentation while maintaining its authentic taste…”

“Young man,” Madam Zhao interrupted, “Come with me to the kitchen.”

Pei Song hesitated briefly but followed her inside. In the bustling kitchen, experienced chefs were hard at work. 

Madam Zhao pointed to a large, blackened iron wok on the stove. “This wok has been used for over forty years, seasoned daily with pork fat. No modern stainless-steel pot, no matter how expensive, can compare.”

She then gestured to the wall lined with traditional tools. “Many restaurants nowadays find these old tools inconvenient and replace them with machines. But some things, machines can never replicate.”

Pei Song pondered. “So, you mean innovation should never come at the cost of tradition?”

“Smart.” Madam Zhao smiled. “I’m not against innovation, but it must be built on a deep respect and understanding of tradition. What exactly is your vision for Jin Shang Xuan?”

Pei Song took out his tablet and pulled up the project plan. “We want to introduce the beauty of traditional cuisine to more young people. While keeping core dishes unchanged, we plan to add a few modern small plates, enhance packaging, and refine the dining atmosphere…”

Madam Zhao listened attentively, then mused for a moment. “You have good ideas, but talk is cheap. Show me what you can do, cook a dish for me.”

Pei Song hadn’t expected this test, but he nodded. “Alright.”

He surveyed the kitchen and quickly selected the necessary ingredients. The other chefs paused their work, watching curiously.

Pei Song decided to make an improved version of Braised Lion’s Head, one of Jin Shang Xuan’s signature dishes.

Sticking to traditional methods, he pounded the meat with a stone mortar instead of using a food processor, time-consuming but producing a finer texture.

He seasoned it using authentic techniques but introduced a subtle visual innovation, shaping each meatball into a delicate lotus flower.

Madam Zhao took a bite, her eyes gleaming with approval. “Not bad. You respect the old ways but can innovate without compromising flavor. You’ve got real skill.”

Zhou Feng exhaled in relief, he knew how difficult it was to earn Madam Zhao’s recognition.

“For this project,” Madam Zhao looked at Zhou Feng, “Let this young man take charge. I trust he’ll balance tradition and innovation well.”

As they left, Madam Zhao gave Pei Song a final reminder. “Modify what you need, but make sure you never lose the soul of Jin Shang Xuan’s dishes.”

“You have my word,” Pei Song said solemnly.