Come on, What Kind of CEO Chases His Roommate Back to the Country? - Chapter 36

Stepping out of the office, Pei Song let out a deep breath.

Although someone was trying to trip him up behind the scenes, at least Zhou Feng was reasonable.

He took out his phone and saw a message from Shi Yancheng, “Are you free tonight?”

Pei Song stared at his phone for a moment. After everything that happened today, he really wanted to see Shi Yancheng and hear what this eternally composed man thought.

That evening, the two met at a small restaurant. The décor was simple, but every dish was authentic.

“How did things go today?” Shi Yancheng poured Pei Song a cup of tea.

Pei Song recounted the situation. “Honestly, Zhou Feng’s handling of it surprised me. He didn’t doubt me because of those rumors; instead, he placed even more trust in me.”

“Seems like he has some sense.” Shi Yancheng nodded.

Pei Song frowned. “I don’t think this is over. Liu Yan won’t give up so easily.”

“Are you scared?” Shi Yancheng looked at him.

“It’s not fear, just exhaustion.” Pei Song shook his head. “I’m doing things the right way, yet I have to constantly be on guard.”

“This is the workplace.” Shi Yancheng said, “True capability doesn’t lose value just because someone schemes against you.”

“The most important thing now is executing the reform plan.” Pei Song said. “I’ve laid out a detailed plan, divided into three phases. The first phase starts with improving our signature dishes…”

Shi Yancheng watched him strategize seriously, the corners of his lips lifting slightly. “Now this is the Pei Song I know.”

As they ate and talked, Pei Song felt much more relaxed.

“By the way,” Shi Yancheng suddenly said, “I have to go back to Country D the day after tomorrow.”

Pei Song’s hand holding his chopsticks paused. “The plane ticket I saw earlier, was that for this trip?”

“Mm, I’ll probably be gone for a week.” Shi Yancheng glanced at him. “This is a crucial period for your plan. You need to seize the opportunity.”

Pei Song nodded, but a faint sense of loss welled up inside him.

Noticing his unease, Shi Yancheng said softly, “I’m always here.”

Just a few simple words, yet they warmed Pei Song’s heart. No matter what difficulties lay ahead, he wasn’t fighting alone.

With the project execution plan spread out before him, Pei Song decided to go back and refine it further.

He would prove with his ability that his success came from real skill, not favoritism.

The day after Shi Yancheng left, Pei Song fully immersed himself in the project. He gathered the team for a meeting and explained the reform plan in detail.

“For the first phase, we’re starting with improving our signature dishes.” Pei Song wrote out the timeline on the whiteboard. “Within this month, we need to innovate on eight core dishes. Each dish must retain the essence of traditional craftsmanship while introducing new flavors and presentation.”

Liu Yan sat in the corner, watching coldly. “Manager Pei, you’ve thought this through so thoroughly, but have you gotten Madam Zhao’s approval? These recipes are family heirlooms, after all.”

“Auntie Zhao has already given her consent,” Pei Song replied calmly. “She’ll even personally guide us to ensure each improved dish meets traditional standards.”

Liu Yan’s face changed. He hadn’t expected Pei Song to have already paved the way.

After the meeting, Liu Yan stopped a newly hired assistant. “Hey, buddy, can you do me a favor?”

“Sure, Liu-ge. What do you need?”

“Swing by the kitchen more often and see what ingredients they’re using for the new dishes.” Liu Yan handed him a pack of cigarettes. “If possible, take some photos.”

The assistant hesitated. “Uh… isn’t that kind of shady?”

“What’s there to be afraid of? You’re not doing anything wrong.” Liu Yan patted his shoulder. “I’m just looking out for the project.”

The next day, while Pei Song was taste-testing in the kitchen, he noticed someone sneaking photos in the corner.

“Xiao Wang, come here.” He gestured.

The assistant walked over awkwardly. “Manager Pei…”

“Liu Yan sent you, didn’t he?” Pei Song asked.

The assistant lowered his head, which was as good as admitting it.

But instead of getting angry, Pei Song chuckled. “If you really want to know, why sneak around? Come on, I’ll show you how we’re improving this drunken crab dish.”

He patiently explained each step, from ingredient selection to cooking technique. The assistant was so engrossed that he forgot he was supposed to be spying.

At lunch that day, Liu Yan smugly said, “I sent a copy of your reform plan to Madam Zhao. She must be very concerned about it.”

Pei Song was momentarily stunned before he realized, Liu Yan was trying to stir up trouble between him and Madam Zhao.

But what Liu Yan didn’t expect was that the very next day, Madam Zhao personally visited the company.

“I heard you’ve started improving the dishes?” The elderly woman’s voice was strong and full of energy. “I came to take a look.”

Liu Yan’s eyes lit up as he quickly chimed in, “Madam Zhao, you came at the perfect time! Someone wants to alter the traditional recipes, which is unacceptable!”

“Oh?” Madam Zhao turned to Pei Song. “Let me see what you’ve changed.”

Pei Song brought out the newly developed dishes and explained the thought process behind each one.

“For example, with this drunken crab, we’ve used specially aged huangjiu to enhance the aroma. We’ve also adjusted the marination time to make the crab meat more tender.”

Madam Zhao took a bite, her eyes lighting up. “This wine… is it Nu’er Hong?”

“Yes.” Pei Song nodded. “I researched Jin Shang Xuan’s history and found that this wine was originally used, but the recipe was changed later due to cost concerns. Since we aim to restore tradition, why not bring back the best ingredients?”

“Good!” Madam Zhao slapped the table. “This is what I call an improvement! You’re not changing the recipe, you’re restoring tradition!”

Liu Yan’s face darkened. This wasn’t the outcome he had hoped for.

“But… this will significantly increase costs…” he tried to argue.

“Costs?” Madam Zhao shot him a sharp look. “Jin Shang Xuan’s reputation was built on quality. Cutting corners just to save money is what truly ruins a brand!”

Turning back to Pei Song, she said, “Xiao Pei, I’ll be here every day to teach you these traditional skills properly.”

Liu Yan stood there, his expression shifting between pale and flushed.

On the fourth day, an unexpected visitor arrived at Jin Shang Xuan.

“A Michelin inspector?” Pei Song looked at the sharply dressed foreigner in surprise.

“Yes, we’re conducting anonymous visits to Chinese restaurants in City C.” The inspector spoke fluent Mandarin. “We heard about Jin Shang Xuan’s innovative reform and wanted to see for ourselves.”

Pei Song recognized this as an opportunity. “Would you like to try our new dishes first?”

“Wait.” Liu Yan suddenly interjected. “Shouldn’t we invite President Zhou for such an important occasion?”

“No need.” Pei Song was confident. “Let the food speak for itself.”

He had the kitchen prepare eight revised dishes, each blending tradition with innovation.

The inspector took notes as he tasted.

“This is fantastic!” He praised. “You’ve preserved the soul of Chinese cuisine while incorporating modern elements. Especially this Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup, the complexity of the broth is astonishing.”