Chen Jianhai hesitated for a while, then tentatively asked, "Da Bo, what are the selection criteria for the Annual Charm Cuisine Festival? What kind of dishes do they typically look for?"
Chen Jianhai, aside from enjoying food, knew nothing about cooking.
But while he didn't understand, the system did!!
If he could get a general idea of the festival's rules and the judges' preferences,
he could strategically use his points to purchase top-tier recipes for Xu Bo.
With Xu Bo's talent, he could easily win with dignity!
Win with confidence!
Win with flair!
Xu Bo turned his head and gave Chen Jianhai a deep look.
Chen Jianhai felt uneasy under Xu Bo's gaze, "Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?"
Xu Bo's expression was complex, as if he was struggling internally.
After a long while,
Xu Bo smiled faintly and patted Chen Jianhai on the shoulder.
"No need, good brother... Thanks!"
Chen Jianhai's pupils shrank, unsure of what Xu Bo meant by that.
"I know you have many ways and connections, but this path, I chose."
Xu Bo spoke softly yet firmly:
"Regardless of whether I succeed or fail in the end, I want to try it on my own!"
Hearing this, Chen Jianhai looked at Xu Bo as if seeing him for the first time.
Previously, he thought Xu Bo just wanted to have fun and was rebelling against his pampered upbringing by wanting to cook.
But now, he realized he was wrong.
Xu Bo was genuinely giving his all, willing to defy his family and parents' pressure, fully committed to pursuing his dream.
He wanted to become a top chef on his own merits.
Chen Jianhai felt like he was getting to know his good brother all over again, his eyes filled with admiration and respect.
If Xu Bo didn't need his help, then he would quietly support him!
"It's just that before I inherit the family business, your hotel's free luxury swimming rings will be gone," Xu Bo said apologetically.
Hearing this, Chen Jianhai's eyes reddened.
What a great brother!
Even when he didn't have money to eat, he was still thinking about the hotel's free swimming rings.
"No worries! I have money now; I can buy them," Chen Jianhai said, tears welling up.
"Then..." Xu Bo paused and then spoke unreservedly,
"Shouldn't I get a raise?"
Chen Jianhai: ???
Xu Bo asserted, "I, Xu Qiaoni, the top chef of the five-star Nanjing Hotel!"
"If you don't give me a raise, I'll leave. Believe it or not!!"
...
A few hours later.
Xu Bo looked satisfied as his salary had increased by 50%, a hint of pride on his face.
Although this money was a fraction of what Xu Bat Die gave him as an allowance,
it was earned through his own skills and efforts.
Every penny was rightfully earned.
Unlike Nanjing, Little Ma Jia Island had a leisurely vibe.
Chen Jianhai, Xiao Lang, and Xu Bo spent hours drinking juice, chatting, playing games, and by the time they checked their phones, only a bit over two hours had passed.
A large white cloud in the sky drifted slowly to the left.
Waves gently lapped the shore,
like the ticking of a stopwatch, making their eyelids droop.
Xiao Lang and Xu Bo, already struggling to keep their eyes open, found their phones running out of battery.
They went back to the hotel to nap, planning to explore in the evening.
Chen Jianhai jumped into the pool to wake up and later in the evening walked towards the center of the island.
...
Little Ma Jia Island's Sihai Xiang Seafood Restaurant
As the island's best-tasting restaurant, Sihai Xiang wasn't on the main street but in the left "pocket" of Ma Jia.
The owner and his wife were born and raised on the island. The restaurant was small, but the homestyle dishes were flavorful.
Especially the owner's wife's spicy stir-fried seafood, which was exceptional.
Many island men, after a busy day, liked to come here in the evening for a drink and some snacks, enjoying the leisurely evening.
Opening the door,
a fragrant aroma of food wafted out,
Han Shan Daye and four or five old friends were sitting at a small round table, drinking, their faces flushed.
Seeing Chen Jianhai, Han Shan Daye's eyes lit up with surprise:
"Huluwa! When did you come back, why didn't you say anything!!"
"Have you eaten? What do you want to eat?"
Han Shan Daye pulled Chen Jianhai to sit next to him, took a pair of disposable chopsticks from the container, removed the plastic wrapper, and handed the chopsticks to Chen Jianhai with a cheerful smile:
"Order whatever you like, it's on me."
Chen Jianhai didn't stand on ceremony, patting the menu and saying boldly, "Give me a bowl of rice first!"
...
Chen Jianhai was indeed hungry.
Being comfortable with Han Shan Daye, he quickly started sweating from eating.
Han Shan Daye watched Chen Jianhai wolf down his food with a smile, occasionally reminding him to eat slowly, his kindly gaze like that of a grandfather watching his grandson.
"Alright, what's the matter? Tell me!"
Chen Jianhai chuckled.
"I knew I couldn't hide it from you, Daye. I'm here today to discuss something with you."
Han Shan Daye looked a bit nervous seeing Chen Jianhai so serious:
"What is it? Did something happen to the hotel?"
Chen Jianhai smiled, "The hotel is fine; there's good news for the island!"
Chen Jianhai took out his phone, showing photos of the Golden Jellyfish Lake, and explained the situation to Han Shan Daye.
Han Shan Daye looked at Chen Jianhai, then at the photos on the phone, his eyes gradually widening in amazement:
"Is this lake on the island??"
Chen Jianhai nodded seriously, "Yes, it's on the island, in the northern mountains of Little Ma Jia Island."
This revelation shocked not only Han Shan Daye but also the other old friends at the table.
They had lived on the island all their lives and never knew there was a jellyfish lake in the mountains!
If this lake could be developed into a tourist attraction, it would definitely draw many visitors!
Han Shan Daye looked at the photos for a long time, then sighed deeply.
"It's a beautiful place, such a pity."
The island's economy wasn't wealthy, and they didn't even have money to build a coastal path before.
Although the residents' lives had improved thanks to Chen Jianhai's northern fishery resources, they still couldn't afford to develop a tourist spot.
"It's not a pity!" Chen Jianhai said earnestly:
"The city is willing to invest in developing this jellyfish lake into a tourist project,"
"But since the lake belongs to the island,"
"whether it can be developed or not requires everyone's consent."
"Why can't it be developed?!" Han Shan Daye asked excitedly.
Chen Jianhai replied cautiously, "Because developing the lake will involve some changes and construction in the northern mountains."
"I'm not sure if everyone will accept that."
"If people disagree, we won't proceed with the project."
Chen Jianhai didn't hide anything, directly stating the current situation and the issues.
Mountains are often associated with feng shui.
Though people might not say it out loud, some beliefs are deeply rooted in their minds.
Their respect for certain things is ingrained and unwavering.
As expected, Han Shan Daye and the old men looked serious.