Divorced Dad's Gourmet Shop

Chapter 393: Chapter 392: An Old Simp

A big shot handed him half a carton of premium cigarettes, and the security guard’s smile grew even wider.

He had received several cartons’ worth of cigarettes alone in the past few days.

When Du Qin saw Jiang Liu, his cool expression immediately turned warm. "Boss Jiang, you’re back? Did you buy popcorn for your daughter?"

"Mhm," Jiang Liu nodded. "Tongtong was throwing a tantrum again today, so I bought her some little snacks to appease her."

"You have such a wonderful family," Du Qin said, unable to hide his envy.

He had two sons and no daughters.

"By the way, Boss Jiang, do you need a kitchen hand? I could assist you."

Jiang Xiaoqian, who was ahead of them, listened to their conversation with a progressively bizarre expression.

’You’re a state banquet-level chef, and you came all this way to be a mere assistant for a small shop owner? Have you no shame?’

’If your boss found out, he’d have a stroke!’

But he couldn’t be bothered to say anything.

Jiang Liu flatly refused. "Thank you for the kind offer, but I can manage by myself."

"Alright, then."

Disappointed, Du Qin smacked his lips.

In his view, just being an assistant to this master would be an incredible learning opportunity. Besides, when Boss Jiang became world-famous in the future, he could use that fact to burnish his own reputation and brag a little.

Back in the shop, Jiang Liu went to work without a moment’s rest.

Now that he had the [Bun-Making Tools] and the [Magical Pressure Cooker], his speed had increased by half.

Du Qin watched Jiang Liu bustling about inside, his eyes glinting with excitement. "He’s a master, through and through! Just look at how he moves those steamers—so fast, yet so composed. As expected of Boss Jiang, the man who makes the world’s greatest buns!"

The people nearby: ???

Well, then.

’What a total suck-up!’

Xia Lianshan stared at his fellow apprentice as if he were a complete stranger.

’Is this still the same arrogant chef I know?’

’Damn, you’ve really thrown all your dignity away!’

Xia Lianshan nodded.

"That’s right. Executive Chef Du and I see eye to eye—great minds think alike. Every single one of Boss Jiang’s movements is worth studying. He is worthy of the title ’Legendary Master.’ I’m telling you, it won’t be long before Master Jiang is setting the next big trend in the culinary world!"

"Exactly! We have to be humble and learn as much as we can. Who knows, maybe we’ll become familiar faces to Master Jiang!"

Jiang Xiaoqian glanced at the two of them, feeling as if a thousand ducks were quacking in his head.

Besides those four, many other familiar faces chattered away as they waited in line.

Huang Yunfeng, along with Old Guo and a few others, stood in line with calm composure, completely unfazed by the blazing sun overhead.

Zhong Lin and a few of her friends, their eyes full of curiosity and excitement, struggled to hold up their umbrellas as they wiped away beads of sweat.

Their faces were flushed red from the heat.

"I never expected Boss Jiang to be so handsome. I’ve made up my mind. From now on, I’m not going to be a fan of celebrities; I’m going to be a fan of Boss Jiang, hehe."

"It’s true what they say: a man is most handsome when he’s focused!"

"And most importantly, he’s an amazing cook! I’m so jealous of the woman who gets to have him!!"

"I’m going to ask for his contact info later. I’m gonna be Boss Jiang’s number one fangirl!" ...

The group of friends chattered endlessly, like a flock of little chicks.

Their noise made Zheng Qiang, the bald man standing nearby, frown.

’So damn annoying!’

’Isn’t it hard enough just waiting in line?’

At 10:40, the chili oil, fruit juice, ham, yak meat, tuna, and buns were all ready.

Jiang Liu had personally wrapped three hundred buns and used his ’cheat’ to prepare a thousand more.

They were now ready to be steamed.

He glanced at the time.

Jiang Liu started preparing braised prawns. He had originally planned to make another Sichuan dish for lunch, but he changed his mind, remembering that river prawns don’t keep well.

He also prepared a few portions of Fuqi Feipian for Jun Xinghe.

At 10:50.

"Busy, Boss Jiang?" Secretary Wang asked, pushing open the glass door and walking in with a wide smile.

"I smelled that amazing aroma the second I walked in. You’ve really got my mouth watering!"

Jiang Liu chuckled. "Talk about perfect timing. I just finished making Uncle Jun’s lunch."

"Haha, what’s on the menu?" Secretary Wang craned his neck to sniff the air. "Even if I can’t eat it, just getting a sniff is a win."

"A portion of Fuqi Feipian, tuna, yak meat, ham, three bottles of fruit juice, and thirty braised prawns. Just have President Jun sort out the rice himself."

"Tsk, tsk, what a feast. Your father-in-law is definitely going to show this off to everyone again."

With Jun Xinghe not around, Secretary Wang grew bolder. He knew Jiang Liu wouldn’t rat him out.

Secretary Wang secretly gulped.

His cravings were driving him crazy.

’Maybe I should just grab this huge bag of food and make a run for it?’

The thought startled Secretary Wang.

Suddenly, Jiang Liu took out a separate, smaller bag. "Here, this part is for you."

"Huh? There’s one for me, too?!" Secretary Wang was stunned.

He looked at Jiang Liu in disbelief.

"Of course," Jiang Liu smiled. "I just packed some extra. I’m the one selling the food; how could I let you go hungry?"

"Boss Jiang..." Secretary Wang was so moved he almost called him ’Godfather.’ "I can’t believe you actually prepared some for me. You don’t know how many times I’ve had your food with President Jun, only for him to skimp on my portion until I’m left with a single bite. My life is so hard!"

The working man shed bitter tears.

"How much is it? I’ll pay you, Boss Jiang!"

"No need. We’re all family here. It’s not worth much anyway."

"I couldn’t possibly..." Secretary Wang said, hesitating.

Jiang Liu wouldn’t let him pay. "You should get going. President Jun will get antsy if he has to wait."

"Alright!" Secretary Wang sniffled. "From now on, Boss Jiang, if you ever need anything, just say the word. I’d go through hell and high water for you..."

He was genuinely moved, a warm feeling spreading through his chest.

After so many years as a wage-earner, this was the first time someone had shown him such consideration.

"Alright, alright." Jiang Liu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. "Stop being so dramatic. You’re Uncle Jun’s right-hand man, which makes us family. There’s no need for all this."

Carrying the two bags of food, Secretary Wang walked out with a blissful grin plastered on his face.

He didn’t get into his car right away. Instead, he took a stroll along the queue.

When Yang Zhengwu saw Secretary Wang, his expression changed instantly. He hastily turned his head toward the right side of the queue and pretended to be engrossed in his phone.

But it was obviously no use. His designer clothes and gleaming calfskin shoes were just too conspicuous.

"Well, well, if it isn’t President Yang. You came all this way to wait in line again? Tsk, tsk. On a hot day like this, too. Where are your underlings?" Secretary Wang said with the triumphant air of a petty man who’d just gotten one up on his rival.

Yang Zhengwu didn’t even turn his head, pretending he hadn’t heard a thing.

He had originally wanted his daughter to buy it for him, but she ignored him. And since he didn’t trust anyone else with the task, he had come to wait in line himself. After all, the atmosphere of eating in the shop was completely different.

"Ignoring me?"

Secretary Wang had no intention of letting him off the hook.

He lifted his chin and said sarcastically, "Hah. Our President Jun made a point of telling me today that he’d heard President Yang was also in South City. He wanted me to check if you were getting tired of waiting in line. He even told me to bring you a stool."

"What do you say? Should I go get it for you?"

Yang Zhengwu: ...

’Damn it, like master, like dog! Just as expected...’ he cursed viciously in his mind.

"Alright, it seems you don’t need it after all. President Jun’s son-in-law just made him a private meal, so I’ll be heading back. When there’s a chance, we’ll have President Jun bring you over. Then we won’t have to stand in this long, hard line, haha."

Yang Zhengwu’s entire body trembled with rage.

’Old Jun the Bastard!’

’You just wait.’

’We’ll see how long you can gloat! Hmph!’

Behind him, Xiao Han and her friends let out a "PFFT" as they burst into laughter.

.....

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