I am a Chef in the Modern Era

Chapter 74: Minced Tofu Soup

Translated by Jouissance of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Tang Shuang was just as his name suggested, straight forward and unhesitant, and he was fast at learning as well, quickly managing to familiarize himself with XiQin Restaurant. He carefully listened to everything Lin ShuYi had to say to him, memorizing it easily. Afterwards, he meticulously showed Lin ShuYi the extent of his knife skills.

What he made was a Huaiyang dish called minced tofu soup, known for requiring delicate knife skills.

The stock was brewing. There was still a while before customers started coming and Lin ShuYi had the time and willingness to see how well-practiced Tang Shuang was, so he gave the other some ingredients and had him do as he pleased. Before this, Lin ShuYi had neither seen nor tried minced tofu soup , but he had heard of how strict this dish was in terms of knifework, so Lin ShuYi was curious, standing next to Tang Shuang and watching with interest.

A full box of silken tofu was placed on the washed cutting board. Tang Shuang then ran the thin blade under the tap as well to prevent the tofu from sticking to the knife.

He cut it horizontally across, cutting the tofu into two before rapidly slicing the tofu into thin pieces, and from there into thin strings. The soft, smooth tofu turned into thin, but whole, strips of tofu under Tang Shuang’s knife. At the moment, it wasn’t obvious, but when Tang Shuang placed the tofu strips into the water, they almost seemed to bloom into flowers, pure, white tofu flowers.

Lin ShuYi watched, wide eyed. As expected, it really was a test of one’s knife skills. He was pretty sure that he wouldn’t be able to reach this level with quite a while of practice. Tang Shuang really was quite skilled.

After the tofu was cut, the rest was much easier. Shiitake, ham, chicken, bamboo shoots and spinach were all cut into equally sized thin strips. Then two ladles of stock were put into the pot, and after it boiled, the strips of chicken, ham, shiitake and spinach were put in and set to re-boil. After that, the tofu, having been boiled in the other pot, was put in with the rest before seasoning was added. The soup was thickened and with a smattering of cilantro and a few drops of sesame oil, it was ready.

The stock gave the dish a pale tint, and the aroma of the ham and shiitake filled the room. Tang Shuang handed the bowl over to Lin ShuYi, smiling widely with his canines showing. “Try it, it should be pretty good.”

Lin ShuYi accepted the bowl and took a bite. It was tasted good, but compared to spectacular beauty in presentation, the taste seemed to lack a little something. Of course, it was very flavorful, with the flavor of the ham and shiitake combining perfectly and the tofu practically melting in his mouth, everything was aromantic.

Lin ShuYi gave the bowl to Shen Fu and had Shen Fu try it. Since Tang Shuang didn’t make much, and everyone had just had dinner anyways, there was only the bowl Lin ShuYi had and what Old Man Yang had.

Tang Shuang’s expression was practically begging for praise.

Old Man Yang gazed at Lin ShuYi with a smile. “So? How is he? Good?”

Lin ShuYi nodded and even Shen Fu gave a thumbs-up.

Tang Shuang was ready to explode with happiness. He was a prep cook. His knife skills were great, but honestly, he didn’t have that much experience with making full dishes, so when Lin ShuYi praised him with a nod, it meant that he had really done well this time.

The four were about to start commenting on how well-made Tang Shuang’s tofu was when a knocking came from outside. Tang Shuang was the closest to the door, so upon hearing the knocking, he looked to Lin ShuYi for approval before opening the door.

Who would be visiting at this hour?

The door opened to reveal two young ladies dressed fashionably.

The two were smiling and were stunned for a moment upon seeing Tang Shuang. How come it wasn’t the two handsome guys they saw on Weibo? However, though this guy was a little tanned, he looked lively and pretty handsome himself. This place really was full of cuties. The two young ladies’ eyes lit up. “Sorry, but is this XiQin Restaurant?”

Though the sign outside said it was, it was best to make sure first.

Tang Shuang nodded.

“Are you guys open today?”

Tang Shuang was a little confused, unsure at what the two wanted. However, hearing this, he still nodded in affirmation. “We are planning to open today, but it’s not time yet.”

The two young ladies exchanged a look and smiled. “That’s fine, so long as we’re in the right place, we can wait.” They tried to peek inside. Since Lin ShuYi and Shen Fu were both in the kitchen, they didn’t see what they had been hoping for, so they asked, “Is the boss here today?”

Tang Shuang felt like he had been enlightened. No wonder they came so early, they were here to look for Lin ShuYi. They didn’t look like they actually knew him though.

Tang Shuang called over his shoulder, “Xiao Yi-ge, someone is looking for you!”

Lin ShuYi was confused and put down the bowl, heading out. Shen Fu followed out of habit.

Looking for him? Who?

Lin ShuYi and Shen Fu walked out of the kitchen and the two young ladies’ eyes went wide. The two excitedly pushed at one another. “It’s them, it’s them!”

They kept their voices quiet so Lin ShuYu and Shen Fu couldn’t hear, but Tang Shuang, next to them, heard everything.

The gears in his head turned, and he figured out why they were here. Probably because of that weibo post.

As a resident of the Chaoyang street, Tang Shuang had definitely seen the weibos, and when he had seen them, they already had a terrifying amount of reposts. After finding out that the person in the picture was also Old Man Yang’s kin, Tang Shuang had been shocked. After that after Old Man Yang had told him he already, he had been relieved. Now he didn’t have to be afraid of saying anything.

Were those two young ladies also here because of the Weibo post? So were they here to eat or… to look at those two?

The answer was clear.

Though Tang Shuang had nothing against gays, but he didn’t really understand this sort of behavior.

It was just good that the two young ladies seemed pretty rational. Though they had managed to get Lin ShuYi and Shen Fu over, they didn’t overstep their boundaries, asking, “Is the shop not open yet? Could we sit here and wait for a while?”

Lin ShuYi smiled gently. It seemed that these two young ladies would be their first customers after the reopening, though it was still very early. Lin ShuYi didn’t really mind. “It’s fine. If you want something to eat, then you can count the shop opened.”

The young ladies seemed a little embarrassed at this.

They would admit that they were here to see the two, but now they had seen them, and it really was two of them, no, three cute guys. They all seemed very nice as well, but they really were here a little too early. The place hadn’t even opened. They had thought that it would be nice if they could sit in for a while, even if they couldn’t order and eat, but who would’ve expected Lin ShuYi to agree to serve them with a smile. It made them feel rather shameless.

“It’s that too much trouble for you? We’re ok with waiting.”

Lin ShuYi led them inside to a table behind folding screens, smiling as he said, “It’s fine, no trouble at all.”

Tang Shuang immediately followed, placing two antique-looking menus in front of the two.

Lin ShuYi admitted to them, “We have all sorts of dishes, but since some take a lot of time to prepare, we might not be able to get them ready on time, and this time of day probably isn’t very suited to breakfast.”

The two young ladies nodded in understanding. Lin ShuYi smiled and left with Shen Fu before the two young ladies started looking over the menu. With this, they almost started drooling.

Each of the dishes portrayed on the menu were personally made by Lin ShuYi, and almost all the dishes had accompanying photographs. The photographs were taken by Shen Fu. He had used a single lens reflex camera with great performance. The photos were beautiful and tempting, and even on paper you could practically smell the delicious aroma coming from the dishes.

The two young ladies hadn’t eaten yet, and now their stomachs rumbled further with the tempting sights. “They all look so good, what should we get?”

The two young ladies carefully looked through the menu. Apart from some that were difficult to make or required pricy ingredients, the pricing wasn’t much different from other places. They all looked amazing as well.

“Let’s not go for something too oily or heavy in the morning.” They flipped passed the braised meat section tearfully.

“Cold dishes aren’t too appropriate either.” They flipped passed the cold dish section tearfully.

“Hm, for breakfast, steamed egg is good. There’s quite a variety of them, too,” Tang Shuang suggested.

He had looked through the menu again and again, so he was very familiar with everything in it. Seeing the two young ladies hesitating, he decided to recommend something. Since they weren’t a restaurant that sold many breakfast food, steamed egg was probably the most appropriate.

One of the two clapped her hands together. “That’s true! I really love steamed egg. What are you getting?”

The other was still hesitant. “I don’t really like salty steamed egg.”

Tang Shuang thought for a moment and flipped to one of the pages in the menu. Since there were too many kinds of steamed egg, they only took a photo of one kind, the salty and very flavorful icefish steamed egg. However, there were quite a few others in the corner.

Tang Shuang pointed out a few. “It’s fine if you don’t like salty ones, there are also orange steamed eggs and coconut steamed eggs.”

The young lady’s eyes lit up. “Is there any with coconut milk? If there is, then I’ll take that. I like it sweet.” Tang Shuang made an ok hand gesture and the young ladies flipped through the menu. “Then a plate of fried wontons. That should be enough.”

Fried wontons were a starter, but at a time like this, they would count as the main course. It should be good with steamed eggs.

Tang Shuang recorded it all and went to pass on the order to Lin ShuYi. “One icefish steamed egg, one coconut milk steamed egg, and one fried wonton.”

“Ok.” Lin ShuYi rolled up his sleeves and put on his apron, taking out eggs, icefish and coconut milk to start making the steamed eggs.

“Do you need me to do anything?” Shen Fu walked up to Lin ShuYi.

Lin ShuYi was already cracking eggs into a bowl with one hand, and didn’t even bother look over as he said, “No.”

Shen Fu shrugged and went to pour some water for the young ladies.

Steamed egg was actually a very simple dish to make. However, if you wanted it soft and smooth, then you had to be perfect on the amount of water you added and how high you turned the heat up. Otherwise, it would end up being too soft or too tough, which would negatively affect the experience.

For example, one portion of egg would need two portions of water, after mixing, you could improve the texture if you filtered out the egg whites that refused to mix. You had to put a layer of cling film over it when you steamed it to avoid the precipitation from the pot lid from dripping into the egg and ruining its texture. Steaming for eight minutes and letting it sit, covered, for two was the best way of finishing it up.

After the egg started steaming, Lin ShuYi began to wrap the wontons. The fillings were prepared the night before. He had mixed spring onion into it as well as ginger to get rid of the sharp rawness of the taste, oyster sauce and salt to flavor it, and half an egg white to make the meat more tender and juicy. Lin ShuYi took the wonton wrapping and twisted his hands, somehow managing to create a pretty syce shape. The wrapping was thin, the filling was full, it looked round and filling.

When the oil was only a seven tenth of the way hot, the wontons could be added. When the bottom started to crisp, some water was sprinkled, and the pan was covered to sit for a while. Upon taking the lid off, the bottom was already a crispy gold color. Finally, he sprinkled some chopped spring onion and sesame seeds. By the time the steamed egg was ready, the wontons were done too, and they could be served together with a small dish of vinegar. The entire process didn’t take Lin ShuYi more than twenty minutes.

Tang Shuang, seeing Lin ShuYi’s handiwork for the first time, was wide eyed in amazement. He couldn’t help thinking, as expected of the boss! Though he wasn’t sure where this thought came from.

When he served the steamed egg and wontons, the two young ladies were chatting, but they immediately fell silent when they saw Tang Shuang coming, gazes fixed on the food.

Two rather large covered cups held two differently flavored steamed eggs. The salty steamed egg was more yellow, a smattering of small, tender salangidae over the surface. A spoon of light soya sauce had been added. The salangidae were delectably savory, the steamed egg smooth and delicate. With the added flavor from the soya sauce, it was absolutely delicious.

Meanwhile, the sweet coconut milk steamed egg was whiter, with small pieces of succulent translucent coconut flesh. The tender steamed egg had absorbed the sweet fragrance of the coconut milk, and with the coconut flesh, the milky aroma wafted from the dish. The sweet kind was equally as tasty.

The two polished off the steamed egg with vigor before turning their gazes onto the fried wontons. With spring onion and sesame seeds sprinkled over, the fried wontons were a crispy gold at the bottom, but tender at the top. A dash of vinegar balanced out the heavy meaty filling, filling their mouths with the delectable aroma.

Soon enough, the fried wontons were all gone. The two wiped their mouths, very satisfied with their meal, before managing to spare the mind to give an opinion.

As expected, it wasn’t just pretty pictures. The finished products were even better than they looked on paper. They didn’t just look good though, they were absolutely delicious! Everyone really did have an eye for delicious food, managing to find this treasure. And the boss and employees were all so cute!

After the two finished, Shen Fu came late with two cups of lemon sugar water. However, it was good, since lemon water shouldn’t be drank on an empty stomach. It was better after having eaten.

Shen Fu actually knew what these two young ladies were here for, but he didn’t want to expose them. Afterall, they were the reopened Xiqin Restaurant’s first customers. Plus, the two young ladies were very respectful, just silently looking and not pushing the matter. It also gave Shen Fu satisfaction at successfully showing off their love.

Seeing Shen Fu come over to serve them lemon water, the two young ladies were delighted. They decided that they would definitely come whenever they were nearby, and next time, they’d bring more people and try everything on the cold dish and braised meat sections.

The two young ladies didn’t solely come to see them. It was because they had set their travels earlier than planned and changed their route. After eating at Xiqin Restaurant and getting to see the cute guys, they were satisfied and prepared to go and visit other places, promising to themselves that they would come here again before they left the city.

After the two young ladies left, their neighbors arrived to celebrate their reopening. With this, Lin ShuYi decided to set their opening time half an hour early and set off the fireworks that their hometown had sent over. He planned to treat them to dinner.

Yet with the fireworks set off, it was like a signal for everyone to come. Shen Fu had expected some influence from the weibo post that went viral, but not such a huge influence.

From nine onwards, their flow of customers didn’t stop. By ten, they were completely full. The reason they knew that these people were here because of the weibo post was because they were mostly young women, and many of them tried to chat with Shen Fu and Lin ShuYi. They didn’t overstep their boundaries, but the suggestive smiles were obvious.

There were also some older people, who were just here for the food. They mostly ordered the dishes that were harder to make. It took longer, but the flavors were all the more stunning. They were willing to wait the extra time. After all, the more delicious, the longer the wait.

Lin ShuYi instantly because too busy to do anything else.

Old Man Yang and Tang Shuang were both helping him out in the kitchen while Shen Fu, later joined by Xiao Wan, took care of serving. Xiao Wan’s grandmother, meanwhile, took the job of dishwasher. Lin ShuYi really hadn’t expected so many people.

Though this meant more revenue, if this continued, he’d have to hire more people to help.

In reality, though quite a few were here because of the rumors and cute guys, more of them were here for the food. Otherwise, if it was just to see cute guys, there wouldn’t be such an interest. After all, in Tian Chao, foodies were an even more powerful group than fujoshis. Foodies were many across all ages and nationalities.

Thus, XiQin restaurant unsurprisingly gained everyone’s good ratings and love. No matter the dishes or the environment, it was perfect. Especially for those who had gotten used to the fast food of cities, a place like this where they could carefully, slowly taste the most original, most authentic delicacies was a wonderful luxury.

XiQin Restaurant once again went viral on weibo. This time, however, it didn’t rely on the rumors between the cute boss and friend, but the delicious food and unmatchable taste.

#best food best place Xiqin Restaurant# became a hot tag.

Of course, this all came later.

More importantly, while Lin ShuYi was rushing around, busy out of his mind, Old Master Shen and company arrived.

Shen Fu’s mother immediately waved down Shen Fu after getting out of the car. “Where’s Xiao Yi?”

Shen Fu: …

Shen Fu’s older brother then asked, “Have you finished preparing the welcoming party?”

Shen Fu: …

We’re already busy out of our minds, could you not add to that? Seriously, if you don’t cause any more trouble, then we’ll still be a family.

Clearly, they didn’t really care much about what Shen Fu thought and were more concerned for Lin ShuYi. Hearing how busy Lin ShuYi was in the kitchen, Shen Fu’s mother’s heart ached and was about to rush into the kitchen to help, uncaring of the extremely expensive Chanel-style clothing set she had on.

Really now, what if her son-in-law overworked himself?!

However, Shen Fu’s father held her back, a little speechless as he looked at her. “At least change. Do you really think what you’re wearing is suited for the kitchen?”

Shen Fu’s mother agreed and asked Shen Fu for the keys to go and change.

Shen Fu’s father surrendered to his all-powerful wife.

Old Master Shen walked inside with his cane, a bit surprised at the sheer amount of people. “You’re this busy?”

Shen Fu nodded. If they weren’t so busy, the Lin ShuYi wouldn’t be so harried.

Shen Yan suddenly looked around, gazing at Shen Fu. “Is there anything I can help with?”

Shen Fu felt his heart jump in shock at his brother’s smiling, gentle words. Are you kidding? The only things that Shen Yan had ever held in his hands were books and files. He had never even touched cooking utensils. This gentleman stayed away from the kitchen and wouldn’t touch a pot on pain of death. This question made Shen Fu think the other was going crazy or something.

In reality, it was just that brocon Shen Yan couldn’t bare to see the two so harried.

Lin ShuYi startled at seeing Shen Fu’s mother, and hurriedly assured her they were fine. Yet Shen Fu’s mother gave Tang Shuang a heads up and took out a spare Chinese cleaver and chopping board from the cupboard, helping Tang Shuang with prep work.

Lin ShuYi didn’t say anything more, heart feeling warm. It was only after the hustle and bustle died down a bit that Lin ShuYi found out it wasn’t just Shen Fu’s mother, but everyone had come to help.

For example, Shen Yan’s precious, beautiful hands which only ever touched fountain pens and keyboards, were carrying plates with Shen Fu. (Shen Fu, grumbling: my hands are beautiful, too! In the past I also only ever touched fountain pens and keyboards!)

Shen Fu’s father took on the responsibility of preparing and pouring fresh lemon sugar water for everyone. As for Old Master Shen, he was sitting at the counter, helping Lin ShuYi manage bills. Everyone took on a role and none of them treated themselves as guests.

Seeing this, Lin ShuYi wanted to say something, but didn’t know what to say. On the other hand, from the moment Tang Shuang saw Shen Yan, he was in a state that could only be described as “holy fuck”.

Holy fuck!! The Shen Conglomerate’s president!! Shen-ge’s older brother!! And then he saw Shen Fu’s father. Holy fuck!! The Shen Conglomerate’s chairman!! Shen-ge’s father!! And then he saw Shen Fu’s grandfather. Holy fuck!! The Shen Conglomerate’s previous boss!! Shen-ge’s grandfather!!

In the end, he looked despairingly at Shen Fu. This was the yawning gap that existed between people. When you didn’t compare, you didn’t care, but as soon as you did, you could never go back. Why was life so mean?