Chapter 54: An Offer That Cannot Be Refused

Half an hour later.

The Qin family’s living room.

“This is the eight-treasure porridge. Given the short notice, I could only use a few ingredients to improve it. Of course, if you’re concerned about toxins, you can test it with an instrument.” Yun Xuan set down three bowls of porridge.

“There’s no need for that, Chef Yun Xuan. Thank you for your effort.” Qin Wenlong regarded the porridge in his bowl.

Its delicate aroma lingered. Though the porridge had cooled, it seemed to have acquired a unique appeal.

The three of them picked up their spoons and tasted a mouthful.

“So refreshing…” Dr. Yue’s eyes widened. It was the perfect thing to beat the summer heat.

“It was chilled, after all, so it’s naturally cool. In this hot season, I thought it would be even better this way.” Yun Xuan smiled.

Qin Wenlong said nothing, but together with Qin Wenhu, Qin Zhihua’s second uncle, he finished off his bowl.

“It certainly fits the concept of canned goods, and the flavor is truly excellent.” Qin Wenlong savored the lingering taste.

“I’ve sold the sales rights of this eight-treasure porridge to the Dongfang family for two million a year. Now, this version can be stably priced at twenty yuan per bowl; I’m not concerned with the production quantity. My original asking price was six million a year for the rights, with a guarantee that I would not sell to any other food processing factory in China.” Yun Xuan produced a hastily printed contract and set it aside.

“So what is your true asking price?” Qin Wenlong looked at Yun Xuan deeply. Exclusive rights—this was what the Qin family coveted.

They had just investigated Yun Xuan’s restaurant; the eight-treasure porridge was selling at fifty yuan a serving, the same as at Qiu Yi House. Yun Xuan’s offer to stabilize the price at twenty yuan was very reasonable.

If the Qin family could secure this product, they would seize the initiative, earn a fortune, and become the sole food processing plant in China producing this eight-treasure porridge.

What’s more, Qiu Yi House had already made the porridge famous. Once it hit the market, sales would be the least of their worries.

“Five million per year,” Yun Xuan said seriously.

“That’s still a bit too high.” Qin Wenlong frowned.

“In addition, I’ll improve the flavorings used in your factory to the standard of a three-star chef.” Yun Xuan smiled lightly, adding a condition the Qin family could not refuse.

“Deal!” Qin Wenlong agreed without hesitation.

“One more thing, about Senior Zhihua. If you choose to arrange a marriage for her, I’ll cancel this deal, and may even sell the rights to another major food company. The choice is yours.” Yun Xuan glanced at Qin Zhihua as he spoke to Qin Wenlong.

He had revealed all his cards. If the Qin family still refused to cooperate, they would be fools indeed.

Exchanging Zhihua’s marriage for the rise of the family’s food processing factory, with a market value of at least fifty million a year—Qin Wenlong instantly weighed the options in his heart.

“Pleasure doing business.” Qin Wenlong extended his hand with a wry smile.

Yun Xuan had played a card he could not refuse. Originally, he had drawn in Dr. Yue for the sake of improving the flavorings, but now it was unnecessary.

The level of a three-star chef did not mean Yun Xuan would train one, but that the flavorings themselves, when used in food, would bring the products up to the standard of a three-star chef, subject to review by the Culinary Management Association.

Prepared foods were also under the Association’s supervision; to date, the highest standard in China was two-star, held by another food factory.

…

Yun Xuan and the Qin family agreed that after the Xingyue Cup, he would come to improve their flavorings. The Qin family was surprised, especially Qin Wenhu.

He was responsible for reviewing the Xingyue Cup, so he naturally knew how prestigious it was.

Qin Wenlong admired Yun Xuan’s talents—not only could he paint, but he was also an outstanding chef.

When Yun Xuan left the Qin residence, Qin Zhihua walked him to the door.

“Thank you, Yun Xuan.” Qin Zhihua bowed. What Yun Xuan had done made her heart race.

His earnest manner, his composure before the powerful Qin family at such a young age, his calm and easy grace—all fit the image of the perfect lover in Qin Zhihua’s mind.

“Senior Zhihua, do you remember my words? You promised me that after this was settled, you wouldn’t be allowed to fall for me. I hope you won’t break your promise.” Yun Xuan paused and spoke quietly.

Just now, Zhihua’s affection for him had spiked to over sixty percent.

“I…” Zhihua was momentarily stunned; she had almost forgotten.

“I’ll be going. Goodbye.” Yun Xuan saw Dr. Yue’s car not far off.

“Yun Xuan, is there truly no chance for us?” Qin Zhihua asked softly.

“Senior Zhihua, you will find someone who loves you, whom you love too. Don’t let yourself get entangled with me. Besides, I’m not worthy of you.” Yun Xuan shook his head.

“I understand. Thank you for helping me. Goodbye.” Qin Zhihua turned and ran back to the villa.

“Did Chef Yun Xuan just reject Qin Zhihua?” Dr. Yue drove over.

“I just don’t want to be burdened with too much.” Yun Xuan opened the car door, got in, and chuckled.

“An interesting philosophy. Still, I never imagined you were a painter as well. If you win first place in the Xingyue Cup, and people find out you’re also a recipient of the Spirit of Cuisine title, you’ll become a real celebrity.” Dr. Yue glanced at Yun Xuan in the rearview mirror, full of praise.

“A chef who paints? Or a painter who cooks?” Yun Xuan smiled wryly.

“Hahaha, you’ll have to let the journalists debate that one.” Dr. Yue burst out laughing.

…

Dr. Yue’s car arrived at the Xingyue venue, and it was barely ten o’clock.

Yun Xuan quickly passed the contestant check and entered the backstage area.

Nearly all 108 painters had gathered. Yun Xuan found a spot and started playing with his phone, casually carrying a suitcase—one tier held various knives, the other, painting tools.

He was both chef and artist, and a fighter too.

Having completed Qin Zhihua’s special task, he had gained the Advanced Painting skill, which was far superior to Intermediate.

The bonus knowledge of manga was also a pleasant surprise.

Compared to Yun Xuan, idly playing with his phone, the other contestants all waited with grave expressions. If Yun Xuan didn’t know better, he would have thought they were about to march into battle rather than onto a stage.

…

Noon, twelve o’clock.

“Will the contestants please take the stage!” At the host’s announcement, all 108 contestants stepped onto the platform.

With so many people, the stage looked a bit crowded. In front of each painter’s stand sat a pair of fully enclosed headphones.

“Now, let me introduce the judges and the theme of this Xingyue Cup.” At a wave of the host’s hand, all eyes turned to the judges’ table.

…

The audience fell silent.

Seeing only a single elderly man at the judges’ table, the audience felt as if they’d been duped.

“Hello, everyone.” A voice rang out, and on the big screen appeared a silver-haired girl wearing a mask.

“It’s actually…”

(P.S.: It’s actually… Alright, I’ve learned how to do cliffhangers, wahahaha! Monday routine: please vote for recommendations. Next chapter will be updated tomorrow between noon and one o’clock.)