Chapter 205

“Who is the chef making these crystal shrimp dumplings? Does anyone know?”

“I don’t know, but from the way he handles the dumplings, he seems pretty skilled. Maybe he’s someone noteworthy.”

“I don’t think his dumplings can beat Lù Boss’s. Lù Jì’s crystal shrimp dumplings are the best I’ve ever had, no doubt about it.”

Lù Qin had prepared the dumplings at home and brought them to sell at the stall, keeping them fresh and warm in a temperature-controlled box.

Xiao Mi handed out the crystal shrimp dumplings to the customers, and these top-tier dumplings were effortlessly devoured. One bite, and the smooth, fresh taste filled the entire mouth.

The customers’ eyes sparkled, and after eating just one, they seemed to float, completely relaxed and at ease. Ordinary foodies, who grind away at their jobs every day, work hard just to make money.

What’s it all for?

It’s to enjoy these delicious bites after work, isn’t it?

Food is their only source of happiness.

Customers who had already bought Lù Jì’s dumplings were eating the delicate, translucent, and tender shrimp dumplings while lining up at the stall next door.

Anyone brave enough to compete next to Lù Qin must either be crazy or have real skills. Everyone was curious about how the shrimp dumplings made by the other chef next door tasted.

Of course, the official live stream of the food festival jumped on this hot topic and immediately focused the camera on the two stalls. Both selling crystal shrimp dumplings—who would make the better one?

Some were curious about the middle-aged man in white.

Chefs are usually behind the scenes, and even if the food is delicious, customers rarely see who makes it, as they’re all busy in the back. Not all customers are interested in seeing what the chef looks like. So, Zeng Quanyu, this chef from the famous restaurant Sì Wèi Jù, wasn’t widely known.

But Lù Qin was different—he’s out there every day, showing his face.

His face, even more handsome than Wu Yanzu or Peng Yuyan, was already etched in the minds of many customers. The live stream’s viewership had reached 10,000.

Some viewers recognized the chef from Sì Wèi Jù.

“That looks like Chef Zeng Quanyu! I’ve been to Sì Wèi Jù and had his spring rolls—they were amazing!”

“Sì Wèi Jù? That place is super expensive, the average cost is over 200!”

“So it’s a big chef! He’s from Sì Wèi Jù!”

“Now it’s getting interesting! Street food stall owner vs. Chef Zeng from Sì Wèi Jù!”

“Chef Zeng: Young man, making crystal shrimp dumplings? Let’s see who’s better!”

Zeng Quanyu’s crystal shrimp dumplings were ready, and the sweet fragrance of the dumpling skins filled the air.

“Mmm, it smells so good!”

“Just as expected from a chef from Sì Wèi Jù—these dumplings look really good!”

Wang, the owner of Sì Wèi Jù, was also watching the live stream of the food festival. When he saw his restaurant’s name pop up several times in the comments, his eyelids twitched.

Zeng Quanyu had agreed to help out due to his relationship with Qin Hui, and Wang had no objections. But now, the situation had turned into a public showdown between the street stall and Sì Wèi Jù, with the whole thing being broadcast live.

If they lost this, it could affect Sì Wèi Jù’s reputation. However, a street food stall owner shouldn’t be able to beat Zeng, right?

But if Zeng won, it wouldn’t bring much glory to Sì Wèi Jù either. After all, he was an experienced chef.

It wouldn’t be impressive for an experienced chef to beat a small stall owner. But if he lost, that would be a huge embarrassment!

Wang decided to call Zeng.

“Chef Zeng, are you confident? If a street food stall beats you, it could hurt Sì Wèi Jù’s reputation. It might even affect our business!”

“Boss, this is a personal matter. I’m not representing Sì Wèi Jù here,” Zeng replied.

Zeng Quanyu had been confident at first, but after seeing the crystal shrimp dumplings from Lù Jì, his confidence had taken a hit. From the appearance and fragrance of Lù Jì’s dumplings, Zeng could already tell that they tasted just as good.

Wang snapped, “But people recognize you as the chef from Sì Wèi Jù!”

Zeng gritted his teeth.

“Don’t worry, boss. I won’t lose.”

Just as he finished speaking, a customer had already scanned the QR code and paid for one of his freshly made shrimp dumplings. One portion had eight dumplings, enough to satisfy a regular person, and just right for foodies who needed a little something to nibble on.

The customer bought only one portion—after all, they were trying it for the first time, so buying too many would be risky.

At Sì Wèi Jù, Zeng’s crystal shrimp dumplings were priced at 88 yuan per portion, a nice, lucky number. Customers who dined at Sì Wèi Jù felt that the 88 yuan for the dumplings was well worth it. The taste was excellent, and they were truly worth the price.

But now, Zeng was selling them at the same price as Lù Jì—28 yuan per portion. To be honest, this was underpricing. But what could he do? This wasn’t Sì Wèi Jù—it was a food festival, and street food stalls were packed with customers.

If he sold them for 88 yuan, customers would glance at his stall and walk away. It wasn’t because they couldn’t afford it, but because the price didn’t match the atmosphere.

Who was he fooling with that price?

A single shrimp dumpling for 88 yuan?

Meanwhile, Lù Jì’s dumplings—better looking and much cheaper at 28 yuan!

Zeng had never intended to make money here, so he set the price at 28 yuan per portion. Customers scanned the code, paid, and began to taste the dumplings.

They ate them! They ate them!

Zeng eagerly watched for their reactions.

Were they impressed?

Was it delicious?

Had they never tasted anything like it?

But…

There was no reaction.

The customers seemed calm, as though they were eating an ordinary snack.

Some even nodded slightly.

What… that’s it?

Where were their amazed expressions?

Zeng furrowed his brow. His shrimp dumplings had thin skins, juicy fillings, and a fresh, delicious flavor. They were the epitome of crystal shrimp dumplings.

How could they react so nonchalantly?

Were they pretending?

A few customers whispered.

“They’re not as good as Lù Boss’s, but they’re okay. If you can’t get Lù Boss’s, you could consider this.”

“Lù Boss’s dumplings are more bouncy and flavorful. These aren’t quite as good.”

“Turns out Lù Boss is still the master.”

“Sì Wèi Jù, huh? Compared to Lù Jì, they’re nothing.”

Zeng heard all of this and almost coughed up blood. His dumplings were praised at Sì Wèi Jù, especially his signature spring rolls, almond tofu, and crystal shrimp dumplings, which earned unanimous praise from customers.

How could they be so lackluster here?

Slander!

This was absolute slander!

Zeng refused to believe it.

He went out, spent 20 minutes, and bought a portion of Lù Jì’s crystal shrimp dumplings. The appearance of Lù Jì’s dumplings was nearly identical to his own. Zeng took a bite. One bite, and Zeng fell silent.

His expression shifted dramatically.

The onlookers watched curiously.

Seeing Zeng standing there without saying anything, someone couldn’t help but ask.

“Chef, how does Lù Boss’s taste? Come on, tell us!”

“Good, right? Never tasted anything like it?”

“Chef Zeng, losing to Lù Boss isn’t shameful. Even Old Zhan’s fried noodles lost.”

“Lù Boss’s crystal shrimp dumplings are worth studying! You might be able to take it to the next level.”

Every word hit Zeng hard.

This was unbelievable!

How could his dumplings taste like this?

Confucius once said, “Be quick to learn, and don’t be ashamed to ask for help.”

Zeng walked over and finally spoke up.

“Lù… Lù Boss, can you share your dumpling skin ratio… Could you tell me how you make it?”