After cracking the egg and adding a pinch of salt, Evan retrieved chilled rice from the refrigerator and began to heat it on the stove.As the rice warmed, its fragrance permeated the kitchen. The culinary team inhaled deeply, exclaiming in surprise."The rice smells incredible!""Do we have rice like this in Elysia? This must be imported!""It's not just the aroma. Look at how plump and glossy each grain is. It's making my mouth water!"Yet, some skeptical voices persisted:"Egg and rice? Is he making egg fried rice?""Egg fried rice? But why is he heating the chilled rice?""Ha! If he's really making egg fried rice, it proves Mr. Knight's point. He's too inexperienced. Who heats rice before frying it?"As the group debated, Nathan Knight's face underwent a dramatic transformation. He realized that this young chef was indeed a culinary genius.The rice was clearly freshly cooked, then refrigerated to achieve perfect separation of grains. Normally, this process would take two to three
She shifted her gaze to the plate of fried rice and was instantly awestruck."Wow! Evan, this fried rice looks absolutely stunning!"Unable to contain her excitement, she rushed forward and gently took the plate from Evan's hands, examining it closely. "Did you really make this? Each grain is golden, perfectly coated with egg, and look at those shrimp and carrots..."Just then, the aroma wafted to her delicate nose."It smells incredible!" she exclaimed once more. Without a second thought, she grabbed a handful of the rice and popped it into her mouth, her ladylike demeanor momentarily forgotten.She seemed oblivious to the presence of not only Evan but also the entire culinary team behind him."Oh my goodness, this is divine! It surpasses any gourmet dish I've ever tasted. It's simply out of this world!"After that first bite, Daisy could scarcely believe that such an extraordinary flavor could come from a simple plate of egg fried rice. She never imagined fried rice could reach such
"You!" Daisy stomped her foot in frustration, sulking in her seat. "Stupid Evan, how could someone as beautiful as me ever struggle to marry? Besides, if I can't find a husband, I'll just stick with you for life!"In the kitchen, Evan prepared another serving of egg fried rice. Before he could even exit, the salivating culinary team, who had been lying in wait, pounced on the dish."Incredible! I've wasted so many years! Who knew egg fried rice could be the world's most delectable dish?""Damn it, who's pushing? Back off, or I'll forget we're colleagues!""What kind of jerk are you? Can't you grab from the plate instead of snatching from my hand? Do you know how hard I fought for these few grains?"Nathan Knight, leveraging his esteemed "Mr. Knight" status, managed to secure a spoonful. Without his reputation, his portly frame would have been no match for the young, vigorous team members.He savored the aroma of his spoonful, eyes closed in bliss. "Ah, such a delightful fragrance! The
His hands began to wander, exploring the curves of Daisy's back with increasing boldness."Don't..." Daisy's breath came in short gasps, her resistance waning with each passing moment. Her eyes began to cloud over with desire, her body becoming more responsive to Evan's touch.Evan found himself in a predicament. His playful attempt at teaching Daisy a lesson had awakened genuine passion in her, and to his surprise, in himself as well. He was at a loss for how to proceed without crossing a line.As he grappled with his dilemma, he felt a tingling sensation on his back. Daisy's hands had found their way beneath his shirt, her fingers tracing delicate patterns on his skin.Heavens above!This was too much to bear.Evan's breathing became labored. He gently removed Daisy's hands from his back, only to pull her closer, reveling in the softness of her youthful body pressed against his own.Just as the passion between them reached a fever pitch, the shrill ring of a phone cut through the ai
Even Daisy was conspicuously absent.Naturally, Ava and Bella were also unaware of Evan's foray into the restaurant business, having no knowledge of his recent property acquisition in the city center.Shortly after opening, taking advantage of the empty dining room, the masked Evan began inputting the day's menu and prices into the computer, displaying them on the scrolling screen in the main hall."Breakfast Menu:Soy Milk & Youtiao: $100Rice Porridge & Xiaolongbao: $150Spicy Pepper Soup: $100Lunch Menu:Donkey Meat Sandwich: $500Knife-Cut Noodles: $300'Donkey Rolling': $500"Indeed, Evan was determined to run an unapologetically unconventional establishment. The menu was fixed, prices non-negotiable. Patrons could either accept the offerings or dine elsewhere.With the menu set, Evan retreated to the kitchen to prepare. He meticulously washed and chopped ingredients for the day's dishes, readying all necessary components before returning to the dining area.The entire morning p
His entourage joined the chorus of protests."How can a restaurant refuse to serve us?""This is blatant discrimination against out-of-towners!""Do you think we can't afford it? We'll pay ten times the price!"Evan cast a disinterested glance at the group. "Having money doesn't grant you special privileges. You're in my establishment now, and here, my word is law. What I choose to serve and to whom I choose to serve it is entirely at my discretion. Your opinions on the matter are irrelevant."His statement left the lackeys speechless. Indeed, they were on someone else's turf, and they had no say in how business was conducted here.The gold-chained man, however, narrowed his eyes, as if reaching a realization. With a sly grin, he said, "Your reluctance to serve egg fried rice or do business with us... could it be that you've gained your reputation through deceit? Perhaps you've greased Nathan Knight's palm generously. Hmm, judging by your establishment's decor, you're certainly not sh
Impossible, he couldn't possibly know! Reassured by this thought, his expression softened slightly, and he spoke in a deep voice:"Whether you acknowledge it or not, you've already forfeited your dignity as a chef. Do you have any idea who I am? I'm Larry Black from the neighboring city, champion of this year's October Elysia Food Festival. The fact that you don't even dare to showcase your skills in my presence speaks volumes about your lack of dignity!""That's right, you're nothing but a restaurateur without an ounce of dignity now!" one of his lackeys chimed in."As a chef, you've lost even the most basic sense of pride. How do you expect to survive in the culinary industry? What a pity!" another added.Evan paid no heed to the taunts of these minions. With a faint smile, he leaned in close to Larry Black and said in a low voice, "You know exactly what I'm referring to."In an instant, Larry Black's expression transformed from shock to ghostly pale.He knows!He knows everything!
The clamor from his underlings finally prompted Larry Black to speak. He cleared his throat, composing his thoughts, and then said in a solemn, cold voice, "Very well. Since you want a contest, I'll oblige. However, I have some conditions for today's competition!""Go on," Evan replied, his demeanor as calm as a gentle breeze, showing neither joy nor sorrow, as if the impending contest had nothing to do with him. It was as though victory was already in the bag!"My conditions are simple. I require witnesses!""For the sake of fairness, let's choose the witnesses randomly. Neither of us should have an advantage. This is a bustling area with many office buildings, and it's almost lunchtime. I'll have my men bring in a few white-collar workers from the nearby offices to taste our culinary creations!""Furthermore, I want my subordinates to livestream the entire competition process, broadcasting it to the public!"Larry Black rattled off a series of demands in one breath.Evan agreed to a