Chapter 12: The Big Boss Comes for Noodles, Another Uncontainable Surprise
Since I have the seeds, I might as well plant them now.
’I wonder... These seeds should be better than the ones I could buy, right?’
’The vegetables they grow should be of a higher quality, right?’
’I’ll find out when it’s time to harvest.’
He started planting.
...
At that moment, a small truck was driving on the road from Wenxian Town to Jiulong Gorge.
Inside the truck.
A man in his forties said to the driver, "Master Wei, this place is so remote. How did you find out about it?"
The driver chuckled. "I once made a delivery to a village around here called Taoshan Village. I had to pass by his restaurant and saw it then."
The man nodded. "I see. But Master Wei, could the noodles from a restaurant in such a remote place really be as good as you say?"
The driver replied, "Don’t worry, President Luo. Their noodles are absolutely, unimaginably delicious. You’ve probably never had noodles this good before."
The man smiled faintly. "I wouldn’t be so sure. I’ve loved noodle dishes since I was a child. I can’t say I’ve eaten every good noodle dish in the country, but I’ve come close. And I’ve had some excellent Yangchun Noodles before."
The driver said, "President Luo, no matter how good the Yangchun Noodles you’ve had before were, I’m sure they can’t compare to his."
The man smiled again. "In that case, I’m quite looking forward to it."
The driver was, of course, Wei Ping.
And the man could be called Wei Ping’s boss, Luo Feng.
The appliance store where Wei Ping worked was a chain store called Shu Ren’s Appliances.
The brand was founded by Luo Feng. Its headquarters are located in the capital of Chuansheng Province.
Shu Ren’s Appliances has two stores in Changxi County.
Luo Feng had arrived in Changxi County yesterday for an inspection.
This was his second time visiting Changxi County.
This morning, by a twist of fate, Wei Ping was assigned to drive Luo Feng somewhere.
In the truck.
Luo Feng wasn’t one to put on airs and started a conversation with Wei Ping.
After a few exchanges, Wei Ping gradually relaxed and wasn’t as nervous.
As they chatted, the conversation turned to the noodle shops in Changxi County.
Luo Feng asked where the most famous and delicious noodle shop in Changxi County was. He was thinking of going to try a bowl sometime.
At this, Wei Ping grew incredibly excited. He said that here in Changxi County, there was a place with amazing noodles—truly the best of the best.
Luo Feng didn’t believe him.
To say it was the best in Changxi County was plausible.
But outside of Changxi County, it was a big world, and there was no shortage of delicious noodles.
Besides, different noodles have their own unique characteristics and textures. Who would dare claim to be the absolute best?
Still, Luo Feng was interested enough to ask about the restaurant’s specific location.
Even if it was just the best in Changxi County, it was still worth a try.
Wei Ping said, "The restaurant isn’t in the city. It’s in a place called Jiulong Gorge, which is a bit far. It’s over a two-hour drive."
Luo Feng replied, "That’s a shame, then."
Since it was so far, Luo Feng decided against going.
Seeing Luo Feng’s reaction, Wei Ping added, "President Luo, the place may be far, but the noodles are seriously amazing..."
Wei Ping spared no praise, going on and on about how delicious the noodles were.
After listening, although Luo Feng still didn’t believe him, he became interested in going to see for himself.
Since that was the case, they would go now.
The place he originally planned to go wasn’t urgent. Going in the afternoon would be just fine.
Wei Ping was delighted to see Luo Feng’s interest.
He was eager for President Luo to be stunned by the noodles from their very own Changxi County.
He would share in the honor.
So, they changed their route and headed straight for Jiulong Gorge.
Over two hours later, they were finally approaching their destination.
And that led to the conversation from before.
A few minutes later, Wei Ping pulled the truck into the parking area.
He parked the truck.
"President Luo, we’re here. This is the place."
Luo Feng nodded. He could already see the restaurant a short distance ahead and to the side.
’Opening a restaurant in a place like this is certainly strange.’
At this point, Luo Feng still didn’t believe Wei Ping, but he was now very curious to taste the Yangchun Noodles from such a restaurant. What could they possibly taste like?
The two men got out of the truck.
Luo Feng looked around and said, "The scenery here is truly beautiful. It’s so refreshing. I feel completely at ease."
Wei Ping smiled. "It really is. I feel the same way every time I come here."
Then, the two of them walked toward the restaurant.
As they got closer, they saw Li You sowing seeds in a field.
Wei Ping said, "President Luo, that’s the owner. Looks like he’s opened up a new plot of land. This wasn’t here before. I wonder what he’s planting there?"
Then, he raised his voice and called out to Li You, "Boss, you have customers!"
Li You recognized Wei Ping’s voice and was pleased.
He turned his head to look. Besides Wei Ping, there was another middle-aged man.
Stopping his work, Li You walked over to greet them, smiling. "Master Wei, welcome, welcome."
Wei Ping also smiled. "We’re old acquaintances, Boss. No need to be so formal."
He then introduced Luo Feng, "This is the owner of Shu Ren Electronics, President Luo Feng. After I told him how delicious your noodles are, he wanted to come and try them."
Li You was a little surprised.
’I’ve heard of Shu Ren Electronics,’ he thought. ’This is a big boss.’
’Is a big boss like him interested in noodles too?’
’Still, this is a good thing. At least I have another customer.’
So he smiled faintly. "So it’s Boss Luo. A warm welcome to you."
Luo Feng also smiled faintly. "You’re too kind, Boss. Master Wei told me the Yangchun Noodles here are unbelievably good. I’m very eager to try them."
Li You said, "I hope they won’t disappoint you, Boss Luo."
Just then, Wei Ping said, "Boss, we’ll have two large bowls to start."
Li You nodded. "Alright. Please, have a seat anywhere. The noodles will be ready soon."
Then he went into the kitchen.
Wei Ping and Luo Feng found a table and sat down.
A short while later, two large bowls of Yangchun Noodles were served.
When Luo Feng saw the noodles, his eyes lit up.
’The color is incredibly appetizing!’
As they say, a perfect dish appeals to sight, smell, and taste. For any delicacy, "sight" is the first sense to be engaged.
’Perhaps these noodles really are something special.’
The aroma was also excellent.
Luo Feng was even more astonished.
He had eaten noodles in many places all across the country.
Moreover, he always sought out the best and most famous local noodles.
But in terms of "sight" and "smell," none of them could compare to the bowl before him now.
That included the best Yangchun Noodles he had ever tasted.
’Could it be... that these are the true best Yangchun Noodles?’
’Could it be that what Wei Ping said was actually true?’
He had to try them. Immediately.
Luo Feng picked up his chopsticks and began to eat.
No matter the delicacy, it’s only truly delicious if it tastes good once it’s in your mouth.
Noodles were no exception.
And with that first bite, Luo Feng was filled with a sense of disbelief and irrepressible delight.
He finally, completely believed what Wei Ping had said.
...
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