Chapter 19: The Taste is Truly Authentic

Sister Zhang was also quite helpless but could only agree. However, she was very pleased deep down. The fact that the dish’s aroma had attracted so many people to inquire was enough to demonstrate Shen Jintao’s skills.

Luo Ya watched Shen Jintao’s movements, not daring to blink. She didn’t think Shen Jintao’s technique was anything special. If there was anything special, it was probably that she made the steamed chicken without adding a single drop of water, but it really did release the fragrance of the fresh broth.

Although reluctant to believe it, Shen Jintao truly succeeded.

And Shen Jintao’s steamed chicken did not disappoint. Anyone who tasted it praised it, including Sister Zhang and the others, who all sampled a bit. It was so delicious that it seemed almost unbelievable.

Just this one dish was already superior to Master Zhuang’s in some ways.

Recently, Sister Zhang had been troubled. The head chef had left, and they hadn’t found a suitable successor. Master Zhuang had been extremely busy, and just when things were at their most critical, Master Zhuang fell ill.

She didn’t know how many days it would take before Master Zhuang could return to work. Just as she was thinking of letting Luo Ya step in as a last resort, she unexpectedly met Shen Jintao.

After Shen Jintao finished cooking, she smiled and stood to the side, observing everyone’s reactions. She could see the satisfied expression on Sister Zhang’s face, which reassured her.

“Sister Zhang, do you think I can help?”

Sister Zhang smiled, thinking to herself that this young girl was quite smart. She had already demonstrated her abilities, and now who could turn her down?

“Of course, no problem.”

“Sister Zhang!” Luo Ya said anxiously. If this woman made a good impression on the leaders, would she still have a chance of becoming the true head chef?

“Xiao Ya, we’ve already seen this young lady’s skills. Tonight is truly important, as it’s crucial for us to leave a good impression on the leaders. I believe this young lady is up to the task.”

Sister Zhang said with a smile, though the smile didn’t reach her eyes.

Luo Ya had been brought in through connections. Just now, when there was no other choice, she had hoped for a last-ditch attempt, but now that someone so skilled had appeared, she certainly didn’t want to settle for anything less.

“Steamed chicken is the simplest dish, and it doesn’t require many ingredients. Just because she can make good steamed chicken doesn’t mean she can make other dishes well.” Luo Ya still wasn’t convinced.

“You’re right, the ingredients for steamed chicken are simple. But because the ingredients are simple, it’s even harder to get it right. With a flavor like this, you should know that even Master Zhuang might not be able to make it just like this.”

Sister Zhang’s words left Luo Ya unable to argue. She had just admitted that the ingredients for steamed chicken were simple, but even after watching Shen Jintao’s every move, she couldn’t fully replicate it.

“Fine!”

Shen Jintao looked at Luo Ya’s expression, and when she recalled their previous conversation, it was not hard to deduce that Luo Ya was everyone’s last hope. Her appearance had definitely stepped on someone else’s toes, but Shen Jintao didn’t think much of it. She was relying on her own skills to secure a job, which was perfectly reasonable.

Since Shen Jintao had decided to do this, she would do her best. Even though it was still not mealtime, she began preparing everything.

No matter how unwilling Luo Ya was, she had to follow her around and assist. She couldn’t just stand there doing nothing. Sister Zhang was clearly very satisfied with Shen Jintao, and if she didn’t perform well, there was a real possibility she wouldn’t have another opportunity.

Luo Ya could only hope that Sister Zhang only wanted Shen Jintao to help them get through this tough situation, rather than wanting to keep her permanently.

Shen Jintao noticed how Luo Ya was chopping the vegetables. While it was already rare to have enough food in this era, the cooking skills of the chefs weren’t really scrutinized. Plating wasn’t a focus either—this era prioritized practicality and cost-effectiveness.

However, when it came to cooking, Shen Jintao had her own standards. She only asked Luo Ya to help with washing the vegetables.

The staff at the state-run hotel witnessed Shen Jintao’s performance, which seemed almost like a show. They were mesmerized by her skill.

Although there was no fancy plating like in later generations, where vegetables might be carved into intricate shapes like radish flowers, Shen Jintao was skilled at that too. But in this context, it would have been seen as excessive and possibly even wasteful.

So instead, she focused on perfecting her knife skills. The colorful ingredients she sliced and arranged together were already very visually appealing.

Sister Zhang couldn’t help but marvel, “How did your hands become so skilled? How is your knife work so good?”

Shen Jintao smiled, “It’s nothing special. I’ve always liked studying these things in the kitchen, and I’ve practiced it over time.”

“Impressive!” Sister Zhang nodded, not saying much more, but her gaze was somewhat meaningful.

As mealtime approached, the side dishes were ready. Unexpectedly, besides the steamed chicken ordered by the leader, several other customers also specifically requested the dish.

Sister Zhang had no choice but to ask Shen Jintao to prepare a few more.

Fortunately, the state-run hotel had plenty of ingredients, so making two more steamed chickens wasn’t a problem.

Soon, more people started to place orders, but Shen Jintao remained calm and composed. If someone didn’t know better, they would have thought she was an experienced chef who had worked at the restaurant for years, effortlessly managing two or three pots on her own.

Even though Luo Ya was reluctant to admit it, she knew Shen Jintao was much more skilled than she was in the kitchen.

A growing sense of crisis filled her heart, but she didn’t know what to do about it.

Before long, the leaders from the city arrived. The only private room in the state-run hotel had already been reserved. Sister Zhang led them inside.

“I smell the aroma of steamed chicken, and it smells very authentic! Is Master Zhuang in charge of the cooking?”

Hu Chengdong also had a keen nose. As soon as he sat down, he asked Sister Zhang.

He had been here on business before and knew Master Zhuang, who was the best chef in this place. However, although he had tasted Master Zhuang’s steamed chicken before, it never seemed as fragrant as the one today.

But apart from Master Zhuang, he couldn’t think of anyone else who could make it taste like this.

“No, Mayor Hu. The chef today is a young lady from our restaurant! She’s really given us a big surprise,” Sister Zhang replied.

“Oh? Really? Is she Master Zhuang’s disciple?”

“No…”

“Sister Zhang!”

Before Sister Zhang could explain, her words were interrupted by a voice from the door. Looking toward the sound, it could only be Luo Ya.

“What’s the matter?” Sister Zhang’s expression darkened. She had an inkling of why Luo Ya had interrupted her at this moment, but since the leaders were still here, it wouldn’t be appropriate to speak too clearly.

“Well… there are customers looking for you over there!” Luo Ya said, feeling a little guilty, though she hadn’t lied—there were indeed customers asking for Sister Zhang.