"Everyone, thank you for your hard work these past 6 days."
On the morning of the seventh day of the review week, Mu Liufeng gathered his thirty-odd critics.
"Have you all completed your reviews?" Looking at the thick stacks of manuscripts each critic held, a smile appeared on Mu Liufeng's face.
This issue of the Food Critique Magazine coincided with the Advanced Spirit Master Academy Fighting Tournament, a prime opportunity to expand the magazine's influence.
In Star Luo City, the Food Critique Magazine had hit a bottleneck. Mu Liufeng, an ambitious Chief Editor, wanted to take the magazine beyond Star Luo City, to the entire Star Luo Empire, and eventually, to the entire Douluo Continent.
After collecting each critic's manuscripts, the statistics team quickly compiled a list of the top 100 dishes and made thirty-odd copies, distributing them to everyone in the meeting room.
"Everyone, take a look. You know the task for the final day. If you have any objections to this summary list, bring them up now so we can resolve them today."
With Mu Liufeng's words, the meeting room fell silent, with only the sound of pages turning.
Lin Lang held the list, his face showing a hint of anticipation.
How many dishes from Small Shop would make it to the list?
At least 10, right?
As for how many dishes from the Flowing Moon District, he was less concerned. Being an experienced critic, he could estimate the results. This time, the Flowing Moon District performed well, with about 6 dishes likely to make it to the review.
However, as Lin Lang flipped through the list, his expression grew increasingly strange.
Nothing!
None of Small Shop's dishes were on the list.
Small Shop's dishes not making the top 100?
Unless Cao Pingzhi's taste buds had failed, this was impossible.
There was only 1 explanation.
Small Shop must have offended Cao Pingzhi, causing him to deliberately give low scores.
Thinking of Small Shop's rule against wasting food, Lin Lang's expression became weird.
Could it be that the Small Shop's owner was really that stubborn, refusing to compromise at all?
But then, Lin Lang's heart suddenly skipped a beat.
This was a great opportunity for him!
Lin Lang was honest, not stupid. He could more or less guess the Chief Editor's intentions. Small Shop had recently risen in fame, and although he hadn't dined there himself, his children would describe Small Shop's situation to him every night when he got home.
A restaurant like this not appearing in the Food Critique Magazine would severely damage the Food Critique Magazine's credibility and could irreparably harm the Chief Editor's expansion plans.
Cao Pingzhi was finished.
Lin Lang glanced deeply at Cao Pingzhi, who was sitting across from him, and then stood up. "Chief Editor, I have some information I need to report to you privately."
"Oh?" Mu Liufeng looked at this diligent critic of several years with a hint of surprise. "Let's go to the small conference room then."
He then looked at the others. "Continue reviewing. If there are no issues, we'll prepare for printing."
Cao Pingzhi suddenly felt a wave of unease, but it quickly dissipated, leaving him thinking it was just his imagination.
Looking at the list in his hand, a smile appeared on his face.
Last night, Zhao Fenglai had given him another piece of jade, even more precious than the first. It was worth nearly 10.000 Gold Coins. Returning the favor, Cao Pingzhi had modified the scores for several of Fenglai Pavilion's dishes. Now, there were 5 dishes from Fenglai Pavilion on the list.
As for Small Shop?
There were no scores, so it had no chance of being listed.
Thinking this, a sneer crossed Cao Pingzhi's lips.
That restaurant is too inexperienced in the matter of the real world to fight against him!
Even if they regret offending him now, the humiliation he received is not going to be easy to resolve.
Cao Pingzhi thought to himself.
If they want to appease me and aim for a spot in the next Food Critique Magazine issue, asking for 100.000 Gold Coins wouldn't be unreasonable, right?
It's strange, though—why have Lin Lang and the Chief Editor been gone for so long?
What could they be discussing for such a long time?
Cao Pingzhi suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable, shifting in his seat.
...
After a long wait, Mu Liufeng hurriedly entered the conference room, leaving a quick message: "Everyone, stay in the conference room. Lunch will be delivered, and we'll continue reviewing in the afternoon." He then hurriedly left again.
Left alone in the conference room, the critics exchanged confused glances.
What's going on?
...
"Is this the place?"
Looking at the long line of people waiting outside the not-yet-opened Small Shop, Mu Liufeng's eyes showed a hint of surprise.
"Yes, Chief Editor." Lin Lang stood at the end of the line, right behind Mu Liufeng.
"I now believe at least 80% of what you said," Mu Liufeng's eyes flashed coldly.
Well done, Cao Pingzhi.
Not even a famed restaurant like the Fenglai Pavilion is as bustling as this, right?
And not a single dish made it into the Food Critique Magazine newest issue?
Who would believe that?
Soon, Small Shop's doors opened, and the waiting customers streamed in. Mu Liufeng and Lin Lang followed them and sat at a table.
Shortly, Qin Yue approached. Seeing Lin Lang, her eyes showed surprise. "Uncle Lin, isn't today the day for reviewing manuscripts? Why are you here?"
Lin Lang chuckled and pointed to Mu Liufeng. "Let me introduce you, this is—"
Mu Liufeng waved his hand. "Let's order first."
Lin Lang immediately stopped talking, understanding that the Chief Editor didn't want to reveal his identity yet.
"Are you a server here?" Mu Liufeng glanced at Qin Yue. After confirming, he nodded. "Bring all your dishes."
"Uh..." Before Qin Yue could explain, Lin Lang coughed awkwardly. "They have a rule against wasting food. If we order everything and can't finish, we'll be blacklisted."
"Oh? There's a rule like that in here?" Mu Liufeng's expression turned peculiar. "Then you choose what is best to order. You've tried everything, so you know what to get."
At that moment, Mu Liufeng had already guessed why Cao Pingzhi refused to review this restaurant.
Lin Lang nodded. There was no need for politeness now. After some thought, he ordered enough main dishes and sides for 2 people.
Soon, dish after dish was served.
As more dishes were brought to the table, Mu Liufeng's expression grew darker.
When all the dishes were finally served, he picked up a small spoon and tasted the fried rice.
After just taking 1 bite, he quietly set the spoon down, summoning Qin Yue. "Young lady, did a food critic named Cao Pingzhi visit your restaurant in the past few days?"
Qin Yue hesitated, unsure if she should speak up. Lin Lang smiled reassuringly. "Qin Yue, this gentleman here is Mu Liufeng, the Chief Editor of the Food Critique Magazine. Just tell him the truth."
This time, Mu Liufeng did not stop Lin Lang from revealing his identity. There was a brewing fury in his eyes.
That damned Cao Pingzhi nearly sabotaged everything!
<+>
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