Xu Laifu hurried to Hongfu Restaurant, full of excitement.
Manager Hong was in the back kitchen, watching the head chef test the new seasonings. When he saw Xu Laifu arrive, he thought he was there to pick up the baskets.
"No, no," Xu Laifu said, waving his hand. "Our boss wants to team up with you for an event..."
"A cooking competition?"
At first, Manager Hong was baffled. After Xu Laifu finished explaining the general plan, he began to pace around the courtyard.
'It sounds like quite the gimmick.'
The only issue was that other restaurants and inns would immediately find out about the seasonings. They would undoubtedly scramble to act, leaving him with little time to get a head start.
Xu Laifu could see what was troubling him.
"Our boss says that no matter what you do, being first always leaves a lasting impression. Even if more powerful competitors show up later, it's hard to change the public's 'first impression' and 'preconceived notions.'"
