Chapter 36
After hearing Mineo's suggestion, Master Pai immediately began to visualize the cooking process within her mind's eye. She mentally analyzed every step, testing the logic of using soybeans as a substitute for minced beef.
A few minutes passed in silence, and then her face lit up with pure joy.
"Why didn't I think of this before? Using fried soybeans to replace the meat would indeed provide a delightful crunch to the Mapo Tofu!"
"The Mapo Tofu that originally possessed five taste elements has now evolved to have six distinct characteristics!"
"This is wonderful! Now I can finally serve delicious Mapo Tofu to my customers once again."
Master Pai stood up abruptly and bowed deeply toward Mineo.
"Mr. Mineo, thank you so much for your guidance. I must take my leave now."
"You're leaving already? In such a hurry?"
"Yes! My main reason for coming out today was to find inspiration for a meat substitute. Thanks to your advice, the problem that has been weighing on my mind is completely solved."
Her voice was filled with renewed energy. "I want to head back immediately to test this method and serve this new Mapo Tofu to everyone as soon as possible."
Seeing Master Pai's infectious excitement, Mineo nodded with a warm smile.
"I see. I wish you the best of luck. I hope everything goes smoothly."
"Thank you, Mr. Mineo. If I have the time in the future, I will certainly visit your restaurant again," Master Pai spoke with heartfelt sincerity.
Mineo replied casually, "If you have the chance to visit again, feel free to bring Mao along with you."
"Who is... Mao?"
Hearing that question, Master Pai looked genuinely puzzled.
Mineo blinked, then asked, "Isn't Mao your son, Master Pai?"
He had only intended to make polite small talk, assuming Master Pai was a random guest he might never see again.
However, Master Pai's face turned a deep shade of crimson in an instant.
"I... I'm not married yet... how could I possibly have a child..." she stammered, her voice trembling with embarrassment.
"Mr. Mineo... have you perhaps misunderstood something...?"
"Not married? You don't have a child yet!?"
Mineo was genuinely shocked by this information.
In the original story, by the time Master Pai researched soybeans as a meat substitute, Mao should have already been born.
This means that in this parallel world, the circumstances aren't exactly the same as the original work, he thought.
Mineo realized he had made a massive social blunder by asking an unmarried woman about her non-existent child.
His expression twisted into one of profound awkwardness.
"Uh, Master Pai, what I meant was... if you visit next time, you could bring a child from one of your relatives. I... I simply like children."
He cleared his throat, trying to salvage the situation. "Eating together in a large group is always more lively, after all."
Master Pai's embarrassment began to fade as she listened to his explanation.
"I see... I understand."
"Mr. Mineo, once this busy period is over, I will return to your restaurant to discuss culinary matters further."
"I shall head home for now. Next time, I will bring some of our restaurant's specialty products for you."
With a final polite goodbye, Master Pai turned and departed the restaurant. At that exact moment, a familiar mechanical voice echoed within Mineo's mind.
[ Ding... Congratulations to the Host for successfully hosting a guest: Chen Bangling! ]
[ The guest's satisfaction level toward your restaurant is 100%! You will automatically extract one ability from said guest. ]
[ Ding... Congratulations to the Host for extracting the 'Chinese Cuisine Culinary Expertise' from the chef: Chen Bangling! ]
[ Due to the guest's satisfaction reaching 100%, the extracted Chinese Cuisine Culinary Expertise has been automatically upgraded to Max Level! ]
Following the system's announcement, a massive flood of memories and specialized knowledge surged into Mineo's consciousness.
Mineo leaned back against the sofa, closing his eyes tightly to process the vast wealth of Chinese culinary wisdom he had just inherited.
Several hours passed before Mineo finally opened his eyes. He exhaled slowly, realizing just how invaluable the knowledge extracted from Master Pai truly was.
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