Chapter Sixty-Eight: A Grand Game of Chess

“It’s not quite like that. Their responsibilities simply differ—some are in charge of simmering, some do quick stir-frying, while others handle high-heat frying and so forth. In other words, they divide a single dish into several steps, with each person responsible for only one part. The final seasoning is done by the head chef or the chef in charge.

Of course, for simpler dishes, the stir-fry chefs can handle everything themselves.

Above the stir-fry chefs are the kitchen supervisors, who manage the daily affairs of the kitchen to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Then comes the head chef, who must possess exceptional culinary skill. Not only do they oversee and coordinate the kitchen, but they also plan menus, order ingredients, direct and assist in cooking, and step in personally to prepare special dishes when necessary.

Finally, there are the executive chef and the general chef—their authority in the kitchen needs no explanation.

‘You actually know all this?’ Su Rui stared in disbelief, but then thought of Li Can’s remarkable culinary skills and realized it wasn’t so strange after all.

‘So, which level do you think those “Imperial Court Chefs” over there belong to?’

Li Can pondered for a moment. ‘First of all, to openly use the title “Imperial Court Chef” for business, they must have permission from the Imperial Court, which means they are officially employed. Secondly, the executive chef, general chef, head chef, and kitchen supervisor would never lower themselves to come to a place like this—the Imperial Court wouldn’t allow it, and I doubt they’d be willing anyway. So, the most likely candidates are the stir-fry chefs, cold dish chefs, and the hot appetizer chefs—the largest group in the Imperial kitchen. If they manage to build a reputation, it will only enhance the Imperial Court’s standing—people will say the Imperial Court is compassionate, arranging personnel to engage with the community. If they fail, well, it’s just the kitchen staff—no harm done.’

‘So they’re not important figures after all.’ Ma Ju let out a sigh of relief.

‘Don’t celebrate too soon. Even the lowest-level chef in the Imperial Court is far more skilled than Zhao Gang. And with the “Imperial Court” name, people will flock to them regardless,’ Boss Liu said with a sigh.

‘Brother Li Can, how about I gather everyone for a meeting and we organize some promotional event?’ Ma Ju suggested.

‘That’s a great idea,’ Zou Ming’s eyes lit up, thinking it was brilliant. If the event took off, wouldn’t Neighbor’s Kitchen have to do something too? Maybe offer a twenty percent discount? Or ten percent? Or just knock fifty off the bill—that would help.

Su Rui and the others looked to Li Can, waiting for his response.

Is this what it means to be forced into opposition? Li Can felt a bit odd. From any angle, it seemed like a story of himself contending with himself—on one side, the giant he had created with his own hands; on the other, the fragile new shoot he was still nurturing.

Up to now, if the giant so much as sneezed, the little shoot was nearly smothered.

‘As for promotional events, Neighbor’s Kitchen won’t take part. If the discount is too steep, it’s unrealistic; if too little, it’s meaningless.’ Li Can tapped his fingers on the table. ‘But you can give it a try—think of it as a rehearsal for the future.’

‘For the future?’ Ma Ju sensed a hint of something unspoken.

‘I don’t believe their activities can last long, anyway,’ Li Can said, changing the subject.

‘Why not?’

‘Because the Imperial Court won’t allow anyone to keep using their influence for endless promotions. Over time, it would cheapen their brand,’ Li Can chuckled.

‘But what if that chef leaves the Imperial Court?’

‘Over the years, plenty of chefs have left, but have you ever heard of anyone using the Imperial Court’s name once they’re gone?’ Li Can glanced around the room, his smile carrying a deeper meaning.

‘Now that you mention it, I haven’t…’ Zou Ming thought carefully and realized it was true.

‘Wait, I remember someone tried last year, but it only spread for a few days, then nothing,’ Ma Ju recalled.

‘Because the very next day, that person was labeled as incompetent and of poor character,’ Li Can’s tone turned cold. ‘The Imperial Court is powerful. Ruining someone is as easy as chopping vegetables.’

‘Why does that sound so familiar?’ Su Rui’s eyes sparkled. ‘Could that mysterious head chef from a while back have been…?’

‘Brother Li Can, you seem to know a lot about the Imperial Court,’ Ma Ju’s remark left the room silent. Everyone stared at Li Can in surprise.

‘I just heard it from a friend, that’s all,’ Li Can replied with an awkward smile.

‘A friend…’ Su Rui murmured, immediately recalling the group of refined young men who had come with Li Can when he first arrived at the restaurant, and the middle-aged man who had appeared later. All of them gave her a sense of unfathomable depth.

‘In any case, they won’t keep that Imperial Court chef around to draw in customers forever, so there’s nothing to worry about. Just carry on as usual,’ Li Can said, careful not to reveal too much.

In truth, it wasn’t that he was deliberately hiding the facts—today’s events were a living example. Even a minor chef from the Imperial Court could throw Old Street into chaos, leaving the shops without business for days. If his own identity were exposed, the Imperial Court would crush Old Street without mercy.

In such an environment, Li Can had no confidence in victory. The root of the problem was that Old Street simply lacked the foundation.

‘Alright, since Brother Li Can is confident, let’s not panic. Back to work, everyone,’ Ma Ju said, leading Boss Liu and the others away so business wouldn’t be disturbed.

‘Wait a moment,’ Li Can called out.

‘Is there something else?’

‘If you’re not too busy after closing these next few evenings, come by Neighbor’s Kitchen. I’ll teach you some dishes.’

Ma Ju and the others felt their hearts leap.

Did they hear right? Li Can said “dishes,” not just “experience”?

‘Brother Li Can… did you really mean actual dishes?’ Boss Liu asked in disbelief.

‘That’s right, real, complete dishes.’ Li Can nodded with conviction.

‘We’ll absolutely make time!’ Ma Ju agreed without hesitation. Was he joking? Li Can had revived Neighbor’s Kitchen with a single plate of fish-fragrant pork—what about them?

Watching everyone leave, Su Rui finally couldn’t hold back and pulled Li Can into the kitchen.

‘Li Can, what are you thinking? I don’t think your relationship with them is close enough to be sharing recipes.’

‘Sister Su Rui, don’t worry. I’m doing this for Neighbor’s Kitchen’s sake,’ Li Can sighed. ‘The situation is no longer just a rivalry between shops—it’s become a matter for the entire area. In this context, it’s hard for our restaurant alone to hold out. By strengthening Ma Ju and the others, we’re actually fortifying ourselves.’

‘You sound pretty ambitious,’ Su Rui said seriously.

‘Do you really want to confine yourself to running just one restaurant?’ Li Can retorted. ‘To be blunt, I don’t believe the current size of Blazing Kitchen will last long.’

‘Four storefronts aren’t enough?’

‘Not enough.’

‘My goodness…’ Su Rui took in a sharp breath.

(To be continued…)