Chapter 44: Turning the Tide

Sitting down at the dining table, Bai Renzong finally let out a breath of relief: this video would allow him to keep up the momentum from his food videos with Han Jiayi.

There was a process for viewers to go from watching a video to actually following his account, since not everyone who watched would become a subscriber. It usually took three to five days to convert viewers into his own fans.

So, after waiting for a while and absorbing the heat from this video, the next time he posted, those “die-hard fans” would become his new base level of engagement. Combined with the popularity from the “Connoisseur APP,” the baseline would be quite high.

“Wow, Old Bai, you’ve got a hundred and fifty thousand followers already!” Han Jiayi exclaimed, looking at the account info on her phone.

“That’s right, the previous videos are still bringing in fans,” Bai Renzong replied, distracted by the rich aroma of the salt and pepper shrimp before him. “I guess it’s about time to think about the next video… I’m planning on doing a movie commentary next.”

“So I won’t be involved, then?” Han Jiayi asked curiously, handing him a bowl and chopsticks.

“How could you not be involved?” Bai Renzong shot her a sideways glance. “You should ride the wave of popularity whenever you can.”

“How am I supposed to ride the wave with a movie commentary?” Han Jiayi frowned, muttering.

“It’s like a comedic double act—one straight man, one funny man,” Bai Renzong said, scooping up some rice.

Han Jiayi’s expression darkened. “So I’m the straight man, huh?”

“Do you want to be the funny one?” Bai Renzong arched his brows. “I can write the script and you can just read it.”

Han Jiayi shook her head vigorously, her soft hair swaying. “Wouldn’t that mean I’m taking over? No way.”

“So…” Bai Renzong rolled his eyes, “You just need to prompt me and improvise a bit. Leave the rest to me, there’s no pressure.”

Han Jiayi nodded. “Which movie? I’ll go watch it first.”

“You’ve definitely seen it,” Bai Renzong said, still playing his game. “Shazam.”

“I’ll go rewatch it, then…” Han Jiayi replied, picking up a fried shrimp and handing it to him. “Try it.”

“This fried shrimp is really well done,” Bai Renzong said after a bite, intrigued. “The garlic flavor is strong, but the outside—how did you make it so fluffy?”

“It’s actually just egg, not batter,” Han Jiayi laughed. “Because the shrimp meat is pretty firm, coating it in egg and frying it is best. The egg turns crispy, and when combined with the shrimp’s texture, it creates layers.”

“Smart,” Bai Renzong nodded in approval.

Han Jiayi let out a proud laugh, but also felt a little annoyed: Now he compliments me, but not when we’re filming!

“For the next food video, I’ll teach everyone how to make this,” Bai Renzong said, digging in heartily.

After dinner, having washed the dishes, Bai Renzong spent the evening racking up fifty rounds of “Lightning Reflexes,” aiming to earn that achievement reward as soon as possible.

Having experienced the power of the “God Tongue,” Bai Renzong now realized how crucial the achievement challenges were—they weren’t just helpful for tastings but also came in handy in daily life.

After this session, Bai Renzong was exhausted and collapsed into bed, falling asleep instantly.

The next morning.

The tasting video he posted last night received another S-level rating. With daily check-ins and posting comments, his base popularity reached three hundred twenty thousand. Adding his one hundred fifty thousand fans, the video had fifty thousand plays in just one day.

But perhaps because the previous two videos had made the homepage, and their views were sky-high, this video’s achievement was overshadowed.

Bai Renzong hadn’t paid much attention to this at first, but by four in the afternoon, when he was already preparing the script for his next video…

“Old Bai, Sister Jiayi! Come quick!” Wang Bei called anxiously from downstairs.

“What happened? Is there a fire?!” Bai Renzong rushed out of his room, alarmed.

But Wang Bei was sitting in front of the computer, waving happily. “No! Hurry, come down!”

“You scared me half to death…” Han Jiayi grumbled, frowning as she sat by the sofa.

When Bai Renzong joined her, he saw Wang Bei pointing at a video comment.

The comment was from an account called “Wang Xiaobei,” and it read, “Brother Bai! We improved our recipe as you suggested, and early this morning people were lining up to visit our shop! Whether regulars or new customers, everyone praised the new items! Business was booming today—lines stretched outside the alley, and after just two hours, we sold out of ingredients!”

“Oh?” Han Jiayi smiled with interest. “Isn’t that the simple-minded son from that shop?”

“Tsk, how can you talk about someone like that?” Bai Renzong tapped Han Jiayi lightly on the head, scolding.

“Well, it’s true…” Han Jiayi muttered, rubbing the spot where she’d been tapped.

“That’s not all,” Wang Bei said excitedly, opening up the stacked replies, all from fans who had visited the shop.

“Just to be clear, I’m definitely not a paid shill—their wraps are amazing! Anyone thinking of visiting, go ahead, and if it’s not delicious, you can come back and beat up Old Bai!” “It’s really super tasty! I regret only ordering two, and I brought one for a coworker, who loved it too!” “When I went this afternoon, the owner had already sold out and closed. I’ll be sure to go early tomorrow!”

Bai Renzong hadn’t even realized he had so many fans in Beichang City.

“Amazing, Old Bai!” Wang Bei slapped Bai Renzong’s shoulder, making him wince.

“Seriously…” Han Jiayi said in admiration, “When we visited, the owner said he never sold out and relied on regulars. After your promotion, just one day and business is booming! The result is incredible!”

“That’s what advertising does,” Bai Renzong muttered, rubbing the spot where he’d been hit. “You two sisters, why are you both so strong…?”

“No, no, no!” Wang Bei said, emphasizing each word. “Very few shop-review videos have this kind of effect! This is practically a miracle! Do you know what this means, Old Bai?”

She poked Bai Renzong’s arm. “It means your popularity has reached a frightening level! Just a little boost from you is enough to keep a small shop running!”

“I hope this brings more business collaborations my way,” Bai Renzong sighed.

He was still a bit worried, since he’d given the owner some direct advice.

But in fact, many eyes were now fixed on “D-Station Old Bai.”

Some belonged to agents from influencer companies, eager to sign this rising star; others were small shops struggling under the suppression of Mirage Group, seeking his help to turn their fortunes around.

But those who could truly help Bai Renzong’s career as a content creator belonged to a third group: restaurants and chefs who already had a bit of fame.

People like Han Jiayi.

Some of these chefs hoped to use Bai Renzong’s “God Tongue” to refine their signature dishes and reach new heights; others, like Han Jiayi, aimed to create cuisine so delicious that Bai Renzong would be left speechless.

After all, for chefs, earning the approval of the “God Tongue” was the highest honor.

“Sis, you need to ride Old Bai’s popularity, too!” Wang Bei said, holding Han Jiayi’s hand with excitement. “Get famous soon, so that Zheng Han, that spoiled heir, won’t be able to match you!”

“Mm! I’ll work hard!” Han Jiayi replied, smiling with excitement.

(Thanks to “Super Wants to Raise a Cat” for the tip, and “Deep Sea Book Prisoner” for the monthly ticket.)