Chapter 69: Sweet Words Like Honey

After returning from the gym, Bai Renzong felt utterly exhausted, certain that his muscles would be sore the next day. Yet the coach hadn’t insisted on a diet; rather, he encouraged Bai to eat more—never to go hungry—and to opt for foods rich in protein, like beef.

So, after showering, Bai made his way to Yijia Pavilion. Partly, he was there for lunch, but he also wanted to see how business was faring after his latest video post.

“Hello, would you mind sharing a table with another guest?” the server greeted him politely at the door.

He raised an eyebrow in surprise—was it really so crowded at half past two in the afternoon that tables had to be shared? Glancing inside, he realized the restaurant was nearly full. Clearly, most patrons were here to taste the “Yunni,” so there was a high turnover: guests would enjoy their afternoon tea and leave, finishing their meals in about thirty minutes.

After a brief hesitation, Bai replied, “I’ll wait. I’m here for lunch.”

“Of course, please wait a moment…” the server smiled, but just then, Han Jiayi hurried out from the back.

“I’ll take it from here,” she said with a gentle smile, shooting Bai a quick glare and beckoning him to follow. As she led him toward the staff area, she muttered, “Next time, give me a heads-up! I could have saved you a spot.”

“I just came for a meal and to check on your business,” Bai sighed softly. “Seeing the place so busy puts my mind at ease.”

In the staff lounge, Han Jiayi crossed her arms, brimming with confidence. “So, what would you like to eat?”

“I’ll have the German-style roasted pork ribs set,” Bai said, pointing to the item on the menu.

“You haven’t eaten yet? It’s so late!” Han frowned. “Don’t tell me you plan to have lunch at this hour every day and wait to have dinner with me in the evenings?”

Bai’s brow twitched slightly, his face expressionless. “You’re overthinking. It’s just how my routine is now. I have breakfast after nine, so lunch at two isn’t that strange, is it?”

After a pause, he added, “Besides, if someone’s offering me a free dinner, why wouldn’t I take advantage?”

Han Jiayi lowered her gaze, grumbling inwardly: Why not just admit you want to have dinner with me? I’d be happy to have someone to share dinner with too! Such a stubborn man—always refusing to show his true feelings…

“Wait here,” she huffed, turning on her heel and heading into the kitchen.

The kitchen staff watched Han Jiayi in surprise as they deftly prepared a new batch of “Yunni.” During the intervals, they also got Bai’s German ribs set ready. “Yunni” was inspired by soufflé but even more challenging to make. That Han Jiayi could prepare such a demanding dish with precision and simultaneously assemble Bai’s meal spoke volumes of her culinary skill.

But what intrigued everyone even more was: Who exactly was Bai Renzong, that the boss would personally cook for him every time?

“He must be her boyfriend, right?”
“Definitely… who else would she spoil like that?”
“I wonder what’s so special about him?”
“He must have a sweet tongue. Last time he complimented her, she was happy for days…” The staff whispered amongst themselves.

“Focus on your cooking!” Han Jiayi scolded, frowning. “We’re aiming for two Michelin stars, remember? Let’s keep our standards high—no slacking off!”

“Yes, chef!” they responded in unison.

Truth be told, the lunch rush was long over; most diners were there for the “Yunni,” so the other chefs had little to do. They pretended to be busy while exchanging glances and silent gossip.

Soon, Han Jiayi finished the new batch of “Yunni” and instructed, “Take these out, and remind the guests to finish within ten minutes, or the soufflé will collapse and lose its appeal.”

“Yes, chef,” replied a server.

Han personally picked up the pork ribs set, took a deep breath to steady her nerves, and headed toward the staff lounge.

“Here’s your German-style pork ribs set,” she said, placing the tray in front of Bai Renzong, her heart thumping in her chest.

Bai glanced at the appetizer—it was half a German sausage. He frowned. Han Jiayi stiffened in anxiety—was he about to criticize her?

But after tasting it, Bai’s expression relaxed; he seemed pleasantly surprised. He sampled the next course, German sauerkraut soup, and nodded in approval.

He likes it! Han Jiayi pressed her lips together in delight. Will he praise me?

Bai polished off the salted cod sticks and finally the main course—the roasted pork ribs—then sipped his tea and took out his phone to pay.

“Hey!” Han Jiayi frowned. “Aren’t you going to give me your feedback?”

“I’m here to eat, not to review the place,” Bai looked at her, puzzled. “Isn’t it exhausting doing that every day?”

“It is a little nerve-wracking…” Han mumbled, then shook her head, persistent, “But you enjoyed your meal, didn’t you?”

“It was good,” Bai nodded. “Using grilled sausage as the starter was a bit risky, but the sauce was excellent—a touch of spice and a hint of sweetness really stimulated the appetite, and it paired well with the sauerkraut soup. Including sauerkraut as a side for the ribs at the end gave the set a cohesive feel, with distinct layers of flavor and well-balanced textures…”

Han Jiayi grinned in satisfaction—yes, that’s the praise I wanted.

“But,” Bai continued, pointing at the side dish, “the salted cod sticks were a misstep.”

Han’s face fell—here it comes!

As expected, Bai went on, “The first course is sausage, and the last is a large cut of meat—already quite substantial. The third course should be lighter to cleanse the palate, not fried, or it becomes too rich.”

“Hmph…” Han Jiayi pouted in displeasure.

“See? You insisted on feedback, but now you’re unhappy,” Bai said, frowning slightly. “I just wanted to eat and check if business had picked up from the video.”

“It has, and I’m happy about that…” Han muttered, wringing her hands. “But couldn’t you give me a few more compliments, just to make my day?”

“Aren’t you aiming for two Michelin stars? You can’t be so easily satisfied,” Bai countered.

“Who said that?” Han widened her lovely eyes in protest. “You could still give me some encouragement!”

“Tsk…” Bai shot her a sidelong glance and sighed. “Being able to prepare ‘Yunni’ and this set at the same time is impressive. Change the cod for something lighter and this set will be excellent—everyone will love it.”

“Okay!” Han beamed, carrying the tray as she skipped back to the kitchen.

As she pushed open the kitchen door, all eyes turned to her. She straightened, put on a graceful smile, and declared, “We’ll have to work hard for a while, everyone—stay sharp! Once we earn our second Michelin star, I’ll give you all a raise!”

“Yes, chef!” the team chorused, marveling at how happy their boss looked.

And so, the staff’s impression of Bai Renzong was firmly set as “the man with a honeyed tongue.”

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