"Uncle Jiu, Old Heavenly Master, have you gentlemen eaten yet? If not, how about I prepare a proper meal for you both?"
Gustave never forgot his primary responsibility as the chef of their establishment. The restaurant had to be run with excellence, and a chef's duty was to ensure every guest was well-fed and satisfied. His culinary passion sparked to life at the prospect of cooking for such distinguished visitors.
"Now that Master Gustave has so graciously mentioned it, I find myself feeling rather hungry," Lin Jiu admitted with a slight smile. "I wonder what manner of dishes you serve here, and what the charges might be?"
After hearing Gustave's enthusiastic offer, Lin Jiu realized that his appetite had indeed been awakened. However, observing the exceptionally high-end decoration and luxurious appointments of the Bamboo Staff Bistro, he couldn't help but worry that the prices would be correspondingly steep for someone of his modest means.
"Fellow Taoist, this is our first meeting, and you have already honored me with such generous respect and courtesy," Zhang Zhiwei interjected warmly, his eyes twinkling with genuine kindness. "How about I treat you to this meal? Please consider it my return gift to you, and a celebration of our newfound friendship!"
Zhang Zhiwei could easily discern that Uncle Jiu was not particularly wealthy, living the simple life of a dedicated Taoist practitioner. As the Heavenly Master of Mount Longhu, however, he had benefited considerably from the tourism development that had flourished around the sacred mountain over recent years, making him financially comfortable. Treating a fellow practitioner to a good meal was both his pleasure and his honor.
"This... this is not appropriate," Lin Jiu hesitated, his sense of propriety warring with his genuine hunger and the appeal of the offered hospitality.
The weight of accepting such generosity from someone he had just met troubled his traditional sensibilities.
"There's absolutely nothing wrong with it whatsoever! The matter is decided!" Zhang Zhiwei declared with cheerful finality, waving away Lin Jiu's protests with benevolent authority. "Master Gustave, would you be so kind as to show us your menu?"
Zhang Zhiwei had effectively made the decision for both of them, his enthusiasm brooking no argument. After all, it was merely one meal, and he could certainly afford to be generous to a worthy friend.
"Uncle Jiu, Old Heavenly Master, I actually don't maintain a traditional menu here," Gustave explained with a confident smile that spoke of complete mastery of his craft. "You order based on the available ingredients and your personal preferences. As long as you can name the dish you desire, I will prepare it to perfection."
His approach to cooking was both flexible and ambitious – the mark of a true culinary artist who refused to be constrained by predetermined limitations.
"It's abundantly clear that Master Gustave is an exceptionally skilled chef indeed!" Zhang Zhiwei observed with growing excitement. "In that case, let us follow Master Gustave to examine the available ingredients and see what inspires our appetites."
With that enthusiastic declaration, Zhang Zhiwei gently but firmly pulled Lin Jiu to his feet. The old Heavenly Master's infectious enthusiasm made Lin Jiu feel somewhat nervous, though not unpleasantly so.
Under Gustave's expert guidance, the two Taoist masters made their way to the impressive refrigeration area. They stood before the dazzling array of premium ingredients, their eyes wide with amazement as they contemplated the incredible variety of options available. The selection was far more extensive and exotic than either had ever encountered in their respective worlds.
"I would very much like to try your Three Cup Chicken and a Chopped Pepper Fish Head," Zhang Zhiwei announced after carefully surveying the impressive selection for several minutes.
His choices reflected both his regional preferences and his appreciation for bold, flavorful dishes that would showcase the chef's skills.
"Excellent choices! Uncle Jiu, what would you prefer?" Gustave asked after carefully noting down Zhang Zhiwei's two selections, his professional attention now focused entirely on Lin Jiu's preferences.
"I would be delighted to try some Yong Tau Foo and perhaps some Kelp, Soybean and Pork Rib Soup," Lin Jiu replied thoughtfully.
He had originally considered ordering a simple boiled chicken dish, but since Zhang Zhiwei had already selected the three-cup chicken preparation, he diplomatically changed his choice to avoid redundancy, opting instead for the warming comfort of a well-prepared soup.
"Perfect! So we have three dishes and one soup. Would you gentlemen care for anything else to complete your meal?" Gustave inquired after carefully writing down the final dish name, his mind already beginning to plan the cooking sequence and timing.
Hearing this summary, Zhang Zhiwei and Lin Jiu exchanged a meaningful glance, shared a warm smile, and spoke in perfect unison:
"No, three dishes and one soup will be quite sufficient for two people. We wouldn't want to overindulge!"
"Wonderful! Old Heavenly Master and Uncle Jiu, please find a comfortable place to sit and relax. I'll ask Zihang to serve you some tea while I prepare your meal."
Since Luffy and Ace were currently engrossed in their gaming session upstairs, Chu Zihang had temporarily assumed the role of waiter, a responsibility he carried out with his characteristic quiet efficiency.
Gustave immediately began recalling the precise recipes for the three dishes and one soup that Zhang Zhiwei and Lin Jiu had ordered. His mind catalogued each ingredient, technique, and timing requirement as he opened the massive refrigeration unit and began selecting the finest available ingredients.
The first dish he would prepare was the Kelp, Soybean and Pork Ribs Soup. This particular soup was elegantly simple in its execution, requiring only the three primary ingredients but demanding perfect timing and technique to achieve the ideal balance of flavors.
Gustave began by expertly chopping the pork ribs into uniform pieces, adding fresh ginger slices before blanching them in boiling water to remove any impurities and ensure a crystal-clear broth.
Next, he placed the soybeans in a heavy-bottomed pot, added hot water, and began the slow stewing process. When the soybeans reached the perfect stage of tenderness, he would add the blanched kelp and the perfectly prepared ribs.
The final seasoning would be minimal – just a touch of salt to enhance the natural flavors, as the kelp would provide all the umami depth needed to make the soup truly extraordinary.
While the Kelp, Soybean and Pork Ribs Soup simmered away to perfection, Gustave turned his attention to the second dish: the Three Cup Chicken. This dish held special significance, as it originated in Jiangxi Province, the very region where Mount Longhu was located, though it had gained tremendous popularity throughout Taiwan Province as well. There were numerous regional variations in preparation methods, but considering that Zhang Zhiwei was the esteemed Taoist priest of Mount Longhu, Gustave was absolutely certain that the version he prepared would not be the Taiwanese variation.
The "three cups" in Three Cup Chicken referred specifically to the three essential sauces used during the cooking process: lard for richness, rice wine for depth, and soy sauce for umami complexity. Some modern versions substituted sesame oil for the traditional lard, but Gustave preferred the authentic approach.
He began by heating lard in his wok until it reached the perfect temperature. When the oil shimmered with readiness, he added the chicken pieces and stir-fried them with practiced precision until they reached approximately fifty percent doneness. At this crucial moment, he added the soy sauce and continued stir-frying to develop the complex flavors. Finally, he added the rice wine, covered the wok tightly, and allowed the dish to finish cooking as the liquid reduced to a glossy glaze.
For those who enjoyed spicy flavors, chili peppers or dried chili segments could be added during the cooking process. Considering the geographical location of Longhu Mountain and the regional palate preferences, Gustave naturally included fresh chili peppers to add the perfect amount of heat.
The third dish was the Chopped Pepper Fish Head, a masterpiece of Hunan cuisine that required both technical skill and artistic presentation.
Gustave began by making precise cross-shaped cuts in the fish head to help it absorb maximum flavor during the marinating process. He then prepared a marinade of soy sauce, cooking wine, and aromatic scallion and ginger water, ensuring the fish head would be perfectly seasoned throughout.
While the fish head marinated to perfection, Gustave turned his attention to preparing the signature chopped pepper sauce. He had prepared his own chili peppers, chopping them by hand and allowing them to marinate in their own juices to develop complex flavors.
He heated oil in his wok and added minced garlic, stir-frying until the kitchen filled with irresistible aroma. Then he added his homemade chopped peppers, along with some fresh green peppers cut into perfect dice, stir-frying everything together until the flavors melded beautifully.
For seasoning, he added only oyster sauce and a touch of sugar to enhance the natural flavors and balance the heat. Salt was unnecessary since the pickled chopped peppers already contained abundant natural salinity.
Once the chopped pepper sauce reached perfection, Gustave evenly distributed it over the marinated fish head and placed it in the steamer. After the fish head was perfectly steamed and tender, he garnished it with freshly chopped green onions and finished with a dramatic flourish of hot oil that released an explosion of aromatic steam.
The final dish was the beloved Yong Tau Foo, a testament to the artistry of Hakka cuisine.
Gustave began by mincing fresh pork belly into a fine paste, then expertly mixed it with diced shallots, finely chopped mushrooms, salt, oyster sauce, white pepper, and cornstarch until the mixture achieved the perfect consistency and binding.
Next, he carefully cut fresh tofu into uniform pieces, making precise slits in each piece before stuffing them with the seasoned pork mixture. Each piece required delicate handling to ensure the filling stayed secure during cooking.
He heated oil in his wok and carefully fried the meat-side of each tofu piece first, creating a golden seal that would prevent the filling from escaping during the subsequent cooking process. Then he gently turned each piece, frying all sides until they achieved a beautiful golden-brown color.
For the final preparation, Gustave arranged fresh enoki mushrooms and crisp cabbage leaves in a traditional clay casserole as an aromatic base. He then carefully placed the fried tofu pieces on top, poured his specially prepared sauce over everything, covered the casserole, and allowed it to simmer until all flavors melded into harmony.
His sauce was a perfect balance of soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, cornstarch, and just enough water to create the ideal consistency for both flavor and texture.
When the Yong Tau Foo reached perfection, the other dishes had also completed their cooking processes. Gustave called Chu Zihang over to assist, and together they presented three exquisite dishes and one aromatic soup to their distinguished guests!
"Master Gustave's culinary skills are truly extraordinary!" Zhang Zhiwei and Lin Jiu exclaimed in unison after sampling just a few bites of each preparation.
Their faces showed genuine amazement and delight as they experienced the complex layers of flavor and perfect execution that characterized each dish.
"Haha! If you two gentlemen truly enjoy the meal, then please eat to your heart's content," Gustave responded with obvious pleasure and pride. "Having guests finish every last bite is always the highest compliment any chef can receive."
His smile was radiant with the satisfaction that came from seeing his culinary artistry fully appreciated.
"Then we two shall certainly have to work diligently to honor your efforts!" Zhang Zhiwei declared with mock seriousness, immediately reaching for another piece of the perfectly prepared chicken.
Despite Lin Jiu being in middle age and Zhang Zhiwei being well over one hundred years old, both men possessed appetites that far exceeded those of ordinary young people. They not only consumed every morsel of the three dishes but also drained the soup pot completely, providing living proof of Gustave's earlier statement about the ultimate compliment to a chef.
When the two distinguished guests had completely finished their meal, Gustave headed upstairs to summon Luffy and Ace. There were two reasons for this interruption: their designated gaming time had officially expired, and more importantly, it was time for them to fulfill their dish-washing responsibilities.
"Master Gustave, what would be the cost for this exceptional meal?" Zhang Zhiwei inquired while Luffy and the others were busy with their cleaning duties, approaching the French chef with his wallet already in hand.
"Just three hundred yuan will be perfectly sufficient," Gustave replied with a casual smile.
"Master Gustave's pricing is remarkably reasonable for such quality," Zhang Zhiwei observed with genuine appreciation, immediately producing three hundred yuan from his wallet.
While three hundred yuan for three dishes and one soup might seem somewhat expensive by average restaurant standards, given Gustave's extraordinary culinary skills and the quality of ingredients used, it represented exceptional value. Zhang Zhiwei's assessment was entirely accurate – the meal had been worth every yuan spent.
"Heavenly Master, how would you feel about accompanying me to my world for a visit?" Lin Jiu suggested after their magnificent meal had concluded, his voice carrying both gratitude and genuine friendship. "After all, you were so generous in paying for our meal, so I should demonstrate some reciprocal hospitality."
His invitation was both a gesture of appreciation and a desire to continue their newfound friendship in more familiar surroundings.
"I would be delighted to accept your kind invitation! I hope I won't be too much trouble," Zhang Zhiwei replied with an enthusiastic nod.
He had recently descended from the mountain to sweep away certain troublesome elements, an action that had thoroughly frightened the entire world of extraordinary individuals. The Nadutong Company had become so concerned about the possibility of Zhang Zhiwei taking similar action again that they had entered into negotiations with him, respectfully requesting that he refrain from leaving Longhu Mountain casually in the future.
Zhang Zhiwei had agreed to Nadutong's request, acknowledging that his previous actions had indeed caused some unintended negative consequences that rippled throughout their world.
However, staying confined to Longhu Mountain had proven to be genuinely boring for someone of his active nature and curious mind. Since Lin Jiu had so graciously extended an invitation, the opportunity to visit another world entirely was simply too intriguing to pass up.
Just as the two were deep in discussion about their planned journey to Lin Jiu's world, the Moral Lord descended the stairs, wearing an enormous pair of headphones and staring intently at his phone screen with the focused expression of someone completely absorbed in digital entertainment.