webnovelfull Chapter 21 Boss, you have to take full responsibility!
Chapter 21 Boss, you have to take full responsibility!
As Zhang Qiang placed the last basket of rabbit-shaped steamed buns in front of the last few guests.
The entire "Human Fireworks" venue instantly fell into an eerie yet tense atmosphere.
The sounds of dozens of people inhaling, chewing, and exclaiming rose and fell.
"Good heavens... I've really wasted these last few decades of my life!"
A middle-aged man sitting at the center table wiped the juices from the corner of his mouth with his fingers, staring intently at the half-empty plate, his voice trembling:
"I used to think that old-fashioned restaurant with the long queue at the street corner was the best, but now compared to that, it's like stuffing a piece of wood into a dumpling!"
"The texture, the layers of flavor... I can even feel the meat filling melting on my tongue. This isn't just a steamed bun, it's a work of art!"
"Who can argue with that!"
A young man next to him, whose face was flushed from eating, suddenly slapped his thigh.
He grimaced in pain from pulling too hard, but still refused to put down the half-eaten bun in his hand.
"I used to hate eating things that were so delicate they looked like works of art; I always thought they were just gimmicks."
"After that bite, I felt like I was elevated."
"Boss, how did you make this skin? How can it be so thin, and yet it has a slightly sweet aftertaste?"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
"Boss! I don't care, starting tomorrow, I'm making my breakfast business a permanent fixture here!"
"Yes! Boss, you have to keep this shop open."
"If you close down, I reckon I'll be allergic to the word 'baozi' for the rest of my life, and I'll never be able to eat any other baozi-faced food again!"
"Boss, you're really ripping us off! You've spoiled our palates so much, you have to take full responsibility!"
"I've made up my mind. From now on, the first thing I'll do every morning is come to your place. Anyone who tries to stop me will have to deal with me!"
Hearing the increasingly loud shouts of "condemnation" and praise, Chen Feng's tense shoulders relaxed a little.
He watched the noisy diners quietly, a slight smile playing on his lips.
He didn't speak.
For a chef, such near-fanatical approval from diners is the greatest praise he can receive.
Meanwhile, Mengmeng, sitting on a high chair to the side, couldn't stop smiling.
She watched as these uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters transformed from "fierce and menacing" to "smiling broadly."
The little bit of fear in my heart had long since vanished.
"Dad, they really love the steamed buns you made!"
"Mengmeng calls out in a clear, crisp voice, waving her little hands in the air as if celebrating a great victory, 'Mengmeng likes it too! Everyone likes Daddy!'"
That child's voice instantly added a touch of warmth to the otherwise noisy shop.
Many diners smiled like doting aunts when they saw the well-behaved little owner.
Compared to Chen Feng's restraint, Zhang Qiang's behavior at this moment was much more direct.
He was practically slumped over the counter, his clothes soaked with sweat, especially his back, which was clinging to his body.
He was breathing heavily, his chest heaving violently.
"Fengzi...you're really something."
Zhang Qiang wiped the sweat from his face haphazardly with his sleeve, chuckling to himself. His voice was hoarse from shouting so much.
"This is the first time I've ever seen diners this crazy!"
Zhang Qiang felt as if his legs were filled with lead.
But seeing his brother's delicious food recognized and his talent respected made him feel even more intoxicated than drinking two ounces of strong liquor.
Chen Feng felt a pang of heartache seeing Zhang Qiang's exhausted state.
He walked over and gently patted Zhang Qiang on the shoulder.
"Alright, Qiangzi, I'll handle the rest," Chen Feng said.
"This group has almost finished eating. You should sit down and rest for a while. I can clean up the mess in a few minutes."
Chen Feng had indeed finished his work at this point.
"No... Fengzi, I'm alright." Zhang Qiang struggled to his feet.
"Godfather, Mengmeng is here to wipe the table too!" Mengmeng tried to climb down from the chair, which startled Zhang Qiang, who quickly waved his hand.
"Oh my little aunt, you'd better hold on tight."
"Mengmeng's hands are for collecting money; they're the face of our shop. Let Godfather handle the rough work like wiping the tables."
Zhang Qiang felt his fatigue dissipate a bit after being amused by Mengmeng.
Seeing that he couldn't persuade him, Chen Feng stopped talking.
He knew Zhang Qiang's temperament; he was as stubborn as a mule.
"Okay, let's go together then." Chen Feng rolled up his sleeves and snatched a heavy stack of number plates from Zhang Qiang's hand.
The two began to move around the store.
Although the earlier commotion was gone, cleaning up the mess was still a daunting task.
Those diners who had been completely won over were now getting up in twos and threes.
Most people leaving would greet Chen Feng again as they passed the counter.
Some gave a thumbs up, while others reiterated that they would definitely be on time tomorrow.
Chen Feng deftly collected the empty plates while nodding slightly in acknowledgment.
Zhang Qiang gritted his teeth and followed behind Chen Feng, responsible for cleaning up the tissues scattered on the ground and the occasional oil droplets.
Although he was so tired that his hands were shaking, he was extremely careful in his movements, not wanting to leave any stains on Mengmeng's "rabbit paradise".
While the two were busy, the diners who hadn't left yet watched this scene and were filled with mixed emotions.
"Look at that boss, he's skilled and hardworking."
"With this kind of shop, this kind of taste, and this kind of attitude, if it doesn't become popular, then God is truly blind."
Zhang Qiang felt a sweet warmth in his heart as he listened to these whispers.
"Fengzi, do you think... if it's this popular every day, we'll have to hire more people?" Zhang Qiang asked as he picked up an empty plate.
Chen Feng stopped what he was doing, looked up at Mengmeng who was playing with bunny ears by herself on the chair, and then looked at Zhang Qiang next to her.
"We really should hire someone." Chen Feng turned around and continued tidying up.
"Let's see what to say tonight." Zhang Qiang suddenly straightened his back, almost straining it from exhaustion.
This made Chen Feng laugh out loud, but his eyes showed a hint of heartache.
He held out his hand, gesturing for Zhang Qiang to share half of his work with him.
Two men and a little girl, in this messy yet hopeful shop, began to slowly erase the traces left by their busy work.
Such harmony suggests they are shaping a rising future.
Those neighbors who left satisfied with their food and drink became the best seed-sowing machines.
With lingering fragrance and heartfelt praise, they carried the name "human touch" with the unique wind of the old street, spreading it to every corner.
This day has only just begun.