Chapter 103: No Understanding Without Conflict

At this point, White Renzong was already quite pleased with the other party’s attitude.

When asking questions, one must first deny one’s own preconceived notions; otherwise, if the answer is already fixed in one’s mind, it’s not about seeking truth but rather seeking affirmation.

“He said his restaurant has been open in Beichang City for a month, but business hasn’t been great…” Han Jiayi helped translate Laurent’s question for White Renzong. “So he personally came over to study the situation, to see if the tastes of people in this city are different, and to make appropriate adjustments. China is vast, and people’s taste preferences vary greatly from region to region, which poses a huge challenge for Western cuisine…”

Am I misunderstanding him? White Renzong thought awkwardly but kept a composed expression: At this stage, admitting fault is impossible! Besides, they don’t even know…

“I think…” White Renzong pondered and said, “It’s probably a pricing issue. After all, Beichang City is a second-tier city, and the average spending per customer at this restaurant is over 800 yuan. Not many people here can afford that.”

Those with such spending power have mostly been wooed away by Lanwafang, so naturally, “Licorne” is struggling.

To improve the situation, the restaurant must either elevate its standards and average spending or lower its prices.

The flagship “Licorne” in Nanhua City, a first-tier city, benefits from higher average incomes and a well-established reputation having been open for years, so it doesn’t face such problems.

Simply put, the market slice “Licorne” aims for has already been stolen by Lanwafang. Moreover, “Licorne”’s style is a notch below Lanwafang’s, somewhere between Lanwafang and Yijiaxuan.

“Ah…” Hearing White Renzong’s explanation, Laurent’s expression brightened as if he finally understood the root of the poor business.

“Stealing someone else’s slice of cake is a self-defeating and time-consuming endeavor. The best adjustment is to find another cake to share,” White Renzong explained. “Of course, this is just my personal understanding and not authoritative.”

“Oh, now you’re being modest…” Wang Bei teased from the side, fiddling with the camera. “Where did that ‘take it or leave it’ attitude just now go?”

Have you studied “Human Pretentiousness Behavior” too? White Renzong thought silently.

Laurent, however, seemed quite pleased and eagerly said a great deal.

“He said he thinks what you said makes a lot of sense and that he’ll make some appropriate adjustments,” Han Jiayi said with a smile, inwardly amazed at how this outspoken White dared to criticize a man who had been the sous-chef at a three-star Michelin restaurant for decades.

Yet Laurent’s next words startled her.

“What did he say?” White Renzong asked curiously.

“He…” Han Jiayi hesitated, suddenly reluctant to translate, or tempted to translate something else.

But with another translator present, she could only unwillingly say, “He said your insight into French cuisine is very unique and asked if you’d be interested in going to France for further training. He can recommend you. After a few years, you could become one of the world’s top chefs…”

“What?” White Renzong was momentarily stunned. This development was unexpected.

Though he possessed a divine palate, he had never considered becoming a chef.

The reason being…

“I’m sorry,” White Renzong replied with a smile, “Though I understand how to appreciate fine food, I lack the passion for cooking that you and this lovely lady have. Naturally, I cannot create such memorable dishes, so I must decline your kind offer… but I will participate in another way.”

The unspoken meaning: Going abroad is too troublesome. Visa issues aside, starting to learn a new language and cooking skills now would mean by the time I debut, who knows when that’ll be? I’m a content creator now, doing live-stream sales and videos. In a few years, I’ll have earned enough money and can live a shamelessly happy life with my wife every day. I don’t cook, but my wife does! I can still wield my divine palate that way!

Saying this, White Renzong gently held Han Jiayi’s head and pulled her close. “With her here—she graduated from the French Le Cordon Bleu, an excellent chef with both skill and passion—our combined efforts can reach world-class levels.”

“Mm!” Han Jiayi nodded confidently. “Definitely.”

Laurent then shifted the topic and talked briefly with Han Jiayi.

“What did he say?” White Renzong asked curiously.

“He said my culinary fundamentals are very solid,” Han Jiayi smiled. “And asked if I wanted to go abroad for further study…”

At that moment, White Renzong felt a pang in his heart and responded, “You don’t need further study anymore!”

Han Jiayi pursed her lips and tilted her head, looking curiously at White Renzong: Does he not want me to go?

“Or… do you want to go?” White Renzong furrowed his brows, staring at her.

“Do you… want me to go?” Han Jiayi smiled shyly.

“Of course not,” White Renzong said immediately, explaining, “If you leave, I won’t have food material anymore, and Xiao Bei would have to follow you. That would be troublesome, right? The studio has just started, dissolving it now would be nonsense.”

Wang Bei coughed beside them, the sound resembling “Get married.”

Stupid straight man… Han Jiayi turned away, frowning and muttering inwardly, Just admit you don’t want me to go!

Laurent looked somewhat regretful but then shook White Renzong’s hand and continued speaking.

“He said,” Han Jiayi listened intently, her beautiful eyes sparkling, “since that’s the case, perhaps he can recommend you in France to join the International Gourmet Association. Being a member would make your opinions carry more weight in the culinary circle…”

Han Jiayi stared at White Renzong: “The International Gourmet Association!”

“Sounds impressive…” Wang Bei muttered quietly.

“Of course it is!” Han Jiayi said earnestly. “That association only admits invited members. Without connections, you can’t get in! It has branches worldwide, including in our country! Many prestigious food events actively invite members of the International Gourmet Association to participate…”

“Really?!” A voice inside White Renzong’s head roared at him: You just criticized them! Apologize now!

“Well, I’m a bit… undeserving,” White Renzong quickly replied.

But Laurent smiled and shook his head. Han Jiayi translated, “He said the French International Gourmet Association was founded for people like you, who truly understand diverse culinary cultures worldwide, and hopes you’ll accept his kindness.”

“In that case, then… well…” For the first time, White Renzong felt his face flush. He could only comfort himself: It’s fine, this is just how friendships between men start… yeah…

Refusing such a recommendation was impossible: having that status would make his voice carry several notches higher in the community. As a culinary content creator, how could he not want it?

“Wow, Old Bai!” Wang Bei whispered excitedly, “You ate their food, criticized their head chef, earned their money, and now you’re taking their international recommendation! That’s so you! Amazing!”

This girl, does she know how to speak at all? Bringing up the worst topics! White Renzong thought bitterly.

Finally, Laurent looked at Han Jiayi, then at White Renzong, smiled, and said something.

“What did he say?” White Renzong asked curiously.

“Nothing, nothing,” Han Jiayi turned away and said, “Just wishing for a pleasant cooperation.”

(Thanks to Lonely’s 2 monthly tickets)