Chapter 160: How Dare You?
"Did your boss really say that?" Cao Pingzhi's voice suddenly raised, the smile on his face slowly disappearing, his eyes turning grim.
This appearance was exactly as Qin Yue remembered it.
"Yes, our store does not allow any waste, so we cannot fulfill Mr. Cao's order." At this point, Qin Yue had completely let go of her worries, and her tone was no longer cautious.
"Bring your boss over here, I want to talk to him." Cao Pingzhi felt that he had already given this Small Shop restaurant enough face. Not only had he queued according to their rules, but he also kept a fake and friendly smile on his face.
But they actually told him he couldn't waste food?
This was simply unreasonable!
He decided to give Small Shop one last chance. Surely this owner from Shrek City did not understand the significance of a Food Critic.
He would explain the importance, letting this guy know just how esteemed a Food Critic was for them.
When Qi Han heard Qin Yue's account, he calmly walked out of the kitchen and came to Cao Pingzhi, "Sir, I heard you wanted to talk to me?"
Looking up at Qi Han, Cao Pingzhi raised an eyebrow.
Just a young lad?
"What's the boss's name?"
"No need for formalities, my surname is Qi."
"Boss Qi, allow me to introduce myself. I am a Food Critic from the Food Critique Magazine. Currently, it is the—"
Qi Han waved his hand, "Excuse me, I already know this. I even bought the last issue of the Food Critique Magazine."
As he said this, he glanced at Cao Pingzhi, "Mr. Cao, the food reviews you made are quite good."
Though his personally wasn't great, Qi Han added silently in his heart.
Since he didn't hit someone who was smiling, Cao Pingzhi's face showed a bit more pride, "Since Boss Qi already knows, you should understand that having your store's food appear in the Food Critique Magazine would greatly boost your business, right?"
Qi Han thought for a moment, then nodded.
Indeed, being featured in the Food Critique Magazine, according to Ru Yi's estimate, would save Small Shop at least half a month's worth of time in raising its popularity.
That's quite significant.
Qi Han acknowledged everything Cao Pingzhi said, yet made no further concessions, making Cao Pingzhi increasingly uneasy.
"So, Boss Qi, are you determined to stick to this ridiculous rule and not allow me to waste food?" Cao Pingzhi squinted, a cold look appearing on his face.
He had almost made it explicit—was this Small Shop's owner still unwilling to budge and offer some compensation?
Damn it, where did this stubborn fool come from?
"So, all this talk was just to make me relent..." Qi Han showed a look of sudden realization, glanced at Cao Pingzhi's expression, and without hesitation, shook his head.
"Sorry, I can't do that."
"You..." Cao Pingzhi's face froze, stunned by Qi Han's response. "Do you really not know the consequences of offending me?"
This gave him no face at all.
How dare you?
"Are you saying I won't be featured in the Food Critique Magazine?" Qi Han's face took on a curious look. "If Small Shop's dishes don't make it into the Food Critique Magazine, wouldn't that be a loss for the Food Critique Magazine?"
"You—" Cao Pingzhi was so angry that his lips started to tremble.
How could there be someone so arrogant?
What do you mean it would be the Food Critique Magazine's loss if you weren't featured?
How dare you?
"Well said, Boss!" A nearby Tang Sect disciple laughed heartily and loudly cheered.
This was a disciple from the Tang Sect's Medicine Hall, sitting at the next table. He had listened to the entire conversation between Cao Pingzhi and Qi Han and couldn't help but cheer for Qi Han's words.
"Compared to the boss's food, other restaurants are nothing. If the Food Critique Magazine doesn't feature Small Shop's dishes, it would definitely be the Food Critique Magazine's loss!"
The disciple's voice was not small, and other customers who heard this immediately echoed in agreement.
Most of the diners in the area were returning customers who had come to appreciate Small Shop's delicious food over the past few days. They wholeheartedly agreed with the Medicine Hall disciple's words.
"Fi—fine!" Cao Pingzhi's face turned livid, and he gave Qi Han a cold look. "Mark my word! The Small Shop can forget about being featured in the Food Critique Magazine this time!"
Forget about giving this store a low score, Cao Pingzhi decided he would pretend this shop didn't exist. He wouldn't give it a single point.
After saying this, Cao Pingzhi left in a huff.
Though he was only middle-class in Star Luo City, his unique profession made him a valued guest at various restaurants, fostering a spoiled demeanor. How could he tolerate such treatment?
Watching Cao Pingzhi storm off, Qi Han shook his head.
What a pity. The reward for this Time-limited Quest was quite good, but it seems it's out of reach now.
Oh well, there's always next time.
Thinking this, Qi Han smiled, "Thank you all for your support!"
"No need to be so polite, Boss Qi. You treat all customers equally, and for that, I, Old Li, toast to you." A patron at another table raised his glass of Qinan Juice and made a toasting gesture towards Qi Han.
The customers who could afford to eat at Small Shop were well aware of the Food Critique Magazine system. They knew all too well the behavior of the Food Critique Magazine Food Critics during the review week. Restaurants went to great lengths to appease these critics, almost treating them like emperors, much to the dissatisfaction of ordinary customers.
Seeing Qi Han stand up to Cao Pingzhi, the diners felt a sense of justice being served.
In such a situation, how could they not drink a toast?
"One glass of Qinan Juice, please!"
"I'll have one too!"
"One here as well!"
For a moment, Qin Yue was overwhelmed with orders.
Qi Han smiled as he watched the bustling dining area, silently pondering.
Shouldn't I introduce the 2 Star wine as well?
...
The atmosphere in Small Shop remained unaffected by Cao Pingzhi's angry departure, but outside, Cao Pingzhi couldn't let it go.
He headed straight to Fenglai Pavilion, where Zhao Fenglai welcomed him with utmost respect.
It was the last night for the reviews to be submitted the next day, and Zhao Fenglai had been anxious to find out Cao Pingzhi's rating for Small Shop. Despite having already given a precious jade as a bribe, Zhao Fenglai had been unable to sleep well, fearing something might go wrong.
"Mr. Cao, what brings you here? Have you eaten? Shall I have the kitchen prepare something for you?"
While Zhao Fenglai spoke casually, he turned to a servant, "Have the kitchen prepare every dish and bring them to the Feng Lai private room."
That was the best private room in Fenglai Pavilion.
Cao Pingzhi's expression softened, satisfied with Zhao Fenglai's attentiveness. However, recalling the indignation he suffered at Small Shop, he snorted coldly, "That Small Shop, they really don't know how to appreciate my kindness!"
"Oh?" Zhao Fenglai's interest was piqued, "Mr. Cao, how did Small Shop fare in the review?"
"Review?" Cao Pingzhi sneered, "I'll act as if that place doesn't exist. They won't get a single point from me. As long as I'm here, they can forget about getting into the Food Critique Magazine!"
Oh?
Zhao Fenglai was overjoyed. Though he didn't know how Qi Han had offended Cao Pingzhi, this was certainly great news for him.
His smile grew even more radiant, "Mr. Cao, please head to the Feng Lai private room. By the way, I recently came across another fine piece of jade—"
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