Chapter 27: The Calm Before the Storm

The following day at the restaurant felt different. Li Wei could sense it, like a ripple in the air.

Despite turning down Fang Xue's tempting offer, there was no regret. The decision to maintain control over his restaurant had filled him with a renewed sense of purpose.

He hadn't just rejected her; he'd reaffirmed his commitment to his values, his family, and the long road ahead.

But life, as Li Wei had learned, rarely let you bask in calm for too long.

As the lunch crowd began to thin out, Li Wei sat down at one of the tables, taking a moment to review the recent orders.

Each dish was a testament to the countless hours he'd poured into honing his skills, and the system's rewards had only amplified his talents.

From the Celestial Egg Fried Rice to the more recent Imperial Phoenix Noodles, every item on his rotating menu was met with rave reviews.

The system had just unlocked another recipe as part of his weekly reward.

The notification had appeared as he was cooking earlier that morning, but he hadn't had the chance to check it.

Now, with a brief moment of respite, he decided it was time to see what the system had bestowed upon him next.

[Ultimate Family System Activated]

[New Recipe Unlocked: Jade Emperor's Heavenly Dumplings]

A detailed image of the dumplings appeared on the screen, each one beautifully crafted with a translucent skin that revealed a vibrant mixture of shrimp, pork, and finely diced vegetables.

The dumplings were infused with a rare herb that only grew in the remote mountains of Sichuan Province, giving them a unique flavor that was both delicate and powerful.

[Task: Prepare Jade Emperor's Heavenly Dumplings for the next customer who orders. Reward: 10,000 experience points and an advanced cooking technique.]

Li Wei's eyes gleamed with excitement. The system's challenges were becoming more intricate, each one pushing him to elevate his skills even further.

The idea of creating something so exquisite intrigued him, and he could already picture the faces of his customers when they took their first bite.

Just as he was about to head to the kitchen to experiment with the new recipe, the front door of the restaurant swung open, and in walked a man he hadn't seen in years.

"Li Wei!" a familiar voice called out.

Li Wei froze, recognizing the voice immediately. He turned around slowly to see Zhang Liang, an old friend from his university days, walking toward him with a wide grin.

They hadn't spoken in years, ever since Zhang Liang had left the city to pursue a career in finance.

The last Li Wei had heard, his friend had climbed the corporate ladder with remarkable speed, becoming one of the youngest executives in his firm.

"Zhang Liang?" Li Wei's surprise was genuine as he stood to greet him.

Zhang Liang was dressed in a tailored suit, exuding the confidence and swagger of someone used to success.

He embraced Li Wei with a hearty slap on the back. "It's been too long, my friend! I've heard amazing things about your restaurant. I had to come and see it for myself."

Li Wei smiled warmly, leading his old friend to one of the tables. "It has been a while. I wasn't expecting to see you back in the city."

Zhang Liang chuckled, shaking his head. "Business brings me everywhere these days. I'm actually here for a few days on some important meetings. But enough about work. Tell me—how did you manage to create this culinary empire?"

Li Wei shrugged modestly, avoiding the mention of the system. "It's been a lot of hard work, long hours, and a bit of luck. The restaurant's been doing well, and I'm just trying to keep up."

Zhang Liang leaned back in his chair, his eyes scanning the restaurant with approval. "Well, it shows. This place is incredible. I've been hearing your name from some pretty high-profile people. You're a sensation in the elite dining scene."

"Thank you," Li Wei replied, appreciating the compliment. "So, what can I get you? Are you here for lunch?"

Zhang Liang raised an eyebrow. "I've heard rumors about your food, so I want to try whatever your specialty is today. Something unique."

Li Wei's mind immediately went to the dumplings. The system had given him a clear task, and Zhang Liang seemed like the perfect person to test out the new dish. The Jade Emperor's Heavenly Dumplings would be a challenge, but he was confident in his ability to pull it off.

"How about I surprise you?" Li Wei said with a smile.

Zhang Liang grinned back. "I like the sound of that. I trust your judgment."

In the kitchen, Li Wei's focus sharpened as he began to prepare the Jade Emperor's Heavenly Dumplings. The ingredients were precise, the techniques intricate.

Each dumpling had to be crafted with care, the delicate balance of flavors needing to come together perfectly.

The rare herb, sourced directly through the system, was the key to the dish's unique taste. Its subtle aroma filled the kitchen as he carefully folded the dumplings, making sure each one was symmetrical and flawless.

As he worked, the system's prompts guided him, offering advice on how to enhance the texture and presentation even further.

When the dumplings were ready, they looked like something out of a dream. The translucent skins shimmered slightly, giving them an otherworldly appearance.

[Task Completed: Serve Jade Emperor's Heavenly Dumplings]

[Reward: 10,000 experience points and the technique "Dragon's Flame Stir-Fry" unlocked.]

Li Wei didn't have time to focus on the reward just yet. He plated the dumplings carefully, adding a drizzle of a specially prepared dipping sauce made with soy, garlic, and the herb's essence. The presentation was elegant, with just the right touch of finesse.

He carried the dish out to Zhang Liang, setting the plate down in front of him. "Here it is. Jade Emperor's Heavenly Dumplings. A new creation."

Zhang Liang's eyes widened as he took in the sight of the dumplings. "They look incredible," he said, reaching for his chopsticks. He carefully picked up one of the dumplings and took a bite.

For a moment, Zhang Liang didn't speak. His eyes closed as he savored the flavors, the mixture of shrimp, pork, and herbs creating a symphony in his mouth. When he finally opened his eyes, he looked at Li Wei with awe.

"This…" Zhang Liang said slowly, "is the best thing I've ever tasted."

Li Wei smiled, relieved that the dish had met his friend's expectations. "I'm glad you like it."

"Like it?!" Zhang Liang laughed, shaking his head. "This is beyond anything I've ever eaten. You've outdone yourself, Wei."

Li Wei chuckled, but before he could respond, Zhang Liang's expression turned serious. He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "Listen, I didn't just come here to catch up. I came with a proposition."

Li Wei raised an eyebrow. "A proposition?"

Zhang Liang nodded. "I've been thinking. Your restaurant has become a hotspot for the elite, and I can see why. But I think it can go even further. I want to invest in your business, help you expand it to other cities. With my connections and your skills, we could build something massive—an empire of luxury restaurants."

Li Wei's mind raced. This was the second time in just a few days that someone had approached him with an offer for expansion.

First Fang Xue, and now Zhang Liang. But this felt different. Zhang Liang was an old friend, someone he trusted, and the idea of working together was tempting. However, the memory of his recent meeting with Fang Xue lingered in the back of his mind.

Zhang Liang must have sensed his hesitation because he leaned back, giving Li Wei some space to think. "Look, I know this is sudden, but I believe in your vision. We can discuss the details later, but I wanted to put the idea out there. Just think about it."

Li Wei nodded slowly, unsure of how to respond just yet. "I'll think about it, Liang. It's a big decision."

Zhang Liang smiled. "That's all I ask. No rush."

As Zhang Liang left the restaurant later that afternoon, Li Wei stood by the kitchen window, watching the sun set over the city.

Two offers for expansion in such a short time. It was almost overwhelming. But one thing was clear—his restaurant had captured the attention of powerful people, and opportunities like this wouldn't stop coming.

Li Wei knew he had to weigh his options carefully. Expansion could mean more than just business growth; it could affect his time with his family, the control he had over his creations, and the legacy he was building.

And in the back of his mind, the Ultimate Family System reminded him of his true priority: his family.

As the evening drew to a close, Li Wei stood in the quiet kitchen, contemplating his next move. The calm before the storm, he thought. Whatever storm was coming, he would be ready.