Chapter 3: The First Step
Morning light streamed through Liang Chen's window, waking him gently from his dreams.
He stretched and yawned, a smile creeping across his face as he recalled the events of the previous night.
He had successfully cooked for friends, received positive feedback, and, most importantly, unlocked new skills and tasks through the Omni-Talent System.
With renewed energy, Liang Chen jumped out of bed and headed straight to the kitchen. His first order of business was to continue developing his culinary talents.
He had a menu to create, and he needed to refine his skills even further.
As he stood in front of the refrigerator, the screen of the Omni-Talent System appeared before him.
Good morning, Host! Ready for your next challenge?
New Task: Create a comprehensive menu for Liang's Gourmet Kitchen.
Reward: 1,000 experience points upon completion.
Tip: Consider the variety of dishes and flavors. Include appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
Liang Chen nodded to himself, feeling excited. Creating a menu was a critical step toward making his dream of owning a restaurant a reality.
He quickly opened a notepad and started jotting down ideas for each category.
Menu Ideas for Liang's Gourmet Kitchen:
Appetizers:
Celestial Dumplings: Filled with a mix of shrimp and seasonal vegetables.
Spicy Tofu Bites: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, served with a tangy dipping sauce.
Main Courses:
Celestial Dragon Shrimp: A signature dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed with dragon fruit and saffron.
Gourmet Egg Fried Rice: A classic dish, elevated with fresh ingredients and special spices.
Wok-Seared Beef with Broccoli: Tender beef cooked to perfection with fresh broccoli and a savory sauce.
Stir-Fried Lobster with Garlic Butter: An indulgent dish for special occasions.
Desserts:
Mango Coconut Delight: A refreshing dessert made with fresh mango and coconut milk.
Chocolate Lava Cake: A rich, gooey cake that oozes chocolate when cut into.
He felt invigorated as the menu took shape. Each dish represented a fusion of flavors and creativity, promising a unique dining experience.
Would you like to unlock additional recipes to enhance your menu?
Cost: 500 experience points per recipe.
Liang Chen's heart raced at the thought. Unlocking more recipes could set his restaurant apart from the rest. He quickly checked his experience points.
Total Experience Points: 1,500
Available Points: 1,500
"Absolutely!" Liang Chen exclaimed. He selected two recipes: Wok-Seared Beef with Broccoli and Mango Coconut Delight.
Unlocking recipes...
Wok-Seared Beef with Broccoli: Successful!
Mango Coconut Delight: Successful!
Liang Chen felt a rush of knowledge flooding his mind, filling him with the techniques and flavors of the new dishes. It was exhilarating.
He was now armed with a more extensive menu, and it only fueled his ambition.
With the menu planned and recipes unlocked, the next step was to promote his new venture.
Liang Chen decided to create a dedicated social media page for Liang's Gourmet Kitchen.
He spent the next hour setting up the page, complete with mouthwatering images of his dishes and a captivating description of his culinary philosophy.
Welcome to Liang's Gourmet Kitchen!
Experience the fusion of flavors and love in every dish. Join us for a unique dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds!
After launching the page, Liang Chen turned his attention to the logistics of running a pop-up restaurant.
He needed to gather supplies and equipment, and he needed to think about seating and ambiance.
Things to Consider:
Ingredients: Fresh produce, seafood, and meats.
Cooking Equipment: Wok, pots, pans, utensils, and serving dishes.
Seating Arrangement: How many guests could he accommodate?
The list went on, but Liang Chen felt more prepared than ever. He quickly made a call to the local market, arranging for fresh ingredients to be delivered later that afternoon.
"Just like that, it's coming together," he said, feeling buoyed by his progress.
By noon, his apartment was buzzing with activity. Liang Chen had set up the dining area, and the scent of fresh herbs and vegetables filled the air. He felt invigorated as he prepared for the evening's guests.
Suddenly, a knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. He opened it to find Mrs. Wang standing there, a smile on her face and a large basket of fruits in her arms.
"Good afternoon, Liang Chen! I brought you some fruits for your pop-up restaurant," she said cheerfully, stepping inside. "I figured they would make a lovely dessert."
"Thank you, Mrs. Wang! You're too kind!" Liang Chen replied, taking the basket from her. The colorful assortment of fruits was perfect for his dessert menu.
"Are you excited about tonight?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Definitely! I've planned a special menu. I can't wait to share it with everyone," he said, feeling a thrill of excitement.
"That's wonderful! You know, I've lived here for years, and I've never had the chance to enjoy food like this. You have a gift, dear."
Her words warmed his heart, reinforcing his determination. He wanted to make people happy through his cooking.
As the afternoon progressed, the doorbell rang again. This time it was Jessica and Daniel, eager to lend a hand.
"Hey, chef! We're here to help you get ready for tonight!" Jessica declared, her enthusiasm infectious.
"Yeah, let's get this place looking like a restaurant!" Daniel added, already rolling up his sleeves.
Together, they transformed the dining area. They rearranged furniture, created an intimate atmosphere with candles and soft lighting, and set up a simple but elegant table setting.
"You really have a knack for this, Liang Chen," Jessica said, stepping back to admire their work. "It looks fantastic!"
"Thanks! I'm just glad you're both here to help," Liang Chen replied, feeling grateful for their support.
As the clock inched closer to 7 PM, Liang Chen felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. His friends kept him company, helping him with the final touches and reminding him of how far he had come in such a short time.
"Okay, are you ready for your first customers?" Daniel asked, glancing at the clock.
"More than ready," Liang Chen said, his heart pounding.
As the hour approached, he received notifications on his phone. Guests were starting to arrive, and he felt a wave of adrenaline rush through him.
When the doorbell rang, Liang Chen took a deep breath and opened the door.
"Welcome to Liang's Gourmet Kitchen!" he greeted, trying to sound more confident than he felt.
A small group of neighbors stood there, their faces lit up with curiosity and excitement. They stepped inside, admiring the cozy setup.
"I can't believe you actually did this! It looks amazing!" one of them said.
Liang Chen beamed. "Thank you! I hope you enjoy the food!"
The guests settled at the table, and Liang Chen began serving the first course—Celestial Dumplings. As he watched them take their first bites, he held his breath, waiting for their reactions.
"Mmm! These are incredible!" one neighbor exclaimed, causing a ripple of enthusiasm around the table.
"Seriously, I can't believe you made these all by yourself!" another chimed in.
Encouraged by their praise, Liang Chen moved on to the main courses, presenting the Celestial Dragon Shrimp and Gourmet Egg Fried Rice.
Each dish was met with cheers and compliments, filling him with a sense of accomplishment.
"This is the best meal I've had in ages!" Jessica declared, her eyes sparkling.
Liang Chen's heart swelled with pride. He was fulfilling his dream, bringing joy to others through his cooking.
After the main course, he served the Mango Coconut Delight for dessert. The guests savored every bite, their faces lighting up with delight.
"This is heavenly! You should definitely consider doing this more often!" one of his neighbors said, savoring the last bite.
As the evening wore on, laughter and conversation flowed freely. Liang Chen felt a warmth in his chest, knowing he had created a memorable experience for everyone.
After the last guests left, Liang Chen and his friends gathered in the living room, still buzzing from the excitement of the night.
"Dude, you crushed it!" Daniel said, slapping Liang Chen on the back. "This was epic!"
"Seriously, you have a talent for this! You need to make this a regular thing," Jessica added, her enthusiasm infectious.
Liang Chen grinned, feeling the weight of their encouragement. "Thank you both for helping me tonight. I couldn't have done it without you."
Just then, a notification pinged on his phone, and the familiar screen of the Omni-Talent System appeared before him.
Congratulations, Host! You have successfully served a meal to paying customers.
You have unlocked: Advanced Cooking Skills!
Reward: 1,000 experience points.
New Task: Develop a unique signature dish for your restaurant.
Liang Chen's heart raced with excitement. Advanced cooking skills would elevate his culinary prowess to a new level. He couldn't wait to explore the possibilities!
As they continued to celebrate, Liang Chen felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was determined to make Liang's Gourmet Kitchen a success.
The future was bright, and he was ready to take on the next challenge—creating a signature dish that would leave an indelible mark on his guests.