Chapter 23：Rushing to the Chen Family

System notifications sounded in Bai Ye's ears, but he didn't have time to check them.

Because of the commotion caused by that young troublemaker earlier, their stall was now surrounded three layers deep. Now that everyone understood the situation and set their worries aside, they all started lining up to buy.

Many of the buyers were returning customers. Having been anxious earlier, after hearing Bai Ye's explanation, they were now more eager than new customers, buying even more.

The counter above Bai Ye's head kept climbing rapidly. Even after hitting twenty, it didn't stop, continuing to rise by quite a bit.

While selling braised pork, Bai Ye also promoted his new product — braised chicken frames.

Just like with the braised pork, he scooped out two pieces and chopped them into small portions for everyone to taste.

Someone asked directly, "Is this cooked in the same broth as the pork?"

Upon Bai Ye's confirmation, the man immediately ordered ten.

"Chicken frames are great. Five yuan each and there's actually meat on them — and it smells amazing."

"My daughter is always scared of gaining weight when eating braised pork, but she's not afraid with chicken frames. I'll buy a bunch for her to gnaw on slowly."

"I love chicken frames too — so flavorful. One frame and a bottle of liquor, and my neighbor and I can drink the whole afternoon!"

The crowd chatted animatedly, laughter breaking out around the stall, making the atmosphere livelier than during the New Year.

Because Bai Ye had business in the afternoon, he hadn't brought too much meat. Plus, with the buying frenzy earlier, everything was sold out before it even hit eleven o'clock.

"Haizi, you drive," Bai Ye said after loading the big pots into the car.

"Got it!" Jiang Hao jumped into the driver's seat. "Want me to come with you?"

"Hmm?" Bai Ye looked over.

"You know, for the banquet. I can drive you back and forth so you can get some rest," Jiang Hao offered.

"Thanks, brother, but it's fine. It's just over an hour."

"Alright. I'll stay back and help Uncle Bai this afternoon. Got nothing else to do anyway."

"Sounds good!"

Jiang Hao drove straight to Li Village while Bai Ye pretended to nap, actually taking the opportunity to check the system updates.

He had been too busy earlier to even glance at them. Now, two notifications popped up:

[Ding. Congratulations, Host. Task (7) completed! Reward 1: 10 XP. Reward 2: 88 yuan. Please claim.]

It was a small, easy task — took only a few minutes — practically free rewards.

[Ding. Congratulations, Host. Task (6) completed! Due to over-fulfilling the task, rewards doubled. Reward 1: 50 XP. Reward 2: 3888 yuan. Please claim.]

Bai Ye couldn't hide his joy.

"What's up, Lao Bai? Why the sudden grin?"

"Hehe, I just didn't expect the chicken frames to sell so well."

"Haha, no kidding! I brought some home yesterday, and even my parents loved them!"

After buying pork from Li Village, the two hurried home.

Lunch was already prepared at Bai Ye's house. He quickly ate, then packed up his tools and hit the road, not forgetting to bring along a packet of seasoning.

Braised meat was his current signature dish — he still needed it to rack up customer satisfaction points!

Yesterday, Brother Zhao Tonghu had sent him the location. Following the GPS, Bai Ye found the route easy to navigate.

Although both villages were rural, Bai Ye's hometown was poor, while the other village was wealthy — the roads were much better.

In fact, Chen Family Village was the richest among all the nearby villages.

Especially today's birthday host, old man Chen Guangzong, whose family was outstanding:

The eldest son was a county magistrate in Yushu County — not a huge official, but in charge of many things.

The second son was a successful businessman who funded the building of their three-story villa.

The third son was even more impressive — a well-known director, whose works had gained considerable fame.

At this moment, Director Chen and his two older brothers, along with their father, were sitting in the living room.

The two older brothers, looking displeased, pulled Director Chen outside.

"Third Brother, throwing a birthday party for Dad is a big deal. You wouldn't let us hire a chef, and the one you invited still isn't here — what's going on?" the second brother, Chen Zhigang, complained.

"Yeah, Third Brother, what's your plan exactly?" the eldest, Chen Zhiguo, chimed in.

Director Chen — full name Chen Zhibin — looked at them calmly. "Originally, it should've just been a simple family meal. You two were the ones who turned it into a big event. Since I've already hired someone, just wait — he'll be here this afternoon."

"I was planning to invite a famous chef from the provincial capital! You think your guy can match up?" the second brother protested.

"Tch, those so-called famous chefs — flashy but not tasty. I think hiring a countryside banquet chef is much better. They know our local flavors, not just fancy displays. Plus, those famous chefs cost a lot, and then the ingredients cost even more…" the eldest reasoned.

"Big Brother, money isn't the issue — I'm willing to cover it," said the second brother.

"It's not about money. It's about Dad and the guests actually enjoying the food. Those fancy city flavors don't suit village folks."

"Big Brother, Second Brother, no need to argue. I'm not changing the chef."

"Why not?" both asked at once.

"You'll understand once you taste the food. Also… it's for Dad's sake," Director Chen said meaningfully.

Both older brothers glanced back at their father, resting with eyes closed in his lounge chair.

They seemed to catch on. "Dad hasn't had much of an appetite lately."

"When this guy arrives, Dad's appetite will come back," Director Chen left it at that.

Meanwhile, Bai Ye rushed over and found the place before 12:30.

The Chen family was just about to eat.

Hearing someone knock at the door, the family frowned — who would visit right when people were about to eat?

Zhao Tonghu stood up. "It should be Little Brother Bai Ye. I'll get the door."

The Chen family exchanged confused looks. "Who's Bai Ye?"

Only the eldest and second sons guessed — probably the chef their brother had hired.

When Zhao Tonghu led in a young man, everyone was stunned.

Especially the Chen brothers, who immediately glared at Director Chen.

"Third Brother, this is the person you hired?"

"You've gotta be kidding. He's just a kid! Has he even cooked before?"

Director Chen ignored them and greeted, "Bai Ye, nice to meet you."

Sensing the man's extraordinary presence, Bai Ye quickly smiled, "You must be Boss Zhao's employer? My hands aren't clean right now, so I'll skip the handshake. May I first check the kitchen and ingredients?"