119 The Martial Arts Alliance Leader's Banquet

"Is the price on the menu really that high? If even a big executive like President Chen finds it steep, then I truly must see for myself." Fan Jingyu picked up the menu and flipped through it. Upon seeing the listed prices, he was indeed taken aback. "It really is quite high. With my salary level, I wouldn't be able to come here more than a few times a month."

Xiao Yao smiled without offering an explanation. Sang Qingye chimed in, "While the prices are a bit dear, an average white-collar professional could likely afford an occasional meal here, provided they don't order the most expensive dishes; a typical bill would come to around three or four thousand. This pricing structure was primarily set by our General Manager, Zhou Xiaobai. She consulted many people, myself included. If Mayor Fan feels the prices are too high, I certainly bear some responsibility."

Fan Jingyu might joke around with people like Chen Guangzhi, but he would certainly not tease Sang Qingye. "The prices are indeed on the higher side, but there must be a reason for such costs. Having looked at this menu, I am now even more expectant for this 'Knight's Feast'."

"I have tasted most of the dishes in the Knight's Feast. As a food influencer, I can say with full responsibility that every single dish here is a true delicacy. I am confident that none of you will be disappointed."

Speaking of food, Sang Qingye grew even more confident. "Take, for example, a very simple dish called 'Dual-Fowl Cabbage.' Although it is just a simple stir-fried vegetable dish, I still cannot forget the sensation of tasting it for the first time. It was an incomparable delicacy that only heavenly beings should be able to enjoy; its deliciousness is beyond the power of words to describe. This dish is included in today's Knight's Feast, and once you have a taste, you will know whether or not I am exaggerating."

Seeing Sang Qingye’s expression of absolute confidence, the guests became even more eager for the upcoming feast.

Guan Yonggang remarked, "I am already finding it hard to wait. Have all the guests arrived? Shouldn't the opening ceremony start soon?"

Xiao Yao replied, "It's just the opening of a small restaurant, so I haven't prepared any elaborate ceremonies. Mayor Fan, if it's convenient for you, please go up and say a few words, and then we can begin."

"It would be my honor." Fan Jingyu naturally did not refuse Xiao Yao’s invitation.

Today's opening ceremony was indeed simple, as Xiao Yao had made no special preparations. Once the guests were seated, Zhou Xiaobai, now the General Manager of Xunwei Zhai Catering Company, took the stage as the emcee. After a brief welcome speech, Chen Xingwen, General Manager of Taigu Building, stepped up to express his gratitude. Finally, Fan Jingyu spoke as the representative of the guests.

The entire ceremony was concise, lasting less than twenty minutes. As Fan Jingyu returned to his seat, the hot dishes began to arrive.

Everyone knew that Xiao Yao was consistently low-key, so they were not surprised that he did not take the spotlight himself.

Once the hot dishes were served, Xiao Yao offered a few words of thanks, and after they all shared the first toast, the group finally began to eat.

Among the first hot dishes served was the "Dual-Fowl Cabbage." Because of Sang Qingye's earlier introduction, everyone held high expectations for it.

After the first bite, the flavor certainly did not disappoint. Fan Jingyu exclaimed in admiration, "A simple stir-fried cabbage, yet it tastes better than the rare delicacies of a state banquet! If I hadn't tasted it myself today, I would never have believed it."

"It's truly delicious. My family runs hotels, and I’ve tasted gourmet food from all over the world, but I have never had anything this good," Guan Yonggang praised, his words slightly muffled as he ate.

From the first bite, the guests were too busy eating to bother with small talk or toasts. They dove in with such intensity that it was hard to believe these were wealthy, prominent figures.

When everyone had eaten their fill, Xiao Yao finally said, "A quick reminder: save some room. The last four dishes were prepared by my own hands, and you may only have this one chance in your lifetime to taste them."

"Is that so? To have the chance to eat dishes made by you, Mr. Xiao, I must certainly save some space to savor them." While his words were polite, Fan Jingyu’s actions were dismissive; he showed no intention of putting down his chopsticks.

"I am truly flattered to learn that Mr. Xiao cooks himself. We are truly honored today." Guan Yonggang was equally dismissive.

None of the others showed any sign of stopping, except for Sang Qingye, who looked up at Xiao Yao with surprise. A hint of delight flickered in her eyes as she put down her chopsticks and asked with anticipation, "I’m so lucky to have come today! To be able to eat dishes made by Boss Xiao himself—which dishes did you prepare?"

"Because they required advance preparation, they are all 'labor-intensive' dishes that take a long time to craft. I made four in total: 'Golden Blade Slays the Dragon,' 'Soft Hands Slay the Phoenix,' 'Snow Toad Golden Soup,' and 'Mandarin Duck Five-Treasure Hash.'"

"You even prepared the 'Mandarin Duck Five-Treasure Hash' yourself! We are truly blessed today!" Sang Qingye momentarily forgot the presence of the others and patted her stomach. "Thankfully, thankfully, to maintain my lady-like image, I ate slowly, so I still have room to digest these dishes."

Ever since she sat down, Sang Qingye had maintained a poised and ladylike demeanor. Her sudden display of innocent, youthful playfulness caused everyone to pause for a moment, though they quickly pretended to be unaffected and returned to their eating.

Only when she caught Xiao Yao’s smile did Sang Qingye realize her lack of decorum. A faint blush rose to her fair cheeks. "I am just so excited to taste your cooking again. Of all the dishes introduced for the Knight's Feast, the Mandarin Duck Five-Treasure Hash is my absolute favorite."

"Ms. Sang, seeing you so excited, the dishes Mr. Xiao makes must be truly extraordinary, right?" Ding Songqing, who was older and had better control over his appetite, asked as he put down his chopsticks.

Sang Qingye asked, "I wonder if President Ding noticed the 'Martial Arts Alliance Leader Feast' on the menu?"

"I saw it. It occupied an entire color page, yet it didn't list the specific dishes, only a few lines of introduction. It seemed quite strange." Ding Songqing had indeed noted this.

"The Martial Arts Alliance Leader Feast is offered at irregular intervals, does not accept reservations, and the menu is randomized. Every dish is priced at ten times its normal value, and the terms listed on the menu are quite strict. The reason for this is that this particular feast is prepared entirely by Boss Xiao himself," Sang Qingye explained.