CHAPTER 227: CHAPTER 227 ARE ALL PEERS THIS COMPETITIVE NOW?!

In a square at Xiasha University Town, a place that allowed free vending, numerous spots were available, and many small vendors had set up their stalls. Their food trucks were mostly small, resembling three-wheeled carts. Just then, an exquisitely crafted food truck bus slowly drove in their direction. Upon seeing it, the other vendors’ hearts skipped a beat.

Could it be this competitive? Coming in a bus to set up a stall? Are they trying to drive us out of business?!

Soon, Jiang Feng’s food truck found a spot and parked. Curious, the other stall owners peered at his food truck, wanting to see what he was selling. They all worried he might be selling the same items they were. If so, they’d have to find a way to drive him off. But when they saw what Jiang Feng was selling, they were stunned.

Gourmet roast duck? Selling roast duck at a street stall? What kind of newfangled food stall business was this? How had they never heard of it?!

After Jiang Feng parked, he and Sun Zhuangfei began to hang up the roast ducks, which gleamed invitingly with a reddish, translucent sheen. The pancake wraps, still hot, were kept in a warming container. The sauce was also prepared, and a box was filled to the brim with shredded cucumber and green onion. Everything was ready; all they needed were customers.

To avoid being recognized, Jiang Feng wore a mask. With so many university students around, plus local residents, the evenings here were quite lively. Jiang Feng set his prices: a single serving for 28 yuan, including a quarter of a duck and some duck frame; a double serving for 48 yuan, with half a sliced duck and some duck frame; and a whole duck for 88 yuan. The prices were still very reasonable.

Business picked up quickly. A young girl, noticing the food stalls, decided to grab a bite. She had initially planned on getting some grilled cold noodles or sausages, but then she spotted Jiang Feng’s food truck. It was immaculate. Jiang Feng, dressed in a white chef’s uniform and a mask, looked every bit the professional. Numerous perfectly roasted ducks hung on the food truck’s rack, their glistening, oily sheen catching her eye.

The girl found it intriguing.

Roast duck? They sell roast duck here too?

She immediately walked over and ordered a single serving.

"Certainly, just a moment." Jiang Feng retrieved a roast duck from the warming oven. Holding the duck with one hand and a long knife with the other, he methodically began to carve it, placing slice after slice of meat, skin intact, into a plastic container. Soon, the container was filled. Sun Zhuangfei, meanwhile, had packed a round container of sweet bean sauce, a square one with shredded green onion and cucumber, and a bag of twenty thin pancakes. Once everything was packaged, it was all placed into a larger bag and handed to the girl.

The girl was amazed by the service. This stall... why does it feel so high-end? It’s even more formal than a restaurant! The roast duck was carved right before her eyes. Typically, only expensive roast duck restaurants offered tableside carving. Some even had special presentations, like placing a piece of crispy skin on bread topped with a spoonful of caviar—which tasted quite good. The girl was thoroughly satisfied with the stall’s service. Regardless of the taste, the live carving alone was enough to impress her.

"Here’s your roast duck," Sun Zhuangfei said, handing over the neatly packed bag.

"Okay, thank you."

The girl took the bag and left, completely satisfied.

The area was already bustling with people. After six o’clock, even more young people began to venture out, including many university students—some in groups, others as couples. Snack stalls never lacked for customers.

Just then, many people noticed Jiang Feng’s food truck. It was too conspicuous. While other vendors operated from three-wheeled carts, he had a small bus—it was impossible to miss. Furthermore, unlike the other vendors who were dressed simply and looked weather-beaten, Jiang Feng and Sun Zhuangfei wore clean, hygienic chef’s whites, giving off a very polished impression. Young people these days appreciated such aesthetics. Consequently, many university students made a beeline for Jiang Feng’s stall to buy roast duck. In no time, a crowd of seven or eight people had gathered.

"I’ll take a double serving," a male student ordered.

"No problem, just a moment." Jiang Feng took out a roast duck, grabbed a plastic container, and began to expertly carve the meat with his long knife. The skin of the roast duck was exceptionally crispy; as the knife touched it, it made a faint CRACKLE. This crispiness was a result of Jiang Feng’s special preparation method. The duck meat itself was incredibly tender and juicy, its fine texture visible with each slice. The onlookers watched his knife work, momentarily mesmerized by the simple act of carving duck. They couldn’t explain why, but it felt incredibly soothing to watch. One slice, then another, fell into the container. Each movement was steady, unhurried yet efficient.

Soon, another large container of duck meat was ready. Jiang Feng placed the lid on it, and Sun Zhuangfei packed everything up and handed it to the customer. And just like that, driven by natural foot traffic, a crowd began to form in front of the roast duck stall. Business was booming, with hardly a lull. Success for a food stall depended on two things: location and taste. This location was excellent, and so business thrived. Jiang Feng remained busy.

Today’s university students were all internet-savvy, many spending hours online scrolling through countless short videos each day. So, when some of them saw Jiang Feng, he looked strikingly familiar. Even though he wore a mask, his build and aura were unmistakable. It didn’t take long for someone to recognize him.

"You’re Executive Chef Jiang, aren’t you?" a girl asked with a smile.

Hearing this, Jiang Feng simply smiled back. "Hello," he replied, neither confirming nor denying her guess, and didn’t continue the conversation.

"It really is you! I knew you looked familiar!" the girl exclaimed, somewhat excitedly. "I was just thinking, how many handsome food truck owners with such great physiques are out there? It has to be you!"

Jiang Feng continued to focus on carving the duck. A few other university students nearby overheard the girl and crowded around. After a few glances at Jiang Feng, their suspicions were easily confirmed. Soon, everyone was certain: this was indeed Jiang Feng, the food truck owner who was so popular online!

"It’s really Boss Jiang!"

"Good evening, Boss Jiang!"

"He’s selling roast duck now!"

"Oh my gosh, this roast duck must be incredible! We should buy more!"

"I knew this stall’s setup and the chef’s skills were exceptional, not like an ordinary stall at all! It’s run by a professional chef!"

"What a steal! Only a few dozen yuan for roast duck cooked by a top chef!"

A buzz of excited chatter went through the crowd, and many people took out their phones to snap photos.

Jiang Feng sighed. Ah, this damned, irresistible charm. He really hadn’t wanted to be recognized this time. He could already foresee what the stall would be like in the coming days: inevitably, there would be hordes of people. University students were incredibly enthusiastic. Plus, many of them loved to join in on anything exciting and had plenty of free time in the evenings. The crowds would only swell.

Since he couldn’t change the situation, he had to accept it. At first, Jiang Feng still waved his hand dismissively. "You’ve got the wrong person," he said.

But then someone chimed in, "Boss Jiang, there’s no mistake! Isn’t that your assistant? I’ve seen him before—he’s the one who wore a suit and played the violin! Just admit it!"

Hearing this, Jiang Feng glanced at Sun Zhuangfei and then could only nod to the customers. "Thanks for your support," he conceded.

Many people snapped photos of Jiang Feng, then immediately clutched their phones, fingers flying across screens as they posted on their social media feeds or in WeChat groups. Clearly, news of Jiang Feng selling roast duck was spreading like wildfire. If things continued this way, many more people would know by tomorrow.

Just then, two male university students bought a double serving of roast duck. Instead of getting it to go, they decided to eat it right there. They held the soft, warm pancakes in their palms. Then, they dipped pieces of duck meat in sauce, placed them on the pancakes, added shredded green onion and cucumber, and rolled them up. The first bite revealed crispy skin with a hint of sweetness. The duck meat was succulent and tender, its delicate texture a perfect complement to the skin. The fresh cucumber and green onion added a refreshing crunch. Every bite was delicious. After finishing their roast duck, both students looked utterly content.

"This is really good!" one exclaimed.

"Seriously delicious!" the other agreed.

"So fragrant! All the ingredients taste incredibly fresh!"

They couldn’t stop praising it.

Watching them eat made the onlookers even hungrier. Some customers also opted to eat immediately, finding a spot nearby to unwrap their food and dig in. This scene attracted more passersby, many of whom were drawn over by curiosity. The number of people buying roast duck steadily increased. At this rate, all the ducks Jiang Feng had prepared would be sold out in less than two hours.

Jiang Feng remained unhurried as he worked. His duck-carving skills were superb. After carving the meat, he would also chop up the duck frame, seasoning it with chili powder, black pepper, sesame seeds, and other spices. He included some of this seasoned duck frame with every order, allowing customers to enjoy a taste similar to grilled meat alongside their roast duck.