Chapter 35: This Fish Is Delicious—The Doneness Is Perfect! At This Very Moment I’m Sending This Message, I Still Like You So Much!

Jiang Feng replied, “The taste justifies the price, just like the buns.”

“Then let’s try one! We’ll eat here.”

“Also, 30 buns—five of each filling, two bowls of Eight-Treasure Congee, and two bowls of seafood congee.”

After ordering, one of them paid.

“Payment received: 346 yuan.”

Jiang Feng took out a fish, steamed it, then served them buns and congee.

The four office workers sat down, anticipation in their eyes.

“That fish doesn’t look particularly special, but it’s definitely fresh—probably just killed recently.”

“Brother Zhang, how can you tell?”

“Look at the fish’s eyes—they haven’t fully clouded over yet.”

“Boss Jiang wouldn’t overcharge. This fish must taste amazing!”

“Ugh, Boss Jiang keeps adding more delicious stuff to his menu, but my stomach’s only so big. It’s torture!”

“Let’s eat first. We’ll treat ourselves today—we’ve got overtime later anyway.”

They lowered their heads and started on the buns.

The elderly customers who came afterward didn’t order the fish—the 200-yuan price tag was beyond their expectations.

Soon, the fish was ready.

Jiang Feng drizzled sizzling oil over it.

The aroma instantly filled the entire shop.

“So fragrant!”

“Wow! Is this what steamed perch smells like?!”

“I think I get why it costs 200 yuan now!”

“Little Boss Jiang, give me one too!”

Lao Zhang, one of the office workers, couldn’t wait. Clutching half a bun in his teeth, he rushed to the counter to retrieve their fish.

When the fish reached the table, it drew envious glances from other customers.

Lao Zhang picked up a piece of fish belly, dipped it in fresh peanut oil and soy-based sauce, and popped it into his mouth.

Fragrant!

Fresh!

So tender!

“It’s delicious! Try it! This is the best steamed fish I’ve ever had!”

“Holy crap, I feel alive again! Damn, working hard just to eat good food is worth it!”

The others each took a bite.

“This is incredible!”

“I usually don’t like fish much, but this one’s different! So good!”

“How is it this tender? Unreal!”

An elderly man with a Cantonese accent remarked admiringly, “It’s all about the doneness. Look at the fish—white with a slight translucency.”

“The meat near the bone is just cooked, while the outer flesh still has a glossy sheen. Two seconds more or less, and it wouldn’t be like this!”

“Boss, give me two! Haven’t seen steamed fish this perfect in years.”

The man, He Guangyi, had moved to the capital years ago for business.

He was known as a food connoisseur.

Even back in his hometown, he’d only tasted steamed fish with this level of doneness a handful of times.

Jiang Feng steamed the fish while efficiently serving buns to other customers.

Soon, He Guangyi’s two fish were ready.

After inspecting them closely, his admiration for Jiang Feng grew.

He’d underestimated it earlier—this fish was even better than what he’d had in Guangdong!

Perfect doneness!

Though the two fish had gone into the steamer one after the other, they turned out nearly identical.

The seasoning was impeccable too!

Absolutely delicious!

He Guangyi was somewhat famous in the area.

Seeing his obvious delight, a few elderly regulars couldn’t resist.

“Little Boss Jiang, steam one for us too!”

“We want some as well!”

The remaining six fish were quickly claimed by four tables.

Later customers still wanted more.

Jiang Feng apologized, “Sorry, sold out. We didn’t prepare many fish today—hope you understand.”

The crowd groaned.

“Come on! We can smell it but not taste it?!”

“Damn it! How few did you make?! Old He, share one with me!”

“Make more next time, Little Boss Jiang!”

Jiang Feng smiled. “Making more fish would mean fewer buns.”

“…Never mind then.”

“This is agony! Boss Jiang, why is everything you make so delicious? It’s torture!”

“Old He, let me have a bite!”

A few neighbors eyed He Guangyi’s fish hungrily.

Generously, He Guangyi waved them over. “Come, try some!”

Six neighbors grabbed chopsticks and each took a bite.

“Good lord, it’s so tender!”

“Why is this nothing like the fish I steam at home? Mine always turns out dry.”

“Now I get the 200-yuan price tag. This is skill—worth every penny!”

Fish lovers wore expressions of regret.

One customer asked Jiang Feng, “Little Boss Jiang, how many fish do you make per batch?”

“Ten.”

“Then I’ll queue up at 10:30 tomorrow.”

“I’ll come at 10! No way I’m missing out!”

The shop buzzed with lively chatter.

Regulars chatted away as Jiang Feng wrapped buns, steamed fish, and listened—his mood light.

By 8:20 AM, everything had sold out.

Nine fish brought in 1,800 yuan.

Jiang Feng’s morning revenue had climbed again, reaching over 13,200 yuan!

Daily turnover was nearing 40,000 yuan!

Around 9 AM, the last customers left.

Those who’d ordered fish even cleared their own plates of fish bones, bringing them to the counter.

If they helped out a little, maybe Jiang Feng could make one extra fish!

Couldn’t let trivial chores slow him down!

Jiang Feng loaded the dishes into the washer, cleaned the utensils, and mopped the floor.

Cui Hao walked in. “Lao Jiang, heard you added a new dish? Steamed fish?”

“Yeah.”

“Can you make one for me?! I wanna try it too!”

Jiang Feng nodded with a smile. “I’ll buy an extra one later. How about lunchtime?”

“Deal! Charge me the full price—I’d feel bad if you gave me a discount.”

“No need. We’re neighbors—100 yuan, half off.”

Cui Hao felt a surge of warmth. “Lao Jiang, your ex-wife must’ve been blind. How could she let go of someone as good as you?”

Jiang Feng chuckled. “Let’s not talk about her. Her eyesight—or lack thereof—isn’t my concern.”

Cui Hao smirked knowingly. “Worried Teacher Rong might misunderstand, huh?”

“Honestly, you lucked out. Teacher Rong genuinely likes you—she’s always at your shop.”

Cui Hao didn’t care much about looks; he valued sincerity.

And Rong Shuang’s feelings for Jiang Feng were real—he could tell.

Jiang Feng shook his head. “Teacher Rong and I are just friends.”

“For now.” Cui Hao took the mop and started sweeping. “A girl that pretty, and you’re not tempted?”

Jiang Feng didn’t answer.

Though he and Cui Hao were close, some thoughts weren’t for sharing.

After helping mop, Cui Hao left—saving Jiang Feng some time.

Jiang Feng picked up his phone, planning to rest for ten minutes before grocery shopping.

Steaming fish required skill—not complicated, but mentally taxing.

Thankfully, just thirty a day wouldn’t exhaust him.

There was a message from Rong Shuang:

[Photo]

“Youyou and I are at the kindergarten.”

“Gotta put my phone away for work now. Miss you.”

“At this very moment I’m sending this message, I still like you so much! Think about being my boyfriend this morning, okay?”

Jiang Feng looked at the photo of her and Youyou, a faint smile tugging at his lips.