The Game of Life

Chapter 618: Chapter 616: Coming Out of a Dead End

Jiang Feng received Jiang Yong’s reply after 10 p.m., and only after Jiang Weiming had gone to bed did Jiang Yong check his phone and message Jiang Feng back.

Zhang Li had already arrived in Beiping and immediately took over most of Mrs. Zhu’s duties, increasing her sense of crisis—she felt compelled to boil water ten times a day and wipe the tables twenty times.

Also, because of Zhang Li’s arrival, it was inconvenient for Jiang Yong to continue sharing a room with Jiang Weisheng while swapping shifts. Therefore, Jiang Yong rented a small house next to Benevolent Doctor.

According to Jiang Yong, Jiang Weiming was in good spirits and had a hearty appetite at mealtimes. On the other hand, Jiang Weisheng seemed listless after dinner and went to rest early; Jiang Yong guessed he was probably too tired, as he had been the busiest lately.

Jiang Feng and Jiang Yong continued chatting on WeChat until nearly midnight, and now Jiang Feng didn’t dare to stay up late, especially since he had to go to Jubao Building early the next morning to guide Sun Jikai on how to thicken the sauce for Eight Treasures Chestnut Fragrant Pigeon.

Jiang Feng and Wu Minqi stayed in FZ for a total of five days.

This period of time wasn’t particularly long, nor was it short.

Sir was out early and returned late every day. During these days, he visited a few fellow apprentice brothers with whom he had slightly better relationships during his time at Jubao Building. At their age, such meetings could very well be their last. Even if they hadn’t been that close before, the rare encounter brought them considerably closer.

Several old men met every day in teahouses and restaurants, chatting and boasting about their grandchildren’s accomplishments, reveling in their joy. This gave Sir, who had no classmates or class reunions to attend, a taste of what an old classmates’ gathering felt like.

Another person, Sun Maochai, who should have attended the apprentice brothers’ gathering for some special reasons known to all, did not show up.

Sun Maochai returned to Hong Kong City on the third day after the funeral, but before he left, he specifically came to Jubao Building to add Sun Jikai on WeChat. While he approached Sun Jikai, Jiang Feng was nearby, so he shamelessly added him on WeChat as well.

It’s always good to have a big shot’s WeChat—you never know when you might be at your wit’s end, unable to make a Grade A orange candy. Then you can casually message Sun Maochai and ask him how to make an excellent orange candy properly.

At that point, you can just pass the blame to Sun Jikai, saying it was his idea to give it a try.

Speaking of Sun Jikai, Jiang Feng had some harsh words to say.

He remembered their first encounter at the Good Taste culinary competition, where Sun Jikai had this insufferable look on his face, as if he was God’s gift to cooking, a born genius destined to become a master.

Perhaps Jiang Feng’s first impression of Sun Jikai was too ingrained, leading him to believe the guy did have a talent for cooking.

But you wouldn’t know without teaching him—once taught, you’d get a fright. This guy’s talent was no better than his own, neither outstanding nor terrible, making one infuriated.

For the first time in his life, Jiang Feng understood the feelings his grandfather had when scolding him during his own culinary training.

To sum it up: what a disgrace—had it not been for him being my grandson, I would have given him a thrashing a long time ago.

At least Jiang Feng was Jiang Weiguo’s grandson, but since Sun Jikai wasn’t his grandson, Jiang Feng could only treat him with the same care he would give to a grandson.

As for the specific teaching results, Jiang Feng himself wasn’t sure, since Sun Jikai hadn’t quite got the hang of it. Sun Jikai said he was starting to get a feel for it, but whether he had genuinely grasped it or was just being polite, Jiang Feng had no idea.

On the day Jiang Feng and the others were heading back, Sun Jikai even made a special trip to the airport to see them off.

“I’ll come to Beiping to see you guys when I have some free time,” said Sun Jikai, stopping at the security checkpoint.

“There’s no need for a special trip. Just send a WeChat message if there’s anything,” Jiang Feng replied politely.

“It’s on the way. I’m going to Beiping to discuss a partnership with Eight-treasure House soon. I’ll let you know once the date is set,” Sun Jikai said with a smile.

“A partnership? You’re discussing a partnership with Eight-treasure House? What could you possibly have to discuss with Eight-treasure House? What’s there to talk about?” Jiang Feng was full of question marks, his voice rising two octaves.

Wu Minqi: …

Sometimes she really didn’t understand what exactly Ling Guangzhao did to offend their Fengfeng.

“The collaboration is about pastries. Didn’t you know?” Sun Jikai wasn’t bothered about revealing this business secret to Jiang Feng; after all, pastry matters had nothing to do with Taifeng Building, which was notorious for its poor handling of pastries.

“Eight-treasure House recently struck a deal with a pastry producer in Gusu to mass-produce its signature pastries for sale in the restaurant and online. Ling Guangzhao contacted us some time ago. He seems to want to launch a line of signature pastries tied to famous restaurants from various places. But at that time, my grandfather was seriously ill and hospitalized, so we didn’t have time to deal with it.”

“Didn’t he contact Wu Family Restaurant?” Sun Jikai asked Wu Minqi.

“Our pastry department isn’t strong either,” said Wu Minqi.

Sun Jikai nodded: “I heard Ling Guangzhao invested a lot in this venture. He probably wants to make a big move; after all, this is his area of expertise.”

Jiang Feng didn’t feel like talking whenever he heard someone praising Ling Guangzhao in front of him; it gave him an unconscious headache.

“It’s about time to go,” said Sir, who had been silent at the side.

“The journey home be smooth,” Sun Jikai said.

“See you next time.” Jiang Feng waved to Sun Jikai, turned around, and dragged his luggage to prepare for the security check.

“Oh, right.” Sun Jikai stopped Jiang Feng, “These past few days, I saw you tinkering with orange candy in the kitchen. I couldn’t sleep last night, so I made some myself. The taste is just average, but consider it my thanks for your guidance these past days. When I go to Beiping, I’ll treat you all to a meal.”

Jiang Feng took the small paper bag Sun Jikai handed over and said, “Thanks, but there’s no need for a meal. When you come to Beiping, it’s only right that Minqi and I treat you.”

Having said that, Jiang Feng waved to Sun Jikai and lined up to go through security.

There was still a wait after going through security, so Jiang Feng sat down and scrolled through his social media for a while, finding it boring. Waiting for a plane or a train, whatever he did felt dull, so he simply opened the small paper bag Sun Jikai had given him, wanting to eat a piece of candy.

Upon opening it, Jiang Feng discovered that Sun Jikai had actually cut all the candy into small pieces and wrapped them in wrapping paper, making them look a bit like the ones sold in stores.

All Jiang Feng could say was that having studied made a difference.

Just look at this packaging; Sun Jikai must have put in quite the effort for his girlfriend back then.

“Qiqi, do you want a piece?” Jiang Feng handed the paper bag to Wu Minqi.

“Did Sun Jikai really make this himself?” Wu Minqi asked dubiously, pointing at the candy pieces in the bag, “They look quite delicate.”

“He seems to have specifically studied it during his time abroad; maybe he learned packaging as well.” Jiang Feng said, peeling the candy wrapper and popping the candy piece into his mouth.

The sweetness was intense, but the orange flavor was a bit light, and the candy was a little hard—clearly, the mix hadn’t been quite right.

“It’s pretty tasty, feels the same as the ones sold outside.” Wu Minqi said with a candy in her mouth.

Jiang Feng nodded. Although the orange flavor was a bit light, the texture was quite good and very smooth, without any graininess or rough feel.

Wait a second, very smooth.

Jiang Feng got excited and inadvertently swallowed the candy piece. If he hadn’t picked a smaller piece, Wu Minqi might be calling the emergency number for him now.

But even as he swallowed, what went through Jiang Feng’s mind was still, wow, this candy is really smooth.

There was no graininess as it went down.

It truly achieved that phrase from a chocolate commercial, “Indulge in silkiness.”

Then Jiang Feng’s phone vibrated. He looked and saw a long message from Sun Jikai.

Sun Jikai had put down into text the entire process of making candy from the previous night, very detailed indeed, and sent it all to Jiang Feng.

Sun Jikai: Although the candy I made isn’t as tasty as what you’ve made these past few days, if you’re really interested in improving the texture of the candy, you might want to try my method.

Jiang Feng put his phone down, exhaling a breath full of emotion.

“What’s the matter?” Wu Minqi asked.

“I think I owe Sun Jikai a big favor.” Jiang Feng said with a smile.

“Then teach him how to make slurry. After you get back to Beiping, you could also do video teaching.” Wu Minqi grabbed another piece of candy.

“Right, I haven’t asked you yet, how did your teaching go these past few days?” Wu Minqi inquired.

“I don’t know; he said he’s found a bit of a sense for it, whether it’s real or an illusion I can’t tell.” Jiang Feng said, “These things are really uncertain, if you get stuck in a dead end, it can be tough to find your way out.”

“He’ll find his way out.” Sir’s voice suddenly rang out behind Jiang Feng, giving him a start, and he turned around to see that Sir had somehow taken a seat behind him at some point.

“Huh?”@@novelbin@@

“He has the same temperament as his grandfather. Even if he’s stuck in a dead end and won’t backtrack, he’ll make his way out by boring through the wall if he has to.” Sir said, “Give me one.”

“Huh?” Jiang Feng was utterly confused.

Sir didn’t speak but gestured with his eyes that he wanted one of the candies in Jiang Feng’s hand.

Jiang Feng hastily grabbed a candy from the bag and handed it to Sir.

“Ding, you’ve gained a memory segment from Jiang Weiguo.”

Huh?