Chapter 128: A Brand-New Culinary Delight

The things Gou Ye had prepared were, it could be said, items Xuanyuan Changfeng had never seen nor tasted before. In particular, the several sauces Gou Ye had concocted instantly elevated the food to a new level of deliciousness.

While licking the sauce from his fingers, Xuanyuan Changfeng asked, "My friend, so this is what you’ve been busy with in the kitchen all day? Why keep such incredible food hidden away? Why not share it with others?"

"Share? If you hadn't begged me so insistently, I never would have let you in. This is a trade secret, do you understand? I’ve told you, you wouldn't understand what I’m trying to do. But since you’ve tasted it and seen it today, you must keep your mouth shut. You must never speak of this to anyone, do you hear me?"

Xuanyuan Changfeng nodded repeatedly in agreement, then reached out to grab another piece of fried chicken before asking, "My friend, does this culinary creation of yours have a name?"

"Of course. That piece you’re eating is called popcorn chicken. The one in the flatbread is a burger, and the potato strips are called french fries. As for the sauce, for now, I’m calling it ketchup. Don’t underestimate this ketchup—I had Boss Jia search through several shops before we finally bought it from a merchant from the State of Chen. I spent a long time refining it into a sauce. Though the taste is still a bit off, it’s passable."

Looking at the food before him, Gou Ye felt immensely grateful for his transmigration into the Ming Dynasty. Had he arrived any earlier, crops like potatoes and tomatoes might not even exist yet. What surprised and delighted him most was the discovery of cornstarch in this era, a vital ingredient for making fried chicken and drumsticks.

Most of all, he owed this to his university days, when he worked part-time at a fast-food restaurant to support his studies. Those skills, which seemed useless for any scholarly or martial pursuit, had suddenly found their purpose here.

The most misunderstood element of his creation was the ketchup. The process was simple enough: chop the tomatoes, simmer them until thickened, then add sugar and a pinch of salt. Stored in bottles and chilled in ice water, the flavor was slightly inferior to what he remembered, but it was remarkably close to the ketchup of his former life.

Lacking experience in baking bread, Gou Ye had substituted it with the flatbread used for meat burgers. He added sesame seeds and a bit of butter to improve the texture, a variation that set his flatbread apart from standard ones. It had taken several attempts to master the steaming method that rendered the bread soft enough.

The fries were simpler—just deep-fried, salted, and dipped in ketchup. While the taste didn't quite match what he’d eaten at the fast-food chain, it was an extraordinary delicacy for this era. Gou Ye couldn't help but think that even in faraway lands, no one had likely mastered such a thing yet. Unintentionally, he had pioneered a new invention for future generations.

The process required meticulous control over details; the slightest error would ruin the texture or the crispness of the crust. This was why Gou Ye was confident that even if others could guess the ingredients, they could never replicate the exact taste.

After practicing with his team several times to ensure consistency, Gou Ye finally breathed a sigh of relief. Looking forward to the future was an exciting prospect. By the afternoon, he had Laifu accompany him back to the Merchant Clan’s manor.

Gou Ye had brought a large wooden box lined with a quilt, containing the samples he had prepared. Upon his arrival, he informed Master Xiao that there was an urgent matter to discuss, prompting the master to summon all the guild leaders and representatives present in the manor—including Jia Zhengyi.

As they gathered in the hall, everyone cast curious glances at the large box on the table. Only Lu Yuanheng looked at Gou Ye and the box with disdain, sitting in his chair with an indignant expression.

Once the hall was filled to capacity, with several representatives even standing at the back, Master Xiao looked around and said softly, "Since everyone is here, Young Master Gou, what is the urgent matter you wish to discuss? Have you found a solution?"

Gou Ye chuckled and replied, "Exactly. But before I explain, I’m sure you’ve all noticed this box. It holds the secret weapon for our Merchant Clan’s future success. I will distribute it now. I hadn't expected so many people, so if there isn't enough, please share."

He opened the box, and a rich, savory aroma instantly filled the room. He took out various strange-looking foods and began distributing them, starting with Master Xiao. Once everyone was served, he said, "Now, please, help yourselves. Oh, and..."

He pulled two bottles of ketchup from the box and placed them on the table. "It tastes even better if you dip the food in this sauce."

Many looked at the food with suspicion. It looked tempting, but most hesitated to take the first bite. Seeing this, Jia Zhengyi stepped forward and tried it immediately. His expression mirrored that of Xuanyuan Changfeng—one of utter disbelief.

With Jia Zhengyi having broken the ice, the others, led by Master Xiao, began to sample the food. Those who tasted it praised it instantly. Only Lu Yuanheng, holding a piece of chicken, remained indignant. "Hmph, let's see if it's really as good as you claim," he muttered. He dipped the piece in the ketchup and took a bite. His eyebrows twitched, though he quickly forced his face back into a mask of indifference.

Seeing that everyone had finished, Gou Ye said, "This is the delicacy I have created. I can guarantee that it is unique in the entire world. The recipe and the method are known only to me, so it is impossible for other merchant clans or foreign states to learn how to make it."