Let you play a corrupt official, are you saying you want to make progress?

Chapter 15: Pearls and Gold – Is This Ingredients?

Qin Xuan hesitated for a moment and then turned back to start preparing two food containers. Since he already knew the other party’s preferences, he could get started with some things. Under the gaze of all the online friends, Qin Xuan began to organize his items. However, due to the camera angle, viewers couldn’t see what he was doing, leaving them curious.

[This Xuan brother is truly a master at keeping people in suspense. We have no idea what he’s preparing.].

[I’m curious, too! The angle is just not showing us anything.].

[What can we do? It’s so intriguing. I’m hooked.].

The online friends’ excitement was truly sparked, with some guessing that Qin Xuan was preparing a meal, while others speculated it might be valuable metals. In this flood of comments, everyone engaged in a spirited debate. This is how the internet operates – the more you stir the pot, the higher the excitement level.

The show’s hosts were all smiles as the show’s viewership ratings remained high. This way, Qin Xuan took the food containers and headed to the prefect’s residence.

“I’m an assistant from the Ministry of Punishments, and I’d like to have a culinary exchange with the magistrate. I’d appreciate it if you could notify him!” Qin Xuan spoke with respect.

The officers responsible for disaster relief didn’t hold as much authority as they do in TV dramas. They lacked the broad powers of imperial envoys, and Qin Xuan’s officer position wasn’t very high. The perfect held the real authority for disaster relief.

Wang Zhi assigned this task to Qin Xuan as a form of training and development.

Let’s see if Qin Xuan can use his limited authority to gain more benefits. The scale of this disaster relief effort isn’t very large. In a larger scenario, the situation may be different, but in this current relief effort, it all depends on the prefect.

The junior officer, after hearing Qin Xuan’s words and seeing his food containers, nodded. “Alright, I will inform him right away!” With that, the junior officer hurried inside.

Shortly after, they saw the junior officer returning from the prefect’s residence, calling, “The magistrate requests your presence!”

Compared to the officers they had scolded earlier, people began to realize Qin Xuan’s cleverness. “It’s all about catering to their interests. You’re not concerned that the leader will disagree. You’re concerned that the leader might not align with your interests,” the show’s host laughed.

Qin Xuan’s strategy by accommodating the magistrate’s preferences, had finally opened the door for him.

“Host, I recall you also have a fondness for good food!” the female host teased.

The host’s passion for fine dining was quite well-known. He not only enjoyed it, but he also had knowledge of and skills in cooking. Sometimes, he would even showcase his culinary talents to others.

The deputy host chimed in, “The host is a true connoisseur. I think he and Qian Yu are quite similar! Both appreciate food and lead a simple life! By the way, Professor Yang, Qian Yu isn’t a corrupt officer, is he?”

Professor Yang pondered for a moment and then replied, “I don’t have a clear impression of him. The historical records about this individual are quite brief. After all, history can’t comprehensively detail every person. You’ll find out as you continue reading.”

After saying this, Professor Yang gave these individuals a meaningful look. He knew Qian Yu was a corrupt officer, but he couldn’t openly state it. Doing so would put him in an awkward position.

Suddenly, Professor Yang felt he had become somewhat skilled at understanding human nature.

In the camera frame, Qian Yu appeared with a sincere and friendly face. He was of similar age to Wang Zhi but lacked that air of authority. He seemed more approachable. The room’s decorations were not extravagant, giving the impression of a virtuous officer.

[“I bet this is a good person. I dare to wager he’s an upright character!”].

[“I looked him up in the encyclopedia and found nothing. If he were corrupt, it would probably be documented.”].

[“He’s likely the type who enjoys food but doesn’t have much ability. Looks like Qin Xuan won’t succeed this time.”].

[“From his appearance, I can tell that Qin Xuan has misjudged. How could someone with such thick eyebrows and big eyes be a villain?”].

[“Don’t talk nonsense. Qin Xuan also has thick eyebrows and big eyes, a talented appearance, but he’s still playing a corrupt officer. Of course, Qin Xuan is acting.”].

“It’s Mr. Qin. I’ve heard of your reputation. Regarding the disaster relief matters, let’s discuss it when the other officers arrive. Today, our topic is culinary skills!” Qian Yu, upon seeing Qin Xuan, got straight to the point.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Qian. What we’ll discuss today is indeed culinary skills!” Qin Xuan replied with a polite smile.

Following this, he placed the two food containers on the table, and Qian Yu made a welcoming gesture. Qin Xuan slowly took his seat.

“Mr. Qian, I’m quite knowledgeable about fine cuisine as well. Since we’re here today, why not let me show you a thing or two?” Qin Xuan proposed.

Qian Yu’s eyes revealed a hint of surprise. “You truly understand? (You aren’t here just to discuss ingredients with me, are you?)” he inquired.

Qin Xuan nodded slightly. “I am not a clueless person. I have some knowledge of culinary skills and am reasonably educated. (I’m not a simpleton. When it comes to cooking, I have something to offer. I’ve also prepared what you’re looking for.)” He cast a meaningful glance at the food containers.

Qian Yu’s eyes were fixed on the food containers, and a subtle glint appeared. It was fleeting, but Qin Xuan didn’t miss it. He thought to himself, “Crafty old fox!”

“Very well, Mr. Qin, you are a talented young man. Let’s go to the kitchen!” Qian Yu, feeling as if he had met a kindred spirit, led Qin Xuan towards the kitchen.

So, Qin Xuan picked up the food containers, and together with Qian Yu, they entered the kitchen.

Qian Yu glanced at the food containers and, upon noticing their weight, had an answer in mind. He held Qin Xuan’s hand a little more tightly.

Shortly after, the camera angle changed. They entered the kitchen, and Qian Yu clapped his hands.

“All right, everyone stop. This is Mr. Qin, a good friend of mine who shares my passion for food. Today, Mr. Qin and I will have a culinary exchange. The rest of you can watch from outside!” Qian Yu instructed.

The servants acknowledged and quickly left, standing outside the kitchen.

“Qin brother, the ingredients here are all top-notch. I’m sure I’m in for a treat today!” Qin Xuan put down the food containers and began searching for his ingredients. Even before his time travel, he had been skilled in cooking. Now, he also knew what dish he was going to prepare.

Qin Xuan got some tofu and started cutting it into pieces, displaying remarkable talent in his knife work. Qian Yu, watching Qin Xuan’s knife skills, nodded in appreciation.

“Not bad, your knife skills are impressive, Qin brother!” Qian Yu complimented.

“Peel the tofu on both sides, cut it into eight small pieces, and then let it dry,” Qin Xuan said while working.

Qian Yu showed his approval with a satisfied expression.

“After drying the tofu, sear it with lard, sprinkle a little salt, and flip it over. Then, add a large cup of medicinal wine and eighteen large prawns!” Qin Xuan began following the steps from his memory.

As expected, a delightful aroma filled the air, leaving the servants outside yearning for a taste. Qian Yu, too, closed his eyes and began to savor the scent.

“Use a small cup of autumn sauce, bring it to a boil, add a pinch of sugar, and boil again.”

“Take green onions, cut them into short segments, and put them into the wok. Stir-fry gently,” Qin Xuan continued, and the camera captured the mouthwatering aroma.

[“No way, Qin Xuan, you can cook!”].

[“I can’t believe it. Where did you learn this from?”].

[“Oh my, this is making me cry. Are you sure it’s not a cooking show?”].

[“I want to eat this. I suggest changing the show’s name to ‘Qin Xuan Teaches Me to Cook’!”].

The viewers were left drooling. Even though this was an AI simulation, everything felt so real.

At this point, Qian Yu clapped his hands in delight. “I didn’t expect you to be such a gourmet, Qin brother!” He walked over and, seeing a plate of fragrant food, was immediately intrigued.

Using chopsticks, he picked up a piece and couldn’t stop praising the flavor.

“Qin brother, what’s the name of this dish?” Qian Yu enjoyed the dish but had never heard of such a preparation.

“I came up with this dish by chance, and it doesn’t have a suitable name yet. I’d appreciate it if you could name it Mr. Qian!” Qin Xuan quickly replied.

“Since you, as an assistant from the Ministry of Punishments, made this tofu, let’s call it ‘Qin Assistant Tofu’!” Qian Yu wasn’t particularly into naming dishes, but he liked this one.

At this moment, the show’s host, seeing all this, couldn’t help but salivate. He could sense that this dish must be incredibly delicious. He decided that when he got back home, he would have to try making it himself.

“Xiao Qin is truly a multi-talented person. I had no idea he could cook so convincingly!” the host praised.

He had never noticed, but this young Qin was a jack of all trades.

“It seems this kid did his homework thoroughly for this show!” Professor Yang nodded in agreement.

Now, on Qin Xuan’s side, Qian Yu was very pleased. After devouring his meal, they began to discuss officer business.

“Please leave, all of you!” Qian Yu dismissed the staff.

The servants quickly departed.

“Qin brother, if you’re here to discuss food, I welcome it. But if it’s anything else, then you can leave!” Qian Yu stared at the food containers and spoke slowly.

“Don’t worry, these are all ingredients, high-quality supplements!” Qin Xuan replied without a hint of nervousness.

And so Qin Xuan opened the box, revealing a large bowl filled with plump and lustrous pearls.

When the second layer was opened, it revealed blocks of gold bricks. The online viewers were dumbfounded.

[“Oh my, plump pearls and large gold bricks, and you call these ingredients?”].

[“Are you kidding me, Qin Xuan? You’re messing up big time. This is a senior government officer!”].

[“He just loves food. Can’t you provide some actual food to eat?”].

[“Qin Xuan, oh Qin Xuan, you’re in a real mess!”].

The barrage of comments expressed their concerns. They could already picture Qian Yu’s displeasure. As expected, Qian Yu’s face was marked with annoyance.

“Qin Xuan, is this what you call ingredients?”

[“It’s over, I messed up!”].

[“Qin Xuan is so confused!”].

[“Is this the end? Show’s producers, give us a revival! I still want to see Qin Xuan. Qin Xuan, I can’t watch anyone else!”].