Food Stall: Customers Chase Me across the Country-Chapter 233 - 234: Seeking Advice on Fried Chicken Techniques

Chapter 233: Chapter 234: Seeking Advice on Fried Chicken Techniques

Zhao Liang became more excited the more he thought about it.

He’s 27 this year and got tired of the office life after two years post-graduation, so he chose to start a business. To support him, his parents even mortgaged their house.

His fried chicken is indeed quite pricey, but that’s because his costs are high.

He uses fresh chicken legs bought early from the market, unlike most places that use frozen goods.

Moreover, because he frequently changes the oil, his costs are even higher.

But he is also quite stubborn.

He just wants to make delicious fried chicken using quality ingredients, to make money without losing his conscience.

After learning from various sources, he finally came up with the current version.

Yet, the sales are still not very promising.

Zhao Liang felt conflicted.

He has no relation to Boss Wang; why would Wang help him?

Pay for guidance?

Not only is he knee-deep in debt, but how much would it cost to hire someone like Wang?

It’s not that he can’t handle failure; he just doesn’t want to let his parents’ support go to waste. If he fails, would he let his parents sleep on the streets?

Seeing the line at Wang Fan’s stand getting shorter, Zhao Liang felt even more anxious.

Biting his teeth, Zhao Liang fired up the stove, used all his skills to fry a box of chicken legs, and carried the box towards Wang Fan’s stall.

By this time, there were only 4 people left in line, and only 4 bowls of "Time of Judgment" on Wang Fan’s table.

Zhao Liang queued up, extremely nervous, feeling like a student unprepared for a graduation defense.

Thinking about the pictures and descriptions of Boss Wang’s fried chicken others had shared, he felt like his was nowhere near as good.

How could there be such a big difference when we’re both making chicken?

"Sorry, we’ve sold out for today."

Zhao Liang was still pondering when he heard Wang Fan’s voice reminding him.

Coming back to his senses, Zhao Liang was envious again. Look at that, it’s just past 6 PM and his stuff is already sold out, barely two hours considering the prep time. Why is there such a big gap in business?

Zhao Liang put the fried chicken on the counter, smiling: "Hello, Boss Wang, I’m Zhao Liang from the fried chicken place at the entrance."

Wang Fan nodded, a bit puzzled: "What can I do for you?"

Zhao Liang rubbed his hands, a bit embarrassed: "Well, I heard you’re quite the expert on making chicken. I always feel there’s something wrong with mine. Honestly, I’ve been at it for over two months, and almost lost my house, so I was hoping to get some advice from you..."

"Hmm... hmm?"

Listening to Zhao Liang, Wang Fan felt more and more awkward.

The way you’re talking makes it seem like we’re not decent folks... Another few words and someone might report us!

"So you’re asking me to try your fried chicken and give you some feedback, right?"

Wang Fan asked, emphasizing the word "fried" a bit.

Zhao Liang replied hurriedly: "Yes, that’s exactly it. Honestly, if I keep losing money like this, I really can’t go on. So please, guide me, and there will surely be a reward afterward."

Wang Fan nodded: "Guidance is too formal, and there’s no need for a reward. Let me try it first."

With that, he opened the box of fried chicken.

Inside the box were pieces of fried chicken, made with cut-up chicken leg meat. Zhuo Qianqian peeked out from behind Wang Fan, curiously looking at the fried chicken on the table.

Wang Fan picked up a piece with a bamboo skewer, just about to put it in his mouth when Zhuo Qianqian intercepted it, so he could only pick another piece for himself.

Zhao Liang was so nervous at this moment that his palms were sweating, his breathing almost imperceptible, afraid of disturbing Boss Wang in front of him.

Wang Fan swallowed the chicken, pulled Zhuo Qianqian out from behind him, and asked: "What do you think?"

Zhuo Qianqian looked at Zhao Liang and said: "If I speak frankly, you won’t get mad, right?"

Zhao Liang hurriedly shook his head: "No, no, I won’t, I promise. I’m actually aware of some issues myself, I just don’t know how to improve them."

Zhuo Qianqian: "Then, may I share my opinion?"

"Please do."

"First, I think the crust is a bit too hard; second, after biting, the chicken has a slight gamey taste; third, the chicken doesn’t seem to be well-seasoned, if there’s no dipping sauce, there’s almost no base flavor... I’m just speaking casually, please don’t take it to heart."

Zhuo Qianqian, seeing Zhao Liang’s embarrassed face, felt a bit awkward herself.

Was I too blunt?

Zhao Liang gave an awkward smile: "It’s fine... it’s fine, I think so too."

Then he looked at Wang Fan.

Wang Fan nodded, agreeing with Zhuo Qianqian’s assessment: "Qianqian’s feedback is quite comprehensive."

Zhao Liang hurriedly asked: "Could you guide me on how to improve it?"

Wang Fan did not directly answer but instead asked a question: "I noticed your fried chicken has a thick crust, is that intentional or accidental?"

Zhao Liang replied: "It’s intentional; I personally like a thicker crust."

Wang Fan nodded: "For the first issue, control the frying temperature and time, especially reduce the second fry time. Keep it golden, don’t let it turn deep yellow."

"Second, even fresh chicken meat should be marinated. If you prefer a thick crust, I suggest marinating the chicken with milk, garlic slices, lemon juice, and salt, and refrigerate for 72 hours."

"The gamey taste and lack of seasoning can be regarded as one issue. Addressing the second point should solve both."

After speaking, Wang Fan motioned Zhuo Qianqian to get a sticky note and wrote down his usual proportions to hand to Zhao Liang.

Zhao Liang was so excited his heart almost leaped out of his mouth. He wiped his hands vigorously on his trousers before tremblingly accepting the sticky note.

A secret recipe, this was Boss Wang’s secret recipe!

If Boss Wang was indeed sharing openly, this sticky note could be priceless!

"How could I possibly repay you?"

Zhao Liang’s voice choked with emotion. If the sticky note worked, his small shop might survive, it could even turn his fortunes around.

Wang Fan smiled and shook his head: "No need to talk about repayment. It’s just peers exchanging ideas. Didn’t you treat us to fried chicken? Consider it as paying for the chicken. If there’s nothing else, we’ll be off then."

He had promised to take Zhuo Qianqian to explore Guangfu’s night market and couldn’t go back on his word.

Zhao Liang’s mind was already focused on the sticky note, eagerly wanting to test it. The chicken marinade would need time, but the proportions for the crispy coating were given, so he could immediately experiment with it.

"Then I won’t bother you any longer. If my little shop can survive, there will surely be a great reward in the future!"

Zhao Liang expressed his gratitude once again, then took his leave, while Wang Fan and Zhuo Qianqian quickly packed up and prepared to explore Guangfu’s night market.