Reborn in the Great Northern Wilderness in 1982, I farmed and hunted to support my whole family.

Chapter 106 Bonus

Upon hearing this, several guests turned their attention to the boiled fish. The fish slices were rolling in the red oil, looking very tempting.

The lead guest frowned and said, "Who are you kidding? Fish again? You might as well open an aquarium."

Zhou Li's heart skipped a beat, fearing that this guest would find fault again.

"Brother, please try this. This boiled fish is completely different from the squirrel fish we had before. It's spicy, numbing, and fragrant, and it will definitely whet your appetite."

The customer picked up his chopsticks with some skepticism, took a slice of fish, and put it in his mouth.

The moment the fish slice entered his mouth, the spicy and savory flavor exploded in his mouth, making him squint his eyes and savor it carefully.

It's spicy with a hint of numbing sensation and a touch of sweetness, creating a rich and unforgettable flavor. I instinctively wanted to grab another piece, but then I stopped myself. He's here to cause trouble; how could I be so easily appeased by a single dish?

But he couldn't resist the temptation of the boiled fish; the aroma was just too irresistible.

Seeing the look of enjoyment on his face after eating the fish slices, the other guests also picked up their chopsticks and started eating fish slices as well.

In an instant, everyone lowered their heads to savor the boiled fish, no longer caring about criticizing the restaurant.

"This tastes great! Awesome!"

"Wow! This boiled fish is absolutely amazing!"

Another guest couldn't help but praise him, his chopsticks never stopping as he picked up one fish slice after another.

Upon seeing this, the leading guest couldn't help but feel somewhat annoyed.

He had originally intended to find an excuse to make the restaurant compensate him for his losses, but he hadn't expected the boiled fish to taste so delicious that he couldn't stop eating it. Now, if he insisted on returning the dish and demanding compensation, wouldn't he be contradicting himself?

He coughed lightly, trying to save face: "Well, this boiled fish is indeed delicious, but that can't cover up the fact that the other dishes in your restaurant are terrible."

Zhou Li chuckled inwardly; this guest was clearly obsessed with saving face and willing to suffer for it.

But she didn't point it out: "Brother, you're right. How about this, all your meals at our restaurant today are on the house, as a small token of our appreciation. What do you think?"

The guest in the lead was taken aback by Zhou Li's generosity.

A customer next to him nudged him and whispered, "Boss, let's call it a day while we're ahead. This boiled fish really does taste good."

The lead customer snapped out of his daze and chuckled dryly, "Haha, since Boss Li is so generous, then we won't stand on ceremony. Let's pretend this never happened, and come back again when we have the chance."

Zhou Li smiled and nodded: "Welcome, welcome. Please take care and come again when you have time."

"Boss lady! Give us one of this boiled fish too!" another customer couldn't help but call out.

Several tables in the distance also called out, "We'd like a plate of boiled fish for our table too!"

Zhou Li was overjoyed; it seemed that the boiled fish had successfully won over the taste buds of these guests.

She quickly instructed the waiter, "Quickly, bring boiled fish to those tables too!"

Li Mu and Jin Dachuan plunged into the kitchen to prepare ingredients for making boiled fish again.

Jin Dachuan skillfully handled the fresh ingredients, while Li Mu prepared the broth for the boiled fish.

The other chefs secretly observed and learned, mastering the essence of making boiled fish.

They had initially looked down on Li Mu, the young chef, but now they had to admire his skills.

After all, it's not an easy thing to win over those picky customers with just one dish.

Li Mu shared his experience in making the broth for boiled fish with Jin Dachuan without reservation.

"Brother Jin, the essence of boiled fish lies in the preparation of the base sauce. The quality of the base sauce directly affects the taste and flavor of the boiled fish. Look, the peppercorns and dried chilies in this base sauce must be of the highest quality, and the heat must be just right when frying them to bring out that rich aroma."

As Li Mu spoke, he skillfully prepared the base ingredients, while Jin Dachuan watched intently from the side.

Soon, the base sauce was ready. Li Mu poured the base sauce into a pot, added an appropriate amount of water, brought it to a boil over high heat, and then put the marinated fish slices into the pot one by one, stirring gently. Once the fish slices changed color, he quickly scooped them out and placed them on a large plate lined with bean sprouts and green vegetables.

Then, Li Mu poured the broth from the pot into the plate. The broth was bright red and looked very tempting.

Then, he scooped a spoonful of hot oil and poured it over the fish slices and broth. With a sizzling sound, the aroma filled the air, making one's mouth water.

The two dishes, which were perfect in color, aroma, and taste, were finally completed.

Watching Li Mu's skillful operation, Jin Dachuan couldn't help but give him a thumbs up: "Li Mu, your skills are truly amazing! It seems that our Lijing Restaurant will have to introduce more Sichuan dishes in the future."

"Brother Jin, don't be so polite!"

Tian Xiaohu was busy washing ingredients in the kitchen all day before he realized it was getting dark and the restaurant was about to close.

"Brother Mu, how do we get back?"

The tricycle was still in town, and Zhou Li was busy, so she couldn't take him there right away.

Li Mu thought for a moment and said, "How about we find a hotel in the city for the night and go back early tomorrow morning?"

Tian Xiaohu nodded in agreement.

The two then said goodbye to Zhou Li, but Zhou Li stopped them.

"Here you two take these!" Zhou Li stuffed two heavy cloth bags into their hands.

Li Mu and Tian Xiaohu exchanged bewildered glances. Zhou Li explained, "This is today's pay, plus your bonuses. Take it; you've worked hard today!"

"No way, Sister Li! We're not your regular employees, we can't accept this bonus," Li Mu quickly declined.

Zhou Li insisted, "Don't be so polite. If it weren't for you today, I don't know what would have happened to my restaurant. You must take this bonus."

Tian Xiaohu also said, "Sister Li, please don't be so polite with us. It's only right that we help you."

But Zhou Li was adamant and forced the cloth bag into their hands.

"If you don't accept this money, you're disrespecting me, Zhou Li!" Zhou Li said, feigning anger, but with a smile on her face.

Seeing this, Li Mu and Tian Xiaohu had no choice but to accept the cloth bag.

"Sister Li, we'll be going now, thank you!" Li Mu said.

"Why are you saying such things? You've helped me a lot today. Consider this money a small token of my appreciation. If you ever need any help in the future, just let me know."

"I'll cover the fish supply for both of your restaurants! You'll have to send them to me often, haha!" Zhou Li said jokingly, but there was a hint of seriousness in her eyes.