bookcurios Chapter 207: Collaborating with the Hotel Again
Chapter 207: Collaborating with the Hotel Again
Time flew by like a fleeting horse, and in the blink of an eye, it was the next morning. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the room with exceptional brightness. I stretched lazily out of bed, washed up quickly, and strolled to the hotel restaurant for breakfast.
When I stepped into the restaurant, the aroma of food filled the air. Just as I was looking around for a suitable seat, I suddenly heard a voice behind me calling, "Ms. Li, we've finally seen you!"
I turned around, a bit surprised, and saw a man in a suit and tie, smiling, walking towards me. Upon closer inspection, I saw he was the hotel's food and beverage manager. He walked quickly up to me and said warmly, "Ms. Li, I'm sorry to interrupt your meal, but I do have something I'd like to discuss with you."
I looked at him puzzledly and asked, "Oh? What's going on, Mr. Manager?"
The manager nodded gently and replied, "It's like this. After we signed the contract last time, you left in a hurry. Since then, we have tried various ways to contact you, but have been unsuccessful."
Hearing what he said, my heart skipped a beat and I quickly asked, "Is there a quality problem with the fried chicken we supplied to you before?" You know, safety is of vital importance to the food industry. If something really goes wrong, it will be terrible.
However, the manager waved his hand and smiled, saying, "No, no, don't worry, Ms. Li. This time, we're not looking for you about the fried chicken. It's about something else... Actually, since our last collaboration with you, we've found that the quality of your products is excellent, and your service is quite thoughtful. So, I'd like to ask if you're still interested in further cooperation with us? For example, is it possible to introduce your hot pot to our hotel menu?"
Hearing the manager's words, I was immediately surprised. My eyes widened and I asked, "How did you know I could make hot pot?"
The manager smiled and explained, "Haha, that's quite a coincidence. A few days ago, I stumbled across your Bilin account, where you shared a lot of insights and experiences about hot pot making. I figured you might have some experience in this area, too. So, I'd like to take this opportunity to ask you about it."
"My BiLin account, how exactly are you sure that's mine?" I stared at him suspiciously, completely puzzled. The manager replied calmly, "We confirmed it by comparing the tone, and observing and analyzing your hand shape and some subtle habitual movements. In addition, I also tried to get in touch with you on BiLin, but unfortunately your application was never approved." Hearing this, I nodded in sudden enlightenment, indicating that I understood the reason.
Then, as if something suddenly occurred to me, I asked, "Oh, so that's how it is. In that case, can't you just copy my method from my video?" However, the manager shook his head and explained seriously, "Ms. Li, it's not as simple as you think. If someone uses your video recipe to make hot pot base for personal consumption and not for profit, then there is naturally no problem. But if we use your video recipe to engage in commercial activities for profit without your authorization, it is illegal."
Hearing this, I couldn't help but sigh. I hadn't expected that in this interstellar age, personal recipes would be so strictly regulated. After figuring this out, I pondered for a moment, then said readily, "That's fine. I'll give you my recipe. However, I can't accept a one-time buyout. Just like our previous fried chicken collaboration, we'll continue to split the profits based on share. And this time, it can't be a 40/60 split like last time; it has to be a 50/50 split."
"Ms. Li, I can definitely promise you this." The manager said with a smile and a firm tone.
I looked at the manager in surprise and asked, "Really? Don't you need to discuss this with the other hotel staff?"
The manager confidently replied, "No need. I have full decision-making authority on this matter. Remember that fried chicken we launched last time? It brought a lot of customers to our hotel! Because of this, the hotel management decided to separate the food and beverage department and authorized me to be fully responsible for all related matters. Especially regarding this matter of collaborating with you again, Ms. Li, there is no need to hesitate at all."
Ms. Li couldn't help but burst out laughing after hearing this. She said happily, "Haha, thank you so much for your trust in me! How about this, after I finish lunch, let's go to the R&D department together?"
Hearing Ms. Li's straightforward agreement, the manager was overjoyed. He rubbed his hands together with a smile on his face, saying, "Ms. Li is truly a decisive and efficient person! I firmly believe that this cooperation will be a huge success."
Ms. Li gently waved her hand, smiled, and responded, "Don't rush to praise me. You should know that if you want to make this spicy hot pot authentic, there are many things that need to be done!"
So, I coughed lightly to clear my throat before officially launching into my explanation: "Let's start with the hot pot base! Hot pot bases are generally divided into two categories: beef tallow base and light oil base. Let's start with the beef tallow base; it's incredibly rich and mellow! When you add your ingredients to the pot, the alluring aroma will fly straight towards your nose like wings. Then, as you pull the tender and juicy slices of meat from the pot, let them be coated in the rich red oil before gently placing them into your mouth, the fiery aroma will instantly explode on your taste buds like fireworks, bringing an intoxicating sensation."
Having said that, I paused for a moment and saw that the manager was listening attentively, with excitement flashing in his eyes, and the pen in his hand was constantly taking notes on the notebook.
I continued, "In comparison, the clear oil hot pot base is lighter. This hot pot base is especially suitable for those who can't tolerate spicy food but can't help but want to taste the spicy taste. It has a unique peppery and numbing aroma that can satisfy the guests' pursuit of spicy taste without being too stimulating."
Seeing the manager so engrossed, I couldn't help but get more excited as I continued, "Also, the ingredients are very particular! For example, Sichuan peppercorns must be fresh and numbing. Only such peppercorns can add just the right numbing aroma to the base of the pot. As for chili peppers, they need to be carefully selected. Different varieties and origins of chilies have different levels of spiciness and flavor. Therefore, when combining them, the ratio of the different peppers must be very precise. Even the slightest deviation can make a big difference in the taste of the final product!"
I spoke eloquently and non-stop, and the manager nodded in agreement, occasionally expressing his admiration: "Ms. Li is indeed an expert! Today has really opened my eyes. In my opinion, our hotel will definitely successfully launch another popular signature dish this time!"