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The food columnist for The Hollywood Reporter never imagined he would be speechless with a jolt from a bowl of soup.

"This...this is unbelievable!" He stared at the soup with the blue and white yin-yang pattern in front of him, his spoon hovering in mid-air. "It's actually spinning on its own?"

Suning stood beside the dining table, her white chef's uniform embroidered with delicate gold mugwort patterns on the cuffs.

"The principle of yin and yang balance. The white part is coconut milk stewed bird's nest, and the green part is sea cucumber soup made with spirulina. The bottom of each part has a magnetic design, which will create a slow rotating effect when served."

The entire VIP box was completely silent. The six top food critics from Los Angeles seemed to be frozen in place, watching as the yin-yang symbol in the bowl slowly rotated, the blue and white colors always clearly defined yet blending together.

"Please enjoy it while it's hot." Su Ning bowed slightly. "The white part nourishes yin and moistens the lungs, while the green part replenishes qi and strengthens yang. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, a perfect taste experience should balance yin and yang."

As the first spoonful of soup entered his mouth, the food editor of the Los Angeles Times suddenly teared up: "This taste... reminds me of the chicken soup my grandmother used to make when I was a child. But it's a completely different flavor, so why do I have this association?"

"Because of emotional resonance," Su Ning explained with a smile. "I added a small amount of Poria cocos and Albizia julibrissin bark to the soup. These are traditional calming herbs that can evoke warm childhood memories."

Three days after this secret tasting event, Los Angeles Magazine devoted eight full pages to the "Summer Palace Restaurant," with the headline: "When Michelin Meets Shennong: A Chinese Medicine Chef's Taste Revolution."

Hollywood star Kate Winslet held up a colorful vegetable roll and captioned it: "Found my new favorite at the Summer Palace Restaurant—the Five Elements Vegetable Roll! More exciting than an Oscar! #HiddenGem #LosAngelesFood"

“We’ve been inundated with reservation calls,” Emily said, showing the restaurant’s phone book. “The schedule is booked up for three months ahead. CNN’s food channel is asking for an interview, and the crew of Netflix’s ‘Chef’s Table’ is also in the running…”

Suning was in the kitchen adjusting new dishes when he heard this, and simply gave a soft "hmm".

His attention was entirely focused on the pot of soup in front of him, which was emitting a strange aroma. He would stir it occasionally with a long-handled spoon and add a small pinch of what looked like ordinary brown powder.

"Did you hear me?" Emily raised her voice. "We need to expand! Father said the shop next door could..."

“No.” Su Ning didn’t even look up. “The key is the cooking time. Expanding the scale means increasing the difficulty of quality control. The soul of the Summer Palace Restaurant lies in the precision of each dish, like acupuncture.”

Emily opened her mouth, but ultimately smiled: "You know what? It's this stubbornness that makes you stand out."

She leaned closer to the pot of mysterious soup. "What is this? It smells like... a forest after the rain?"

"A newly developed Four Seasons Soup." Su Ning finally looked up, a little flour on his forehead. "In spring, we use Artemisia capillaris to clear the liver; in summer, we add lotus seed to reduce internal heat; in autumn, we add Ophiopogon japonicus to moisten the lungs; and in winter, we add cinnamon to nourish the kidneys. One soup to enjoy all four seasons, in accordance with the body's biological clock."

Emily stared at him blankly, then suddenly reached out and wiped the flour off his face: "You should go to the front hall and show your face. Those celebrities pay money not just for the food, but also to meet the mysterious Chinese medicine chef."

Suning shook his head: "My seat is in the kitchen."

He pointed to a piece of paper pasted next to the stove, on which were written in calligraphy the four characters "大医精诚" (Great Physician, Sincere and Virtuous). "This is my personal motto. It applies to good doctors and good chefs alike! We should focus on our profession and not be vain."

When Fatty Wang from the Kinmen Hotel pushed open the door of the "Yihe Restaurant," he was stunned by what he saw.

The spacious restaurant was packed, and the walls were covered with autographed photos of celebrities: Audrey Hepburn, Michael Jordan...

There was even a photo with the Governor of California.

"Master Su... Master Su?" Fatty Wang called out uncertainly to Su Ning, who was instructing the waiters.

"Brother Wang?" Su Ning turned around, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "What brings you here?"

Fatty Wang awkwardly loosened his tie...

For this visit, he specially dug out the only suit he owned in Los Angeles: "Boss Chen sent us here... to learn from his experience."

He pointed to several equally cramped former colleagues from the Kinmen Hotel behind him, saying, "They said they were learning from advanced experiences."

In fact, since the "Summer Palace Restaurant" became a hit, the business of fake Chinese restaurants in Chinatown has plummeted.

Although Mr. Chen didn't say it, his face grew increasingly grim as he looked at the empty restaurant every day.

"Please come in!" Suning greeted warmly. "I'm testing a new dish, so please have a taste."

In the kitchen, Fatty Wang watched Su Ning's smooth and efficient operations, feeling a mix of emotions.

This young man, who once worked as a chopping board operator under him, has now transformed into a rising star in the Los Angeles restaurant scene.

Ironically, these "veteran immigrants" who have worked diligently for over a decade are still struggling to get green cards, while Suning...

"Brother Wang, try this." Su Ning handed over a small plate of crystal-clear pastries. "Poria and yam cake, it's good for the spleen and stomach."

Fatty Wang took a bite, and the sweet and soft texture instantly won over his taste buds.

“Mr. Su…” He hesitated for a moment before changing his form of address, “Did you learn your skills in China?”

“It’s a family tradition.” Su Ning wiped her hands. “My father is a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, and my mother is a medicinal cuisine chef. I grew up around medicine cabinets and kitchens.”

"What good luck!" Little Li, the kitchen helper at the Kinmen Hotel, couldn't help but interject. "Having a father-in-law like Mr. Chen..."

The atmosphere in the kitchen froze instantly.

Suning's smile froze on her face. Emily appeared at the door at some point, her high heels clicking crisply on the marble floor.

"Dear colleagues at the Kinmen Hotel," she said in a sweet yet authoritative voice, "I think you've misunderstood something. Every success of the Yihe Restaurant is due to Su Ning's talent and hard work."

She walked over to Suning and naturally took his arm. “My father only provided the venue; everything else—from menu design to culinary innovation—was Suning’s doing.”

Fatty Wang nodded and bowed awkwardly, "Yes, yes, Boss Su is indeed amazing..."

"Just call me Master Su." Su Ning patted Fatty Wang on the shoulder. "Without the training I received at the Kinmen Hotel, I wouldn't be who I am today. How about this: every Monday when our shop is closed, I'll come over to exchange techniques with you guys, okay?"

Fatty Wang's eyes widened...

Such selfless sharing is almost unheard of in this highly competitive industry.

……

Mark, the owner of the Emerald Palace, slammed the Michelin Guide onto the table.

In this newly published guide, "Yihexuan Restaurant" not only received a one-star rating, but was also specially marked with a red symbol for "innovative traditional Chinese medicine cuisine"...

In the culinary world, this is equivalent to an Oscar.

"That's impossible!" Mark roared. "How could a small shop that's been open for less than a month possibly qualify?"

His head chef nervously handed over a menu: "Boss, we sent someone to try it...it's really special. Especially that Yin-Yang soup, I heard even Spielberg flew back specifically to taste it..."

Mark flipped through the secretly photographed menu, his face growing increasingly grim: "What the hell is this? Calming and tranquilizing porridge? Liver-soothing and mood-lifting tea? Is this a restaurant or a traditional Chinese medicine shop?"

"The problem is... celebrities fall for this," the chef muttered under his breath. "Just yesterday, Madonna was posting pictures of their beauty-enhancing Three-White Soup in an interview..."

Mark jumped to his feet, his obese belly knocking over a coffee cup: "Investigate! Investigate that Chinese chef's background! A culinary genius who suddenly appears out of nowhere using traditional Chinese medicine? There's definitely something fishy going on!"

Meanwhile, in the backyard of the "Yihexuan Restaurant," Su Ning was drying freshly collected herbs under the moonlight.

Emily leaned against the door frame, swirling a glass of champagne in her hand.

"Guess who called to make a reservation today?" She took a sip of her drink. "The White House Chief of Staff. The president is visiting Los Angeles next month and specifically requested to have dinner here."

Su Ning paused in her actions: "Oh? You're already this famous?"

“Of course! You’ve already conquered half of Hollywood.” Emily walked up to him and suddenly reached out to pluck a blade of grass from his hair. “Seriously, you never imagined you’d be this successful, did you?”

Su Ning looked up at the starry sky: "My father often said that good doctors govern the country and medicinal cuisine nourishes the people. I am just... putting my family's teachings into practice in another way."

Emily gazed quietly at his profile, the moonlight casting dappled shadows on his focused eyes.

The man who once had to enter into a sham marriage with her for a green card has now quietly transformed into a legend in Los Angeles.

And she, nominally his wife, was actually...

“Oh, right,” Su Ning suddenly turned around, almost bumping into Emily who was standing right next to her, “I’m thinking of renovating the second-floor terrace. With the weather getting warmer, we could create a herb garden, so guests can relax while waiting…”

He didn't finish his sentence.

Emily suddenly tiptoed and placed a light, butterfly-wing-like kiss on his lips.

“This is… a reward for the head chef.” She took a step back, her cheeks flushed in the moonlight. “Congratulations on earning a Michelin star.”

Su Ning stood there, stunned, her fingers unconsciously touching her lips.

The sweet scent of champagne and Emily's faint perfume still lingered there.

This unexpected kiss made his heart race more than any Michelin rating.

The lavender in the backyard swayed gently in the night breeze, as if witnessing this subtle and important moment.

In the distance, the lights of Los Angeles shone like a sea of ​​stars, and the sign of the "Summer Palace Restaurant" shone brightly among them, like an American dream coming true.

……

On the day the Michelin inspectors visited, Los Angeles was experiencing a rare light drizzle.

Emily had been restless since morning and had adjusted the orchid in the center of the dining room for the fifth time.

"Are they really coming? I mean, without even a warning..." She bit her lower lip, a rare display of nervousness that Su Ning had never seen since she met her.

“They will come.” Su Ning didn’t look up, and was using tweezers to embellish a dessert with gold leaf. “Yesterday, that Swiss banker couple had marks on their left wrists from wearing watches for a long time, but they deliberately didn’t wear watches. When ordering, they looked at the wine list first and then the menu. They exchanged glances with each dish but didn’t talk to each other—typical Michelin judge behavior.”

Emily's eyes widened: "Why didn't you say so sooner! We should..."

“We should treat them like any other guest.” Su Ning finally looked up, her eyes calm as still water. “My father often said that the best medicine should be given to the patients who need it most, and the best food should be given to the diners who appreciate it most. To do it deliberately will only make it less genuine.” The restaurant doorbell rang, and the first group of guests arrived despite the drizzle.

Emily took a deep breath, put on a professional smile, and went to greet them.

Today she wore a modified cheongsam, with a light bamboo leaf pattern embroidered on dark green silk...

This was specially ordered by Suning from an old tailor in Chinatown last week.

"Hello! Welcome to the Summer Palace Restaurant." She greeted him fluently, but almost bit her tongue when she saw who it was...

Standing at the door was Michael Ellis, the international director of the Michelin Guide, followed by four judges in sharp suits.

“Mrs. Su, it’s an honor to meet you.” Ellis smiled and shook Emily’s stiff hand. “We finished our judging in New York early and flew to Los Angeles specifically for this purpose. I hope this has not caused you any inconvenience.”

Emily's mind raced.

As is customary, Michelin three-star inspectors will visit anonymously at least three times, but today the director personally led the team, which means...

“It’s an honor,” she heard herself say, her voice far calmer than she had imagined. “My husband is in the kitchen preparing today’s special menu.”

A hint of admiration flashed in Ellis's eyes: "We are very much looking forward to Mr. Su's philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine cuisine."

The air in the kitchen seemed to freeze.

When Emily rushed in to deliver the news, even the usually composed sous chef Kobayashi spilled a bowl of broth.

"The Michelin director?! Is he sitting in the dining room right now?" Kobayashi frantically wiped the stove. "Our menu today is just ordinary..."

“No.” Su Ning suddenly interrupted him, her eyes becoming unusually bright. “Change to the Five Elements and Five Flavors Feast.”

The entire kitchen fell silent.

"Five Elements and Five Flavors" is a top-tier menu secretly developed by Suning, corresponding to the Five Elements theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and has never been made public.

Even Emily only tried two or three of them.

"Are you sure?" Emily asked in a low voice. "Those dishes have only been tested a few times, what if..."

“They deserve it.” Su Ning had already started taking out several exquisite porcelain jars from the safe, containing precious medicinal herbs that he had personally prepared. “Xiao Lin, prepare the ingredients for the liver wood spring rolls. A Jie, pick the fresh schisandra berries from the greenhouse in the backyard.”

For the next ninety minutes, the kitchen transformed into a meticulously functioning laboratory.

Like a conductor, Su Ning precisely controlled the temperature and timing of each step of the process. When the last "kidney water ice cream" was completed, his chef's uniform was soaked with sweat, but his eyes shone with an astonishing brightness.

"Serve the food," he said softly, as if performing some kind of sacred ritual.

Ellis looked at the first appetizer in front of her—"Golden Autumn Pear with Lungs".

The pear flesh, pure white, is carved into the shape of a lotus flower, with a single golden pearl powder adorning the center. It is placed on a dark stone plate, resembling a traditional Chinese ink painting.

"Please take a sniff first." Su Ning served the dish herself, her voice gentle. "The aroma of fritillaria can open the lungs."

Ellis took a sniff as instructed, and a cool scent rushed into his nostrils, causing him to involuntarily take a deep breath.

The moment the pear flesh entered his mouth, his eyes widened in surprise...

This seemingly simple dish bursts with distinct layers of flavor in the mouth: the sweetness of the pear, the slight bitterness of the fritillaria, and a hidden hint of dried tangerine peel aroma...

“This…” Ellis looked at the judge beside her and found that the other person was also shocked.

When the second dish, "Heartfire Summer Lotus," was served, the judging panel had already put down their pens and scoring sheets, completely immersed in the culinary experience.

The pink lotus root slices are arranged in the shape of flames, with a small, dancing real flame in the center...

Below, saffron soaked in alcohol is burning.

"Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it is good to nourish the heart in summer," Su Ning explained. "Saffron promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis, while lotus root clears the heart and relieves irritability. Please lightly blanch the lotus root slices in a flame before eating."

The flames shone on Ellis's face, and after he did as instructed, a strange warmth spread from his stomach throughout his body, as if something were truly clearing his blood vessels.

The third dish, "Spleen and Earth Nourishing Summer Soup," made a female judge quietly wipe away tears from the corners of her eyes.

This seemingly ordinary pumpkin soup contained poria cocos and yam, and the taste inexplicably reminded her of the soup her late grandmother used to make.

When the fourth dish, "Liver Wood Spring Rolls," was served, a dramatic scene unfolded.

Mr. Tanaka, the usually serious head of the Asian region judging panel, suddenly burst into tears after taking his first bite.

"I'm sorry... I don't know..." Tanaka frantically pulled out a handkerchief. "This smell reminds me of the wild vegetable rolls my mother used to make when I was little... but the ingredients are completely different..."

Su Ning nodded slightly: "I added a small amount of Albizia bark to the spring rolls. This medicinal herb is often used to treat excessive worry. It has a property—it can evoke people's warmest childhood memories."

Ellis watched this scene in shock.

As a food critic with 30 years of experience, he has seen countless famous chefs create surprises with luxurious ingredients such as truffles and caviar, but he has never seen anyone use food to evoke emotions so precisely.

The final dish, "Kidney Water Ice Cream," brought this culinary journey to a perfect close.

The black sesame ice cream, sprinkled with sparkling salt crystals and served in an ice sculpture bowl, is cool yet deeply sweet, as if bringing one into the tranquility of winter.

“This is… a manifestation of the balance of Yin and Yang.” Ellis put down his spoon, his voice filled with barely concealed excitement. “Mr. Su, you are not only a chef, but also a philosopher of taste.”

The awards ceremony was held at the Los Angeles Music Center.

When Ellis announced that the Summer Palace Restaurant had skipped two stars and directly earned three Michelin stars, the entire room erupted in incredulous gasps…

This is the highest honor an Asian restaurant has received in North America, and it also holds the record for the shortest opening time.

"Mr. Su has perfectly integrated traditional Chinese medicine theory with culinary art, creating a brand-new style of catering." Ellis handed the certificate to Su Ning, "This is not only an affirmation of his skills, but also a tribute to cultural innovation."

Under the flashing lights, Suning looked exceptionally composed in his Chinese-style stand-up collar suit embroidered with mugwort patterns.

He didn't prepare a fancy acceptance speech, but simply said, "Thank you to this land for embracing the dreams of strangers. Food is like medicine, its value lies in harmony."

From below the stage, Emily looked at her husband's profile under the spotlight, her chest surging with indescribable emotions.

The man who once had to enter into a sham marriage with her for a green card now stands at the pinnacle of world cuisine.

And she...

"Congratulations, Mrs. Su." A sarcastic voice rang in her ears.

Emily turned her head and saw Mark, the owner of "Emerald Palace," looking at her with a forced smile. "What a... fairytale success story."

Emily's face turned cold: "Mr. Mark, please have some self-respect."

“I’m just curious,” Mark said in a low voice, “whether Michelin knows that their rising star is… how should I put it, a speculator who made his fortune through a sham marriage?”

Emily's fingers dug into her palms, but she maintained an elegant smile: "I suggest you try today's calming tea, Mr. Mark. You look like you desperately need to cool down."

"Humph!"

On stage, Suning's gaze passed through the crowd and met Emily's.

Even though they were so far apart, they could still read the message in each other's eyes.

Mark didn't miss the eye contact. With a sullen face, he retreated into the crowd and whispered a few words to an Asian man wearing sunglasses.

At the awards banquet, the "Five Elements and Five Flavors" menu at the Summer Palace Restaurant became the focus of the entire event.

Hollywood celebrities and restaurant tycoons vied to chat with Suning, but he always maintained a comfortable humility, as if the Michelin three-star restaurant was just an ordinary stop on his journey.

"What are the plans next?" Ellis asked curiously.

Su Ning glanced at Emily, who was talking with the judges. The curve of her eyes when she smiled reminded him of willow branches in spring: "Keep improving. There's a saying in traditional Chinese medicine: 'Great doctors are sincere and dedicated'—true masters always pursue higher realms."

As night deepened and the last guest left, Suning and Emily stood side by side at the restaurant entrance.

The rain had long since stopped, and a few stars were visible in the Los Angeles night sky, a rare sight.

"What did Mark say to you today?" Suning suddenly asked.

Emily paused for a moment, then said, "It's nothing, just sour grapes."

She hesitated for a moment, "But he's right, our marriage is indeed..."

“Emily,” Su Ning interrupted her, her voice unusually gentle, “Do you know which dish in the Five Elements and Five Flavors menu was designed specifically for you?”

Emily shook her head.

“Heart Fire Summer Lotus,” Su Ning said softly. “Saffron promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis, making it especially suitable for people with blocked heart meridians… such as those who dare not admit that they have fallen in love.”

Emily's heart skipped a beat.

In the distance, the Michelin three-star logo gleamed beside the "Summer Palace Restaurant" sign, but even brighter than that was the gaze Sun Ning was giving her...

Warmth, steadfastness, and absolutely no pretense.

...(End of chapter)