Era: You're asked to cook a home-style dish, but you cook Wellington.

"Chef Gao, when I was at work, I heard that a restaurant specializing in expensive ingredients opened outside the island, and quite a few people have tried it!"

Gao Yang sat in the chair, looking at the financial report in his hand, and frowned.

He had heard of this so-called expensive ingredient restaurant; it was located not far from the island, with a hidden entrance that required a member's recommendation to enter.

However, the ingredients inside are all very precious, and it is said that some of them are wild animals that cannot be found in the market.

"Okay, I understand. You can go ahead and get busy."

Gao Yang's voice was as still as a deep well.

The subordinate wanted to say something more, but seeing Gao Yang's expression, he hesitated and could only nod.

After everyone left, Gao Yang slowly raised his head and looked out the window.

There are countless people opening shops to compete for business; earning a living through one's own abilities is something that can be said about.

But what they're after is high-end ingredients, which is definitely borderline in this day and age. It's one thing if they're farmed, but what if they're wild?

His eyes grew serious as he watched the numbers on the report in his hand decrease, and a burning sense of unease rose within him.

Several major clients have already cancelled their reservations this week. If this continues, I'm afraid the island will struggle to even break even.

Just at that moment.

"Gao Yang, I'm free today. I have a reservation at a restaurant. Let's go check it out together."

Su Wanqing's voice rang out.

Her discerning eyes seemed to see right through Gao Yang's thoughts as she pulled an invitation from her bag. The two large gold-embossed characters "Kawasaki" stood out prominently on the black card.

"Kawasaki?"

"Kawasaki Snow?"

Gao Yang jumped up from his chair and took the invitation.

This invitation was no different from the others, except for a line of small print on the back.

"The finest ingredients define the finest cuisine."

Gao Yang finished reading it.

"Wow, how arrogant."

Gao Yang gripped the gold-embossed invitation card tightly, his knuckles tightening the edges of the card.

It's obvious without even thinking that the owner behind that upscale hotel hidden in the shadows, catering only to members, is Kawasaki Yuki.

They just announced last week that they wanted to meet again, and now, only a few days later, they've opened a shop right across from Sujia Island. It's obvious they're here to challenge them.

It's her.

A hint of impatience appeared on Su Wanqing's delicate face.

I disliked this woman from the very first meeting, and now it seems there was a reason for it.

"We have to go there and see what she's really up to."

Gao Yang stood up, casually picked up his coat draped over the back of the chair, and his expression had returned to its usual composure.

"Only by knowing yourself and your enemy can you find the right solution. We can't just stand by and watch her steal all our customers."

Su Wanqing nodded; that was her opinion too.

Kawasaki Yuki's intentions are hostile, and her methods are insidious; there's no way to avoid her, so the only option is to take the initiative.

The two of them left Su Family Island without anyone else with them, packed their things quickly, and drove away.

Kawasaki Yuki's shop is hidden in a secluded courtyard of a Western-style house.

The courtyard had no conspicuous signboard, only a Japanese lantern hanging at the entrance, looking low-key and secretive, completely different from the bright and grand Su Family Island.

Upon arriving at the door, I gave them the number from the invitation.

The burly man guarding the gate looked Gao Yang and Su Wanqing up and down several times, and then checked the invitation in his hand before stepping aside to let them in.

The courtyard was decorated in an extremely luxurious manner, with artificial hills and dead trees placed in various places. The water surface was calm, and the pebbles were white, making it look like it was filled up but lifeless.

Waiters stood on both sides of the corridor. Upon seeing the visitor, they all bowed their heads and remained so quiet that they didn't make a sound.

The further you go in, the more you can sense the eeriness of this place. All the private rooms are separate and the doors and windows are tightly closed, so not even a trace of the aroma of food can be smelled out.

Just as I reached the end of the corridor, I heard a charming and familiar voice coming from the private room next door.

"Rest assured, bosses. With me, Kawasaki Yuki, you won't be disappointed. Those restaurants outside use ordinary chicken, duck, and fish. How can they compare to what I offer?"

Immediately following were the sounds of clinking glasses and the ingratiating murmurs of the guests.

Gao Yang and Su Wanqing exchanged a glance, then quietly approached each other.

Kawasaki Yuki's voice rang out again, filled with smugness.

"I source top-quality ingredients from overseas that you can't find anywhere else on the market. The venison and bear paws are the freshest and most tender cuts, and the cooking methods are unique to Japan. I guarantee you'll never forget it after just one bite."

As soon as he said that, Gao Yang's eyes sank to the bottom.

He guessed correctly. Kawasaki Yuki wasn't doing legitimate business at all; she was illegally selling protected wild animals, using these contraband ingredients to attract customers and maliciously suppress the Su family's island.

As for the so-called acquisition from overseas, who knows if it was obtained through illegal means within China?

Kawasaki Yuki, who was in the private room, seemed to sense something and suddenly stopped talking. Then, the door to the private room was suddenly pulled open.

Kawasaki Yuki leaned against the door frame and saw Gao Yang and Su Wanqing outside the door. Instead of being surprised, she smiled provocatively and charmingly.

"Who do we have here? It's Chef Gao and President Su."

"So, are you two here to learn from me, or has this young man finally changed his mind and decided to work for me?"

She deliberately straightened her body, revealing her ample bosom. The sparse fabric could not conceal her full beauty, which was exposed directly in front of Gao Yang.

"That's true. How can those ordinary ingredients on Su Family Island retain big clients? Unlike here, every dish is a delicacy that others can only dream of."

She turned her body to the side, deliberately showing Gao Yang and Su Wanqing the view inside the room.

Inside the room, one man after another ate with rosy cheeks.

They held up their glasses, their eyes glazed over as they looked in the direction of Kawasaki Yuki.

"Kawasaki boss, we haven't had enough yet! Come on, bring us two more dishes!"

"Boss Kawasaki, we can't enjoy our meals if you don't come."

Upon hearing this, Kawasaki Yuki covered her mouth and giggled.

"See? This is my source of confidence."

Gao Yang looked at her confident and fearless demeanor, a cold smile curling at the corner of his lips, his tone icy and biting.

"Ms. Kawasaki, impressive! You managed to hook so many people with that one move. But I wonder if the ingredients you used were legal?"

Kawasaki Yuki's smile widened upon hearing Gao Yang's words.

"What are you saying, young man? Our ingredients are of course legal, and we have all the necessary certificates that can be verified."

"Of course, if it's a handsome young man investigating, I'd be happy to cooperate. But make sure there are no outsiders present."

Kawasaki Yuki spoke softly, giving Su Wanqing a defiant look.

Su Wanqing's face was cold, and she did not speak.

On the contrary, the few diners were dissatisfied.

"Hey, are you guys crazy? You're taking up so much of the Kawasaki boss's time. If you have something to say, just say it."

Seeing this scene, Kawasaki Yuki turned around and offered a comforting remark.

"I know, I'll serve you the food in a bit, don't worry."

He turned to look at Gao Yang.

"Young man, I'm so sorry, I have other guests here. Please have a seat and wait a moment. I'll serve you personally."