He changed Tiwat

Then, with that money, create a miniature "number pusher" prototype and send it to an auction held by the Ningguang Merchant Guild or the Feiyun Merchant Guild—this is the most likely way for Galcha to make a name for himself in Liyue.

But a week has passed, and Garcia is still struggling with this radish and vegetable soup...

Lu Tong is currently worried – the food and rent at Wangshu Inn are not free.

Lu Tong and Jia Er had met at this Wangshu Inn seven days ago.

Because Garcia's "number-pushing machine" was not well-regarded in Fontaine, the bigwigs in Fontaine were unwilling to provide funding for Garcia's research.

As is well known, Liyue is the wealthiest country in Teyvat, and Liyue's wealthy merchants often spend lavishly on Fontaine's artworks.

So, Galcha came to Liyue from Fontainebleau to raise funds for his research on the "Calculation Machine." He planned to try his luck in Liyue, hoping that a discerning individual might recognize his talent.

However, his eye for attracting investment was clearly a bit off. Among the many merchants who came and went from Wangshu Inn, the first person he struck up a conversation with was Lu Tong.

Lutong is a local of Liyue Harbor and just turned twenty this year. If you had to name a profession, he should be considered a student—because he was on his way to study in Fontaine when he met Galcha.

Strictly speaking, Lu Tong did indeed possess a certain businessman's temperament—his parents were both civil servants in the General Affairs Department responsible for reviewing departmental accounts, essentially auditors. From a young age, his parents groomed him to become the next auditor in the General Affairs Department; he was already using an abacus with his parents as soon as he learned to speak.

Judging by his appearance alone, Lu Tong gives the impression of being quite shrewd and capable. Coupled with his mature expression that belies his age, he could easily be mistaken for the son of a merchant or official. But when it comes to investments... Lu Tong's meager funds are less than Galcha's own.

There's an old saying in Liyue: "Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles."

On the Jade Capital Terrace once lived a young nobleman named Xu Hongzu. After failing the Liyue civil service exam, he abandoned his official career and traveled to the famous mountains and rivers of Liyue, where he wrote the famous "Travels of Yanxia Ke".

At the end of that book, Xu Hongzu wrote:

The reason I wrote this book is to tell you that all the fame, glory, and lasting legacy of a hundred years are nothing compared to one thing: living your life the way you like.

The world is so big, I want to go see it.

We only have one life, and we only live once, so "living authentically" is the most important thing.

Look at the Jade Capital Terrace. Whether it's the Seven Stars or the Eight Gates, they are all swept along by the times. Perhaps they occupy the pinnacle of Liyue Harbor, but in their long lives, have they ever truly been happy?

While others chased after wealth and fame, I sat atop the highest peak amidst the towering clouds, listening all day to the sound of melting snow.

This travelogue later became a famous work in Liyue, and studying abroad became a trend among young people in Liyue. Writing down the hardships and insights gained from studying abroad and publishing it in a bookstore was a good thing—and it could even be a plus in job interviews for departments like the Department of Justice.

As for Xu Hongzu himself, he actually traveled with servants and servants, riding in carriages and sedan chairs. When he went up to Jueyun Mountain, he hired local villagers to carry him up the mountain. After he finished writing this travelogue, he was recruited by his father to join the Heji Hall and eventually became its director. These are all trivial old stories.

Lu Tong agrees with the saying "The world is so big, I want to see it," but as a young man from a not-so-wealthy family, his predicament is that "my wallet is so small, I can't go anywhere."

But he still resolutely embarked on the journey.

Because his "study abroad" was actually mostly for the purpose of "escaping home".

As the son of a civil servant family, Lu Tong has received a good education. At the very least, it should be a sure thing for him to pass the exam and follow in his father's footsteps in the General Affairs Department. Moreover, he is extremely talented in accounting. If Liyue had a "Certified Public Accountant" exam, he would probably have obtained the certificate long ago.

His parents were very satisfied with the child and had even started to pull strings in the General Affairs Department to ask their colleagues to take care of him.

But Lu Tong did not want to spend his life like his parents, sorting out accounts in a department of the General Affairs Division.

His parents worked diligently their whole lives, only to become senior auditors instead of auditors. Lu Tong had absolutely no interest in such a predictable life.

So he decided to venture out and explore – since those Sumeru “Diriyesi” of his age could “travel on a shoestring” to Teyvat with limited funds, why couldn’t he?

Meeting Mr. Garcia was a wonderful encounter for the young Lu Tong. He had gone to Fontainebleau to study in order to see the legendary Fontainebleau technology full of wonders and ingenuity, and as a result, a Fontainebleau scientist appeared in front of him as if by fate.

After Galcha explained the principles and design concept of the "number pusher" to him, Lutong couldn't help but exclaim, "It's like a mountain dweller seeing Liyue Harbor for the first time."

Garcia was overjoyed to have met a young confidant in a foreign land. Moreover, Lu Tong was intelligent, studious, and quite talented in mathematics. Although Lu Tong could not become his investor, he could become his friend and collaborator.

So he immediately decided to hire Lu Tong as his assistant. Although the salary he offered was really meager, Lu Tong didn't mind.

What could be more appealing to an ambitious young person than a great undertaking that could change the history of human science and technology?

—Lu Tong has now discovered that there are such opportunities, for example, having a good meal.

Garcia continued rambling on: "...Since we can't accurately identify the taste of this dish, we should introduce a new observer, a third-party witness... Hmm, we need to find someone..."

Lu Tonggal sighed, a sound he couldn't hear.

Lu Tong held Garcia in high esteem. This Fontaine scientist was erudite and possessed astonishing creativity, especially in mathematics, where he was a genius that Lu Tong could only dream of. However, he seemed rather eccentric when it came to things unrelated to mathematics.

Everyone knows that eating radishes for several days in a row will cause diarrhea, but Mr. Galcha seems completely unaware of this...

This is what they mean by "those who look at the sky often don't notice what's under their feet," right?

So, helping Mr. Galcha "watch his step" was his job as an assistant.

Lu Tong took a deep breath and decided to be stern with Mr. Garcia, to make him understand that humans are not rabbits and cannot live on carrots.

Just as he was about to speak, Galcha suddenly stood up: "Ah...ha! Our witnesses have arrived, fantastic! And there's more than one!"

Lu Tong turned around and saw two strangers.

One person was dressed in Fontainebleau attire, with long brown hair tied in a ponytail at the back of their head, exuding a romantic charm reminiscent of Fontainebleau.

The other one was wearing a blue civil servant uniform long gown, and... he looked very familiar.

Garcia and the Fontaine man embraced warmly, clearly having known each other for a long time.

“Dear Patrick, we meet again. You’ve come at just the right time… And who is this person beside you?”

After exchanging introductions and compliments, Patrick explained his purpose to Garcia, who was overjoyed and began to enthusiastically tell Han Fulai about his "number-pushing machine".

Han Fulai was already quite good at advanced mathematics and had some knowledge of the history of the "difference engine". He could keep up with Galcia's pace perfectly. He could always pinpoint the key problems that the "number-inducing engine" was currently facing, which excited Galcia and made him consider him a kindred spirit.

Lu Tong was even more shocked. He then realized that Han Fulai, the renowned Deputy Minister of Liyue, was also so skilled in mathematics. Recalling that this Deputy Minister Han was also a talent who returned from Fontaine, he became even more determined to follow Galcha to learn Fontaine technology.

At this moment, Yan Xiao, the head chef of Wangshu Inn, came to them with two plates of radish and vegetable soup.

"Here's your food." Yan Xiao gruffly put down the plates and turned to leave.

Galcha grabbed Yanxiao's arm.

"Mr. Yanxiao, you've come at the right time. Could you please explain how to make radish and vegetable soup to me again?"

"Huh? Not again? Go somewhere cool and stay away!" Yan Xiaobao's eyes widened in anger, making Galcha shrink back in fright.

Yan Xiao's attitude piqued Han Fulai's curiosity. Although the chef wasn't exactly gentle, he was actually a very easy person to talk to. It was rare for him to get angry at a customer for no reason.

As a common home-cooked dish, the recipe for radish and vegetable soup is not exactly a secret, so Yanxiao shouldn't be keeping it hidden.

"Chef Yanxiao, is there some misunderstanding between you and Mr. Galcha?" Han Fulai asked.

Upon seeing that it was an acquaintance, Yan Xiao immediately poured out her grievances: "Deputy Minister Han, please tell me, how can there be anyone in this world who can't even make a simple radish and vegetable soup! Just cut white radish and tomatoes into chunks, chop mint, add some dates for sweetness, a little sesame oil for aroma, some chopped green onions for freshness, and finally half a spoonful of salt, and you're done, right?"

Han Fulai nodded, confirming that this was indeed the normal way to make radish and vegetable soup.

Radish and Vegetable Soup is essentially just white radish and vegetable soup. Radishes and tomatoes are rich in vitamins, making it suitable for weight loss and health. Adding dates provides nutrition and enhances the flavor of the soup, while sesame oil gives it a fresh aroma. After stewing, the vegetables become tender, the soup is sweet and sour with a refreshing minty taste, and it's simple and refreshing, perfectly capturing the pastoral atmosphere of Liyue.

As the personal secretary of Gan Yu, a vegetarian, Han Fulai has made radish and vegetable soup quite often; it is indeed a very simple dish.

“But…” Although Galcha was afraid of Yan Xiao’s fierce appearance, he still insisted on asking questions with the spirit of a scientist who would never give up: “Chef, what you are talking about… how many dates is a little bit? How much is a little bit of sesame oil? What does ‘appropriate amount’ mean? How many grams is half a spoonful of salt?”

Yan Xiao clenched her fists so tightly they cracked, and pointed at Galcha: "Deputy Minister Han, you saw that, didn't you? He kept asking and asking! How am I supposed to know exactly how much of each ingredient and seasoning I put in every dish I make?! The amount of seasoning and ingredients I put in when I'm cooking is just... just going with the flow, isn't it? What chef would keep track of such things!"

Han Fulai finally understood the source of the conflict between Garcia and Yanxiao... but there was no solution to this kind of problem.

Mathematicians like Galcia are always striving for precision—otherwise, he wouldn't have invented such a sophisticated "calculation machine." Vague descriptions in recipes are "unknowns" to a mathematician like him, and he would be driven crazy if he didn't find a solution.

But if you ask a chef what "appropriate amount" means, or what "a little" is, he will definitely answer—

"A recipe without 'appropriate amount,' 'a little,' 'a pinch,' or 'half a spoonful' is soulless!"

Yan Xiao complained angrily, "If it weren't for the fact that they paid, I would have complained to the boss... They were clearly picking a fight with me. Ugh... I really can't stand it anymore, how could I have encountered such people..."

Garcia looked at Han Fulai pitifully and stammered, "Um...Mr. Han, do you know how to make radish and vegetable soup?"

He certainly knew how to cook, but why was Garcia so fixated on this particular dish? He cast a questioning glance at Garcia.

At this moment, Lu Tong, who had been listening obediently from the side, spoke up: "Sir, you need to explain the whole story first..."

Galcha nodded. "Well, this matter needs to start with the principle of the 'number converter,' beginning with the simplification and systematization of the conversion symbols..."

“Sir, I think your explanation should be simplified,” Lu Tong quickly interrupted his long-winded explanation.

“Simplify… How do I simplify this… Hmm, yes, ‘simplicity is beauty,’ the simpler the formula, the more beautiful it is… I need a formula, an expression to describe a certain relationship between various quantities, with a certain degree of universal applicability…”

Seeing that Garcia couldn't explain things clearly in a short time, Lu Tong had to explain for him: "We are looking for the formula for 'radish and vegetable soup'."

Chapter 357 Molecular Gastronomy and Programming [4k5]

"The formula for radish and vegetable soup? You mean the recipe?" Han Fulai asked.

Lu Tong nodded and then shook his head. "In Mr. Galcha's words, it's about writing out a 'recipe formula' with the help of a 'calculation machine.' Mr. Galcha believes that once we find the correct formula, we can rewrite the recipe for radish and vegetable soup into a..."

“A ‘general process’.” That’s Garcia’s definition.

"A 'foolproof process'." That's Lu Tong's definition.

"In short, anyone can cook a delicious radish and vegetable soup by following this procedure. Chef Yanxiao's method is really... too demanding in terms of talent. People like Mr. Galcha and me, who have absolutely no talent for cooking, would never be able to grasp the essence of it, no matter how diligently the chef teaches us..."

Yan Xiao crossed her arms, snorted, and looked like she didn't want to talk to him.

Han Fulai now understood what they meant.

In other words, the two of them hoped to turn the recipe into a "production line operation procedure," just like making fried chicken in a modern fast food restaurant. As long as you have received operational training and follow the steps, even someone who has never cooked before can make delicious fried chicken.

—Wait a minute, speaking of which, hasn't the "mechanical cooking machine" of the True Lord Liuyun Borrowing Wind already implemented this function?

The "Mechanical Cooking Machine" is loaded with various recipes collected by True Lord Liuyun. As long as the required parameters are entered, the "Mechanical Cooking Machine" can process the ingredients and cook the finished product on its own. The taste is exactly the same as the description of the recipe... Isn't this the "formula" that Galcha is looking for?

It seems that these "mad scientists" all think the same strange things... Maybe there's a chance to take Galcha to meet the True Lord of Cloud Retention and Wind Borrowing; the two would probably get along very well.

Han Fulai smiled and asked, "So, what can I do to help you two?"

“Third-party corroboration!” Garcia quickly said.

As Garcia's assistant and translator, Lu Tong helped translate Garcia's words into plain language: "To put it simply, we invite you to try the radish and vegetable soup that Mr. Garcia has made according to the formula, and give us your feedback."

Simply put, it's about helping to try out the new dishes; he's good at that kind of job.

Han Fu glanced at Patrick, who said he had no objection. Anyway, it was dinner time, so they might as well have dinner together.

"I'm also very curious about the radish and vegetable soup made according to the 'formula'. Well then, Chef Yanxiao, shall we borrow the kitchen for a bit?" Han Fulai said to Yanxiao.

“Borrowing the kitchen is no problem.” Yan Xiao still gave Han Fu face. “But…” He stared at Galcha and Lu Tong, “You two finish these two radish and vegetable soups first. I can’t stand waste!”

Garcia and Luton stood in front of the stove, their faces pale.

This was because after they finished their respective radish and vegetable soups, they had to go to the outhouse for a while, which made their steps unsteady. But in any case, they obtained the latest "experimental data".

“While the taste of the radish and vegetable soup is still fresh in my memory, Mr. Garcia, let’s begin,” Lu Tong said.

Garcia did not respond.

“Mr. Garcia?” Luton called again, “Are you listening? Shall we proceed with the experiment as before?”

“Huh? Oh!” Galcha finally snapped out of it. “Sorry, I must have been spacing out again… those parameters were swirling around in my head, just wouldn’t listen to me… that’s right, let’s go through the same three steps as before.”

He nodded to Lu Tong, a determined look in his eyes. "Come on, Lu Tong, this time we'll reduce the amount of each ingredient by another ten percent... Step one, start cooking."

“Yes, sir.” Lu Tong rolled up his sleeves.

Han Fulai and Patrick watched the two men's actions with great interest, while Yan Xiao curled his lip in disdain. He had already foreseen the outcome—after all, this wasn't the first time these two had used the kitchen to "conduct experiments."

"First and foremost, there's water."

Garcia gave the order, and Luton picked up the kettle and began adding water to the pot.

"Oh! Pay attention to the speed at which you pour the water, that's important."

"Okay, sir."

Lu Tong slightly raised his wrist, carefully controlling the flow of water to ensure that not a single drop of water splashed into the pot... The movement was graceful, almost like a diver suppressing the splash... But what was the point?

Han Fulai and Patrick exchanged a glance, both seeing question marks in each other's eyes.

"Then comes the feeding. First comes the radish..."

Under Galcha's command, Lu Tong meticulously completed all the instructions. If he were to take the experimental skills test in the high school entrance exam, he would undoubtedly be a top student who gets full marks—the problem is, he's cooking right now...

From an observer's perspective—

“I feel like they’re doing some kind of alchemical experiment…” Patrick honestly expressed his feelings.

Han Fulai nodded in deep agreement and began to regret agreeing to help them taste the dishes.

A short while later, Garcia cheered.

"Done! Radish and vegetable soup!"

Lu Tong wiped the sweat from his brow, his face full of satisfaction: "Our process went very smoothly, sir."

“Great, let’s try it right away.” Galcha said, setting out four small bowls and filling them with soup. Except for Yan Xiao, who explicitly refused, the other four people present each got a share.