Meng Shitong and her friends had lunch at Fujing Building. They couldn't find fault with the taste of the dishes, but they still felt a pang of pain when they paid the bill.
After lunch, she returned to the studio and couldn't help but sigh, "It's really too expensive to eat at Fujinglou."
Several other people in the studio also nodded in agreement.
Photographer A Fei made a more serious analysis: "In fact, in terms of price, it is indeed much more expensive than Su Ji, but we still have to consider the location of Fujing Building and the overall decoration inside and outside, which is like a scenic spot."
Hearing this, Meng Shitong also said, "Yes, considering the location of Fujing Building and the various decorations inside and outside, the price is quite fair."
He Yaqian said helplessly: "If you all say so, what else can I say? It's not my money anyway."
Meng Shitong laughed when she heard this: "Didn't you notice that classmate He Yaqian suddenly became so stingy?"
He Yaqian immediately argued: "No way, this time it was you, Sister Meng, who said that it was for our needs to record the vegetarian dishes, so you definitely can't let us pay for it ourselves, right?"
Meng Shitong nodded: "Well, it's true that we can't pay for it alone, so let's split the cost this time."
He Yaqian suddenly looked depressed: "No way, Sister Meng, aren't you going to reimburse me?"
Meng Shitong asked with a smile: "Hey, hey, hey, you guys don't have to pay, do I have to pay?"
Everyone in the studio immediately expressed that they should share the cost of the meal.
After all, the studio is still relatively small and many things are just starting out.
Although some videos on the Internet have brought them attention and successfully attracted the attention of some advertisers.
But for the time being, the studio's income is still not able to fully match its usual expenses.
However, for Meng Shitong and others, this is a career they have worked hard for together. Maybe it doesn’t look very good now, but everyone is still full of confidence in the future.
After talking about the prices, Meng Shitong asked everyone to give their evaluation of the dishes at Fujinglou.
This time, photographer A Fei made the first evaluation.
"I think the dishes at Fujinglou are worthy of their location and the layout of the interior and exterior decoration. In terms of taste, the dishes are indeed very good, but if compared with Chef Feng's skills, there is still a gap."
After hearing this evaluation, Meng Shitong asked, "Where do you think the difference is? Which dishes are there differences?"
He Yaqian didn't wait for Ah Fei to answer and said directly: "I think every dish has its own differences."
Meng Shitong stopped He Yaqian: "Wait a minute, let Ah Fei finish his words first."
Ah Fei said seriously: "First, we ordered their signature lion's head. They don't have the unique lion's head of Chef Feng, nor the four-season lion's head. They only have three kinds of lion's head: braised, boiled and crab meat.
Just from this point, it is obvious that he is far inferior to Chef Feng. Think about it, Chef Feng's dish of tofu and catfish lion's head?"
As soon as she said this, He Yaqian exclaimed: "Oh, that dish is really great, I like that one too."
Ah Fei continued, "Let's not talk about Chef Feng's innovation, let's just talk about the three kinds of lion's head they have."
In A Fei's opinion, the three kinds of lion head at Fujinglou are indeed not bad in taste, especially the braised one, which is delicious.
However, A Fei was very dissatisfied with the two types of lion head: clear stew and crab meat stew.
"The braised lion's head is not as delicious as Chef Feng's, which can be easily blended with the tongue without biting. And did you notice that one of them is even a little broken?"
Everyone in the studio nodded after hearing this. Indeed, the braised lion head dish was a bit disappointing to them.
Ah Fei mentioned crab meat and lion's head soup: "As for crab meat and lion's head soup, I think it is not the right season now and this dish should not be presented."
Meng Shitong asked curiously: "Why do you think this dish shouldn't be available?"
Ah Fei answered directly: "Because it is not the season for eating crabs, I feel that Fujinglou is very forced to put this dish on the menu at this time. It is just to show the strength of the big restaurant. I can make this dish."
He Yaqian agreed with this point: "Yes, I think so too. It seems that they just want to show that this is their signature dish, and they are afraid that others don't know that they are the inheritor of this dish."
Meng Shitong thought for a moment and concluded: "So, what you mean is that Fujing Building is still too commercial and lacks the cultural heritage it should have?"
After hearing this, several people in the studio said almost in unison: "Yes."
Ah Fei even praised Meng Shitong: "Sister, your summary is so accurate. It feels like Fujinglou is just an ordinary big restaurant, even like a celebrity check-in spot, not a restaurant that can represent the heritage of our Huaicheng food culture."
He Yaqian continued: "To put it simply and directly, Fujinglou is now like an uneducated nouveau riche."
He Yaqian's metaphor was also recognized by everyone.
In fact, this is also the point that Fujing Building was previously criticized by some local elderly people.
Huaicheng did invest a lot in Fujinglou in the beginning, striving to make it a restaurant that represents Huaicheng's catering culture.
It’s a pity that the subsequent bosses were always too commercial and lacked cultural background in their operations.
If outsiders come to Huaicheng, they will definitely be recommended to visit Fujing Tower, because it is indeed very famous in Huaicheng and occupies a good geographical location in Huaicheng.
In addition, Fujinglou has indeed insisted on making local dishes over the years, especially adhering to the local morning tea tradition.
For foreign tourists, Fujing Tower is a must-visit spot.
However, because it attracts too many tourists from other places, Fujinglou has become a bit too commercialized. Therefore, in terms of overall atmosphere and cultural heritage, it has always been lacking a lot.
Naturally, Su Lanxin also noticed this problem after she came back and took over Fujing Building.
So when she wanted to get the old plaque of Su Ji, she had the idea of hanging it on the Fujing Building.
Of course, Su Lanxin had to change her plan now because Feng Yifan's appearance disrupted all her plans.
Meng Shitong listened to everyone's speeches and everyone in the studio had a discussion.
She still asked everyone: "So what do you think, should we still make the video of Fujing Building? And how should we make this video? What kind of views and attitudes should be presented?"
He Yaqian immediately said, "Of course we should tell the truth, and then let everyone compare it with Su Ji."
This time, A Fei had a different opinion: "I don't think it's good, because if it is like this, our opinions may be a little subjective. We shouldn't have too many subjective evaluations before."
He Yaqian asked curiously: "Hey, hey, hey, you were the one who talked the most just now, and now you're still saying that we're too subjective?"
Ah Fei quickly admitted his mistake: "No, no, no, I'm not talking about you, I was just too subjective."
Meng Shitong didn't wait for He Yaqian to continue, and spoke first: "I think Ah Fei is right. We really should not be too subjective. To be honest, if we don't compare it with Chef Feng, do you think there is something wrong with Fujinglou's current dishes?"
After hearing this, everyone in the studio calmed down and said that they did not think there was a problem.
In fact, after Fujinglou was acquired by Su Liancheng and the kitchen was handed over to Tan Xueli, the quality of the dishes has indeed improved a lot.
If Feng Yifan had not been at Su Ji and had not left such a deep impression on Meng Shitong and the others, they would not have thought that there was anything wrong with the dishes at Fujinglou today, and they might even have been amazed.
Seeing that everyone agreed, Meng Shitong continued, "So, I agree with Ah Fei. Let's be more objective and not express the comparison with Su Ji. We can just make a store exploration video."
He Yaqian thought about it and suddenly asked: "But if this is the case, wouldn't it be unfair to Su Ji?"
Ah Fei asked curiously: "What does this have to do with Su Ji? How can it be unfair to Su Ji?"
He Yaqian curled her lips and said, "Because Su Ji and Fu Jing Lou are in the same city, if Fu Jing Lou has the same dishes as Su Ji, and we don't compare the taste, wouldn't that be like promoting Fu Jing Lou?"
This was something that Meng Shitong and A Fei had not thought of before.
After being reminded by He Yaqian, the two thought about it carefully and felt that it was indeed a bit unfair.
Because the environment in which Su Ji is located is simply incomparable to Fujing Tower.
If there are two store exploration videos, when most of the dishes in the two stores are the same and there is no obvious difference in taste, then tourists coming to Huaicheng will definitely choose Fujinglou.
After all, Fujing Tower has the advantage of geographical location and naturally has excellent scenic spots.
Su Ji is just a small restaurant located on an old street and looks relatively small.
After another moment of contemplation, Meng Shitong said, "Then, can we do this? We won't say too much, but just point out some comparisons in price and location, and a little bit in taste, and let everyone choose freely for the rest."
Ah Fei thought for a moment and said, "Well, I think this is fine. Don't mention it too much, just talk about the comparison a little bit. Besides, the price of Fujing Building should still discourage many people."
The final strategy has been finalized, and everyone should remain as objective as possible when exploring the stores.
However, while A Fei and the others were editing the film, Meng Shitong also took the time to call Feng Yifan privately.
Feng Yifan answered the phone and couldn't help laughing after listening to Meng Shitong's narration.
"Are you guys worrying too much? Aren't you making those food exploration videos? How to explore the stores and which stores to go to are your freedom. Isn't it necessary for you to express your feelings directly when exploring the stores?"
Feng Yifan actually didn't expect that Meng Shitong would actually call him to ask for his opinion after visiting Fujinglou.
"If you guys feel something, just say it in your video, there's nothing wrong with that, right
If you cannot express your feelings about visiting Fujinglou in a fair manner for the sake of our Su Ji, wouldn't that be very irresponsible to those netizens who like you?"
Meng Shitong didn't expect that Feng Yifan would have such an open-minded attitude towards this matter.
Especially after hearing what Feng Yifan said, Meng Shitong suddenly felt that they were indeed a little too nervous.
Perhaps it was because he knew some problems about the bosses behind Su Ji and Fujinglou.
He might be biased towards Su Ji in his heart, so he would always think about being on Su Ji's side and not letting Su Ji suffer any loss.
But in reality, one of their store exploration videos will not have as much influence as imagined.
The most important thing is that Su Ji and Fujinglou are not the same type of restaurants at all.
Su Ji is a boutique private chef in the city.
Fujinglou is a large restaurant in the scenic area.
There is really no comparison between the two. Even if the dishes are similar, if people really compare them, they will definitely still think that boutique private chefs like Su Ji are more authentic.
This is no longer the era of information blockade. Who wouldn’t go online to find out more
Feng Yifan saw Meng Shitong was silent, and finally said: "Actually, I really appreciate you thinking about Su Ji, but Su Ji has its own way of doing business, and we will not be influenced by others, so you really don't have to worry about this.
As for your video about Fujinglou, I think you should just do it truthfully. There is nothing wrong with promoting our local specialty restaurants."
At this moment, after listening to Feng Yifan's words, Meng Shitong suddenly realized what a true master is.
At this moment, Meng Shitong felt that a true master should be like Feng Yifan, who has his own temperament and his own rules, and will not change what he adheres to because of others.
Thinking of this, Meng Shitong said: "Okay, Chef Feng, I understand. Thank you for clearing up my confusion."
Feng Yifan smiled and said, "Well, I wish you all the best. I hope you can do better and better."
After hanging up the phone, Meng Shitong immediately went to the editing room and relayed some of Feng Yifan's words, and the subsequent editing went very smoothly.
Anyway, everyone has their own opinions. What is good about it? What is bad about it
The evaluation of Fujinglou is relatively objective, and no one deliberately belittles Fujinglou because of its relationship with Su Ji and Feng Yifan.
Feng Yifan hung up the phone and returned to the shade of the tree. The three little girls immediately gathered around him. Ever since they started calling him "Dad Feng", the three girls have been particularly attached to him, which made Yang Zhiyi really jealous.
Feng Yifan hugged the three girls and asked everyone, "Should we go back? It's getting late. The children should be able to sleep for a while if we go back."
Everyone looked at the time, and Su Ruoxi also said, "Why don't we go back? Otherwise, it will be bad if there is no one at Su Ji when Grandpa Ruoruo brings the table."
After hearing what Su Ruoxi said, everyone felt that they should go back. After all, changing tables at Su Ji was a big deal.
Afterwards, the group continued walking back along the lakeside trail.
Coincidentally, when the group returned to the gate of Fujing Tower, they happened to meet Su Lanxin who was there.