Jiang Yi's meaning was very clear: the sweet potato plan would not encounter any obstacles.
This plan would benefit the region and garner significant public support.
Previously, Jiang Yi had been hesitant to undertake such an ambitious plan, but now he had a clear vision.
Since it was a project with a high probability of success, they should scale it up as much as possible.
At this moment, applause erupted from the crowd.
Jiang Yi's sweet potato plan would indeed bring prosperity to the region.
After discussing some of his ideas with everyone, Jiang Yi got into his car to return to the hotel as the afternoon wore on.
His impassioned speech had left him parched, and he drank a considerable amount of water.
"Mr. Jiang, I have an excellent plan!" Malantuo said.
"What plan?" Jiang Yi asked.
"Let's officially announce the sweet potato plan. We'll host a reception tonight and invite some journalists to report on how this plan will benefit the region, thereby gaining widespread support."
Malantuo elaborated.
"That's a great idea!"
Jiang Yi nodded.
"However, holding a reception tonight might be too hasty. How about this: I'll stay in Dongmeng Prefecture for a couple more days, and we'll hold the reception tomorrow."
"No, it shouldn't be called a reception. Let's change the name to the Sweet Potato Conference! It might sound a bit rustic, but it doesn't matter; it's simple and to the point!"
"Alright, I'll arrange it immediately!"
With that, Malantuo took out his phone and began making calls, instructing his subordinates to complete all preparations by noon the following day.
Then, Malantuo personally called to invite prominent figures from Dongmeng Prefecture's business community, aiming to create a significant buzz.
Upon arriving at the hotel, Malantuo arranged for a lavish feast of the finest food and wine, treating Jiang Yi as an honored guest.
Jiang Yi, feeling rather hungry, accepted the hospitality without hesitation and began to eat.
Malantuo sat beside him, keeping him company.
"Mr. Jiang, these dishes were all prepared by top chefs. They are the pinnacle of deliciousness from our Eagle Country. Please try each one and let me know your thoughts!" Malantuo said.
Jiang Yi sampled a small portion of each dish, finding the taste to be merely adequate.
"How is it, Mr. Jiang?" Malantuo asked expectantly.
"It's alright, but it doesn't quite qualify as true delicacy. Compared to the culinary delights of our Hua Xia Country, it still falls somewhat short!" Jiang Yi replied.
These words caused Malantuo to frown.
He had intended to showcase the culinary prowess of Eagle Country to Jiang Yi, but instead, Jiang Yi declared it inferior to Hua Xia Country's cuisine.
This left Malantuo feeling somewhat deflated.
"Mr. Jiang, please don't be offended by what I'm about to say!" Malantuo said.
"I won't be offended; feel free to speak your mind!" Jiang Yi smiled faintly.
In fact, Jiang Yi had a good idea of what Malantuo intended to say. It was likely related to his comment about Eagle Country's cuisine being inferior to Hua Xia Country's, and Malantuo was taking it to heart.
"Mr. Jiang, to be frank, I've traveled to Hua Xia Country on business before. I tasted the finest cuisine at top hotels in Hua Xia, but the taste was rather disappointing, nowhere near comparable to ours in Eagle Country!"
"Your statement just now, I disagree with it. I believe that the cuisine of our Eagle Country is the most delicious in the world." Malantuo asserted.
Jiang Yi smiled faintly. Since Malantuo was unconvinced, he decided to let him experience the true flavors of Hua Xia Country's cuisine and understand what true culinary delight was.
As he had nothing else to do, he could take this opportunity to spread Hua Xia Country's food culture.
Jiang Yi decided to personally cook, allowing Malantuo to witness firsthand what he could create.
"How about this, I'll personally showcase my skills!" Jiang Yi offered.
Malantuo was taken aback by this suggestion.
However, he quickly recovered and said with a smile, "Mr. Jiang, if that's the case, then it would be excellent. It is truly my honor to taste the dishes prepared by you!"
Malantuo, being a foodie, was very curious to see what kind of culinary masterpieces Jiang Yi could produce.
"If you can create food that surpasses the dishes on this table, then at tomorrow's Sweet Potato Conference, I will invite the Grand Governor of Dongmeng Prefecture to grace us with his presence!" Malantuo declared.
"Deal!"
Jiang Yi smiled faintly.
Malantuo immediately called the hotel manager and explained the situation.
The hotel manager, aware of Malantuo's status, readily agreed.
He instructed that the kitchen equipment be moved to the hotel lobby, seeing it as an opportunity to promote the hotel. Sudan Fiction Network.
At this moment, many members of high society and several nobles were present in the lobby.
Seeing an interesting event unfolding, they all gathered around.
Everyone present looked at Jiang Yi with skepticism.
In their minds, Hua Xia Country's cuisine was mediocre and hardly worthy of being called food. They were all eager to see Jiang Yi embarrassed.
"I've tried Hua Xia Country's cuisine, and compared to ours in Eagle Country, it's worlds apart. There's no room for comparison between the two!"
"How can the cuisine of Eagle Country be compared to that of Hua Xia Country?"
"This kid is overestimating himself. He's declaring war on Eagle Country's culinary world; it's no different from inviting disgrace upon himself."
...
The crowd began to chatter amongst themselves.
Not a single person present held any hope for Jiang Yi.
Jiang Yi paid them no mind. The harsher their words, the more resounding the eventual comeuppance.
While engaging in such a display might seem childish, Jiang Yi had ample time and found it an excellent way to pass the time.
It was also an opportunity to show these provincial folk what true earthly delicacies were.
At this moment, Malantuo felt a pang of regret.
He worried that Jiang Yi might not be able to produce any notable dishes, leading to ridicule from the onlookers.
In such a scenario, he might end up offending Jiang Yi.
However, the situation had progressed to a point where it was impossible to stop.
"Let's get started!"
Jiang Yi announced and immediately began his preparations.
Initially, Jiang Yi had intended to stir-fry a few dishes, but he found it too troublesome and decided to make a large pot of "Qiankun Great Nourishment Soup."
This was a masterful dish that concentrated most of the delicious flavors into a single pot.
Jiang Yi rarely made this particular dish.
The primary reason was its time-consuming nature; a pot of Qiankun Great Nourishment Soup took a full hour to prepare.
However, Jiang Yi now had an abundance of time.
Once everything was prepared, Jiang Yi meticulously controlled the heat and began to simmer the soup.
Soon, the crowd of onlookers grew larger and larger.
The lobby was nearly full, with everyone's gaze filled with curiosity, eager to see what kind of soup Jiang Yi would produce.
An hour was a considerable amount of time, but the curious onlookers did not leave, anticipating Jiang Yi's downfall.
Time steadily passed, and soon, an hour had elapsed.
Jiang Yi slowly lifted the lid of the pot, and an aroma immediately wafted out, spreading to every corner of the lobby.
The fragrance caused everyone to stir, unable to stand still. All were completely immersed in this mouthwatering delicacy, lost in its allure.