Chapter 120: Chapter 104: Gourmet Challenge

Cindy sat beside Ning He, her smile stiff.

Seven Wolves Street had a reputation. The people here were not to be trifled with, and ordinary residents typically steered clear.

There were two security companies in Beiluo City. She couldn’t believe Ning He was working with the one in the Fifth Ring, and even less so that the company was located on Seven Wolves Street.

Thinking of the staff members she’d seen on the way in, all with bulging muscles and murderous expressions, Cindy couldn’t help but shudder.

"Don’t be scared. I’m here, and Boss Mai is a legitimate businessman, not some homicidal maniac."

Ning He sensed her nervousness and offered a word of reassurance.

"Ning He, why don’t we find another company? The security firm in the First Ring is actually quite good. Maybe we should—"

Before Cindy could finish, the door was pushed open. She instinctively looked up and a weathered, scarred face came into view.

Cindy froze for a moment before exclaiming, "You’re Macken, the Soldier King!"

Macken walked into the reception room, his gaze sweeping over Cindy, his expression calm.

"You know me?"

The moment his blade-like gaze swept over her, Cindy felt as if she were being targeted by a dangerous predator. Goosebumps erupted all over her skin, and the feeling didn’t fade for several seconds.

She took a breath, suppressing her mix of nervousness and excitement. In the calmest voice she could manage, she said, "I saw you on TV when I was little. You were the first warrior from Beiluo City to earn the title of Soldier King from the Alliance. I never expected to see you here."

Ning He’s eyes widened as she carefully sized up Macken.

’Damn, this guy is seriously impressive!’

’The Alliance’s Soldier King title must be incredibly prestigious!’

’No wonder even Mr. Rochester is one of his clients.’

’His reputation is on a completely different level from those competitors who are all flash and no substance.’

"I’m surprised there are still young people who remember me." Macken gave a faint smile. "Johnny said you had something to discuss with me. Have you finalized the collaboration proposal?"

Macken seemed uninterested in dwelling on the past and got straight to the point.

Ning He nodded. "I’m planning to hold a foodie challenge."

"Simply put, I’ll create some exotic dishes for guests to taste and score. Whoever makes it to the end is the winner and will receive a cash prize or a gift."

Ning He explained the general idea, and Cindy added a few more details.

"...The entire schedule will be based on your arrangements. The TV station will only handle the filming and recording, and the final cut will be submitted for your approval before it’s released. We absolutely will not interfere with your normal operations or tarnish your company’s image."

"That doesn’t sound bad," Macken said. "But what’s the ’challenge’ part?"

Ning He pulled a small notebook from her bag, flipped to the pages where she had written down dish names, and handed it to him.

"You’ll understand once you see this."

Macken’s eyes scanned the lines of dish names in the notebook.

To make things clear, Ning He had made sure the names reflected the dishes’ key characteristics.

Words like "stinky," "strange," "foul," and "venomous" featured prominently, as did the names of mutated animals Macken was very familiar with—creatures whose appearances were even more horrifying than a mutated crab’s.

Macken quickly understood what Ning He was getting at.

He handed the notebook back to Ning He.

"While the idea is certainly novel, not all of our clients are masochists. They might not be interested in this kind of challenge."

He was so blunt that Cindy’s heart leaped into her throat, but Ning He didn’t seem worried.

"The names sound intimidating, and some of them might smell a little intimidating, and—of course—some will look intimidating too. But I guarantee you, there will be people who can appreciate them. Besides, these dishes are just a gimmick. The real focus is on making conventionally delicious food from intimidating-looking mutated creatures. Like the crab roe soup dumplings from last time."

Macken had tasted the crab roe soup dumplings, and the flavor had left a deep impression on him.

"If you can guarantee that there will be at least one dish of that caliber each time, then I think we can give it a try."

Ning He’s eyes lit up. "So you agree?"

Macken glanced at Cindy, who immediately tensed up.

"If the TV station can keep its word and not interfere with my business, I won’t object. But it’s up to you to convince the clients to agree to be filmed."

Cindy said quickly, "We understand. Rest assured, we absolutely will not interfere with the clients’ experience."

"In that case, you can start preparing. Don’t include Black Panther Company’s information in the advertisements. I’ll give you Annie’s contact information. You can handle the rest as you see fit."

Ning He agreed. Then, remembering something, she quickly called out to Macken as he was about to stand up.

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