The moment Ye Mengyi stepped into the kitchen, a wave of heat rushed toward her.
Several large iron pots were steaming on the stoves, and the rich aroma of stir-fried dishes filled the air.
The cooks inside all turned their heads when they heard that someone was about to cook wild mushrooms.
“So these are the mushrooms?”
“They don’t look poisonous…”
“Hmph, plenty of poisonous mushrooms look harmless too.”
The chefs gathered around, whispering among themselves while eyeing the basket suspiciously.
One stout chef folded his arms and frowned.
“Little lady, are you really sure these things can be eaten? If something goes wrong, it won’t just be a joke.”
Ye Mengyi remained calm.
Without arguing, she simply rolled up her sleeves and began sorting the mushrooms neatly.
“Whether they’re edible or not, you’ll know once the dish is done.”
Her composed attitude gradually quieted the room.
Even the skeptical chef couldn’t help watching more closely.
Ye Mengyi first selected several fresh oyster mushrooms and pine umbrella mushrooms, rinsing them carefully in clean water before tearing the larger caps into strips by hand.
She then asked the kitchen helper for a small piece of pork fat.
The helper looked toward the head chef uncertainly.
After a brief hesitation, the head chef grunted.
“Give it to her.”
Ye Mengyi thanked him softly.
She heated the wok first.
Only after the pan grew hot did she add the pork fat.
The fat quickly began to sizzle, releasing fragrant oil into the pan.
The watching chefs immediately straightened in surprise.
“She actually knows how to cook…”
“And not clumsily either.”
Ye Mengyi added sliced scallions and ginger.
The fragrance burst forth instantly.
Then she tipped the mushrooms into the wok.
“Shhhhhh—”
The mushrooms hit the hot oil with a sharp sizzling sound.
A rich, fresh aroma immediately rose from the pan.
Everyone in the kitchen froze.
The scent was astonishingly fresh.
Not fishy.
Not strange.
Instead, it carried a deep woodland fragrance unlike anything they had smelled before.
The stout chef unconsciously swallowed.
“That… smells pretty good.”
Ye Mengyi calmly stir-fried the mushrooms until they softened slightly and released moisture.
Then she added a pinch of salt and a little soy sauce before quickly tossing everything together again.
Soon, the mushrooms glistened beautifully in the oil.
Their fragrance grew even richer.
Even the kitchen helpers standing farther away couldn’t resist sniffing the air repeatedly.
“What kind of smell is this…”
“It’s fresher than meat…”
“Can mushrooms really smell this good?”
Finally, Ye Mengyi scooped the stir-fried mushrooms onto a porcelain plate.
The oyster mushrooms curled softly, while the pine umbrella mushrooms retained a satisfying firmness.
Steam rose from the dish along with an irresistible aroma.
The entire kitchen had fallen silent.
Everyone stared at the plate.
Even the head chef’s expression had changed completely.
Ye Mengyi looked toward him and smiled faintly.
“Would you like to taste it first?”
The head chef hesitated.
Then, unable to resist the smell any longer, he picked up a pair of chopsticks and cautiously took a bite.
The moment the mushrooms entered his mouth, his eyes widened.
The oyster mushrooms were tender and juicy.
The pine umbrella mushrooms were crisp and springy.
Both carried an intense natural umami flavor that spread across his tongue.
It was delicious beyond expectation.
The chef’s expression shifted instantly from suspicion to shock.
“This—”
He looked at the plate in disbelief before hurriedly taking another bite.
The other chefs could no longer hold back either.
They rushed forward with chopsticks.
Within moments, the entire plate was nearly empty.
“My heavens…”
“This is incredible!”
“These mushrooms taste even fresher than chicken soup!”
“How have we never eaten this before?!”
The kitchen erupted into excited voices.
Outside the kitchen door, Wang the Shopkeeper had originally been waiting with folded arms and skepticism.
But as the fragrance drifted into the dining hall, even he couldn’t sit still anymore.
He hurried inside.
“What’s going on? Why does it smell so good?”
The head chef immediately turned toward him, eyes blazing with excitement.
“Shopkeeper Wang! These mushrooms are treasure!”
He quickly shoved the remaining half-plate toward him.
“Try it yourself!”
Wang the Shopkeeper frowned skeptically and picked up a piece with his chopsticks.
The moment he tasted it, he froze.
Then his eyes lit up sharply.
The fresh, savory flavor exploded across his tongue.
Not only was there no bitterness or toxicity—
It was delicious enough to rival expensive mountain delicacies.
He immediately looked toward Ye Mengyi.
“This… was made from those wild mushrooms?”
Ye Mengyi nodded calmly.
“Yes.”
Wang the Shopkeeper’s breathing quickened slightly.
As a businessman, he instantly realized the value hidden in these mushrooms.
If this dish were added to the restaurant menu—
It would absolutely become a signature specialty.
His attitude changed completely at once.
The earlier caution and indifference vanished, replaced by excitement and eagerness.
“Miss Ye,” he said immediately, “how many mushrooms did you bring today? I’ll buy them all!”