274: cooperate

Director Zhang put down his chopsticks and remained silent for a long time, looking at Lu Chuan with complex eyes, then at the price tag.

His previous disdain had long vanished, replaced by deep shock and internal conflict.

"...This craftsmanship is truly extraordinary!"

He finally spoke, his tone filled with admiration.

"Honestly, for this taste, 28 is really not expensive.

I was prejudiced before, I apologize."

"Thank you for your recognition."

Lu Chuan smiled and nodded.

He didn't care about Director Zhang's evaluation; he simply didn't want to see Xu Xiaole's good intentions trampled upon.

Meanwhile, Xu Xiaole was grinning from ear to ear.

If there was anyone happiest at this moment, it really had to be him.

Firstly, he could help Lu Chuan, and secondly, he could get free lunchboxes from Lu Chuan later.

Just then, Director Zhang suddenly changed the subject, a troubled expression on his face.

"However, our crew has many people and limited budget.

If the entire crew were to follow this standard, the investors might... and the extras have high turnover, making them difficult to manage."

Before Lu Chuan could speak, Director Zhang stroked his chin and fell into thought.

He paced two steps, then his eyes suddenly lit up, and he thought to himself:

"I've got it! Here's the plan: I can order this basic version for the staff and regular extras!

The taste is good, and everyone will have more energy for work.

For the temporary extras, the quantity is too large, and the budget definitely won't be enough, so I'll stick with the cheaper catering company we discussed before."

He paused, then thought of another benefit of doing this.

"Once word gets out that our crew's lunchboxes are delicious, it will indirectly attract more attention from extras, allowing us to recruit more extras with good acting skills.

And these excellent extras, in order to eat such delicious lunchboxes, will also consistently collaborate with our crew.

In the long run, the quality of the works we produce will be several levels higher!"

As expected of a director who had been in the industry for a long time, Director Zhang quickly considered the potential benefits.

In his excitement, a smile finally appeared on his face.

Having solved the lunchbox problem for the basic staff, Director Zhang's mind became active again.

He looked at the other two price tags, his eyes burning:

"Then these two..."

Lu Chuan understood and took out the "Essence Version" and "Premium Custom Version" lunchboxes from the insulated box for him to taste.

When Director Zhang tasted the crispy pork infused with you lan honey, and the extreme sweet and fresh flavor, complex with a cool floral scent, exploded in his mouth, he slapped his thigh.

"Mmm! This is good! This should be arranged for the main supporting actors!

Worth it! So worth it!"

And when that stew, with just a hint of stalactite marrow, went down, a warm and refreshing sensation spread comfortably through his limbs, dispelling days of fatigue and anxiety, Director Zhang let out a comfortable sigh, his eyes narrowing.

"Hiss... Phew... This soup... it's divine!

Boss, this premium version, save it for me, the producer, and the male and female leads!

We'll order this!

888?

Not expensive! Not expensive at all!"

After tasting all three lunchboxes, Director Zhang had no more doubts, his face beaming with smiles, and he made the decision on the spot.

"Boss! It's settled!

I'll go back and have the producer draft the contract!

From now on, during my time filming in Hengdian, the crew's lunchboxes will be in your hands!

Tomorrow, or at the latest the day after tomorrow, we'll come to sign the contract!"

After seeing off the satisfied and light-footed Director Zhang, and the excited and proud Xu Xiaole, Ding Xinyang then leaned over, his face showing excitement, but also a hint of worry.

"A Chuan, signing a long-term contract is a good thing!

But this... we don't even know where we'll be setting up our stall next week?

Can you manage to both set up a stall and supply a whole crew's worth of food?"

Lu Chuan watched the departing Director Zhang and smiled:

"Actually, I've long had the idea of establishing a catering company that integrates raw material supply, food processing, and distribution."

He paused and explained:

"Recently, the ingredient supply has always been coordinated by Lin Wei's side.

Although it's a cooperative relationship, it's not good to always rely on others.

Moreover, the amount of ingredients we consume each week is growing, and if we can control a stable, high-quality ingredient supply chain ourselves, it will not only be more convenient but also allow us to better control costs and ensure quality.

There are also many other reasons..."

Of course, the most important thing was a premonition he had.

With the advancement of the "New Human Project" and the dissemination of related technologies, the future catering industry is bound to undergo tremendous changes.

High-quality ingredients with special effects and cooking methods may gradually move from exclusive supply to a broader market.

He needed to plan ahead, at least plant a seed first.

However, on this point, he himself only had a vague idea.

He hadn't thought through the specifics, so there was no need to explain it in detail to Ding Xinyang for now.

Ding Xinyang nodded, seemingly understanding, and then asked:

"What about the taste then?

Can it still be guaranteed without you?

Director Zhang and the others are coming for your craftsmanship."

Lu Chuan smiled, evidently having a plan.

"I can standardize the recipes and core processes.

Lin Wei promised to help me introduce a few retired kitchen soldiers, who are quick and disciplined.

Additionally, I have also contacted Chairman Chairman Neng Xing and Chairman Dai Xuesong, inviting them to recommend a few trustworthy and skilled veteran chefs.

I will conduct centralized training, simplify key steps, and strictly control the heat and seasoning."

He was full of confidence: "Initially, I estimate the taste can be replicated at least seventy to eighty percent.

That's enough for crew lunchboxes."

Upon hearing this, Ding Xinyang immediately breathed a sigh of relief and grinned:

"Seventy to eighty percent?

That's still enough to obliterate all other lunchboxes on the market!"

Lu Chuan seemed to recall something and smiled somewhat helplessly:

"Yesterday, when I brought up this idea with Chairman Neng and Chairman Dai, guess what?

The two old gentlemen were so excited that they immediately asked if they could also come to work at the company, even if it was just as consultants to taste the dishes.

They almost threw me for a loop."

Ding Xinyang imagined the scene and couldn't help but laugh.