Veteran Cook: Striving in the Nineties

In the early 1990s, Xia Qiuyang, a demobilized veteran, makes his way into a neon-lit city of desire and begins his career as a chef in the kitchen of a star-rated hotel.

He makes a splash with dynamic melon carvings, then becomes famous for elaborate themed platters. His "Nine Great Bowls of Guanzhong," which brings northern and southern flavors together, wins acclaim... Chef Xia's reputation grows ever greater.

Just when everyone thinks Xia Qiuyang is about to set sail on the Eastwind Hotel's great ship, he disappears.

"No matter how big someone else's roof is, it's no match for having your own umbrella."

When word reaches the hotel kitchen that Chef Xia has set up a street stall, sighs abound... After all, most people think running a street stall isn't respectable work.

Yet just days later, a modest breakfast stall combining Cantonese dim sum with northern noodles draws a long line of customers!