The Cheat Emperor of the Culinary World

After exchanging a few jokes, Yao Shi subtly glanced at Zhao Meng.

Zhao Meng caught on and sent the others away, then followed Yao Shi to the side for a chat.

Yao Shi instructed, ”Someone from the provincial TV station contacted me. They’ll be coming by in the next few days. You’ll need to find a way to free up some time to go with me for the interview.”

Zhao Meng nodded, ”Got it. Actually, things have gotten easier with Fu Yu helping out. Recently, it’s just been a coincidence that all these regular customers have come by to support us. But after they visit, we usually get at least two days before they come back.”

”Don’t worry, as long as there’s not a massive influx of orders, I can handle it here.”

Yao Shi nodded in satisfaction after hearing this, ”Good! It’s impressive that you’ve reached this point, even though you and Lao Gu initially split the orders between you two.”

”However, since the customers come specifically for your cooking, you must ensure the quality and taste of the dishes. Don’t neglect quality in the pursuit of speed! Old Zhao, pay more attention to the assistants, aim to train up another one, and then you’ll have enough manpower here.”

Zhao Meng nodded in agreement.

After completing the basic food prep, Fu Yu and Zhao Meng finalized today’s order distribution.

For the three pre-booked meals, each took on a portion of the dishes.

As usual, Zhao Meng took on more, and Fu Yu took on less.

But this was temporary; once the customers arrived, they would adjust based on the actual order situation.

In the morning, Yao Shi went to the storage room to check on the pickling progress and happened to meet Fu Yu coming over.

Fu Yu greeted with a smile, ”Hello, Chef Yao!”

Looking at Fu Yu, Yao Shi suddenly thought of something and said, ”Fu Yu, I heard from Chef Zhao that you made some improvements to the salt and pepper shrimp yesterday, and the customer feedback was great.”

Fu Yu humbly replied, ”I was just trying it out, unexpectedly it turned out well.”

Yao Shi said, ”Your method of improvement is great, primarily because it makes it easier for customers to eat. But the specific process needs to be tested; if it’s convenient for the kitchen staff and doesn’t affect dish serving speed, it can be formally implemented in the future.”

Yao Shi pondered and said, ”Okay, from now on, when we have an order for salt and pepper shrimp, you and Chef Zhao can try using the improved method. As for Chef Gu, we’ll keep it under wraps for now. We’ll compare the effects later, and if it works, we’ll stick with the improved method.”

Fu Yu nodded, ”There won’t be any issues with us, but... will it be okay with Chef Gu...”

Yao Shi scoffed, ”What’s not okay? I think it’s great. Anyway, the back kitchen are handling orders separately now; if you have an innovative method, you can keep it for yourselves, it’s fine.”

Lowering his voice, Yao Shi said, ”Besides, if it works well, I plan to try this improved method on my end too. Don’t worry, as soon as it’s implemented on my side, we’ll still go with the innovative pricing. If the customer feedback is good, I’ll definitely give you a bonus!”

Fu Yu was delighted at the thought of a bonus.

Yao Shi was always generous, and this time would likely be no exception.

Smiling, Fu Yu nodded, ”Alright, but Chef Yao, you need to discuss this with Chef Zhao, I listen to him!”

Nearing noon, the ordering officer came to report that Zhao Meng had received two more dinner orders.

Fortunately, two of the three orders today were scheduled for noon, freeing up time to handle extra orders.

Sun Qingning’s performance today was more skilled, his coordination with Fu Yu increasingly seamless.

With Fu Yu and Zhao Meng working together, the serving speed noticeably increased.

After managing the two reserved meals, Fu Yu had just finished plating when the electronic notification sound chimed by his ear:

[Ding! Daily Task: Complete ten independent dish preparations, successfully completed. Reward: 20 RMB, Cooking Experience +20, Task Experience +20]

[Ding! Continuous completion of 20-day check-in task, 19/20 days, successfully completed. Reward: Cooking +500]

Experience points were gained.

Fu Yu opened his personal attribute panel and opted for an upgrade.

[Personal Skill: Cooking: Advanced: 25/500]

Fu Yu was delighted.

Cooking might be the most basic skill, but done well, it serves as a solid foundation for building a high tower from the ground up.

Preparing the chopped, seasoned, and marinated ingredients on the cutting board, applying batter, and cooking on the stove.

Assisting the wok chef to complete the dish swiftly, cleanly, and beautifully.

These were tasks Fu Yu used to handle but now, except for the final plating, everything was handed over to Sun Qingning.

Although he now didn’t need to handle the basic cooking tasks, improving his plating skill by a level was truly like adding wings to a tiger.

In a great mood, Fu Yu turned to see Sun Qingning busy assisting him in the kitchen.

Since his daily tasks were done, he wouldn’t gain experience from further work, so he voluntarily asked, ”This dish isn’t difficult, do you want to try it?”

Sun Qingning was overjoyed!

”Me, can I really do it?”

He had been in the back kitchen for nearly a year and had never truly gotten a chance to cook on the stove, most of what he practiced in school was forgotten.

Now, newly assigned as Fu Yu’s assistant, getting an opportunity to cook on the stove made him excited.

Fu Yu smiled, ”It’s fine, I’ll be watching, you can give it a try!”

[Ding! Earned NPC assistant Sun Qingning’s favorability +10]

The day’s reserved meals didn’t increase, but during the dinner rush, two more tables of regulars specifically came to see Zhao Meng.

An afternoon of cooking resulted in great learning for Sun Qingning.

Even though he only cooked one dish, and his technique wasn’t as smooth as Fu Yu’s, repeated practice made him feel incredibly fulfilled and motivated.

Now he could independently cook that dish, and aside from the first two attempts where Fu Yu pointed out flaws, by the end, Fu Yu only needed to correct his stir-frying technique when using high heat.

Cooking is all about proficiency through practice.

Fu Yu only chimed in when necessary, leaving the rest for Sun Qingning to experience and understand himself.

Sun Qingning noticed that Fu Yu seemed to have a built-in error correction system, always promptly identifying his shortcomings.

This made Sun Qingning both impressed and a little like facing a respectful teacher.

For two consecutive days, Zhao Meng’s orders were numerous, but with Sun Qingning helping with the stir fry, Fu Yu’s speed in handling orders increased.

The collaboration of the three resulted in a more organized serving pace.

By the last day of the weekend, Zhao Meng’s orders suddenly reduced, and during lunch and dinner, it reverted back to the usual order cycle.

This sudden shift from being overly busy felt a bit unsettling for everyone.

Why did it seem like there were suddenly fewer customers?

Zhao Meng, on the other hand, felt a sense of relief and pride.

After all, Sun Qingning’s addition meant having another reliable assistant.

Recognizing Sun Qingning’s potential, Zhao Meng agreed to let him cook when Fu Yu suggested it, after a brief hesitation.

***

Hey, listen up!

I’ll let you in on a secret:

I had a dream last night.

I dreamt that tomorrow, when my book goes live, I updated ten chapters, and you all got so excited, you gave me recommendations, monthly votes, not just tips, but also left comments!

The best part was, every one of you subscribed!

Then I laughed myself awake, hahahahahaha...