The Cheat Emperor of the Culinary World

After work, Fu Yu didn’t have to clock out and went straight back to the dorm.

He first went to Zhao Meng’s place to tell him about today’s door-to-door service.

In front of Zhao Meng, Fu Yu felt less restrained and couldn’t help but boast, ”I managed to do the entire spread by myself. Chef Luo helped a little, but it was just handing over a plate or something. I didn’t even need him to cut anything.”

Zhao Meng, seeing Fu Yu’s smug look, couldn’t help but chuckle, ”Aren’t you silly! Since he was there to help, why not let him join in? It’s all the same when it comes to getting paid.”

Then, recalling something, he added, ”But this is actually good. Since Elder Yang was craving Qianlima’s taste, what you made is surely more authentic. Besides, when you’re working, the hosts notice everything. If you do more and do it well, naturally, your reputation will spread positively over time.”

Fu Yu agreed wholeheartedly.

Zhao Meng advised, ”Since Chef Luo seems interested in befriending you, you should put some effort on your end too. It’s almost Mid-Autumn Festival, maybe send a holiday gift or at least message a greeting. Don’t underestimate him; if he can be the head chef at Four Seas Banquet, he must be quite capable. I’ll ask Chef Yao about him, and if he’s trustworthy, you should get to know him well.”

”In our circle, networking is important. Knowing more people never does any harm.”

Zhao Meng didn’t realize he was starting to treat Fu Yu like a son.

Mostly because Fu Yu was genuinely kind and considerate, unconsciously their bond had grown strong.

Fu Yu chatted with Zhao Meng for a while before heading back.

He locked the door upon entering.

Fu Yu, in his haste, didn’t bother to change clothes and immediately checked the reward he had just received.

[Classic Old Taste Recipe: Among the many traditional delicacies, every enduring traditional dish has its unique classic taste.]

Like the special family banquet recipes, the classic old taste recipes are also presented in dialogue box format.

[Classic Old Taste Recipe: Including all distinctive classic old taste dishes from ancient times, traditional Beijing cuisine, classic Shunde dishes, Cantonese classics, ancient secret recipes... Hongruixing’s ”Meizui Marsh Shrimp, Shrimp and Eel Explosion”, Longyan’s traditional 36 famous dishes... Northeastern old taste dishes, Sichuan-Chongqing old classics...]

This set of classic old taste recipes actually includes over 1,000 sets of unique classic old taste dishes from various regions.

And each area has nearly a hundred different cooking methods and related introductions for each dish.

Fu Yu excitedly flipped through the classic old taste recipes.

He surprisingly discovered the ”Eight Plate, Eight Bowl Feast,” with dozens of pairing options included.

These classic old taste recipes seemed much more interesting than ordinary textbooks, mainly because they were accompanied by illustrations, which made them more enjoyable.

While Fu Yu was engrossed, his phone suddenly rang.

It was a call from his parents.

Fu Yu answered and chatted with his parents for a while, suddenly recalling that he mailed pine pollen home today.

”Mom, don’t forget to pick it up. It’s good stuff, make sure to have some every day!”

Mrs. Fu was so pleased she couldn’t shut her mouth, but she pretended to scold Fu Yu for wasting money.

Fu Yu explained that it was a gift from Zhao Meng, and Mrs. Fu couldn’t help but sigh, ”Your mentor is truly a great man! Be sure to follow him well!”

Fu Yu agreed enthusiastically.

Mrs. Fu casually commented, ”No wonder they say I have good fortune! My son is so capable and filial, unlike your little cousin, Minghao, who’s never given anyone a peaceful day!”

Lin Minghao is Fu Yu’s aunt’s son. He’s just finished his college entrance examination this year and has never been a source of peace for the family.

He didn’t like studying since he was young, always causing trouble. In his second year of high school, he suddenly wanted to drop out and backpack around the country.

His father barely managed to suppress this with force.

They pushed him hard to finish high school, and he ended up enrolling in a vocational college.

Now, he secretly switched his major from accounting to a live streaming major without telling the family.

Once they received the admission letter, the family found out and there was an uproar.

Mrs. Fu couldn’t help but feel blessed when she thought of her nephew, with a reliable husband and a filial son.

Fu Yu’s relationship with Lin Minghao was rather average.

Though they were of similar age, they didn’t attend the same school, and the families lived far apart, so they seldom interacted outside of occasional family gatherings.

However, with Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, Fu Yu decided to make time to call his aunt’s family and extend his greetings.

Zhao Meng took two days off and was mostly recovered, ready to return to his routine at work.

Yao Shi seized the morning when everyone was present to hold a small meeting with Zhao Meng’s team.

”In the past two days, with Chef Zhao resting, you all did wonderfully! I looked at the numbers last night, and they were almost on par with Chef Gu’s side! Plus, you’ve secured quite a few Mid-Autumn Festival orders, thanks to everyone’s hard work!”

”Additionally, I’d like to particularly commend Fu Yu, who not only shouldered the responsibility of team leader during Chef Zhao’s absence but also received high praise from customers—a quality everyone should learn from!”

No sooner than Yao Shi finished speaking, Fu Yu heard an electronic prompt in his ear:

[Ding! NPC Chef Yao Shi’s Task: During Zhao Meng’s two-day rest, you have successfully taken on the leadership responsibilities, actively involving everyone in the competition, completing it successfully. Reward: 100 yuan cash, +20 task experience, one heightened sense of smell mask]

Heightened Sense of Smell Mask!

Fu Yu’s eyes widened slightly!

Before he could check out the attributes, he heard Yao Shi say, ”Moreover, for the Mid-Autumn Festival preorder, quite a few customers specifically requested Fu Yu as the lead chef for their banquets!”

Everyone was stunned!

Being requested by name by customers as the lead chef meant Fu Yu’s culinary skills were acknowledged, and he officially had his repeat clients.

Except for Sun Qingning, everyone was left wide-eyed.

Since when did Fu Yu become so impressive?

Having repeat customers was usually something only someone like Zhao Meng or Yao Shi could manage, right?

Standing on the sidelines, Zhao Meng’s face darkened.

Despite every measure, you can’t guard against a family thief!

He only took a two-day break, and Fu Yu stole his clients.

Zhao Meng grumbled inwardly, but couldn’t help his mouth from curving upward slightly.

That rascal!

Impressive!

He managed to win over Elder Hu’s group of gourmands!

This is truly a case of surpassing the master!

Zhao Meng couldn’t help but glance at the handsome young fellow standing beside him!

Tsk tsk!

This feeling of having a promising disciple is surprisingly satisfying!