The Cheat Emperor of the Culinary World

Chapter 221: Chapter 220: This Man Is Truly Remarkable

On the way to the kitchen, Dong Jun Tian listened to Yao Shi talk about Sun Qingning’s performance during this period.

”Xiaosun has a lot of potential. Although he’s still a bit short of fully mastering the stove independently, with Zhao Meng’s guidance by his side, in less than two months, he should be able to handle some simple small banquets quite well.”

Dong Jun Tian didn’t say anything, pondering over this matter in his heart.

The real useful hands in Qianlima’s kitchen, apart from Yao Shi, are only Zhao Meng and Gu Yunwu.

These two can both manage and cook, each leading a team, equivalent to team captains.

Each of them has a deputy captain, with Fu Yu under Zhao Meng and Yao Yihang under Gu Yunwu.

With these two groups leading, everything in the kitchen is handled smoothly without much worry.

Previously, a friend inspired Dong Jun Tian to think about cultivating new talents.

He had mentioned this before, but only verbally, and whether or how the kitchen executed it, he never inquired.

Unexpectedly, in just one short month, Yao Shi suddenly told him that because of this initiative to encourage the training of newcomers, which was implemented smoothly, another newcomer emerged under Zhao Meng’s leadership.

If this was said a month ago, Dong Jun Tian might have just listened casually, not taking it to heart.

After all, the kitchen had enough staff at that time.

Two chefs leading two master cooks, and when there are many customers, Yao Shi can help out.

But now, Dong Jun Tian’s attitude inevitably became more cautious.

Regarding the two chefs, Zhao Meng and Gu Yunwu, Dong Jun Tian felt somewhat uncertain.

To be fair, he naturally preferred Gu Yunwu, who was loyal and close to him.

As for Zhao Meng, although competent in various ways, his straightforward character and closeness with Yao Shi made Dong Jun Tian somewhat displeased with him.

However, the series of events that happened recently made Dong Jun Tian realize that, in terms of cooking skills, Gu Yunwu was actually no match for Zhao Meng.

Not only because Gu Yunwu’s old customers recently switched to Zhao Meng’s side.

But also in the area of discovering new talents, Dong Jun Tian suddenly realized Zhao Meng’s strengths in management and cultivation.

This person is truly impressive.

Having first trained Fu Yu, who could independently take orders and cook in less than a month, and now developing another newcomer, Sun Qingning.

Just this point alone made Dong Jun Tian value Zhao Meng even more.

However, at the moment, Zhao Meng’s health is indeed a concern!

Though he seems sturdy, it turns out to be a facade.

Men really shouldn’t stay single for too long, otherwise their health suffers.

Isn’t there an old saying: the dry die of drought, the wet drown from excess?

On this side, he’s constantly burdened, unable to withstand it physically, and if he doesn’t take some Chinese medicine, his legs feel weak every day.

Thinking of this, Dong Jun Tian couldn’t help but worry about how to report back to his family tonight!

After Yao Shi finished speaking, he waited for a long time without hearing a response from Dong Jun Tian, making him feel a bit nervous.

Seeing Dong Jun Tian looking worried, was he disagreeing with this matter?

Yao Shi fell silent.

He knew it was indeed a bit abrupt, but there was no choice.

Not to mention, Zhao Meng’s lingering tendinitis meant Fu Yu temporarily filled in for taking orders, and without getting Fu Yu an assistant, problems could arise if they suddenly got busy one day.

Just the idea of Liu Yu wanting to poach Fu Yu over to the music restaurant inadvertently hit Yao Shi’s thoughts right on target.

Yao Shi always intended to have Zhao Meng go over, and now with Fu Yu, it’s the perfect enhancement.

Liu Yu’s plan and Yao Shi’s thoughts coincided perfectly.

Yao Shi glanced at Dong Jun Tian and asked, ”Boss?”

Dong Jun Tian snapped back to reality: ”Let’s go check it out. If it’s feasible, we should promote him to full-time. Talented, hardworking, and dedicated employees deserve opportunities.”

Yao Shi felt relieved. Although he couldn’t guess why Dong Jun Tian’s expression changed suddenly, as long as he was willing to give Sun Qingning a chance for promotion, his goal was achieved.

The two of them entered the kitchen one after the other.

As they approached, they saw Sun Qingning filleting a fish, and Yao Shi immediately recognized the fish in his hand as a silver carp, which surprised him.

The restaurant never bought silver carp, after all, they have too many bones and an unappealing texture.

Dong Jun Tian recognized it too and looked at Yao Shi, who also appeared puzzled.

Yao Shi quickly figured it out; the silver carp was probably provided by the supplier.

Everyone in the kitchen knows there are perks in procurement.

So, in front of the boss, such questions were best left unasked.

If he asked and Sun Qingning honestly said it was from the supplier, how would they explain it?

It’s not that Yao Shi is irresponsible or not thinking for the restaurant.

But the procurement role involves buying large quantities with big money, and suppliers generally offer some food or drink in return.

The procurement work is quite demanding, needing to leave at three or four in the morning and finish buying all needed ingredients by six.

As long as they don’t blatantly misuse funds, Yao Shi tends to turn a blind eye to some supplier gifts.

Hearing movement, Sun Qingning looked up and saw Yao Shi and Dong Jun Tian coming over, and he hurriedly greeted them.

Dong Jun Tian waved with a smile, ”Continue with your work, we’re just here to have a look.”

Sun Qingning nodded and continued preparing the fish.

He followed the steps taught by Fu Yu, beginning the cooking process step by step.

To make fish taste good, it must be fried first.

No matter what fish it is, frying makes the fish very tender and lessens the fishy smell, making it taste delicious.

Missing the frying step causes the fish to fall apart in the pot and makes it difficult to maintain its shape.

Additionally, fried fish better absorbs flavor when stewed.

These are basic cooking principles, yet when it came to coating the marinated fish with egg wash, Sun Qingning used duck eggs?

Why would he do that?

Dong Jun Tian grew more interested, watching Sun Qingning’s process intently.

King oyster mushrooms, dried bean curd, black fungus, were sequentially added to the pot.

The fried fish pieces were placed on top and simmered on low heat.

The fragrant smell of fish soup began wafting through the air.

To be honest, it smelled really good!

After simmering, a handful of chopped scallions was added, the lid was placed back on for thirty seconds, and a bit of cilantro was sprinkled on top.

Sun Qingning deftly turned off the heat and placed the clay pot on the table.

”Boss, Chef Yao, the clay pot fish is ready!”