The Cheat Emperor of the Culinary World

Stewed Crucian Carp by the River, Braised River Shrimp with Willow Stems, Catfish Balls, Fish Head with Flavored Sour Soup, Stir-fried Fish Scraps...

In the ensuing time, Fu Yu continued to cook the remaining river fish dishes.

From the classic old flavor recipes, Fu Yu learned that: what makes the Kaijiang Banquet special is not just the fresh and delicious river fish, but also the abundance of wild vegetables.

Fish and wild vegetables seem to be a pair of partners with years of tacit understanding.

River fish fragrant and wild vegetables fresh, a fish banquet better than a divine feast!

At this season, wanting fresh wild vegetables is out of the question.

However, the music restaurant has its own supply channels.

The owner of the vegetable shop somehow managed to get some wild vegetables stored from early spring.

Fu Yu tossed fragrant wild vegetables like Artemisia, Cat Artemisia, and Perilla leaves directly into the stew pot, their combined freshness eliminating any fishiness, leaving a fresh vegetable aroma.

For a full two hours, Fu Yu successfully completed an entire set of the river fish banquet.

Zhang Zhen and others watched from beginning to end.

Of the 19 dishes, two were roasted by a specialized barbecue chef.

When Zhang Zhen was assigning tasks, he directly let Chef Liu and Chef Lin choose their specialties from the river fish dishes for distribution.

Everyone attended to their duties.

Fu Yu, being capable, took on three dishes.

Throughout the day, the stoves on the kitchen counter were never turned off.

The kitchen work is always heavy and busy, standing in front of the cooking station for several hours continuously, attending to tasks ceaselessly.

But Fu Yu had no complaints at all.

Back in school, his teacher once told them, when working in the kitchen, do not expect the job to be idle and leisurely.

At any time, as long as you’re standing in front of the cooking station preparing various dishes, whether facing customers or ingredients, you must hold a serious and responsible heart, and do your utmost to make every dish well.

Just in time before the appreciation event began, all the dishes were delivered by the waitstaff to the front hall.

Everyone in the kitchen felt relieved, hurriedly finding places to rest.

Fu Yu sat on a round stool brought over by a helper, leaning against the counter and flexing his wrists.

Meanwhile, Zhang Zhen sat next to Fu Yu, staring fixedly at a point in the air, seemingly lost in thought, not sure what he was thinking.

At this moment, Zhang Zhen’s phone suddenly rang.

Zhang Zhen glanced at the caller ID and quickly answered the phone: ”Hello, Old Gao?”

Gao Qiming got through and quickly covered his mouth with his hand, trying to speak softly amid the noise: ”Old Zhang, how is it? Did the whole fish banquet go smoothly?”

In the front hall, the appreciation event was nearing its end, with the students rescued by Fan Xiubin presenting flowers and blessings to her.

Everyone returned to their seats from the stage, a documentary specially prepared by the school played on the big screen.

Gao Qiming watched as Fan Xiubin was escorted to the table specially set for dignitaries.

The voice of Zhang Zhen came through the phone: ”Old Gao, the Kaijiang Banquet was very successful. If Teacher Fan wants to taste an authentic Kaijiang Banquet, she should be very satisfied.”

Upon hearing this, Gao Qiming’s face lit up with joy, and he happily told Director Qian, who was peering over with interest: ”Director, don’t worry. Old Zhang and the kitchen team have already finished preparing the Kaijiang Banquet.”

Director Qian glanced at the excited Gao Qiming, then at the waiters pushing carts of dishes into the banquet hall, unable to resist asking: ”Is it an authentic Kaijiang Banquet? Who’s the chef overseeing it?”

Gao Qiming repeated Zhang Zhen’s original question.

Zhang Zhen truthfully introduced Fu Yu’s situation.

Upon hearing this, Gao Qiming was somewhat surprised, not expecting such a young chef to be in charge.

Looking at Director Qian who was waiting for his response, Gao Qiming didn’t immediately pass on the information but asked another question: ”Is this Chef Fu really that amazing?”

Zhang Zhen and Gao Qiming were long-time friends, their tacit understanding unmatched by others.

When Gao Qiming was speaking with Director Qian, Zhang Zhen heard it all clearly over the phone, and when Gao Qiming asked an extra question, Zhang Zhen immediately understood his intent.

Zhang Zhen explained: ”Tell Director Qian to rest assured! Chef Fu’s Kaijiang Banquet is very authentic, and his culinary skills are exceptionally superb. Even Chef God Dai Jinghe greatly appreciates Chef Fu. Oh, by the way, he won first place in this year’s Gold Chef Competition, making quite a name for himself in Bei’an.”

Zhang Zhen’s use of the term ”quite a name” was particularly clever!

This implies that although Chef Fu is young, he is recognized by many in the culinary circle.

The Kaijiang Banquet he oversaw is also very authentic and meets their standards!

Hearing this, Gao Qiming finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He chatted a bit more with Zhang Zhen.

After ending the call, Gao Qiming relayed Zhang Zhen’s words to Director Qian.

Director Qian nodded in satisfaction: ”That’s good. Since Chef Zhang says so, today’s banquet should be fine. It’s truly been a bother for Chef Zhang this time. Another day, I’ll surely treat him to a meal as thanks.”

At this, Director Qian looked at Gao Qiming and praised with a smile: ”Teacher Gao, you indeed have a good relationship with Chef Zhang! If it weren’t for your help in contacting, who knows how chaotic it could have been on my end.”

”Through this matter, it’s obvious to see your ability to handle things. Among the teachers in your college, I think you are the most capable. Now with today’s appreciation event and all the leaders present, in a while you should join me to toast Teacher Fan, express our care for her...”

...

Director Qian casually said a set of words, which filled Gao Qiming with heartfelt admiration.

Something that seemed as simple as lifting a hand earned both merit and rewarded competent staff.

It allowed him to naturally stand out in front of the leaders while smoothly winning over his subordinates’ hearts.

To utilize a single event from multiple aspects and angles to such a full extent is truly impressive.

No wonder people can become leaders!

However, speaking of which, no matter what calculations others are making or what thoughts they are having.

For this appreciation event, everyone truly wanted to express their respect and gratitude.

Fan Xiubin’s selfless and heroic rescue is truly admirable.

And the city, through this event, aims to promote Bei’an’s approach to the wider society, which is genuinely a good thing.

If Bei’an can be selected as a charming city, it will greatly benefit the city’s future construction and development.

It is an advantageous matter for both the city and the people!

Listening attentively.

Waiting for Director Qian to finish speaking.

Gao Qiming respectfully and gratefully said: ”Thank you, Director Qian.”

Director Qian smiled and nodded, understandingly saying: ”Teacher Gao, keep up the good work. Capable people are never truly buried.”

Gao Qiming’s eyes brightened, as if he already saw his bright future.