The Cheat Emperor of the Culinary World

Han Dongzhi specially brought his apprentice to Qianlima today.

He also specifically ordered to have Fu Yu cook.

Back when he participated in the cooking competition, he was stunned by Fu Yu’s brilliant culinary skills.

He always thought that if there was a chance, he must try Fu Yu’s cooking.

Today, he had such an opportunity as he was having a day off.

Han Dongzhi smiled and said, ”I’ve long heard the name of Qianlima’s braised pufferfish. Today, after tasting it, it truly lives up to its reputation.”

Han Dongzhi ordered all of Qianlima’s signature dishes.

This braised pufferfish wasn’t just randomly ordered. Those who know their stuff understand that cooking pufferfish is quite the hassle.

It’s not that the cooking process is complicated, but the cleaning requires meticulous steps, which tests the chef’s skills and techniques.

And the braised pufferfish made by Fu Yu was perfect in terms of texture, flavor, and presentation.

Han Dongzhi felt the trip was well worth it.

Fu Yu chatted warmly with him for a few moments, then apologized, saying the kitchen was busy, and he couldn’t get away, promising to meet again in the future.

Being a chef himself, Han Dongzhi understood perfectly, so he didn’t insist.

However, he specifically exchanged contact information with Fu Yu.

After leaving the private room, Fu Yu didn’t hurry back to the kitchen but headed to the front desk.

The staff at the front desk were busy settling bills for customers.

Fu Yu waited until the customer left before walking over.

The cashier saw Fu Yu and quickly greeted him with a smile, ”Chef Fu, something you need?”

Before Fu Yu could respond, Jiang Mo, who was handling the takeaway orders next to him, also greeted him with a cheerful smile, ”Chef Fu! What brings you here?”

Fu Yu currently had a great relationship with Jiang Mo and occasionally shared some good food or drinks with Liu Yuqing if there was anything tasty in the kitchen.

Liu Yuqing often worked alongside Jiang Mo and they would quietly share anything nice they had.

Consequently, Jiang Mo and Fu Yu became closer as well.

After greeting Jiang Mo, Fu Yu instructed the cashier, ”The customer in Room 207 is my friend, put it on my bill.”

The cashier nodded in agreement.

Jiang Mo suggested, ”Chef Fu, since you’re treating, why not take two vouchers? The store is running a promotion before the New Year, not only giving discounts but also redeeming cash, cheaper than our employee price.”

The cashier added, ”That’s right, it’s said that each customer can use up to two.”

Fu Yu, paying from his own pocket, would save wherever he could.

So, he happily accepted the suggestion, ”Sure, thanks! I’ll grill some fish slices for you guys next time.”

Jiang Mo and the cashier beamed with delight.

Fish slices are a delight, tasty and convenient to eat. When it’s not busy, sneaking a piece to chew not only satisfies cravings but also relieves boredom.

And the kitchen’s skill in making fish slices is exceptional, completely different from what’s sold outside, the taste is divine!

The two felt like they had scored a great deal, feeling delighted inside.

After handling his affairs, Fu Yu casually asked, ”Where’s Liu Yuqing? I haven’t seen her.”

The cashier smiled and said, ”Her friend came to eat; she’s helping with their order.”

Jiang Mo frowned upon hearing this and said, ”Don’t talk nonsense, Xiaoqing said that’s her college classmate, right?”

Fu Yu asked curiously, ”Who?”

The cashier smiled and said, ”Chef Fu, you might not know, but this person has come here several times!”

Fu Yu was taken aback, ”Huh? What do you mean?”

The cashier was about to gossip with Fu Yu when she was stopped by Jiang Mo.

Others might not know, but Jiang Mo was clear about the situation.

There was something off between Fu Yu and Liu Yuqing.

Jiang Mo glared at the cashier, ”Don’t talk nonsense; there’s nothing like that!”

The cashier was a bit defiant, ”I’m not talking nonsense, that person really has been here, and whenever he orders, Xiaoqing is with them. And that guy is pretty good-looking and tall, they do look like a good match standing together!”

”He never comes empty-handed, always bringing us fruit and asking us to take good care of Xiaoqing. If they’re not already together, he probably wants to pursue her...”

Fu Yu’s heart sank a little.

He really didn’t know there was such a situation!

But...

The cashier misunderstood Jiang Mo’s words, seriously replying, ”That guy seems to be in good condition; did you see the watch on his wrist? It’s in the mid-six figures! Also, the car key he brought last time is completely different from today’s!”

”But, now that you mention it, Xiaoqing’s attitude doesn’t seem very warm; maybe it’s just her admirer?”

Fu Yu immediately became vigilant!

His heart sank further, feeling a twinge.

This is...

A rival in love?

No, wait!

Why did I suddenly have such a thought?

I clearly only admire Liu Yuqing, right?

With this thought, Fu Yu felt inexplicably uncomfortable inside.

He didn’t have time to thoroughly savor this unfamiliar feeling. After leaving the front desk, his feet uncontrollably headed toward the ordering area.

...

Ordering area.

Liu Yuqing was diligently helping to select dishes, her focus solely on the menu.

Meanwhile, Wang Kangxu, who stood beside her, had his eyes fixed on Liu Yuqing’s face.

Wang Kangxu was Liu Yuqing’s university classmate. After graduation, everyone went their separate ways, leaving contact details with those they were close to.

Only Liu Yuqing didn’t attend the farewell party, and trying to call her was futile—ten calls, five unanswered, four politely declined. Eventually, it was revealed that she was working at Qianlima.

So, Wang Kangxu came uninvited.

Actually, Wang Kangxu wasn’t in the same year as Liu Yuqing; he was two years older, a senior in her department.

In university, they often shared large classes mixed across years and had taken elective courses in Culinary Arts Appreciation and Nutritional Ingredients together.

Wang Kangxu wore a sharp business suit, his face and hair meticulously styled and full of life.

Standing next to Liu Yuqing, he slowly moved closer, pretending to look at the menu but actually just inhaling the unnamed fragrance from Liu Yuqing.

It smelled wonderful, though he didn’t know what brand of perfume it was.

He had once tried to find it in stores but never found a match.

Liu Yuqing was gently nudged aside and said, ”How about this dish? It’s a specialty of our restaurant, really delicious!”

Wang Kangxu: ”Sure, I’ll leave it to you.”

Liu Yuqing frowned, ”Actually, all our dishes are quite good. These classic specialties are safe bets.”

Wang Kangxu: ”I just don’t want to miss the specialties on this visit.”

Liu Yuqing had no choice but to continue helping with the order.