The Cheat Emperor of the Culinary World

Today, work went exceptionally smoothly.

The customers left early, and everyone in the kitchen quickly tidied things up, waiting for Liu Yunong to announce early dismissal.

Although it was just ten minutes earlier than usual, for those who had been busy all day, even one minute felt like a long-awaited reward, and they couldn’t wait to rush out of the restaurant.

Liu Yunong took a look around and, seeing no issues, announced the end of the workday.

Everyone happily rushed to the changing room.

Liu Yunong also walked out, but her gaze was fixed on Fu Yu.

She looked at Fu Yu with a hint of curiosity.

She had a feeling that Fu Yu had many different insights and thoughts about today’s set of dishes.

This piqued Liu Yunong’s curiosity.

As a chef, the most desired and urgent thing is to find ways to continuously improve one’s cooking skills, and to discover one’s shortcomings through repeated practice.

However, at Liu Yunong’s level, she found it difficult to spot her own shortcomings, and those around her mostly admired and revered her. Who would dare to point out her flaws?

Even if someone noticed, they might not dare to point them out directly.

If others couldn’t surpass her in cooking skills and didn’t have enough understanding of cooking, they wouldn’t be able to spot her issues at all.

Cooking is one of those things where your vision and understanding greatly differ depending on the height you’ve reached.

Though Fu Yu maintained an attitude of careful listening and learning throughout, without any noticeable anomalies in words or actions,

But!

Who is Liu Yunong?

Being respected as a renowned chef speaks to her experience and ability!

Managing several branches of her restaurant successfully, Liu Yunong has quite a knack for assessing people and situations.

While teaching cooking earlier, she noticed Fu Yu several times, slightly frowning in thought, an expression much like her own when evaluating new staff at the restaurant!

Upon realizing this, Liu Yunong felt even more intrigued.

What exactly did she do wrong?

Just around the National Day period, Liu Yunong had been invited to a culinary lecture for renowned chefs in the provincial capital.

With her current skills, impressing most people wasn’t an issue.

But to impress veterans like Dai Jinghe, it still wasn’t enough!

She was just a bit short.

And Fu Yu was her opportunity to break through this barrier.

The more she thought about it, the more excited Liu Yunong became. She quickened her pace, caught up with Fu Yu, and instructed, ”Xiaofu! Hurry up later, I’ll wait for you in the car. There’s something I want to discuss with you.”

Fu Yu looked at the eager Liu Yunong and nodded blankly, ”Alright.”

After speaking, Liu Yunong turned around and happened to see Wang Yulong and Liu Zhangpeng walking towards her, one following the other.

She greeted Wang Yulong and then turned to Liu Zhangpeng with a slight smile.

Liu Zhangpeng: ”!”

That expression—it looked exactly like his homeroom teacher back in school days!

A kind-hearted teacher who genuinely cared for students.

Liu Zhangpeng inexplicably shivered.

That indescribable strange feeling emerged again in his heart.

Because Liu Yunong kept looking at him.

”Chef Liu, today’s set of dishes were excellent, the customers’ feedback was great. Keep up the good work!”

Afterward, she told Wang Yulong, ”Chef Wang, for tomorrow’s menu, there will be two main dishes. You can let Chef Liu handle one of them. His cooking skills are quite good. With a bit more practice, he’ll soon be able to handle things on his own. I’m already selecting a site for the new restaurant.”

These words, uttered after much deliberation, were Liu Yunong’s way of giving a hint.

She felt it was time to give Liu Zhangpeng some encouragement.

At the very least, Liu Zhangpeng shouldn’t be placed on the same skill level as Fu Yu.

Their experiences and talents are different.

Training should be tailored to each individual.

Not everyone can be as outstanding as Fu Yu.

Thinking of this, Liu Yunong cast an encouraging glance at Liu Zhangpeng before turning to leave.

Leaving the master and apprentice both in shock.

Liu Zhangpeng was dumbfounded.

”Master, why does the boss seem so strange today? Suddenly caring so much about me?”

With a face full of disappointment, Wang Yulong frowned and scolded, ”Strange my ass! Take a look at the two dishes you made today; even the plating was crooked! Caring for you? The boss’s look was clearly that of someone watching an idiot!”

Taken aback by the scolding, Liu Zhangpeng was momentarily dazed: ”Watching an idiot? But didn’t the boss just say to work hard so I can join her in managing the restaurant sooner?”

Wang Yulong let out a deep sigh: ”When did the boss say that? What she actually meant was for you to do your best here with me to keep the kitchen afloat. Once the new branch gets going, she won’t be able to come over as often as she does now!”

Liu Zhangpeng: ”...Oh, so that’s what she meant?”

Wang Yulong glared at him, ”What else could it be?”

”Ahem.” Liu Zhangpeng awkwardly cleared his throat, ”Oh, so that’s it, haha.”

He was really overthinking it!

Liu Zhangpeng felt a bit overwhelmed for a moment...

...

In the changing room, Liu Zhangpeng was filled with mixed emotions!

He glanced at Fu Yu, who swiftly changed clothes next to him, and hesitated.

After changing, Fu Yu turned and noticed Liu Zhangpeng staring at him, and asked in surprise, ”What is it, Chef Liu, is something up?”