The Cheat Emperor of the Culinary World

Fu Yu looked at her smiling face and found it hard to look away.

Unfortunately, there were two third wheels at the front desk, making any intimate actions inconvenient. Fu Yu could only carry a restless heart and walk briskly back to the kitchen.

Today, Zhao Meng was on the early shift, so everyone felt quite relaxed.

After finishing their busy work, they went to clock out and change clothes one by one at the scheduled time.

After clocking out, Fu Yu passed through the front hall and encountered Yao Shi and Zhao Meng, who had just changed into their casual clothes and were about to leave together.

Fu Yu quickly greeted them, ”Chef Yao! Chef Zhao!”

Their footsteps paused simultaneously when they saw Fu Yu coming from the clocking area.

Yao Shi teased with a smile, ”Off to learn some skills again?”

Fu Yu had no idea that Yao Shi had just been joking with Zhao Meng in the dressing room.

Yao Shi greatly admired Fu Yu’s culinary skills—diligent and eager to learn. What leader wouldn’t like that?

Of course, Yao Shi was quite eloquent and enjoyed expressing his feelings to his subordinates.

Yao Shi praised Fu Yu’s work ability, but he said all these words in Zhao Meng’s presence, fully associating his praise for Fu Yu with his capable protégé, Zhao Meng.

Yao Shi believed that Fu Yu’s achievements today were inseparable from Zhao Meng’s enlightenment education for him.

”No wonder you’re Old Zhao’s prized pupil. This kid Fu Yu is remarkable. In less than half a year under the tutelage, he’s already learning family secrets from Liu Yunong!” Yao Shi chuckled, ”Not only is he diligent and efficient, but he’s also an excellent apprentice. Liu Yunong must be quite pleased to have received such a promising student.”

It was a completely supportive attitude.

Zhao Meng couldn’t help but laugh along.

They chatted along the way and unexpectedly ran into Fu Yu.

Because of Zhao Meng, Fu Yu got along well with Yao Shi. Being teased, he wasn’t embarrassed; instead, he replied with a smile, ”Absolutely, I have to strive to learn my master’s skills quickly, so I can repay both you and Chef Zhao in the future.”

Yao Shi appreciated Fu Yu’s humble yet playful nature.

So they chatted a bit more.

After talking with Yao Shi, Fu Yu didn’t forget to mention Zhao Meng: ”Chef Zhao, Sister Dai said you shouldn’t drink excessively!”

Zhao Meng had stomach issues, which was a common occupational hazard for long-term chef work.

Knowing that Fu Yu cared about him warmed Zhao Meng’s heart, but he just casually replied, ”Alright, got it.”

Fu Yu, in a hurry, hurriedly took a cab over to Shangshi Private Kitchen.

Upon arrival, he found out that Liu Yunong was unavailable tonight.

As it was, Fu Yu stayed under Wang Yulong, helping in the kitchen and learning the new dish from today’s menu.

Whether it was an illusion or not, Fu Yu felt that Wang Yulong seemed to be treating him better.

The guidance was meticulous, and during some cooking operations, Wang Yulong would often engage with him in discussions.

Calling it a discussion was because Wang Yulong’s attitude was not condescending but genuinely equal in exploring with Fu Yu.

He seriously listened to Fu Yu’s opinions and thoughtfully exchanged ideas with him.

This made Fu Yu both flattered and develop a better impression of Wang Yulong. Their conversation was so congenial that it created a kind of cross-generational friendship.

They were chatting amicably.

Meanwhile, in a private room at Qilin Hall, Liu Yunong was hosting a dinner for Yao Shi and Zhao Meng.

The three of them sat at a table, ordered several specialty dishes, and a good bottle of wine, eating and chatting.

Liu Yunong inviting Yao Shi to dinner was to express her gratitude for helping look after her sister Liu Yuqing.

Ever since hearing that Liu Yuqing had been promoted to the front desk as a takeout ordering clerk, Liu Yunong had been wanting to treat Yao Shi to a meal as a token of thanks.

And inviting Zhao Meng was on Fu Yu’s behalf.

Liu Yunong wasn’t very familiar with Zhao Meng, knowing only what Fu Yu had mentioned.

Nonetheless, Liu Yunong still held respect for Zhao Meng since he had been instrumental in Fu Yu’s development.

Liu Yunong personally poured a glass of wine for both Yao Shi and Zhao Meng, raising her glass proactively.

Yao Shi could accept graciously, while Zhao Meng felt somewhat flattered.

Being recognized by Liu Yunong was indeed a great honor for someone of his status.

In fact, Liu Yunong’s invitation to Zhao Meng had been a sudden decision.

It was because of successfully cooking a live carp dish yesterday that made her realize Fu Yu’s talent more profoundly.

And for Fu Yu to have such high accomplishments, fundamentally, it was thanks to his initial training.

When she first took over, Fu Yu was already showcasing his culinary talent.

This owes thanks to the teacher who truly introduced Fu Yu to the craft.

And that teacher, of course, was the frequently appreciated Chef Zhao Meng, who was always on Fu Yu’s lips.

After graduation, Fu Yu went straight to Qianlima and worked under Zhao Meng as an assistant chef before becoming an independent chef.

Regarding culinary schools, Liu Yunong, being in the industry, understood that they were merely training grounds not even considered entry-level.

The true place for learning cooking skills was in the restaurant kitchen.

Fu Yu’s current achievements cannot be separated from the help of his real mentor, Zhao Meng.

Initially, Liu Yunong didn’t think much of Zhao Meng, as he was just an ordinary head chef in the kitchen.

Their positions and levels were miles apart.

But when Fu Yu gave her some pointers during their interaction, she realized she had overlooked a key person.

It’s often said that a good teacher produces a good student!

If a teacher isn’t competent, how could the student excel?

Therefore, Fu Yu’s high starting point is definitely thanks to the help from his initial mentor, Zhao Meng.

If Fu Yu is so amazing, his teacher must be incredible, too!

So, this head chef who introduced Fu Yu and always took good care of him must be an exceptional person.

Although Liu Yunong knew of Zhao Meng, she wasn’t very familiar with the chef. The key was... Zhao Meng worked at Qianlima, making it awkward for her to actively get to know him or extend conversations often...

Mainly, there was no opportunity.

But when there’s no opportunity, one can always find a way to create one.

Thus, tonight’s dinner was arranged.

Liu Yunong specially asked Yao Shi for help to invite Zhao Meng along.

Actually, when Yao Shi first heard Liu Yunong wanted to invite Zhao Meng, he was quite surprised.

After all, although they weren’t completely unrelated, they typically had no opportunity for contact. So, Yao Shi was confused about Liu Yunong’s sudden invitation.

Yao Shi couldn’t help but ask, ”Chef Liu, how come you suddenly want to treat Zhao Meng to a meal?”

Liu Yunong then explained, ”Fu Yu is my apprentice and often mentions how Chef Zhao has been especially good to him. Back then, when he got hired at Qianlima, it was Chef Zhao who always took him under his wing. I thought I’d like to get to know Chef Zhao better. We’re not outsiders, and I’d like to ask him to look after Fu Yu more often.”

Yao Shi laughed upon hearing that, feeling quite impressed by Fu Yu’s good fortune.

The dinner went smoothly.

The three present were all in the same industry and had plenty of topics to discuss.

Liu Yunong and Yao Shi were seasoned in such settings, so the conversation remained lively and warm.

Though Zhao Meng had a somewhat impatient personality, he was easy to get along with due to his unassuming nature in personal interactions.

Especially considering the presence of Liu Yunong, whose position and fame far surpassed his own, and being Fu Yu’s legitimate current mentor, he had every reason both emotionally and logically to foster a friendship with Liu Yunong.

As a result, they all hit it off, enjoying a pleasant and engaging conversation.

After a few glasses of good wine, the conversation became progressively more casual.

Seeing the atmosphere was about right, Liu Yunong finally brought up the main topic: ”Fu Yu is a good kid with great talent. I often hear him say how well Chef Zhao looks after him.”