The Cheat Emperor of the Culinary World-Chapter 75 - 74: Eager for Talent

A teacher is someone who imparts knowledge and solves doubts!

Strictly speaking, without a mentorship or a master, one is not considered truly initiated.

People in the trade believe "not from within the gates."

The same holds true for chefs.

To become an apprentice, one must desire to learn the master’s culinary skills.

Improving oneself through the master’s direct teaching is only part of it.

More importantly, it is the intention to expand one’s social circle through the master, which is the true aim of apprenticeship.

After all, connections are wealth.

Therefore, as Fu Yu looked at the "?" above Yao Shi’s head, his heart began to race.

Although he hadn’t explicitly discussed apprenticeship with Zhao Meng, in the hearts of both, they knew they had a master-apprentice relationship.

Thus, Zhao Meng had always been generous in teaching Fu Yu.

And because of this thought, they quickly established a strong familial bond.

It’s said a good master-apprentice relationship is like that of a father and son,

and Fu Yu deeply agreed with this.

At least here, the only person he considered family was Zhao Meng.

And now, Yao Shi intended to take him as an apprentice.

Opportunity knocks but once!

Fu Yu quickly continued, "Chef Yao, don’t worry, I will certainly work hard to hone my culinary skills, learning from both you and Chef Zhao. Even if I can’t make your skills world-renowned, at least I won’t embarrass you outside!"

Zhao Meng looked at Fu Yu, speechless.

This kid, just give him a little sunlight and he shines!

Yao Shi was amused.

After laughing, he looked at Fu Yu and seriously said, "Alright then, work hard and let’s see how long it takes for you to learn all my skills!"

[Ding! NPC Chef Yao Shi’s task: Study hard and hone your culinary skills to gain Yao Shi’s approval. Task reward: Apprentice under Yao Shi]

[Accept task: Yes or No]

Fu Yu chose to accept the task without hesitation.

After a couple of jokes among the three, Yao Shi went on with his routine to praise Yao Yihang a bit.

Meanwhile, Dong Jun Tian was in the office entertaining Wang Jingrui.

Compared to Li He, Dong Jun Tian actually had a closer relationship with Wang Jingrui.

"That Fu Yu is truly impressive; Old Gao just told me earlier today that his cooking techniques don’t seem like a newcomer’s at all and his innovation in dishes is really astonishing."

Wang Jingrui looked envious as he spoke to Dong Jun Tian, "Sigh, how is it that you always manage to keep such talented people? When Yao Shi came back, I personally went to ask him, and even then, I couldn’t get him."

Wang Jingrui still felt regretful when talking about it: "But when you showed up, one sentence and he obediently followed you. Now, he’s helping you manage the restaurant’s kitchen so well, it’s truly enviable."

Dong Jun Tian knew the reason in his heart but smiled and said, "It’s the charm of character, there’s no helping it!"

Wang Jingrui pretended to be angry and said, "Don’t get cocky! But seriously, this Fu Yu really has that same drive Yao Shi had back in the day, quite a talent."

Dong Jun Tian smiled, didn’t say anything, but thought to himself: Talent...

Once Wang Jingrui left, Dong Jun Tian immediately called for Yao Shi.

"Boss." Yao Shi hurried over, caught his breath, and asked, "You called me urgently, is there something up?"

Dong Jun Tian said, "Yao Shi, this Fu Yu is excellent, a real talent! Make sure you pay some extra attention in the kitchen day-to-day and nurture him well."

Yao Shi thought to himself, wasn’t he just called out for privately tutoring Fu Yu? How things change so quickly now.

Dong Jun Tian continued, "If only you had seen Wang Jingrui just now, he was so eager for talent. We must make sure to keep someone as promising as Fu Yu. One day, he will absolutely be an asset to you!"

Yao Shi nodded, "Got it, boss."

Dong Jun Tian instructed, "Regarding the two people set for promotion, they both seem quite good to me, and that Yao Yihang is also not bad. Since they passed the evaluation, let’s start treating them as permanent staff from tomorrow, to spare the formality."

Normally, the formal process for becoming permanent involves waiting until the end of the month for the payroll to be computed, with the finance department being responsible for changing the contract and adjusting benefits at the beginning of next month.

Although it’s out of the ordinary, Dong Jun Tian is the boss, so what he says goes.

Yao Shi had no objections, nodded, and left.

Yao Shi went to the finance department to discuss the promotion matters.

Dong Jun Tian sat in his chair for a while, then picked up his phone and dialed Gu Yunwu’s number.

"Lao Gu, you’re on the early shift today, right? Come over to my house directly tonight, I have something to discuss with you."

...

With the evaluation over, work continues.

Fu Yu is on the night shift with Zhao Meng tonight.

This time matched the dinner rush perfectly, with orders coming in nonstop.

The few people in the kitchen were all busy, each occupied with their own tasks.

Dai Li came over to deliver dishes and took a call during the waiting period.

It was her daughter’s nursery teacher calling, and after a few words, she hung up.

Dai Li couldn’t help but complain, "The timing is sharp; every end of the month, they start urging us to pay the fees. This month’s salary probably won’t even reach my hands before it’s gone."

Zhao Meng found time to chime in, "Your Bao’Er is in nursery now, right? Who picks her up in the evening?"

Dai Li sighed, "I signed her up for full daycare, so it’s fine to pick her up every other day."

Wang Yuxuan came over to deliver dishes and, hearing Dai Li say this, couldn’t help but comment, "Sister Dai, it’s really not easy for you."

Dai Li nodded, "Exactly, that’s why people say women should think twice before getting married or having kids. Being alone is so much better, no burdens, no pressure, you can do whatever you want every day."

Dai Li was speaking her mind.

She had just turned twenty-three today and had been divorced for two years already.

When she first got married, it was quite happy.

But living together made her realize that in a relationship, liking each other isn’t enough.

Without material support, daily life revolved around menial necessities.

No matter how deep the affection, it couldn’t withstand the erosion of time.

Dai Li, as a divorced woman with a child, had no family support and still had to care for her parents.

The pressure she faced and how hard life was only she knew.

Wang Yuxuan wanted to say more but was interrupted by Zhao Meng, "You have it fine; Bao’Er is well-behaved. It’s just she’s too young now, and there’s nothing you can do. In a few years, you can bring Bao’Er to stay in the dormitory. By then, apply to the management for a bigger room and live with Bao’Er here; wouldn’t that be great."

Dai Li had been working in the store for several years, so she was a veteran.

Zhao Meng knew her situation at home, so he didn’t let Wang Yuxuan continue talking.

He feared Dai Li would feel worse.

Dai Li heard this, smiled, and said, "Hopefully, and if that really happens, at least I’ll have something to look forward to."

While speaking, Fu Yu handed over a plated dish to Dai Li, "Sister Dai, the dish is ready."

Dai Li acknowledged and took the dish, "Fu Yu, I heard you got promoted? Congratulations, congratulations!"

Fu Yu happily replied, "Thank you."

Dai Li looked at Zhao Meng and said with a smile, "Chef Zhao, you finally have a good assistant now."

Zhao Meng nodded and smiled.

Indeed, if Fu Yu could step up to the stove, it would certainly ease a lot of his worries.

However, the procedures for promotion are always tedious, and under normal circumstances, it definitely couldn’t be completed in less than ten or fifteen days.

And today happened to be the last day of the month, so this delay meant it would likely take another month.

Zhao Meng was anxious but had no choice other than to patiently wait.