Chapter 11: Cooking

Having taken money, He Yuzhu went to the Grocery shop to look. He Yushui was happily eating here; now the family is not well-off, and several parents, with nothing to do, buy snacks for their children to eat.

"He Yushui, go back first." He Yuzhu patted her shoulder, "Give you fifty yuan and tickets, eat a bit more at school, you look thin."

After He Yushui returned home, He Yuzhu quickly took out the newly obtained reward from the system; this desk lamp thing probably won't sell well, so better put it in a corner to gather dust.

On an autumn morning the sunlight was very gentle; several withered yellow leaves fell, swirling down from the tree. After He Yuzhu's commotion, the original situation in the Courtyard House finally showed a crack.

Just arrived at the canteen of the Steel Rolling Mill, Liu Lan came over to pass a message: the leadership wants him over for something, telling him to go over as soon as he starts work.

Naturally in the factory one must get along with the leadership; he hurriedly ran to the Factory Director's office, asking what the matter was, whether there was any important guest.

"Not bad, today an important guest came to the factory; cook the dishes well, your share is indispensable." The Factory Director said with a smile, "Your Kung Pao Chicken is excellent; add a braised pork, and you can estimate the rest yourself."

Could it be that the senior leadership's secretary has come over?

Back in the canteen, He Yuzhu quickly arranged for Ma Hua to select ingredients; this meal is crucial to his future, and preparations must be flawless.

While he was busy preparing things here, the Deputy Factory Director Li in charge of logistics came over with the Canteen Director.

"He Yuzhu, you're quite hard to invite." The big-headed, big-eared Canteen Director said, "Didn't Liu Lan tell you to come find me as soon as you start work?"

Damn, Liu Lan this little thing dug a pit for herself; she didn't even tell me which leadership.

However, He Yuzhu looked down on these two in his heart; whatever good things, they look like corrupt officials, this person in the canteen has never lacked taking advantage, and every time it's him wiping their butt.

Everything in the canteen is accounted for, especially grain. Whenever there wasn't enough grain, it was always this cook who thought of ways to get by.

What's the point of barking in front of me!

"The Factory Director has an important task; we're discussing the menu." He Yuzhu patted his own clothes, "Does Factory Director Li also have guests today?"

Deputy Factory Director Li neither confirmed nor denied, hands behind his back, began inspecting the canteen's work.

The big steamed buns in the basket gave off a wheat fragrance, wisps of steam rose, and Deputy Factory Director Li nodded in satisfaction.

"The meals are well made; our factory indeed has your good skills." Deputy Factory Director Li walked to the canteen back door, "Today I have no guests there; it's something else."

The Canteen Director stepped forward and said, "The masses have reported that you act domineering in the Courtyard House, nearly driving a widow to death, and you also disrespect the veteran workers."

No need to guess; whoever likes this move is either Xu Damao or Er Daye.

The Canteen Director still wanted to say something, but Deputy Factory Director Li laughed and said, "I don't believe these; you are my subordinate, the person who made the report has already been severely criticized by me, so do your job well—I may promote you if the chance arises."

Deputy Factory Director Li's attitude was somewhat unexpected; according to He Yuzhu's expectation, Li Deputy Factory Director should have used this opportunity to reprimand him, even transfer him away.

Never mind those, He Yuzhu returned to the kitchen and began preparing the noon meal.

He Yuzhu didn't understand this problem, and the Canteen Director understood even less; in a moment he felt maybe he hadn't flattered enough, making the leadership think he lacked ability.

"Under Factory Director Li's leadership, everyone is surely a law-abiding good person." The Canteen Director gave an embarrassed laugh, "I'll just look into He Yuzhu's matter and clear his name."

Deputy Factory Director Li stared at him for a while; those little tricks of his are just his own leftover play.

"In our factory, the best cook in the canteen is He Yuzhu, right? If you get rid of him, how will we handle future reception tasks?"

"Three-legged toads are hard to find, but cooks are a dime a dozen."

"Haha, but reaching He Yuzhu's level of skill is hard to find." Deputy Factory Director Li pondered, "Find a way to win him over, to make him work for me."

"Yes."

He Yuzhu busied himself in the kitchen for half a morning; a table of tasty dishes finally came out, besides the two previously confirmed dishes, he also prepared bok choy mushrooms, braised tofu, etc.

Looking at the table of dishes, the Factory Director felt his face shine; he hurriedly called everyone to eat and drink, saying such good food must be enjoyed without getting drunk and going home.

"Looks like I definitely won't be able to go back today, but we've agreed on the matter, so we can't disregard it."

"Just drink with peace of mind."

Several people drank until they were stumbling drunk; He Yuzhu didn't get the information he wanted, he packed up some leftovers and returned to the Courtyard House with the off‑duty crowd.

At the gate he encountered the loitering San Daye; seeing He Yuzhu, San Daye was enthusiastic, as if he had met a wild cat that had found cat food.

"Zhuzi, what tasty stuff did you bring today?" San Daye's eyes lit up, "Being a cook is great—you can always bring something back."

San Daye has always considered himself a cultured person; his attitude toward He Yuzhu is usually not good, but today it's really strange.

"What's good? All over with oil stains, clothes are hard to wash." He Yuzhu shook his head, "San Daye, you must have something to discuss."

San Daye gave an embarrassed chuckle and said, "Indeed there's a small matter; let's go to your place tonight to eat and chat."

He's eyeing the dishes in my lunch box; he has a matter to ask me, but he shouldn't have his family prepare things. Other things are fine to say, but we must absolutely not let him take advantage, otherwise he'll think the courtyard house has only him as the smart one.

"I can't handle big matters; you can say the small ones here."

Actually, San Daye's matter is simple: a relative's family is holding a wedding and wants him to help find a cook; he first thought of He Yuzhu.

"No problem, I'll go out for a trip for five bucks, and I also need to bring the leftovers back; you should have coordinated with his family."

San Daye looked for He Yuzhu just to siphon off the money given by the relative; hearing He Yuzhu's demand, he immediately started complaining, hoping He Yuzhu would waive the fee.

"That's impossible; otherwise go find someone else."

"Where would I find someone else? Like this: if you don't take money, I'll introduce you to a match, a teacher from our school, handsome with bright eyes and graceful looks."

He Yuzhu coldly told him, "I already have a wife; if you keep being unreliable, don't blame me for taking care of you."

San Daye snorted and remained silent.

"Like this: this time I'll collect three dollars, but you need to find out who at the leadership reported my false accusation." He Yuzhu said softly, "Do the job well, and you'll get your share."