Chapter 89: with translation of chapter title

Given Cong Pangzi's cooking ability, no cafeteria anywhere would likely hire him. Besides, He Yuzhu wonders: Master Luo's skills aren't bad, so how could his disciple be this far off?

Possible translation: "With Cong Pangzi's cooking skills, no cafeteria anywhere would likely want him. Moreover, He Yuzhu was a bit curious: Master Luo's skills aren't bad, so how could his disciple be this far off?"

Just based on Cong Pangzi's skills, no cafeteria anywhere would likely want him.

Moreover, He Yuzhu was somewhat curious: Master Luo's skills aren't bad, so how could his disciple be this far off?

Make sure not to add extra.

Cong Pangzi said a few words in a low voice.

Originally he came in as a substitute worker; his father's skills were excellent, having taught five or six highly skilled apprentices, including Master Luo. Later his father returned to his hometown and opened a small shop for his retirement.

came in as a substitute worker

Later the business became public-private joint, and then he came here to work as a substitute.

"You say this matter turned out like this because of our manager's meddling; otherwise, transferring me wouldn't be a problem." Cong Pangzi, sweating profusely, said, "What should we do?"

"You say this matter turned out like this because of our manager's meddling; otherwise, transferring me wouldn't be a problem." Cong Pangzi, sweating anxiously, said, "What should we do?"

Make sure it's one line.

The manager of this small shop is willing to go out to drum up business; often some leaders come to eat, and while he can handle some, he can only put up with others.

Better: "The manager of this small shop likes to go out to drum up business; often some leaders come to eat, and while he can handle some, he can only put up with others."

This time it belongs to Taicun.

"The Fruit Company manager isn't eating this time; if you go, you'll give yourself away." He Yuzhu sighed and said.

Cong Pangzi waved his hand, indicating that cooking a big pot of rice was no problem for him, and besides, the Fruit Company's leaders hardly ever eat in the cafeteria, so ordinary staff wouldn't complain.

He Yuzhu nodded. Since that's the case, he boldly suggested an idea: he would make this meal himself tomorrow, but the requisition slip from that side must be rushed out.

After looking at the letter Master Luo gave him, Cong Pangzi slapped the table, showing no problem; he would go handle this this afternoon, and also let him spend some thought to carefully consider tomorrow's dishes.

If this were later times, the cook not working in the afternoon would surely make the manager disagree, but now such a situation won't happen; originally few people went out to eat, and with the waiter's sour face, those who came were also driven away.

Seeing that the matter looked promising, He Yuzhu also felt happy; when at home he had also studied carefully, and Gangcheng here still has some scenery.

Now it's winter; naturally you can't see the new willows on the long dyke, but going to the seaside to see the winter sea view is also nice.

Not long after going to the seaside by car, He Yuzhu couldn't stand the north wind there; the wind rolled up the waves and slapped the shore, and the railings all around were covered with jagged ice.

It was grand and imposing, truly giving the feeling of a polar landscape.

He was about to head back when he suddenly saw several people exercising on the beach, shirtless; after a while of activity, they went swimming in the sea.

"Coming out for winter swimming in this weather, you're too cold-resistant!" He Yuzhu shrank his neck and walked toward the bus stop.

Inside the guesthouse, Character had been waiting for his return; seeing his face wind‑blown and frost‑kissed, she hurriedly used her hands to warm him, whispering: "I bought you some dumplings, with perch filling—eat them quickly to warm up."

Note: This fish is a type of perch, possibly yellow croaker; we'll translate it as perch.

The perch dumplings were naturally delicious; He Yuzhu finished them in a few bites, chatted a bit more with Character, then returned to his room to rest.

Even a lion fighting a rabbit needs full effort.

The next day, He Yuzhu appeared on time in the restaurant; the back kitchen was already bustling with activity. Although Cong Pangzi's cooking wasn't great, his knife work was still fine.

"Brother, you've actually come." Cong Pangzi put down his knife, smiling, and said, "These dishes have had me running ragged."

He Yuzhu glanced at the ingredients; they were better prepared than yesterday's meal, besides some common seafood here, they also had a whole chicken and pork hock.

"Any specific requirements?" He Yuzhu asked, "Is there a menu?"

"The guests want spicy chicken and Kung Pao chicken dice; the rest can be arranged as you like." Cong Pangzi said quietly, "Brother, this meal is up to you."

After truly witnessing He Yuzhu's skills, Cong Pangzi realized how far he was from being an expert; dishes he couldn't get right no matter what, others could stir‑fry in a few moves.

Moreover, in color, aroma and taste, they were far superior to his. At one moment he even wanted to kneel and kowtow, calling him master; just learning a thing or two would be enough to stand firm here.

But in an instant he felt some anguish; such superb skills would surely leave an impression on the leaders' minds, yet he didn't trust his own abilities—if the time came, he'd be exposed.

He hurriedly asked He Yuzhu if there was any suitable method.

"Of course there is a way." He Yuzhu planned to bring out the hot pot base trick again, and since it's winter, it should keep well.

Before they finished speaking, the server up front came over to Cong Pangzi, saying this meal had really hit the leaders' hearts, and that they wanted to promote him properly.

When Cong Pangzi went in, they were still drinking here.

"Old Lin, hurry up and drink; in a bit we'll switch to brandy." Most of the people at the table were flushed from drinking, "Can't be lazy here."

Manager Lin had drunk a bit too much, he staggered to his feet, just seeing Cong Pangzi come in, he put an arm around his neck and said, "Our company's newly hired chef, from now on you'll come drink at my place."

"This dish is so good, we'll definitely come."

"Right, then you won't be able to bear not coming."

Hearing this, Cong Pangzi's head was drenched in sweat—this wasn't going to cost him his life, was it?

"Our company always rewards merit; with your skills so good, I'll transfer you to the special kitchen. Cooking big‑pot rice would be a waste of your talent."

Cong Pangzi hurriedly shook his head.

He said he had a senior brother coming from out of town who wanted to get some fruit or something, and he was willing to use this special‑kitchen opportunity to exchange for a requisition slip.

"Good, truly righteous."

"Fine! Full of feeling and righteousness." Manager Lin laughed heartily, "I'll write you a requisition slip right now."

Cong Pangzi looked at the requisition slip in his hand, quickly found an excuse to leave, and while He Yuzhu was still here, he wanted to quickly learn a trick—surely it would be useful later.

"Master He, the requisition slip has been made out for you, so I don't need to go looking for connections anymore." Cong Pangzi handed over the slip, "Is it enough?"

He Yuzhu looked at it; they had approved a thousand jin for him, a bit short of what he'd asked for, but something is better than nothing.

"I've prepared everything for you." He Yuzhu handed him a bowl, "This is my secret seasoning; just add a bit when you cook."

Cong Pangzi hoped he could give him a proper explanation.

"All right, then I'll make a dish of boiled meat slices; you can see how it's done, and other ingredients like crabs, big shrimp, etc., can also be prepared this way."

Watching He Yuzhu finish bit by bit, Cong Pangzi couldn't bear to blink; as soon as the dish came out of the pot, he eagerly picked up his chopsticks and took a bite.

The spiciness made him draw in his breath.

But he also felt like eating another bite.

Master He, thank you so much; I'll come see you again in a few days and bring something for Senior Brother Luo.