Chapter 181: Yan Jiecheng Takes an Apprenticeship

Since everyone had to go to work in the afternoon, they mostly focused on eating, while Zhang Ping'an accompanied the old man, his two uncles, and his brothers-in-law for a light drink.

Those who had to work at 12:30 left one after another, and now only Zhang Ping'an's table remained.

"Dad, big brother, let's stop drinking here; we still have to rush back for the afternoon."

"Hmm, that's fine, then let's finish the wine in our cups and have our meal."

The banquet completely broke up at 1:00 PM, and the second and third aunts even helped clean up before heading back.

"Second Uncle, Third Uncle, Eldest Brother-in-law, Second Brother-in-law, the weather is cold and the roads are slippery, please go back slowly."

"Sure, don't worry, it's fine."

"That's right, Ping'an, we've only had less than half a jin."

"Hmm."

After seeing everyone off, Zhang Ping'an also prepared to go to work. The children were currently being carried by Wang Xiaoling so it was convenient to breastfeed, while Weijun and Weidong were being looked after by his parents.

"Ping'an, Ping'an."

"What is it, Teacher Yan?"

"Ping'an, when you go to the countryside to procure supplies, could you bring me two chickens or ducks?"

"Teacher Yan, how could that be allowed? Everything procured belongs to the factory's supplies; you are asking me to commit a mistake."

"No, Ping'an, don't misunderstand, I..."

"Teacher Yan, you don't need to say anything more. We cannot take advantage of the state, but if I happen to hunt some game, I will set aside two for you then," Zhang Ping'an said, winking at him after he finished speaking.

Now that there were neighbors from the Siheyuan all around, if Zhang Ping'an had agreed, there would be trouble in the future. However, Yan Bugui should have been able to understand Zhang Ping'an's meaning; after so many years of getting along, Yan Bugui glanced at the surroundings and understood instantly.

"Yes, yes, yes, it was this old brother who was muddled, Ping'an, don't take it to heart."

"It's nothing."

Zhang Ping'an guessed that Yan Jiecheng was going to take an apprenticeship, otherwise, with it being neither a holiday nor a festival, this old miser wouldn't be willing to eat so well.

In the evening, Zhang Ping'an brought Yan Bugui one wild pheasant, one wild rabbit, one wild duck, and one carp, and in exchange, he received a five-jin jar of aged wine that had been stored for nearly twenty years.

"Ping'an, thank you very much."

"Hey, it was just a coincidence that I caught them. Besides, I'm not losing out either. Teacher Yan, is this for Jiecheng to take an apprenticeship?"

"I knew I couldn't hide it from you. It is indeed for Jiecheng to take an apprenticeship. I didn't expect that while his studies aren't great, he has a talent for being a Chef."

Zhang Ping'an reckoned that this was all because their family had been cutting expenses for the past two years, and since Yan Jiecheng wasn't eating well, he could only try his best to fantasize about delicious food.

Later, by a stroke of luck, he entered the kitchen, and with He Daqing's guidance, the theories in his mind were put into practice, which could be considered a disguised stimulation of his talent.

"Hmm, there are 360 trades, and every trade produces a Top Scholar. Jiecheng has found his own path. Congratulations, Teacher Yan."

"Hahaha, Ping'an, you are still the one in our courtyard whose words are the most pleasant to hear."

"I am sincere when I treat people."

"Hehe~"

Heh, this old miser, even when I tell the truth, you still "hehe."

He Daqing had agreed with Yan Jiecheng that he would take him as an apprentice if he could pass the Tenth-Grade Cook exam next year, but he didn't expect that the boy would barely make the cut in this year's assessment and successfully obtain the Tenth-Grade certificate, which made He Daqing look at him with even more admiration.

Throughout this year, Yan Jiecheng's work in the kitchen, besides chopping, chopping, and chopping, was observing and learning while He Daqing cooked.

Heaven rewards the diligent; after eleven months, he finally managed to pass the Tenth-Grade assessment, while his two fellow apprentices did not pass.

"Jiecheng, you are too amazing," although Liu Haiyang and the other didn't pass, they were sincerely happy for him.

"I just got lucky, like a blind cat bumping into a dead mouse."

"Jiecheng, you don't need to belittle yourself. Others might not know of your hard work, but doesn't your Uncle He know? The cabbages in your house have been chopped by you to the point where they can last until after the New Year, right? And you, Haiyang and the others, did you pick up a kitchen knife after going home?"

Both of them lowered their heads. They were already tired enough at the factory; where would they have the energy to cook when they got home? Naturally, they just laid flat. It seems they will have to work harder after the New Year.

"Alright, I'm not blaming you. Jiecheng is a special case, but you all need to hurry up and strive to pass next year."

"Yes, Master." They had been surpassed by Yan Jiecheng, and they truly felt ashamed of their master's teachings.

"Hmm~"

"Jiecheng, I said back then that if you passed the tenth grade, I would take you as an apprentice. Have your father prepare some meat, and come over to perform the apprenticeship ceremony in these next two days."

"Alright, Uncle He."

So, upon returning home, Yan Jiecheng excitedly told his father that he had successfully passed the grade exam and had been taken as an apprentice by He Daqing.

"Good, good, good."

"Uncle He told me to prepare some meat for the apprenticeship ceremony."

"Done."

Yan Bugui was a teacher after all, and he knew a thing or two about apprenticeship ceremonies for chefs; chicken, duck, fish, and meat all had to be prepared. But he had only managed to buy pork, and it was with meat coupons the family had saved for a long time, which was why the scene of him asking Zhang Ping'an to buy them on his behalf that afternoon occurred.

The next morning, a well-prepared Yan Bugui took Yan Jiecheng to the He family.

"Lao He, I've brought Jiecheng over."

"Hmm~"

He Daqing looked at the items in Yan Bugui's hands and nodded with satisfaction. In this day and age, people placed great importance on apprenticeship gifts. Previously, He Daqing had been worried that Yan Bugui would be reluctant to spend money.

After all, Yan Bugui's stingy image had been deeply ingrained in people's hearts over the past two years. Now it seemed that was just on the surface, and deep down, he was a sensible person.

There were already quite a few people at He Daqing's house, all of whom were his fellow disciples invited to witness the event. Seeing the items in Yan Bugui's hands, they all nodded slightly.

Although they didn't know Yan Bugui, being able to bring such an expensive gift clearly showed he was someone who understood the rules.

Outside, a group of women saw Yan Bugui going to He Daqing's house with heavy gifts and began to discuss it animatedly.

"It looks like Jiecheng is going to take Lao He as his master."

"That's right, the Yan family will probably be much better off in the future."

"Yes, yes."

There was no lack of envy in everyone's tone. In this day and age, a chef was a hot commodity; not only could they eat well themselves, but their families could also benefit a little bit.

As the apprenticeship banquet proceeded, Yan Jiecheng kowtowed and offered a toast, formally becoming a disciple under He Daqing; during this time, at He Daqing's request, Yan Jiecheng also stir-fried a signature dish, stewed cabbage.

"Hmm, not bad, not bad. To reach this level in just over a year, he is quite talented."

"Indeed, keep practicing in the future; once you master the heat, your knife skills will improve even further."

"Many thanks to all my masters' brothers and uncles for your guidance; your nephew will keep it in mind."

"Hmm, Daqing, you have taken in a good disciple."

"Hahaha," He Daqing was clearly very satisfied with Yan Jiecheng's performance today.

The apprenticeship banquet ended, and the Yan family father and son returned home.

"Jiecheng, there is only so much your father can do for you; from now on, you will have to rely on yourself, as I still have to provide for your younger brothers and sisters."

"Yes, Father, I know." That his father could help him to this extent had already exceeded his expectations.

"Hmm, work hard in the future. Next year you will be of age to marry, so we should tidy up the house."

"It will be like the Xu Family House, but since our family has many younger siblings, you can only have one room."

"Father, I know, this is already very good; perhaps in two years I will be allocated a house."

"Hmm."

Yan Bugui had previously been extremely disappointed in this eldest son, but since he started working, his mind had opened up, and now that he had even apprenticed to learn a craft, there was truly no need to worry about his future.

However, the studies of the other three children also gave him a headache; Yan Bugui did not know what sins he had committed in his past life, for although he was an intelligence-type hero, not a single one of his children took after him.

Now that Yan Jiecheng was on the strength-type path, he wondered what strange attributes the other three children would develop.