Chapter 38

After Perry Fu Gui moved away, Da Mao and Li Qiang and a few others grew closer, often drinking together.

Interpretation: After Xu Fugui moved away, Xu Damao and Li Qiang and a few others became closer; the few of them often drank together three days out of two (i. e., frequently). So translation: After Xu Fugui moved away, Xu Damao got closer to Li Qiang and a few others, and the group often drank together every few days.

We need to keep meaning, not add. Let's produce: After Xu Fugui moved away, Xu Damao and Li Qiang and a few others grew closer, and the group often drank together every few days.

often

He Yuzhu, Director Yang wants you to go to his office," the canteen chief said, coming into the back kitchen.

Translation: "He Yuzhu, Factory Director Yang wants you to go to his office," the canteen chief said, coming to the back kitchen.

We need to keep quotes. Use English quotes.

Okay

Translation: "Okay."

Director Yang, are you looking for me?

Translation: "Factory Director Yang, are you looking for me?"

Zhuzi, do you have anything this Sunday?

Translation: "Zhuzi, do you have anything this Sunday?"

Nothing, what's up, Director?

Translation: "Nothing, what's up, Director?"

Come with me this Sunday to

Translation: "Come with me this Sunday to a place; I want you to cook a meal for a leader. He's from Sichuan, and after joining the revolution he never went back. I want you to prepare a Sichuan dish for him."

Sure!

Translation: "Sure."

Alright, I'll have the driver pick you up Sunday morning. Keep it confidential.

Translation: "Alright, I'll have my driver pick you up Sunday morning. Keep it confidential."

Don't worry, I'll keep it to myself.

Translation: "Don't worry, I keep my mouth shut."

Sunday morning, He Yuzhu followed Factory Director Yang's driver to a heavily guarded compound, and the car stopped in front of a two-story building.

Translation: Sunday morning, He Yuzhu followed Factory Director Yang's driver to a heavily guarded compound; the car stopped in front of a two-story building.

"Brother Zhuzi, you're here too," He Yuzhu said as he got out of the car and saw Xu Damao also standing at the door.

Translation: "Brother Zhuzi, you're here too," He Yuzhu said as he stepped out of the car, seeing Xu Damao also standing at the entrance.

"Damao, what are you doing here?" He Yuzhu said, surprised to see Xu Damao.

Translation: "Damao, what are you doing here?" He Yuzhu said, not expecting to run into Xu Damao here.

"Factory Director Yang asked me to come over to show a movie."

Translation: "Factory Director Yang asked me to come over to show a movie."

Oh, no wonder.

Translation: "Oh, no wonder."

"Are you Little Chef He?" As the two were chatting, a young man wearing glasses and a Zhongshan suit walked out.

Translation: "Are you Little He, the chef?" As the two chatted, a young man wearing glasses and a Zhongshan suit walked out.

"I'm He Yuzhu. And you are?"

Translation: "I'm He Yuzhu. And you are?"

"I'm the leader's secretary, surnamed Wu. Factory Director Yang asked me to come pick you up. Follow me, remember: don't talk too much, and don't ask questions you shouldn't."

Translation: "I'm the leader's secretary, surname Wu. Factory Director Yang sent me to pick you up. Come with me, remember: don't talk too much, and don't ask what you shouldn't," Secretary Wu reminded.

"Got it," He Yuzhu and Xu Damao nodded in reply.

Translation: "Understood," He Yuzhu and Xu Damao replied together, nodding.

"Little Chef He, the kitchen is this way. Go see if anything is missing; if something is missing, just tell me directly," Secretary Wu said as he led He Yuzhu to the kitchen door.

Translation: "Little He, the kitchen is this way. Go see if anything is missing; if something is, just tell me," Secretary Wu said, bringing He Yuzhu to the kitchen door.

"Okay," He Yuzhu replied and went into the kitchen.

Translation: "Got it," He Yuzhu answered and went into the kitchen.

"Comrade Xiao Xu, come with me," Secretary Wu said to Xu Damao after watching He Yuzhu enter the kitchen.

Translation: "Comrade Xu, come with me," Secretary Wu said to Xu Damao after watching He Yuzhu enter the kitchen.

"Okay, Secretary Wu."

Translation: "Okay, Secretary Wu."

He Yuzhu arrived at the kitchen and found that everything needed was fully prepared. Unlike in the original drama, there was no shortage of sesame paste; seeing that nothing was missing, He Yuzhu began his preparations.

Translation: He Yuzhu arrived at the kitchen and found everything well stocked. Unlike in the original drama, there was no shortage of sesame paste; seeing that nothing was lacking, he began preparations.

"Little Chef, isn't it a bit early to start cooking now?" a woman in her forties walked in and asked.

Translation: "Little chef, isn't it a bit early to start cooking now?" a woman in her forties asked as she walked in.

"Auntie, the pork shank needs more time to cook. I need to start stewing it early, or else I won't finish in time for the leaders' meal," He Yuzhu said with a smile.

Translation: "Auntie, the pork hock takes time to stew. I need to start it early, or I won't finish in time for the leader's meal," He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"Oh, then you're busy," the middle-aged woman said and turned to leave.

Translation: "Oh, then you're busy," the middle-aged woman said, then turned and left without another word.

"Comrade, is that chef from your steel mill? Do you know him?" the woman asked as she approached Xu Damao.

Translation: "Comrade, is that chef from your Yagang Steel Plant? Do you know him?" the woman asked, approaching Xu Damao.

"You mean He Yuzhu, right? Not only do I know him, we even live in the same compound," Xu Damao said with a laugh.

Translation: "You mean He Yuzhu, right? I not only know him, we actually live in the same compound," Xu Damao said with a laugh.

"He looks so young; can he really cook well?" the woman asked, somewhat doubtful. It's no wonder she'd think that, since people usually believe that a chef's or doctor's skill improves with age. Although He Yuzhu looks a bit older, he's only in his early twenties—how old could he really be?

Translation: "He looks so young—can he really cook well?" the woman asked, doubtful. It's understandable she'd think that, since people usually believe a chef's or doctor's skill improves with age. Although He Yuzhu looks a bit older, he's only in his early twenties—how old could he really be?

"Auntie, don't underestimate him—he comes from a family of culinary tradition. His father's Tan family cuisine is absolutely superb, and he studied under Master Ma Hongtao of Fengzeyuan. You'll know his skill once you taste it," Xu Damao said with a laugh. Now Xu Damao and He Yuzhu get along very well; unlike in the original drama, he didn't disparage him but instead spoke highly of him.

Translation: "Auntie, don't underestimate him—he comes from a family of chefs; his father's Tan family cuisine is superb, and he apprenticed under Master Ma Hongtao of Fengzeyuan. You'll know his skill once you taste it," Xu Damao said with a laugh. Now Xu Damao's relationship with He Yuzhu is very good; unlike in the original drama, he doesn't disparage him but instead speaks highly of him.

"Comrade, you can't just speak well of him just because you work at the same factory, can you?" a loud voice came from behind Xu Damao.

Translation: "Comrade, you can't just speak well of him because you work at the same factory, can you?" a loud voice came from behind Xu Damao.

"How could that be, Leader? If his skills weren't good, Factory Director Yang wouldn't feel comfortable bringing him to cook for the leaders," Xu Damao said, turning to see a bespectacled man with an air of authority speaking to him, with Factory Director Yang standing behind him. Xu Damao realized this man was likely the highest-ranking leader among them.

Translation: "How could that be, Leader? If his skills weren't good, Factory Director Yang would be embarrassed to bring him to cook for all the leaders," Xu Damao replied, turning to see a bespectacled man with the air of a leader speaking to him, with Factory Director Yang trailing behind; Xu Damao realized this man was the highest-ranking among them.

"It looks like Comrade Yang is doing a good job. We should be like this: coworkers shouldn't flatter each other, but we absolutely cannot allow behavior that undermines one another." The leader was very pleased with Xu Damao's performance.

Translation: "It seems Comrade Yang is doing a good job; we should be like this—among coworkers we don't just praise each other, but we absolutely won't tolerate undermining one another." The leader was very pleased with Xu Damao's performance.

The movie, which lasted a little over an hour, ended quickly, and Secretary Wu came to the kitchen to tell He Yuzhu to start serving the dishes.

Translation: After a little over an hour, the movie ended quickly, and Secretary Wu came to the kitchen to tell He Yuzhu to start serving the dishes.

Having been notified, He Yuzhu heated the oil in the wok, and after a flurry of activity, the dishes began to be brought to the table one after another.

Translation: Having been notified, He Yuzhu heated the oil in the wok, and after a flurry of activity, the dishes began to be brought to the table one after another.

"Comrade Yang, the chef you brought is really good—just look at how the dishes look and smell; you can tell this chef's skills are exceptional," the leader said with a smile.

Translation: "Comrade Yang, the chef you found is really good—just look at how the dishes look and smell; you can tell his skill is extraordinary," the leader said with a smile.

"Leader, Xiao He's culinary skills are hereditary; it's said his father's Tan family cuisine is especially authentic. Too bad I haven't had a chance to taste it, but Xiao He is a closed-door disciple of Master Ma Hongtao of Fengzeyuan," Factory Director Yang introduced.

Translation: "Leader, He Yuzhu's skill is hereditary; it's said his father's Tan family cuisine is even more authentic. Too bad I haven't tasted it, but He Yuzhu is a closed-door disciple of Master Ma Hongtao of Fengzeyuan," Factory Director Yang introduced.

"Oh, I was saying—indeed, a master produces an outstanding apprentice. Your steel mill has really picked up a treasure," the leader said, a bit enviously.

Translation: "Oh, I see—indeed, a great master produces great apprentices. Your Yagang Steel Plant has really picked up a treasure," the leader said, a bit enviously.

When the final dish, braised pork shank in Dongpo style, was brought to the table, the leader summoned Secretary Wu over.

Translation: When the final dish, braised pork hock in Dongpo style, was served, the leader summoned Secretary Wu.

"Little Wu, go to the kitchen and bring the chef who prepared the meal. He worked hard to make this feast for us, so we should at least buy him a drink," the leader said with a smile.

Translation: "Little Wu, go to the kitchen and bring the chef who prepared this meal; he worked hard for us, so we should at least offer him a drink," the leader said with a smile.

"Okay, I'm on my way."

Translation: "Okay, I'll go right away."

"Chef He, the leader wants to see you for a moment," Secretary Wu said as he arrived at the kitchen.

Translation: "Chef He, the leader wants to see you for a moment," Secretary Wu said, arriving at the kitchen.

"Okay," He Yuzhu replied, took off his apron, and followed Secretary Wu out.

Translation: "Okay," He Yuzhu replied, took off his apron, and followed Secretary Wu out.

"Leader, Chef He has arrived," Secretary Wu said as he brought He Yuzhu to the dining room.

Translation: "Leader, Chef He has arrived," Secretary Wu said, bringing He Yuzhu to the dining room.

"Hello, everyone," He Yuzhu greeted the leaders first, and six or seven people were seated around a rectangular table.

Translation: "Greetings, leaders," He Yuzhu said first, addressing those in the room; six or seven people sat around a rectangular table.

"Chef He, you've worked hard today," the leader said with a smile.

Translation: "Chef He, you've worked hard today," the leader said with a smile.

"Grand Leader, it's not a problem," He Yuzhu said modestly.

Translation: "Great Leader, it's no trouble," He Yuzhu said modestly.

"What should I call you?" the leader asked He Yuzhu with a smile.

Translation: "What should I call you?" the leader asked He Yuzhu with a smile.

"Grand Leader, everyone here is a leader, and you're sitting at the head of the table. You must be the highest-ranking leader," He Yuzhu said earnestly.

Translation: "Great Leader, everyone here is a leader, and you're sitting at the head of the table. You must be the highest leader," He Yuzhu said sincerely.

"You didn't tell him who I am?" the Grand Leader asked Factory Director Yang.

Translation: "You didn't tell him who I am?" the Great Leader asked Factory Director Yang.

"No."

Translation: "No."

"Aren't you curious about who I am?" the Grand Leader asked He Yuzhu with a smile.

Translation: "Aren't you curious who I am?" the Great Leader asked He Yuzhu with a laugh.

"My master taught me to just cook and not ask about the guests," He Yuzhu answered frankly.

Translation: "My master taught me when I graduated: just cook, don't ask about the guests," He Yuzhu answered frankly.

"Good, you have a fine master. Little Wu, pull up an extra seat for Chef He." It's clear the Grand Leader really likes He Yuzhu's personality.

Translation: "Good, you have a fine master. Little Wu, pull up a seat for Chef He," the Great Leader said, clearly pleased with He Yuzhu's demeanor.

"Grand Leader, chefs traditionally don't sit at the table, but today I'll make an exception." He Yuzhu wouldn't be so oblivious—why would a chef join a table full of leaders just to hang out?

Translation: "Great Leader, chefs traditionally don't sit at the table, but I'll let it slide today," He Yuzhu said, not lacking in awareness; a table full of leaders—what fun would there be for a mere cook to join them?

"Hey, we're in a new country and a new society now, Chef He—we don't stand on those old formalities," the Grand Leader said with a laugh.

Translation: "Ah, nowadays it's a new country, a new society, Chef He—we don't stand on those old formalities," the Great Leader said with a laugh.

"Grand Leader, don't call me Old Chef He; that title makes me feel uneasy. My name is He Yuzhu—just call me Xiao He or Zhuzi." He Yuzhu said with a laugh. In the original drama, He Yuzhu was okay with the Grand Leader calling him 'Silly Zhu,' but Li Qiang had previously told He Yuzhu not to let people call him that, because strangers might think he's actually stupid. So today He Yuzhu directly told the Grand Leader to call him Zhuzi.

Translation: "Great Leader, don't call me Chef He—I feel unworthy of that title. My name is He Yuzhu; just call me Little He, or Zhuzi is fine," He Yuzhu said with a laugh. In the original drama, He Yuzhu let the Great Leader call him "Silly Zhu," but earlier Li Qiang had told him not to let people call him that, since strangers might think he's actually foolish; therefore today He Yuzhu directly told the Great Leader to call him Zhuzi.

"Alright, then I'll call you Zhuzi. Since you're not sitting, I'll toast you with a drink—you'd better have it." The Grand Leader had actually been testing He Yuzhu earlier; since He Yuzhu didn't want to sit, he didn't press him, after all it's a bit awkward for a chef to sit with the leaders, and much of their conversation isn't suitable for He Yuzhu to hear.

Translation: "Fine, I'll call you Zhuzi then. Since you're not sitting, let me toast you with a cup of wine—you have to drink it." The Great Leader had actually been testing He Yuzhu earlier; since He Yuzhu didn't want to sit, he didn't press him, after all it's a bit awkward for a cook to sit with them, and much of their conversation isn't suitable for He Yuzhu to hear.

"Thank you, big leader" He Yuzhu didn't refuse this time.

After drinking a cup of wine, He Yuzhu left the restaurant. Watching He Yuzhu's back, the senior leader nodded approvingly; good at cooking, he knows when to advance or retreat.