The Cheat Emperor of the Culinary World

Chapter 321: Chapter 320: Disciple or Lover?

On the last day of the National Day holiday, Yao Shi returned.

Everyone suddenly realized that this year, their head chef hadn’t been around at all.

For a while, there was no shortage of whispers in private.

Among the higher-ups aware of Yao Shi’s personal situation, there was quiet discussion: Is Chef Yao planning to officially switch jobs?

However, the thought quickly dissipated as they realized it wasn’t about job-hopping at all!

In all fairness, Yao Shi was already being very considerate.

Anyone else wouldn’t just leave their business unattended to wholeheartedly help others make money.

Many people felt that Yao Shi’s actions were justifiable, perfectly reasonable.

A small minority, however, were quite pleased and eagerly anticipated it.

While cooking, Gu Yunwu unconsciously hummed a little tune.

Yao Yihang heard it, glanced over, and then continued with what he was doing without another word.

During lunch break, Yao Shi took the opportunity to gather Zhao Meng and Fu Yu to talk about the innovative dishes.

Yao Shi hadn’t asked for details over the phone, but now seeing Fu Yu, he inquired about the situation and asked Fu Yu to describe the seafood dishes and their names.

Fu Yu spoke earnestly, and Yao Shi noted down the dish names, smiling, ”You’ve got skills! I have to say, these dishes sound pretty good.”

Zhao Meng finally understood—it turns out those dishes were indeed Fu Yu’s innovations, not skills learned from the music restaurant.

Zhao Meng asked Fu Yu, ”How did you come up with these dishes?”

Fu Yu casually joked, ”I learned it from you! Didn’t you say my vegetarian dishes were good? So I thought about how I could make seafood dishes lighter. Although they’re non-vegan, the flavors should embody the ingredients’ original taste.”

Zhao Meng: ”...”

When did I ever cook anything light?

But upon reflection, it seemed he had indeed praised this kid quite a bit over vegetarian dishes.

Was this thinking outside the box, inspired by me?

Yao Shi said at this moment, ”Try making these dishes sometime. Let me see the final product. If it works, we’ll submit them as innovative dishes.”

Fu Yu quickly smiled and said, ”Thank you, Chef Yao!”

Aware that Yao Shi and Zhao Meng had more to discuss, Fu Yu tactfully left.

Watching Fu Yu take a turn back into the kitchen, Yao Shi leaned closer and said softly, ”I’m planning to talk about resigning with Dong Jun Tian once the new batch of recruits is settled.”

Yao Shi always had his own mind and was not easily swayed once he decided on something.

Zhao Meng had mentally prepared for this a while ago, and now, hearing Yao Shi finally bring it up, smiled and said, ”Alright, you go first. I’ll join you once things are settled here.”

With new recruits soon joining the kitchen, they needed two apprentices trained to handle everything so Zhao Meng could leave without worries.

The restaurant specifically planned to hire two semi-skilled cooks this time to help Zhao Meng free himself sooner.

Taking advantage of the rare downtime that afternoon, Sun Qingning noticed Zhao Meng hadn’t returned yet and quickly sidled over to gossip with Fu Yu.

”Hey! Chef Fu, let me tell you, last night I saw Chef Zhao and Sister Dai... well...”

Sun Qingning rubbed his thumbs together.

Fu Yu’s eyes widened in surprise, ”What! That’s fast! Not even giving me time to save up for the gift money! Really...”

Sun Qingning showed an expression of exasperation, ”No, Chef Fu, shouldn’t you be more focused on the fact that Chef Zhao and Sister Dai already kissed?”

Fu Yu replied, ”They’re dating, isn’t it natural for them to kiss? If Chef Zhao, being single all these years, hadn’t made any moves, that would be odd!”

Sun Qingning thought that made sense, just about to speak when Fu Yu’s phone rang.

Fu Yu glanced at the caller ID, surprised to see it was Liu Yunong calling.

Fu Yu waved Sun Qingning off and stepped aside to answer: ”Hello? Teacher Liu, is there something you need from me?”

Liu Yunong laughed heartily and said, ”Why the formal title? Aren’t I your mentor?”

Fu Yu smoothly went with the flow, joking, ”Mentor, is there something you need from me?”

Liu Yunong chuckled, ”Do you have time this evening? I’d like to treat you to dinner.”

Just after the holiday, the kitchen work had significantly lessened. With Yao Shi back and Zhao Meng here, they should manage fine.

But why did Liu Yunong suddenly want to invite him to dinner?

Thinking this, Fu Yu asked directly, ”Mentor, why the sudden dinner invitation?”

Liu Yunong, amused by his loud calls of ”mentor,” was unexpectedly delighted and so laughed while explaining, ”Elder Dai and the others are leaving, so we’re gathering for a final meal together.”

As soon as Fu Yu heard, he quickly agreed, ”Sure, Mentor, I’m free this evening.”

After confirming the time and place, Fu Yu hung up and hurried to ask Zhao Meng for leave.

Just as Zhao Meng and Yao Shi had finished talking and returned outside, Fu Yu had just explained when Yao Shi spoke up first, ”Since I’m back, just go directly, no need to count it as leave.”

Fu Yu was delighted not to have his pay docked and said with a grin, ”Chef Yao, next I’ll treat you and Chef Zhao to dinner at Liu Yunong’s restaurant. I have a VIP card, so the meal will be on the house!”

Yao Shi laughed, ”Alright.”

Zhao Meng, seeing how pleased Fu Yu was, unceremoniously exposed, ”Don’t let him fool you! The branch isn’t even located yet—consider yourselves lucky if you can eat there by next year!”

Fu Yu boasted, ”How could that be fooling! As long as the restaurant opens, sooner or later, I’ll treat you all to the meal! If it’s truly on the house... heh, that’ll be our second canteen from then on!”

Zhao Meng and Yao Shi both laughed at Fu Yu’s naiveté.

...

The dinner was set at Pie King.

Dai Jinghe’s apprentice from the competition event works here.

When Fu Yu arrived by taxi, most of the others were already there.

Upon entering the private room, Fu Yu realized that aside from the judges he met at the competition, there wasn’t a single participant present.

However, besides the judges, there were a few unfamiliar faces who, judging by their attire, seemed to hold some status.

Liu Yunong noticed Fu Yu and gestured for him to sit beside her.

Everyone there knew about Liu Yunong taking on a disciple.

Now, seeing him arrive, they all looked over, curious about the person who’d become Liu Yunong’s apprentice.

Fu Yu walked over to Liu Yunong.

Since today was to bid farewell to Dai Jinghe and the other judges, Fu Yu wore the designer outfit he had on during the first competition rehearsal.

With his naturally good looks, the outfit made him appear even more handsome.

Liu Yunong, graceful and well-dressed, didn’t look a day over thirty.

Together, the handsome young man and attractive woman drew playful glances from those around them.

While no one voiced it, many thought the same thing in their hearts: Is she really taking on a disciple, or did she find herself a lover?