The Cheat Emperor of the Culinary World

Chapter 437: Chapter 431: Is It Because of Honesty?

Music restaurants have always held large customer appreciation events on New Year’s Day.

Zhang Zhen got word from the finance department beforehand that the boss has some new plans this year.

He’s always been happy to hear about that.

With a capable boss who’s able to earn money, all they need to do is cooperate diligently to make a fortune together.

A win-win situation that’s mutually beneficial.

This wasn’t exactly a secret, and Zhang Zhen just casually brought it up as a topic to lighten the atmosphere.

Chen Chen, known for being straightforward, remembered that Zhang Zhen was also a member of the Chef Association.

Zhang Zhen became the head chef at the music restaurant partly because he was good at cooking, had strong management skills, and also because he had considerable experience.

Zhang Zhen’s name was one many were familiar with in the industry.

He’s known as a capable person, having won many awards in competitions, and frequently seen at various industry events.

The impression he leaves is of exceptional culinary skills, a wide network, and a good reputation.

So before coming to the music restaurant, Zhang Zhen had already joined the Chef Association through connections, and joined the Provincial Chef Association in the spring this year, smoothly becoming a full member.

Whenever there’s someone to help, things are easier to handle.

Chen Chen genuinely liked Fu Yu, believing this young man has talent and ability, and will certainly make it big in the future.

Lending a helping hand is far better than adding flowers to the brocade.

As he thought about it, he mentioned Fu Yu’s desire to join the Chef Association.

After mentioning it, he enthusiastically helped to make connections: ”Chef Zhang, didn’t you have a good relationship with the president when you were in the association? Could you help connect Xiaofu? He might lack experience, but gaining some practical experience is quite beneficial.”

Zhang Zhen didn’t expect that Fu Yu wanted to join the Chef Association.

Joining requires certain qualifications, including recommendations from formal members or reputable people in the circle, as well as meeting standards in work experience and achievements.

Generally, people in this field only consider joining the association after several years, even decades, when they have enough credentials and want to boost their reputation.

Fu Yu actually has such foresight?

He’s already thinking about this?

Though he might not be able to help with other things, he could lend some assistance with joining the Chef Association.

An opportunity for Zhang Zhen to express goodwill towards Fu Yu had presented itself.

”Is that so? Xiaofu, you’re planning to join the Chef Association? That’s great! I was a member of the City Chef Association and can be your recommender. Since you already have the application form, that makes it easier,” Zhang Zhen said with a smile.

Fu Yu was taken aback: ”Ah, this... Chef Zhang, but...”

Before he could finish, Zhang Zhen added: ”No worries, don’t stress. Where’s the application form? Let me take a look. If everything’s fine, just send it to me. I have a good relationship with the president, and I can put in a good word for you so you can become a full member immediately.”

Fu Yu opened the application form and handed his phone over.

Zhang Zhen took it, glanced at it, and shook his head: ”You downloaded the wrong application form; this is for the Provincial Chef Association, not the City one. But it doesn’t matter. The basic information is the same format. Let me review it for you. When we return, I’ll get you the City Chef Association form to fill out.”

With that, Zhang Zhen took a careful look at Fu Yu’s application form.

”Not bad, everything is filled out correctly. Your information is complete. When I send you the City form, just replicate what you have here.”

He handed the phone back to Fu Yu afterwards.

Fu Yu hadn’t even spoken when Chen Chen, standing beside him, was visibly shocked!

He always knew that Zhang Zhen was socially adept, doing well in the City Chef Association. Any time there was an event, Zhang Zhen was a key figure.

But was his relationship with the president this strong?

With Fu Yu’s qualifications, joining seemed nearly impossible.

When Chen Chen joined, it was with Yao Shi’s help.

Though he lacked some experience, his specialty was barbecue, with no notable achievements or accolades.

But wasn’t Fu Yu even less qualified?

Chen Chen had at least been in the industry for over twenty years.

What did Fu Yu have?

Chen Chen wasn’t envious of Fu Yu.

He just started questioning life a little...

He looked at the earnest Zhang Zhen, who was still saying, ”The application form is fine; just fill out another one the same way.” How could it be fine?

Chen Chen had also looked at Fu Yu’s application form.

Aside from basic personal information, everything else was blank without even an elementary qualification certificate!

How could there be no problem?

Could it be... because of sincerity?

Chen Chen, always straightforward, genuinely liked and admired Fu Yu, so seeing Zhang Zhen willing to help, he was happy for Fu Yu.

Fu Yu quickly explained, ”Chef Zhang, this form was given by a friend, and everything’s been arranged. It shouldn’t be wrong...”

Feng Xiaoxiao only mentioned the Chef Association. Fu Yu hadn’t really asked in detail, as joining the City Chef Association with his level would already be impressive. He never thought of the Provincial level.

But...

Since Feng Xiaoxiao gave him the Provincial form, she probably intended to bring him to the Provincial level.

The form must be correct.

Zhang Zhen smiled, ”The application is just a formality. The difference between City and Provincial is just in name. The City is a branch of the Provincial Association, essentially the same family. Your friend meant well; it’s natural to overlook things. Understandable.”

”I’ll contact you later for the application form.”

Since Zhang Zhen said so, Fu Yu couldn’t insist that the form from Feng Xiaoxiao couldn’t be wrong.

It would be too pretentious otherwise.

So, Fu Yu smiled and said, ”Thank you, Chef Zhang.”

Zhang Zhen waved it off with a smile, ”No trouble at all; you’re outstanding. Joining the Association would benefit them greatly. With you in the Association, you would definitely shine. They’ve always wanted to recruit young talents to work together for a better association!”

Knowing Zhang Zhen’s penchant for pleasantries, Fu Yu still blushed from the compliments.

The conversation had to end; otherwise, he might literally float through the remaining few steps.

Fu Yu quickly changed the subject, ”Oh, Chef Zhang, you mentioned some arrangements in the restaurant for New Year’s?”