The Cheat Emperor of the Culinary World

Because Mrs. Fu frequently stays in touch with Fu Yu’s aunt, the two families, though not always in close contact, are closer than other relatives.

Fu Yu’s uncle-in-law runs a small business and is known for being talkative and good at creating a lively atmosphere.

Seeing that there are no outsiders left in the room, he raises his glass with a smile and says, ”Today, thanks to Yu, we get to taste this champagne. I’ve only seen it on TV before; this stuff is really expensive, isn’t it?”

Mrs. Fu carefully examines the bottle. It’s all in a foreign language, so she can’t understand what it says.

”Who understands this! But the taste is indeed quite different from ordinary wine.”

Mr. Fu has always had the habit of drinking a couple of small glasses.

Now that he has received the champagne sent by Zhao Meng, he happily refills his glass and raises it, saying, ”Come on, let’s all toast as a family!”

Fu Yu takes after Mr. Fu and can hold his drink quite well.

Lin Minghao, even from a young age, has accompanied his father to all sorts of social occasions, secretly drinking at a tender age.

With two glasses of champagne consumed, the atmosphere at the meal becomes more relaxed and harmonious.

As Fu Yu helps his parents with the dishes, he talks about his life here.

Mr. and Mrs. Fu listen to him recount his work experiences. Even though they’ve heard these stories before, now they seem less worried and more reassured.

Fu Yu specifically orders a baked lobster dish.

The lobster is freshly delivered, with good texture, and the salt-baked flavor is the best.

Mr. Fu and Mrs. Fu have never eaten such a high-end dish. As they look at the lobster, they find it both novel and a bit distressing.

This dish alone costs almost as much as their household’s weekly food budget.

Fu Yu scoops a piece of lobster meat and places it on the plate in front of his mother: ”Mom, try this. It’s authentic Boston lobster, freshly arrived at the restaurant.”

Mrs. Fu has never tried this before. She looks at the lobster meat on her plate, picks it up with chopsticks, and puts it in her mouth, chewing it.

”So this is what lobster tastes like? It’s quite different from large shrimp!”

Fu Yu then serves a piece of lobster meat to Mr. Fu.

Mr. Fu chuckles, ”Is it? Let me try it too!”

Mr. Fu savors it carefully, ”Yes, it really is tasty. The meat seems firmer, doesn’t it?”

Fu Yu smiles as he watches his parents eat lobster.

Both of them look amazed and delighted.

Mr. and Mrs. Fu have always been frugal; they rarely eat out unless there’s a family gathering organized by relatives.

Such occasions where the whole family dines at a restaurant are even rarer.

Mr. Fu is diligent and works hard to provide for the family.

Mrs. Fu is dedicated, managing both household and outside affairs.

Their family may not have much money, but they live a warm and happy life.

Fu Yu watches his parents, a slight smile appearing on his lips, but it falters when he sees Mrs. Fu casually tucking her loose hair behind her ear...

He remembers his mother having thick, jet-black hair, but at some point, it has turned quite gray.

Fu Yu feels his heart tighten slightly, and his nose stings with emotion.

He looks at his father once more and notices his father’s once upright posture appears slightly hunched, sitting in the chair looking noticeably frailer.

Fu Yu quickly shifts his gaze, taking a deep breath under the guise of eating.

It’s not that Fu Yu is overly sentimental.

On the contrary, he has always been strong-willed, with an innate stubbornness, just like his father.

He just suddenly feels discomfort now seeing his parents’ obvious signs of aging.

Previously, while busy studying and working away from home, he never paid attention to these things.

But now, watching his parents smile contentedly, just because of a bountiful meal, his heart feels squeezed...

Such ordinary yet great parents, who have endured hardship to raise him.

Fu Yu regulates his emotions, silently resolving to let his parents enjoy a truly good life in the future and experience the blessings of their children and grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Fu savor the delicious dishes with great delight.

Mr. Fu places a piece of grilled abalone onto Mrs. Fu’s plate, his eyes filled with gentle affection.

Mrs. Fu looks at her considerate husband beside her and her dutiful, understanding son, a contented smile on her face.

After the meal, Fu Yu goes to pay the bill.

Despite receiving an internal discount, it still costs over a thousand.

Mrs. Fu feels distressed; once out of the restaurant, she can’t help but complain softly, ”If I had known, we wouldn’t have come to your restaurant for a meal! It’s so expensive! And you ordered so many dishes!”

Even though what’s left has been packed to go, it’s still expensive!

When Fu Yu’s aunt hears this, she can’t help but say, ”Oh, sis, Yu just wants to show his appreciation to you!”

Lin Minghao, who is clearly closer to his aunt than to his own mother, adds, ”Exactly! Aunt, my brother has already made arrangements for the three days you’re here. Tomorrow we’ll go to Sifeng Mountain! Sifeng Mountain is the most famous tourist spot in Bei’an, and I’ve always wanted to visit it!”

Fu Yu’s aunt glances at her troublesome son, saying enviously, ”Sis, Yu is so considerate and capable. You and brother-in-law are here to enjoy yourselves. Let’s not worry too much. Since everything’s arranged, let’s go along with it.”

Mrs. Fu’s expression softens, feeling comforted yet somewhat proud.

On the way back to the hotel, they pass by the community where Zhao Meng’s apartment is located.

Lin Minghao casually mentions, ”When I first arrived, I stayed here. My brother’s master’s house is here!”

Mrs. Fu glances at the community ahead; at first glance, it has great greenery and a nice environment.

Mrs. Fu asks, ”Does your master live here?”

Fu Yu explains, ”Chef Zhao has an apartment here, but he hasn’t settled it after the renovation. He usually stays in his dorm and doesn’t come here. Just when Minghao arrived and had nowhere to stay, Chef Zhao lent me the apartment.”

Speaking of the apartment, Mr. Fu asks, ”Your master mentioned you’re going to look at a house? What’s that about?”

Fu Yu’s aunt looks at him with a gossiping expression, ”Yu, are you planning to buy a house in Bei’an?”

Fu Yu replies truthfully, ”I have this idea. Now that I’ve become permanent and just happen to have some money on hand. A few days ago, Chef Zhao and Chef Yao mentioned buying a commercial space. They know a developer, and it’s a rare opportunity. I thought if there’s a suitable one, I might as well buy a place first.”

Lin Minghao enviously says, ”Bro, you’re amazing! If you can buy a house here, you can settle in Bei’an, right?”

His aunt instinctively looks at Mrs. Fu.

Mrs. Fu, hearing Fu Yu’s explanation, is half-believing.

It’s likely true that Fu Yu’s boss knows a developer.

But what would prompt Fu Yu to suddenly want to buy a house for no apparent reason?

It’s impossible unless there’s a pressing circumstance!

Since becoming official, his salary indeed increased, but considering Bei’an’s property prices, the down payment alone would be hundreds of thousands, right?

Knowing Fu Yu’s cautious nature, he wouldn’t consider such an undertaking without adequate funds.

Unless... there’s a pressing situation forcing him to consider buying a property.