The Cheat Emperor of the Culinary World

Liu Zhangpeng sighed silently, shaking his head, ”It’s nothing.”

Meanwhile, Wang Yulong, who was wearing more clothes due to the cold and had just barely put on a sweater, called out to Fu Yu, who was about to leave.

”Xiaofu, are you leaving with your master later?”

Wang Yulong actually wanted to chat with Fu Yu about the insights and experiences of cooking stuffed dishes.

Previously, when Fu Yu was making stuffed cherries, he paid attention and felt there were many details worth discussing.

Fu Yu nodded, ”Yes, my master told me to hurry, she has something to discuss with me. Chef Wang, is there something you want to talk about?”

Upon hearing this, Wang Yulong quickly said, ”Ah, it’s nothing urgent, just wanted to chat about stuffed dish cooking. Don’t worry, I’m not in a hurry here. Your master is waiting for you, you can go ahead.”

Since Fu Yu would be back tomorrow, there’s plenty of time to talk then.

Fu Yu agreed, bid farewell to the others, and quickly ran off.

As they spoke, Wang Yulong put on his down jacket, zipped it up, and walked out.

Liu Zhangpeng quickly followed, saying, ”Master, are you in a hurry to leave? If not, I have some cooking questions I want to ask you.”

Wang Yulong frowned, ”What’s so urgent that you can’t wait till tomorrow? It’s already late!”

With that, he strode forward.

Watching his master leave without looking back, Liu Zhangpeng followed sulkily, muttering under his breath: Hmph! You just lost a diligent and eager apprentice.

If I improve my cooking skills, don’t you think it would reflect well on you as my master?

Short-sighted!

...

Fu Yu jogged out of the store, where Liu Yunong was already waiting by the car.

Liu Yunong was on the phone but waved for Fu Yu to get in the car as she saw him coming out.

As Fu Yu reached for the car door, he couldn’t help but glance at Liu Yunong.

Liu Yunong had suddenly called him for something.

What could it be?

After Liu Yunong finished her call, Fu Yu couldn’t resist asking, ”Master, what did you want to talk about?”

Liu Yunong smiled slightly, buckled her seatbelt, and casually pulled a drink from the car door, smiling at Fu Yu, ”Busy all evening, must be exhausted, huh?”

With that, she handed the drink to Fu Yu, ”This is a Physalis drink my friend sent from afar, give it a try, it’s quite tasty. There are two more cases in the trunk, remember to take a case home when you get off.”

Fu Yu held the glass bottle, feeling anxious.

Something unusual must be afoot!

Could it be that Liu Yunong really had something troubling to discuss with him?

But what could he possibly help Liu Yunong with?

Thinking of this, Fu Yu quickly said, ”No need, master, you keep the drinks for yourself.”

Liu Yunong chuckled, ”Take it, I’m expecting more from my friend soon, can’t finish them all at home.”

The car took a turn, and Liu Yunong continued, ”Xiaofu, it’s nothing big I wanted to discuss, just wanted to chat about today’s cooking.”

Upon hearing it was about cooking, Fu Yu finally relaxed a bit.

It was about work, then.

He thought over his performance tonight, which was fairly standard, and there shouldn’t have been any issues.

He calmed down completely, ready to listen to Liu Yunong.

As Liu Yunong drove, she asked, ”Xiaofu, you must have practiced some stuffing techniques, right?”

Fu Yu nodded, knowing he couldn’t mention teaching practice classes, so he indirectly admitted, ”Yes, at Qianlima, we often used stuffing techniques.”

Liu Yunong nodded at this, ”Oh, makes sense. Did you have any thoughts after watching my cooking today?”

Thoughts?

Fu Yu didn’t even need to think.

Because while Liu Yunong was cooking, he stood by studying intently, paying extra attention, so he remembered the entire process very clearly.

Especially since, crucially, Liu Yunong’s skills were still merged with his own, so he was very familiar with her cooking techniques for stuffed dishes.

Fu Yu thought to himself and said truthfully, ”Very good!”

Liu Yunong’s mouth twitched!

Was I asking for flattery?

”Ahem, well, you could be a bit more specific.”

Fu Yu was taken aback, turning to look at Liu Yunong.

More specific?

What does that mean?

Was his praise too perfunctory?

Fu Yu thought for a moment and said, ”I think our restaurant’s stuffed dishes are really a perfect balance of color, aroma, and taste. Just by looking at the plating and design, it feels high-end, and with the use of ingredients and cooking methods, it’s definitely a top-notch representation of similar cuisine.”

”Especially in your cooking techniques, they’re incredibly stable and thoroughly considered. Even though the menu is solely stuffed dishes, it manages to form a whole spread without any sense of repetition.”

”It should play a significant role in encouraging customers to order!”

After hearing this, Liu Yunong felt refreshed and elated!

Liu Yunong could be certain that Fu Yu’s words were sincerely meant, otherwise, how could he speak so earnestly!

However...

Was I asking for flattery?

Even though everyone loves to hear good things, and flattery can be delightful...

But I was looking for your suggestions!

Considering that she’d soon return to the main store for training sessions with the key personnel, and demonstrations would be inevitable.

Liu Yunong was determined to further improve her culinary skills, hoping to identify any shortcomings.

If there’s any, change it; if not, carry on.

Liu Yunong laughed and asked, ”Xiaofu, any suggestions on my cooking? Since the saying goes, ’an onlooker sees most clearly,’ maybe you can spot some flaws or areas for improvement?”

Fu Yu was stunned, glancing at Liu Yunong in surprise.

This...

I’ve praised you twice already...

Is the compliment addictive?

That shouldn’t be the case!

Considering Liu Yunong’s status and position, she’s probably heard enough flattery to last a lifetime.

Could it be...

Fu Yu tentatively asked, ”Master, are you serious about this?”

Liu Yunong slapped the steering wheel!

”Of course, Xiaofu, don’t feel any pressure, it’s just us here, like an academic exchange!”

Fu Yu relaxed, smiling, thinking she should have just said so earlier!

Ensured that Liu Yunong really wanted to hear his opinion, Fu Yu earnestly said, ”Okay, Master, I’ll share my thoughts with you.”

”Firstly, when you’re slicing side dishes, you should take into account the texture of the ingredients, whether they’re tender or tough, and their grain to decide the cutting method. Generally, tougher ones are cut against the grain, and tender ones along. This way, the dishes will taste better.”

”Secondly, when you’re doing the stuffing process…”

”Also, regarding heat control, bigger arc flips in the pan aren’t always better. I’ve noticed that you should…”

...

Once Fu Yu started talking, he found it hard to stop.

Ever since acquiring language and rhythm skills, his eloquence had improved remarkably.

Long speeches came naturally, without needing to think much, and everything he said was reasonable and thought-provoking.

Growing up, there wasn’t much Fu Yu regretted.

Except dropping out of high school to attend culinary school, which left him feeling somewhat inferior.

Having less cultural exposure couldn’t compare to those who went to college.

But now, as he confidently pointed out all of Liu Yunong’s flaws and shortcomings, he felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction.

Critiquing someone better than himself!

It felt so satisfying?

How comfortable…