The Cheat Emperor of the Culinary World

Zhao Meng felt very appreciated when he heard that. Fu Yu indeed had a good conscience, and Zhao Meng felt his kindness to him hadn’t gone to waste.

He then smiled and said, ”The main thing is that this kid is talented, diligent in his work, and very eager to learn.”

Liu Yunong nodded in agreement before saying, ”I just hope that while he works at Qianlima, you can all take good care of him.”

”My apprentice is a good person, but ultimately, he’s still too young. He’s a bit lacking in dealings with people, so I’ll have to trouble you all to be more forgiving.”

Liu Yunong has been in the industry for many years and knows the workings of the kitchen very well.

Especially in their family business, the kitchen chefs are passed down from generation to generation, with distinct roles and clear boundaries.

For a newcomer like Fu Yu, who graduated from culinary school and joined the Qianlima kitchen, to smoothly become a regular employee today is a remarkable achievement.

If not for Zhao Meng’s support and Yao Shi’s recognition, climbing from an assistant to a lead chef would have taken at least three to five years.

But although Zhao Meng treated Fu Yu well, he wasn’t exactly mentoring him, so dedication couldn’t be expected.

Liu Yunong thought that since she invited him for a meal, she might as well do Fu Yu a favor.

With her status, mentioning it to Zhao Meng for him to take care of her apprentice a bit more in the future would be well-received both emotionally and rationally by Zhao Meng.

And naturally, she would remember this kindness from Zhao Meng and find an opportunity to repay it.

Liu Yunong thought Zhao Meng would politely agree, and then both sides would exchange a few formal pleasantries to reach a consensus.

But as soon as the words were out, Zhao Meng and Yao Shi couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Liu Yunong was stunned: ”What’s so funny?”

Before Zhao Meng could speak, Yao Shi laughed and said, ”Chef Liu, you’re worrying over nothing. Xiaofu currently has quite a status in our kitchen! He’s in charge of the entire grilling section, and Old Zhao always treats him like a son, taking special care of him!”

Zhao Meng also laughed and said, ”That’s right, this kid, from the day he entered the kitchen, just clicked with me. Later on, as I observed him, he was indeed excellent. Seeing him achieve so much now gives me a real sense of pride.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Yunong realized she had overthought it.

Before, she would often hear Fu Yu talk about Zhao Meng so positively, thinking this kid usually doesn’t gossip about others and only said it to ease her mind and make her feel he was doing well in the Qianlima kitchen.

But it turned out to be true.

However, on second thought, Liu Yunong couldn’t help but shake her head, secretly thinking: After all, with someone as outstanding as Fu Yu, he’ll shine anywhere. A heart that appreciates talent is common. Moreover, this kid has a knack for getting along with people and exceptional talent. Who wouldn’t cherish him?

Nevertheless, since Liu Yunong had already brought it up, she didn’t mind mentioning it a bit more: ”That’s really wonderful. Fu Yu often talks about how Chef Zhao treats him well, and I’ve been wanting to find a chance to meet him properly.”

As Zhao Meng sat there, he felt genuinely happy for Fu Yu. Hearing Liu Yunong say such things made it clear she truly liked Fu Yu as an apprentice.

Hearing her mention Fu Yu’s gratitude towards him in private also made him quite happy!

It’s that gratifying feeling of shared pride!

It’s truly nice!

Zhao Meng also politely added, ”It’s mainly because this kid is ambitious. He works diligently and is indeed very talented in cooking. Actually, it’s his fortune to have you as his mentor - something many people aspire to but can’t achieve!”

Liu Yunong felt flattered and couldn’t help but smile, habitually covering her mouth as she laughed.

Zhao Meng saw this and was momentarily taken aback, a bit lost in thought.

Her brows and eyes looked oddly familiar!

Yet... for a moment, he couldn’t recall where he had seen them before.

Thinking of this, Zhao Meng shook his head in amusement. Incredible, just after two sips of alcohol, his mind already felt a bit muddled.

If someone is beautiful, it’s often reflected in their eyes.

Liu Yunong was a beauty, and it’s not uncommon for her eyes to resemble other beauties.

With this in mind, Zhao Meng quickly dismissed his earlier thoughts.

However...

Setting appearance aside, today’s encounter with Liu Yunong made Zhao Meng fully understand why she could become a renowned chef at such a young age.

He was sincerely convinced!

Truly sincerely convinced.

Even without mentioning her demeanor and appearance, just her understanding and insight into culinary arts far surpassed his own!

Moreover, she was willing to teach Fu Yu her family’s secret skills, which speaks to her generosity and open-mindedness, qualities not commonly found in others.

Thinking of this left Zhao Meng feeling a bit embarrassed and even blushing slightly.

After all... before this, though he never said it out loud, he secretly regarded himself as Fu Yu’s mentor and was quite confident in his own culinary skills.

But now, compared to Liu Yunong, the idea of being a mentor seemed quite presumptuous.

What had he taught Fu Yu?

Just some cooking techniques needed for work, all part of Qianlima’s specialty dishes.

If one puts in the effort, anyone has the opportunity to learn, and anyone can master it.

This is distinctly different from Shangshi Private Kitchen, where they make Liu Family Cuisine, which is traditionally passed down within the family, not shared outside!

And since Liu Yunong clearly valued Fu Yu, she naturally was very courteous to Zhao Meng, leaving him slightly flustered by the attention.

He knew exactly what his level was.