Chương 80: Chapter 81 Master's Confused

Everyone turned around, watching three bicycles approaching from afar, kicking up a cloud of dust.

"Isn't that your brother-in-law and father-in-law? They... they also hired a chef?" Zhou Ze narrowed his eyes slightly, looking closely, somewhat surprised. They were just worried about not being able to find a chef, and now two chefs had suddenly appeared.

"This..." Zhou Hao was immediately a little embarrassed. After the incident at noon when the village chef fell, his brother-in-law and father-in-law had been anxiously helping to find a chef, and they had actually found one.

"Another chef has arrived." Xiao Lei said with a smile.

"My brother and father-in-law are also helping to find a chef. Both families are working together, and it just so happens that we've run into each other. Let's see how things go. I think only you can handle this kind of situation." Zhou Yan said with a smile, he was definitely on his master's side. There were only two level-two chefs in Suji Town, the other being the head chef of a state-run restaurant. Zhou Yan didn't believe they could hire that one.

Xiao Lei is a capable chef who can handle any situation and organize a respectable banquet. Moreover, while it's called helping out, it's actually a decent project. His master recently resigned and hasn't decided what to do next; this job could bring in sixty or seventy yuan, enough for a month's salary—it's a viable option. However, the man was hired by Hao's father-in-law, so how to handle him is up to him; he certainly can't let his brother-in-law lose face.

A short while later, three bicycles arrived at the door. Leading the group was a short, stocky young man, Zhou Hao's brother-in-law, Chen Xiaolong. Wearing only a blue vest in the weather, he immediately introduced the man who got off the bicycle to Zhou Hao: "Zhou Hao, this is my cousin, Chef Zheng Qiang. He's the head chef at Rongcheng Restaurant and just passed the national level three chef exam this year. You know Rongcheng Restaurant? It's a high-end restaurant; they even cater to foreign guests."

This immediately piqued everyone's interest, and they all sized up the man. Rongcheng Restaurant! That was indeed very famous. If someone from the village went to Rongcheng and managed to eat there, they'd brag about it for half a year afterward. Unexpectedly, the Chen family had a cousin who was a head chef at Rongcheng Restaurant. If he were to take charge of the cooking, the Zhou family would be incredibly proud.

Zheng Qiang, short and stout, wore a loose white chef's uniform with "Rongcheng Restaurant" embroidered on the chest. He looked to be around thirty-five or thirty-six years old. Listening to Chen Xiaolong's introduction and seeing everyone's reactions, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, showing a hint of pride. Zhou Hao quickly took out a cigarette and offered it to him, politely saying, "Uncle, thank you for coming." Zheng Qiang took the cigarette and smiled, saying, "It's nothing.

I watched Yueyue grow up. I'd definitely be willing to help you with your wedding and solve this problem. Anyway, after I came back from Rongcheng, I'm planning to work as a rural chef." Zhou Yan raised an eyebrow. Goodness, this cousin had the same clear goal as him. Xiao Lei stared at Zheng Qiang, a strange smile appearing on his lips. It was actually this kid.

Zhou Hao, without mincing words, said with a smile, "Uncle, I'm really sorry, Zhou Yan just invited his master, Master Xiao, and we've already asked him to help take over the banquet. I'm so sorry to have troubled you."

"Ah?" Zheng Qiang's smile froze. He glanced at Xiao Lei and Zhou Yan, the master and apprentice, standing to the side. Both were wearing chef's uniforms and weren't hard to recognize. However, he clearly didn't recognize Xiao Lei. He tucked the cigarette behind his ear twice before finally managing to keep it in place, then scratched his head awkwardly.

"Since this chef came first, then... well, never mind." Chen Xiaolong also scratched his head awkwardly, pulling Zhou Hao aside and whispering, "Brother-in-law, Uncle is a head chef, the head chef of Rongcheng Restaurant. Please reconsider."

"Brother, a man should keep his word. Chef Xiao is also a head chef; Zhou Yan invited him using connections. I've already made a deal with him, and it's not good to change it now." Zhou Hao's attitude was firm, but his tone softened slightly.

"I know Uncle is very capable. He only came because of Yueyue and your family. I'll remember that kindness." Hearing this, Chen Xiaolong had nothing more to say. His brother-in-law, a soldier, was upright and principled, prioritizing reason over kinship, but he was very good to his sister, and there was nothing wrong with that. This matter wasn't wrong in this way; everyone came to help. How could they make a deal and then back out? That would be embarrassing.

Chen's father stood to the side, silent, pondering how to comfort Zheng Qiang. After all, they had invited him, but now they weren't letting him do the work. The second uncle held a pack of cigarettes, hesitant to speak. The old lady watched from the side, shaking her head, ready to say a few polite words. Xiao Lei stepped forward, smiling, and extended his hand to Zheng Qiang: "Master Zheng, hello, I'm Xiao Lei. This banquet has over thirty tables, and I was just invited here at the last minute.

I didn't even have any help. How about we take this job together and make sure the banquet is well-organized, so the guests are happy and the newlyweds can have a joyful celebration? What do you think?" This surprised everyone present, all looking at Xiao Lei. The deal was already made; the host family insisted on Xiao Lei doing the work, and Zheng Qiang hadn't said anything. Why was he proactively inviting Zheng Qiang to work together? That meant he'd get a share of the pay!

Zhou Yan also hesitated, thinking, "My master is confused." Zheng Qiang stared blankly at Xiao Lei's outstretched hand, equally bewildered. What was going on? Having studied cooking in Rongcheng for over ten years, he had a keen eye. Xiao Lei's strong forearm, calloused hands and fingers—he was definitely a seasoned chef. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

He pondered for a moment, concluding that this Master Xiao might be trying to learn from him about high-end restaurants because he was a chef from Rongcheng. That made perfect sense. This banquet was a golden opportunity for him. He planned to start as a local chef; money wasn't important, reputation was. If he could demonstrate his superior culinary skills and make this master chef willingly serve as his assistant, he would be the head chef of the banquet, and his reputation would spread far and wide!

But Xiao Lei… that name sounded familiar… but he couldn't quite place it.

"Hello, Master Xiao, it's a pleasure to work with you." Zheng Qiang immediately grasped Xiao Lei's hand and said with a smile, "You're right, the most important thing is to organize a good banquet, make the guests happy, so the newlyweds don't have to worry, and the host family gets to look good."

"That's great! With the two masters working together, this banquet will definitely be fine." Second Uncle Zhou Ze quickly stepped forward with a cigarette and handed it to Zheng Qiang, his eyes practically disappearing with his smile. For the same price, they hired two master chefs—this is such a bargain! The village cook? Let him rest in the hospital.

"Brother, have someone slaughter the pig first, cut it up, and we'll need it soon. The steamed dishes need to be prepared today." Xiao Lei withdrew his hand and looked at Zhou Ze, saying, "Then bring us the menu written by the village cook, and show us what dishes they've prepared so I can arrange things." Master Xiao immediately switched to work mode, working methodically, which made Zheng Qiang a little uncomfortable. He quickly nodded in agreement, "Yes."

"Okay, I'll arrange it!" Zhou Ze nodded and turned to find someone.

"I'll slaughter the pig!" Zhou Jie responded and immediately called out, "Brother Haizi, Brother Fei, and you guys, go and hold the pig for me." Several burly men stepped out from the crowd and walked towards the trembling, fat pig in the corner.

"You go hold the pig too. When your fourth uncle comes, let him slaughter it. His pig-slaughtering skills are top-notch." Old Man Zhou Qing smiled and patted Zhou Jie's arm, looking at Zhou Miao who had just parked the car.

"Okay!" Zhou Jie laughed and rushed over with a roar. Zhou Miao came over to say hello and was then pulled away to slaughter the pig. Zheng Qiang went to the side to talk to the Chen father and son.

"Master, why did you suddenly ask Master Zheng to help?" Zhou Yan finally found an opportunity to ask Xiao Lei in a low voice.

"Did you see his build and hands? Solid build, strong arms, calluses on his hands—very professional, his basic skills are definitely solid." Xiao Lei said with satisfaction.

"So?"

"I need a chopping board operator. You'll be going back to the restaurant soon, busy preparing cold dishes for tonight and tomorrow—thirty tables of food. How can I handle that all by myself?" Xiao Lei laughed.

"The Level 3 chef exam has high requirements for knife skills. A chopping board operator like this is hard to find even with a lantern." Zhou Yan: "..." Master is indeed master. He's already using a Level 3 chef as a chopping board operator after just a few words of coaxing. Look at Chef Zheng's slightly raised eyebrows and upturned lips—he's probably already thinking about how to show off his skills, right?

Second Uncle quickly brought the menu and led them to the preparation area, explaining the situation as he went. The village cook was experienced, having hosted many large banquets with over thirty tables. His schedule was tight; the original plan was to slaughter a pig at noon and prepare the nine-course feast. However, the pig hadn't even been slaughtered yet, and dozens of chickens were still in cages. The vegetarian dishes and side dishes were almost ready, though.

After understanding the situation, Xiao Lei studied the menu for a while and said, "Arrange for someone to slaughter the chickens too. It's cool enough at night, so they won't spoil. Pre-steam some dishes today so we won't be rushed tomorrow. I see he doesn't have enough seasonings; we need to buy spices too. I'll make a list, and you can have someone go to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy them..." The old man and his second uncle listened and nodded as they took notes.

After the village cook fell at noon, he sent his son to report the news and take away the braising liquid and spices. Master Xiao, the head chef of a large state-owned factory, was truly different; he was incredibly organized, and he clearly explained what was missing, how much was needed, and where to buy it. Zheng Qiang had initially walked alongside Xiao Lei, intending to offer some pointers, but after a while, he realized he had slowed down and was now walking alongside Zhou Yan.

He clearly felt that simply looking at the menu wouldn't allow him to give precise instructions on how much seasoning and spices would be needed for the banquet, or where to buy them. The Rongcheng Restaurant had a dedicated purchasing manager; he always had an abundance of seasonings and spices when he visited the kitchen, and the side dishes were also delivered directly to them.

From his initial high spirits and overflowing sense of superiority from his background in the high-end restaurant, he slowly shrank back, remaining silent, all within three minutes. Being next to Xiao Lei felt like being next to his master. He seemed to be making perfect sense, but he couldn't get a word in edgewise. Yes, he was being suppressed. Zhou Yan glanced at him, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Master Zheng, what do you think?" Xiao Lei stopped and turned to Zheng Qiang, asking with a smile.

"Huh? Uh..." Zheng Qiang forced a smile.

"I think Chef Xiao is right." Xiao Lei nodded: "Then let's do it my way first."

"However, I think this menu is a bit monotonous, all pork. Customers might get tired of it." The more Zheng Qiang thought about it, the more dissatisfied he became. He added, "How about adding a camphor tea duck, a Kung Pao chicken, and a braised carp? Our Rongcheng restaurant's banquet guests love to order those, and the reviews are excellent." (End of Chapter)