Seeing that it was getting late.
Yao Shi smiled at Fu Yu, "You've worked hard, go back and rest early."
Yao Shi then greeted Zhao Meng and Gu Yunwu separately and left the kitchen to go home.
Fu Yu followed Zhao Meng towards the dormitory.
Zhao Meng turned his head to look at Fu Yu, his tone more relaxed now, "Fu Yu, there were some things I couldn't say in front of outsiders earlier. You handled the situation pretty well this time, but don't make it a habit!"
"I know you were worried the customers would cause a scene and it would get back to me, but did you ever think, if this issue was pinned on me instead of you, the outcome would definitely be different?"
Fu Yu knew Zhao Meng had his best interests at heart, so he nodded earnestly, "Chef Zhao, I was a bit impulsive this time. Mainly because you weren't around, I had to bite the bullet. I'll be more careful in the future."
Fu Yu always had a good way with words.
To him, if a problem could be solved verbally, it wasn't a big deal.
After all, it costs nothing and you lose nothing by just talking.
Zhao Meng is known to have a sharp tongue but a soft heart, you just need to stroke his ego.
With Fu Yu's good attitude, Zhao Meng softened even more.
Zhao Meng advised sincerely, "Life is like this, sometimes the things you long for don't go your way, but at times, unintentional actions create unexpected shelter."
Fu Yu: "..."
Why does this sound a bit odd?
Zhao Meng continued, "If there's nothing else, focus on honing your culinary skills, especially on dough handling and frying, which you're not great at. You can't expect opportunities to just fall into your lap!"
Just then, they arrived at Zhao Meng's dorm room door.
Zhao Meng stopped, patted Fu Yu on the shoulder, "Work hard, diligence is its own reward, and there'll surely be opportunities for you to shine in the future!"
[Ding! NPC Chef Zhao Meng's favorability +5]
Fu Yu: "!"
This comment from Chef Zhao—is he hinting that the chance for promotion this time is gone?
Fu Yu quickly asked, "Chef Zhao... should I still try for the promotion this time?"
Zhao Meng mistakenly thought Fu Yu had overheard his conversation with Chef Yao, so he quickly pulled Fu Yu into his room.
Once the door was closed, he said, "Since you've already found out, I'll be straight with you. Chef Yao did discuss this with me earlier, but the timing isn't right yet. If we're to move over to Qianlima, both ends need to be organized in advance. We can't rush this."
Fu Yu was taken aback, "Chef Zhao... you..."
Zhao Meng sighed, "In life, you have to face various choices. As craftsmen like us, if you hone your skills well, you'll have no trouble finding prospects anywhere in the future."
Zhao Meng assured him, "When we move to the Music Restaurant someday, with my skills, managing a kitchen won't be an issue. You're young and talented, you'll become a chef in no time if you follow me."
Fu Yu was wide-eyed, switching over to the Music Restaurant?
As a lowly kitchen worker at Qianlima, he hadn't even secured a promotion spot, yet he was offered a chance to switch to the Music Restaurant?
Zhao Meng seriously said, "Since you know about this, give it some thought. As for this promotion, I'll discuss it further with Chef Yao. Given that the move over there won't happen immediately, it might be better to sign a permanent contract first."
Qianlima's permanent contracts aren't too stringent, unless you're a top chef like me or Gu Yunwu, who sign five-year contracts; regular staff have two-year contracts.
If Yao Shi could persuade them, perhaps it could even be reduced to a year.
A year would be enough time to sort things here and establish himself in the Music Restaurant.
As the details were yet to be confirmed, Zhao Meng briefly explained the situation and sent Fu Yu on his way.
Fu Yu, lost in thought, headed to his room.
Halfway, he ran into Sun Qingning, who'd hurried back.
Sun Qingning had received an inquiry call from Zhao Meng during his meal, losing all interest in drinking.
Although he knew rushing back was pointless, he hurried back to the restaurant.
Sun Qingning checked the kitchen, saw only Gu Yunwu's team working overtime, and figured the issue was resolved.
He then went to the dorms to find Fu Yu to get the details.
He'd actually seen Fu Yu coming out of Zhao Meng's room.
Sun Qingning saw Fu Yu looking lost, greeted him and couldn't resist asking, "Fu Yu, how was the seafood noodle issue resolved?"
Fu Yu answered truthfully, "I made a new bowl, and the customer was satisfied with the taste, so they didn't ask for anything else."
Sun Qingning was skeptical, "Come on, with your noodle-making skills, no one would believe that... Seriously, what did Chef Zhao tell you earlier?"
Fu Yu: "..."
Thirty years on the east side of the river, thirty years on the west, don't look down on a young man's low rank... My noodle-making skills are at least beginner level now!
Fu Yu told him what he could, "Chef Zhao told me to practice dough handling and frying in my free time."
Sun Qingning believed him then.
It seemed Chef Zhao had indeed returned to resolve the issue.
As long as it was resolved, it was all good.
Sun Qingning breathed a genuine sigh of relief.
He handed the takeaway barbecue he had to Fu Yu, "Listen to Chef Zhao and practice hard!"
Fu Yu: "..." The barbecue didn't even smell good in hand anymore!
Having just had a big bowl of noodle soup, Fu Yu knew he couldn't finish the whole bag of barbecue, so he took it to the front hall to find Wang Yuxuan.
He owed Wang Yuxuan for his help earlier.
Consider it a token of appreciation.
As Fu Yu walked, he couldn't help but ponder Zhao Meng's words.
The Music Restaurant, though new in the city, had a novel concept and upscale environment, monopolizing many events like weddings and banquets.
The potential for this business was great—its flagship in the provincial capital had thrived for over a decade.
Moreover, Zhao Meng suggested that Yao Shi intended to put him in charge of the kitchen there.
If Zhao Meng became the head chef, Fu Yu, as his aide, would naturally rise with him.
With Zhao Meng to rely on, he wouldn't worry about career difficulties.
The more Fu Yu thought, the brighter his future seemed.
The premise, of course, was Zhao Meng achieving his goals and Fu Yu improving his skills to his satisfaction.
As Fu Yu reached the front hall, he met Wang Yuxuan returning from delivering dishes.
"Fu Yu, why are you here?"
Fu Yu handed the bag of barbecue to Wang Yuxuan, "Here, have it, thanks for your help tonight."
Wang Yuxuan was pleasantly surprised, "This, come on, you're too polite."
Fu Yu smiled, "It's nothing. By the way, those two customers, did they enjoy their meals this time?"
Wang Yuxuan nodded, "They paid and left long ago. I heard them saying they'd come back again sometime."
Fu Yu breathed a sigh of relief.
Wang Yuxuan complimented, "I didn't expect it, you really knew what taste they wanted."
Fu Yu chuckled, "Ah, it was just luck. Since everything's fine, I'm relieved. Okay, you keep busy, I'll head back."
Wang Yuxuan glanced at the barbecue in hand, then at Fu Yu's retreating figure.
He thought to himself, Looks like I should maintain a good relationship with Fu Yu, he's a good guy, worth getting to know!