I'm the Culinary God

So, for now, it’s better to focus on maintaining our foothold in Beijing. Opening branches outside the city can wait until our strength is greater.

Xie Baomin nodded:

"Indeed, let’s set up two or three branches in Beijing first. Once they’re stable, we can plan to expand elsewhere."

In the future, when we’ve accumulated enough resources and have a full talent pool and ample funds, we can open branches even if they don’t make money for a year. But right now, it’s not feasible. If we open a branch at a loss, in less than six months Lin Ji will be finished.

Funds are one aspect, but the most crucial thing is that if employees can’t see hope, they will jump ship.

Meng Dexing stood awkwardly on the spot.

He intended to use the apprenticeship lineage to threaten his senior, but didn’t expect this old man to be so resolute.

He sighed, leaned on his cane, and walked outside.

After planning an ambush for so many days, it was easily thwarted. The longer he stayed, the more accusations he’d face.

Though no one said it outright, the mixture of coldness and ridicule in their eyes said it all.

As he left, the younger generation of the An Family looked at each other, puzzled. They originally came to establish presence, so why did things suddenly become so confusing?

They didn’t stay long either, leaving before even sitting down.

The elders always taught them not to disgrace their ancestors’ reputation. Now, not only have they disgraced it, they’ve directly dismantled the only proud apprenticeship lineage of their elders.

Though the lineage isn’t entirely severed, since there’s still Meng Dexing, how is it any different from being cut off?

He Jiajun, who was still on stage, clasped his fists in thanks before approaching Qiu Yaozu:

"Thank you very much, Brother Qiu!"

At the start of the apprenticeship ceremony, they compared ages, and Qiu Yaozu was two years older than He Jiajun.

At this moment, He Jiajun was elated not just because he’d joined the prestigious chef family of the Qiu Family, but more importantly, he had shed the burden of being the eldest apprentice.

In any industry, being the eldest apprentice is the hardest.

The first apprentice usually indicates a lack of teaching experience, shaky theoretical knowledge, and even the cooking techniques are roughly categorized without detailed instruction; the young master lacks patience, teaching only as they learned.

Thus, the eldest apprentice generally has average skills. With junior apprentices, they must play a paternal role, caring for them in life and psychologically, acting like a caretaker.

In such circumstances, not only do you not learn the craft well, but you mustn’t complain because you’re the eldest apprentice, and you have to endure for your junior apprentices.

Now, free from the title of eldest apprentice, He Jiajun felt inexplicably relieved.

Especially when calling Qiu Yaozu "Brother Qiu," the sense of relief was genuinely uplifting.

"We’re all family, no need for thanks. Besides, even as strangers, anyone would speak out in fairness if they encountered such a situation... Speaking up for you was natural; I imagine if I hadn’t, those mischievous youngsters from the Fishing Platform would’ve already jumped in to help you fight back."

Earlier, Xie Baomin was indeed ready for an argument, and Dai Jianli even set down his sunflower seeds.

But seeing elder Qiu Yaozu speak, they swallowed their words and continued munching seeds, watching the spectacle.

When Chen Yan and Ren Jie arrived, the commotion had subsided, and everyone gathered around the round table, preparing to enjoy the banquet.

To show sincerity, He Jiajun personally went to the kitchen to oversee the quality of the dishes.

After all, it’s his restaurant, and with so many industry colleagues today, extra care is naturally necessary.

"Wasn’t there supposed to be a show? Why is everything so calm?"

Chen Yan originally thought she’d miss today’s spectacle but was surprised by the peaceful scene, less lively than usual red and white banquets.

Zeng Xiaoqi said:

"You missed it. What happened earlier was more exciting than a novel."

She recounted the recent events, leaving Chen Yan regretful:

"Had I known, I would’ve come to watch. Helping the SWAT team apprehend a criminal is nothing compared to this drama!"

Zeng Xiaoqi was stunned:

"Criminal? Yan Baobao, you scored another victory today?"

Chen Yan immediately bragged:

"A minor thing. As an average citizen, helping catch bad guys outside of work is quite normal. It’s just an underground casino boss with millions involved, nothing noteworthy."

"Wow, Yan Baobao, you’re amazing!"

"Just average, I’m often troubled by my own excellence..."

Amidst her bragging, Shen Jiayue arrived at the banquet, carrying Dundun and holding two watch straps.

"Yan Bao, check out the new watch I bought."

Shen Jiayue rolled up her sleeve, revealing the watch on her left wrist.

But Chen Yan blinked:

"How did you know I helped the SWAT team capture a criminal?"

Shen Jiayue: ????

"I also know you’re approaching forty this year."

Getting addicted to bragging, huh?

Just as Chen Yan was about to boast further, Ren Jie interrupted:

"It’s best not to discuss the case for now. Even our internal personnel participated anonymously, indicating deep background and it’s wise to be low-key to avoid retaliation."

Chen Yan nodded, then said:

"Personally, I sort of wish they’d retaliate a bit, like firing you. That way you wouldn’t have to risk your life daily, and I wouldn’t constantly worry... But ultimately societal order needs guardians, so my husband being so exceptional must do the most important things!"