The Cheat Emperor of the Culinary World

Now that Liu Yunong is so enthusiastic in hosting me, it must be because of Fu Yu.

That kid, has he really gotten this far?

Even Liu Yunong trusts him this much.

Thinking of this, Zhao Meng felt touched but also quite amused.

Fu Yu indeed has a conscience, looking out for me even outside.

At this point, I heard Liu Yunong saying, "Not at all, actually, the most important thing is having a mentor lead you. When I first met Fu Yu at the cooking competition, his culinary skills were already quite impressive."

Liu Yunong was speaking from the heart.

If it weren’t for Fu Yu’s outstanding skills, standing out among many chefs, she wouldn’t have noticed him, let alone thought of taking him under her wing.

Before Zhao Meng could say anything polite, Liu Yunong continued, "Moreover, there is something that greatly inspired me. Just a few days ago, our restaurant had an order for a dish, have you heard of live-cooked carp?"

"Yesterday, on Little New Year, a very important customer dined in our restaurant and ordered this dish, which fortunately was completed successfully."

"The preparation of this dish, particularly in the fish processing technique, was successfully completed thanks to Fu Yu’s guidance."

"So, actually, I should be thanking you, Chef Zhao!"

Upon hearing this, let alone Zhao Meng, even Yao Shi was taken aback.

The two looked at each other.

What does this mean?

They had a general idea of Fu Yu’s skills from what they usually saw.

But... could this kid’s skills really have guided Liu Yunong’s cooking techniques?

If it were before today, Zhao Meng might not have been clear about what kind of special dish live-cooked carp is.

But now, having looked it up online, he naturally realized how difficult it is to cook this dish.

But...

Liu Yunong now says that her cooking of this dish was guided by Fu Yu!

How is this possible?

Zhao Meng’s first reaction was doubt!

He doesn’t believe it!

Definitely doesn’t believe it.

But... Liu Yunong’s status doesn’t seem like she would joke about something like this?

Moreover, she doesn’t seem to be joking in her demeanor.

After all, no matter how much Liu Yunong loves her apprentice, she wouldn’t belittle herself to elevate others!

Could it be that what Liu Yunong said is true?

Thinking of how Fu Yu used to brag about how hard this dish is to make, and how, if not careful, minor details could lead to failure.

At that time, Zhao Meng didn’t think much of it and assumed it was Liu Yunong who executed the order while Fu Yu watched the show.

But now, listening to Liu Yunong, it seems that Fu Yu made the dish first and guided Liu Yunong who then managed to cook it successfully afterward.

And Liu Yunong’s remarks imply that Fu Yu’s methods in cooking this dish were learned from Zhao Meng himself?

At this point, even Yao Shi was a bit bewildered.

Zhao Meng couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotion, as if his back was suddenly straightened.

With culinary endeavors, as long as one’s skills are in place, often simply following a recipe is enough to cook the dish.

The skills needed during cooking are gradually accumulated through regular practice.

If Fu Yu could indeed guide Liu Yunong, it might not be through the entire cooking process, but perhaps a specific technique.

For example, deboning?

Or temperature control?

Reflecting carefully through the cooking process of live-cooked carp, Zhao Meng silently listed his own strongest operations.

Am I really that good?

And... has Fu Yu become this capable?

I had no idea!

Zhao Meng felt utterly clueless.

It was as if he had become an expert by mistakenly claiming someone else’s credit.

And, strangely, he felt a bit guilty.

Zhao Meng was genuinely shocked by Liu Yunong’s words!

Fu Yu is this capable, and I didn’t know?

Did Fu Yu learn my techniques?

But did I ever teach him deboning?

And identifying fish organs...

I might have given some pointers... but surely, I know my capabilities?

Compared to Liu Yunong, I’m definitely far off!

However, seeing Liu Yunong’s earnest expression while complimenting him, Zhao Meng felt a sweet sense of delight.

This feeling of being highly regarded by others is quite enjoyable!

Thinking of this, even though Zhao Meng tried to restrain himself, he couldn’t help but curl up the corners of his mouth.

...

Meanwhile, far in the kitchen of Shangshi Private Kitchen, Fu Yu was diligently learning to cook with Wang Yulong when a sudden electronic notification rang in his ear:

[Ding! Gained +10 favorability from NPC Chef Zhao Meng]

Fu Yu was momentarily bewildered.

Holy crap!

What happened?

How did Zhao Meng’s favorability suddenly increase by 10 points!

Even if I occasionally gain favorability, it’s usually just 5 points.

This much in one go is not something that happens under ordinary circumstances!

Could it be they got drunk with Chef Yao and became sentimental about my filial piety, becoming inexplicably moved and boosted my favorability?

With an additional 10 points, my favorability in Zhao Meng’s eyes is now at 90.

I wonder what would happen if it maxed out.

Actually, Zhao Meng is already quite good to me now.

Fu Yu felt very content about this.

...

At the dining table, Liu Yunong kept expressing her admiration: "They say a chef’s skill is the soul of the kitchen. A hidden gem like Chef Zhao, truly admirable! Chef Yao, your Qianlima is truly a place full of talent!"

Yao Shi, though somewhat confused about the live-cooked carp matter, naturally felt uplifted by the compliments.

"Not at all! Chef Liu, you flatter us."

Yao Shi, without leaving a trace, glanced at Zhao Meng and felt a bit regretful for immersing himself in running the music restaurant at the expense of noticing Fu Yu.

Considering that because of Little New Year requirements, there were no schedule adjustments allowed, Fu Yu hadn’t been over to the restaurant for a while now.

How could I have been so negligent in overseeing Fu Yu’s cooking endeavors?

Sitting on a gold mine as I was, yet sadly, due to negligence, it was now Liu Yunong who made the first move.

The talent I had set my sights on, and planned to transfer to the music restaurant, was likely no longer feasible due to my hesitation.

Thinking this over, Yao Shi felt somewhat regretful.

However, at this time, Liu Yunong suddenly said, "By the way, I actually discovered a very distinctive dish that I haven’t successfully cooked yet. How about... Chef Yao, Chef Zhao, we discuss it together?"

This statement immediately caught Yao Shi and Zhao Meng’s interest!

A dish even Liu Yunong hasn’t successfully cooked?

Could it be some rare cuisine?

Then Liu Yunong continued, "I tried cooking this dish twice before. Though I managed to cook it, the taste left something to be desired. Not sure if there’s some flaw in my usual cooking techniques, but Chef Zhao, you could help guide me."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Meng was stunned.

I... damn...

I...

Compared to Liu Yunong, there’s no need to compare; of course, I’m much less skilled.

But with Liu Yunong praising him so much, what can be done?

Thinking of this, Zhao Meng couldn’t help but sigh.

It doesn’t matter; give guidance if I must!

Anyway, I know my limitations, might as well admit them frankly.

With this intention, Zhao Meng took the initiative to ask, "Chef Liu, what’s the dish you’re talking about?"

Liu Yunong replied, "Peony Fish Slices, have you ever heard of it?"

Zhao Meng thought to himself: Ha! That sure is a tough one!

The Peony Fish Slices, from what I understand, is derived from the Peony Chicken Slices.

Due to its extremely difficult preparation process, it’s no longer served in typical restaurants.

It’s considered a lost dish.

Unexpectedly, Liu Yunong wants to cook this dish.

But to give guidance, we need a place to cook, don’t we?

Zhao Meng thought internally and naturally voiced this out.

"I’ve heard of this dish, but never handled it myself. However, if we want to discuss cooking methods, should we schedule a time and find a place to try cooking it?"

Hearing this, Liu Yunong smiled, "If you don’t mind, it’s quite near my place, and Fu Yu is there too. How about after lunch, we head over to my place directly, how about that?"

Zhao Meng: "..."