Fu Yu was thrilled.
But he didn't speak up without permission.
He was currently working under Zhao Meng.
Although Yao Shi was the head chef, matters concerning Fu Yu still required Zhao Meng's opinion.
Fu Yu saw Zhao Meng looking at him and quickly raised three fingers.
Three packs of Zhonghua cigarettes!
Chef Zhao!
Please, make it happen!!
Zhao Meng had a resigned look on his face.
"Hmm, I have enough people here. If you need help, let him go assist for a day."
Zhao Meng agreed readily.
Only then did Yao Shi look at Fu Yu and asked with a smile, "Xiaofu, what do you think, willing to come and help me out?"
A passionate smile was on Fu Yu's face, hiding his inner surprise.
No electronic sound?
What's going on?
Even with Yao Shi making an invitation, it's still not considered triggering a side quest?
It seems there was a lack of proper communication.
Fu Yu hurriedly said, "Of course, I'm just curious about what Chef Yao needs me to do?"
Yao Shi explained, "It's like this, I took on a temporary banquet at the music restaurant over there, worried it might get too hectic, so I thought of bringing someone to assist in the kitchen. I think you're quite capable, quick with your hands, and diligent in your work. How about it, want to come with me to get some practice? Don't worry, you'll get meals and 200 yuan for a day!"
[Ding! NPC Chef Yao Shi's task: Help in the kitchen at the music restaurant for a day. Task completion reward: 200 RMB, a random prize]
[Accept task or No]
Quickly chose to accept the task.
Fu Yu's eyes sparkled as he eagerly replied, "Yes, yes, yes! Chef Yao, you must take me! I'm especially hardworking and can handle three times the load!"
Zhao Meng looked on with disdain: "Hardworking, my foot! You're just greedy! Well, why wait until tomorrow, I say, you should just grab your things now and follow Chef Yao from now on!"
Fu Yu chuckled, "That's not possible! I haven't even crossed the river yet! Even if I want to burn bridges, I have to wait until I've learned all your skills!"
Seeing Zhao Meng about to glare, Fu Yu quickly said, "Chef Zhao, rest assured! Even if I go out with Chef Yao to gain experience, my heart will always belong to you. Just wait for me to earn some extra cash and take you out for a massage!"
Zhao Meng, looking helpless, waited until Yao Shi set the time for tomorrow to go to the music restaurant, then finally left with Fu Yu.
...
The next morning, Fu Yu made a point of arriving at the music restaurant's entrance half an hour early.
This shop only moved into the city last year; reportedly, the main store in the provincial capital was so busy it monopolized half the city's weddings, funerals, and celebrations.
With a step into the first-floor lobby, Fu Yu was immediately struck by the fashion-forward elements and the spacious, bright decoration style.
Couldn't quite pinpoint what made it look so good, but it had an undeniably grand feel.
Unlike their restaurant's nostalgic solemnity, this place felt particularly trendy, particularly luxurious.
Notably, the servers bustling around inside, with their form-fitting cheongsams, each sported a slender waist and long legs. If they held a fruit platter, they'd resemble award show hostesses.
Their vibrant figures, their standout looks, and their surrounding aura.
Truly put their restaurant absolutely to shame.
Sure, their own restaurant's servers had a couple who were pretty and well-built.
But no matter how good the conditions, wrapped tightly in the simple workwear like tea-picking maidens, there was no chance for any shine to come through.
It's true when they say comparing people leads to death, comparing goods leads to discarding.
The aesthetic of the music restaurant truly hit the majority of men's appreciation points!
Look at those curves, that elegance!
No wonder they have the money to open outlets everywhere!
Just lament being born at the wrong time!
If only they'd opened here two days earlier, just to feast my eyes, and I'd definitely squeeze my way in no matter what!
[Ding! Daily task: Assist in completing three banquet tables. Completion reward: 100 RMB, Task experience +30]
Fu Yu belatedly realized he didn't complete the daily task yesterday!
He only independently prepared the ingredients twice; all subsequent plating was done by Zhao Meng!
Suddenly, it felt like he lost a billion!
Dammit!
Heartache!!
Clutching his chest, Fu Yu chose to accept the task.
At the same time, he made a firm resolution.
From now on, he wouldn't let any reward slip by!!
As Fu Yu took two steps forward, a beautifully dressed server in a cheongsam approached with a sweet smile and asked, "Sir, is there anything I can help you with?"
Fu Yu was about to answer when someone called his name.
Yao Shi came in through the revolving door.
Fu Yu quickly greeted him, "Chef Yao!"
Seeing Fu Yu, Yao Shi smiled as he walked over: "Whoa, you're already here! So early."
Fu Yu chuckled: "I didn't want to cause any delays, so I came early on purpose."
Yao Shi nodded approvingly, turning to instruct, "Xiaoqu, this is Chef Fu, here to help today. Go to the storehouse and get a new set of work clothes for him, then take them to the changing room."
The beautiful server nodded in response: "Yes, President Yao."
Fu Yu: "!"
"President Yao?" Fu Yu looked at Yao Shi in surprise.
Yao Shi chuckled and modestly said, "I have shares in this restaurant, so I'm sort of half an owner."
Wow!
Yao Shi is actually the owner of the music restaurant!
No wonder such a big shot could come to the kitchen to help, it turns out he's working for his own restaurant.
Fu Yu was caught off guard!
He had always known Yao Shi was wealthy, but never imagined he was this wealthy.
Sigh!
It's really...
Enviable!
Yao Shi saw Fu Yu's stunned expression and was amused.
He jokingly asked, "So, what do you think of my restaurant? Not bad, huh? From the decor to the hiring, I handled it all myself."
Fu Yu was stunned!
Such a luxuriously trendy decor, crafted by Yao Shi's own hands.
And all these beautiful servers were also handpicked by him?!
If Fu Yu's eyes could get any wider, they'd pop out of their sockets.
Wow!
So envious...
And regretting his hasty job search back then!
He really wanted to switch jobs!
This place would surely better hone his godly right hand.
Following Yao Shi up to the changing room on the second floor.
As they walked, Yao Shi said, "Actually, banquets can be very good training, really testing endurance and responsiveness, plus providing more opportunities to practice ingredient prep and cooking."
Fu Yu nodded.
What Yao Shi said was true.
Banquets generally involve a continuous workflow.
The same dish is made in a batch of thirty-odd plates, requiring chefs to constantly repeat the same actions, although repetitive, mastery comes with practice.
After several banquet rounds, at least one becomes more proficient in cooking the dishes, with potential for innovation.
Cooking, much like design, requires inspiration.
After all, every great chef ultimately develops their own style, and innovative signature dishes most effectively showcase individual capability.
Yao Shi continued, "In a bit, you'll be assisting me, observe, learn, and ask questions. Here, the requirements aren't as high as back at our place, later, you'll give it a try, and if you do well, you can take a turn cooking."
He then added with a smile, "Old Zhao sees you as a protégé, and when he heard there's news of a promotion, he was the first to discuss it with me, wanting to reserve a spot for you. He believes you have talent, and specifically asked me to guide you a bit. After all, if you're always cooking over there, it's hard for him to justify to others."
Fu Yu suddenly realized, this opportunity was something Chef Zhao fought for him!
Feeling warmth in his heart, Fu Yu sincerely said, "Chef Yao, rest assured, I will cherish this opportunity and do my best."
Yao Shi smiled, looking at the handsome young man before him, as if seeing his past self.