After sitting on the bed for a while, Niu Yichen cursed himself for being an idiot. If he couldn't have it, why was he just sitting on the bed waiting?
So, Niu Yichen told Huo Siyan, then quickly took a shower, got dressed, and went out.
Using facial recognition technology, Niu Yichen went directly to the hotel owner and told him about wanting to learn how to cook in the kitchen.
The boss was quite a character. After hearing that he wanted to learn how to act, he personally took him to the kitchen, found the hotel's head chef, and asked the chef to teach him a couple of skills. He didn't want any money; he just wanted some publicity and to use the chef's fame.
Niu Yichen agreed. This wasn't his first time at this hotel; the food was good, the accommodations were comfortable, and the surrounding area had a good reputation, so he figured nothing bad would happen.
After giving the chef some instructions, the boss left the space to them.
The chef had no resistance to teaching Niu Yichen how to cook. Obviously, Niu Yichen wouldn't try to take his job, so he taught him very diligently.
While the chef and Niu Yichen were explaining, several apprentices nearby were listening intently, afraid of missing a single word.
However, after the chef had been teaching diligently for a while, Niu Yichen stopped him abruptly.
"Wait a minute!" Niu Yichen said, "The knowledge you're talking about is too hardcore. I can't remember so much of it all at once. Why don't you do it for me first?"
"Alright! Now's the perfect time to cook!" The head chef, seeing that the ingredients had already been prepared by the assistants, walked directly to the pot and said, "Some people are indeed faster with their hands than their brains. I'll show you how to cook it, and you can try to remember it. If you don't understand something, just keep asking me! Don't just half-understand!"
Niu Yichen nodded, "Let's just be the kind of person who acts faster than we think."
Amidst the resentful gazes of the apprentice chefs, the head chef immediately started cooking.
Then, the work of the head chef in the kitchen refreshed Niu Yichen's worldview.
In Niu Yichen's mind, the things a chef does are just like those in the anime "MasterChef," where he cuts vegetables, finds ingredients, runs around, and is both busy and cool!
But what about the actual chef?
All you need to do is stir-fry!
All the ingredients are prepared by the apprentices and placed within the chef's reach. The chef's job is to master the use of seasonings, the temperature, the cooking time, and other crucial factors.
So what Niu Yichen saw was the chef holding a spatula, turning on the high heat, and stir-frying everything with a "whoosh" sound!
It's all done!
Once a plate of twice-cooked pork was ready and arranged, it was placed in front of Niu Yichen. The chef said proudly, "Here, have a taste!"
Unable to refuse the chef's hospitality, Niu Yichen picked up his chopsticks, ate a piece, and couldn't help but give the chef a thumbs up.
The saying goes that wealth lasts three generations and people know how to eat and dress well. Niu Yichen can be considered a third-generation rich kid, although he wasn't raised very well. He does have some skill when it comes to food, and the chef's skills are indeed unparalleled.
The chef smiled and asked, "So, what did you learn from this performance?"
Niu Yichen clapped his hands and said, "I want to learn a trick from you!" He then made a gesture of tossing a pot over his shoulder.
"Tossing the wok?" the chef said in surprise. "That requires a lot of skill, especially in terms of basic techniques. Given your current situation, I suggest you stick to something simpler and easier to learn!"
"No way!" Niu Yichen shook his head and said, "I think you know that I came here to learn how to cook in order to film a TV series. TV shows are all about looking good! Whether it tastes good or not is another matter. It has to look good first!"
"Haha!" The chef couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this, and said, "Cooking is cooking, it's about tasting it. How can you describe it by whether it looks good or not? If you're going to do that, you might as well go and learn acrobatics!"
Niu Yichen said helplessly, "After all, it's a TV series. The audience can't smell or taste the food through the screen. So what I need to do is make cooking a cool thing through my own practice. As for the final dish, I can just buy the finished product here or even make some wax figures. So what I want to learn is the process. The requirement is just one word: cool! As for whether it tastes good or not, that's for the actor who eats what I make to judge!"
The chef shook his head helplessly, "You actors..."
The apprentices around Niu Yichen looked at him as if he were their father's killer. What a wonderful opportunity to audit the lesson, wasted because of an amateur.
Niu Yichen looked at the head chef and asked, "How is it? Is anything that meets the requirements?"
The chef thought for a moment, then pointed to one of the people and said, "Your request is very simple. Chef Fan's cooking will definitely suit your taste!"
"Master Fan?" Niu Yichen turned around and saw a middle-aged chef wearing a chef's hat who looked to be in his forties. He seemed quite honest and simple.
The head chef walked over to Chef Fan and introduced him to Niu Yichen: "Fan Jianqiang, he started cutting vegetables in the kitchen when he was 15 years old, and he has been doing it for more than 20 years now. He can now carve a radish into the shape of a dragon with a cleaver."
"Really!" Niu Yichen looked at him with shining eyes.
"Hey! I'm just kidding!" Seeing that Niu Yichen seemed interested, Fan Jianqiang quickly said, "This requires even more basic skills than flipping a wok; you can't master it in just a few years!"
"Don't talk about that yet!" the chef said, waving his hand dismissively. "Give him a performance!"
"Yes!" Niu Yichen quickly chimed in, "Let's see you perform!"
Fan Jianqiang had no choice but to say, "Fine! But I still don't recommend you learn this!"
Niu Yichen said, "Let me take a look first!"
Fan Jianqiang casually picked up a washed white radish from the sink, and with three quick slashes, chopped it into four even pieces. Then, using the back of the knife, he lifted one piece and began to twirl the heavy cleaver back and forth. In no time, a lotus flower with distinct layers had formed in his hand.
"Great!" Niu Yichen couldn't help but clap his hands and said, "This is exactly the effect I want! You teach me!"
'That's exactly what I was afraid of!' Fan Jianqiang couldn't help but smile wryly and said, 'I've said it before, this requires a long period of practice, and you have to start with the basics!'
"It's alright! Let's practice! Let's start practicing right now!" Niu Yichen said, "I'll practice flipping the wok and carving the decorations! We'll start with the basics!"
The chef and Fan Jianqiang exchanged a glance, finding Niu Yichen's idea somewhat ridiculous. They even began to look down on him in their hearts. They had already said that it would take a long time to complete, yet Niu Yichen insisted on learning it together. Wasn't that just a joke?
However, since Niu Yichen had said so, they couldn't say anything more.
The chef could only laugh and say, "Alright! As long as you're willing to learn, we'll definitely teach you everything we know. However, whether you can learn it depends on your talent!"
"Alright! As long as you've taught me to the best of your ability, I won't blame you no matter the outcome!"
"Then it's settled!" The head chef waved to Fan Jianqiang and said, "Chef Fan, you teach him first! Once he's learned enough, he can come and learn from me!"
Fan Jianqiang agreed, since it wasn't a difficult matter, but he still made sure to mention the unpleasant aspects beforehand.
"Alright! But I still have to say it again, a tall building starts from the ground up, so for now I'll still teach you how to chop vegetables first!"
Niu Yichen laughed and said, "I understand! Let's start with the basics!"
Fan Jianqiang began teaching, but in his mind he labeled Niu Yichen as someone who could never learn. After all, he had practiced for more than 20 years to reach this level. No matter how talented Niu Yichen was, could he possibly achieve the same level in a day?
So Fan Jianqiang didn't take it too seriously, dismissing it as just a celebrity's whim and impulsive act. Who knows, maybe he won't come back tomorrow!
...
Niu Yichen didn't know what they thought, but he was genuinely and seriously learning how to chop vegetables and toss the wok.
He was naturally quick-witted and sharp-handed. When he was fully focused, he could see others as if they were in slow motion. In just one afternoon, he learned incredibly fast, and his progress surprised even the head chef.
In less than a day, Niu Yichen had perfectly integrated himself into the kitchen, helping the junior chefs with chopping vegetables and rinsing them. After only a short period of adaptation, he was no less skilled than the junior chefs.
...
Meanwhile, after resting for a while, Huo Siyan still got dressed and, dragging her somewhat unwell body, rushed to the film set. Although Niu Yichen had already asked for leave for her, favors are something that, if not maintained, will gradually diminish, and if taken too far, it's not impossible for family members to turn into enemies.
When Huo Siyan returned to the film set, Chen Yongge gave her a strange look, chatted briefly, and didn't say much more.
After greeting the director, Huo Siyan went to her dressing room. She didn't have any scenes to film today, and even if she came, she would only be a familiar face.
In the dressing room, Pan Hong, who plays the Queen Mother, is rehearsing with Yang Rui, who plays her fifth daughter, to help her get into character as quickly as possible.
When Yang Rui saw Huo Siyan come in, she remembered that Chen Yongge had told her that Huo Siyan wasn't coming today. She was about to go up and say something to her, but when she saw Pan Hong, who was acting opposite her, she held back.
Veteran actors in a film crew are sometimes that important, especially in small productions. Having veteran actors to keep things in check prevents all sorts of messy situations from happening.
Yang Rui remained silent, and Jiang Xin certainly wouldn't say anything either, only giving Huo Siyan a disdainful look. Everyone else assumed Huo Siyan was preoccupied, but only she knew that Huo Siyan had definitely gone to see Niu Yichen last night.
'What a shameless slut who'll fawn over anyone who has connections!' Jiang Xin cursed inwardly.
The other four fairies also noticed Huo Siyan's presence. After exchanging brief greetings, they didn't say anything more. They weren't exactly cold, but they weren't particularly enthusiastic either.
After all, they are still relatively unknown actresses, and their most important task right now is to act.
Large-scale palace intrigue among actresses is something unique to big production crews; they're not qualified for it.
Huo Siyan made her face known here, and after a while, some people left when it was time to film.
At this moment, Liu Yang, who shared a room with Huo Siyan, came over and whispered, "Seventh Sister! Didn't you leave yesterday because you had something to do? Why are you back so soon?"
Liu Yang plays the dignified and graceful Hong'er in "Seven Fairies". She has already put on makeup, but she doesn't have any scenes yet. However, she is actually 3 years younger than Huo Siyan, and is only 21 years old this year.
The reason Huo Siyan was called "Seventh Sister" was to better get into character. In private, the women were also asked to address each other as much as possible using the characters from the drama.
"Big sister!" Huo Siyan called Liu Yang without any discomfort, saying, "I just took care of some things. I finished them ahead of schedule and came back so I can get back into the swing of things sooner."
Liu Yang responded, then suddenly stared intently at Huo Siyan's face and couldn't help but say, "Hey? Seventh Sister, did you go for a beauty treatment last night?"
Huo Siyan touched her face, a surge of joy welling up inside her, and said, "You figured it out?"
"Yes! I initially thought you were wearing makeup, but I only realized it when I got closer!" Liu Yang leaned even closer and exclaimed in surprise, "Your skin really looks so much better! The effect is amazing! Where did you get it done? Tell us about it!"
"Well..." Huo Siyan's gaze shifted, and she said, "It's just an ordinary place, but they've been praising it to the skies. It looks good now, but we don't know what the side effects might be in the future, so I want to wait and see!"
"Yeah, right! If you're free, remember to take me with you!"
Liu Yang nodded in agreement. Hearing Huo Siyan say that, she was also a little worried. After all, the effect was too obvious, making one wonder if some bad method had been used. It would be good to let her try it for a while first.
After fooling Liu Yang, Huo Siyan quickly said, "The actor playing the God of Cookery has been changed, did you know?"
"Got it!" Liu Yang laughed. "The director told me yesterday that they've replaced him with a handsome young man that I'm absolutely satisfied with. Do you know who it is?"
Upon hearing this, Huo Siyan felt a pang of sadness and jealousy, and said, "Of course I know, and you're definitely satisfied!"
Who is it?
"Yi Chen!"
"Yichen?" Liu Yang was taken aback and said, "I remember he was only 17 years old. Last year he was filming a teen-themed TV series. How come he's filming something like this this year? That's such a big leap. Did his agent agree to it?"
Huo Siyan sighed, "We always have to change our image eventually! It's better to change it sooner rather than later!"
"But…" Liu Yang was a little worried and said, "I remember Yi Chen is just a little kid. Do you think the audience will agree to him dating? What if it's filmed and people say I'm an older sister playing with a child? But the buzz should be good!"
At this point, Liu Yang couldn't help but laugh again, "You know, with my mature appearance, standing next to Yi Chen, who looks so young, wouldn't our age-gap relationship be too obvious?"
Huo Siyan rolled her eyes inwardly and said, "Isn't it you who benefits from this relationship between an older woman and a younger man? Also, don't overthink it! Yichen is a veteran actor. Don't let him overshadow you when you're acting together. Besides, Jiang Xin and I met him yesterday. Although it's only been a year, you know how boys develop quickly!"
"You mean..." Liu Yang asked, "He's handsome?"
"Of course he's handsome!" Huo Siyan said, "If I hadn't filmed so many scenes, I would have wanted to switch your roles. Being able to act with him would definitely be good for you!"
"The benefits are obvious!" Liu Yang said happily. "Anyway, the attention will definitely stay high. If he's also very handsome, I might even be able to ride the wave!"
Huo Siyan said with a hint of envy, "Yes! So you are really lucky!"
...
In the kitchen on the other side.
Having completely embraced his role in the kitchen, Niu Yichen improved rapidly, starting with the simplest task: chopping vegetables. At first, his chopping speed was extremely slow, but it gradually increased, and in less than an hour, he had prepared all the ingredients needed for lunch!
Fan Jianqiang then began teaching Niu Yichen some simple carving techniques. At first, it was just auspicious clouds, but gradually, he started carving simple flowers and plants. By the time the chefs finished get off work, Niu Yichen could even carve a winter melon into an exquisite large bowl all by himself.
This progress made the apprentices who had been learning to cut vegetables for several years feel ashamed and they were severely scolded by the head chef.
No matter how much they complained, when night fell, it was time to leave work! In the end, only Niu Yichen was left practicing in the hotel's kitchen.
Niu Yichen had already informed the front desk and kitchen staff that he would continue practicing that night, and the wasted food costs would be included in his room rate.
Night was falling.
Around 10 o'clock, Liu Yifei called, and the two chatted sweetly for a while before hanging up. She had just finished work and was making the call discreetly, avoiding Liu Xiaoli.
Niu Yichen practiced for a while longer when Liu Pinyan called.
After chatting with her 'good daughter' for a while, Huo Siyan called again...
"Damn it!" Niu Yichen put down the knife and said helplessly, "I really don't know how those harem kings in anime manage to handle so many women at the same time. I've only been with four openly and I'm already annoyed to no end. Luckily, Sister Sun Li hasn't called me yet..."
Speaking of Sun Li, it was as if she really wanted to completely sever her relationship with him. Not only did she not take the initiative to contact him, she didn't even answer his calls. Niu Yichen initially felt heartbroken, but after a while, he felt that married women were really too good!
After finishing his reflections, Niu Yichen thought about Huo Siyan again; she had just invited him to "have fun." But looking at the dishes in front of him, Niu Yichen couldn't help but give a wry smile.
"In my past life, I always saw those scoundrel rich kids and Casanovas who neglected their girlfriends because of playing games. I never thought I would have such a day."
After expressing his feelings, Niu Yichen decisively continued practicing chopping vegetables.
...
Just two hours after Niu Yichen continued practicing, he suddenly felt a coolness in his mind, and a strange power surged down from his temples, as if he had been enlightened. Instantly, a great deal of knowledge filled his mind.
The system's voice rang out.
"Pure Love System: Because the host is focused on practice, the system's hidden mechanism is triggered, and the skill "God of Cookery (Pseudo)" is obtained.
God of Cookery (Pseudo): You possess all the necessary skills of a true God of Cookery—knife skills, plating, stir-frying, stewing, etc.—but because you lack seasoning expertise, your creations are merely for show; anyone who tastes them will know the difference. Automatically consumes 500 Yin attribute points.
"Pure Love System! Miss Weisheng! Thank you so much!" Niu Yichen threw down his knife and jumped up. "You really think I have too many Yin attribute points and are afraid I won't be able to use them, right? 500 points! That's enough to buy so many items! It's so hard to earn them, and they disappear so quickly! Are you a man-eater?!"
The system, of course, couldn't explain it to him.
After grumbling and cursing for a while, Niu Yichen finally calmed down and carefully sorted out the information about the 'God of Food' in his mind.
After fully understanding the situation, Niu Yichen suddenly felt that the 500 Yin attribute points were well spent. Because the skill 'God of Food (Pseudo)' was essentially giving him five different permanent skills at the same time.
1: The Bone-Shattering Fist can unleash extremely powerful force. With sufficient internal energy, it can even break the hardest thigh bone of a cow with a single punch! It can be used as a fist or attached to a weapon, but requires practice.
Note: When cooking, there are always some ingredients that require a lot of strength to handle, such as the beef in "pissing beef balls"!
2: The Silk-Entwining Palm combines softness and hardness, yin and yang, and can shatter internal organs without damaging the skin with a single strike, demonstrating precise control over the strength of internal force.
Note: Craving noodles? Try using the "Silk-Wrapping Palm" technique!
3: Boning knife, used to dissect a whole cow without the blade becoming dull.
Note: Even a boning knife can be used to carve beautiful flowers.
4: The Big Dipper Body Technique is characterized by measured advances and retreats, meticulous execution of movements, and extreme precision!
Note: Do you think tossing a wok only requires arm strength? Do you really need to measure the amount of seasoning every time?
5: Sliding fingers: Precise control over every muscle in the fingers. With internal strength, they can be as strong as steel or as soft as boneless. By sliding them across the pot, one can sense the temperature inside.
Note: You think the use is dirty? Wrong! What's dirty is your mind. "Slipping the finger" doesn't mean slipping!