Gourmet: The Master Chef Just Wants to Leisurely Set Up a Stall - Chapter 34

“Give me those three dishes,” Manager Li pointed at the three dishes Zhao Xiaojing prepared, eager to try the new girl’s culinary skills.

“I’ll have the same. Oh no! Switch the celtuce for potato strips,” Secretary Fan added, equally curious about Zhao Xiaojing’s cooking. Even though the potato strips weren’t stir-fried by her, they were cut so perfectly that he wanted to taste them.

Both got their meals and sat nearby.

“These potato strips are indeed impressive, like matchsticks,” Manager Li commented, though he had already heard about it from Secretary Fan. Seeing them in person elicited admiration.

Looking at his meal tray, the golden, almost orange crab sticks, vibrant green celtuce adorned with red chili flakes, and bright green spinach speckled with white sesame seeds—all presented with a harmonious color scheme.

“These three dishes look good too, let’s give them a try!” said Manager Li as he picked up some spinach, while Secretary Fan went for a crab stick.

The spinach tasted refreshingly sweet, with a hint of toasted sesame adding an extra layer of flavor.

“Not bad, very refreshing! This young Zhao is already doing better than the previous assistant chef—loads of potential. What do you think?”

Without getting a response, Manager Li looked up to see Secretary Fan chewing enthusiastically, the crunch audible, with half the crab stick portion gone.

Caught staring, Secretary Fan awkwardly covered his mouth, chewing frantically while pointing at the crab sticks.

“What’s going on? Was there a steel wool pad in there?” Manager Li joked as he picked up a stick to inspect it, catching a whiff of appetizing fried aroma infused with spices.

Instinctively, he took a bite.

So delicious? Unsure, he tried more. Still great? Better try another.

Before long, both Manager Li and Secretary Fan had empty trays where the crab sticks once were.

“This time we’ve got the real deal… How did she flavor this? It’s incredibly tasty!”

“Amazing! These were just leftovers from Chef Sun’s spicy hotpot, yet she turned them into something so delectable?”

They exchanged glances, both eyeing the counter for seconds, but a long line of workers was already forming.

“Today’s menu looks different; those three dishes don’t seem like before.”

“Didn’t they say the new lady resigned? Someone new?”

“Really? That’s great. I didn’t want to eat boiled greens anymore.”

Workers in line discussed the day’s dishes.

“Wow, Chef Sun finally made shredded potatoes again—I missed this! So tired of braised potatoes and salted fries.”

“One serving of potato strips! Plus braised pork and… celtuce.”

“Spinach, potato strips, chicken hearts.”

“Celtuce, potato strips, braised pork.”

Seeing the enticing array of red, yellow, and green potato strips, most workers opted for a portion.

Fresh and tender-looking spinach and celtuce attracted many too.

But recognizing that fried crab sticks were leftovers from the usual mixed veggie dish, few chose them initially.

Until a worker returned with a fresh tray, eating as he queued again.

“What’s up Lao Liu? Hungry today? You’re back in line already!”

Holding his tray, Liu Yifan pulled his co-worker Wen Jieling’s sleeve.

“Listen, make sure you get those fried crab sticks next time! Get three portions—they’re unbelievably tasty!”

“Really? We have them all the time; I wasn’t planning on it. Don’t kid me!” Wen Jieling skeptically replied.

“Why would I lie? I swear! Liu Qiang got one, I tried it! Don’t believe me? Just get one. If it’s not great, I’m your son. If it’s amazing, you’re mine!”

“…Wait and see, son!” Wen Jieling, initially uninterested, felt competitive after Liu Yifan’s challenge.

“Potatoes, celtuce, crab sticks!”

Nearby workers overheard; seeing Liu Yifan’s genuine expression, they joined in ordering potato strips, crab sticks, and braised pork.

“Three servings of crab sticks! Load them up!” Excitedly reaching his turn, Liu Yifan handed over his tray.

“Are these crab sticks that good?” Workers in line watched Liu Yifan order three portions, puzzled.

Recognizing him, Liu Yifan fed a piece to the speaker with a smirk.

“What the… Mmm, wow!” The familiar hand reached for another but Liu Yifan dodged swiftly.

“Get your own!” Liu Yifan walked off happily. Watching him leave, the familiar face glanced at the close counter, suddenly anxious to order.

Soon, that whole section of workers followed suit, all getting crab sticks.

Returning with a full plate of crab sticks, Liu Yifan sat back at his earlier table.

“Give me one since you tried one earlier!” Sitting beside him, Zhou Yicheng eyed Liu Yifan’s crab stick-filled tray eagerly.

“Just one! No more!” Liu Yifan guarded his tray after letting Zhou Yicheng take one, only for him to sneak another when he wasn’t looking.

“Seriously, fighting over crab sticks?” Wen Jieling mocked upon joining them.

“I told you—if not amazing, I’m your son. If amazing, you’re my son!” Liu Yifan retorted smugly at Wen Jieling.

Wen Jieling sat down immediately, grabbing a crab stick to taste.

After two bites, he fell silent.

“See? Your dad didn’t lie!” Liu Yifan teased while eating.

Wen Jieling rolled his eyes silently, devouring the food.

Zhou Yicheng reached into Wen Jieling’s tray for more crab sticks.

“What are you doing?! You finished a whole tray!” Wen Jieling blocked him, leading to a playful chopstick duel.

“Fighting over crab sticks? Really?” Liu Yifan laughed, echoing Wen Jieling’s earlier words.

Similar scenes unfolded throughout the canteen as word spread. Before long, every worker lining up knew about the tasty crab sticks and ordered them.

Manager Li watched this unfold with amusement.

“Let’s have Xiao Zhao make a fried dish daily; seems like the workers love it.” He instructed Secretary Fan.

Earlier, he’d sent photos of the dishes to Wen Yulan, praising the fried crab sticks. She replied that fried foods were Xiao Zhao’s specialty.

In that case, having her make more fried foods would play to her strengths.

“Sure, I’ll tell her,” Secretary Fan nodded happily.