Gourmet: The Master Chef Just Wants to Leisurely Set Up a Stall - Chapter 35

In the kitchen, Zhao Xiaojing kept an eye on the system’s satisfaction rating as the canteen workers began serving food.

Initially expecting a gradual increase in satisfaction, she was surprised when the rating immediately jumped to 90% as soon as voices filled the dining hall. It maintained this level for a while before slowly climbing to 97%, far exceeding her expectations.

Zhao Xiaojing beamed with joy, feeling elated.

It seemed that achieving a daily satisfaction rate above 85% would be a breeze, easily within reach.

Beside her, Sun Dehai was busy frying potato strips, lamenting the workers’ discerning taste. He rarely prepared such small stir-fried dishes, yet once he did, they became extremely popular, with nearly everyone ordering them. Before long, the servers were back, urging him to replenish the dish.

“Chef Sun, shall I blanch these extra potato strips for you? They’ll be ready for you to use later.”

In high spirits due to the soaring satisfaction, Zhao Xiaojing quickly sliced another basket of potatoes for replenishment and offered to help Sun Dehai.

“Alright, wash them well, then blanch them,” Sun Dehai instructed, appreciating her diligence and skill.

She promptly set a pot of water to boil, washing the potato strips until clear of starch, and placed some dried chili peppers in water, recalling Sun Dehai’s earlier technique.

Seeing Zhao Xiaojing so adept and hardworking, Sun Dehai warmed up to her even more.

“Washing removes surface starch, preventing stickiness and ensuring a crisp texture without clinging to the pan,” he explained as he fried.

“Add vinegar to the boiling water; it keeps the strips crisp and prevents them from turning black. Blanch for about 20 seconds—watch for transparency, then scoop them out.”

Listening intently, Zhao Xiaojing nodded and decided to practice later.

As Sun Dehai finished another batch of potato strips, Zhao Xiaojing eagerly checked the satisfaction rate again.

Her heart sank as it plummeted to 50%.

What went wrong? Was a dish poorly received or not to the workers’ taste? It didn’t make sense—just ten minutes ago, it was at 97%!

On her first day, was the task doomed from the start? If so, the remaining two months might be wasted too.

Anxiously pondering over her predicament, the server called from the kitchen entrance.

“Chef Zhao, we need more crab sticks!”

Both Sun Dehai and Zhao Xiaojing looked at the server in surprise.

“Crab sticks! We need another batch!” The server repeated, assuming they hadn’t heard.

How could this be? With satisfaction so low, how were they gone already? Zhao Xiaojing felt more confused.

And unlike Sun Dehai getting a heads-up when his potato strips ran low, hers were just suddenly gone.

Checking the satisfaction rate again: 45%, 42%, 40%… down to 30%! It hit new lows with every glance.

Despair grew as the possibility of failing the task loomed, compounded by a blow to her confidence.

Yet work had to continue—job duties remain regardless of task outcome.

With a resigned sigh, she opened the freezer and pulled out all the remaining crab sticks.

Might as well clear stock—these were semi-processed and lacked flavor. Once cleared, she could prepare fresh ones for the workers.

Pausing, Zhao Xiaojing wondered if the low satisfaction stemmed from subpar semi-processed flavors? But they ran out, so why drop to 30%? Or maybe workers disliked light-flavored cold dishes?

After restocking, she’d find a chance to query workers upfront—understanding issues allows for improvement.

Lost in thought, Zhao Xiaojing continued working.

“First day’s workload more than expected?” Sun Dehai noticed her expression and assumed fatigue.

“It’s fine—busy but manageable,” Zhao Xiaojing replied weakly.

Sun Dehai raised an eyebrow, surprised by her resilience and popularity.

Typically, meal quantities are precise; one run suffices unless it’s a major meat dish day. Today’s potato strips were unusual—but needing more crab sticks was puzzling.

Finishing the last two batches of potato strips, curiosity prompted Sun Dehai to watch Zhao Xiaojing fry crab sticks.

What he saw impressed him. The batter-coated perfectly—not too thin or thick—producing golden crispy crab sticks.

Moreover, the batter’s consistency was spot-on—not too runny or clumpy.

“Chef Sun, please taste the seasoning,” Zhao Xiaojing offered the first batch to Sun Dehai as he observed.

Curious about the fast-selling dish, Sun Dehai accepted a bowl and tasted it.

The crispy batter encasing sweet crab flavor matched his expectations—oil temperature and timing were perfect, yielding tender interiors. Such finesse!

But the real hook lay in the seasoning—a unique aromatic blend enhancing each bite, reminiscent of fries and ketchup—a simple yet magical match elevating both components.

Sun Dehai couldn’t resist munching several in awe of the flavor’s depth.

“Xiao Zhao, what’s in this seasoning? I’ve never tasted anything like it.”

Zhao Xiaojing listed seven or eight kitchen spices, leaving Sun Dehai astonished.

He used those spices regularly but in conventional ways—specific seasonings for specific dishes.

Never considering their dynamic use, he marveled at how this young girl expertly blended them into something extraordinary.