Gourmet: The Master Chef Just Wants to Leisurely Set Up a Stall - Chapter 36

The world outside is indeed changing rapidly; young people today are truly impressive.

Sun Dehai felt a mix of emotions. Zhao Xiaojing had taught him a lesson, challenging his years of conventional cooking practices.

“Chef Sun, how does it taste?” Zhao Xiaojing asked curiously, noticing Sun Dehai’s silence.

“It tastes great… Xiao Zhao, when you have time, please show me how you make these fried crab sticks,” Sun Dehai earnestly requested.

“Sure…” Zhao Xiaojing was surprised by his change in demeanor.

She didn’t know that Sun Dehai had worked in various canteens for half his life—school cafeterias, company canteens, construction site canteens—and eventually settled at this site due to its reasonable work hours, kind leadership, and decent pay, signing a long-term contract to stay.

Throughout his career as a head chef, he’d never doubted his skills, having always been praised as a master chef. Over time, he developed a sense of pride, often challenging new assistant chefs who would smile and comply, reinforcing his self-importance.

But today, he felt outshone by a seemingly inexperienced young girl, stirring complex feelings and self-doubt.

Sun Dehai moved to the side, staring at the remaining crab sticks in contemplation.

After finishing the last batch of crab sticks, Zhao Xiaojing approached him.

“Chef Sun.”

“Hm? Oh, Xiao Zhao, are you done with your tasks?” Sun Dehai snapped back to reality.

“Yes. Is it presumptuous of me to explain my fried crab stick technique?” Zhao Xiaojing asked, somewhat embarrassed.

“Not at all! I couldn’t replicate your flavor even if I tried. I’d love to learn from you,” Sun Dehai replied eagerly.

“Alright, let me explain how I make these crab sticks…”

Zhao Xiaojing detailed her process while Sun Dehai listened intently.

Secretary Fan entered to see Zhao Xiaojing animatedly discussing and gesturing, while Sun Dehai listened with full attention.

Isn’t this different from what I imagined? Did their roles reverse?

“Chef Zhao.”

After observing for a moment and seeing they seemed finished, Secretary Fan spoke up, drawing both their gazes.

“Ah, it’s like this: the fried crab sticks were excellent today. Manager Wen mentioned that fried foods are your specialty?”

“…Yes, that’s right.” Zhao Xiaojing hesitated, still troubled by the satisfaction issue. Secretary Fan praised the crab sticks; did that mean the other two dishes didn’t go well?

“You’re quite talented! Manager Li asked me to tell you that since fried foods are your specialty, you can prepare one daily. The workers love them,” Secretary Fan said appreciatively.

“Secretary Fan, were the spinach and celtuce not tasty? Do people usually enjoy cold salads here?” Zhao Xiaojing asked directly, filled with questions.

“No way! I tried the spinach salad—it was excellent and refreshing! Many also chose the celtuce; summer salads like these are popular!

All three dishes were well-prepared. Manager Li’s suggestion for fried foods was simply because your crab sticks were so outstanding—he wanted you to leverage your strengths, nothing more,” Secretary Fan quickly explained.

Zhao Xiaojing nodded but felt even more confused.

If all three dishes were fine, why was satisfaction only at 30%—10% per dish?

Seeing her puzzled expression, Sun Dehai playfully praised Secretary Fan’s sharp eye, admitting he shouldn’t have doubted him earlier, acknowledging that young potential truly holds promise…

Standing by, Zhao Xiaojing suddenly burst into a bright smile.

Checking again, she saw the satisfaction rate had risen to 80% and continued climbing!

Though unsure why, hope for completing the task reignited!

“This girl! She beams with joy at a compliment! Just like me—no wonder she clicks with me!” As Zhao Xiaojing smiled happily, Sun Dehai’s comment floated over.

“Haha! Seems Chef Zhao is also a straightforward person!” Secretary Fan laughed along with Sun Dehai, both wearing warm aunt-like smiles at Zhao Xiaojing.

Realizing their gaze, Zhao Xiaojing blushed and returned their smiles bashfully…

After Secretary Fan left, support staff began clearing dishes as they wrapped up lunch service. Zhao Xiaojing checked the system again, finding the rating settled at 86%.

Peeking at the serving area, she saw few workers remained—likely no further changes. The midday meal managed to scrape by with a passing score.

Eating, heading home, resting.

At 3 PM, Zhao Xiaojing woke refreshed. This was her first nap since her rebirth, suddenly appreciating the beauty of an 8-hour work routine.

Thanks to Wen Yulan, she learned the construction company was a state-owned enterprise, known for good pay and benefits with minimal overtime—a rarity these days.

With intense social competition, 10-hour shifts are common; sticking to the original eight hours is precious.

Freshening up briefly and realizing she had time to spare, she played on her phone before heading downstairs for work.

At the entrance, she found a lively young man trying to scan her electric bike unsuccessfully, kicking it in frustration before walking away.

Feeling distressed, Zhao Xiaojing rushed over to find the system bike unharmed—not even leaving a footprint.

Relieved, she unlocked it.

“Ding! Welcome to Happy Electric Bike. Remember traffic safety and have a pleasant journey!” A loud announcement greeted her—absent during the morning ride—causing the young man to turn with a sour expression.

“Check your destination before riding. Return promptly. Let’s set off together!” The bike continued chattering, eliciting anger from the young man.

Unaware of the electric bike’s capabilities, Zhao Xiaojing awkwardly wished to mute it, hastily slinging her bag and riding off.

As she passed the perplexed young man, the bike persisted: “Busy streets with pedestrians abound; drive safely—open roads await!”

???

The baffled young man stood frozen.

Why did it feel like the bike was taunting him? Do shared bikes talk this much?!

Catching his expression in her rearview mirror, Zhao Xiaojing relished a newfound mischievous delight, chuckling all the way to the construction site.

After washing up and donning her white coat, she found only Chef He in the kitchen—others hadn’t arrived yet.