Gourmet: The Master Chef Just Wants to Leisurely Set Up a Stall - Chapter 38

In the dining hall, Wen Jieling and Liu Yifan arrived disappointed, having rushed over at the end of their shift hoping for more of the delicious crab sticks they enjoyed at lunch. They’d declined Zhou Yicheng’s suggestion to wait while he fetched something, eager to eat.

Standing at the serving counter, they watched each dish being brought out, growing more disheartened with each one. When all eight dishes and a soup were finally served, they couldn’t contain their disappointment.

“No fried crab sticks! Without them, I’m ruined—my looks, my figure, my social grace, my virtues, my personality, even my soul will be destroyed!” Wen Jieling lamented dramatically upon realizing no crab sticks were available.

Though about to despair himself, Liu Yifan stepped away from Wen Jieling upon hearing his theatrics.

“Back! Back! Back!” Liu Yifan gestured, pretending to ward off whatever spirit possessed his friend.

Nearby, Manager Li and Secretary Fan struggled to suppress their laughter.

“I’ll take the two fried dishes and braised fish chunks,” Manager Li ordered.

“I’ll have the same as the manager,” Secretary Fan quickly followed suit, both leaving swiftly to avoid bursting into laughter over the workers’ antics.

“I’ll take the same. What difference does it make what I eat? Everything’s the same,” Wen Jieling ordered dejectedly.

The server, moved by his woeful tone, filled his plate generously.

Life on the construction site is tough—look what it’s done to this young man. Better let him eat well, life isn’t easy!

Covering his face, Liu Yifan randomly chose fried oyster mushrooms, flavorful eggplant, and onion pork belly, also picking fish chunks, braised duck with radish, and flavorful eggplant for Zhou Yicheng before leaving, keeping his distance from Wen Jieling.

So embarrassing! Who is this guy, possessed by a fried crab stick-loving ghost?

I don’t know him!

“Young workers sure bring energy! Even mealtime is lively here. Seems eating early has its perks,” Manager Li chuckled as he and Secretary Fan found a corner seat.

“It wasn’t like this before. Maybe those crab sticks sparked cravings,” Secretary Fan noted how lunchtime was usually routine, meals and diners typical—no unexpected antics.

“Haha, Xiao Zhao’s got talent. Her first day brightened the canteen up.

Mmm~ this chicken fillet is excellent! Not that semi-processed stuff!” Manager Li praised after tasting the juicy, crispy chicken fillet, untainted by the dryness of typical semi-processed products. The seasoning complemented the dish uniquely.

“These fried oyster mushrooms are divine—juicy inside, better than meat!” Manager Li exclaimed, delighted by the mushrooms’ flavor.

“So tasty! Manager, hiring Chef Zhao was a great decision!” Secretary Fan felt grateful for following leadership. Without Manager Wen, who’d expect such culinary talent in small-town Yang City?

Whose fried mushrooms are so crisp and savory outside, yet tender and flavorful inside? It’s seasoned just right—not too salty or bland—with a hint of spice enhancing the umami!

Secretary Fan’s delight showed in his animated expressions.

Arriving early, they leisurely chatted while eating as large groups of workers entered the dining hall.

At the center, Wen Jieling sat forlornly as others took their seats.

Balancing two trays, Liu Yifan kept a few seats between them as he sat, glancing at Wen Jieling’s aura of gloom.

Mechanically, Wen Jieling picked at his food, pausing over a piece of fried mushroom. After a few chews, his expression changed, gesturing excitedly at Liu Yifan.

Startled, Liu Yifan rushed over, frantically pounding Wen Jieling’s back.

“Spit it out! Spit it out!”

Caught off guard by the vigorous hits, Wen Jieling coughed, nearly losing his breath.

“What happened? Is everything alright?” Concerned workers gathered around.

“He’s choking! Can’t breathe! Help!” Liu Yifan panicked, sweating profusely.

Chaos ensued as workers rushed to assist. One shouted for help, another pinched Wen Jieling’s pressure points, some lifted his face for CPR, while others suggested artificial respiration.

“Pinch his mouth shut!” Liu Yifan urged, reaching to clear Wen Jieling’s throat.

Recovering from the coughing fit, Wen Jieling freed himself from probing hands, grabbing Liu Yifan’s approaching fingers.

“Don’t worry, Jie; I’ll get it out!” Liu Yifan assured loudly.

Wen Jieling freed his other hand, pushing away the hand pinching his mouth.

“What are you doing?!” Tears welled in Wen Jieling’s eyes from painful pinching.

“Better now? You can talk?” Liu Yifan rejoiced at his friend’s recovery.

“It wasn’t blocked! I wasn’t choking!” Wen Jieling snapped angrily.

“You weren’t choking? Then why did you shout?” asked a puzzled worker.

“Someone yelled someone was in trouble!”

Workers stood bewildered.

“If you weren’t choking, what was that about? Why signal me?” Liu Yifan blushed, turning to Wen Jieling.

“I was saying the fried mushrooms are delicious! Better than the crab sticks at lunch!” Wen Jieling rubbed his sore cheeks, fuming.

“You… why get so worked up? I thought you were choking,” Liu Yifan scratched his head sheepishly.

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

“You think the fried mushrooms are better than the crab sticks?” An eager worker inquired excitedly.

“Yeah, somehow they’re incredible—each bite bursts with flavor…”

Hearing this, the crowd dispersed like birds, eagerly queuing for food.