Gourmet: The Master Chef Just Wants to Leisurely Set Up a Stall - Chapter 44

“Of course, you don’t need to give me an answer now. You can let me know after these two months,” Manager Li said with a smile.

“Also, if you decide to come to the canteen every morning at five, we can’t let you work for free. We used to have three people at the morning window. If you join, I’ll add 3000 yuan to your monthly pay.”

Zhao Xiaojing was surprised again. She had volunteered to come to the canteen because she wanted to learn. Just as she was about to decline, Manager Li waved her off.

“This is tuition for teaching our staff. Sisters Geng and Hou are on long-term contracts with us. By teaching them, you’re ensuring the quality of our canteen’s food.

If you leave us in the future, where will we find such delicious food? Then I’d have a bunch of workers refusing to work, and that would be a problem.” He joked, stopping Zhao Xiaojing from refusing.

Joking aside, he was serious. With Zhao Xiaojing’s skills, she could thrive anywhere. Even if she stayed at the site, someone from headquarters might taste her cooking and make efforts to recruit her there, depriving him of those tasty fried dishes.

When he heard from Secretary Fan that Zhao Xiaojing was teaching the canteen sisters, he thought it’d be worth paying for their lessons if they truly learned the skills. He hadn’t expected Zhao Xiaojing to be willing to teach without hesitation.

By offering this 3000 yuan, the young lady, whose face betrays her shyness, would surely commit to teaching well.

Even if it costs 6000 yuan over two months, it’s worth it. The company already has this vacancy, and it’s not coming out of his pocket. But even if it did, 6000 for secret recipes is a steal!

“Thank you, Manager,” Zhao Xiaojing finally accepted, seeing his sincerity.

“No worries, you deserve it. That’s all; you can clock off now. Sorry for taking up your time,” Manager Li said happily.

Beside him, Secretary Fan, appearing seriously involved with forms, couldn’t hide his grin. Inwardly, he’d applauded Manager Li a thousand times.

Who said leaders aren’t smart? If you think they’re not, it’s only because they know when to play dumb.

It’s a blessing working under such leadership! Secretary Fan reflected again.

Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaojing left with a bright smile.

8300 yuan a month! She got a raise just three days into the job!

The site provided meals, and the 300 yuan accommodation stipend covered most of her rent. She hardly spent money; by the end of these two months, she’d save at least 30,000 yuan!

“When are you coming back, Combs? Sister’s earning now and will treat you to a meal!”

Excitedly, Zhao Xiaojing messaged Su Yuchen.

Last time she’d joked that when Su Yuchen returned to Yang City and called her “sister,” she’d make Qingbuliang for her. Surprisingly, Su Yuchen sent a voice message calling her sister.

Since then, she’d been busy and hadn’t chatted with Su Yuchen.

“Really, Mirror Sis⁷? Then I want spicy hot pot!” Su Yuchen quickly replied.

“No hot pot, I’ll treat you to something better!”

Zhao Xiaojing felt touched. Since dropping out to care for her sick mother, Su Yuchen always treated her, taking her to good places and claiming it was her own craving.

Now wanting to repay the favor, she often settled for a bowl of spicy hot pot.

“Wow, Sister Zhao is thriving! I’ve been busy with work lately; probably home by National Day, so get your wallet ready.”

“Busy but quick to reply? You seem pretty free.”

Su Yuchen studied visual communication and worked at a design company.

“Even cheap labor needs to slack off to stay motivated! Heaven knows how many times I’ve altered ‘colorful black’ and still haven’t become permanent! I’m telling you, being a design dog is grueling…” Su Yuchen’s complaints made Zhao Xiaojing laugh uncontrollably.

Life seemed easier now. Unlike her past life, after marrying Zhang Guodong and becoming a full-time housekeeper, she lost touch with society. Each time Su Yuchen visited, their topics dwindled, and silence grew…

Even after her divorce, Su Yuchen took time off to comfort and encourage her to become independent. Though momentarily motivated, she never found her path.

Eventually persuaded by Dong Mei to remarry, she succumbed again. Despite Su Yuchen’s earnest phone calls urging clarity, she lacked courage. Later, trapped with an alcoholic husband and three kids, she lost contact with Su Yuchen…

Now, it felt wonderful having Su Yuchen back and returning to their old selves.

Zhao Xiaojing also messaged Grandpa Wen, expressing her desire to visit.

Her 8000-yuan monthly salary was thanks to Grandpa Wen’s recommendation. Sharing the good news and gratitude felt right.

Grandpa Wen didn’t reply that day but responded on the third day in the early hours.

Zhao Xiaojing hadn’t slept yet when his wind-blown voice message arrived.

“Xiao Zhao, I just saw your message. Your aunt joined her yangko team for some seaside fun these days. I’m night fishing with our fishing group.”

“We’ll contact you once we’re back, and I’ll bring you a big fish!”

“I heard from Lanzi you’re doing great—congratulations!”

Attached were two dark photos: one blurry bucket reflecting water with a fish inside, another of several old men posing peace signs—seemingly in the wilderness.

Struggling with insomnia, Zhao Xiaojing laughed at the memory of meeting Grandpa Wen while fishing.

She wished him a bountiful catch with a smile.

The good mood lasted till the next morning. Perhaps influenced by Grandpa Wen’s joy, she slept soundly.

After tidying up for work and entering the kitchen, Geng Mingyan was already busy, but Hou Guihua hadn’t arrived.

“Sister Geng, why are you here alone today? Didn’t you come with Sister Hou?”

“You old hag! I’ve waited forever and came alone—you didn’t even tell me!”

Just as Zhao Xiaojing asked, Hou Guihua entered, scolding upon seeing Geng Mingyan.

“You old hag, ignoring me? You better explain yourself or… what’s wrong? What happened?”

Amused by the sisters’ daily banter, Zhao Xiaojing saw Hou Guihua’s tone shift abruptly and quickly joined to check.

—

Footnote ⁷ “Mirror Sis” (镜姐, jìng jiě) : The nickname “Mirror Sis” for Zhao Xiaojing comes from the character “镜” (jìng), meaning “mirror,” which is phonetically similar to part of her given name “Xiaojing” (晓婧). It’s a playful and affectionate nickname used by Su Yuchen, reflecting their close friendship and familiarity.