The heavens set sail from the courtyard

Wang Gang went to the provincial capital to participate in a cooking competition and returned a week later. Of course, he won the cooking competition championship.

However, a culinary champion can't compare to a sports champion; his fame only spreads among a small group of people, so it doesn't really have a big impact on Wang Gang.

When Wang Gang returned to work at the No. 2 canteen, his colleagues naturally congratulated him, but they didn't take it too seriously. After all, this is an era of collective dining, and winning a culinary championship doesn't guarantee a promotion to a leadership position.

Yao Guofa was different. When he saw the championship certificate that Wang Gang brought back, he was so happy that he almost jumped up. He immediately asked someone to frame the certificate and hang it in the most conspicuous place in the second canteen to increase its fame.

"Junior brother! You've really brought honor to our Second Canteen by winning the provincial championship this time. I'll apply to the higher-ups to raise your salary by one level. From now on, your monthly salary will be eighty-one yuan and fifty cents." Yao Guofa held the certificate with great delight.

"Senior brother, it's just a small prize. You can frame it when I win the national championship later," Wang Gang said with a smile.

"You still want to participate in the national competition?" Yao Guofa was taken aback, then said, "But the registration period for the national competition hasn't started yet!"

Wang Gang said, "I will definitely participate in the national competition. Since I've chosen this profession, I'm determined to make a name for myself."

Yao Guofa said happily, "You've changed a lot lately! You used to be so unmotivated, but now you're so enthusiastic about the games, I'm not used to it."

Wang Gang laughed and said, "I was young and ignorant before! Now I understand that a man should focus on his career."

Yao Guofa sighed, "It's not too late for you to realize this now. Focus your energy on your cooking skills, and if you really make a name for yourself, what woman can't you marry!"

Wang Gang knew that Yao Guofa had misunderstood, thinking that Yao's personality had changed drastically due to the stress of his divorce, but Wang Gang did not explain.

"Senior brother, now that I have this award, will I be able to charge a higher price for freelance work in the future?" Wang Gang said, rubbing his hands together.

"Are you short of money?" Yao Guofa asked, puzzled.

"Of course we need some, that's exactly what we're hoping you can introduce us to some side jobs, senior brother." Wang Gang handed Yao Guofa a cigarette.

Wang Gang is still a cook at the No. 2 canteen, so it's not appropriate for him to take on private jobs outside without Yao Guofa's knowledge.

Moreover, Yao Guofa, as the canteen director, has a stronger network of connections than the average person and can help introduce some wealthy clients.

Wang Gang has no plans to leave the No. 2 canteen for the time being. The reform and opening up has only just begun and has not yet spread to the north. Unless Wang Gang abandons his family and leaves for the south, it is safest for him to stay in the No. 2 canteen.

Moreover, if she marries Yang Maixiang in the future, it will be easier to propose to Yang's parents and get a job at a state-run canteen.

“Coincidentally, I know a leader’s nephew who is getting married and is looking for a chef to cook the wedding banquet. I can ask him for you. But I can’t guarantee it will work out.” Yao Guofa said, “However, I can’t guarantee it will work out.”

"Thank you, senior brother. If it really works out, I'll share some with you," Wang Gang said with a smile.

“You’re earning your money through hard work too, so you don’t need to share with me. But taking on side jobs will definitely affect the cafeteria’s operations,” Yao Guofa said after a moment’s thought.
"Okay! If you promise me one thing, I'll allow you to take on side jobs during your work hours."

Wang Gang asked, "What's wrong?"

Yao Guofa said, "Bring me more apprentices so they can take over your work in the cafeteria."

Wang Gang hesitated and said, "Taking on apprentices is definitely not a problem, but becoming a master is not so simple. As you know, senior brother, cooking skills are accumulated over time and cannot be mastered in a day."

Yao Guofa said, "Just teach me diligently, don't hold back."

Wang Gang considered for a moment and said, "Okay, I understand. Give me two people later."

Seeing that Wang Gang readily agreed, Yao Guofa said happily, "Who do you think is suitable in the kitchen? I'll assign them to you directly."

Wang Gang said, "Liu Zi has been with me the longest, and his basic skills are passable. He can learn from me from now on! As for the others, you can decide, Senior Brother."

Yao Guofa said, "I have a friend's child who just started working in the kitchen. Do you want to see how she is?" Wang Gang asked, "What friend? Are you close to her? Can she handle hardship?"

Yao Guofa glanced to the side to make sure no one was around before whispering in Wang Gang's ear, "She's the niece of a minor leader. She never liked studying and only loved cooking, so she was sent to the second canteen to get some experience."

Wang Gang frowned and said, "A girl? What kind of person is she? She can't endure hardship in this line of work, and she won't be able to learn the skills."

Yao Guofa sighed and said, "Try teaching her first. If it really doesn't work, then forget it. I'll transfer her to the front desk."

Wang Gang said with a wry smile, "Senior brother, you've dumped the job that will offend people on me!"

Yao Guofa laughed and scolded, "I'm your senior brother, how could I harm you? If anything really happens, I'll take the blame for you. You just need to teach well."

Wang Gang laughed and said, "That's enough, Senior Brother. Bring the person here later!"

After discussing it with his fellow apprentices, Wang Gang returned to work in the kitchen. Now that he has culinary skills, he basically doesn't need to cook on the stove; he just watches from the back. He only cooks when the boss comes, making his work much easier.

In the kitchen, skill still matters. Wang Gang's culinary skills are undeniable, and with Yao Guofa protecting him, he naturally acts with impunity in the kitchen. No one dares to misbehave. Even Su Hou, who used to dislike him the most, now has to curry favor with him.

Yao Guofa quickly finalized the deal for the side job: Wang Gang would cook a wedding banquet for someone, and after working for half a day, he would charge ten yuan.

Wang Gang's provincial champion title boosted his reputation, making it easier for him to take on freelance work and allowing him to charge higher prices than the average chef.

Later, even the second canteen's business improved significantly. Many people wanted to try the culinary champion's cooking.

Taking advantage of the situation, Yao Guofa set up a takeout shop in the cafeteria, specializing in Wang Gang's signature dish, braised pork intestines, and the business was booming.

Wang Gang used the money he earned from taking on side jobs to buy many gifts and went home with Yang Maixiang to visit his future father-in-law and mother-in-law.

Mr. and Mrs. Yang were relatively kind to Wang Gang and did not deliberately make things difficult for him because of his second marriage. Mr. Yang even invited Wang Gang to stay at their home for a drink.

Wang Gang's performance was impeccable, and Yang's parents did not object to their daughter dating him, but they still made some demands regarding marriage.

"Xiao Liu, I know this is your second marriage, but this is our girl's first marriage. These three essential items for the wedding are indispensable," Yang's mother stated.

“My mom has already prepared the three main items,” Wang Gang said with a smile.

"What about the thirty-six legs?" Yang's father asked.

“Dad, all the furniture in Hongchang’s house is brand new, it hasn’t been used for long. I just need to change the bed,” Yang Maixiang said, protecting Wang Gang.

Mr. and Mrs. Yang exchanged a glance and said, "Since you don't mind, we don't mind either, but we must hold a wedding banquet, otherwise we won't be able to explain it to our relatives and friends."

Wang Gang said, "Uncle and Aunt, I work in the second canteen. Is it okay to hold the wedding banquet there?"

Mr. Yang nodded and said, "That's fine. I heard from Maixiang that you recently won the cooking competition?"

Wang Gang laughed and said, "I'm the provincial champion, and I'll be participating in the national competition in the second half of the year."

Mr. Yang asked, "Are you confident?"

Yang Maixiang said proudly, "Dad, you haven't tasted Hongchang's cooking yet. You'll know once you try it."

Mr. Yang laughed and scolded, "Everyone says girls are more outgoing. I didn't believe it before, but now I do. You're not even married yet, and you're already so protective of him!"

Yang Maixiang said smugly, "It's my own man, who else would I protect if not me!" (End of this chapter)