Go back to the prosperous days and become a layman

Chapter 880 879 There's no such thing as a free lunch.
"I saw Teacher Wang's signature during the exam, but Teacher Wang's handwriting is too elegant and difficult to decipher." Tang Zhitong knew that asking Teacher Wang's name directly was a bit abrupt, so he paused for a moment and found an excuse for himself.

But this reason is quite valid. When the exam was graded, the scores were written on the admission ticket and signed by the grading teacher. After the student confirmed the score, the ticket was taken back.

Tang Zhitong carefully examined the admission ticket; the handwriting was very messy, and he could only recognize the character "王" (Wang) in Teacher Wang's name.

“My master said that my uncle’s handwriting looks like a dog’s scratch.” Zheng Liangcai laughed when he thought of his uncle’s handwriting. Sometimes even his uncle himself couldn’t recognize all of what he had written.

Tang Zhitong laughed along, finding the description quite apt.

Zheng Liangcai told Tang Zhitong Teacher Wang's name: Wang Fusheng, a name that sounds like it comes from a bygone era.

Tang Zhitong silently kept it in mind. Teacher Wang was helping him this time, but in fact, he was also helping him. They could contact each other again if needed in the future.

Wei Zhizhen lives in the staff quarters of the Post and Telecommunications Institute, which is convenient for commuting to work, and he is almost never late.

When Tang Zhitong brought Zheng Liangcai to the logistics department, Wei Zhizhen had just poured himself some water and was about to read the newspaper.

"Teacher Wei, I've invited the head chef." Tang Zhitong knocked on the door and led Zheng Liangcai into the office.

"Oh? Great! Quite efficient." Wei Zhizhen put down the newspaper, stood up, and looked Zheng Liangcai up and down.

"Hello, Leader Wei." Zheng Liangcai appeared somewhat nervous, holding his package in front of him with both hands, awaiting instructions.

"Teacher Wei, this is Chef Zheng Liangcai. He has a Level 1 Chef Certificate. I told the teacher at the technical college yesterday, and they recommended Chef Zheng. Chef Zheng cooked a dish on the spot yesterday, and the taste was amazing. I personally think it's no worse than the taste of a state banquet, so I didn't choose anyone else."

When you're out in the world, you have to choose your own identity. But Zheng Liangcai wasn't good with words, so Tang Zhitong had to elevate his status. He explained the whole story while simultaneously raising Zheng Liangcai's status.

"A Level 1 Chef Certificate? That's quite impressive. Hello, Chef Zheng." Upon hearing this, Wei Zhizhen extended his hand to Zheng Liangcai.

Zheng Liangcai hurriedly freed one hand, realized he had turned the bag around, and then flipped the package over before finally grasping Wei Zhizhen's hand.

Tang Zhitong watched from the side, thinking to himself that Zheng Liang was too honest. Why was he still concerned about the package at this time? He should have just put it on the ground, stepped forward, and greeted it with both hands to show respect.

After Wei Zhizhen let go, Zheng Liangcai had an awkward smile on his face and didn't say much. Seeing this, Tang Zhitong could only speak again: "Brother Zheng, where is your Level 1 Chef Certificate? Take it out and let Section Chief Wei take a look."

"Oh, I'll get it now." Zheng Liangcai belatedly realized what was happening and only then did he put his package on the ground and untie it.

However, only half of it was unpacked, revealing a small wooden box.

The box looks old; although it's worn, it's very clean.

Upon opening the box, it was found to be divided into two compartments. One compartment contained a kitchen knife, while the other compartment, which was originally meant to hold a whetstone, was now gone, leaving only a chef's certificate inside.

Zheng Liangcai took out the certificate, carefully restored the package, and then handed the certificate to Wei Zhizhen.

He knew it would be best to give Wei Zhizhen the certificate first, but there were two bottles of wine hidden in the package. If they were accidentally spilled, it would be difficult to give them to Tang Zhitong later, so he had no choice but to do it this way.

Wei Zhizhen glanced at the certificate and immediately understood the situation.

"Xiao Tang, what did you say to Chef Zheng? How much is the salary?" The guy surnamed Huang in front of him was paid a seventh-grade cook's salary, but he didn't have a certificate. Zheng Liangcai in front of him had a first-grade certificate, which stumped Wei Zhizhen.

"Level seven, to be honest, I think level seven is too low." Zheng Liangcai was not good with words, and it was clear that Tang Zhitong could not rely on him to fight for wages, so he had to take matters into his own hands.

"It's really not high. If our academy paid a level-one chef a level-seven salary, people would laugh at us. That would be treating talent so poorly." Wei Zhizhen smiled, but he was also troubled.

The canteen falls under the jurisdiction of the logistics department. As a section chief in the logistics department, Wei Zhizhen knew about the professional skills and title evaluation for culinary professionals.

In institutions like schools, professional titles are a barometer of salary. If classified according to culinary titles, a first-level chef should at least receive the salary of a fourth-level cook. Anything lower would be considered disrespectful to talent.

"Teacher Wei, how about another adjustment? Not too much, just enough to match the certificate, a level four salary will do." Following Mr. Zhou's advice on compromise, Tang Zhitong quoted a higher level, intending to leave room for negotiation later.

"Don't even mention a fourth-grade salary, even a fifth-grade salary isn't something I can decide. You're always giving me difficult problems." Wei Zhizhen chuckled and scolded Tang Zhitong, then said to Zheng Liangcai, "Master Zheng, let Xiao Tang sit with you for a while, I'll go ask the leader."

"Okay, okay, you're busy." Zheng Liangcai, carrying the package, bowed to Wei Zhizhen and saw him off with a smile.

After Wei Zhizhen left, Zheng Liangcai tugged at Tang Zhitong, signaling that he wanted to leave as well.

"Xiao Tang, is this too much? Level 4 is too high. I'd be content with a Level 6 salary." There were other teachers in the office, so it wasn't a good place to talk. Zheng Liangcai led Tang Zhitong outside before speaking, his tone not one of complaint, but of apprehension and disbelief.

"Brother Zheng, I just wanted you to earn more. Your income should be commensurate with your skills, right? Don't worry, if you can't reach level four, I'll try to get you to level five. Just listen to me later and don't say a word." Tang Zhitong was both amused and exasperated, seeing someone complain about having too much money for the first time.

However, this also shows that Zheng Liangcai is honest, and such people are lovable, which is why Tang Zhitong likes him.

Wei Zhizhen arrived at the office of Ruan Yan, the head of the logistics department, and reported on Tang Zhitong's help in finding a chef.

"Is it true that it tastes no worse than the state banquet? Did Xiao Tang say that, or did you add it yourself?" After listening to Wei Zhizhen's report, Ruan Yan put Zheng Liangcai's chef's certificate together and asked.

"It was Xiao Tang who said it." Seeing that Ruan Yan seemed to be fixated on the "state banquet," Wei Zhizhen regretted adding that sentence earlier. Did he really expect a young man to have eaten at a state banquet?

"Oh, then it might really taste just as good as a state banquet." Ruan Yan wasn't angry after hearing this; instead, she nodded.

Upon hearing this, Wei Zhizhen's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. His heart had just been in his throat when this happened?

"Little Tang attended the National Conference of Outstanding Workers in Education and Culture at the beginning of the month. There was a banquet at the conference," Ruan Yan added with a smile, seeing Wei Zhizhen's expression.

"This... I haven't heard anything about it. Why is there no word from our education system?" Wei Zhizhen was surprised after hearing this, but immediately sensed something was wrong.

“That’s because Xiao Tang participated as a member of the editorial team for the ‘Barefoot Doctor’s Handbook,’ which has nothing to do with our school. Come on, I just happened to need to talk to Xiao Tang, let’s go take a look together.” After saying that, Ruan Yan got up, handed Zheng Liangcai’s certificate to Wei Zhizhen, and walked towards the door first. Ruan Yan went downstairs and saw Tang Zhitong and Zheng Liangcai standing in the lobby on the first floor. Before he even came down the stairs, he greeted Tang Zhitong with a smile: “Xiao Tang, why didn’t you go to your office?”

"Hello, Director Ruan, it's chilly outside, come out and cool off." Tang Zhitong stepped forward and took Ruan Yan's hand.

"I've heard everything from Xiao Wei. This must be Chef Zheng, whom you invited. Chef Zheng, it's great to have you here. Our little canteen will be relying on you a lot from now on." After shaking hands with Tang Zhitong, Ruan Yan extended her hand to Zheng Liangcai.

"Hello Director Ruan, I will definitely do my best!" Zheng Liangcai had already received Tang Zhitong's instructions, so this time he knew to put down the package before extending his hands.

Hearing Ruan Yan say this, Tang Zhitong was overjoyed. Not to mention a level 5 salary, even a level 4 salary was within reach!
"I heard from Xiao Wei that you want to help Chef Zheng apply for a fourth-level cook salary?" Although Ruan Yan said that Tang Zhitong hadn't gone to the office, he still chose to talk here because there were fewer people and it was more convenient to talk.

“Yes, after all, Chef Zheng has a Level 1 chef skill certificate, and most restaurants outside offer him the same treatment.” Tang Zhitong didn’t expect Ruan Yan to step forward directly, but once a promise is made, it’s like spilled water; no matter who comes, Tang Zhitong has to bite the bullet and admit it.

“I have to criticize you for this. This is the treatment outside, can’t our college give you more? I think giving you a level four salary is a bit stingy, go straight to level three!” Ruan Yan waved his hand and directly added a level to Tang Zhitong’s bargaining.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Liangcai's eyes widened in disbelief. How could the price be getting higher and higher?

"Is this...is this appropriate?" Tang Zhitong was also a little confused. It was the first time she had ever seen someone try to negotiate the price in reverse. She was afraid that Ruan Yan would make additional demands later.

“Why is it inappropriate? This is how we show that our college values ​​talent.” After saying that, Ruan Yan directly instructed Wei Zhizhen: “Xiao Wei, take Master Zheng to complete the formalities. I need to talk to Xiao Tang.”

Upon hearing this, Tang Zhitong thought to himself, "Oh no, they're going to make demands."

“I heard from Xiao Wei that Master Huang cut back on the portions at the research class’s celebration banquet. I have to thank you. If you hadn’t reported it in time, the security department wouldn’t have been able to find this big rat. He not only cut back on your portions, but he also took advantage of the college’s daily hospitality and even when teachers went out to have a special meal.

"You don't deserve my thanks, I just did what I was supposed to do." Ruan Yan said with a smile, but in Tang Zhitong's eyes, he looked a bit like a wolf in sheep's clothing, and she wondered what his purpose was in keeping her here.

“Some teachers have previously commented that Chef Huang’s cooking skills were not satisfactory. This time, you have invited such a master chef. I believe that all the teachers in the school will thank you after tasting his cooking.” Ruan Yan still smiled, not mentioning anything about the matter, but expressing gratitude in every sentence.

These words were not insincere; before this, he had considered changing the chef.

Unlike other departments, the logistics department is responsible for the food, clothing, housing, transportation, research materials, and even supplies for all teachers and students when they go out, which means it deals with many other departments.

More often than not, the logistics department has to beg people from all over the place.

Having finally managed to invite people to Beijing, in addition to visiting some famous tourist attractions, we also need to provide them with excellent hospitality.

These days, there are no foot massages, no KTVs, no business receptions. If the food and drinks are good and the drinking is thorough, half the deal is done. As for the remaining half, a little something, like some local specialties, is enough. After all, these days, not many people dare to ask for an exorbitant amount.

The university has alcohol, and you can drink to your heart's content, but the food is just average.

The man surnamed Huang has always claimed to have the skills of a restaurant chef, and the academy has been making do with him. If he hadn't gone too far this time, they probably wouldn't have replaced him.

With a better chef this time, Ruan Yan felt that things would be much easier to handle in the future.

Tang Zhitong had no idea what Ruan Yan was up to, so she could only mumble and grunt incoherently.

"Little Tang, look, the beginning of autumn is just around the corner, and after that, it will be winter."

"Mmm." Tang Zhitong nodded as he listened. Summer vacation hasn't even started yet, and they're already looking forward to winter?
"As you know, winters in Beijing are very cold. Every year, some students from our college don't go home to save money. We have to think about them in every way and not let them get cold, right?"

"Yes, Director Ruan is a role model for me, always thinking of students." Having said that, Tang Zhitong roughly knew what Ruan Yan was going to do.

"Oh, I can't accept your help. If I had a solution, I wouldn't have asked you for it; it's too embarrassing to say!" Ruan Yan looked ashamed, almost heartbroken.

"Coal?" Tang Zhitong asked tentatively.

“Yes, you’re close to Director Yan. Talk to him and ask him to take care of our Post and Telecommunications Institute.” Ruan Yan revealed his true intentions, assigning Tang Zhitong a major task.

"This... the quantity is a bit large. Director Yan has principles, and I'm afraid I don't have that much influence." Tang Zhitong looked troubled after hearing this; this was not just a ton or two.

After saving Yan Ning, Yan Xiongfei had already been swindled out of a lot of coal by Director Hu in his search for his son's savior.

If I were to ask again now, what would that be? Trying to get two birds with one stone?
Yan Xiongfei was in a dilemma: accept the offer or not. As a member of the School of Posts and Telecommunications, it wouldn't be right for him to refuse.

I'm caught in a dilemma.

"Little Tang, we have to give it a try. We can't let our students freeze!" Ruan Yan had previously gone to Yan Xiongfei, but Yan Xiongfei had passed the buck, saying that winter was still a long way off and they would talk about it later.

However, Ruan Yan has received definite news that not only will there be difficulties in the supply of grain this year, but coal will also be affected, with a significant reduction in production. As a result, the supply in Beijing will also be insufficient.

“You have such foresight and long-term vision, I can’t let you down, so I’ll give it a try.” Since Ruan Yan had put it this way, Tang Zhitong had no choice but to bite the bullet and accept.

“We won’t make things difficult for Director Yan, and our college won’t ask for an exorbitant amount. As long as the coal supply remains the same as in previous years, we don’t need to increase it.” Ruan Yan expressed his expectations, which also served as setting a KPI for Tang Zhitong.

"I'll give it a try." Tang Zhitong smiled wryly after hearing this. A draw was not an unreasonable request.

Although a batch of graduates will soon be assigned to places where the country needs them, how many people are there?
This year's college entrance examination admissions will reach a new high, with the number of admitted students far exceeding the number of graduates.

With more people, the coal consumption in the canteen will increase in the second half of the year, as will the coal consumption in the hot water room and bathroom. However, the coal consumption for heating in winter will not increase much.

…………

There was a military parade today, did you all watch it?
(End of this chapter)