From selling box lunches to becoming a famous Chinese chef

Several energetic old men struggled for a long time over a game of chess, until Zhou Feng brought out the braised noodles and served them to everyone.

"Hey, Dad, when you play chess with your uncles and aunts, don't get angry. Everyone makes mistakes when playing chess. You can win the next game."

Zhou Feng tried to persuade him, but to his surprise, Old Zhou was not happy.

"What do you know, kid? Go and make your noodles properly. Who do you think you are to speak when we old men are talking?"

If I hadn't listened to Zhou Feng talk about his past...

I also saw the tattoo on Zhou Feng's arm.

This scene might really make people think that Lao Zhou is the old rascal who has been causing trouble since he was young and is always restless.

Zhou Feng, on the contrary, was the obedient son who always served his father.

After being scolded by his father, Zhou Feng wasn't angry and obediently turned around.

As they passed Yang Bin and Sun Hai, Zhou Feng exchanged glances and a wry smile appeared on his face.

Yang Bin could tell at a glance that Zhou Feng's motivation stemmed from his father's act of risking his life to save him years ago.

Therefore, Zhou Feng always obeyed his father.

However, according to Zhou Feng, his father had always treated him well. When he was young, his father gave all the money he earned from running a noodle shop to Zhou Feng, and most of the time he wouldn't let Zhou Feng serve him.

Yang Bin thought for a moment, then stood up and walked to the table where the old men were sitting.

"Uncle Zhou, I brought my apprentice here to investigate the market. We're planning to open a shop here. I've taken a liking to your son's braised noodle skills and would like him to join our shop. I wonder if you would be willing to let him join us?"

Old Zhou looked up at Yang Bin, a hint of doubt on his face.

But the way Lao Zhou spoke to Yang Bin was completely different from how he spoke to his own son.

"Oh? You're interested in my son's braised noodle making skills? May I ask who you are?"

Yang Bin introduced himself to Lao Zhou and the other elderly people.

After hearing Yang Bin's introduction, Lao Zhou was somewhat surprised: "You're the senior apprentice of that national culinary champion? You said you're here on his behalf to open a branch? Are you helping him open a branch?"

Yang Bin nodded: "Yes, we came from Jinan and are planning to open a branch of your dry rice shop here."

The old man who had beaten Lao Zhou at chess suddenly spoke up.

"I know your restaurant. Just a few days ago, my daughter took me to Beijing, and we ate at your restaurant there. The braised pork, pig's trotters, and four-happiness meatballs were absolutely delicious."

And the noodles you make at your shop—I've always thought Old Zhou's braised noodles were the best, but I didn't expect your Beijing branch's zha jiang mian (noodles with minced meat sauce) to be so delicious too.

There's no way around it; the elderly people in Zhengzhou are really used to eating noodles.

So when the elderly woman was taken to Beijing by her daughter, she couldn't get used to eating rice.

Later, upon hearing that the shop offered noodles, the old man ate a bowl of zha jiang mian (noodles with minced meat sauce) and a bowl of da lu mian (noodles with braised meat sauce) in one go.

The old man still remembers the meal vividly and finds it unforgettable.

Yang Bin chuckled upon hearing this: "The shop in the capital is managed by my fifth junior brother, who is also the fifth senior brother of Feng Zhuangyuan. The noodles there are all made by my junior brother's apprentice, and they are somewhat similar to the way we make Da Liu noodles in Shandong."

Old Zhou was a little puzzled: "Since you have people who know how to make noodles, why do you want my son to join in?"

Yang Bin recounted what he and his apprentice had experienced here.

And I would like to express my gratitude to Lao Zhou once again.

“Uncle Zhou, I recruited Zhou Feng not because he saved me and my apprentice, but more because I really admire his skills. I think he has a certain talent. If he is willing to join us, we will provide him with systematic cooking training.”

Another elderly person exclaimed in surprise, "You even train him to cook?"

Yang Bin nodded: "Yes, we are now a catering company with a complete new chef training system. If you perform well, you may have the opportunity to work in a big restaurant, or even in the kitchen of my junior apprentice's top restaurant in Shanghai."

Yang Bin's words left the elderly people completely stunned.

Zhou Feng had also come out of the kitchen.

He also heard Yang Bin's introduction and was eager for such an opportunity.

Zhou Feng had never imagined that he would one day actually learn cooking skills.

He originally thought that running the small noodle shop his father left him would be enough for him in this lifetime.

Although I may not become rich and powerful, at least I have a skill that will keep me from starving.

Moreover, in recent years, Zhou Feng has added some varieties to the store through his own exploration, which has made his braised noodle restaurant business better and better.

Zhou Feng was also someone who was touched and inspired by Feng Zhengming's experience.

He even felt that he might be able to do the same as Feng Zhengming and make his family's braised noodle restaurant famous in Zhengzhou through his own efforts.

Zhou Feng was very satisfied with what he had accomplished.

But now, Zhou Feng sees an opportunity that could give him a better future.

After a moment of stunned silence, Old Zhou couldn't help but mutter something to himself.

"You're making it sound so convincing, you...you guys aren't scammers, are you?"

Yang Bin smiled and said, "Uncle Zhou, if you're not comfortable with this, you can go and take a look at the new store after it opens. If you're satisfied, then you can let Zhou Feng join our new store."

Old Zhou nodded: "Okay, we'll definitely go check out your new store when it opens."

Yang Bin asked Sun Hai to leave Zhou Feng's phone number. After the master and apprentice paid the bill, they left the noodle restaurant together.

Zhou Feng saw the master and apprentice off to the door, then looked back at his own noodle shop from the doorway.

He did hesitate for a moment.

Zhou Feng knew that this was an opportunity for him, but he still didn't want to go against his father's decision.

Yang Bin noticed this and reached out to pat Zhou Feng on the shoulder.

“It’s okay. When it opens, I’ll have Sun Hai notify you in advance. Then you can bring your dad over to take a look. I believe your father has no intention of harming you; he’s just worried about you.”

Zhou Feng nodded earnestly: "Thank you, Master Yang. I will definitely bring my dad to support you."

Yang Bin smiled and said, "Okay, see you then. It shouldn't be too long."

After watching them leave, Zhou Feng returned to the shop.

Old Zhou looked at his son's disappointed expression.

“If you want to go, then go. I won’t stop you. People should strive for better things. You’ve honed your skills at the family noodle shop over the years, so it’s time for you to step out into the world.”

Hearing his father's words, Zhou Feng laughed instead: "It's okay, Dad, we'll go after the opening."

Old Zhou then spoke up: "Are you stupid? If you go and help now, people will be in your shoes, and you'll have more opportunities for promotion in the future."

Hearing his father's words, Zhou Feng was a little confused: "But Dad, didn't you just say?"

Old Zhou: "I was just testing them. There are so many scammers these days, who knows if they're scammers or not? But they left without saying a word, and even said they'd let me come when they opened. They were so open and honest, they definitely aren't scammers." Sun Hai followed his master for a while, and he couldn't help but ask.

“Master, I think it would be easier for us to open a shop here if Zhou Feng helps us.”

Yang Bin nodded: "I know."

Sun Hai: "Then why don't you try again, Master?"

Yang Bin was very confident: "Didn't you leave him your phone number? I think he will contact us soon, and his father should come to his senses soon."

As Yang Bin had predicted, the two had just reached the bus stop at the intersection when Zhou Feng called.

Sun Hai answered the phone and heard Zhou Feng excitedly telling him a lot.

After listening, Sun Hai smiled and told the other party the address where he and his master lived.

"Okay, don't rush. Take care of things at home, then come and meet us tomorrow. After that, we can look for a suitable place to open a shop."

Zhou Feng agreed: "Okay, okay, I'll come find you tomorrow."

After hanging up the phone, Zhou Feng told his father what had happened.

Old Zhou nodded: "That's right, it seems to be true. You little rascal, I didn't expect you to be so lucky."

Zhou Feng laughed: "Dad, you were right to teach me a lesson back then. If you hadn't pulled me back, I definitely wouldn't have had this opportunity. Maybe I would have been beaten to death on the street instead of being arrested."

Old Zhou: "Work hard for them from now on, learn as much as you can, and if you have the chance to meet that top scholar, be sure to seize the opportunity."

Zhou Feng asked, "Dad, do you think I have a chance to become an apprentice?"

Old Zhou: "That depends on you. How would I know if you have the chance to become an apprentice? Besides, I think Master Yang thinks highly of you. You could become Master Yang's apprentice."

Zhou Feng thought for a moment and said, "Yes, Master Yang is also an option. He is Feng Zhuangyuan's senior brother and is also very capable."

Old Zhou: "Remember to learn the craft well. In our family, your grandfather and I haven't accomplished much. All I've left you is this noodle shop. I hope you can learn the craft and become a real master chef."

Zhou Feng smiled and nodded: "Dad, don't worry, I will try my best."

Yang Bin and Sun Hai returned to the hotel and went to their respective rooms to rest.

After taking a shower, Yang Bin called his junior apprentice.

Feng Zhengming happened to be in the hotel as well, listening to his wife, second aunt, and aunt-in-law analyze their impressions of the shops they had visited.

I received a call from my third senior brother and listened to what he had to say.

“Great, Third Brother. It’s good that you’ve found a promising talent here. I think you could take him on as an apprentice. Maybe he can manage that shop in Zhengcheng well in the future.”

Yang Bin laughed: "I thought you were coming to take on apprentices."

Feng Zhengming: "We are all fellow disciples. It doesn't matter who takes on a disciple. If he performs exceptionally well, he will have the opportunity to receive further training in the future. I will not show favoritism to any of them."

Yang Bin: "I think I'm particular about finding someone who is compatible with me when I take on apprentices, and I really think Zhou Feng is compatible with me."

Feng Zhengming: "Hahaha, then congratulations, Third Brother, on finding another outstanding disciple."

Yang Bin: "I also want to thank you for sending Sun Hai over. If Sun Hai hadn't been with me today, I might have already been dealt with by them. The people here are really quite bold."

Feng Zhengming immediately became serious: "Third Brother, you all need to be careful from now on. Although we've entered the 21st century, the security situation in various places is still not very good."

Yang Bin agreed, "Don't worry, we'll be more careful from now on."

Feng Zhengming then asked, "Third Brother, didn't you find the local chefs' association?"

Yang Bin: "No, I always feel that if we contact them, there will be too many drinking parties and dinners, making it seem like we are here to freeload."

Feng Zhengming: "Okay, if you guys aren't going to look for it, then we won't. We're just running a shop, so we don't care about those things."

"How are things over there? It must be tough for you in Hangzhou."

Hearing his third senior brother ask this, Feng Zhengming smiled and said, "On the contrary, things are going very smoothly for me. The people in Hangzhou have been wanting someone to help them organize and manage the food industry. It just so happens that I'm here, so I can help them solve some of the problems."

Yang Bin: "It seems your title of top scholar is still quite useful."

Feng Zhengming laughed: "Hahaha, Third Brother, have you forgotten? There was a problem at the National Culinary Competition individual competition in Hangzhou before?"

Yang Bin suddenly realized: "So that's how it is. Hangzhou is intentionally trying to get you involved this time."

Feng Zhengming: "Hangzhou has nationally renowned tourist attractions, and the city's development and construction are accelerating. I believe that some new industries will emerge soon. This place certainly has potential."

Yang Bin: "So what do you think of Zhengcheng?"

Feng Zhengming: "The same goes for Zhengzhou. It will also develop in the future. The domestic economy is developing rapidly, and all parts of the country will get better and better."

Yang Bin laughed: "You have so much confidence in the development of our country?"

Feng Zhengming responded: "Yes, Third Brother, you believe me, our motherland will become more and more prosperous and strong. With a prosperous and strong motherland, everyone's living standards will improve, and everyone's demand for delicious food will continue to increase."

Therefore, we must uphold our craft and make sure we can cook everything our master taught us so that everyone can enjoy it.

After listening to Feng Zhengming's words, Yang Bin felt much more confident.

"Okay, I'll definitely help you. Let's cook the dishes together."

Feng Zhengming: "Haha, with the help of my senior brothers, I feel more confident and self-assured."

Yang Bin smiled when he heard what his junior brother said.

"Stop flattering me. I know you too well. With your abilities, you could handle this without our help."

Feng Zhengming: "No, without you senior brothers, it would have taken much more time and effort to get to where I am today. With your help, I can expand outwards so smoothly."

Yang Bin really thought so after hearing what his junior brother said.

The eldest brother has been guarding Huiquan Tower all these years.

On the one hand, it maintains the standard of Huiquanlou, and on the other hand, it helps to train a group of young chefs.

Yang Bin himself also helped select many talented and hardworking apprentices in the kitchen of Feng's old dry rice shop.

With them backing him up, the junior apprentice can confidently lead Shandong cuisine out of Shandong province.

But Yang Bin also knew that without his junior brother, he and his fellow senior brothers might have long since faded into obscurity.

Yang Bin might even be forced to return to his hometown to continue farming.

Because of their junior apprentice, they regained attention and more opportunities.

This led to a double boost in Yang Bin's culinary skills and reputation.

The two brothers discussed many details over the phone. Feng Zhengming once again reminded his third brother to be careful and to send a group of people to help if needed.

Yang Bin smiled and said, "Don't worry, with Zhou Feng's help, there won't be any problems." (End of Chapter)