Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 152 The steel permit has been approved; let's get some side hustles!

As it turned out, He Yuzhu was right. When Mikhailovic arrived at the factory, he praised He Yuzhu's cooking skills to the skies. Well, not to mention one table, there were five tables of food that couldn't be filled.

A large factory with tens of thousands of employees, how could it be without its top leaders?

When Mihajlovic returned and told He Yuzhu, He Yuzhu asked, "Are you sure you only told the deputy factory director?"

"Well, I couldn't resist helping you promote it. Don't worry, it'll only do you good, not bad," Mikhailovic said with an embarrassed smile.

"Is there a kitchen helper? I can't do it all by myself."

"how is it like?"

"Washing vegetables, chopping vegetables, serving dishes."

"Yes, of course we have plenty of people. But you need to be clear about what kind you want, so you don't ruin your skills."

"I'll tell them my requirements then. Is the stove ready?"

"It's all prepared. I even found you a small kitchen."

"When will it be done?"

"The day after tomorrow, the night after tomorrow. I'll ask the logistics department to prepare more supplies, and conquer their palates in one go."

"I think it's just that you have a sweet tooth."

"Hahaha, you saw right through me! This dish is so good, I want to eat it again and again."

"Okay, come pick me up then, otherwise I won't be able to get in."

"After you finish this meal, you can walk into this factory as you please. I've also invited the head of security."

"Can you handle spicy food?"

"You should make a variety of things. That kind of meat strips is good. Pork is a bit spicy when you make that kind of meat."

"Ok, I know."

On the morning of the third day, He Yuzhu was taken to the factory. Wei and Zheng did not go because they could not help.

Mikhailovich led him to a canteen and then let him choose someone. The Russian cooks, all big-bellied and thick-necked, looked at He Yuzhu with scrutinizing eyes. They certainly wouldn't be happy to let them help a Chinese cook.

He Yuzhu showed off his skills by cutting a small piece of meat, and the people below started whispering among themselves.

"This Chinese kid's knife skills are impressive."

"Why don't we go and see what they do? Maybe we can learn something."

"Are you going or not? If not, I'll go."

Then people started testing their knife skills according to He Yuzhu's requirements. After much deliberation, they managed to pick out three. When asked, they found out that two of them were head chefs from a local canteen. He Yuzhu asked if there were any problems, and Mikhailovich said that he had already made arrangements.

Then they went to the small kitchen, where He Yuzhu demonstrated how to cut the vegetables for today's meal, and then let the group try it out.

It was barely acceptable in the end. The ingredients that were cut up at noon became a dish. Mihajlovic stayed the whole time and managed to freeload a meal at noon.

When He Yuzhu flipped the wok, the Russian chefs were dumbfounded. After eating He Yuzhu's dishes, some chefs wanted to become his apprentices on the spot, but He Yuzhu couldn't agree. He couldn't stay there forever.

Some of the cooks were a little disappointed, but He Yuzhu said that during his stay, he could teach them some common dishes and also learn some dishes from the Russian side. The cooks' faces lit up with smiles again.

He spent the whole afternoon preparing food. He Yuzhu drew up a menu, ten dishes and a soup for each table, and he needed to prepare extra ingredients, as he was afraid it wouldn't be enough, since these Russians eat much more than the Chinese.

The dishes are a combination of several cuisines, as it's impossible to please everyone.

When the last dish, tomato and egg soup, was served, someone came to call He Yuzhu. It was Mikhailovic who said that the leaders wanted to meet this amazing Chinese chef.

He Yuzhu took off his chef's uniform and hat and followed them to the front without any hesitation.

When they arrived at the main table and were introduced, the three deputy factory directors and several section chiefs were first praised by these people, and then He Yuzhu drank a glass of wine with them.

The deputy factory director with the highest rank gave a speech, and then it was up to him to decide who would follow. That's how it started, and the toasting began.

There were about fifty people, some of whom had heard that He Yuzhu could drink a lot, some of whom had heard that He Yuzhu was a good marksman, and some of whom were there purely for the meal.

He Yuzhu accepted all drinks offered, and by the end, the deputy factory directors dared not let him drink anymore, fearing he would get sick from it.

The group stopped drinking with He Yuzhu, but they didn't stop drinking themselves; the dishes on the table were also rapidly decreasing.

Several deputy factory directors chatted with He Yuzhu for a bit, but it was all trivial stuff. One said he had been to China, another said he had made a living on the border, but there was nothing of substance to it, and no one asked He Yuzhu what he was doing there.

He Yuzhu just went along with it, since he didn't intend to close the deal in one meal; there would be a process involved.

The factory cadres had a great time eating and drinking. He Yuzhu had asked what would happen to the kitchen helpers, but Mikhailovich told him that they wouldn't go hungry.

After finishing their meal and seeing off several factories with Mikhailovich, He Yuzhu asked, "Mikhailovich, what's the next step?"

"He, you don't really think this meal will solve everything?"

"Then what do you think we should do?"

"There are too many people here. I'll invite Deputy Director Petrov to our little courtyard. You'd better show off your skills." This guy is starting to treat He Yuzhu like one of his own now, even using "us" now. Actually, this meal has done him a huge favor. He usually can't invite so many leaders, but now he's gotten to know them all over the place, which will make things easier for him in the future.

"No problem, you arrange it, but we can't delay too long, we can't stay here forever."

"Hey, it would be great if you didn't leave. Why don't you stay?"

"No, my family is all in China."

"Then bring them all."

"You're the one who decides?"

"Uh..." Mikhailovic knew he had boasted. He could find a way to help someone like He Yuzhu, but it was practically impossible for his family to pull it off.

"Alright, let's take care of the things at hand first."

"it is good."

After finishing his business, He Yuzhu brought up his personal matters. He had been out and about these past few days and wanted to buy some things, but he was short of money and couldn't barter with others.

"By the way, I'm short on some of your Bear Coins, could you figure out a way?"

"How much money do you want to borrow?"

"No, no, no, you misunderstood. I have some things captured on the battlefield, like watches and pens. Could you help me dispose of them?"

"You carry all this with you when you go out?"

"There's nothing we can do; the funding from above is too little."

"Can I take a look first?"

“No problem.” He Yuzhu got up and rummaged through his luggage for a while, then took out a small package and put it on the table.

"Rolex? Vacheron Constantin? Parker gold pen? How many bald eagle officers have you robbed?"

"Can this be handled?"

"That's amazing! These are all good stuff, but we can only deal with them privately."

"If it won't cause you any trouble, just ask about the price first. If it's reasonable, help me get rid of some of them." "No, I have connections. Can I get two samples?"

"no problem."

"You trust me that much?"

"You can't run away, and besides, these things were all obtained on the battlefield, so even if they were..."

“No, no, I’m not that kind of person,” Mihajlovic waved his hands repeatedly.

The next day, Mikhail sent him a sum of Russian currency, saying that the samples had all been sold. Now, their group's industrial products were all self-produced, and they valued simplicity. They did have some luxury goods captured during World War II, but those were few and far between. Those who were promoted later simply couldn't get their hands on them.

He Yuzhu gave him a few more items and urged Deputy Factory Director Petrov to expedite the matter. Mikhailovich acknowledged and left with the items.

He now feels even more strongly that China is his lucky star. These things can not only be sold for money, but also used as gifts to build relationships. Even brand new items might not be accepted by the family.

The first thing He Yuzhu did after getting money was to go to the bookstore and go on a shopping spree. Many of the professional books were not available in China at all, and even if he bought them abroad, he couldn't bring them back. Who was he? Was a few books a big deal for him? It was just a bit too low of him to do something like Kong Yiji over a few books.

The bookstore staff were quite surprised to see him buying so many professional books, and since he was a foreigner, they asked him a few more questions. He Yuzhu explained that he had come to the steel plant to learn and observe, but he didn't understand many things, so he needed to read books. He did look like a student, and the bookstore staff said he could borrow them.

After saying that, he gave an awkward laugh, realizing that the Chinese kid in front of him couldn't get a library card.

However, the bookstore staff still asked to see his identification, so He Yuzhu showed them a letter of introduction, and the book was sold to him.

After leaving the bookstore and arriving at a secluded spot, the books were stored in his spatial dimension. However, he had already bought everything he could find there. He Yuzhu planned to visit places like Kyiv on his return trip, since Kyiv is a steel city.

Two days later, Mihai came and told him that everything was fine, the date had been set, and there was also his direct supervisor, the deputy factory director, who could help prepare whatever ingredients He Yuzhu needed.

He Yuzhu made a list, and when the day came and he met Deputy Factory Director Petrov, he knew why it had worked out: the guy had a Parker jacket pinned to his chest and a low-key Rolex on his wrist.

Another deputy factory director also had a watch that came from his place. He Yuzhu quietly asked Mikhailovich if he had bought those things himself.

Mihajlovic said, "He, you don't need to worry about that. Anyway, I won't suffer any loss, and I won't let you suffer any loss either."

"You know what's good for you; those things aren't cheap."

"So, it needs to be used in the right place." The old man was implying something.

The two exchanged a smile. He Yuzhu went to cook, while Mihai went to entertain the two factory directors.

Of course, he wasn't the only one; there were others who came to accompany him for drinks, and their positions weren't low either.

He Yuzhu also asked about the specific flavors this time, and Mihai gave a general description based on the experience of eating the dishes last time.

So this meal was semi-customized. Before all the dishes were served, someone inside invited He Yuzhu to have a drink with the boss. He Yuzhu finished cooking the dishes he was cooking and carried them in.

"Heh, this is your cooking! It's even better than what I ate in China." Petrov gave a thumbs up.

"You're too kind!"

"Young comrade, you're too modest. Sit down and eat with us. I want to have a few drinks with you."

"Director Petrov, how many dishes are left?"

"No need, this is enough. We can make more if we need more later."

"Then it's better to be respectful than to obey."

"Haha, that's more like it."

In such a private setting, it's much easier to talk. At Mihajlovic's suggestion, after a few rounds of drinks, He Yuzhu inquired about the order.

Petrov said it was no problem, and then asked the deputy factory director next to him, who also said it was no problem.

Of course, they also made a condition: they would come back to eat He Yuzhu's cooking before He Yuzhu left.

He Yuzhu said these were all minor matters.

However, judging from Mihai's expression, He Yuzhu knew that these two factory managers were definitely using his vegetables as a stepping stone, just like Mihai.

He didn't care about that. He wanted to take care of his own business first and build good relationships. Next time, it might only take a telegram or a phone call to get things done. It was too much trouble to take such a long train ride here.

Another week passed, and the production schedule and delivery order were in He Yuzhu's hands. The goods were not picked up here; they would be sent to the border between China and Russia, where they would pick them up.

He Yuzhu was busy all week, hosting four banquets for them, twice at the factory and twice in that courtyard. He wasn't interested in knowing who they were hosting, and they didn't invite him, the temporary cook, in either place.

Thanks to Mihai’s connections, He Yuzhu was fortunate enough to visit some places he hadn’t been able to see last time, in a slightly more in-depth way.

He Yuzhu had a new idea, but he still needed to make some preparations.

When he had free time, He Yuzhu bought a lot of film and batteries. This time, however, he put on makeup, got a big beard, and wore glasses. He didn't buy them from the same store.

Then he took action. One dark and windy night, He Yuzhu sneaked into the steel mill.

Riding his bicycle past the patrolmen, he first visited the research department and took away some long-forgotten research files, including blueprints and corresponding materials for the renovation of the Azov steel plant. If many of these things hadn't been piled up in a corner, He Yuzhu would have had a hard time taking them, including the blueprints for the 250-ton tilting smelting furnace. These things might be obsolete to them, but they were still useful in China.

Then he took a bunch of photos of the new documents, focusing on steelmaking formulas and blueprints for various smelting furnaces.

Then he went to the ingredients section and took some of the prepared ingredients and corresponding raw materials as samples.

Seeing that he still had some time, he also visited the mushroom-proof facilities on his own, of course, by the stairs. It was quite impressive once he got inside.

As for the steel, he didn't take it. Not only did it take up space, but he also had nowhere to sell it when he got back. Each steel ingot weighs several tons, and who would dare to buy it now?

After finishing this task, He Yuzhu relaxed. He put on makeup and bought some live poultry at the market, including cattle and sheep, but he didn't see any live pigs for sale.

Before the three left, He Yuzhu was conscripted again, supposedly for a farewell banquet, but he ended up cooking himself.

Mihailovich saw them off to the car and gave several people very nice leather hats, though He Yuzhu wasn't one of them.

Before getting on the bus, Mihai gave He Yuzhu a big hug, telling him to come again next time, that he would miss him, otherwise he would go to China to find him.

He Yuzhu just smiled at this. Going abroad isn't that easy for them, and who knows when the next time will be.

Mihai also secretly revealed that he might be promoted to deputy director, and that it would be easier for He Yuzhu to buy steel in the future.

Finally, he thanked He Yuzhu for his hard work during this period and for the gifts. He Yuzhu replied that it was nothing and that he was happy to see this result.

He was given plenty of money, and this was definitely not the last time the Russian bear would come. As for the old man getting promoted because of him, that's a good thing; it's always easier to get things done if you have connections.

Upon arriving in Kyiv, He Yuzhu and his group stayed for a few days. He Yuzhu went out to buy things for his family, including dresses, Lenin suits, leather shoes, silk scarves, woolen scarves, and woolen coats—basically anything that caught their eye.

He also visited bookstores, but didn't buy more than what he was told at each one. However, he ended up buying quite a lot after going around the bookstores.

Upon arriving in Moscow, having completed their mission, the group was in the mood to explore, so He Yuzhu and his companions strolled around places like Red Square.

Then He Yuzhu went on another shopping spree by himself, this time including radios and other items. He also bought dolls and toy trains for the little ones, but they were really expensive, costing several months' wages for an average worker.

He also bought the old lady a fur knee pad and a fur vest.

Fortunately, He Yuzhu had a lot of business dealings with the steel mill, and Mihai didn't let him suffer a loss; he received a considerable amount of money, otherwise he really wouldn't have been able to afford it.

Upon arriving in Manzhouli, He Yuzhu and his two companions were told that they needed to leave someone there to receive the goods. He Yuzhu immediately sent Wei and Zheng back to their homes to let them know they were safe, while he himself stayed behind to receive the steel that was about to arrive.

He was disgusted by what happened at home after someone reported him missing. He was afraid that someone else would be so foolish. You can't kill someone like that, and even if you send them in, they won't stay for more than a few days. They'll be given a lesson and then released.

(End of this chapter)