1984: Starting from a bankrupt Sichuan restaurant

Chapter 284 I love it, give me more praise! (6.2k words combined)

Zhuang Huayu was very confident, and Zhou Yan couldn't refuse the conditions he offered.

A monthly salary of three thousand yuan is unimaginable for young people in small towns in Southwest China.

The development of the mainland is seriously lagging behind, and workers' wages are very low. A monthly income of 30 yuan is considered a decent job.

Being a millionaire is considered a respectable and wealthy person, someone that others would envy.

The fact that even Hong Kong truck drivers can afford to keep mistresses in neighboring Shenzhen demonstrates the vast economic disparity between the two cities.

In the past two years, he has also recruited some outstanding chefs from the mainland. The salary he offered during recruitment was generally two to three thousand yuan. The other party was shocked, but they all agreed very readily.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Zhuang, I really have no interest in going to Hong Kong to work as a chef,” Zhou Yan said with a smile, still not giving it much thought.

Three thousand is indeed a very generous offer.

A hundredfold increase in salary—who wouldn't be confused by that?

If you were to replace any chef, you would have to think it over carefully.

Work for a year, earn 36,000, and when you come back, you'll have a car, a house, a wife, and kids.

Regardless of how much chefs in Hong Kong earn, just look at what level this price represents locally.

You do the job for one month, but the mayor has to do it for a year.

But he's different; he now earns over ten thousand yuan a month!

He rejected the offers that Duan Yuyan and Qian Siyuan made, which were more favorable than those offered by Zhuang Huayu.

Zhuang Huayu was a little confused when he heard this. Zhou Yan had refused again. This kind of pace made him a little uncomfortable for a moment. He hesitated and said, "Three thousand yuan a month, not three thousand a year. And I can send you RMB. You don't need to exchange currency. Room and board are included. You can bring back whatever you earn."

“Mr. Zhuang’s offer is indeed good, but it’s not very attractive to me. My restaurant is doing well, and my monthly income is already more than three thousand.” Zhou Yan said with a smile, “My parents run the restaurant with me, and we have two employees working there. Compared to being a head chef at your high-end restaurant, I would rather stay in Jiaozhou and be a small restaurant owner.”

Zhuang Huayu sat up a little straighter. He understood now, and when he looked at the young man in front of him, his eyes showed more respect. It wasn't that he hadn't heard clearly, but that he looked down on him.

Making over three thousand dollars a month by running a restaurant is a joke in Hong Kong.

In Jiaozhou, a dish of twice-cooked pork costs two yuan, and a serving of vegetables costs five or six mao (0.5-0.6 yuan). These are the prices on the menu of a high-end restaurant.

How much food do you have to sell and how much hardship do you have to endure to make a little over a hundred yuan a day at a small family-run restaurant?
When he first entered the catering industry, he handed over all other business operations to his subordinates and personally worked on it for three years.

He failed in three restaurants in a row, made countless mistakes, lost millions, and relied on other businesses to support him and slowly made it through.

From being completely ignored to being bustling with customers, from one restaurant to six stores today.

He himself knows best the hardships and bitterness he has endured.

He originally thought Zhou Yan was just a chef working at a state-run restaurant.

I never expected that he would open his own restaurant and run it so well.

"That was indeed my rudeness. I apologize to Boss Zhou. I didn't expect you to be so good at both cooking and running a restaurant," Zhuang Huayu said, looking at Zhou Yan.

“I am very happy to have Mr. Zhuang’s appreciation and recognition. I am still exploring how to run a restaurant. If I can make the food taste good, word of mouth will naturally spread, and more and more customers will come,” Zhou Yan said with a smile.

Zhuang Huayu smiled upon hearing this and agreed, saying, "The greatest truths are the simplest. Many restaurant owners don't realize this. They always focus on location, decor, and service, but they neglect the most basic and important thing: taste."

The waiter brought over a covered bowl of tea. Zhou Yan picked it up, took a sip, and put down the teacup, saying, "If Mr. Zhuang has nothing else to do, then I'll head back now. My home is in a small town, and it takes more than half an hour to get back by bicycle. My master and senior brother are going back to the countryside with me, and it wouldn't be right to keep them waiting too long."

"Okay, then I won't take up any more of your time." Zhuang Huayu stood up, took out his wallet, and handed Zhou Yan a stack of 100-yuan bills and a business card: "The dishes today were excellent. All three dishes were amazing. This is my business card and a small token of my appreciation."

In 1979, I had the privilege of tasting Mr. Kong Huaifeng's braised carp in Hong Kong and had a brief conversation with him, which made me yearn for Jiaozhou.

"Being able to eat braised rock carp made by Master Kong's disciple's grandson today makes this trip worthwhile."

"Mr. Zhuang, you're too kind. I'll accept it without hesitation." Zhou Yan stood up and accepted the money and business card with both hands.

A thick stack of brand-new "Great Unity" cards.

Boss atmosphere!

"Excuse me, may I ask where Mr. Zhou's restaurant is located? If my upcoming itinerary is suitable, I would like to personally visit your restaurant for a meal and learn a thing or two," Zhuang Huayu asked.

"In Suji Town, the first shop on the left-hand side of the entrance to Jiaozhou Textile Factory is called Zhou Erwa Restaurant. You'll see the sign as soon as you arrive at the factory entrance." Zhou Yan said with a smile, "Since Mr. Zhuang is coming, I'll treat you to a meal. I wouldn't dare call it learning; let's improve together."

"Okay, I've got it." Zhuang Huayu nodded.

Zhou Yan came out of the tea room, stood at the corner and counted the stack of large unison bills; there were thirty-six of them.

360!
That's equivalent to a restaurant's daily profit.

Zhuang Huayu is indeed quite particular and generous.

This money is practically free; receiving tips is really satisfying.

Back in the kitchen, the chefs had already packed up their things, said goodbye, and left.

Kong Qingfeng and Kong Guodong haven't left yet; they're probably waiting for Zhou Yan.

"I've collected your subsidy for you, it's ten yuan." Xiao Lei waved to Zhou Yan, walked over, and handed him a ten-yuan note and a receipt.

"There's money to be made?" Zhou Yan was a little surprised. Lin Qing had already settled the cost of the ingredients for him. He thought he was here to volunteer, but he didn't expect to receive ten yuan.

"Who would want to come if they didn't have money? Cooking for the boss isn't something everyone gets to do like you, getting a private meeting. The company's workload is really overwhelming, and the subsidies are quite substantial, so everyone's happy to come." Kong Liwei muttered under his breath, then asked curiously, "Zhou Yan, did the boss call you out privately?"

Kong Qingfeng and the others looked at him curiously upon hearing this.

"He said I was a good cook and wanted to invite me to Hong Kong to be a chef, but I refused," Zhou Yan said with a smile.

“Your restaurant is doing so well now, you definitely have to go,” Kong Guodong said with a smile.

The others nodded in agreement. They all knew how successful Zhou Yan's restaurant was; with so much money, why would he leave his hometown for Hong Kong?

"Junior brother, how much do you get paid? I heard that salaries in Hong Kong are very high," Zheng Qiang asked curiously.

“Three thousand,” Zhou Yan replied.

"hiss--"

Everyone gasped in shock.

"How much?" Kong Qingfeng couldn't help but ask again.

"Three thousand a month, including room and board, paid in RMB," Zhou Yan said.

"My God! Three thousand a month? In three months, you'll be a ten-thousand-yuan household!" Kong Guodong exclaimed.

"You turned down 3,000 a month? My God! Can you ask him if he wants a dumpling? 1,000 would be fine too." Kong Liwei's eyes lit up with envy.

“I’ll take a thousand, and I can even cook a few of my signature dishes,” Zheng Qiang added.

Even Xiao Lei and Kong Guodong were eager to try.

Zhou Yan smiled and nodded, saying, "You really want to go? Come on, while the people are still here, I'll take you there to ask."

Upon hearing Zhou Yan's words, everyone immediately deflated.

"Forget it, I'll practice some more and learn the skills from my master first." Kong Liwei shook his head. "If I had your skills, I would be a head chef, making three thousand a month, which would be great."

“The child is still young, and I’m worried about him. I’d like him to stay with his master for another two years.” Zheng Qiang also shook his head.

Kong Guodong and Xiao Lei didn't speak, nor did they bring up the matter again.

Kong Qingfeng said earnestly, "Hone your cooking skills and improve your level. You'll get more and more of these opportunities. Everything else is secondary. Without real skills, you won't make it in Hong Kong."

"Yes." Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Zhou Yan, you performed exceptionally well today. You saved the day in an emergency, bringing honor to the Kong School and saving Le Ming from some trouble." Kong Qingfeng looked at Zhou Yan with satisfaction and said with a smile, "Are you free this weekend? I would like to invite you to give a lecture to the young students at Le Ming's training class and share your experience and insights with them."

"Huh?" Zhou Yan was a little confused. "Teaching a class? You want me to teach other chefs? Grandmaster, isn't that a bit inappropriate? After all, I'm just a junior who has been practicing for two and a half years..."

Although he has a few signature dishes, it's really a bit outrageous to ask him to teach young chefs.

He's a bit socially awkward when he goes up on the podium!

Xiao Lei and Kong Guodong were also somewhat surprised. Leming's training courses had been running all along, and the current manager in charge was Kong Guodong, the deputy manager of Leming Hotel.

Most of the lecturers are veteran chefs led by Kong Qingfeng. Li Liangcai and Qin Kun also frequently attend classes. Some middle-aged chefs with outstanding professional skills from Leming Hotel also teach some specialized courses.

I've never hired a young person like Zhou Yan, who is younger than most of the young chefs in training programs.

However, Kong Guodong reacted quickly and immediately nodded in agreement, saying, "Master is right. Zhou Yan's current skill level is indeed sufficient to be a teacher. Your age is not a disadvantage, but rather an advantage. You can use your experience to encourage more young chefs to strive for excellence."

"Doesn't it make people feel frustrated, depressed, and give up on themselves?" Kong Liwei pursed his lips and muttered under his breath.

Zheng Qiang silently gave him a thumbs up.

[Ding! Side quest triggered: Training Course Instructor Experience! An excellent chef not only needs to know how to cook, but also how to teach apprentices, and be able to integrate and pass on their knowledge to others. This is an important part of the inheritance of Sichuan cuisine. Accept Kong Qingfeng's request and go to the Leming Chef Training Course to serve as an instructor for one day!]

[Task Reward: Unknown. Accept: Yes/No]

Zhou Yan was still considering how to politely decline when a system notification sounded in his mind.

A side quest was triggered.

“Go ahead, Chef Zhou. It’s a rare opportunity. Communicating with the chefs will be very helpful for your growth.” Xiao Lei said with a smile, “We don’t have a banquet this weekend, so Xiao Zheng and I will come and listen to Chef Zhou’s lecture.”

“Yes, yes, yes! I’ll definitely be there to support Professor Zhou’s class.” Zheng Qiang immediately nodded in agreement.

"I'll take the day off to attend Professor Zhou's lecture! I'll listen attentively and study every word!" Kong Liwei added.

Zhou Yan: "..." It's just that I ran into this bunch of Onmyoji.

"Don't worry, our training course isn't that formal. It's mainly about sharing skills. Everyone here is very genuine. As long as you can learn real skills, we won't care about your age or how you present them," Kong Guodong reassured him.

"Alright, then I'll take the liberty of accepting this task. If I don't do a good job, I hope my grandmaster and uncles won't blame me," Zhou Yan nodded.

"What's there to be surprised about? I'm very happy that you came." Kong Qingfeng waved his hand. "Then it's settled. I'm going home now. I didn't take a nap at noon and I'm very sleepy. I need to go back and lie down."

“Alright, then you can take your time. We need to head back to Suji too.” Zhou Yan nodded.

After everyone finished chatting, they walked towards the parking lot.

Just as Zhou Yan stepped out of the kitchen, Lin Qing called out to him again. Turning around, he saw Chen Ming and Lin Qing walking towards them.

Everyone quickly stood still.

Chen Ming approached Zhou Yan and looked at him with a smile, saying, "Comrade Zhou Yan, you did a very good job with these three dishes today. Your braised rock carp, which you made under pressure, won applause from everyone."

Zhou Yan said modestly, "Director Chen, you flatter me. It was thanks to the excellent cooperation of Senior Uncle Guodong and the others that we were able to fulfill our mission."

Chen Ming looked at Kong Guodong and nodded: "Yes, Leming Hotel is also quite good. Master Kong's illness was a sudden situation, and his ability to respond in time is indeed commendable."

"We just did what we were supposed to do; it was all thanks to Zhou Yan stepping up to save the day." Hearing this, Kong Guodong's tense expression relaxed slightly.

“Very good. In the future, if there are any important banquets like this, we may need to ask you to help with the cooking again. We hope you can come then.” Chen Ming said to Zhou Yan, “I told Lin Qing that if there are any chefs recommended by Jiaozhou to participate in competitions and certification activities in the province, we will give you priority. As a representative of young chefs in Jiaozhou, you are indeed excellent.”

“Okay, I’ll definitely come as long as the time is right.” Zhou Yan nodded with a smile, returning the favor by seizing such an opportunity.

In the culinary profession, obtaining certification is still very necessary.

Customers don't look at this when they come to the restaurant, but they want to build the restaurant's reputation through the chef, or to access higher-end banquets.

Then the chef's certificate becomes a passport.

If one truly becomes a master in the future, who wouldn't want to show off their skills at a state banquet?

If it brings honor to your ancestors, your family tree will have its own dedicated page.

Furthermore, having a high-level certificate and displaying it in the store will make the certificate more convincing.

You said the owner of this restaurant is a top-level chef, the only one currently serving in Jiaozhou.

Upon hearing this, all the guests, regardless of their social standing, had to come and taste the saltiness.

These days, chef certification is quite strictly enforced; it's officially administered and requires a real exam.

Unlike the later Douyin (TikTok) where everyone is a top-level master and can issue certificates for any commercial competition.

Chen Ming was satisfied with Zhou Yan's answer, said a few words of comfort to Kong Qingfeng, and then said, "I have some things to take care of back at the bureau. Be careful on your way back."

"Take care." Everyone nodded and watched Chen Ming and Lin Qing leave, pushing their bicycles out of the guesthouse and going their separate ways.

"Zhou Yan has truly made a name for himself now. He'll definitely be a regular at high-end banquets in Jiaozhou from now on." Lu Xiaoji watched them ride away, a mix of emotion and envy in her voice.

"Who would have thought that the last table in Class 206 of Suji Middle School would produce two culinary geniuses at the same time?" Lu Chuan said with a sigh.

"Who?" Lu Xiaoji turned around and glanced at him.

“Me and Zhou Yan,” Lu Chuan said, pointing to himself.

Lu Xiaoji laughed in exasperation upon hearing this, "You really have the nerve to pat yourself on the back? Go, practice your knife skills for another two hours!"

"Oh dear, Master, Chen Rong's pregnancy symptoms have been quite severe lately, I need to go back to be with her as soon as possible. How about I come to practice earlier tomorrow morning? The shredded radish can be used to make radish buns, it won't go to waste." Lu Chuan pleaded, looking at Lu Xiaoji.
"You don't want your niece-in-law to be pregnant and alone at home, do you? She probably hasn't even had dinner yet, and she's waiting for me to come back and cook for her. You know how bad my mom's cooking is, it's terribly awful."

Upon hearing this, Lu Xiaoji waved her hand and said, "Go on, go back and cook for Chen Rong. Oh, and take that insulated box back with you, for your parents to eat. Cheng Rong can't eat it right now."

"Okay," Lu Chuan replied with a smile, and scurried off to the kitchen.

Three bicycles were traveling side by side, the beams of flashlights illuminating the road.

"I thought I was just here to broaden my horizons with Master Zhou, but it turns out Master Zhou has become the one who's seen the world, and everyone's come to see you," Xiao Lei said with a smile.

“Exactly. When the three dishes were served, the whole room fell silent. All those masters looked dejected, unlike their usual sedentary selves sitting at the table, pontificating and refusing to yield to each other.” Zheng Qiang nodded. He had also attended similar events with his master when he was in Chengdu. The saying that chefs are jealous of each other is not just a fabrication.

On the contrary, today, the masters sitting at the main table, after tasting the three dishes prepared by Zhou Yan, were unable to find a single fault with them.

I'm convinced.

A truly rare spectacle.

"If you like it, praise me more." Zhou Yan grinned. They were all on the same side, so he didn't pretend anymore.

"You didn't see Wang Xin's expression, disdain → shock → embarrassment → dejection... It almost made me laugh to death."

"Right? His apprentice was sitting across from me, and he was so shocked that he didn't dare to look at me and Liwei behind him."

The three chatted idly along the way and unknowingly returned to the town. At the stone bridge, just as they were about to go their separate ways home, Zhou Yan called them back.

"Claws?" Xiao Lei asked, looking at him.

"Let's divide the spoils." Zhou Yan pulled out a stack of brand-new ten-yuan notes from his pocket and said with a smile, "Mr. Zhuang gave us a tip. We're a gang, so we definitely have to divide the money. It wouldn't be right for me to keep it all to myself."

"Wow, so much!" Zheng Qiang was somewhat surprised to see the stack of ten-yuan notes in Zhou Yan's hand.

"What's the point of dividing it? You cooked the food. We just went to join in the fun. You can keep it for yourself. You still have to repair the house later, and there are plenty of other things you need money for." Xiao Lei shook his head.

“Exactly, just watching the fun is enough, why bother with splitting the money?” Xiao Lei nodded in agreement, grinning, “Master Zhou, next time there’s a scene like this, just call me, I’ll tend the fire for you. I’ve been a professional fire starter for twelve years, my skills are guaranteed!”

"Three hundred and sixty, I'll take the lion's share, you each get one hundred." Zhou Yan had already counted the money, put his own back in his pocket, pulled out two stacks and handed them to the two of them, saying seriously, "Keep these, I'll take you next time, otherwise I'll go by myself next time."

Zheng Qiang hesitated and looked at Xiao Lei.

Xiao Lei thought for a moment, then reached out and took the stack of papers, smiling as he said, "Alright, then let's take advantage of Teacher Zhou and get a hundred for free."

"Then I'll accept it too, thank you, Master Zhou. Call me again next time." Zheng Qiang smiled and took the money.

“That’s right. Take this money home, and tonight you’ll be emperors,” Zhou Yan said with a smile.

“You’re right, I want to be on top tonight.” Zheng Qiang nodded.

"Hmm?" Zhou Yan looked at him.

"Oh, Director Zhou doesn't even understand?" Zheng Qiang and Xiao Lei met eyes and burst into laughter.

Zhou Yan understood now, gritting his teeth: Those two guys deserve to die!
The three parted ways at the bridgehead and went their separate ways home.

As they passed the dormitory, Zhou Yan slowed down and looked up at the third floor.

The window light was on; Xia Yao was probably still drawing. This girl was so ambitious and had such a studious spirit.

I looked away and started riding my bike toward the restaurant.

Xia Yao opened a crack in the third-floor window and stretched, breathing in the fresh air.

Looking down at the dimly lit road, I saw a familiar figure riding a bicycle with a flashlight gradually disappearing into the distance. My eyes lit up, and I opened my mouth, but I was too embarrassed to call out. However, the corners of my mouth unconsciously turned up.

Zhou Yan is back. I wonder if the banquet tonight will go smoothly. It should be fine, after all, he's so capable.

Xia Yao didn't close the window or draw the curtains until the flashlight beam disappeared around the corner. She then returned to her desk to continue drawing her design.

"Brother! You're back!"

As Zhou Yan pushed open the restaurant door, a cute little guy rushed over and hugged his leg. The little guy was tiny, like a koala, and looked up at her with a smile.

"Yeah, just finished." Zhou Yan picked her up with one hand and held her in his arms, then pushed the bicycle against the wall with the other hand and parked it.

"I went fishing with my dad this afternoon, and I caught a fish this big!" Zhou Momo said excitedly, gesturing with her arms outstretched. "The fish is in a fish tank. Mom said you can cook it tomorrow, Guoguo, so go and see it."

"Wow, Momo is so amazing! You're such a good fisherman!" Zhou Yan exclaimed.

"Hehe~~ I'm super awesome!" The little guy chuckled, his face full of pride.

Aunt Zhao and Comrade Zhou sat to the side soaking their feet, grinning from ear to ear.

"Old man, did you catch any fish?" Zhou Yan asked, looking at Old Zhou.

Comrade Zhou stopped laughing and said somewhat awkwardly, "Yes... I helped put the fish ashore."

“That definitely makes you feel more involved,” Zhou Yan nodded.

"Actually, I almost caught a big one too," Old Zhou tried to save face.

“I understand, I understand everything.” Zhou Yan nodded.

Comrade Zhou: "..."

"You wouldn't believe it, Momo and I went for a spin first, and then she sat down next to your old man, hooked a moray eel, threw it into the river, and chanted, 'Fish, fish, bite quickly!' In a flash, the bait sank, and she pulled up a big fish." Aunt Zhao said with a smile, "So fishing is that simple! I saw your old man making rice wine and baiting the river, making it all so complicated and fancy."

"Brother, you don't know, as soon as I caught the fish, a bunch of chocolate grandpas suddenly gathered around to look at it," Zhou Momo added.

"Huh?" Zhou Yan was taken aback, then remembered the wheat-colored skin of Master Kong and suddenly understood the little guy's strange expression.

Don't say it, you really don't say it.

Comrade Lao Zhou silently rubbed his feet, and Zhou Yan seemed to hear the sound of a fisherman's Dao heart breaking.

No wonder the riverbank is so clean; it turns out the anglers swept it clean with their faces.

"Come on, let me see what kind of fish we caught, and what we'll eat tomorrow." Zhou Yan carried Zhou Momo toward the kitchen, and as soon as they got close to the fish tank, a splash of water erupted.
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(End of this chapter)