1984: Starting from a bankrupt Sichuan restaurant

Chapter 327 That kid better hold back! (6k-page compilation)

Zhou Yan paused in his steps.

Should I take the Level 3 Chef Certificate exam?

Doesn't this make things difficult for him?
The chef grading exams in the 1980s were very rigorous, and the chef grading was highly prestigious, which is completely different from today's situation where someone who has only studied cooking for two years dares to call themselves a national master chef or culinary master.

His master's skills are quite comprehensive, aren't they?

I've only passed the Level 2 chef exam so far, and failed to pass the Level 1 chef exam for two consecutive years.

Brother Zheng has been studying cooking for over ten years, and he has only just passed the Level 3 Chef exam.

When Zhou Yan was a blogger, he heard some veteran Sichuan cuisine chefs talk about the chef grading exam back then, and he had some understanding of it. However, because it was a long time ago and he didn't pay much attention to the details of the exam at the time, his understanding was not in-depth.

What impressed me most were the veteran chefs' reflections on the difficulty of the chef exams back then, and their heartache over the current chaotic chef ranking system and the proliferation of so-called "master chefs."

Back then, the chef exams determined the level of service one could receive at various employers.

For example, passing the Level 1 Chef exam corresponds to an intermediate professional title, which entitles you to a corresponding salary and bonuses at your workplace.

A master chef is equivalent to a senior-level chef, and their salary and benefits will be correspondingly higher.

The chefs are all working hard to pass the exams, because it can really change their destiny.

Even if you leave your job to start your own business, having a Level 1 Chef Certificate is a restaurant's selling point, and customers will recognize that.

Zhou Yan dropped out of junior high school, so he'll never have anything to do with going to university again.

But this chef certification exam is definitely worth taking!

Chef grading exams are a first for the Chinese culinary profession.

It's no different from passing the culinary exam.

"Are all the masters preparing for the certification exam?" Zhou Yan sat down naturally and took over the conversation with a smile.

"This is a major annual event for chefs in Jiaozhou, so we definitely need to pay attention," Awei said with a smile, looking at Zhou Yan. "Chef Zhou, are you going to sign up?"

“Even Confucius couldn’t get in, so how can I, an apprentice who has been practicing for two and a half years, get in?” Zhou Yan laughed.

The three of them fell silent upon hearing this.

Zhou Yan's recent performance has been so outstanding that people have forgotten he has only been learning to cook for two and a half years.

Including Xiao Lei, who was his mentor.

Sometimes he couldn't help but want Zhou Yan to teach him a few tricks. The two times he called out "Master Zhou" in front of the stove were sincere and without a trace of sarcasm.

Zhou Yan wasn't even qualified to take the Level 3 exam, which made him, a Level 2 chef, feel somewhat uncomfortable.

“Professor Zhou, I think his age limit is somewhat targeted at a genius like you,” Zheng Qiang said.

“Yes, I think so too.” Kong Liwei nodded. “I guess they’re taking into account the reputation of some older chefs. If Chef Zhou, who is twenty years old, becomes a first-class master chef, what about the older chefs who only passed the second-class exam in their forties?”

Zhou Yan didn't reply, but turned his gaze to the old chef who was over forty years old and had only passed the second-level exam.

"It's alright. I'll pass your words on to Guodong next time I see him," Xiao Lei said quietly.

"Oh dear, Uncle-Master, I've noticed that you're a very meticulous and impatient person," Kong Liwei quickly said.

Zhou Yan and Zheng Qiang suppressed their laughter. Ah Wei, well, apart from his sharp tongue, is a pretty good guy.

Zhou Yan considered for a moment, then looked at Xiao Lei and asked, "Master, can we make an exception for the requirements of the Level 3 exam? Are there any precedents for this?"

"Exception?"

All three of them looked at him at the same time.

“Master Zhou, do you really want to take the exam? The seniority requirement is a huge hurdle, eight years, and I'm still a year and a half short.” Awei sighed.

“Master Zhou’s level is high enough to pass the Level 3 exam with ease, but right now he has no recommending unit and his work experience is not up to standard, so he’s probably a bit annoyed.” Zheng Qiang also scratched his head.

Xiao Lei thought about it carefully and said, "There are precedents for making exceptions. The year before last, when we were taking the Level 2 exam in Chengdu, there was a young chef who hadn't reached ten years of experience, just a year and a half short. But because of his outstanding skills, he was allowed to take the exam and got second place in the Level 2 exam that year. Last year, he passed the Level 1 chef exam and was then transferred to the Sichuan Restaurant in the capital."

“I remember now, I’ve heard of this genius too! My master also passed the Level 1 exam last year, and when he went back he told me about a young chef who was really amazing. He skipped three levels in three years and was selected to go to the Sichuan Restaurant in the capital. I think his name was… Meng Liangrui, from Rongleyuan.” Zheng Qiang said excitedly, “He’s only… twenty-nine years old this year.”

Xiao Lei nodded: "Yes, it's Meng Liangrui. Rongleyuan is full of masters, and he has learned from the strengths of each, so his level is quite high."

“Then when he was twenty, his skill level certainly wasn’t as high as our Zhou Shigao’s,” Awei said.

Xiao Lei and Zheng Qiang were taken aback for a moment upon hearing this, then both nodded with smiles.

This is true.

“Two and a half years and eight years is quite a difference, and you’re self-employed now, so not having a company to recommend you is indeed a problem.” Xiao Lei pondered for a moment and said, “Why don’t you come with me to Jiaozhou tomorrow afternoon to ask your grandmaster uncle if he has any connections? Your current level is indeed high enough to pass the Level 3 exam, and the quality of those dishes on the menu is good enough to pass Level 1. Waiting for seniority is meaningless.”

"Okay, thank you, Master!" Zhou Yan's eyes lit up. He really needed his master to be reliable!

What is a sect or school? It has become tangible in this moment!
"Huh? Why has my master never mentioned this to me? Should I go ask him?" Kong Liwei asked, puzzled.

“Awei, maybe your master thinks you still need to practice,” Zheng Qiang said quietly.

"Don't humiliate yourself, Awei," Zhou Yan said.

Ah Wei: "..."

Ah Wei was heartbroken.

Although the matter is not yet finalized, at least there are some clues.

Zhou Yan understood the importance of becoming famous early.

After resting for a while, everyone started preparing the dishes again.

The dinner menu is relatively simple, but the workload is still considerable, with nine dishes per table, including a mix of meat and vegetables.

However, the number of tables was more than a dozen fewer than at noon.

Some guests left after lunch.

In Sichuan and Chongqing, the lunch meal is more important, unlike in Zhejiang Province where the evening meal is the main banquet.

In addition to vegetables, a staple food will also be served for dinner.

They have steamed corn bread, porridge, and rice.

Because Zhou Yan was good at making steamed rice, he was assigned to supervise the steaming of rice and also had to cook two dishes: braised pork ribs and twice-cooked pork with garlic sprouts.

These days, spare ribs aren't very popular because they have little meat, lots of bones, and little fat. In contrast, pork belly, which is much fattier, is the real favorite.

There were quite a few ribs from the two pigs, which were chopped into sections and cooked in a big pot.

After the soup boils, leave a piece of wood under the stove, leave the stove door open, and simmer over a low flame.

On the dam, adults were playing cards, warming themselves by the fire, and chatting.

A group of teenagers were having a great time playing hopscotch, hide-and-seek, and "Red Light, Green Light."

After simmering over low heat for an hour, the aroma of braised pork ribs gradually filled the air.

"It smells so good! What's burning?"

"The smell of this braised dish is almost unbearable! I ate so much for lunch, but the smell is making me hungry again."

The card players were getting restless, sniffing the aroma and frequently turning back to look at the cooking area.

The children came running at the smell, gathering around the stove where Zhou Yan was cooking ribs, watching from two meters away, swallowing their saliva countless times.

Standing at the front of the crowd, Zhou Momo introduced the dish to the children in her childish voice: "This pot is cooking braised pork ribs. I make braised pork ribs every time. They're soft and tender, and taste so good!"

The smell alone was enough to make one's mouth water, but after hearing Zhou Momo's words, a four or five-year-old toddler burst into tears, running to the side and hugging his father's leg, shouting, "Father~ I want to eat braised pork ribs!"

"Eat your ass! It's not even time to eat yet. Look at your little aunt, Momo, she's not crying or making a fuss." The old man said helplessly.

Although Zhou Momo is young, she has a high seniority.

The kids on the dam are all a generation younger than him.

“I didn’t cry, so you guys shouldn’t cry, right?” Zhou Momo turned around and asked the group of children.

Several children who were about to throw a tantrum were instead restrained by her question, their tears welling up in their eyes, but they managed to hold them back.

No one's words carry as much weight as a three-and-a-half-year-old aunt.

It's okay to embarrass yourself in front of your parents, because it's their face that gets lost.

But to lose face in front of your aunt would be truly shameful.

Zhou Momo's words drew laughter from everyone. The little girl was young, but she already had a good ability to discipline the younger generation.

At five o'clock, the mahjong tables were cleared away on their own, and the young men who had been helping to run the waiters began to serve the dishes. Zhou Yan lifted the pot lid, reduced the broth from the braised pork ribs, and began to plate them.

The braised pork ribs are practically gone in seconds once they're served.

Everyone praised it highly.

Especially at the kids' table, if the adults aren't watching, they'll start fighting over the last piece of pork rib on the plate.

Zhou Yan quickly ordered another plate for them, and even specifically ordered the number of ribs again, so that each person got exactly two pieces, not more than one piece.

After eating the meat, they even sucked the bones clean.

"Zhou Yan, I won't fight with the kid for the ribs. Can I have a spoonful of soup? It's so comforting to mix with rice." Zhou Hongwei had just woken up and brought a bowl of rice to the stove.

"Here, have a spoonful for you." Zhou Yan smiled and scooped a spoonful of thick braising sauce from the pot for him, along with some scraps of meat.

"Wow! That was great!" Zhou Hongwei walked away, bowl in hand, completely satisfied.

Before long, many young people came in with their rice bowls, lining up to pour soup over the bowls.

A pot of braised pork ribs was reduced to nothing, not even a drop of broth was left, leaving Zhou Yan feeling helpless.

"Zhou Yan, your cooking skills are amazing! I want to eat at your restaurant sometime!"

"I thought Zhou Yan was only good at making braised dishes, but I didn't expect him to be so good at cooking braised and stir-fried dishes as well!"

The guests showered them with praise, and Aunt Zhao and Old Zhou's faces were constantly beaming with pride. Last time Zhou Hao got married, Zhou Yan was in charge of the braised dishes, and his first attempt was unanimously praised by the guests.

Today he cooked three dishes and braised pork ribs, demonstrating his versatility.

Well, it was pretty cool.

After dinner, Zhou Yao paid Xiao Lei his wages, thanked him, and then gave everyone a red envelope, including Zhou Yan and Kong Liwei.

“Uncle, no, that won’t do. It’s only right that I help out, I can’t possibly accept a red envelope.” Zhou Yan shook his head and refused to accept it.

Zhou Yao stuffed the red envelope directly into his pocket and said seriously, "Zhou Yan, you're a chef, that's different. This is a small red envelope, just a token of my appreciation. You have to accept it; it's a must. You, your master, and your senior brother worked hard for two days, and this banquet was wonderful."

"It's my pleasure." Seeing this, Zhou Yan didn't refuse any further. After thinking for a moment, he added, "Uncle, my master is here to help out, so the payment is one yuan. But if outsiders ask..."

Zhou Yao immediately replied, "Don't worry, I know how to do it. When people ask, I always say the wage is three yuan."

“Okay.” Zhou Yan nodded.

Smiles also appeared on Xiao Lei's and Zheng Qiang's faces.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhou Yan led Zhou Momo and Comrade Lao Zhou back together.

He hasn't slept a wink since yesterday. All he wants to do now is go home, lie down, get a good night's sleep, and recharge so he can open for business again tomorrow.

"Master, Senior Brother Zheng, Awei, thank you for your help these past two days." Back in town, the group parted ways at the stone bridge, and Zhou Yan said to the three of them.

"I'm just doing my job and making money, there's no need to thank me. You should go back and get some sleep. I'll take you to Jiaozhou tomorrow after I'm done with work." Xiao Lei waved his hand, got on his bike, and rode away.

Zheng Qiang greeted Awei and then followed.

Aunt Zhao said, "Master Xiao, Master Zheng, and Awei are all very reliable people. You're lucky to have such good mentors."

Zhou Yan nodded with a smile; he was indeed lucky.

By the time we got back to the shop, it was already dark.

Zhou Yan first soaked the dried bamboo shoots he would use tomorrow. Old Zhou boiled water and also soaked his feet.

The warm water made me feel comfortable, and the heat rose from my feet to the top of my head.

He felt his pocket, took out the red envelope Zhou Yao had given him, opened the red paper and saw a new two-yuan bill inside.

"You're giving me such a big red envelope?" Aunt Zhao said, a little surprised.

"It is a bit big." Zhou Yan put the money away; it was equivalent to a day's wages for a senior technician.

After washing her feet and taking a quick shower, Zhou Yan dried her hair and went straight upstairs to sleep.

Roll into the warm blankets and fall asleep in a second.

Comrade Zhou was also exhausted. Aunt Zhao didn't even let him pour the water for washing his feet. She just let him wipe himself down, change his clothes, and go to sleep.

"Mom? Aren't we going to school today?" Zhou Momo asked Aunt Zhao, carrying her little schoolbag.

“We asked the teacher for leave today, so we won’t go to class. We’ll go tomorrow.” Aunt Zhao smiled and patted her head. “Come on, put your schoolbag down and let’s go to sleep.”

Zhou Momo shook her head: "No! I remember you haven't done your homework from yesterday. Take it out and do it, otherwise the teacher will ask me again tomorrow why I didn't supervise you properly."

"Write it tomorrow afternoon," Aunt Zhao said, not wanting to move.

Zhou Momo put her hands on her hips and shook her head firmly: "No way! Tie Ying, you can't slack off!"

"Okay, I'll listen to Teacher Zhou." Aunt Zhao shook her head helplessly, walked behind the counter to take out her cloth bag, and obediently took out paper and pen to do her homework.

Zhou Momo finished her homework yesterday. Feeling bored, she put down her schoolbag and took out her sketchbook to start drawing.

After a while, Aunt Zhao turned around and said to Zhou Momo, who was sitting at the next table, "Momo, come here for a moment."

"Coming!" the little guy replied, ran over, and climbed onto the stool.

"Kneel down, Mom has a question for you." Zhao Tieying moved the notebook over.

……

Hangcheng.

In the Xia family study.

Meng Zhilan had just spread out the drawing paper when she turned to Xia Huafeng, who was leaning back in his chair reading the newspaper, and said, "Huafeng, Anhe called me today."

Upon hearing this, Xia Huafeng immediately put down his newspaper and looked at Meng Zhilan, asking, "What's wrong that you need to call? What happened to Yao Yao?"

Meng Zhilan said, "Don't be nervous, it's a good thing that Yao Yao is alright."

Anhe said that Yaoyao was interning at a textile factory when she met a Hong Kong businessman who came to inspect the factory. Because her design drawings were recognized by the Hong Kong businessman, he invited her to work in Hong Kong.

Do you know Licheng Group? They're said to be a multinational giant in the apparel industry, headquartered in Hong Kong, but also with factories in Guangzhou.

“I know about Licheng Group. They have business dealings with our bank and also have an office in Hangzhou. They're quite powerful. The silk scarf I bought for you in Hong Kong last time was a brand under their Licheng Group.” Xia Huafeng nodded with a smile.

"That's definitely a good thing. As a designer, going to Hong Kong will allow her to access the latest technologies, which will greatly benefit her future career development."

"In a large company like Jinlicheng Group, the career advancement channels are relatively fairer, unlike some small factories where ability alone isn't enough; you have to pull strings to get ahead. We know Yaoyao's personality best; she's not that kind of person."

Meng Zhilan nodded: "You're right. Yao Yao can't stand any nonsense. She's just like her grandfather. It's good for her to go to Hong Kong to gain experience. When you have a holiday or time off, we can go to Hong Kong to see her."

Xia Huafeng beamed with joy: "Hong Kong is great, it's far enough away from Suzhou, so that young man named Zhou Yan shouldn't be thinking about our Yao Yao anymore, right?"

Meng Zhilan shook her head with a smile: "You, look at the letter Yao Yao wrote back. Her admiration for Zhou Yan is evident between the lines. It's hard to say who's thinking about whom."

“You can’t say that. Yao Yao is still young. It’s understandable for her to admire outstanding young people, but it doesn’t necessarily mean she has feelings for them.” Xia Huafeng stopped smiling.

"Okay, okay, when I was eighteen, who stole a kiss from outside the school wall?"

"Oh dear, I couldn't help it. The sunset that day was so beautiful, and it fell on your face. I just couldn't resist."

"Xia Yao often tells me that the sunset in Suji is also very beautiful."

"That kid better hold back!" Old Xia gritted his teeth.

Meng Zhilan stopped teasing him and changed the subject: "By the way, An He also said that Zhiqiang is planning to resign and start his own business after the New Year."

"Old Lin did so well at the textile factory, why does he suddenly want to go into business? With his current resume and abilities, he could easily become the permanent manager once the old factory director retires, right? Although there's a nationwide trend of people going into business, doing business requires money. Is he planning to take out a loan?" Xia Huafeng wondered.

Meng Zhilan smiled and said, "Anhe said that they sold the peony painting that Dad gave her to a Hong Kong businessman for 50,000 yuan, which will be used as start-up capital for Lao Lin to start his business."

"Fifty thousand?! That's the huge peony painting Dad drew before they went to Sichuan?" Xia Huafeng sat up straight immediately.

"Correct."

“Old ginger is spicier, indeed. Tomorrow I’ll take out the old Moutai from the cabinet, and go to Zhiweiguan to buy some of my mother-in-law’s favorite Xingfu Shuanghe vegetarian roast goose. We’ll go to my father-in-law’s house for dinner. The plum blossoms in the courtyard are in full bloom recently, so I’ll ask my father-in-law to give me a plum blossom painting.” Xia Huafeng rubbed his hands together.

Meng Zhilan was overjoyed to hear this. "Anhe said the same thing to me on the phone today. You're all eyeing the plum blossoms in Dad's yard?"

She and Zhiqiang are going to Hangzhou and Suzhou for meetings next month, and they plan to go home for a visit. Let's treat them to a meal then.

“Alright, it’s been a long time since I’ve had a drink with Lao Lin.” Xia Huafeng nodded. “However, I’m determined to get this plum blossom painting. You know I have a strong sense of pride and I love plum blossoms the most.”

"Come on, is your pride worth fifty thousand yuan?"

"How about I take two of your paintings and secretly stamp them in my father-in-law's study tomorrow? After a few decades, they might fetch millions at auction."

"you dare!"

"No, no, my family's Master Meng Zhilan's flower and bird paintings now start at 20,000 yuan. How could I do such a thing?"

……

"Taking the Level 3 Chef exam? That's a good thing. Can you even register? Old Xiao, you have to help Zhou Yan figure something out." Ma Dongmei said, knitting as she looked at Xiao Lei, who was now curled up in bed reading the newspaper.

Xiao Lei nodded and said, "I'll take him to see my uncle tomorrow. The level exam is organized by the Municipal Bureau of Commerce, and the qualification review is conducted by the catering service company. I can't say anything about it, but my uncle still has some say in the catering service company."

“That’s fine too.” Ma Dongmei nodded and smiled, “This kid is like a different person after leaving the factory canteen. His mind has suddenly become very active. He never thought of these things before.”

Xiao Lei shook his head: "It's not because he's quick-witted that I went to do this for him. Zhou Yan's current level is far beyond level three. I think it's too much of a waste of time for him to wait here for five or six years to accumulate enough seniority to take the level three exam. It doesn't reflect his true level."

“If he succeeds through the special examination and passes the Level 2 and Level 1 exams in a row, what will you, his mentor, do?” Ma Dongmei looked at him with a smile.

"Then I'd be very happy." Xiao Lei smiled. "You don't know, there's also a part of the assessment about the level of mentoring. If I have a first-level or even a special-level apprentice, everyone will praise Master Xiao for mentoring his apprentices well."

"I'm so happy to see you."

……

Jingle bell bell~
Zhou Yan turned off the alarm clock in bed and got up.

I went to bed at eight o'clock yesterday and got a full eight hours of sleep. When I woke up, I felt refreshed and ready to go again.

I went downstairs to brush my teeth and splashed some cold water on my face, and I felt completely refreshed.

A young body is indeed resilient; staying up all night is no problem for them.

When he was twenty-five, he stayed up all night editing a video and it took him two days to recover.

Of course, I did lack training back then. My most intense training was dominating Summoner's Rift, which fully developed the dexterity of my two thumbs. I wasn't as disciplined as I am now.

After kneading the dough and stir-frying the filling, and it was almost dry, Kong Liwei arrived leisurely.

"Master Zhou, you're in great shape! You didn't sleep the day before yesterday, but you're full of energy again today!" Kong Liwei said as he entered the kitchen and looked at Zhou Yan, who was stir-frying ingredients.

“Awei, you’ve come at just the right time. Chop the minced meat for me. The customers loved the minced meat you chopped yesterday, so I’m entrusting this important task to you today.” Zhou Yan didn’t let him rest; he had even saved some minced meat for him.

"Damn! I'm still too early." Ah Wei took out his two knives and chopped the meat filling with a clattering sound, his tone carrying a hint of resentment.

"Awei, diligence is the path to the mountain, and hard work is the boat to the boundless sea of ​​learning. You must learn to find joy in hardship and cherish the opportunity to learn," Zhou Yan encouraged.

“Teacher Zhou, although I only graduated from junior high school, I’m not illiterate! Please respect me and don’t try to fool me by changing some poems,” Awei emphasized.

Zhou Yan looked at him and said, "Awei, let me test you. What does the Pythagorean theorem say?"

"Pythagorean theorem..." Ah Wei pondered for a long time, then lowered his head and said, "Oh dear, there's a lot of meat today. We'll have to make a lot of meat buns, won't we?"

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(End of this chapter)