1984: Starting from a bankrupt Sichuan restaurant

Chapter 330 That proves my teaching level is outstanding (Bonus chapter for 2885 monthly votes)

Kong Qingfeng acted swiftly and decisively, assigning the afternoon class to another teacher and heading straight to Jiaozhou Catering Service Company with Zhou Yan and Xiao Lei.

Jiaozhou Catering Service Company was renamed from the Catering Service Management Office. It is under the jurisdiction of the Commerce Bureau and is the core state-owned unit that coordinates the city's catering service industry. The company is located next to the Commerce Bureau and consists of three buildings.

The Leming Chef Training Center is responsible for industry coordination and management, as well as the training and assessment of catering talents. It is managed by the catering service company.

It also undertakes local chef certification exams, which are overseen by a dedicated skills assessment committee.

Kong Qingfeng told him all this on the way here, which gave him a basic understanding of the organization.

In fact, the supervising department of the Sichuan Cuisine magazine was the SC Provincial Vegetable Catering Service Company, which shows the influence of catering service companies in the catering industry at that time.

"Master Kong, you've arrived." As Kong Qingfeng arrived at the entrance of the workplace, the security guard greeted him familiarly.

Kong Qingfeng said with a smile, "Yes, they came to report to Manager Jiang. These two are colleagues from our training base and came with me."

"Okay, I'll register you," the security guard replied, and let them in.

Once inside the middle building, Kong Qingfeng had Zhou Yan give him the cloth bag and led the two up to the second floor, easily finding the general manager's office at the end of the corridor.

The door was ajar, and Kong Qingfeng stepped forward and knocked.

"Who is it?" a deep voice came from inside the door.

"Kong Qingfeng," Kong Qingfeng said.

Footsteps soon came from inside, the door was opened, and a middle-aged man with a square face smiled and said, "Master Kong, come in and sit down. I just received a packet of pre-Qingming Emei Snow Bud tea. I'll brew you a cup to try."

Kong Qingfeng walked into the office, and Zhou Yan tried to follow, but Xiao Lei stopped her and made her stand aside.

Kong Qingfeng entered the room and got straight to the point: "Manager Jiang, I'm here today to discuss something with you. One of our Kong School disciples doesn't have enough years of experience, and I'd like to ask if you could make an exception and let him register for the Level 3 Chef exam."

Jiang Hua pondered for a moment and said, "Second Master Kong, as you know, our chef level exams are very strict. This kind of situation is generally not allowed..."

Kong Qingfeng closed the door and locked it with a click.

Zhou Yan and Xiao Lei moved two steps toward the door, each guarding one side, and listened attentively.

"Xiao Jiang, don't rush to say these things. You know me. Guo Dong has been taking the Level 2 exam for three years and I haven't mentioned it to you once. Awei has almost seven years of service and I won't ask him to make an exception. But this chef is different. Take a look at his situation first."

A rustling sound of newspapers and magazines being picked up followed Kong Qingfeng's introduction of Zhou Yan's situation.

Jiang Hua remained silent for a long time, presumably looking at the documents, before saying, "I've heard the name Zhou Yan several times recently. I subscribe to and read every issue of 'Sichuan Cuisine,' and I'm quite pleased to see a young chef from Jiaozhou City featured in an interview and local Jiaozhou delicacies on the magazine cover."

Furthermore, the Commerce Bureau has recently been discussing how to make Qiaojiao Beef a culinary icon of Suji and Jiaozhou, leveraging the advantages of Zhoucun beef slaughtering and sales to achieve a certain scale and reputation. The bureau leaders also highly value this young man, Zhou Yan.

Outside the door, Zhou Yan's lips curled up; he seemed quite pleased with what he had heard.

At the other doorway, Xiao Lei also had a smile on his face.

Jiang Hua continued, "The banquet hosted by the Municipal Economic Commission was organized and arranged by our catering company. At that time, Zhou Yan was indeed entrusted with a critical mission and served the final dish, braised rock carp, at the banquet, which received unanimous praise from the guests."

This young man, though young, has a very stable mindset and can handle big situations.

Kong Qingfeng's voice rang out: "Xiao Jiang, you came up from the manager of Leming Restaurant, so you know how difficult it is to make braised rock carp. Zhou Yan's braised rock carp is even better than mine, almost reaching the level of my senior brother back then. You know how valuable that is."

"Really?" Jiang Hua's tone rose a few decibels.

“You can say that foreign and Hong Kong businessmen haven’t eaten anything good, but the chef who came that day also ate three dishes made by him. You can ask any of them and you’ll know. I’m not kidding you,” Kong Qingfeng said.

"Yes, I will definitely believe what Master Kong says, but I still need to consider this matter carefully."

Kong Qingfeng laughed: "I'm old. I really can't cook or stir-fry anymore. I won't be cooking for banquets in the city anymore. I'm telling you this right now."

Among the skilled chefs of our Kong school, Song Bo, Yi Fei, and Yun Liang have all gone elsewhere. Now in Jiaozhou, the only one who can still hold his own is Zhou Yan.

Braised rock carp and snowflake chicken soup are high-end banquet dishes. You won't find anything better in Jiaozhou. For important occasions in the future, you should still invite him to cook, and he will always be the grand finale.

Then let me ask you, if all the chefs are top-level or master chefs, and Zhou Yan can't even produce a level-three chef's certificate, do you think that's appropriate?

Furthermore, last Sunday, Zhou Yan was invited to give a lecture to the trainees. Almost all the chefs from Leming Hotel attended the lecture, which was packed and received a very enthusiastic response. I have decided to hire him as a lecturer for the training course, to give a lecture once a month. The application report will be submitted tomorrow.

Is it appropriate for an excellent chef who is already capable of teaching in training courses to be barred from even taking the Level 3 chef exam?

Then a long silence fell over the office.

Jiang Hua said, "Master Kong, you're right. This is indeed inappropriate. Zhou Yan is an excellent young man with high skill and representative works. He has been widely reported in magazines and newspapers, and he also teaches training courses, so he has gained a certain degree of social and industry recognition."

Moreover, he is helpful, brave in fighting bandits, and jumped into the river to save college students. He has high moral character and a good lifestyle, making him a rare talent in the culinary industry.

I'll write a report later and report the situation to the bureau. Making an exception is no small matter; I can't afford to take the responsibility. I expect the bureau will have to report this as well.

The more formal this is done, the fewer obstacles Zhou Yan will face when taking the chef certification exam later, avoiding any doubts that could cause him trouble. "Okay, I'm relieved to hear that. Give me a clear answer about the bureau's attitude later. If you can't convince them, I'll talk to Director Wang," Kong Qingfeng said.

"Don't worry! I'll get back to you tomorrow! I'll talk to Director Wang."

The office door opened, and Kong Qingfeng came out, followed by Jiang Hua.

"You must be Master Zhou Yan, right? You are indeed a talented young man, with a handsome appearance." Jiang Hua came out, shook hands with Zhou Yan, and praised him with a smile.

"President Jiang, you flatter me," Zhou Yan said with a smile.

Jiang Hua said, "If there are any invitations to cook for important banquets in the future, I hope Chef Zhou can accept the invitation."

Zhou Yan said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "I can only say that I will try my best to attend. President Jiang knows that I own a restaurant. If there are too many banquets like this, then my restaurant will not be able to stay in business."

Jiang Hua nodded: "I understand. I definitely won't invite you to regular banquets, but please don't refuse when important leaders or guests visit, Chef Zhou. Our catering company will give you some subsidies."

“Okay, if President Jiang gives the word, I’ll definitely come.” Zhou Yan nodded.

Kong Qingfeng nodded slightly, a smile playing on his lips.

"Xiao Lei, long time no see. You're Zhou Yan's master?" Jiang Hua looked at Xiao Lei beside him, his tone tinged with surprise.

"Of course, it's the real deal." Xiao Lei couldn't suppress the smile on his face.

Jiang Hua laughed and said, "I didn't expect that although your skill level is not outstanding, the apprentice you taught is quite amazing."

Xiao Lei said smugly, "That means my teaching skills are outstanding."

"That's quite something," Jiang Hua nodded.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhou Yan and the others left.

After leaving the catering company, Kong Qingfeng said, "Zhou Yan, leave your documents with Jiang Hua. He needs to pass them on. I'll let you know when I have any news."

"Yes, thank you very much for your help, Grandmaster Uncle," Zhou Yan said gratefully.

"This is nothing. If your advisor were here, it would be even easier to talk to them. They could just apply directly to the provincial catering company." Kong Qingfeng patted his shoulder gently, quite pleased.

"You must remember, as long as a chef hones his culinary skills and has real talent, everyone will respect him."

Jiang Hua is the general manager, but if he wants you to host a banquet and be the head chef, he has to politely address you as Chef Zhou.

"Stand up straight wherever you go. We chefs are also working class, in charge, and we're not afraid of anyone."

“Okay!” Zhou Yan straightened his back and nodded with a smile.

The three returned to the training base, where Kong Liwei was already waiting at the entrance, smiling as he greeted them: "Coach Zhou, how did it go?! Can you make an exception?"

"There's no definite news yet; we're waiting for a reply from the province," Zhou Yan shook his head.

"You have to wait for the province's reply even with your qualifications? That's too strict!" Awei sighed. He'd better just wait until he met the required years of service; he was far from meeting the requirements.

"You guys go back and get busy, I'll go check on their classes," Kong Qingfeng said, then said a few more words to Kong Liwei before heading into the training base.

"Then let's head back. We still need to prepare the dishes." Zhou Yan glanced at his watch. It was already past three o'clock. He had instructed Li Lihua to prepare the dishes before coming, so there wasn't much of a rush. It would be just right to head back.

"Teacher Zhou, here are two good things for you." Kong Liwei rummaged in his bag.

"What?" Zhou Yan looked over.

Kong Liwei took out his hand, revealing two carving knives in his palm. He smiled and handed them to Zhou Yan, saying, "I just went to buy you a main carving knife and a curved knife. They're the same model as the ones I bought. They're definitely the best carving knives you can find in Jiaozhou."

"Master Kong is so kind to me! He even gave me two of the best carving knives in Jiaozhou." Zhou Yan reached out and took them, marveling at their quality.

He was thinking of finding some time to buy it, but unexpectedly, Awei arranged it for him.

To be honest, I was actually quite touched.

"I'm buying it for you, not giving it to you for free!" Ah Wei said seriously as soon as he heard this. "The main knife is 1.2 yuan, the curved knife is 95 cents, and I also found a blacksmith to customize three different models of V-shaped knives according to my specifications. Each one is 80 cents. You can choose the rest yourself."

“I really like the knife.” Zhou Yan suppressed his crocodile-like emotions and sighed, “Awei, look at you, you’re so clueless.”

"What path are you on? My advisor always tells me, 'The working class leads everything!' That's the supreme directive!" Awei said proudly.
“Master Zhou, you are the boss, but I am the worker. You have to listen to my leadership.”

“Alright, Master Kong, can we go back to the restaurant and get back to work now?” Zhou Yan asked with a smile.

"set off!"

Ah Wei waved his hand.

　Bonus chapter! Requesting your guaranteed monthly votes for December!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)