Courtyard House: The Chef's Intelligence System

Five days passed in a flash. Except for the first day when his master took Li Jiuzhou to work at Fengzeyuan, he went there by himself on the rest of the days.

Because the working hours for apprentices and head chefs are different.

The apprenticeship starts at 9:30 AM, and the head chef's starts at 11:00 AM.

Apprentices naturally have other things to do, such as washing and chopping vegetables, and also taking care of the hygiene in the kitchen.

Before their respective masters arrive, each person prepares tea for them and then respectfully invites them to drink it.

That's how prestigious the chef is.

Of course, this only applies to the kitchen; outside of Fengzeyuan, the chefs are still nothing...

Li Jiuzhou had been at Fengzeyuan for almost a week and had become familiar with it.

Fengzeyuan's specialty is Shandong cuisine, a fusion of Jinan and Jiaodong cuisines.

This laid the foundation for Fengzeyuan's high-end Shandong cuisine.

In those days, it was also a gathering place for high-ranking officials and dignitaries.

Before 1947, Fengzeyuan was just a simple Shandong cuisine restaurant. After the lawsuit, the chefs either left or dispersed.

So Manager Luan invited a group of famous chefs from Jiaodong to join the team, making Fengzeyuan's dishes even more amazing.

By this time, it had become the most representative Shandong cuisine restaurant in Beiping.

Li Tielong, however, was not a chef from the Jiaodong style.

He was originally the head chef at Dongzeyuan and had also learned authentic Sichuan cuisine.

It can be said that Li Tielong is proficient in two cuisines.

Sometimes when customers order Sichuan cuisine, Li Tielong or Wang Shan will cook the dishes themselves.

Wang Shan is also awesome; he's not afraid to learn two different cuisines.

In the kitchen, Li Tielong sat in a rattan chair, a cigarette between his left and a teacup in his right.

Li Jiuzhou and Wang Shan stood before him, awaiting his instructions.

At this moment, Li Tielong looked at Li Jiuzhou and said with amusement:

"Jiuzhou, as you know, Master is incredibly skilled at both Shandong and Sichuan cuisine."

"Just tell me which cuisine you want to learn?"

"You can learn from any master."

Upon hearing this, Wang Shan's face twitched involuntarily a few times, inwardly cursing, remembering that the old man had asked him the same question back then.

This is how I answered at the time:

"I'll learn Shandong cuisine."

"Even dogs wouldn't learn Sichuan cuisine..."

Indeed, six years ago, who in their right mind would learn Sichuan cuisine?

Back then, high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital would eat Shandong cuisine or Peking duck.

Sichuan cuisine isn't even worthy of being served; it's for commoners and laborers.

Of course, boiled cabbage in clear broth is a different story...

As soon as Wang Shan uttered those words, Li Tielong gave him a severe beating.

That was absolutely horrific...

Li Tielong then made a stern statement:

"Your master has mastered two cuisines, and you're utterly useless."

"I'll teach you to be so stubborn, even a dog wouldn't study, I'll teach you to be so stubborn..."

Under pressure from Li Tielong, Wang Shan still learned the skills, and now he adores his master.

Things are different now. More people are eating Sichuan cuisine, and Wang Shan has made a name for himself. He's earning quite a bit of money...

Now, when his master asks his junior brother this question, he feels good.

Wang Shan stared intently at Li Jiuzhou, eager to hear his answer, seemingly anticipating the scene of his junior brother being beaten.

Upon hearing this, Li Jiuzhou did not hesitate at all and said directly:

"Master, of course I'll learn both cuisines. You and my senior brother both know Shandong and Sichuan cuisines, so I can't be missing one."

"After I graduate, how can I have the face to call myself your apprentice? That would be a slap in your face."

"I'm not doing that. If I'm going to learn, I'll learn both cuisines!"

"Hahaha, good, good, good!"

Li Tielong said "good" three times in a row, which shows how happy he is right now.

"Alright, Master will teach you everything."

Then Li Tielong glared at Wang Shan:

"You're nothing but a piece of shit..."

Wang Shan was incredibly frustrated.

"Ha ha ha ha..."

The chefs in the kitchen all laughed.

They had heard about how Wang Shan was badly beaten by Li Tielong back then.

He's overjoyed to see Wang Shan get his comeuppance.

Only Li Jiuzhou was completely baffled.

Later, upon hearing my senior's complaints, I secretly rejoiced, thankful that I had answered correctly and saved myself a beating.

If your master hits you during your apprenticeship, it's because he cares about you. Just kneel down and take the beating.

After returning home, the master chef threw two cookbooks at Li Jiuzhou and told him to memorize them.

He had to memorize it thoroughly, and Li Jiuzhou kowtowed in gratitude.

This is a recipe, a family heirloom; we absolutely have to give Old Deng one.

Li Tielong was even more satisfied and reminded him not to kowtow so easily.

That's what I said, but I was secretly thrilled.

A good apprentice is something every master likes; even if they don't say it, it will show in other ways.

Li Jiuzhou couldn't sleep, so he carefully looked through the recipes.

This recipe is indeed different; it's both standardized and meticulous.

These days, seasonings are very important for making a good dish; you don't want the rest of the process to be too complicated.

If Li Jiuzhou doesn't remember this, he might cause trouble later.

Three days passed in a flash. Li Jiuzhou was chopping vegetables on the cutting board when suddenly a burst of laughter came from the kitchen.

Well, Li Jiuzhou also enjoyed a lively atmosphere. He wiped his hands, walked over, and pulled another apprentice aside to ask:

"Xiao Ba, what's all the commotion about?"

Xiao Ba smiled and said:

"Hey, Chef He's back, everyone go and say hello."

"Chef He? Which Chef He? I've never heard of him before," Li Jiuzhou asked, puzzled.

"Hey, you're new here and don't know, this is He Daqing, the head chef of Fengzeyuan Restaurant, your master, Chef Li's junior apprentice."

"I went to visit relatives a while ago, and I'm back now."

"I see..."

Li Jiuzhou felt a sense of familiarity upon hearing the name He Daqing, but couldn't quite place it for the moment.

So I went with Xiao Ba to take a look.

You wouldn't be surprised if you didn't look, but once you did, you'd be shocked.

Holy crap, isn't this Sima Yi...?

Well, you could call him Su Daqiang if you want.

Why does that kid next to him look more familiar?

Oh my god, what a stupid Zhu...

Li Jiuzhou was stunned. So the world he had transmigrated into was still a film and television complex.

At this moment, Li Tielong's voice came over:

"Come from Kyushu..."

"Here you are."

Li Jiuzhou walked over quickly.

"This is my junior brother, He Daqing."

Li Tielong said something very simple.

Li Jiuzhou reacted quickly and immediately called for help:

"Greetings, Uncle-Master. I am Li Jiuzhou, Master's newly accepted disciple."

He Daqing gave a kind smile:

"Hehehe, well done, you've got the makings of a chef."

"Thank you, Uncle-Master." Li Jiuzhou didn't say anything more and walked to stand next to his senior brother, Wang Shan.

He Daqing said to Li Tielong:

"Senior brother, let's talk inside. I have something to tell you."

Li Tielong nodded and went ahead to the chef's lounge.

He Daqing quickly followed, calling out to the boy beside him.

"Pillar, come with me..."

"Dad's here..."

Li Jiuzhou sized up Sha Zhu, who looked to be only fifteen or sixteen years old.

He was indeed muscular, with thick arms that gave him a strong appearance.

At this moment, Wang Shan chuckled:

"Alright, we're going to have another junior brother."