In the 1970s, it started with contracting out communal dining.

After being laid off by ten companies in a row, Chen Wei collapsed from a heart attack on his way to claim severance pay. When he opened his eyes again, he had transmigrated to the canteen of Tianjin No. 1 Steel Plant in 1978, becoming a "freakish" kitchen helper who could only chop vegetables. His uncle was eager for him to climb up the social ladder by getting in touch with Chef Wang Defa, but he just wanted to lie down and grind his skill level. Until that day— [Ding! Knife skills (beginner) proficiency 100/100, level up!] [Equipment slot unlocked: Coal-fired stove!] [Reward obtained: Recipe for Spicy and Sour Shredded Vegetables!] Chen Wei then realized that his cheat code was far more powerful than he had imagined. Equipped with a kitchen knife, he could chop vegetables with the skill of a straw raincoat without even looking. Equipped with a stove, he could precisely control the temperature of the coal fire. The more equipment you have, the stronger your skills. From spicy and sour shredded pork to braised pork belly, from factory canteens to street shops, from individual business owners to chain hotel presidents—while others were still carefully managing their finances with ration coupons, Chen Wei had already used his "culinary equipment bar" to dominate an entire era. Chen Wei held a black iron cleaver, with ten "Chen Ji" stores opening simultaneously behind him. "Sorry, I'm a cheat code." This is a story about a failed attempt to achieve a comfortable life. From a chopping freak to a culinary legend, from a kitchen helper to a catering empire. "Equipment bar ready, shall we start cooking?" "Start cooking!"