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

Zhang Tieniu watched as Wu Xiaochun suddenly darted out of the house, his face puffed up with anger, looking like a little dog that could bite.

In addition, Wu Xiaochun is shorter than him to begin with, so when he looks down now, he really looks like a cute little animal.

He smiled, a smile that was both honest and sincere.

This made Wu Xiaochun swallow back the harsh words that were about to come out, and he said in a gruff voice, "What are you laughing at!"

"I was wrong before. As a newcomer, I shouldn't have been so arrogant. So I came here specifically to apologize to you, Comrade Wu. Please don't be angry!"

As he said this, Zhang Tieniu actually stood up straight and spoke in a deep, resonant voice.

"After witnessing Chef Chen's culinary skills, I finally understand what a real chef is! I was so short-sighted before. From now on, I will diligently learn cooking from Chef Chen. As for being a kitchen helper, I don't even dare to dream of it!"

After saying this, Zhang Tieniu smacked his lips.

He meant it sincerely. He had spent most of the day working in the cafeteria and not only witnessed Chen Wei's culinary skills, but Lin Jun had also learned almost all of Chen Wei's techniques.

Cheng Ran is already able to cook and serve dishes alongside Chen Wei, demonstrating a skillful and professional approach.

Zhang Tieniu could only watch enviously, hoping that one day he could achieve that level of success himself.

As for Comrade Wu in front of me... he is indeed a bit lacking in cooking skills, but he is adept at handling all the odd jobs and chores in the kitchen, as well as interacting with his colleagues in the purchasing department. He is very tactful and knows how to get along with everyone, which is something that someone as simple-minded as myself could never do.

"Comrade Wu, I'm telling the truth. From now on, I'll wholeheartedly learn from Chef Chen. As long as he's still willing to teach me, I'll study hard. Whatever you ask me to do, I'll absolutely obey!"

His last words, tinged with sincerity, truly moved Wu Xiaochun.

However, it also served as a stark reminder to Wu Xiaochun that he could no longer help Chen Wei manage the kitchen, as he had already been fired.

Especially now that Zhang Tieniu has arrived, it seems that he and the Wu brothers were just mocking someone for being petty.

A wave of grievance and heartache welled up in Wu Xiaochun's heart, her eyes reddened, and her voice choked with emotion.

But he was too embarrassed to let Zhang Tieniu see his predicament, so he quickly lowered his head and said something.

"knew!"

He slammed the door shut.

Seeing that Zhang Tieniu had already left outside the window, Wu Xiaochun's tears finally started to fall.

This kid is good at winning people over. He's so submissive in front of me, he'll definitely act the same way in front of Brother Chen.

No wonder Brother Chen was willing to open his own shop for him.

Thinking about the nonsense Chen Wei had said to him, Wu Xiaochun felt even worse.

It was no big deal; he really hadn't expected Chen Wei to insist on making him leave.

The two Wu brothers behind him, seeing his condition, quickly came over to comfort him.

"Brother Xiaochun, it's not a big deal. We're on good terms with Chef Chen, just go to him, apologize a bit, say a few nice things, and everything will be fine!"

"I'm not going!"

Unexpectedly, Wu Xiaochun acted impulsively and said in a fit of pique.

"If he wants to kick me out, then I'll leave! I'll never come back! Let's see if he still has someone so easily bossed around!"

After saying this, he wiped the tears from his face and actually went to his bedside to pack his things, preparing to go home.

The two brothers, Wu Danian and Wu Ernian, were extremely anxious. What was going on? They had only just had Zhang Tieniu arrive, and suddenly things had turned out like this.

The two were also very anxious, and when they ran outside, they saw Lin Jun coming out to pour water.

Wu Danian quickly pulled Lin Jun aside: "Brother Jun, Xiao Chun is about to be kicked out by Chef Chen, you have to put in a good word for us!"

They were all from the same village, so they naturally got along well and it was normal for them to help each other out.

Lin Jun peeked into Wu Xiaochun's dormitory. Inside, Wu Xiaochun was angrily packing his things and was still throwing a tantrum. Lin Jun couldn't help but shake his head and say something.

"I don't think you listened to a word Brother Chen said! He's blaming you for causing trouble for Zhang Tieniu? He's blaming you for using his name to cause trouble outside!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Xiaochun, who had been swaying back and forth, immediately stopped, his face turning bright red.

"I..." He opened his mouth, but found that he had indeed done it, and there was no way to deny it.

He thought for a long time before reorganizing his words and speaking.

"I was just trying to make them listen! What am I, a kitchen helper? If you want them to listen, do you think it'll work without bringing up Brother Chen's name?"

Lin Jun rolled his eyes so hard they almost reached the sky. He wished he could pry open Wu Xiaochun's head right now and see what kind of stale excrement was inside.

"So you brought it out today, did it work?"

"..."

This time, Wu Xiaochun was speechless. He slumped down on the edge of the bed, looking distressed for a long time before finally asking Lin Jun.

"So, what if I apologize to Brother Chen...?"

Lin Jun couldn't help but shake his head: "It's not about whether you admit your mistake or not, it's about whether you truly realize that what you did was wrong. What happened with Zhang Tieniu today is a small matter. Think about it, what if some important person's relative comes to our kitchen in the future? If you do this again, won't you be causing trouble for Brother Chen!"

"If someone like that comes along, I'll definitely treat them like royalty. I won't cause any trouble for Brother Chen!" Wu Xiaochun quickly said.

"You think you can just say you won't provoke me? With your personality, it's only because Brother Chen spoils you. If he indulges you any more, you'll become even more reckless! Brother Chen is determined to teach you a lesson this time. I think you should really pack your things, go home and visit your aunt. After Brother Chen calms down in a few days, you can come back and apologize to him properly. After all, he didn't say he would definitely fire you!"

Wu Xiaochun considered the meaning behind those words, and realized that this was the only option he could accept.

Finally, he sighed resignedly, packed his things, and prepared to leave the factory area to go back to his hometown for a visit.

Meanwhile, in Chen Wei's dormitory.

Chen Wei sat on the edge of the bed, holding a cookbook in his hand, listening intently to the sounds outside, and couldn't help but smile slightly.

Wu Xiaochun is so clueless, he's so stupid that he needs Lin Jun, that iron-willed guy, to remind him.

However, now that he knows he was wrong, this time he should learn his lesson.

When he returns, he will go to his uncle's place and discuss how to arrange a position for Wu Xiaochun.