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

"See all those people outside? They're all here because of your nephew's cooking!"

Ma Qianjin smiled sarcastically and pointed at the sighing workers outside the door.

"You were in the office worrying they wouldn't sell it! Turns out they not only sold it, but they even limited purchases! I saw it clearly on the blackboard: one per person! We actually benefited from our leadership positions!"

Chen Jianguo looked at the two dishes on the white plate, feeling a mix of emotions.

To be honest, it would be a lie to say I'm not proud of my nephew for doing such a good job on his first day.

But now, what lingers in Chen Jianguo's mind is more doubt.

You know, Chen Wei is the kind of guy who wouldn't even pick up a fallen vinegar bottle at home, let alone cook.

But the facts are right in front of us.

Chen Jianguo sighed and handed the chopsticks in his hand to Ma Qianjin.

"Let's try it first! Maybe they're only here because of my reputation!"

"You old codger, I've noticed you're getting more and more shameless! Young people should be praised wholeheartedly for doing well, what's with this attitude of yours!" Ma Qianjin said with a laugh, taking the chopsticks.

With the same hesitation, the two reached for their chopsticks in the white plate in the middle.

The food was leftover; it wasn't exactly cold, but it certainly didn't taste as good as when it was freshly cooked.

But as soon as he put the spicy and sour shredded vegetables in his mouth, Chen Jianguo couldn't help but exclaim inwardly.

His usually stern face suddenly twitched, and his pupils dilated instantly.

Cool!

This is the feeling the moment you put the food into your mouth.

Next up is numbness!

Then, four different flavors—sour, spicy, fresh, and fragrant—exploded in my mouth, rushing straight to my skull.

That tangy and refreshing taste was something he had never experienced in any state-run restaurant.

"This...this shredded potato..."

Chen Jianguo pointed at the dishes on the white plate, his words stammering.

Ma Qianjin, sitting opposite him, also looked shocked. The two stared at each other for a moment before suddenly realizing what was happening and immediately reached for the white plate in the middle of the table with their chopsticks.

The second bite was delicious!

The dish is pungent and fragrant. Even though it's a hot dish, it doesn't feel stuffy in this hot weather. Instead, it makes you feel refreshed all over, as if your meridians have been opened up.

"So refreshing!" Ma Qianjin couldn't help but exclaim. "This vegetable is so crispy! It's just ordinary shredded potatoes! And this broth, sour and spicy, and... a little numbing! Delicious!"

As he said this, he quickly picked up another chopstick and examined it carefully.

I couldn't help but admire the knife skills. Every single piece was perfectly cut, whether it was shredded carrots, potatoes, or even seaweed. Each piece looked as if it had been measured with a ruler, with almost identical dimensions.

When you chew them, the shredded potatoes are crisp, the shredded carrots are soft, and the shredded kelp is chewy.

This tastes so good!

Chen Jianguo was also stunned by what he ate.

Although resources were not abundant in this era, he and Ma Qianjin were still two section chiefs at Tianjin No. 1 Steel Company.

When they traveled on official business, they stayed not only in state-run hotels, but also in famous hotels like the Peace Hotel in Beijing.

But the taste in my mouth is really no worse than that of the Peace Hotel!

Well... compared to big fish and meat dishes, although what I'm eating is just the most ordinary hot and sour shredded vegetables, it's unforgettable and has a refreshing effect.

"When did this kid learn this amazing skill...?"

Chen Jianguo muttered something.

He picked up another bite of the hot and sour shredded vegetables and put it in his mouth to savor it carefully.

Mmm! Delicious!

It's sour, but not the kind of raw sour that makes your teeth hurt; rather, it's a mellow, appetizing sour flavor.

It's spicy, but not the kind that makes you feel scared or embarrassed. Instead, it's a fresh spiciness with the numbing aroma of Sichuan peppercorns. The first bite is crispy and fragrant, and the spiciness, combined with the crunchy potato shreds, explodes in your mouth.

The most amazing thing is the texture of the shredded potatoes. It's obvious that the dish has been sitting for a while, but the shredded potatoes still maintain a crisp and tender texture. One bite is crisp and refreshing, and the hot and sour sauce on top just bursts on your tongue, making your pores open up.

"Delicious! Delicious!"

The two of them took turns eating, and before long they were eating and couldn't stop.

Just as they were eating, the curtain was lifted, and Chen Wei walked in from outside carrying four large white steamed buns.

As soon as I entered, I saw two extremely serious section chiefs outside arguing and competing, each grabbing one side of the large plate in the middle of the table and desperately pulling it toward their own side.

"cough--"

His entrance immediately interrupted the two section chiefs' down-to-earth side.

Both Chen Jianguo and Ma Qianjin showed embarrassed expressions at the same time, and quickly coughed and sat up straight.

"Xiao Chen! This dish you made is really good!"

Finally, Ma Qianjin spoke first, praising him earnestly.

"I heard you've only been learning to cook in our kitchen for three days. Could you tell us how you made this dish so unforgettable?"

Ma Qianjin smiled gently and pointed to the long line outside the cafeteria that had just dispersed.

"Look at you, Xiao Chen, this is only your first day cooking, and you've already won over all the workers in our factory! You're a force to be reckoned with! Old Chen, you're truly blessed!"

"Young people should be rewarded for their abilities. Tell me, Xiao Chen! What do you want?" Ma Qianjin clearly admired Chen Wei.

"Section Chief Ma, you flatter me. It's just a little skill, nothing special," Chen Wei said modestly with a smile, placing the steamed buns he was holding on the table of the two leaders.

The people outside had mostly dispersed, so Chen Wei's entry at this time was certainly not to hear the two leaders make empty promises to him.

Whether Chen Jianguo forgot or not, Chen Wei certainly didn't forget—his uncle had promised to approve an electric fan for him!

Now that the stove is on and the vegetables are sold out, it's perfectly reasonable for him to come and collect his electric fan.

"Gentlemen, providing hot meals for the comrades is what I should do; I don't expect any reward. But it's just that it's... quite hot today... um... Uncle, about the electric fan..."

Chen Wei coughed lightly and spoke.

"You've only just achieved a little success and you're already getting cocky? What, I promised you an electric fan, and now you can't wait to ask me for it?"

Chen Jianguo deliberately put on a long face and glanced at Ma Qianjin, who was sitting at the same table.

He wasn't trying to go back on his word; he was just being sarcastic.

Everyone in the factory knows that Chen Wei is Chen Jianguo's nephew, and he cherishes him like the apple of his eye. But precisely because of this, the matter of getting Chen Wei a special deal for electric fans couldn't be revealed by Chen Jianguo himself.

Chen Wei brought up this matter today at this crucial moment when achievements have just been made, which pleased Chen Jianguo. He thought to himself that this kid was much more shrewd than before. It seemed that after joining the factory and interacting with people more often, he had become much better at interpersonal relationships than before.

He was secretly pleased, but his eyes were fixed on Ma Qianjin, who was sitting at the same table.

It was Ma Qianjin who praised Chen Wei's work earlier, and it was also Ma Qianjin who asked Chen Wei what reward he wanted. Since Ma Qianjin said so, then don't blame them for making exorbitant demands.