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

"Especially since, unlike some people, Xiao Chen doesn't act like he owns the place! He comes back and immediately puts on airs, acting like he's some kind of local tyrant!"

Wang Xiuli's words couldn't be clearer: she meant that Wang Defa's career was over and that there was now someone who could take his place.

Moreover, the person who replaced him did a better job and was more outstanding than him, so he no longer had any reason to be arrogant.

Wang Defa still didn't look at Wang Xiuli, but just gave a faint snort.

"Hmph, learning to cook isn't something you can do in a day or two. You can't just whip up a couple of easy recipes and fool everyone. Whether a person has real skills or not depends on time."

His words were a bit too much; they implied that Chen Wei was just a self-taught amateur with no real skills.

Chen Jianguo's face immediately darkened, and he was no longer willing to maintain his respectful demeanor.

His lips drooped, and he said coldly, "Chef Wang, it's a bit premature to say that. Although my nephew is disappointing, he does have some skills. Everyone in the factory praises him; surely they can't all be blind!"

The two sides were locked in a tense standoff, clearly both angry, and the air was thick with the smell of gunpowder.

But the main character they were talking about remained unmoved at that moment.

The knife on the cutting board moved so fast it left afterimages, "thump thump thump—".

Chen Wei simply kept his head down, cutting the mountain of cucumbers in front of him.

With his movements, slices of finely sliced ​​cucumbers flew into the large basin beside him, piling up haphazardly into a small mountain.

Wang Defa glanced at Chen Wei without making a sound, his brows furrowing slightly.

This kid is too calm. He didn't even respond after we got to this point.

Outsiders all say that this kid is stupid, but Wang Defa doesn't think so.

If he were truly not very bright, how could he have shut himself down with such a bland remark?

Moreover, judging from his superb skill in cutting straw raincoats—skills that even he himself couldn't replicate—he doesn't seem like a fool.

Could it be that this kid actually has some skill—not just the kind of skill with a knife?

But after thinking about it, Wang Defa felt it was unlikely and dismissed it in his mind.

Nobody would believe it if they heard it from the outside. What amazing dishes could an apprentice who had only been there for four or five days possibly make?

He had already heard Lin Jun tell him what it was... hot and sour shredded vegetables?

This is a common dish that every housewife in Jinshi can make!

What kind of technical skill could it possibly have? Even if it did, those roughnecks in the factory wouldn't be able to tell the difference!

Either the kid used too much oil when cooking, and those guys who usually don't eat enough oil can't tell the difference.

If you think it's oily and salty, then it's fragrant.

Ha! Just an empty reputation!

Thinking of this, Wang Defa raised his eyebrows, snorted coldly, and spoke.

"Since Section Chief Chen has already brought this up, if I don't respond, it would make it seem like I, as his mentor, am hindering the young man's advancement. We can't tolerate that kind of capitalist approach!"

"If you ask me, why don't we put aside our status for now and forget about master and apprentice? Tomorrow at noon, Chen Wei and I will cook together, and everyone will be the judges. We'll see who sells the most dishes, and then the winner will be decided."

"I don't want to rely on my age and be accused of bullying young people."

Chen Jianguo was taken aback.

He didn't expect that his harsh words would lead to Wang Defa issuing a challenge.

He couldn't help but look at Chen Wei with a worried expression.

No matter what, my nephew has only been working for four or five days. Even if he knows a few signature dishes, how could he possibly compare to Wang Defa, a chef who has been cooking for over ten years?

Immediately, Chen Jianguo felt a pang of regret, thinking that he should have just flattered Wang Defa and said it was alright.

Anyway, the bureau chief has already spoken about the salary increase, so it's a done deal. Wang Defa can't just say he won't give it to them!

Wouldn't that be a slap in the face to the bureau chief?

But if Wang Defa does this, and Chen Wei loses the competition, how will he have the nerve to ask for a raise?

"Wang Defa! Aren't you bullying me?!"

As Chen Jianguo was thinking to himself, Wang Xiuli behind him could no longer hold back.

She's had a lot of benefits from Chen Wei these past few days, so if Wang Defa comes back now, she'll be in for a rough time again.

Wang Xiuli wished Wang Defa's leg would stay broken forever.

She stood with her hands on her hips, her face clearly showing resentment.

"Young Chen has only been working for a few days, and you, a chef with decades of experience, have the nerve to make things difficult for a young guy! What are you comparing him to? If you have a broken leg, just stay home and rest! You're just occupying the position without doing anything, what kind of big shot are you acting like at the factory!"

Wang Xiuli was genuinely angry.

Anyway, she had worked with Wang Defa for more than ten years, and she wasn't an apprentice under him, so she wasn't afraid of him at all.

He spoke without any restraint. What? Did he think this cafeteria was his personal fiefdom? Could he possibly fire him?

"Oh!"

Wang Defa snorted coldly and pointed at Wang Xiuli with a sinister expression.

"Why are you so agitated? I want to compete with Xiao Chen, not with you. You don't mean to compare yourself to Xiao Chen...!"

A muffled "thud" was heard.

A heavy thud came from the chopping board, abruptly interrupting Wang Defa's increasingly offensive speech.

Chen Wei casually slammed the cleaver in his hand onto the cutting board, threw the last cucumber into the large basin next to him, wiped his hands, and responded unhurriedly.

"Since Chef Wang is so keen on this competition, I'll gladly oblige. I'll be waiting for you tomorrow at noon."

After saying this, he casually tossed the towel draped over his shoulder next to the cutting board, turned around, and strode out.

Chen Jianguo and Wang Xiuli were both taken aback.

To everyone's surprise, Chen Wei accepted Wang Defa's challenge so readily.

Wang Defa stared at Chen Wei's retreating figure with a meaningful expression on his face.

Chen Jianguo frowned, finally realizing the enormous challenge his nephew had taken on. He quickly slapped his thigh and chased after him.

-

On the way from the kitchen to the dormitory, Chen Jianguo caught up with Chen Wei with a worried expression.

The person hadn't even arrived yet, but their voice came first.

"You brat, stop right there! You've been called Chef Chen for days and you've gotten all disoriented? How dare you accept Wang Defa's challenge! Wang Defa has been a Huaiyang cuisine chef for decades; he's got real skills!"

Clearly, Chen Jianguo was extremely anxious.

But Chen Wei remained calm, even with a slight smile on his face.

"Uncle, I have confidence."