Chapter 30: Did I Embarrass You?

Zhou Jinchuan and the overseas Chinese expert were seated in a corner of the dining hall.

From a distance, Su Yi spotted him. Although they often met at home, it was rare to see him in a public setting. Looking from afar, she suddenly felt that Zhou Jinchuan was quite impressive.

Tall and handsome, with an upright posture and a strong presence. Sitting in the corner, the corner itself seemed to gain a certain grandeur.

Comparing him to Commissar Wang next to him—well, better not to mention it.

As for the overseas Chinese expert seated next to Zhou Jinchuan, his hair had some gray, but he appeared spirited and had a refined demeanor. Even at his age, wanting to return to contribute to his country was admirable and earned respect.

Chef Wang eagerly brought over the dishes, making some formal remarks. If one didn’t know better, they’d think the dishes were his creation.

Su Yi followed with the two dishes she had prepared, placing them on the table without saying a word.

She silently stepped back.

Seeing this, Chef Wang felt it was inappropriate to disturb the guests and hurriedly returned.

Zhou Jinchuan tasted the dishes and nodded with satisfaction.

“Mr. Mo, this food is quite good. Please give it a try.”

Mr. Mo had actually been eyeing these dishes for a while. Both the color and aroma were just like the ones he used to eat in his childhood. He immediately took a spoonful of the Mapo Tofu and tasted it.

After finishing, he said nothing and continued to take several more spoonfuls, mixing the food with rice and eating heartily.

Commissar Wang was about to ask if the food was to his liking but was deterred by a look from Zhou Jinchuan.

Seeing Mr. Mo’s eyes were even a bit red, it was clear that the food was not merely acceptable but had deeply moved him.

After eating for a while, Mr. Mo finally set down his bowl and said with emotion, “Comrade Zhou, I must thank you. If you hadn’t suggested coming to the dining hall today, I might never have had the chance to enjoy such authentic Sichuan cuisine again in my lifetime.”

“That’s the taste, that’s the memory I’ve been searching for decades!”

“May I meet the chef who prepared this meal?”

Zhou Jinchuan nodded and waved toward the kitchen.

Chef Wang, who had been watching the situation closely, immediately came over. “Comrade Zhou, are the dishes to your liking?”

Zhou Jinchuan nodded, “Very good. Go and bring the chef who cooked these dishes so Mr. Mo can meet them.”

Chef Wang almost said that he was the one who cooked the dishes but knew it wouldn’t be believable. He quickly changed his response, “I manage the kitchen here. If you have any questions, you can ask me directly. The chef who cooked these dishes is new and might have unintentionally caused any offense.”

Zhou Jinchuan shot him an unhappy look and reiterated, “Bring the chef over.”

Unable to withstand Zhou Jinchuan’s formidable presence, Chef Wang hurried back to the kitchen.

On his way, he became increasingly annoyed. A young girl who had just started working here managed to gain the favor of such an important figure. He had intended to make a show of his own, only to be sent back in defeat.

On the other side, Master Ma noticed what was happening and quickly said to Su Yi, “Go and have a look; I hear they want to meet the chef.”

Su Yi nodded, untied her apron, and walked over calmly.

Mr. Mo looked surprised at the young girl standing beside him. “You cooked these dishes? Are you from Sichuan?”

He had assumed the chef would be someone older, given the depth of culinary skill.

Su Yi wasn’t daunted by the situation and smiled calmly. “Yes, I cooked them. I’m not from Sichuan; I learned from a youth from Sichuan who came to our team a few years ago.”

Mr. Mo nodded. “Young lady, the dishes you prepared are excellent. To be honest, when I was young, my mother’s Mapo Tofu had this same flavor. After my mother passed away, I haven’t tasted this flavor in decades while living abroad!”

Su Yi was moved by his words. “Sir, it’s truly an honor to evoke a taste of home for you after so many years abroad. I’m glad I could help alleviate your nostalgia today!”

Mr. Mo nodded with emotion. “You’re right. Even though I’ve been wandering abroad for many years, I still have a longing for my hometown. It’s time to contribute to my homeland and return to my roots!”

Su Yi smiled sweetly. “Sir, if you ever crave hometown dishes, even though I’m not a master, I can still cook quite well. Feel free to call me anytime if you need something!”

“Very well! I certainly will!” Mr. Mo then turned to Zhou Jinchuan. “While I’m here, can this young lady continue to bring me meals?”

Zhou Jinchuan readily agreed, “Of course. Mr. Mo, enjoy your meal while it’s hot. I’ll go and handle the arrangements.”

With that, Zhou Jinchuan led Su Yi to the kitchen.

On the way, Su Yi couldn’t help but ask, “Commander Zhou, did I embarrass you?”

Zhou Jinchuan smiled slightly. “Not really.”

[The young man’s pride is quite strong.]

Zhou Jinchuan: …

Once they were in the kitchen, Zhou Jinchuan immediately conveyed Mr. Mo’s request.

“During this period, let Comrade Su be responsible for Mr. Mo’s daily lunch and dinner. Ensure that she delivers them directly to Mr. Mo’s office.”

“Mr. Mo has come to support our work, which is of great importance. Everyone must be fully attentive and avoid any mistakes.”

“If there are any needs or issues, report them directly to me.”

Master Ma quickly agreed, “No problem. Let Comrade Su be in charge of these two meals each day. If anything is needed, let us know.”

Chef Wang, still dissatisfied, said, “But Comrade Su isn’t an official member of our kitchen staff yet.”

Zhou Jinchuan shot him a glance, “Should I tell Mr. Mo to have you take over instead?”

Chef Wang cleared his throat, “I see.”

Zhou Jinchuan briefly glanced at Su Yi before leaving.

After he departed, the kitchen became bustling with activity.

Master Ma waved his hand, “It’s getting late. Announce the results of the selection process, so everyone can get back to their tasks.”

Su Yi’s appointment was confirmed, with Chef Wang personally acknowledging it. Additionally, a promising young man named Zhang Tianhua, who performed well in the recent competition, was also hired. Moreover, Xu Xiaoqin, who assisted Su Yi and showed remarkable performance, was recognized by Master Ma and offered a position.

Xu Xiaoqin, excited about being hired, hugged Su Yi’s arm and said, “We’ll be working together from now on!”

Su Yi nodded and smiled in response.

After the others left, Chef Wang was still feeling disgruntled.

“I heard from others that Comrade Su was already acquainted with Commander Zhou. Was this arrangement made in advance?”

Su Yi smiled calmly, “Chef Wang, you overestimate me. Even if I had known in advance, mastering Sichuan cuisine takes at least a year or two.”

Xu Xiaoqin chimed in, “Opportunities are given to those who are prepared.”

Chef Wang glared at her in frustration, “It’s just a few dishes. The expert might be old and his taste buds could be unreliable.”

Seeing him openly criticize the expert, Master Ma shot him a warning glance, “You should know what’s appropriate to say and what’s not.”

Su Yi stepped in to smooth things over, “I’m actually worried that my cooking might not be up to standard. I have some leftovers from the dishes I prepared. How about both Master Ma and Chef Wang taste them together?”

Master Ma agreed, “That sounds good. Chef Wang, why don’t you bring out the dishes you made as well? We can compare them.”

Chef Wang: …