Kang Guijie couldn’t help but take another look at Yao Shi.
In fact, when Yao Shi was younger, he was also considered a somewhat famous talent in the circle.
Thinking about Yao Shi’s remarkable mentor.
Kang Guijie had some guesses after a quick mental calculation.
Could it be that this Chef Fu was Yao Shi’s apprentice?
If it’s said that Yao Shi personally trained this apprentice to reach the current level, it would be quite reasonable.
They say, an outsider sees the excitement, while an insider understands the technique.
Although these few dishes in front can’t represent everything, just based on the cooking methods and knife skills, Kang Guijie could basically conclude that this Chef Fu’s cooking skills were very impressive.
At least compared to the apprentices under his command, he should not be far behind.
Thinking this over, Kang Guijie couldn’t help but regard this Chef Fu with even higher esteem.
...
Fu Yu received the message, quickly put down his work, greeted Zhao Meng, and hurried to Box 104.
As he entered, Fu Yu saw Yao Shi sitting at the dining table with a wine glass in hand.
Sitting next to Yao Shi was a middle-aged man who looked in his forties, with a fair complexion and well-dressed.
Being able to dine with Yao Shi and entering Box 104, this person’s status must be either wealthy or noble.
Fu Yu quickly put on a smile, first calling out "Chef Yao," then walked briskly forward.
Yao Shi waved with a smile and introduced, "This is Kang Guijie, the head chef of the Three Flavors Inn in the provincial capital."
Upon hearing the middle-aged man’s name, Fu Yu was suddenly shocked, eyes widening in surprise.
This person turned out to be Kang Guijie!
Fu Yu had heard about Kang Guijie during his school days.
This was a renowned bigshot in the circle!
However, it was said that Kang Guijie had been learning to cook from his mentor since childhood, starting to handle the stove and ladle as a teenager, with over thirty years of culinary experience.
Following that logic, Kang Guijie must be at least in his early fifties.
Yet the person in front of him looked too young.
While Fu Yu was secretly observing Kang Guijie, Kang Guijie was also looking at Fu Yu in astonishment.
He had known that Fu Yu was quite young, but he didn’t expect this person to be so good-looking.
People naturally have a favorable impression of beautiful things.
Especially with the first impression of understanding that this young chef has high culinary skills, now seeing him as modest, polite, and outstanding in appearance.
Kang Guijie’s first impression of Fu Yu was very good.
After both parties got to know each other, Fu Yu didn’t know what to say.
Instead, Kang Guijie highly praised the table of dishes.
Kang Guijie, smiling, asked Fu Yu, "So young and already mastered such sophisticated culinary skills; I wonder, who is your mentor?"
The culinary profession is unlike others.
Without a mentor, there’s no way to master the craft.
And for someone like Fu Yu, undoubtedly, his mentor must be a big shot.
Fu Yu honestly replied, "My mentor is Zhao Meng."
Since joining the restaurant, he had been learning under Zhao Meng’s tutelage, even though he hadn’t officially become an apprentice, Zhao Meng was indeed his mentor.
As for Liu Yunong.
Fu Yu subconsciously glanced at Yao Shi sitting nearby.
In this circumstance, he wasn’t sure if it was appropriate to mention Liu Yunong.
Upon hearing Fu Yu’s words, Kang Guijie was slightly taken aback.
Zhao Meng?
Such a figure in the circle?
After some thought, ensuring he hadn’t heard of such a person, Kang Guijie turned to Yao Shi, "Is this Chef Zhao also a mentor in your restaurant?"
Yao Shi quickly introduced, "Oh, Old Zhao is our restaurant’s head chef. Since Xiaofu came, he’s been learning under his tutelage."
Hearing this, Kang Guijie frowned slightly, "Didn’t you say Xiaofu only joined your restaurant a year ago?"
Yao Shi explained, "Yes, after graduating from culinary school, he came directly to our restaurant for an internship and is now a full-time employee."
Having said that, before Kang Guijie could ask further, he proactively introduced, "Xiaofu is very talented in culinary arts. This year he participated in the Sanjiang Tourism Festival’s chef competition and won first prize, subsequently taking on another mentor. Do you know Liu Yunong? Xiaofu has apprenticed under her."
Kang Guijie was somewhat surprised, "He actually apprenticed under Yunong?"
Mentioning Liu Yunong, Kang Guijie’s attitude became increasingly amicable.
"Yunong’s father and I have been old friends for years. We used to meet often. This time I’m here on business, planning to check out her new branch. Unexpectedly, I meet her apprentice here."
Kang Guijie looked at Fu Yu, "Your mentor has never taken in apprentices before; you’re the first one!"
Fu Yu smiled modestly and said, "It was just by chance that my mentor made an exception for me."
Upon hearing this, Kang Guijie couldn’t help but regard Fu Yu even more highly.
This young guy is truly remarkable!
Everyone in the circle knows that the Liu Family doesn’t accept external apprentices.
As descendants of Lady Liu, they naturally carry the ancestral aura, mastering the exclusive skills of Liu Family Cuisine, which are passed down internally but never externally.
Currently, the Liu family’s culinary business has fallen into Liu Yunong’s hands, and she has never taken in apprentices.
There are countless people wanting to apprentice under her, like fish swimming across the river, and yet, no one has succeeded all these years.
Being able to apprentice under Liu Yunong is tantamount to being a legitimate heir of Liu Family Cuisine.
Is this a casual matter?
As for the master chefs in the restaurant, although they also follow the Liu Family lineage, mentoring an apprentice and raising your own child are inherently different.
Currently in the world, Liu Yunong is undoubtedly the one who has truly mastered Liu Family Cuisine.
Fu Yu has already apprenticed under Liu Yunong yet continues to work in Qianlima’s kitchen.
This matter...
Kang Guijie examined Fu Yu’s handsome face, his upright posture, and gentle, polite demeanor.
Something’s not right here!
After a bit of casual chat, Kang Guijie smiled at Fu Yu, "Young man, not bad, keep up the good work, and you’ll definitely have a bright future!"
Kang Guijie’s evaluation of Fu Yu was very high.
Being so young, just in his early twenties, and achieving his current level, Kang Guijie was indeed very appreciative.
And now, knowing that Fu Yu actually apprenticed under Liu Yunong, his impression of Fu Yu improved even more.
Needless to say, just managing to apprentice, is a testament to personal ability.
Fu Yu didn’t stay long, as there was still plenty of work in the kitchen.
After politely saying goodbye, Fu Yu left the box.
This introduction was a delightful surprise for Fu Yu.
An industry leader he’d only heard about was now conversing with him, and he even received praise from the person.
Such good fortune is akin to pie falling from the sky, isn’t it?
Honestly, Fu Yu never expected he’d get the chance to meet Kang Guijie.
Kang Guijie is the head chef of the Three Flavors Inn in the provincial capital, a place designated for hosting top leaders.
Kang Guijie is usually a busy man; this time he was just passing through Bei’an for business and dropped by here to try the local specialties.
In fact, given Kang Guijie’s status, even casually hinting would soon have many friends, both new and old, flocking to warmly entertain him in the circle.
After all, establishing a connection with Kang Guijie basically means gaining a massive network.
Frankly speaking, Kang Guijie is a top figure in the industry.
Many people wish to "hold onto his leg" (seek his favor)!
As Fu Yu walked toward the kitchen, he kept his ears open.
Having reached the kitchen, he hardly heard a system notification sound.
Heh!
He thought meeting Kang Guijie would surely earn him some task rewards, but there weren’t any at all.
Looks like it doesn’t meet the task requirements.
What a pity!
...
Meanwhile, in the box, Yao Shi accompanied Kang Guijie for the entire meal and personally saw him off before rushing back to find his friends.
Opportunities, once encountered, should not be easily missed.
Yet, unexpectedly, young Fu Yu had quite a bit of luck.
Bear in mind, even he, wanting to meet Kang Guijie, would have to find ways and connections.
This kid, on the other hand, by sheer chance, actually caught Kang Guijie’s attention.