EFB Chapter 39, Round 3
Chapter 39, Round 3
The man who was called "Master" had already heard Li Si recount the selection competition on the way. Now, seeing Liu Dazhu almost kneeling before him, he coldly scolded, "Look at you, so pathetic. You've been turned into this by a little girl. Don't go out and say you're my disciple."
"Master is right. Your disciple has disgraced you." Liu Dazhu had completely lost the arrogant demeanor he had when facing Lin Shuyao, and became humble and submissive.
The man waved his hand casually: "Get up."
Liu Dazhu stood up as if he had been granted a pardon.
Just then, several leaders-looking people squeezed in from outside the crowd. They were the factory director and the union chairman of Factory 306. The factory director, his face filled with barely concealed excitement, stepped forward and tightly grasped Master Liu Dazhu's hand: "Teacher Ji! It really is you! Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I could have arranged for someone to greet you at the door!"
The union director, who was standing nearby, stepped forward with a warm smile: "Teacher Ji, hello! I've heard so much about you. Last year, I even read a report in the Workers' Daily about your work at the state banquet. You truly brought honor to our working class! I never imagined I'd have the honor of meeting you in person today!"
Teacher Ji nodded casually: "You two don't need to be so polite. I just heard from my apprentice that your factory is holding an expert chef selection, so I came to take a look."
"This is just a small selection process, there's no need for you to come in person. Please excuse the embarrassment," the union director said with a forced smile.
Teacher Ji raised her chin and eyebrows, looking very pleased with herself.
The onlookers, seeing the factory leaders treating Teacher Ji with utmost respect, began to whisper among themselves:
"Wow, this teacher Ji sounds like she's got a really impressive background."
"That's right. They've hosted state banquets and met leaders. Ordinary people might never see a leader in their entire lives, but they cook for leaders and get to see them easily."
"Really? Cooking for the leader?"
"Of course it's true, didn't you see the leader's attitude?"
Seeing everyone's curiosity, the union director introduced, "Professor Ji is someone who has brought honor to our country! Last year, when an important delegation from 'Big Brother' visited, Professor Ji was in charge of cooking those final Russian-style dishes at the state banquet, and they were repeatedly praised by the leaders!"
The factory manager added, "During the National Day celebrations, Teacher Ji stood at the head of the line of model workers, and the leader personally shook hands with him and presented him with a big red flower!"
"My goodness, if Teacher Ji were in ancient times, wouldn't he be a royal chef?"
"Oh my god, no wonder Liu Dazhu was so confident before, turns out he had such a powerful backer!"
"This is going to be interesting! A master chef specializing in state banquets is personally taking the stage. I wonder what dishes Comrade Shen will bring out for the third round?"
"I think Comrade Shen is finished this round. There's no need for her to even compete. With a master like her, she'll definitely crush her! If it were me, I would have withdrawn from the competition right now. What's the point of the selection process? It would be too embarrassing."
As everyone discussed the matter, all eyes turned to Lin Shuyao, eager to witness the spectacle.
Lin Shuyao calmly smoothed the wrinkles on her sleeves, seemingly unfazed by the so-called master of state banquets.
Which of the masters who taught her in later generations wasn't a Michelin-starred chef? Haven't they cooked for leaders?
There have even been leaders who waited a month just to eat a dish prepared by another person.
In her eyes, Liu Dazhu's master's title was not enough.
Her nonchalant demeanor made Teacher Ji, who was used to being fawned over and admired by everyone, very unhappy.
"Director Zhou, this young lady from your factory, though not very old, has quite the air about her! Anyone who didn't know better would think she'd worked at a state banquet!"
Factory Director Zhou's face stiffened slightly, then he glared at Lin Shuyao with displeasure. "Which department are you from? Don't you have any sense of propriety at all!"
"Technical Department".
The three resolute words echoed in the air, and a tall figure in military green suddenly pushed through the crowd and stood beside Lin Shuyao.
His tall figure stood there, and his powerful and sharp aura seemed to emanate from him.
It's Cheng Zheng.
Factory Director Zhou felt as if an invisible hand had gripped his throat, and the reprimand that was on the tip of his tongue was swallowed back. He forced a slightly tense smile: "Representative, you...you're here too."
"This is Teacher Ji, a model worker who has served at state banquets and been received by leaders."
"Teacher Ji, this is Comrade Cheng Zheng, our factory's military representative."
Factory Director Zhou hurriedly introduced the two sides.
Upon hearing the words "military representative," Teacher Ji's attitude immediately changed, and she became more respectful, extending her hand: "So you are the military representative, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Cheng Zheng slightly raised his chin, his gaze lingering on the other person's face for half a second, but he did not reach out to shake hands in return, only nodding slightly.
Teacher Ji's outstretched hand froze in mid-air for a few seconds before she stiffly withdrew it.
Factory Director Zhou, standing to the side, was sweating bullets, wanting to say something to smooth things over, but Cheng Zheng's gaze had already shifted to Lin Shuyao, "Is the third round of materials enough?"
Lin Shuyao was a little flattered. Was he coming out to support her?
Didn't he always dislike her?
Never mind, if I don't make my request now, when will I? Lin Shuyao whispered, "Reporting to the representative, I want a small music box."
Cheng Zheng looked at Director Zhou: "Go and prepare, as soon as possible."
His tone wasn't one of discussion, but rather of notification.
Factory Director Zhou was taken aback for a moment, then quickly nodded and ordered someone to do it.
Upon hearing this, Liu Dazhu and his disciples all looked very grim.
Liu Dazhu scoffed, "Shen Qing, what kind of gimmick are you trying to pull now? Why would you need a music box for cooking? This is a cooking competition, don't go coming up with those weird and wonderful things!"
Lin Shuyao raised a beautiful eyebrow: "What? Are you scared?"
Liu Dazhu chuckled, his voice booming, "My master is right here, why would I be afraid of a little brat like you?!"
Lin Shuyao nodded slightly, a hint of worry on her face: "But I am a little scared."
"Hmph! Now you know fear? Too late!" Liu Dazhu puffed out his chest, smugly pleased with himself. "Today, my master will teach you what real Soviet cuisine is all about, and show you the true style of a master chef!"
Lin Shuyao smiled lightly, "You've misunderstood. I'm not afraid of your master; I'm afraid you can't afford to lose."
"You—!" Liu Dazhu looked as if he had just been punched, his face instantly turning red, his finger trembling as he pointed at Lin Shuyao.
Teacher Ji pulled her apprentice's hand back, turned to look at Lin Shuyao with disdain in her eyes and said sarcastically, "Young man, don't be so arrogant just because you have someone backing you up. There are always mountains beyond mountains and people beyond people. Don't speak too confidently or be too arrogant."
Lin Shuyao spoke respectfully, but her words were firm: "Thank you for your guidance, Teacher Ji. I'd like to pass on this to you as well."
She had initially held industry veterans in high esteem, but this Teacher Ji had acted with an extremely high-handed attitude from the moment she appeared, and the fact that her apprentice, Liu Dazhu, was of such low caliber and character suggested that he wasn't much of a person either. Since the other party had taken the initiative to put her down, she naturally didn't need to be polite.