Everyone turned to look, watching three bicycles approach, kicking up a cloud of dust.
"Isn't that your brother in law and father in law? They…they also hired a chef?" Zhou Ze narrowed his eyes, looking closer with surprise.
They were just worried about not finding a chef, and now two chefs had appeared.
"This…" Zhou Hao was immediately a little embarrassed. After the incident at noon where the village chef fell, his brother in law and father in law had been frantically helping to find a chef, and they had actually found one.
"Another chef has arrived." Xiao Lei said with a smile.
"My brother's father in law there were also helping to find a chef. Both families were working together, and it just so happened that we bumped into each other. Let's see how things go. I think only you can handle this kind of situation." Zhou Yan said with a forced smile, clearly siding with his master.
There are only two second level chefs in Suji Town, the other being the head chef of a state-owned restaurant. Zhou Yan didn't believe they could invite that person.
Xiao Lei is a chef who can handle any situation and organize a respectable banquet.
Moreover, while it's called helping out, it's actually a pretty good project.
His master had just resigned and hadn't decided what to do next. This job, if done well, could bring in sixty or seventy yuan, enough for a month's salary—it was one option.
However, the man was hired by brother Hao's father in law side, so how to handle him was up to him; he certainly couldn't let his brother in law lose face.
A short while later, three bicycles arrived at the door.
Leading the group was a short, stocky young man, Zhou Hao's brother in law, Chen Xiaolong. Wearing only a blue vest in the weather, he immediately introduced the man who got off the bicycle to Zhou Hao: "Zhou Hao, this is my cousin uncle, Zheng Qiang, Master Zheng. He's the head chef at Rongcheng Restaurant. He just passed the national third level chef exam this year. You know Rongcheng Restaurant? It's a high-end restaurant; they even serve foreign guests."
This immediately piqued everyone's interest, and they all sized up the man.
Rongcheng Restaurant! That was indeed very famous.
If someone from the village went to Rongcheng and managed to eat at Rongcheng Restaurant, they'd brag about it for half a year afterward.
Unexpectedly, the Chen family had a cousin who was the head chef of Rongcheng Restaurant. If he was to take charge of the cooking, the Zhou family would be incredibly prestigious.
Zheng Qiang, short and stout, wore a loose white chef's uniform with "Rongcheng Restaurant" embroidered on the chest. He looked to be around thirty five or thirty six years old. Listening to Chen Xiaolong's introduction and seeing everyone's reactions, a slight smugness crept onto his lips.
Zhou Hao quickly took out a cigarette and offered it to Zheng Qiang, saying politely, "Cousin Uncle, thank you for coming."
Zheng Qiang took the cigarette and smiled, "It's nothing. I watched Yueyue grow up. I'd definitely like to help you with your wedding and solve this problem. Anyway, I'm planning to work as a village chef after returning from Rongcheng."
Zhou Yan raised an eyebrow. Goodness, this cousin uncle is just as goal-oriented as he is.
Xiao Lei stared at Zheng Qiang, a strange smile appearing on his lips. It was this kid.
Zhou Hao didn't mince words, smiling as he said, "Cousin Uncle, I'm really sorry. Zhou Yan just invited his master, Master Xiao, and we've already asked him to help with the banquet. I'm so sorry to have troubled you."
"Ah?" Zheng Qiang's smile froze. He glanced at Xiao Lei and Zhou Yan, the master and apprentice, standing to the side. Both were wearing chef's uniforms and weren't hard to recognize. However, he clearly didn't recognize Xiao Lei.
He tried to tuck the cigarette behind his ear twice before finally managing to keep it in place, then scratched his head awkwardly. "Since this chef went first, well... never mind then."
Chen Xiaolong also scratched his head awkwardly, pulling Zhou Hao aside and whispering, "Brother in law, your cousin uncle is a head chef, the head chef of Rongcheng Restaurant. Think about it again."
"Brother, a man should keep his word. Master Xiao is a master chef; Zhou Yan invited him out of personal connections. I've already made the appointment with him, and it can't be changed now." Zhou Hao's attitude was firm, but his tone softened slightly. "I know Cousin Uncle is very capable, and he only came because of Yueyue and your family. I will remember this kindness."
Chen Xiaolong, hearing this, had nothing more to say.
His brother in law, a soldier, was upright and principled, prioritizing reason over kinship, but he was very good to his sister and impeccable.
This matter wasn't wrong to handle it this way. They all came to help; how could they make an appointment and then cancel it? That would be embarrassing.
Chen's father stood to the side, not saying a word, pondering how to comfort Zheng Qiang. After all, they had invited him, but now they weren't letting him work.
Second Uncle held a pack of cigarettes, hesitant to speak.
The old lady watched from the side, shaking her head, and was about to step forward and say a few polite words.
Xiao Lei stepped forward, smiling, and extended his hand to Zheng Qiang: "Master Zheng, hello, I'm Xiao Lei. There are over thirty tables at this banquet. I was just invited here at the last minute, and I don't even have any helper yet.
Why don't we take this job together and put on a good show for this banquet, so that the guests can enjoy themselves and the newlyweds can have a happy celebration? What do you think? "
Upon hearing this, everyone present was somewhat surprised and looked at Xiao Lei.
The matter was already settled; the host had decided that Xiao Lei would do it, and Zheng Qiang hadn't said anything. Why was he taking the initiative to invite Zheng Qiang to work together?
That meant he'd get a share of the money!
Zhou Yan also hesitated, thinking, "My master is dumb ah."
Zheng Qiang looked at Xiao Lei's outstretched hand, equally bewildered. What was going on?
Having studied cooking in Rongcheng for over ten years, he had a good eye. Xiao Lei's strong forearm, calloused hands and fingers—he was definitely an experienced chef.
He thought about it for a moment and figured that this Master Xiao might be trying to get on his good side because he was a chef from Rongcheng Restaurant and wanted to learn some experience from him in high-end restaurants.
Hmm, very reasonable.
This banquet was a very good opportunity for him. He planned to start as a village chef; money wasn't important, reputation was more important.
As long as he displays his superb culinary skills, making the veteran chef willingly submit and become his assistant, then he'll be the head chef of this banquet, and his reputation will spread far and wide!
However, Xiao Lei… that name sounds familiar… but he can't quite place it.
"Hello, Master Xiao, it's a pleasure to work with you." Zheng Qiang immediately grasped Xiao Lei's hand, smiling as he said, "You're right, the most important thing is to make the banquet a success, to ensure the guests are happy, the newlyweds don't have to worry, and the hosts family gain face."
"That's wonderful! With two chefs working together, this banquet will definitely be a success." Second Uncle Zhou Ze quickly stepped forward, offering Zheng Qiang a cigarette, his eyes practically disappearing with his smile.
Hiring two master chefs for the same price is such a bargain!
The village chef?
Let him rest in the hospital.
"Old brother, have someone slaughter the pig first, chop it up, we need it soon, and prepare the steamed dishes today." Xiao Lei withdrew his hand and looked at Zhou Ze, saying, "Then bring us the menu written by the village chef, and show us what dishes they've prepared so I can plan our work."
Master Xiao immediately switched to work mode, working methodically, which made Zheng Qiang a little uncomfortable. He quickly nodded in agreement, "Yes."
"Okay, I'll arrange it!" Zhou Ze nodded, turning to find someone.
"I'll slaughter the pig!" Zhou Jie responded, immediately calling out, "Brother Hai, Brother Fei, and you guys go and hold the pig."
Several burly men stepped out from the crowd and walked towards the trembling, fat pig at the corner.
"You go hold the pig too. Your fourth uncle is here, let him slaughter it; his pig slaughtering skills are top notch." Old Man Zhou Qing chuckled, patting Zhou Jie's arm, looking at Zhou Miao who had just parked the bicycle.
"Okay!" Zhou Jie laughed, yelling and rushing over as well.
Zhou Miao came over to say hello, then was pulled away to slaughter the pig.
Zheng Qiang went to the side to talk to the Chen father and son.
"Master, why did you suddenly ask Master Zheng to help?" Zhou Yan finally found an opportunity to ask Xiao Lei in a low voice.
"Did you see his build and hands? Solid build, strong arms, calluses on his hands—very professional; his fundamentals are definitely solid." Xiao Lei said with satisfaction.
"So?"
"I need a chopping board operator, you'll be busy going back to the restaurant soon. We need to prepare cold dishes for tonight and tomorrow, thirty tables in total. How can I manage all that by myself?" Xiao Lei laughed. "The third level chef exam requires high knife skills; a chopping board operator like this is hard to find even with a lantern."
Zhou Yan: "..."
Master is indeed a master.
He's just using a third level chef as a chopping board operator after a few words of coaxing.
Look at Master Zheng's slightly raised eyebrows and upturned lips just now; he must already be thinking about how to show off his skills, right?
Second Uncle quickly brought the menu and led them to the preparation area, explaining the situation as he went.
The village chef is experienced; he's prepared many banquets with more than thirty tables. The schedule is quite tight. The original plan was to start slaughtering the pig at noon and prepare the nine-course feast, but even the pig hasn't been slaughtered yet, and dozens of chickens are still in cages. The vegetarian dishes and side dishes, however, are almost ready.
After understanding the situation, Xiao Lei studied the menu for a while and said, "Have someone kill the chicken too. It's cool enough at night now, so it won't spoil. Let's pre-steam some dishes today so we won't be in a rush tomorrow. I see he doesn't have enough seasonings here, so we need to buy spices and the like. I'll make a list, and you can have someone go to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy them..."
The old man and the second uncle followed beside him, listening and nodding as they took notes.
After the village chef fell at noon, he sent his son to inform them, who then took away the braising liquid and spices.
Master Xiao, the head chef of this state-owned factory, was truly different. He was incredibly organized, and he clearly explained what was missing, how much was needed, and where to buy it.
Zheng Qiang had initially walked alongside Xiao Lei, intending to offer some guidance, but after a while, he realized he had slowed down and was walking alongside Zhou Yan.
Because he clearly felt that simply looking at the menu wouldn't allow him to give precise instructions on how much seasoning and spices would be needed for the banquet, or where to buy them.
The Rongcheng Restaurant had a dedicated purchasing manager; every time he went to the kitchen, there were always more seasonings and spices than needed, and the side dishes were also delivered to the kitchen.
From his initial high spirits and brimming with the superiority complex of someone from a prestigious restaurant, to slowly shrinking back and falling silent, it all happened in just three minutes.
Being beside Xiao Lei felt like being beside his master.
His words sounded very reasonable, but he couldn't get a word in edgewise.
That's right, he was being suppressed.
Zhou Yan glanced at him, a slight smile playing on his lips. Coming from a prestigious restaurant didn't seem to have all the magic power after all.
"Master Zheng, what do you think?" Xiao Lei stopped and turned to Zheng Qiang, asking with a smile.
"Huh? Uh…" Zheng Qiang forced a smile. "I think Master Xiao is right."
Xiao Lei nodded: "Then let's do it my way first."
"However, I think this menu is a bit monotonous, all pork. Customers might get tired of it." Zheng Qiang felt increasingly uneasy and added, "How about adding a Tea-smoked Duck, a Kung Pao Chicken, and a Braised Carp? Our Rongcheng restaurant's banquet guests love to order those, and the reviews are excellent."