Era: Life's Big Winner

Chapter 104 Liu Hongchang: Of course I’m praising you!
As we were talking, another guest arrived.

Those who can come here basically have some status, and most of them are familiar with Liu Hongchang.

Even if we are not familiar with each other, we can still build up a relationship by chatting about this and that, and we know everyone we talk about, so we become friends again.

Liu Hongchang and You Fengxia warmly welcomed the guests. To be honest, with Liu Hongchang here, You Fengxia did feel much more relaxed.

There are many high-end dining places in Beijing, including big restaurants, big hotels, Lao Mo's restaurant, etc., both Chinese and Western style.

Although the private restaurant opened by Liu Hongchang is not very high-end, it is quite famous in the small circle.

Some of the people who come here to dine come for Liu Hongchang's cooking skills, some come for the medicinal liquor sold exclusively here, and some come to make connections, or even all three reasons.

As for You Fengxia, although she is beautiful, she is just a minor detail. For people of status, there is no shortage of beautiful girls.

Of course, Liu Hongchang opened a restaurant, and he focused on being formal, so You Fengxia's reception and seeing off of guests naturally had to be formal as well.

This girl is extrovert, smart, and a lot of smart people. She is doing very well and has made a lot of connections.

Some customers would give You Fengxia some face for Liu Hongchang's sake, which made her like this job very much.

Let alone setting up her own business now, she would not leave even if she was kicked out.

After the guests ordered the dishes, Liu Hongchang and You Fengxia left the private room and came to the yard. You Fengxia sighed:
"I know they are treating you like that because of you. Without you, I am nothing."

Liu Hongchang smiled and said, "You are too modest. You are still very capable and attractive in appearance. You are quite attractive."

"Hate it! Are you praising me or scolding me?" You Fengxia said in a coquettish voice.

"Of course I'm praising you!" Liu Hongchang said seriously, then walked away, "You go ahead and do your work. I'll go to the kitchen and take a look."

You Fengxia smiled sweetly, bit her lip and watched him disappear at the end of the corridor. Her eyes were dazed and no one knew what she was thinking.

In the kitchen, Nan Yi, Liuzi, Master Yang and other chefs were busy.

It's cold in winter, so many people order mutton hotpot. A chopping board is filled with side dishes, and Nan Yi is telling people something.

Liu Hongchang walked forward and listened to a few words, then asked, "Master Nan, do you need my help?"

"Uh, the boss is here?" Nan Yi turned around and asked with a smile, then shook his head and said, "No need for help, I can barely handle it."

Liu Hongchang smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work!"

"Haha, it's my duty." Nan Yi said with a smile, "But this business is getting more and more popular. If it continues like this, we have to add more people."

Liu Hongchang shook his head and said, "Do you think I don't want to add people? But I applied for a self-employed business, and the number of employees cannot exceed eight."

"I understand." Nan Yi replied with a smile. He had a bad background and had suffered a lot, so he understood Liu Hongchang's concerns.

"You came at an unfortunate time. Shazhu came here to study and visit this morning."

Liu Hongchang was stunned for a moment, then said with a smile: "Why is he here? I heard that he swore not to have anything to do with me."

"People change. He said that life in the factory is frustrating." Nan Yi chuckled, "He always envies my good luck. Speaking of this, I have to thank you for inviting me to be the chef."

Liu Hongchang waved his hand and said, "Don't thank me. It's mainly because you have good skills. If your skills were poor, I wouldn't dare to hire you."

"That being said, I still have to thank you." Nan Yi smiled and bowed.

Liu Hongchang patted his shoulder and said solemnly: "There is a long way to go. I hope we can continue to cooperate."

"That's for sure. From now on, you can take care of my 100-plus pounds." Nan Yi responded. Liu Hongchang nodded in satisfaction. Look how worry-free this master is. If it was Sha Zhu, there would definitely be a lot of trouble.

At this time, Nan Yi said, "Our restaurant has become famous among chefs. Recently, many people have asked me if we will open a branch."

"I don't have that idea for now, but I will definitely open a catering company in the future." Liu Hongchang murmured.

"You should also pay more attention to some masters with good skills and good character. You may need them someday."

Nan Yi shook his head and smiled bitterly: "Speaking of this, I can't compare with the boss. It's all for your sake, so I won't get involved."

He wasn't saying that to shirk responsibility.

Firstly, he had a bad background, and in the early years he had less contact with his senior and junior brothers. When they met, they were just acquaintances who nodded to each other. Not to mention other people, most of them avoided him as far as possible.

Secondly, Liu Hongchang’s cooking skills are quite famous. In the first half of the year, he only charged five yuan per table, which is far more than most chefs.

Since becoming the factory director, he seldom cooks himself.

Even if someone offers a hundred dollars for a table, it is still difficult to invite him. If you want to eat the food he cooks, you have to have a certain status.

The more popular something is, the more popular it is.

Nowadays, in the small circle, if anyone can invite Liu Hongchang to be the chef, it is a very prestigious thing.

But now Liu Hongchang has a golden nugget from a public-private partnership, and his status has long been transformed. Who among ordinary people would be so arrogant as to ask him to be the chef?
Because of this, in the circle of chefs, many people take Liu Hongchang as a role model and are proud of him. This is also why Nan Yi said that he is not as good as Liu Hongchang.

"It's serious. Now the environment is open and we have liberated our minds. I believe your reputation will get better and better in the future," said Liu Hongchang.

"So you don't have to belittle yourself. Just calm down and work hard. Once your craftsmanship is recognized by my customers, you will definitely be famous in the future."

Nan Yi took a deep breath and nodded in response: "I know, I will definitely not let you down."

At this time, Liuzi got some free time, and hurried over, smiling and saying, "Master, when can you show me your skills?"

"Isn't it enough for you to learn from such a great master standing in front of you?" Liu Hongchang pointed at Nan Yi and said with a smile.

Liuzi smiled and said, "Everyone has his own strengths. I want to gain more experience while I'm still young."

"Stop talking nonsense. I'm just here for a look and will be leaving soon." Liu Hongchang said unhappily, and then said to Nan Yi:

"Liu Zi is a bit of a nag, but he does his job well. I hope you will pay more attention to him."

Nan Yi nodded and smiled, "Don't worry, I will teach him without reservation. As for how much he can learn, it depends on his efforts and talent."

Liuzi quickly bowed to the two of them and thanked them repeatedly.

After chatting for a while, Liu Hongchang saw that the kitchen was busy but not messy, and there was nothing much to order. He would be a hindrance if he was there, so he said something and left the kitchen.

Then, he went around from one box to another. He knew most of the people who came, and he would inevitably pull them over to have a few drinks and reminisce about the past.

In addition to welcoming guests, You Fengxia also took time out from time to time to serve him. Liu Hongchang was often teased by guests for being busy at home but wandering around outside.

Liu Hongchang didn't think much of it and continued joking with the guests. You Fengxia, on the other hand, blushed from time to time, which was unusual for her.

At the same time, she also secretly admired Liu Hongchang. He was just an ordinary cook, but he was able to soar to success in less than a year. Not only did he build such a big career, but he also made so many connections. You Fengxia was obsessed with this.

(End of this chapter)