Rebirth: Starting from the Cafeteria

Chapter 152 Can you make [Pepper and Spicy Chicken]?

After Du Shaojie suddenly "woke up", he became positive, reliable in what he said and did, and especially had a unique vision. For example, he kept urging her not to give up her studies, saying that the college entrance examination would be resumed sooner or later.

Qi Yan believed the other party and benefited from it for life.

"By the way, Shaojie, last time my classmate came back from Xijiang and brought back a [Spicy Chicken], it was delicious, can you cook it?"

Qi Yan is an optimist. After rolling her eyes, she immediately thought of delicious food.

[Spicy Chicken with Peppercorns] is a local specialty with a strong chicken aroma and spicy taste, which is very satisfying to eat.

"I know how to do it, but I've never tried it before. Wait for me to practice, and then I'll make it for you."

It is impossible for Du Shaojie to know how to do everything and do it well. He has a general understanding of the production method and process of pepper and sesame chicken, but he has never practiced it himself.

Since Qi Yan mentioned this, he could take some time to study how to make this dish. China is a vast land with countless delicacies, and it's a good idea to learn as many as you can.

After sending Qi Yan home, Du Shaojie went back to have dinner.

"Brother, Dapeng bought a TV and many people came to watch it."

Xiaoya looked at Du Shaojie eagerly. There was no need to ask what he meant. Naturally, she also wanted to join in the fun.

Xiaomei didn't say anything, but her eyes were full of curiosity.

"Really? This kid didn't say a word and covered himself up quite tightly. Eat quickly, I'll take you to see him after dinner."

In fact, the family could afford a TV. Domestic televisions nowadays are basically black and white, with sizes of 9 inches and 12 inches, and are supplied with tickets.

Su Dapeng has a wide circle of friends, so it's normal for him to get TV tickets.

The reason why Du Shaojie didn't buy a TV was very simple, because he was afraid that it would affect Xiaoya's studies. Xiaoya was smarter than her sister and had better grades, but she was more delicate and less self-disciplined than her sister.

"Just go after you finish eating, I'll clean up."

Wang Yuxiu didn't want to join in the fun, so she took the initiative to clean up the mess.

After the three siblings finished their meal, they threw away their bowls and chopsticks and went out to Su Dapeng's house.

At this time, some people had already come to Su Dapeng's yard.

The TV was placed on a square table, and the TV antenna was mounted on the roof. Snow flashed on the screen from time to time, but it did not affect everyone's enthusiasm for watching.

"Shaojie, Xiaomei, Xiaoya, come and sit down."

When Su Dapeng saw the three siblings, he hurried over to greet them.

He bought this 12-inch black-and-white Panda TV for 420 yuan, which was really a luxury. Nowadays, there are only a few houses in Chunfeng Lane that have TVs.

"Just show off, kid!"

Du Shaojie smiled and patted the other person's shoulder. There was no malice in his intention, it was just a joke.

Su Dapeng chuckled a few times, then placed three small stools in the front row for the three siblings so that they could sit down and watch.

Xiaomei and Xiaoya were not polite. After they sat down, they stared at the screen. There were very few TV stations and programs now. The TV was playing a Yugoslav TV series "Infiltrating the Enemy Lines".

Du Shaojie was not very interested. After watching for a while, he got up and went to the kitchen.

Su Dapeng didn't watch TV either, because he was busy with tomorrow's affairs and was frying a whole marinated chicken.

"Let me do it. You take a break. At this rate, you'll be busy until midnight, right?"

Since he met him, Du Shaojie stepped forward to lend a hand.

He pushed Su Dapeng away and asked him to help, while he started to fry the food with ease.

Although he seems to be unhurried, Du Shaojie is much faster than Su Dapeng and has a better grasp of the timing.

"If you have people coming and going every day, won't it interfere with your work?"

Du Shaojie was frying chicken while talking to the other person.

"How can that be possible? We are just doing it for the sake of novelty today. We can't do it tomorrow, otherwise it will affect our work. Shaojie, why don't you buy a TV? I think Xiaoya likes it very much."

"She didn't buy it just because she likes it. She's already in the third year of junior high school, and she'll be taking the high school entrance exam soon. How can she have the time to watch TV all day?"

"That's right. Let her come to visit me on weekends. No matter how important studying is, she still needs some time to rest, right?"

It was very late after working so hard that the TV programs stopped broadcasting. Only then did Du Shaojie take his two sisters home.

Lying in bed, he took stock of what he had gained today.

【Bound chef: Du Shaojie】

【Level: First-class chef】

[Current works: (Stir-fried Kidney, Dry-fried Fish), (Kung Pao Chicken, Shredded Pork with Beijing Sauce, Osmanthus Pork, Love of Eggplant and Beans)]

[Overall evaluation: up, down]

[Bonus: Simulated Chef Skills Competition Duration (440 hours)]

[Rewards: Exchange points (44 points), simulation training time (440 hours)]

[Special Reward: None]

[Exchange points: 2137 points\2166 points]

[Duration: 1880 hours\34176 hours] The income during this period was not much, but the time consumed was quite a lot.

It is gratifying that two more dishes, [Dry-fried Fish] and [Stir-fried Kidney], received an overall evaluation of “good”, which is actually a sign of progress.

He has now been able to successfully enter the semi-finals in the simulated chef skills (Group B2) competition and has a good chance of passing.

This year, Du Shaojie cannot take the "Special Level 3 Chef" exam, and the earliest he can take it is next year. He estimates that with his current level, he should still have a good chance of passing the "Special Level 3 Chef" exam.

However, he did not relax. He kept theoretical study, simulation training and practical operation going hand in hand and worked hard all the time.

Today Qi Yan talked about [Spicy Chicken], so he entered a simulated training scene and chose to ask a master (technician) about the key points of making this dish.

"Young man, you have to remember that the masters are among the common people! The more special snacks like this, the more you should go to the common people to learn. Chefs are not omnipotent, I hope you can remember this."

The master taught the method of cooking [Spicy Chicken] in a very proper manner, and then gave some earnest advice.

For many dishes (snacks) that cannot be served at banquets, chefs are not necessarily better than vendors. After all, everyone specializes in different areas. Some people in the folks only cook one dish for their entire lives. Can you say they don't cook well?

For example, dishes like [Donkey Meat Hotpot], [Luzhu], [Malatang], and [Pepper and Spicy Chicken] may be made in a small shop hidden in an alley, and the people there can make delicious dishes that are popular with the public.

Du Shaojie nodded to the master in thanks, and then began the simulation training.

The next day.

He got up early to go to work.

While eating breakfast, he asked Zhong Fuxiang again: "Master Zhong, do you know anyone who is good at making [Spicy Chicken]? I'm learning this dish recently."

"Why did you learn that? Let me think about it. Sorry, I really can't think of it."

Zhong Fuxiang is a more rigorous chef. He does not agree with those who try to learn everything at once and end up mastering nothing.

But he thought about it seriously and realized that he didn't know anyone who was good at making [Pepper and Spicy Chicken].

"Oh, thank you, Master Zhong."

Du Shaojie was not disappointed either, he just asked this casually.

At noon, a customer specifically ordered [Da Qian Dry-fried Fish]. This dish has become one of Du Shaojie's signature dishes and customers often order it.

When he was making this dish, Zhong Fuxiang happened to be not busy, so he watched it from beginning to end.

"Xiao Du, you have cooked this dish to perfection, better than me!"

Zhong Fuxiang couldn't help but sigh at Du Shaojie's talent. When he was seconded to Xijiang Hotel a few years ago, he barely had the chance to cook.

How long has it been? The other party has actually become the mainstay of the Chinese restaurant in Guangyuan Hotel.

Thinking about his own apprentice Dong Jun, and then looking at others, it is true that people are incomparable. However, leaving aside Du Shaojie, the freak, Dong Jun has also made great progress in the past two years.

"Master Zhong, thank you for the compliment! I have made this dish many times, and I also received careful instruction from Master Liao Yongxin. It would be unacceptable if I still can't make it well."

Du Shaojie did not get carried away, but spoke the truth.

He is now walking his own path, incorporating the traditional Sichuan cuisine techniques taught by Liao Yongxin into his own cooking skills. Once he has fully mastered them, he will become a master.

Of course, it’s still a bit far to say this now.

San Zao was envious of the interaction between Du Shaojie and Zhong Fuxiang. He couldn't communicate with them on an equal footing. Their strengths were not equal, so he was always inferior to them.

After finishing his work at noon, Du Shaojie was about to eat when someone called him outside again.

He ran out and saw Qi Yan standing there pushing Liang Meiqin, waving at him.

"Tsubomi, Mikoto, you haven't had lunch yet, right?"

"Yes, we came here specially to see you. I heard that there is a restaurant that serves delicious [Spicy Chicken], I will treat you at noon, let's go together."

Qi Yan said with a smile. Although Liang Meiqin couldn't see, she smelled a familiar scent and couldn't help but smile.

Du Shaojie thought to himself, the other party is really a man of action. He mentioned [Pepper and Spicy Chicken] yesterday, and he had to eat it today.

"That's great. I haven't eaten yet. Wait for me. I'll go change my clothes."

He then returned to the restaurant, changed his clothes and ran out.

Qi Yan asked him to push Liang Meiqin, and the three of them went to the Wenyi Road Market.

It was a small shop with a sign that read "Laobai's Pepper and Spicy Chicken" and only four tables in the shop.

Qi Yan ordered a [Spicy Chicken] and some steamed buns, and the store gave each person a bowl of chicken soup.

Du Shaojie took a bite of the chicken and found it was cooked to the perfect temperature. It was chewy, fragrant, spicy and numbing.

Qi Yan put a lot of chicken in Liang Meiqin's empty bowl. With Qi Yan's help, Liang Meiqin could eat by herself. But she couldn't drink soup, so she needed someone to feed her.

"Swallow, you eat, I'll do it."

Seeing Qi Yan busy all the time, Du Shaojie took the soup spoon and patiently fed Liang Meiqin a few mouthfuls of chicken soup.

Liang Meiqin picked up the steamed bun and ate it slowly. It seemed that she had gotten used to eating in this state and did not need someone to serve her all the time.

Du Shaojie then began to taste it carefully. He could distinguish the flavors of many spices. He couldn't say all of them, but he could give a general idea.

Overall, the [Spicy Chicken] of this restaurant is pretty good, and he would give it 75 points.

(End of this chapter)