Qin Huai is coloring the guo’er.
It is now 1:27.
The standard overti hour.
At this ti, Huang’s Kitchen would usually be tidying up, the chef responsible for the staff als would have already finished the second dish, and Dong Shi would most likely be shouting about wanting Yangzhou Fried Rice and asking his brother to make so for him. Dong Li would ignore him, and the unnad helper would complain about the repetitive dishes while swiftly setting the tableware.
The servers outside would also be entering rest mode, with most of the guests in the hall having finished eating by this ti. Guests in the private rooms would eat longer, as they have more people and more topics to chat about.
As it approaches the end of the shift, the supervisor wouldn’t bother too much with so servers’ little slacking. As long as it’s not excessive, leaning in a corner and gossiping about the day’s freshest news with colleagues is allowed—the supervisor also enjoys listening.
But today, everyone’s status is different.
Dong Shi isn’t slacking off; he’s diligently chopping vegetables.
Dong Li isn’t dazing; he’s inexplicably preparing a fruit platter.
Huang Jia isn’t secretly cooking staff als for Qin Huai; he’s seriously cleaning the pot.
Huang An Yao, as if afraid of getting in soone’s way, forcefully drags his heavy steps, moving himself and his small stool to a corner of the kitchen, unceremoniously sitting there.
The most baffling is Huang Shengli, who’s inspecting the kitchen as usual; however, this isn’t a typical inspection ti since there’s no work to be done right now.
So he’s focusing his inspection on Qin Huai, making Qin Huai uncomfortable while coloring the guo’er, wanting to ask if Huang Shengli feels today’s coloring is too ugly.
The servers outside are almost the sa, everyone pretending to work.
The greeter stands firm at their post, without any guests to greet.
Servers in various areas walk back and forth without dishes to serve, pretending to have custors without actually having any. Their pantomi service shows. Each server wears a smile, stands upright, and from a distance, it looks eerie, like a horror movie set.
At the door of private room 888, the supervisor is on high alert.
Xu Cheng, having consud 1/3 of a Three at Bun and 1/5 of Fernted Rice with Stead Buns, feels satisfied and has thoroughly implented the principle of eating less but more frequently for health.
Sixty percent full is just right.
Getting older, unlike in youth, having a al just sixty percent full suffices. If hungry, one can eat so fruit and snacks in the afternoon.
Xu Cheng feels it’s ti to et this young Master Qin.
Xu Cheng rises: "Little Wang, let’s go. Huang’s Kitchen should have closed by now; let’s et this pastry Master Qin."
Assistant Little Wang, force-fed with 2/3 of a Three at Bun and 4/5 of Fernted Rice with Stead Buns by the boss, feels like slumping in his chair and closing his eyes for a bit. Upon hearing the boss, he quickly stands up, switching back to work mode.
"Okay, I’ll make contact!"
Saying this, the assistant steps briskly to the door to open it for Xu Cheng, then sees the beaming supervisor of Huang Ji, who has been waiting outside for a long ti.
"Mr. Xu, did you enjoy your al today? Are you visiting the kitchen to et Master Qin now?" the supervisor asks with a smile.
Xu Cheng, smiling wryly: "Being famous isn’t all good; everywhere I go, I get recognized. Has your kitchen’s Master Qin found out I’m here yet?"
"Not yet," the supervisor replies, "Master Qin is young, and we all want to surprise him."
Xu Cheng understands, following the supervisor downstairs, saying: "Indeed, ever since word got out about Bo Le recognizing the Thousand Mile Horse’s Eight Treasure Chestnut Pigeon, whenever I visit a small shop, everyone expects to ask the kitchen for the chef’s na."
"I’ve visited less in recent years. A while back, I wondered if I was a professional actor, as stepping into a kitchen required a standard smile to start acting, with the extras around perfectly in harmony, pleasing the audience."
The supervisor cooperates: "It’s because Thousand Mile Horses are common, but Bo Le is rare."
"Your willingness to act with young chefs fulfills their dreams. Later, you must act well. Our Master Qin used to sell breakfast at a community canteen in Shan City. To let him fulfill this dream, the kitchen staff has been acting all morning. Later, we need your help to act it out too."
Xu Cheng appreciates the supervisor’s words, saying nothing but straightening his back and displaying a standard Bo Le smile.
At this mont, an actor’s professionalism resonates through Xu Cheng.
The trailing assistant: ...
What can I say, I feel my boss quite enjoys acting too.
At this mont, the kitchen has entered full preparation mode.
Dong Shi’s chopping speed is so fast that only the knife’s shadow can be seen.
Qin Huai just finished the third guo’er and is about to start coloring the fourth one when stopped by Huang Shengli.
"No rush, take a break first," Huang Shengli says.
Qin Huai puts down the guo’er, looks around, and asks: "So for lunch today... do we still have a staff al?"
It seems that no food has been made; later, I’ll have to eat sothing casually nearby.
Being a pastry chef, Qin Huai doesn’t like eating pastries at al tis, preferring rice with stir-fried dishes.
"It’s not important," Huang Shengli replies.
Qin Huai: ?
As soon as this question mark popped up over his head, Xu Cheng arrived at the kitchen door.
Seeing a stranger in the kitchen, Qin Huai is surprised, thinking soone has walked to the door and the helper beside doesn’t stop them. But then realizes that instead of stopping the person, the helper has actually invited them in.
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