Chapter 61: Refusal

Chapter 61: Refusal

After Director Sun left, He Yuzhu did not stay home for long. He retrieved an old hen from his spatial dimension, hung it on his bicycle handlebars, and rode over to his master's house.

Upon arrival, he found his fellow apprentice sister Fan Ting and her entire family already there.

He Yuzhu began to tease Zhou Jianye, saying, "Well, look at that, the sun must have risen from the west today. It's quite rare to spot you at Master's place at this hour. And it's not even dinnertime yet, is it?"

Zhou Jianye retorted, "Cut the crap. Is that any way to talk? You make it sound like the only reason I ever show up is to gorge myself on food."

He Yuzhu asked, "Isn't it true? Name a single time you didn't show up right as dinner was served."

Zhou Jianye snapped, "Get lost!"

His senior sister Fan Ting immediately stepped in to restore order, saying, "You two stop squabbling right now. Have you no shame? Both of you, get into the kitchen and help me make dinner."

He Yuzhu and Zhou Jianye instantly became well-behaved and followed Fan Ting into the kitchen.

Zhou Jianye was assigned to wash the vegetables, while He Yuzhu picked up a knife to prepare the chicken.

Fan Ting looked at the old hen brought by He Yuzhu and felt it was a pity to slaughter it just like that. "Zhuazi, how about we hold off on killing this chicken and keep it around to lay eggs instead?"

He Yuzhu replied, "Sister, we might as well eat it. The weather is cold now, and this chicken isn't laying any eggs anyway. Let's just butcher it."

"Suit yourself, then," Fan Ting conceded.

That evening, the old hen soup stewed by He Yuzhu received universal acclaim.

After the meal, He Yuzhu and Zhou Jianye accompanied their master to drink tea.

Zhou Jianye picked up his teacup, took a sip, and asked, "Zhuazi, do you have any more of this tea left?"

He Yuzhu answered, "I do. Surely you haven't finished all the tea I gave you earlier this year? I remember giving you quite a lot."

Zhou Jianye sighed and explained, "Well, the other day my dad came over to see the kids, and your senior sister brewed this tea. My dad tasted how good it was and took the rest with him when he left."

Fan Dakang chimed in, "I noticed one of my canisters of tea seemed to be missing. It wouldn't happen to be because Xiao Ting came and took it for you, would it?"

Zhou Jianye felt a twinge of guilt. "You must be remembering it wrong."

"No way, I'm going to go check." With that, Fan Dakang left his seat to inspect his tea collection.

A short while later, Fan Dakang walked back out, muttering, "A daughter grown up is like water poured out; her loyalties lie with outsiders."

Judging by Fan Dakang's expression, his tea supply had definitely decreased.

He Yuzhu consoled his master, "Don't worry, Master, I'll bring you another canister in a few days. I don't drink much tea anyway, so keeping it at my place is just letting it sit there."

Hearing that He Yuzhu still had more tea, Zhou Jianye chimed in, "Bring some for me, too."

Fan Dakang cast a sidelong glance at Zhou Jianye. "You've already taken a whole canister of mine, have some self-awareness."

Zhou Jianye offered an excuse, saying, "I've been working overtime a lot this year. After drinking Zhuazi's tea, it clears the mind and leaves the whole body feeling refreshed. That's why I ended up drinking a bit too much."

Fan Dakang scoffed, "Giving it to you is a complete waste. Zhuazi, next time you can just gather some tree leaves for him to steep."

He Yuzhu replied, "Understood, Master. Come next year, I'll specially source some tea tree leaves just for him to drink."

Upon hearing that he would be given tree leaves to drink, Zhou Jianye quickly backed down. "No need to go out of your way for that, it's too much trouble. Just give me the same kind you've been giving me."

What more could He Yuzhu say? "Fine then, I'll drop some off at your place another day."

After this banter, He Yuzhu brought up the Rolling Mill's invitation for him to work in their cafeteria.

Fan Dakang thought about it for a moment before saying, "Zhuazi, a workplace cafeteria is all about mass-produced food in large pots; it's a waste of a craft like yours."

He Yuzhu explained, "When they invited me, it seemed they mainly wanted me in charge of banquets and reception dinners. I've already gone over to cook two banquet meals for them over the last few days."

At this point, Zhou Jianye interjected, "Zhuazi, are you looking for a proper job somewhere?"

He Yuzhu nodded, "Yes. Banquet bookings aren't as easy to come by these days, and restaurants are struggling too. My senior uncle's place hardly gets any customers at all now."

Fan Dakang remarked, "Your senior uncle's restaurant is suffering because Tan cuisine is simply too expensive; ordinary folks can't afford it."

Zhou Jianye suggested, "I actually know a good spot."

He Yuzhu threw a sidelong glance at Zhou Jianye. "You aren't about to suggest I come cook for you guys down at the Public Security Station, are you?"

Zhou Jianye smiled, "If you're willing to come, I'd welcome it with open arms."

He Yuzhu replied, "Get lost."

Zhou Jianye elaborated, "Here's the deal. Two months ago, my dad was transferred to the Municipal Bureau as a deputy director, and logistics falls under his purview. The head chef in the cafeteria is getting older and about to retire, so they're currently looking for a new master chef. If you're interested, I can go back and talk to my dad about it."

He Yuzhu hesitated, "Your uncle just transferred over there. Wouldn't bringing me in right away reflect poorly on him?"

Zhou Jianye replied, "If it were placing you in any other department, maybe. But given your exceptional culinary skills, nobody would raise an eyebrow if you're assigned to the cafeteria."

At this moment, Fan Dakang spoke up, "Zhuazi, if you're planning to work in a cafeteria anyway, you should let Jianye ask around for you. Having your in-laws look out for you is much better than going to the Rolling Mill with no connections to rely on."

He Yuzhu thought it made sense. Although he knew people at the Rolling Mill, none of them were in a position to offer real help. Transferring to the Municipal Bureau under the protective wing of Uncle Zhou meant nobody would dare give him a hard time.

"Alright, Brother-in-law, please help me ask Uncle Zhou about it."

Zhou Jianye nodded, "I'll ask as soon as I get home."

Fan Dakang added, "That's the spirit. Family members should always look out for one another."

With the discussion concluded, the hour was growing late, and Fan Dakang began shooing everyone out. "Alright, it's getting late, and the little ones are starting to get drowsy. Everyone head on back."

He Yuzhu took Yushui and parted ways with his senior sister's family right outside his master's door, each heading to their respective homes.

The next day, Director Sun predictably came knocking on his door.

"Zhuazi, have you given it some thought?"

"Uncle Sun, aren't you rushing things a bit? You only asked yesterday, and you're back again today."

"I have to rush! The factory director gave me strict orders. I have to get this done."

"Well, it looks like you might fail this mission."

Hearing this, Director Sun grew a bit anxious. "Zhuazi, what do you mean by that? Didn't we talk things through nicely yesterday? You said you needed to think about it, didn't you?"

"That's right, I've thought about it, and I'm not going to the Rolling Mill."

"Such a great opportunity! The factory director even told you to name your terms. Whatever conditions you have, just state them. Tell me what's holding you back, and we can work it out."

"Uncle Sun, don't get excited. Sit down and have a sip of water."

"How can I not be excited? Think it over again."

"Uncle Sun, I've already found another place. My master has arranged something for me, so I can only offer my apologies."

"Where did your master arrange for you to go? What kind of compensation are they offering? Could it possibly be more sincere than our Rolling Mill?"

Could he possibly tell him that? Nothing was finalized yet, and if Director Sun messed it up for him, it would reflect poorly on Uncle Zhou as well.

"Uncle Sun, I'm sorry, I can't disclose that."

"Ah, I just feel such a pity for you, Zhuazi. I watched you grow up, and I finally managed to secure some great conditions for you. Once you miss out on a rare opportunity like this, it won't come around again."

"I know, Uncle Sun. Thank you truly for helping me fight for such a good opportunity."

"Fine then. I have to head back and report to Factory Director Yang; they'll probably have to find another head chef instead. Do you happen to have anyone suitable in mind?"

"Uncle Sun, ever since I finished my apprenticeship, I've been working independently. I rarely interact with other chefs."

"Alright then, I'll have to keep looking when I get back."