Courtyard House: Become Stronger Through Blind Dates

As the group entered the restaurant, they saw that several dishes were already laid out on the large round table.

The presentation alone was enough to make the well-informed guests present nod in approval.

Butler Zhou added from the side, "Master, there's also braised pork, giant prawns, and a clear soup. They'll be ready soon."

Lou Bancheng was in a great mood and took out a bottle of old wine that he had treasured for many years, and personally poured it for everyone.

After taking their seats, he said with a smile, "Come, come, we're all family, so don't be shy! Pick up your chopsticks, try my cooking, and give me your feedback!"

As soon as the host spoke, everyone could no longer contain themselves and picked up their chopsticks, reaching for their favorite dishes.

As they ate, the only sounds in the restaurant were the soft chewing sounds and the occasional clinking of chopsticks against the bone plate.

Everyone was so engrossed in the world of food that they forgot to talk.

Tanya Li, who had just taken her seat, was greatly surprised to see this scene.

Why are all her husband's friends silent now...?

She gently nudged Lou Bancheng beside her and asked in a low voice, "Zhenhua, what's going on with everyone...?"

Lou Bancheng picked up a piece of stir-fried bamboo shoots with shredded pork and put it in his mouth. He quickly swallowed the food and whispered to his wife, "You'll know once you try it."

Tan Yali was skeptical, but picked up a spoon and scooped a small spoonful of braised shark fin near herself.

The moment the shark fin enters your mouth, the rich and savory broth explodes on your taste buds.

Her beautiful eyes widened instantly. This taste... seemed to be even better than the food her grandfather used to make?

The silence in the restaurant lasted for two or three minutes before it was broken by a slightly overweight middle-aged cadre.

He let out a long sigh and exclaimed sincerely, "Brother Zhenhua, I, Old Li, am truly impressed this time! This meal is even more authentic than the one I had in Guozixiang last year!"

"Yes, I love this braised duck cooked over wood firewood; the cooking time is perfect!"

"If you ask me, this poached chicken is the absolute best choice!"

Everyone chimed in with their praise, and the atmosphere instantly became lively.

At this moment, Butler Zhou personally carried over a small purple clay stew pot and gently placed it in front of Tan Yali.

"Madam, this is rock sugar bird's nest that Master He specially prepared for you and Miss."

Tanya Li paused slightly, then lifted the lid of the stew pot, releasing a sweet aroma.

She looked up at Butler Zhou and asked, "How could he...?"

Butler Zhou replied respectfully, "When Chef He was preparing the dishes, he asked if Madam and Miss were having dinner at home. I casually mentioned that Miss had a bit of a cough and wouldn't be coming down to eat."

"I never expected him to remember it and simmer this bird's nest soup."

These words made everyone at the table feel even better about this "Master He" they had never met before.

It's rare to find someone who is not only skilled but also knows how to navigate social situations.

Lou Bancheng's face lit up, feeling that He Yuzhu had made him look good today.

As we were talking, the last three dishes were served.

Tan Family Braised Pork, with its bright red color and trembling appearance;

Large, plump, golden, crispy prawns with a tempting sweet and sour sauce;

A bowl of clear soup, yet with a wonderfully fresh aroma.

Everyone picked up their chopsticks and began to savor the three dishes.

A well-traveled gourmet scooped up a spoonful of clear soup and savored it carefully.

Then, he exclaimed in surprise, "This soup... is as clear as water, yet its flavor is incredibly fresh and mellow. If I'm not mistaken, it's made by repeatedly simmering and boiling water using 'red whistles' and 'white whistles'!"

"Boiled Cabbage in Clear Broth" is one of the signature dishes of Sichuan cuisine. Its essence lies in this seemingly plain but actually extremely delicious clear broth.

He Yuzhu has even mastered this, so it seems his Sichuan cuisine skills are quite good.

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, the atmosphere became increasingly harmonious.

The textile factory owner, Mr. Wang, brought up the old matter again, raising his wine glass to Lou Bancheng and saying, "Brother Zhenhua, I won't beat around the bush. Your junior's name is He Yuzhu, right?"

"Where is he working now? If he's still unemployed, my factory's canteen is desperately in need of someone as capable as him; the pay will be excellent!"

Another person quickly added, "Old Wang, your canteen only has a few people, it's a waste of talent! A talent like Chef He should come to our guesthouse!"

Lou Bancheng was secretly overjoyed, but he waved his hand and said, "Hey, everyone, everyone, I appreciate your kindness. Zhuzi is still young. He just separated from his father's family, and many things are still undecided."

"Besides, he learned his craft at the Emei Restaurant. Although the restaurant is about to close down, the master-disciple relationship still exists, and I can't overstep my bounds!"

---------------

In the kitchen, He Yuzhu finished the last bit of finishing work and wiped the fine sweat from his forehead.

Butler Zhou walked in with a smile, holding an envelope in his hand, followed by a maid carrying a tray.

On the tray were several dishes from the banquet, clearly reserved for him.

"Master He, thank you for your hard work!" Butler Zhou handed over the envelope. "This is a small token of the master's appreciation; please accept it."

"The master said that you should eat something first, and he would like to talk to you again after he's done with his business."

He Yuzhu didn't stand on ceremony and took the envelope, which was quite thick.

"Thank you, Butler Zhou, and please thank Mr. Lou for me as well." He accepted the gift readily. He was indeed hungry after a busy morning, so he sat down on a small stool in the kitchen and ate without any hesitation.

As he ate, he thought to himself: Judging from the feedback brought back by Butler Zhou, I've passed this hurdle today, and there shouldn't be any problems with my work.

But is working at the steel mill's canteen really the best choice? Wouldn't that be a waste of all his skills?

Just as he was pondering this, a pleasant voice rang out from the kitchen doorway: "You...who did you learn your Tan family cuisine skills from? Do you know anyone in my grandfather Tan Xuantang's lineage?"

He Yuzhu looked up and saw that Lou Bancheng's wife, Tan Yali, had returned and was standing at the door, looking at him intently.

He Yuzhu was startled. He put down his chopsticks, stood up, and respectfully replied, "Madam Lou, my Tan family cuisine is a family recipe passed down through generations."

"My great-grandfather, He Weirun, worked as a cook at the Tan family's mansion in his early years. Mr. Tan did not abandon him and taught him some skills. Later, my grandfather and my father made a living from this."

His words were half true and half false. The He family ancestors did have a connection with Tan family cuisine, but the fact that they were able to inherit it so completely was entirely due to the system.

However, this statement is undoubtedly the best way to get closer to Tanya Li.

Tanya recalled carefully, vaguely remembering that her grandfather had a capable cook by his side back then, but he later left...

Does it matter whether he is He Yuzhu's great-grandfather or not?

The important thing is that my grandfather's craftsmanship has been passed down in this way, which may be the will of heaven.

She looked at He Yuzhu with incredibly gentle eyes, as if she were looking at her own nephew or niece.

"Child, you are good, really good..." Tanya murmured, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

He Yuzhu never expected that the other party would take his casual remarks seriously.

But this is good, so that when others ask about it in the future, they will know the origin of Tan Family Cuisine.