Courtyard House: Become Stronger Through Blind Dates

That evening, the kitchen of the Oriental Hotel was busier than usual.

With several important banquets to be held simultaneously, He Yuzhu and his colleagues were so busy they were spinning like tops, without even a moment to drink water.

"Zhu Zi, is the squirrel-shaped mandarin fish in private room number three ready?" Chef Chen called out while cooking.

"immediately!"

"Jianguo, hurry up and plate the cold dishes, the guests are about to be served!"

"good!"

"Weidong, simmer the soup for another ten minutes. If it's not cooked long enough, the flavor won't be right!"

"yes!"

The shouts and calls from the kitchen were deafening, as lively as a battle.

It wasn't until after 8 p.m., when the last table of guests left, that the kitchen staff finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Phew, finally done!" Wang Jianguo plopped down on a stool, panting heavily.

Li Weidong slumped back in his chair: "God, when will this ever end..."

He Yuzhu wiped the sweat from his forehead and was about to pack his things to go home when Zhao Dezhu walked in.

"Everyone, don't rush off!" Zhao Dezhu clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention. "Today is the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, the Little New Year. It's our restaurant's tradition to have an early gathering, so please stay and have a reunion dinner!"

These words immediately energized the previously exhausted crowd.

"OK!"

"Finally, I can relax a bit!"

"Director Zhao, what good food do you have this year?"

Zhao Dezhu laughed and said, "Chefs from each group in the kitchen, each of you prepare a few of your signature dishes. We'll have a feast today in the largest Peony Hall to recognize outstanding workers!"

"In addition," he paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone, "the top leader has also specially stayed here today to celebrate the New Year with everyone."

"Wow—" everyone exclaimed.

The top leaders of the Oriental Hotel are high-ranking officials who are rarely seen. It's surprising that we're having dinner with them today.

He Yuzhu was also a little surprised, but he didn't pay much attention to it. He just wanted to finish eating as soon as possible and go home to sleep.

"Zhu Zi, what dish are you planning to cook?" Chef Chen asked, leaning closer.

He Yuzhu said, "I've been cooking all day, so I'll just make some Kung Pao Chicken and Shredded Pork with Garlic Sauce!"

"Okay, then you get ready, I'll go do my thing." Master Chen patted his shoulder.

The kitchen became lively again, but this time it wasn't for entertaining guests, but for their own people.

He Yuzhu worked quickly and soon prepared Kung Pao Chicken and Shredded Pork with Garlic Sauce.

He placed the two dishes on a large tray and carried them to the Peony Hall.

Upon entering the private room, wow, there were four large round tables set up, and quite a few people were already seated.

The hotel's leaders sat at the main table, while the other tables were occupied by chefs, waiters, and support staff from various groups.

"Master He's here!" Wang Jianguo waved from afar. "This way, I saved you a seat!"

He Yuzhu placed the dishes on the large rotating table in the middle and sat down next to Wang Jianguo.

Soon, a variety of dishes were served one after another, filling the entire private room with their aroma.

"Wow, this is quite impressive!" Li Weidong's eyes lit up.

"Of course, it only happens once a year," a veteran craftsman next to him said with a smile.

Just then, the door to the private room was pushed open, and a group of people walked in.

Leading the group was Secretary Liu, the Party Secretary of the Oriental Hotel, followed by Zhao Dezhu and several other hotel leaders.

"Hello, Secretary Liu!"

"Good morning, boss!"

Everyone stood up to greet them.

Secretary Liu waved his hand with a friendly smile and said, "Everyone, please sit down! Today is a family gathering, so there aren't many formalities."

He sat down at the head table, looked around, his gaze lingered on He Yuzhu for a moment, and he nodded with a smile.

Zhao Dezhu stood up, raised his glass and said, "Colleagues, before we start the meal, let me say a few words."

"Our kitchen staff worked hard this year and brought a lot of honor to our restaurant."

"Especially in the last two weeks, the reception tasks have been heavy, and everyone has been working non-stop. Many people haven't had a break for almost a month."

On behalf of the hotel, thank you everyone!

After saying that, he raised his glass: "This first toast is for everyone!"

"Respectfully, Director Zhao!"

"Respectfully, Leader!"

Everyone raised their glasses, and the atmosphere became lively.

Secretary Liu also stood up and continued, "Old Zhao is right, our kitchen staff have indeed worked hard."

"However, the main reason I'm here today is to meet a prominent figure at our hotel, Comrade He Yuzhu!"

All eyes turned to He Yuzhu.

He Yuzhu quickly stood up: "Secretary Liu..."

Secretary Liu smiled and waved his hand: "Sit down and talk, sit down and talk! I've heard about what happened in the competition last time."

He paused, then his tone became serious as he said, "It's good for young people to have passion, but they also need to pay attention to their methods!"

"However, those underhanded tactics and attempts to suppress young people should also be severely curbed!"

"If you've been wronged outside, I, as the Party Secretary, also bear responsibility."

"I want to apologize to you today in front of everyone."

He Yuzhu quickly said, "Secretary Liu, you're too kind. I was too impulsive and caused trouble for the restaurant."

"Hey, you can't say that~" Secretary Liu shook his head, "You're one of our restaurant's employees. If you've been wronged, the restaurant has to stand up for you. That's a matter of principle."

He waved towards the door, and a staff member pushed in a brand-new Flying Pigeon bicycle.

A red ribbon was tied to the handlebars, gleaming brightly under the lamplight.

"This car is compensation from the restaurant, and also a reward for you," Secretary Liu said loudly.

"We hope that in your future work you will continue to demonstrate your fighting spirit and bring honor to our restaurant!"

"Wow--"

The entire audience gasped in surprise.

These days, a Flying Pigeon bicycle is a rare commodity; even if you have money, you might not be able to buy one, and you also need connections.

This restaurant really went all out!

He Yuzhu was also stunned; he had never expected this to happen.

"Zhu Zi, what are you standing there for? Hurry up and push the cart!" Zhao Dezhu reminded him with a smile.

He Yuzhu then came to his senses, walked to the bicycle, and took the handlebars.

"Thank you, Secretary Liu, thank you, restaurant!" he said somewhat shyly.

Secretary Liu nodded in satisfaction, then turned to the crowd and said, "There's one more thing I want to especially commend Comrade He Yuzhu."

"I heard that he's been using his breaks lately to teach our younger colleagues in the kitchen how to cook. This selfless spirit is something everyone should learn from!"

He looked at the experienced masters and said earnestly, "This is a new society now. The old idea of ​​'teaching your apprentice will starve you' is unacceptable!"

"We must pass on our skills and cultivate more talent; this is how we contribute to socialism!"

The experienced craftsmen had different expressions; some nodded in agreement, while others looked embarrassed but could only nod in agreement.

"Alright, that's all I have to say." Secretary Liu smiled again. "Let's eat! Everyone, eat and drink to your heart's content! We won't leave until we're drunk!"

"Thank you, Secretary Liu!"

"Dinner's ready!"

The atmosphere became lively again, and everyone started eating.