Chapter 25: Daily Kitchen Routines

Chapter 25: Daily Kitchen Routine

The next day, He Yuzhu arrived at the Lu cuisine kitchen. This time, Sun Dahai did not leave him standing on the sidelines.

At the morning briefing, Sun Dahai announced, "He Yuzhu, you will shadow Stone today. Everyone else's duties remain the same."

Stone, whose given name was Sun Yan, was the kitchen’s newest hand, responsible for hauling and washing vegetables.

"Understood, Chef Sun," He Yuzhu replied without objection.

"Alright, everyone, disperse and get to work," said Sun Dahai.

As the staff scattered to their respective stations, He Yuzhu asked, "Brother Sun, what shall we be doing?"

Although Sun Yan had not been there long, He Yuzhu knew better than to act entitled on someone else’s turf; calling him "Brother" cost him nothing. Stone, aware that He Yuzhu was already skilled enough to graduate from the Sichuan kitchen and take his place at the stove, did not act superior.

"Brother Zhuzi, please, just call me Stone," Stone said, looking somewhat flattered.

"Alright then, Brother Stone, what’s the task?" He Yuzhu said, adjusting his address.

"We’ll start by moving the produce from the back, then trimming and washing it," Stone replied, visibly relieved by the change in address.

He Yuzhu followed Stone and kept busy until the end of his shift.

The next day, at the morning meeting, Sun Dahai said, "Everything stays the same today," and dismissed everyone.

He Yuzhu said nothing, following Stone to haul the vegetables as before.

For several days, Sun Dahai did not reassign He Yuzhu, treating him as if he were merely a fresh apprentice. In reality, Sun Dahai was observing He Yuzhu to see if he had the patience to endure menial labor. After all, He Yuzhu was young, talented, and already well-versed in Sichuan cuisine, which had earned him no small amount of praise.

He Yuzhu did not complain. He followed Stone every day, performing his chores like any novice. However, once his tasks were finished, he would extend his spiritual perception to observe the prep chefs, studying their techniques for handling ingredients. He knew that mastering Lu cuisine required a solid foundation in knife skills, heat control, ladle work, broth preparation, thickening, and seasoning.

This went on for over half a month. He Yuzhu never sought out Fan Dakang to complain about Sun Dahai, nor did he approach Sun Dahai to demand a change.

Sun Dahai was very satisfied with He Yuzhu's performance during this period.

One day at the morning briefing, Sun Dahai said, "Wang Zhenfeng, from today on, have He Yuzhu follow you. He Yuzhu, act as his assistant and learn diligently. Everyone else, carry on as usual. Dismissed."

The group dispersed to their work. He Yuzhu had expected to spend months working with Stone before being reassigned, so the quick transition was a surprise. Wang Zhenfeng was responsible for prep work and possessed exquisite knife skills.

"Brother Feng, I look forward to your guidance," He Yuzhu said.

"We'll see," Wang Zhenfeng replied.

Despite his words, Wang Zhenfeng was cold and didn't offer another syllable, busying himself with his work. He Yuzhu didn't take it to heart; he hadn't formally apprenticed under the man, so the fact that he was allowed to watch at all was a boon. He couldn't expect to be spoon-fed.

He Yuzhu stood to the side, once again using his spiritual sense to observe exactly how Wang Zhenfeng cut each ingredient. Sun Dahai noted this but said nothing. Strictly speaking, He Yuzhu was there to "steal" their craft; the fact that the staff hadn't chased him out was already a favor to him.

For a long time, Wang Zhenfeng continued to ignore He Yuzhu, neither giving him meaningful tasks nor making his life difficult. He Yuzhu spent his days observing and his evenings summarizing what he had learned.

Time passed quickly, and Fan Dakang became aware that He Yuzhu was being ignored in the Lu kitchen.

"Zhuzi, would you like me to find you a different master to apprentice under?" Fan Dakang asked.

"No need, Master," He Yuzhu replied. "Although I’ve been ignored, I’ve had plenty of time to observe how Wang Zhenfeng handles ingredients. I’ve learned a great deal."

"Are you sure?" his master pressed.

"I am. When I feel I’ve learned all I can, I will naturally speak up," He Yuzhu answered.

"Since you say so, I won't interfere. Come back when you feel you’ve learned enough," said Fan Dakang.

"Understood, Master. Once I’ve learned all I can, I’ll return to your side," He Yuzhu promised.

Days turned into weeks. Others assumed He Yuzhu was just being stubborn, but he continued to use his perception to master the art of Lu cuisine ingredient preparation.

Before he knew it, February 1953 arrived, and the Spring Festival approached.

On the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth lunar month, Fengzeyuan closed for the holidays. Manager Luan settled the wages and distributed the holiday bonuses—meat, flour, and other goods—before formally announcing the break.

He Yuzhu helped his master carry his belongings home and accepted his invitation to spend the festival together. After all, spending the holiday with just his younger sister would have been far too lonely.