Chapter 35: The Departure Feast

Chapter 35: The Graduation Banquet

Early the next morning, He Yuzhu took Yushui to his master’s house.

"Have you decided on who to invite the day after tomorrow?" his master, Fan Dakang, asked.

"I don't really have many friends," Yuzhu replied. "Just your family, my senior fellow apprentices from the Tan Family Cuisine, my fellow disciples here, Manager Luan, and Master Sun. That’s about it."

"Very well. I’ll write the invitations for you, and you can go deliver them. You don’t need to come help in the kitchen for these next few days; just focus on your preparations," Fan Dakang said.

After Fan Dakang finished writing the invitations, he said to Yuzhu, "Let’s go. We’ll head to the Fengzeyuan Restaurant first."

Upon arrival, Yuzhu went straight to Manager Luan’s office. "Manager Luan, are you busy?"

"Ah, Zhuzi! Congratulations on obtaining your Grade 3 Chef certificate," Luan said.

"Thank you, Manager. My master is hosting a graduation banquet for me the day after tomorrow, and I would be honored if you and your family could attend." Yuzhu handed him the invitation.

"Splendid! Your master has finally agreed to let you graduate. I will certainly be there," Luan replied.

After bidding farewell to the manager, Yuzhu went to Master Sun’s office. "Master Sun, my master is holding my graduation banquet the day after tomorrow. I hope you and your family can join us."

"Your master already mentioned it to me yesterday. I’ll definitely be there," Master Sun replied.

Yuzhu then headed to the kitchen to invite his second senior fellow apprentice before leaving Fengzeyuan. He stopped by the telegraph office to send a message to He Daqing, though he had no idea if his father would actually return. After inviting his eldest senior fellow apprentice at the Emei Restaurant, he made his way to the Tan Family Cuisine restaurant.

At that time, the Tan Family Cuisine was still performing well, as there were plenty of people who could still afford their high-end fare.

Yuzhu found his senior uncle, Peng Dahai. "Uncle, I’ve earned my Grade 3 Chef certificate. My master is hosting a graduation banquet for me the day after tomorrow, and I’d like to invite you and the other uncles to attend."

"Well done, Zhuzi. We’ll be there," his uncle promised.

With the invitations delivered, Yuzhu began to busy himself. With the rationing system set to be implemented soon, he took advantage of the fact that the suburban free markets had not yet been shuttered. Disguised, he purchased two calves and two donkeys—one male and one female of each—and placed them into his internal space to breed. As a stroke of luck, he also managed to buy two wild piglets.

As Yuzhu scurried about gathering supplies, time flew by, and soon the day of the banquet arrived.

Yuzhu woke up early, took Yushui to his master’s house, and began preparing for the midday feast. He worked tirelessly in the kitchen as the morning wore on. Shortly after 10:00 AM, a knock at the door prompted Fan Dakang to answer it.

"You have the nerve to come back? Abandoning your own children and running off like that—what kind of behavior is that?" Fan Dakang said angrily upon seeing He Daqing at the door.

"Old Fan, I had no choice," He Daqing sighed.

"If it weren't for Zhuzi’s graduation banquet today, you wouldn't be stepping foot in this house," Fan Dakang said, stepping aside to let him in.

As soon as He Daqing entered, he was spotted by Yushui, who was playing in the courtyard.

"Daddy!" Yushui cried out, running over and throwing her arms around him. "Daddy, I thought you weren't coming back! I thought you didn't want my brother and me anymore!" she sobbed as she held onto him.

"How could Daddy ever not want you and your brother? I only went out to work. Look at what Daddy bought for you," He Daqing said, wiping away her tears. He opened his bag and took out the clothes and snacks he had brought for her. "Do you like them?"

"I do," Yushui replied.

"Alright, go inside and put your things away," Fan Dakang instructed. Yushui, however, remained glued to her father, refusing to let go.

After He Daqing arrived, Peng Dahai and the other uncles arrived, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Lou Ban-cheng. Though they were clearly angry at He Daqing, they kept their composure when they saw Yushui in his arms.

Soon after, the eldest senior fellow apprentice arrived, followed by Manager Luan and Master Sun. The second senior fellow apprentice was unable to attend as he had to manage the restaurant at Fengzeyuan.

By 11:30 AM, all the guests were seated. Fan Dakang began with a few words of praise and encouragement for Yuzhu, urging him to remain humble and continue studying diligently to reach new heights in his culinary craft. Yuzhu then kowtowed to his master in gratitude, promising to study hard and never bring shame to his master’s name.

Once the banquet began, the eldest senior fellow apprentice helped Yuzhu in the kitchen, while Fan Ting and Fan Yao helped serve the dishes. Yuzhu performed at his peak, sending a parade of Sichuan, Lu, Tan, and Huaiyang dishes to the tables.

Manager Luan tasted the braised eels and the clear-stewed crab-powder lion’s head meatballs, finding them exceptional. "Old Fan, when did Zhuzi learn to cook Huaiyang cuisine?" he asked.

"I'm not entirely sure," Fan Dakang replied. "He mentioned finding some notes a while back; he must have been practicing on his own."

"Some people are gifted by the ancestors, but for Zhuzi, it feels like the ancestors are chasing him down to feed him," Master Sun remarked with a sigh. "Old Fan, you’ve picked yourself a fine apprentice."

After all the dishes were served, Yuzhu came out to offer toasts. The wine served was his own homemade brew. When he reached Mr. and Mrs. Lou, He Daqing introduced them: "This is the eldest daughter of the Tan family, Tan Lingrou. I learned my craft at the Tan house back in the day. This is her husband, surnamed Lou. The rolling mill where I had you go to work is owned by his family."

Yuzhu quickly offered a toast.

"Daqing, since you’re no longer working in the city, it’s not as convenient for me to host dinners. Since we’re on good terms, why not let your son cook a few meals for me when he has time?" Lou Ban-cheng suggested.

"Mr. Lou, you can just have someone let me know in advance; there’s no need to ask my father," Yuzhu replied.

"No need to call me 'Mr.'—we’re all family now. That makes it feel distant. Just call us Uncle and Auntie," Mrs. Lou said warmly.

"Exactly, just call me Uncle," Lou Ban-cheng agreed.

"Very well, Uncle, Auntie," Yuzhu replied gracefully.

By 2:00 PM, the banquet concluded, and everyone left feeling thoroughly satisfied. Yuzhu, led by Fan Dakang and He Daqing, saw the guests off at the door, presenting each with two jars of medicinal wine as a token of thanks.

Once the guests had left, Yuzhu asked He Daqing, "When are you leaving?"

"I’m leaving in a little while," He Daqing replied.

"So soon? Yushui and I have moved into a new place, and you haven't even seen it yet. Stay one more day," Yuzhu urged.

"Yushui told me; I know where it is. But I can't stay—Auntie Bai will worry if I don't return today," He Daqing said.

Yuzhu curled his lip, saying, "If that's your decision, then so be it." He recalled how He Daqing would eventually be cast out in his old age. "You're not that old yet. Didn't you and Auntie Bai have another child?"

"No, but Auntie Bai’s two sons are quite sensible," He Daqing said.

"Outsiders are always outsiders. Are you really counting on them to care for you in your old age? You'd be better off having a child of your own while you’re still healthy; it’s a safer bet. It’s not like you can’t afford to raise one," Yuzhu advised.

He Daqing thought it over and realized there was truth in that. Even if the other two children took care of him, having a biological child of his own provided a safety net. "I’ll discuss it with Auntie Bai when I get back," he decided.

"Don't just discuss it. I’ll give you a jar of tiger-whip wine. Drink a cup half an hour before you try. Get her pregnant first, then talk about it," Yuzhu said. "Also, I’m planning to dispose of the old house. In the current climate, I can't hold onto it."

"The house was transferred to you; do as you see fit," He Daqing said.

"Fine. You stay here and keep Yushui company; I’ll go get the wine," Yuzhu said.

Moments later, Yuzhu returned with three five-pound jars: one of tiger-whip wine, one of green-ant wine, and one of red-sleeve wine. "I’m not giving you the hard liquor or the yellow wine; you can't carry that much anyway. The green-ant is to nourish your kidneys—one cup a day. The red-sleeve is for Auntie Bai."

Yuzhu and Yushui accompanied He Daqing to the train station. "Daddy, you must come back to see me often," Yushui said, clutching him.

"I will, Yushui. I’ll come back often," He Daqing promised.

Yuzhu held Yushui’s hand as they watched the train pull away.

"Brother, Daddy will come back to see us, right?" Yushui asked.

"That's right, he will," Yuzhu replied. "Come on, Yushui, let’s go home." He picked her up, and that night, Yushui fell into a peaceful sleep, holding tightly onto her brother.