Chapter 183 I'll take you directly to deliver it to the chairman.

Let her take the credit if she wants; as long as the ultimate goal is achieved, she can swallow this grievance.

Moreover, after this incident, Zhang's attitude towards her will definitely change.

This might... become a breakthrough.

Sure enough, the next morning, when Su Xiaonuan and Lu Zheng arrived at the kitchen, Zhang Tou'er's attitude underwent a complete 180-degree turn.

It was no longer the businesslike distance, or even the pitying assignment, but a smiling face, even with a hint of... ingratiation?

"Little Su's here! Come on, come over here!" As soon as Zhang saw Su Xiaonuan, he greeted her warmly, his eyes full of appreciation and gratitude, though the gratitude was a little insincere. "How did you sleep yesterday? Are you getting used to the dorm?"

Su Xiaonuan was a little flattered by his sudden enthusiasm, and a timid, bewildered smile appeared on her face: "It's...it's alright, Master Zhang."

"That's good, that's good!" Zhang rubbed his hands together, looked at the busy crowd around him, and lowered his voice to say to Su Xiaonuan, "Um... Xiaosu, after lunch, could you stay behind for a bit? I have something to tell you."

Su Xiaonuan understood immediately, but nodded in agreement, "Okay, Master Zhang."

Throughout the morning, Zhang Tou'er took great care of Su Xiaonuan, basically not letting her do any heavy or tiring work, only letting her do some relatively easy tasks such as cutting and seasoning, and even coming over from time to time to "guide" her with a few words in an unusually kind tone.

This drew secret glances from the other kitchen staff, but remembering the crispy pork belly that had "saved" Zhang the previous day, they understood without saying a word.

After the lunch rush, the kitchen becomes a little quieter.

As expected, Zhang found an excuse and called Su Xiaonuan to the corner of the stairs leading from the kitchen to the warehouse.

It's relatively quiet here, so it's not easy for others to hear what you're saying.

Lu Zheng silently took a rag and wiped the stove not too far from the corner, his eyes lowered, but his ears were always on the move, making sure Su Xiaonuan was within his sight and protection.

"Little Su," Zhang said with a sincere smile, even a little embarrassed, "Yesterday... about that matter, Brother Zhang, I really have to thank you! It was all thanks to that plate of meat of yours that I was greatly helped!"

Su Xiaonuan quickly waved her hand, her face showing pure "naivety" and "confusion": "Master Zhang, please don't say that. I was just trying to do it as you said, I didn't expect President Zhou to like it..."

She cleverly shifted the credit back, acting as if she knew nothing and that it was all thanks to her excellent leadership.

Zhang's face flushed red at her words, but his embarrassment lessened somewhat. He realized that the girl was truly honest and didn't take credit for anything.

He sighed, his tone becoming much more sincere: "Sigh, don't flatter me. Your skills are unmatched in all my years working in the kitchen. No wonder Manager Wang insisted on hiring you; he certainly has a discerning eye!"

He changed the subject, asking tentatively, "Little Su, your culinary skills... which master chef did you learn from? It certainly wasn't an ordinary one, right?"

Here it comes! Su Xiaonuan felt a chill run down her spine, knowing that this was a further investigation into her background.

A perfectly measured look of embarrassment crossed her face. She scratched her head sheepishly and said in a soft voice, "I...I didn't learn from anyone. It's just...back in my hometown, my family was poor and there wasn't much good food. So I just figured out how to make ordinary things taste better...maybe, maybe I have a bit of talent?" She spoke the last sentence with extreme uncertainty, her eyes timid.

Never had a master? Completely figuring it out on your own?!

Zhang Tou'er gasped, and his gaze towards Su Xiaonuan instantly changed! From his previous admiration and gratitude, there was now an added layer of disbelief and... a hint of faint awe!

To reach this level without a teacher, imagine how amazing she would be after systematic training! This girl's culinary talent is simply terrifying! No wonder Wang Bo values ​​her so much! At this rate, it's really hard to say who will be in charge of this kitchen in the future!

The guilt Zhang felt for taking credit was instantly replaced by a sense of urgency that he "had to be on good terms with them."

His smile grew even warmer, even taking on a fawning tone: "Oh my! Genius! Little Su, you're a culinary genius! From now on, if you need anything in the kitchen, just let Brother Zhang know!"

Su Xiaonuan lowered her head, feeling embarrassed by his praise.

Zhang's mind started working. He took a step closer and lowered his voice even further: "Little Su, tonight, show off your skills again! I see there's duck in the ingredients, you can make... um, it's up to you! Just one serving!"

"Only one serving?" Su Xiaonuan looked up, a puzzled expression on her face.

A mysterious and smug look appeared on Zhang's face: "We won't deliver this duck to President Zhou. I'll take you directly to the chairman! You'll follow behind me and watch how I do things, then just copy me. Don't say a word, understand?"

Chairman?!

Su Xiaonuan's heart skipped a beat! This was like finding a needle in a haystack! She had the opportunity to contact the highest levels of the Sacred Heart Society so soon?

She forced down her excitement, her face still showing a bewildered yet slightly nervous expression, and nodded vigorously: "Yes! I understand, Master Zhang! I... I won't say anything!"

"Good! Good girl!" Zhang patted her shoulder with satisfaction, the movement was very light and a little cautious, "Go back and prepare, get it done before dinner."

Su Xiaonuan obediently agreed and turned to walk back to the kitchen.

In the instant she brushed past Lu Zheng, who was wiping the stove, she swiftly made a simple gesture with her fingers at her side—[Opportunity], [Higher Level], [Follow].

Lu Zheng paused almost imperceptibly while wiping, then resumed his normal movements, a sharp glint flashing deep in his eyes.

He understood.

Su Xiaonuan returned to her post and began preparing the "Delicious Roast Duck" for the evening. Her mood was like that of a soldier about to go into battle—nervous, yet full of high morale.

Meanwhile, Lu Zheng began to rapidly calculate routes and contingency plans in his mind, figuring out how to follow and protect Su Xiaonuan without arousing suspicion, ensuring her safety on this seemingly opportune but actually perilous "vegetable offering" journey.

As evening approached, the noise from the kitchen gradually subsided.

Su Xiaonuan had already prepared the one-of-a-kind "Delicious Roast Duck".

The roast duck is a deep reddish-brown color with a glossy sheen and a crispy skin. It exudes a complex aroma of fruitwood and spices. It is carefully sliced ​​and neatly arranged on a warm tray, accompanied by thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, and shredded scallions and cucumber strips.