Chapter 646 Challenge
The atmosphere in the office of Purchasing Department 4 was very different from usual.
Ever since Zhou Yimin announced in the morning that he would treat everyone to a start-of-work dinner in the evening, everyone seemed to have a little anticipation in their hearts and couldn't help but be distracted while working.
Xiao Wang held a pen in his hand, but his eyes glanced at the wall clock from time to time. The pendulum was ticking, and each sound seemed to be slowing down.
His colleague next to him was checking the ingredients list, but soon put down his pen, looked up at the sky outside the window, then looked down at the watch on his wrist, and muttered quietly, "Why isn't it time yet?"
Normally the day seems to fly by, but today it seemed to have been stretched out several times longer.
Xiao Li from the second group stared at the calendar on the table, his fingers unconsciously scratching it, calculating in his mind how long it would take until the end of the get off work day.
The older sister opposite him had just finished sorting out a pile of documents from suppliers. She picked up her teacup and took a sip, but her eyes involuntarily glanced towards the office door, as if that could make time go faster.
In the entire department, almost every few minutes, someone would look up to check the time, and their frequency was even greater than checking the accounts.
Some looked at the wall clock, some at their watches, and some simply asked their colleagues next to them: "Hey, how long will it take until we get off work?"
The answer we often get is: "It will be soon, just wait a little longer."
But the two words "soon" sounded particularly long.
Finally, the hands of the wall clock slowly moved towards six o'clock, and the bell for getting off work in the factory rang "ding-ling-ling", and the crisp sound instantly spread to every corner.
Everyone in the Purchasing Department 4 seemed to have been started. The fatigue on their faces disappeared and smiles appeared on their faces instantly.
At this time of day, everyone would have been busy packing up their things, eager to rush out of the office, but today was completely different.
Zhou Dazhong slowly closed the account book and carefully put it in the drawer. He turned around and said to his colleague, "Don't worry. You definitely won't be able to finish your meal. Walk slowly."
Xiao Li also stood up, stretched, and then slowly sorted out the documents on the table, but his mouth was always grinning.
The others did the same, packing up leisurely, greeting each other and walking towards the cafeteria.
In the corridor, people from the fourth purchasing department were walking in groups of three or four, talking and laughing, their steps brisk and leisurely.
Some people were chatting about what they might eat in the evening, some were talking about their work arrangements after the New Year, and some were joking about who was checking the time the most frequently.
The sunlight slanted in through the corridor windows, stretching their shadows long. The air was filled with a relaxed and happy atmosphere, completely different from the usual rush after get off work.
Everyone knew that there must be hot and hearty meals waiting for them in the cafeteria. This anticipation made everyone slow down and enjoy this rare comfort.
Everyone knew that there must be hot and hearty meals waiting for them in the cafeteria. This anticipation made everyone slow down and enjoy this rare comfort.
At this time, the cafeteria kitchen was already a scene of bustling activity.
Director Wang placed the ingredients brought by Zhou Yimin on the table, and the chefs immediately got busy.
Chef Zhang, wearing a shiny apron and shaking a large spoon in his hand, directed in a booming voice: "Xiao Li, cut those ten pounds of pork belly into pieces and blanch them! Lao Zhang, chop the chicken into pieces and add more ginger slices to remove the fishy smell!"
Xiao Li responded, picked up the kitchen knife and cut the pork belly into cubes two fingers wide, threw them into the large aluminum basin next to him, filled it with water, sprinkled two handfuls of cooking wine on it, and brought it to the stove to blanch it.
As soon as the water began to steam, a layer of grayish-white foam floated in the basin. He skimmed the water again and again with a long-handled spoon until the water surface was clear, then he scooped the meat into a basin of cold water to cool it down. This way, the stewed meat would be firm and not dry.
On the other side, Lao Zhang was dealing with the whole chicken.
The kitchen knife seemed to have a spirit in his hand. With a few "clicks", he chopped the chicken into even-sized pieces and threw them into clean water to soak and remove the blood.
After soaking, take it out and drain the water, pour oil into a large iron pot, and when the oil starts to smoke, pour the chicken pieces in. There will be a "sizzling" sound, and oil will splash high.
He held the spatula and stir-fried the chicken quickly. After a while, the chicken pieces were fried golden and shiny with an attractive oily luster. He then sprinkled onion, ginger, garlic and a handful of dried chilies, and the aroma instantly filled the entire kitchen.
Chef Liu, who is in charge of vegetarian dishes, is also busy.
He poured the potatoes and radishes brought by Zhou Yimin into a large basin, and brushed off the mud with a board with hard bristles. After washing, the potatoes were all smooth and shiny.
He cut the potatoes into dice and the radishes into thick slices. He also took out a few cabbages from the canteen's vegetable cellar and tore them into large pieces in no time. They looked green and fresh.
Chef Zhang had just poured the blanched pork belly into the wok, added two spoonfuls of sugar and slowly stir-fried it until the meat pieces were coated with caramel color and gave off a sweet aroma, then he scooped in two large spoonfuls of soy sauce and simmered it with a "gurgling" sound.
Pour in half a pot of boiling water, then throw in star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaves, cover with a heavy wooden lid, and simmer over low heat.
The aroma of the meat in the pot mixed with the aroma of seasonings comes out from the cracks in the lid, making people drool.
"Mr. Zhang, is the chicken stewed?" Master Zhang turned his head and asked.
"It's too early. I just added water. I have to stew it until the soup is thick." Lao Zhang was adding mushrooms to the chicken pot. Hearing this, he replied without even looking up.
Chef Liu interrupted, "My vegetarian dishes are almost ready. Once the meat is cooked, we can serve them together."
The flames from the stove licked the bottom of the pot, the pork belly in the big iron pot gurgled in the soup, the potato cubes were poured into the chicken pot and absorbed the aroma of the meat, and the radish slices were stewed soft in another pot.
The chefs shuttled back and forth between the stoves, occasionally lifting the lid of the pot to check the heat and add some seasoning. The sweat on their foreheads flowed down their cheeks, and they didn't even bother to wipe it off.
A quarter before six, Chef Zhang lifted the lid of the stewing pot, and a rich aroma of meat burst out. The pork belly was stewed until it was shiny and oily, and you could poke it through with chopsticks.
He nodded with satisfaction and said, "Serve the food!"
The chefs put the stewed pork belly, chicken stewed with mushrooms, radish stewed with vermicelli and stir-fried cabbage into large basins, and two apprentices carried them to the cafeteria hall.
The dishes that had just come out of the pot were steaming, and the aroma wafted far away, attracting the people from the Fourth Purchasing Department who were already waiting in the hall to stretch their necks to look in, their eyes full of anticipation.
At that moment, Zhou Yimin strode into the cafeteria. He immediately saw that the hall was already full of people. Colleagues from the five departments were seated at five tables, divided by their departments. Each of them had their bowls and chopsticks ready. Their eyes were fixed on the newly served dishes, but no one touched them. It was obvious that they were waiting for him.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting." Zhou Yimin walked forward with a smile, holding a bulging net bag in his hand.
He put the net bag on the table in the middle, and with a "crash", seven or eight bottles of Lotus Liquor rolled out, and the labels on the bottles glowed under the light.
"I know there will be a lot of people here today, so I prepared a few extra bottles. Everyone, drink freely. But don't drink too much, you still have to go to work tomorrow."
When everyone saw the liquor, their eyes lit up, and many people laughed and said, "Section Chief Zhou is so thoughtful!"
"This Lotus Liquor is really good stuff, I usually don't want to sell it!"
Zhou Yimin waved his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet: "Okay, the dishes are all here, no need to wait, let's eat!"
In fact, everyone had already been very greedy for the food in front of them. The stewed pork belly was shiny and attractive, the aroma of the stewed chicken with mushrooms was straight into their noses, the stir-fried cabbage was green and refreshing, and the stewed radish with vermicelli looked soft and tasty.
If they hadn't been waiting for Zhou Yimin, they would have been unable to hold back.
Now after hearing Zhou Yimin's words, everyone could no longer hold back and picked up their chopsticks and reached for the food bowl.
"Let me try this pork belly first!" Zhou Dazhong was the first to take action. He picked up a piece of fat and lean pork belly and stuffed it into his mouth. The aroma of the meat instantly exploded in his mouth. It was fat but not greasy, and the saltiness was just right.
He mumbled in praise, "It smells so good! Master Zhang's cooking is authentic!"
Xiao Li at the next table was also busy. He picked up a large piece of chicken and a piece of mushroom soaked in broth. His mouth was full of oil as he ate it. He mumbled, "This chicken is really tender, and the mushroom is more fragrant than the meat!"
Zhou Yimin also found a seat and sat down, pouring wine for himself and his colleagues. "Come on, everyone, take a sip first to warm yourself up."
"Cheers!" Everyone raised their glasses and clinked them together, making a crisp sound. The wine went down their throats, carrying the unique mellowness and slight sweetness of Lotus Liquor, and flowed into their stomachs warmly, making their whole bodies feel comfortable.
Everyone ate and chatted, some praised the food, some talked about interesting things at work, and some toasted each other. The whole cafeteria was filled with laughter and was very lively.
Everyone's face was filled with a satisfied smile. It seemed that the fatigue from previous work had been dispelled by this sumptuous meal, leaving only relaxation and comfort.
After three rounds of wine and five dishes, the atmosphere in the cafeteria became more and more lively.
The bowl of food on the table was gradually empty. Someone simply stood up and stretched out his arm to pick up food from the bowl of food on the next table, which caused a burst of good-natured laughter.
Zhou Dazhong was the most absorbed in his eating. There were several empty bowls piled up in front of him, and there was still some broth on the corners of his mouth. He picked up the last piece of pork belly, stuffed it into his mouth, smacked his lips and said, "This stewed meat is really flavorful, even more fragrant than the one we make at home during the Spring Festival."
At that moment, a young man named Xiao Zhang from Sangu stood up, holding a glass of wine. His face was already red from drinking, and his steps were a little unsteady. He walked straight towards Zhou Yimin. "Zhou, Chief Zhou, let me toast you!"
His voice was a little trembling, but it revealed a spirit of not wanting to admit defeat.
Zhou Yimin smiled and picked up the wine glass: "Sit down and drink, what are you standing for?"
"No, I can't show my sincerity if I don't stand." Xiao Zhang stiffened his neck and said with a hint of provocation, having heard the news from somewhere.
"I heard that you have a deep drinking capacity, Chief. I, I want to give it a try."
As soon as these words were spoken, the surroundings suddenly became quiet, everyone's eyes were focused on them, and even the hands that were picking up food stopped in mid-air.
Zhou Dazhong cheered from the side: "Xiao Zhang is really good, he dares to challenge the section chief!"
Zhou Yimin raised his eyebrows, but didn't get annoyed: "Oh? Who told you that? How come I don't know it myself?"
He tilted his head back and took a sip, swirling the wine around in his mouth before swallowing it. "But you have to drink within your means, don't try to be too aggressive."
Encouraged, Xiao Zhang tilted his head back and drank the wine in his glass. He wiped his mouth and wanted to pour more, but was stopped by his colleague next to him: "That's enough. Don't drink too much and make a fool of yourself."
But once this was started, brave people came over one after another to toast.
Old Chen from Sigu came over with a glass of wine and said with a smile, "Section Chief, I want to toast you too. Thank you for your care."
He was quite honest and didn't mention his drinking capacity, he just wanted to express his feelings.
Zhou Yimin smiled and clinked glasses with him, and they both drank it in one gulp.
Then several young colleagues came over, all wanting to test Zhou Yimin's drinking capacity, either openly or secretly.
Some said, "Section Chief, please show us your skills."
"See if the rumors are true"
Zhou Yimin accepted all the drinks and only took a sip each time. Occasionally he drank a little more, but he remained calm and continued to chat and laugh.
The Lotus Liquor on the table was gradually finished, and the dishes were empty, but no one wanted to leave. They still sat together, with endless things to talk about.
But the challenge continues.
Xiao Zhang, who had just been held, broke free from his colleague's hand, poured another full glass of wine, and shouted with a red face: "Chief, you have to drink this glass with me, otherwise you look down on me!"
Zhou Yimin smiled helplessly and picked up his own glass: "Okay, I'll drink with you, but you can't drink anymore after this one."
After saying that, he raised his head and drank the wine in the glass.
Seeing this, Xiao Zhang also drank the wine with his neck stretched out. As soon as he put down the glass, his body swayed and he fell straight back. Fortunately, he was supported by a colleague behind him. He was still muttering "I'm not drunk", but he could not open his eyes.
The young men who followed him originally wanted to take turns in the "round-robin battle", but they didn't expect that although Zhou Yimin seemed to be drinking casually, his alcohol tolerance was bottomless.
A young man wearing glasses just toasted two glasses and then fell on the table and couldn't get up, muttering intermittently, "Section Chief has a good alcohol tolerance."
Another person who claimed that he could drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, after the fourth cup, his face turned as red as pig liver and his speech began to stutter. In the end, he had to be supported by his colleagues before he could barely sit still.
After a while, those who came to challenge were drunk and staggering. Some of them fell asleep on the table, some leaned on the back of the chair and groaned, and some danced and talked nonsense, which made everyone laugh.
Zhou Yimin looked at the scene, smiled and shook his head, and asked his colleagues who were not drunk to put the empty vegetable bowls aside.
Several bottles of wine on the table had been overturned, and some of the wine had spilled onto the table. The air was filled with the mixed smell of food and wine.
Everyone had almost finished eating, the chattering gradually died down, and many people began to burp and rub their stomachs.
"It's getting late, everyone should go back and rest." Zhou Yimin stood up, clapped his hands and said, his eyes sweeping over the drunk people.
"These guys are so drunk, who can help take them back?"
"I'm on my way, I'll give Xiao Zhang a ride." A colleague from the third department raised his hand and said. The alley where he lived was not far from Xiao Zhang.
"I'll deliver it to those who wear glasses. It's just two blocks away from my house." Another colleague also said.
"I'll take the remaining one back, we're going in the same direction." Zhou Dazhong said, patting his chest. He has a good alcohol tolerance and is still sober at the moment.
Everyone responded, and the colleagues who were not drunk helped each other to help the drunks out.
The drunks who were being held were still not obedient. Some of them tried to break free with unsteady steps, while others were still shouting "have another drink", causing a lot of jokes.
Zhou Yimin followed behind and reminded his colleague who was sending the person home: "Drive slowly and get the person home safely."
Then everyone set out on the journey home.
(End of this chapter)
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