Wang Decai was a truly despicable person who was obsessed with money, always seeking personal gain, and had a narrow mind.
He had worked as an accountant at Qingfeng Restaurant for many years, handling countless sums of money and always making a profit.
Although Wu Shih-ren was somewhat prepared, he arranged for his daughter, Wu Cuihua, to keep watch ahead.
But Wang Decai was cunning and shrewd, and Wu Cuihua couldn't see a single clue.
The reason they harmed Chen Feng wasn't just out of jealousy of his family's wealth, but more so out of fear.
He feared that if Chen Feng left and started his own business, Qingfeng Restaurant's business would inevitably be affected, and he wouldn't be able to line his own pockets anymore.
At this moment, the chefs in the kitchen were drinking tea and chatting.
Wang Decai lifted the curtain, and Zhao Tian, Wang Qi, and the others chuckled and joked.
"Hey, Brother Wang, what brings you to our kitchen!"
"Exactly, don't get your clothes dirty in this oily, greasy place."
Wang Decai smiled and glared at the group, then waved his hand, "Stop joking around, all of you come here, I have something to say."
Zhao Tian, Wang Qi, and the others quickly got up and came closer. "Brother, what's all the fuss about?"
Wang Decai glanced at Chen Feng, who was squatting outside working with his head down, and whispered a few words, "Did you all understand? We'll play it by ear later."
Zhao Tian sneered, "Don't worry, the brothers have been wanting to get rid of him for a long time."
"That's right, he looked so listless, but he secretly learned all our skills. I've wanted to teach him a lesson for a long time." Wang Qi's face was sinister, and his fists were clenched so tightly that they cracked.
These people all had a good relationship with Wang Decai, often eating and drinking together. They had long regarded Chen Feng as a thorn in their side and were afraid that he would cause them harm after leaving. However, no one was willing to stand up for them. Now, after hearing Wang Decai's words, they all nodded in agreement.
Wang Decai nodded in satisfaction, "Alright, everyone go and get ready."
After explaining everything, he stepped to the backyard gate, a broad smile on his face, and said, "Brother Chen Feng, still leeching off the big spoon? Stop and rest for a while!"
Chen Feng was taken aback and couldn't help but feel puzzled. This guy usually stayed in the accounting office all day and never came to the kitchen. Why did he have such leisure time today?
Although he found it strange, he didn't think much of it. "I'm not tired. I have to get these iron pots out before dark."
"Alright, you don't need to do these chores anymore. Get up and come with me to the front hall. The manager specifically asked me to come and invite you."
"Invite me?" Chen Feng was stunned.
Seeing that he remained silent for a while, Wang Decai chuckled and said, "Don't make a fuss. The shopkeeper just wants to invite you to a simple meal."
Upon hearing this, Chen Feng was greatly surprised. Wu Shiren never gave him a second glance, yet today he sent his accountant to invite him to dinner. What kind of show was this?
As the saying goes, "Those who offer unsolicited kindness are either up to no good or are thieves." A weasel offering New Year's greetings to a chicken is certainly not a kind gesture.
This Wang Decai is Wu Shiren's lackey; those two getting together is never a good thing. It's best not to go.
Having made up his mind, he quickly waved his hand in refusal.
"Mr. Wang, please convey my thanks to the shopkeeper. I appreciate his kindness, but I'm not hungry right now, so you guys go and eat!"
Seeing Chen Feng burying his head in the ladle again, Wang Decai gritted his teeth in anger. This guy was really stubborn, refusing to budge even when led by the hand, and acting like he was being taken advantage of.
He suppressed his inner turmoil and forced a smile.
"No, brother, you can't leave now. The shopkeeper is waiting for you. Hurry up and go!"
As he spoke, he reached out and pulled Chen Feng up.
Chen Feng wanted to refuse, but he couldn't resist Wang Decai's forceful dragging, so he reluctantly went to the private room.
Upon entering the house, he was surprised to see Zhao Tian, Wang Qi, and several other chefs.
Wu Shih-jen quickly got up, pulled him to sit down beside him, and said with a smile,
"Chen Feng, you've been here for over three years, but the shop has been too busy, so we haven't had time to sit down and chat. Since we're free today, I've specially arranged a banquet for you and the brothers in our shop to have some fun together."
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone chimed in agreement.
"The shopkeeper is right. Brother Chen Feng has been in our shop for so long, and we haven't had a drink together yet. We must drink until we drop today."
"Yes, yes, we've worked together for many years, so we must take this opportunity to have a good drink together."
Hearing this, Chen Feng felt even more puzzled. Usually, these chefs were arrogant and treated him like a servant. What was wrong with them today? Why were they calling him brother? Did they have a change of heart, or did they have some other motive?
Seeing him lower his head and remain silent, Wang Decai raised his glass and said, "Chen Feng, let's all raise a glass together."
Everyone raised their glasses and drank it all in one gulp.
After a round of toasts, Wang Decai personally poured Chen Feng a full glass of wine, smiling broadly, "Chen Feng, let's have a drink by ourselves."
Chen Feng felt a little drunk and waved his hands repeatedly, "Thank you, Mr. Wang, but I have to work later and can't drink anymore."
"Do whatever work you're supposed to do. Don't try to freeload off me anymore," Wang Decai said, pausing for a moment. "You're not a lowly handyman anymore; you can't do those rough and tiring jobs!"
"Mr. Wang, what are you saying? I have no special skills and can only do what I can."
"Alright, brother, stop pretending. Some people could work in the kitchen their whole lives and still not be able to make those dishes you made last time. With your skills now, you're a master chef. How can you say you have no skills?"
Chen Feng was startled, secretly blaming himself for being so eager to learn that he couldn't resist letting those tough master chefs discover his secret techniques, which was probably going to ruin things.
He quickly explained, "Those were all things I did haphazardly, they're not worth mentioning at all."
Wang Decai shook his head and waved his hand, "Don't be modest, I've never misjudged anyone in my life, you're something else!"
“Yes, De Cai, I’ve long recognized Chen Feng as a rare talent.” Wu Shiren chimed in, “Chen Feng, from the moment you came to our restaurant, I felt you were different from others and knew you would have a bright future. And look, you’ve already mastered cooking skills without me even realizing it. You’ve truly lived up to my expectations!”
Chen Feng was disgusted by these hypocritical words and wanted to slap him across the face to wake him up. He was really all talk and no action!
Before he could speak, Wu Shih-jen continued,
"Perhaps you feel dissatisfied and think that I am too harsh on you, always hitting or scolding you, and making you do odd jobs for several years. In fact, I did this with good intentions. I just wanted to use this to temper your will. As the old saying goes, 'When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a person, it will first test his sinews and bones and starve his body.'"
As he spoke, he poured a full glass of wine and respectfully handed it to Chen Feng, saying very politely,
"Xiao Feng, you've now accomplished quite a bit. From now on, you're no longer a laborer doing odd jobs and slacking off. I hereby solemnly announce that you are the new head chef of our Qing Shui Restaurant. Your salary will be the same as Zhao Tian and Wang Qi's. If you think it's okay, then drink this cup."
......
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