Chapter 788 Lu Qingyang understood Liu Dong's concerns as they vied for the prize.
At the original restaurant, Liu Dong worked mostly under the guidance of Chef Chen and was considered a key technical staff member, but he had never truly taken charge of the entire kitchen independently, let alone served as the "executive chef" of a branch.
He looked at Liu Dong's expectant yet apprehensive expression and smiled.
"Dong-ge, you've already mastered the technical skills. What you lack is the ambition and experience to cook independently. Always working under others is like a little bird that never dares to leave the nest; it will never learn to fly on its own."
He then offered a more practical reason: "Besides, this new store is just starting out, so it will definitely be tough, but the more effort you put in, the more profit you'll get in the future. Don't worry about the helpers. I'll transfer two quick and efficient people from the old store who are familiar with you, and I'll also hire two new people to help you out. You won't be all alone. I'll definitely come over often to keep an eye on things for the first few months, and we'll work together to get the business up and running."
Liu Dong patted his chest and said, "Okay, Qingyang, if you trust me, I'll do my job and I definitely won't let you down."
Just as Lu Qingyang finalized the purchase of the shop, the school's final exams were fast approaching.
Textbooks and notes were piled up on the desk, making time seem precious.
He weighed the options and realized that the renovation was a complex and multifaceted affair, requiring him to oversee materials, communicate with workers, and manage the progress. He simply couldn't manage it all.
He called Liu Dong to the newly purchased shop, which was still empty. Lu Qingyang shoved a simple set of renovation sketches into Liu Dong's hands.
"Brother Dong, I need to go back to school for a while to prepare for the exams. I'm leaving the management of this shop entirely to you."
Liu Dong took the sketch, his palms sweating slightly, feeling that the roll of paper was heavier than a frying pan.
"Qingyang, I...I'm a rough man, I'm afraid I won't be able to handle such delicate work as renovation..."
Lu Qingyang laughed and pointed to the markings on the sketch: "There's nothing mysterious about it. It's the same principle as planning our kitchen. This is where the stove will be, so you need to consider the firepower and ventilation; this is the counter, so it's convenient for taking money and greeting customers; this is where the tables will be placed, so you need to leave enough room for people to walk... I've marked all the specific dimensions. You know better than anyone how to move around comfortably in a restaurant kitchen. Just make minor adjustments based on your sense of direction, and you'll be right."
He paused, then added, "As for materials, choose sturdy and durable ones. You can negotiate the price; if you think it's reasonable, then finalize the deal. Also, communicate more with the workers, prepare cigarettes and alcohol, and be polite. They'll do their best in their work. If you encounter any issues that you really can't finalize the deal with, then come to me."
Liu Dong stopped refusing and nodded vigorously: "Okay, you can focus on your studies. I'll keep an eye on things here."
At first, he was a little hesitant, but later he dared to argue with the material vendor: "Your price for these planks is not fair. Old Zhang's shop on West Street sells them for five yuan."
That stubbornness hidden beneath his honest and simple nature makes him hard to fool.
The workers saw that he spent every day at the construction site, was more serious than anyone else in supervising, and was also very amiable. Occasionally, he would even pay out of his own pocket to buy some cigarettes and alcohol for the workers to keep them awake, so they naturally worked extra hard.
Occasionally, when unsure, Liu Dong would seize the opportunity when Lu Qingyang occasionally returned home to ask him a couple of questions.
But most of the time, he figured out the solutions on his own.
Ma Hongxia came to visit once and saw her husband pointing and working methodically on the dusty construction site, which surprised her.
While Lu Qingyang was busy with his final exams, his school was also about to welcome his internship.
I need to finalize my internship placement before the end of this semester.
Their batch of physics majors were highly sought after by various research institutes, and even those with poor grades found decent internships.
In the end, only Zhao Rui, Zhou Zhe, and Lu Qingyang remained.
Zhao Rui was there because his father wanted to get him a job at his workplace.
Zhou Zhe was prepared to follow Lu Qingyang, wanting to go wherever he went, but seeing Lu Qingyang's unhurried demeanor, he felt worried.
He nudged Lu Qingyang's elbow: "Give me the hint, where exactly are you planning to go? I've decided to stick with you, so you can't just abandon me."
Lu Qingyang looked up from the journal and found it somewhat amusing to see Zhou Zhe looking so anxious.
He closed the magazine and said slowly, "What's the rush? Good things come to those who wait. If you're with me, how could I possibly let you down?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the department head walked in with an old man.
The department head cleared his throat, about to begin his introduction, when the old man had already taken a few steps to Lu Qingyang's desk, his movements so fast he almost knocked over a chair.
He leaned forward, placing his hands on Lu Qingyang's desk, his eyes behind his glasses shining brightly.
"Are you Lu Qingyang?"
The entire classroom fell silent instantly; you could even hear the sound of chalk dust hitting the ground.
Zhou Zhe's mouth opened slightly. He looked at the old man, then at the calm-looking Lu Qingyang, and his mind was a little confused.
Lu Qingyang stood up and nodded politely: "Professor Luo, hello."
The department head quickly added, "Qingyang, Professor Luo is a leading figure in our materials physics field. He specially came today..."
Professor Luo waved his hand to interrupt the department head, still staring at Lu Qingyang, "I have a project that needs someone like you who doesn't play by the rules. Come work for me, and I'll give you a proper internship spot, how about it?"
Before Lu Qingyang could respond, there was another noise coming from the doorway.
Professor Li, who teaches theoretical physics, strolled in unhurriedly, carrying a thermos filled with goji berries. Behind him was Professor Sun, who conducts optics research. Both of them wore confident smiles.
"Old Luo, you're not being fair."
Professor Li slowly sipped his goji berry water and spoke first: "You've started poaching from our basic sciences? Have you read Qingyang's paper on the application of field theory? That's a very legitimate and sound research paper. It's a waste of material for you to work on it."
Professor Sun immediately chimed in, speaking rapidly, like a machine gun: "Yes, I just received some new imported equipment, and I'm looking for someone quick-witted to work on it together. Lao Luo, your projects have confidentiality regulations thicker than a book; they're enough to drive anyone crazy."
Upon hearing this, Professor Luo's eyebrows shot up, and he abandoned all pretense of civility: "What do you mean by 'banging and hammering'? Mine is a national strategic instrument. Practice makes perfect. Your theories and instruments are still a long way from practical application. Qingyang, don't listen to them. Come here and get involved in key projects directly!"
"Hey, Lao Luo, I don't like hearing that..."
"Why is our optics no longer practical?"
Three influential professors in academia, like children fighting over the last piece of candy, surrounded Lu Qingyang's desk, each trying to convince the other.
The department head stood to the side, wringing his hands, unsure whether to offer advice or not; his forehead was practically sweating.
Zhou Zhe and Zhao Rui watched in stunned silence.
Zhou Zhe nudged Zhao Rui with his elbow and muttered, "Good heavens... I'm speechless... Has Qingyang become a piece of Tang Sanzang's flesh?"
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