“Xinxin? Do you need something? We’re a little busy here in the kitchen.” He Haotian’s face could be seen from Lu Xinyi’s phone.
“That’s He Haotian! The mentor you were talking about is him?!” Zhao Xi said excitedly. The guests at the table beside them dared to take a peek, and their eyes widened.
Even Chef Gao’s interest had piqued up. It was every chef’s dream to meet someone like He Haotian.
“Oh my god! It’s really him!”
Within the country, there were only two chefs that were able to get Michelin stars for their restaurants; and one of them was He Haotian.
The manager’s face turned pale when she heard it. She then gave Lu Xinyi a distressed look. How could a woman like Lu Xinyi meet a two-star Michelin chef like He Haotian?
Lu Xinyi wasn’t planning to brag about meeting He Haotian and having him as her mentor, but these people need to know that whatever she got right now was because of her own skills and dedication and did not come from Shen Yi.
“Teacher, I’ve got some questions for you?” Lu Xinyi replied.
“What is it, and why are you wet? Are you okay?”
Lu Xinyi inwardly smiled. Somehow, He Haotian reminded her of her father.
“I’m alright. I just want to know what your opinion about stock management is.”
“Stock management?” He Haotian shook with laughter. “You already knew this by heart, Xinxin. Are you worried that I cannot run the kitchen properly?”
“Of course not. I just think that some people neglect this part and underestimate its importance.”
“Xinxin, a key component in effective kitchen management is inventory control. By knowing what supplies are on hand at a given time, the manager will be able to plan food orders, calculate food costs since the previous inventory, and make menu item changes if needed.
“By keeping an eye on inventory, it is possible to note potential problems with pilferage and waste.
“Why are you asking? You should have known it already.”
“I do. Thanks for reminding me, uncle!”
“Anything for you, doll. Anyway, I have to go. The final renovations will be done this evening. Enjoy your little vacation!”
The call was cut short, and those guests who’d decided to eavesdrop on their conversation stared at Lu Xinyi without disdain. Lu Xinyi then decided to talk to Chef Gao.
“You are the chef?”
“Yes, Miss Lu.” Gao Hong took off his hat and lowered his head in shame.
“Do not lower your head. As I said earlier, this is not your fault.” Her softly spoken word echoed around the hall like a cold breeze.
“Through the dishes, you presented to us, you’ve proven yourself a capable chef. Your cooking skills are excellent, but no matter how good we are, we cannot compensate or cover up the inferiority of the ingredients in front of us. To be able to elevate the flavors with difficulties, I admire your persistence.”
Lu Xinyi took something from her handbag and gave a card to him.
“Take this.”
“Miss Lu? This…” Gao Hong stared at the card on his hand in disbelief. When the manager told him earlier that he was fired, he thought that his career as a chef will end with it; but he didn’t expect Lu Xinyi to extend a hand to help him. He still had siblings to support, and losing this job would mean that he wouldn’t be able to provide for them.
“Grace Palace will be opening its doors very soon. While we cannot give you the same amount of compensation that this fancy restaurant gives you, rest assured that your culinary skills will not be wasted. You’ll get the best ingredients that you deserve. I’m sure my mentor wouldn’t mind working with you.”
Chef Gao took the card and held it tightly. He was still in disbelief. To be able to find help from the woman who was demeaned by others and had presented a chance for him to work with a Michelin-star chef, he was over the moon.
“Thank you, Miss Lu! I will not disappoint you!”
The manager was stunned into silence. Her restaurant had built a reputation over the years. Countless diners and tourists come to visit them. If she’d to keep replenishing the stock daily, it would put a lot of pressure and cost to sustain it.
She didn’t think that Lu Xinyi was able to find this mistake just by having a mouthful of her meal and taking a good look at Zhao Xi’s steak.
At that moment, Lu Xinyi stood up and gave the manager a devilish smile. The woman stepped back in fear. Lu Xinyi stepped forward, invading her private space. She was a few inches smaller than the manager, and yet she was able to make the woman cower in fear.
“I believe we’re not done yet, Miss Manager,” Lu Xinyi whispered to her mischievously.
“What do you want? Get lost! Didn’t you hear what I said earlier?! You aren’t welcome to dine here anymore! I’m blacklisting you!”
Lu Xinyi laughed, her shoulders shaking as she tried to contain her laughter. The manager looked at her like she’d grown another head over her shoulder.
It didn’t seem like Lu Xinyi care if she was blacklisted or not. She laughed like someone told her a joke. She made the manager feel like she was the joke herself.
Lu Xinyi leaned forward, making the manager still her movements. With a low and cold tone, Lu Xinyi whispered to her ear.
“Feel free to blacklist me on this little restaurant of yours, but I can blacklist you and this restaurant anywhere with just a lift of my finger. How’s that?”