Chapter 118 Cooking
Mei Zixu pondered for a moment and said, "How about this, our Imperial College is willing to pay for your brother's treatment. At the same time, we are also willing to provide you with a fair opportunity to compete in the Imperial College's martial arts arena."
The man hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded and agreed: "Okay, Mei Zixu, since you are so sincere, I will believe you this time. However, if my brother's injury cannot be cured, I will come back to settle the score with you."
Mei Zixu smiled slightly: "Don't worry, we in the Imperial College keep our word and will definitely make your brother recover."
……
Jiang Zhiyu and the other two were led to the yard outside the kitchen, where there were many large baskets filled with all kinds of vegetables, fruits and other ingredients. They looked around curiously, with a hint of anticipation on their faces.
The door of the kitchen was slowly pushed open, and a middle-aged man in greasy work clothes came out. He was the chef Hai Dafu. When he saw Jiang Zhiyu and the others, he immediately showed a warm smile on his face and said, "Three female disciples, welcome to the kitchen of our restaurant. I am the chef here, Hai Dafu. If you need any help, just let me know."
Jiang Zhiyu smiled and returned the greeting, "Hello, Master Hai. We are female students from the Imperial Academy, and we are here to ask you about your cooking skills. In addition, we would also like to learn about the operation of the kitchen."
Hai Dafu's eyes flashed with admiration, and he nodded and said, "The three female disciples are really studious. Then let's talk while we work."
After that, Hai Dafu led them into the kitchen. A rich aroma hit them in the face, and the soup in the pot on the fire was boiling, cooking various dishes. The chefs in the kitchen were busy, with skilled techniques and clear division of labor.
Liu Mengmeng couldn't help but exclaimed: "The kitchen here is really well organized, much better than our kitchen at home."
Hai Dafu smiled and said, "This is all the experience we have accumulated over the years. However, the three female disciples should not underestimate their own kitchens. Home-cooked dishes also have their own delicious taste."
Qi Zimo asked curiously: "Master Hai, can you teach us a few of your specialties?"
Hai Dafu smiled and said, "Of course. However, we have to start with the most basic processing of ingredients."
In a corner of the kitchen, Hai Dafu taught them how to wash vegetables and how to select fresh ingredients. Jiang Zhiyu and others listened carefully, asked questions from time to time, and Hai Dafu patiently answered them.
"Zhiyu, try this." Hai Dafu handed Jiang Zhiyu a cabbage and said, "Wash it and cut it into shreds."
Jiang Zhiyu carefully took the cabbage, washed it carefully, and cut it into shreds. Hai Dafu instructed: "You need to be steady and use moderate force, so that you can cut even shreds."
Liu Mengmeng and Qi Zimo were also watching, occasionally interrupting to ask questions. Hai Dafu taught them while chatting with them.
"Master Hai, you have been in the kitchen for so long, you must have seen a lot of exotic ingredients, right?" Qi Zimo asked curiously.
Hai Dafu nodded and recalled: "Yes, I once ate a kind of food called 'yacon', which tasted very delicious. It's a pity that the food has become extinct."
Liu Mengmeng said regretfully: "That's such a pity. If we could taste that kind of food, we would surely be immortal."
Hai Dafu smiled and said, "No way. There are countless delicious foods in the world. We just need to cherish the ingredients in front of us and cook them carefully to make delicious dishes."
In a blink of an eye, it was already dark. Jiang Zhiyu and the others had learned a lot of cooking skills and were full of gratitude. They said goodbye to Hai Dafu and prepared to return to the Imperial College.
Hai Dafu walked them to the door and said, "Three female disciples, you all performed very well today. I hope that after you go back, you can put what you have learned into practice and let more people taste your delicious food."
Jiang Zhiyu and the others smiled and nodded, saying, "Thank you Master Hai for your teachings. We will definitely work hard."
Back at the Imperial College, Jiang Zhiyu and the others excitedly talked about their experiences today. They decided to start trying to cook some dishes tomorrow so that their classmates could taste their cooking skills.
"Zhi Yu, can you really cook?" Liu Mengmeng asked curiously, her eyes full of anticipation.
Jiang Zhiyu smiled and said confidently: "Don't worry, Mengmeng. I learned a little from my father when I was a child. Although I am not a master chef, it is not a problem for me to cook some simple dishes."
Qi Zimo said, "Then let's get started tomorrow! I'll be responsible for preparing the ingredients, Mengmeng will be responsible for cleaning, and Zhiyu will be responsible for cooking. If the three of us work together, we will definitely be able to make delicious dishes."
The three of them immediately started working. The kitchen was brightly lit and steaming.
The next morning, before the students of the Imperial College got up, Jiang Zhiyu and others had already arrived at the kitchen. They had a clear division of labor and were busy in an orderly manner.
"Zhi Yu, how do you cook this dish?" Liu Mengmeng picked up a scallion and looked at Jiang Zhiyu in confusion.
Jiang Zhiyu smiled and took the green onion: "This is easy, I'll teach you. First, cut the green onion into small pieces, then heat the pan and add cold oil. When the oil temperature rises, add the green onion and stir-fry until it smells fragrant."
Liu Mengmeng watched carefully and nodded from time to time. Qi Zimo was peeling potatoes beside them, listening to their conversation with a satisfied smile.
The dishes came out of the pot one by one, and the aroma filled the air. Jiang Zhiyu looked at his work with pride in his eyes. Liu Mengmeng and Qi Zimo also gave thumbs up and praised it highly.
"Zhi Yu, you are so awesome! These dishes are better than what I have at home." Liu Mengmeng said excitedly.
Jiang Zhiyu smiled slightly: "It's not that difficult, as long as you put your heart into it, you can make delicious dishes."
Qi Zimo added: "Yes, if the three of us work together, we can definitely turn the Imperial College's kitchen into a food paradise."
At this time, students from the Imperial College came to the cafeteria one after another. They smelled the fragrance and walked into the kitchen curiously.
"Wow, who made this dish? It tastes so good!" a student said excitedly.
"Yes, it's better than the restaurants outside." another student agreed.
Jiang Zhiyu and others looked at the students' reactions and smiled with satisfaction on their faces.
At this time, the abbot of the Imperial College came in. He looked at the three busy people and nodded with satisfaction: "You three little guys really impressed me. I didn't expect you could make such delicious dishes."
Jiang Zhiyu and the others smiled awkwardly. The abbot continued, "From today on, you will be responsible for the food of the Imperial College. I believe that you will be able to raise the food standard of the Imperial College to a higher level."
The three of them excitedly agreed.