Chapter 893 - 761: Honor That Money Can’t Buy (2)

Liu Yunong chuckled, love is truly blind; Fu Yu won an award and look how happy this silly girl is.

There are international culinary competition trophies at home, and she wasn’t this joyful then.

Nevertheless, seeing Liu Yuqing’s radiant smile, Liu Yunong couldn’t help but smile as well: "Impressive, Xiaofu hasn’t worked for long, yet he managed to win an award at a provincial level culinary competition—it’s indeed remarkable."

In Liu Yunong’s view, competitions at the provincial level aren’t generally considered significant.

But considering Fu Yu’s actual circumstances, it’s quite impressive.

After all, Fu Yu has only been in the industry for a year or so, and with such limited practical experience, achieving what he has now is beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Moreover, the Provincial Gourmet Association’s video cooking competition is quite competitive due to effective promotion during the previous two editions, sustaining high attention.

It’s really remarkable that Fu Yu won an award the first time he participated!

Especially the positive reputation within the industry regarding the culinary competitions organized by the Provincial Gourmet Association.

Having such an award serves as a credible testament to one’s culinary skills.

Sometimes, honors like these can’t be bought with money.

Otherwise, why would renowned chefs like Liu Yunong sign up for international culinary contests? It’s to prove their culinary prowess and simultaneously boost their fame.

On the surface, it’s just a simple provincial culinary competition; actually, the underlying significance is extraordinary.

This award alone is enough for Fu Yu to surpass a bunch of peers.

It’s the strongest testament to culinary expertise.

Thinking of this, Liu Yunong watched the video of Liu Yuqing smiling like a blooming flower and couldn’t help but tease: "To be honest, you have a real eye. Initially, I had some reservations about Xiaofu being suitable for you, but now... If you don’t try harder, it’ll be you being unworthy of him!"

Liu Yuqing’s face reddened instantly!

"Sis, how could you side with an outsider! I’m so excellent, how could I not be worthy of him! Believe it or not, if I propose marriage to him now, he’ll get so happy he’ll pass out!"

Nonetheless, hearing her sister praise Fu Yu made Liu Yuqing’s heart swell with joy, even though she shook her head loudly.

Liu Yunong chuckled: "Worthy enough? Just look at you, yearning to marry, seems like I really need to prepare the dowry for you!"

Blushing from the teasing, Liu Yuqing complained coquettishly and then brought up the serious topic: "Sis, the day after tomorrow, Fu Yu is going to the provincial capital for the annual meeting, I want to go too. Can you get tickets for it?"

Liu Yunong hadn’t previously considered this, but hearing Liu Yuqing’s interest, she also became intrigued.

She wouldn’t be at ease letting Liu Yuqing go to the provincial capital alone.

Attending the annual meeting and witnessing Fu Yu’s award ceremony would be an important moment in her apprentice’s (brother-in-law’s) life.

Most importantly, she’s starting to plan a new branch and expects the Provincial Gourmet Association’s annual meeting will host many industry big wigs. Perhaps she’ll encounter some leaders or acquaintances to discuss and network with.

Making connections requires giving out olive branches and providing opportunities to connect and engage.

Prompted by Liu Yuqing, Liu Yunong decided to pursue this thought.

Liu Yunong was always decisive. She immediately said: "Shouldn’t be a problem; I want to participate too. But, are you going to the provincial capital on your own or with Fu Yu?"

Liu Yuqing was surprised to hear Liu Yunong also planned on going; she quickly asked: "Sis, how do you plan to go?"

Liu Yunong replied: "By car, it’s only a three-hour drive, and it’s more convenient to drive myself."

Liu Yuqing said: "Then I’ll check with Fu Yu; if it’s okay, we can all go together."

After hanging up, Liu Yunong started going through her contacts to arrange tickets for the annual meeting.

...

In preparation for attending the award ceremony in the provincial capital in two days, Fu Yu and Zhao Meng discussed and reported to Yao Shi for time off plans.

Yao Shi quickly agreed, then asked: "Xiaofu, how are you planning to get to the provincial capital?"

Fu Yu quickly replied: "I’m planning to take a coach, although I haven’t booked the ticket yet."

Yao Shi immediately said: "If you haven’t booked yet, don’t. Luo Rang just called me; he’s going to the Provincial Gourmet Association’s annual meeting the day after tomorrow too and driving there himself. You can catch a ride with him."

"Is it convenient for Chef Luo?" Fu Yu was familiar with Luo Rang, and hearing he was also attending the annual meeting pleased him.

Yao Shi grabbed his phone: "Convenient. He heard you were going to the provincial capital for the meeting and asked if you wanted a ride. I’ll let him know now; you can return with him too."

"Great."

Fu Yu was quite happy—not for the money saved on tickets, but for having a companion for his first time attending the annual meeting in the provincial capital—it eased some of the uncertainty.

Yao Shi made a call to Luo Rang.

Upon hearing Fu Yu needed a ride to the provincial capital, Luo Rang quickly agreed.

Since joining the Provincial Gourmet Association last year, Luo Rang has navigated numerous connections himself.

He learned about Fu Yu’s participation in the association’s video cooking competition while browsing Yao Shi’s social media.

Even though he recognized Fu Yu’s competent culinary skills, he didn’t expect him to join the Provincial Gourmet Association so quickly.

It’s where Luo had strived for years to get into.

He wondered what connections Fu Yu had used—truly impressive!

Yao Shi handed his phone to Fu Yu for direct communication with Luo Rang.

Fu Yu immediately greeted politely: "Chef Luo, I’ll be tagging along with you the day after tomorrow."

Luo Rang laughed: "No problem, but, Xiaofu, I have a lot to deal with at my restaurant, it’ll be best if you can come to my place to join me."

Normally, Luo would pick up Fu Yu at Qianlima.

Helping is no issue, covering a little more distance isn’t a problem.

Close to the New Year, his restaurant business was thriving, requiring his personal attention as the head chef.

Understanding the industry, Fu Yu fully sympathized.

Expressing mutual courtesy, Fu Yu finalized the arrangements for the day after tomorrow.

After hanging up, Fu Yu thanked Yao Shi and returned to the kitchen.

...

In the evening, Fu Yu routinely escorted Liu Yuqing home after work.

As they walked shoulder-to-shoulder out the restaurant’s back door, Liu Yuqing quickly inquired, "Fu Yu, how are you getting to the provincial capital the day after tomorrow?"

Fu Yu smiled and responded, "Oh, Luo Rang, the Four Seas Banquet’s chef, is also attending the Provincial Gourmet Association’s annual meeting; I’ll hitch a ride with him."

Liu Yuqing seemed disappointed upon hearing this.

Noticing the change in her expression, Fu Yu quickly asked: "What’s wrong?"

Liu Yuqing sighed: "My sister said she could get tickets for the Provincial Gourmet Association, and I was hoping you could go with us."

Fu Yu was unexpectedly conflicted and suggested: "What should I do then? Should I tell Chef Luo I won’t be joining him?"

Liu Yuqing quickly replied: "Forget it, my sister and I are just going for fun. You should go with him; he has experience with the association’s annual meeting, so it’ll be more convenient with him."

Fu Yu hesitated a bit before nodding: "Alright, then we’ll see you at the venue."