Chapter 894: Isn't This Screwing Me Over?

On the day of the annual meeting, Fu Yu got up especially early.

He changed into the high-end men’s clothes he bought at the mall earlier. Although they were autumn styles, he had been so busy recently that he unknowingly lost some weight, allowing him to wear thin autumn pants underneath when trying them on.

Anyway, he was going to the provincial city by car, so wearing a down jacket wouldn’t make him too cold.

Besides that, Fu Yu carefully shaved his beard, styled his hair, and tidied himself to look clean and neat.

While checking his appearance in the mirror, Zhao Meng came over.

Seeing Fu Yu dressed in new attire, Zhao Meng nodded with satisfaction: “Alright, you look quite energetic in this outfit.”

After complimenting him, Zhao Meng handed Fu Yu the black plastic bag he was carrying: “Take this pack of cigarettes with you. If you run into someone later, offer them one. In these kinds of situations, details are particularly important.”

Fu Yu opened the bag and found a pack of Zhonghua cigarettes inside, along with two small square boxes.

“What’s this?”

Fu Yu took out one of the boxes, opened the lid for a look, and found a brand-new lighter inside.

“A Zippo lighter, gifted to me by Chef Yao. Since you don’t smoke often, I won’t give it to you. Just use it and return it to me when you’re done.”

Fu Yu tried sliding the lid, and sure enough, the lighter was quite good, a windproof model with a green flame.

“And this!” Zhao Meng took out the other box: “A Tissot watch, bought two years ago. I haven’t had the chance to wear it at work regularly, so let me lend it to you.”

Zhao Meng took out the watch: “Wear it on your right hand, reach out, and I’ll help you put it on.”

Fu Yu felt touched, not expecting Zhao Meng to be so thoughtful.

“Chef Zhao, you’re genuinely good to me!”

Zhao Meng helped secure the watch, smiling: “Oh, you just realized?”

He adjusted the position of the watch face: “You look quite slim, but your build is pretty big. The watch chain length is perfect, just wear it like this.”

Fu Yu glanced at his wrist; with just a watch added, he immediately felt it made him look more distinguished.

There’s a reason people say clothes make the man!

“Alright then, finish tidying up and head out. Aren’t you still going to Four Seas Banquet to see Chef Luo?”

Fu Yu nodded, carefully checked the items he needed to bring, and then carried his luggage out.

Zhao Meng followed him to the back door, advising as they walked: “When you get there, observe and learn more, talk less. If there’s anything unclear, ask Chef Luo; he’s more familiar with the procedures since he attended last year’s annual meeting.”

Fu Yu nodded: “Okay, I’ll remember.”

“Also, those invited to attend the annual meeting are all significant figures in the circle. Be humble, try to make connections whenever you can, and above all, avoid offending anyone. We don’t know each other well, nor do we understand each other. Nobody knows anyone else’s background, got it?”

Fu Yu laughed: “Got it, Chef Zhao, you sound just like my dad, being so nagging.”

“You’re cheeky!” Zhao Meng glared at him, pulled a take-out bag out of his pocket, and stuffed it into Fu Yu’s hand: “I made a freshly prepared braised meat roll for you, with two braised eggs. Eat it on the car; it’s still warm.”

Fu Yu looked down and saw it was a roll; holding it, it was hot and fresh-made.

Since he volunteered to handle the early staff meals, Zhao Meng hadn’t visited the back kitchen early anymore.

Today, he got up early to arrange breakfast especially for him.

“Chef Zhao…” Fu Yu was incredibly touched, but didn’t know what to say.

Zhao Meng smiled: “Off you go; have a safe trip!”

Fu Yu nodded, carrying his luggage out the back door.

Though it wasn’t a workday, the traffic was still heavily congested.

After struggling to hail a taxi, Fu Yu finished a braised meat roll and had a phone call with Liu Yuqing before the taxi had even left Wenchang Street.

Fu Yu thought he was being proactive, but Liu Yuqing surprised him by being even earlier than he.

However, Liu Yuqing informed Fu Yu that her sister had other matters to handle, so she might arrive later.

There wasn’t much they could do, and after chatting for a bit, they hung up the phone.

With stops and starts, the taxi arrived at Four Seas Banquet around nine in the morning.

Luckily, Fu Yu had left home early, managing to arrive on time.

The front desk staff had been informed in advance and quickly sent someone to the back kitchen to call Luo Rang upon hearing he was looking for him.

Before long, Luo Rang emerged.

It was apparent Luo Rang had dressed meticulously as well, looking sharply dressed in a well-fitted suit, wearing single-layer leather shoes despite the cold weather.

Seeing Fu Yu arrive, Luo Rang smiled warmly and greeted him: “Chef Fu, you’re dressed so smartly, ready to make a dazzling appearance, huh?”

Entering the door, Fu Yu unzipped his down jacket, revealing his business-style brand-name attire, which indeed showed off his demeanor.

Upon hearing Luo Rang’s compliment, Fu Yu couldn’t help but smile: “I had intended to, but now that I see you looking so handsome, I feel I might not shine as brightly in terms of chi.”

Luo Rang laughed: “That’s not necessarily true. My attire may be superficial, but you have genuine spirit!”

With one sentence, both broke into laughter.

A brand-new day begins with mutual admiration.

Luo Rang’s car was parked at the restaurant’s back door; he specially cleaned it last night after work, preparing for the trip to the provincial city.

Luo Rang led Fu Yu to the back door, chuckling as he said: “Around the back, you can pull a hose directly to wash it. Nowadays getting a car washed outside costs three to four hundred, and if you can’t find a good place, they might skimp on it. Better to wash it yourself, not only cleaner but also saves money.”