The Reviled God of Cooking Tries to Slack Off - Chapter 115 -

Liu Ping had previously given Jiang Tingzhou a score of 90, but now, in his heart, he silently changed it.

He felt he could give Jiang Tingzhou a perfect 100.

Tonight was truly a joyful night. 

Zeng Rong felt relieved seeing how things had turned out. But at that moment, Jiang Tingzhou didn’t show much joy. He simply raised his teacup in a toast gesture—a substitution of tea for wine—and said, “Happy New Year’s Eve. I hope Mr. Liu enjoyed our dinner tonight.”

The way he smiled, especially the expression in his eyes, made Liu Ping feel something deeper.

“Happy New Year’s Eve, Jiang Tingzhou,” Liu Ping replied. “I believe we’ll see each other again soon.”

It was getting late, and Liu Ping had to leave. He went home in high spirits, and before leaving, he didn’t forget to pack a large portion of Jiang Tingzhou’s beef jerky to take with him. 

Zeng Rong, who remained, even shot Jiang Tingzhou a meaningful look.

“Don’t worry, the vice president of Yongqing Branch is secured,” he said. “Mr. Jiang, don’t forget me when another great opportunity comes along.”

Jiang Tingzhou chuckled, unsure whether to laugh or cry. “The future is too far away to think about. Let’s just focus on the present.”

Meanwhile, his hands hadn’t stopped preparing food.

Throughout it all, Lu Baiyu remained silently by Jiang Tingzhou’s side, watching everything unfold but never speaking.

When voters approached, he quietly put on a mask and an apron, disguising himself completely. Everyone was busy, and no one paid him any attention. A few visitors who got food from him didn’t recognize him either—he looked just like a regular staff member helping Jiang Tingzhou.

He didn’t speak until Liu Ping had left, and even then, he didn’t stop working. “Liu Ping seems to have a good impression of you.”

Jiang Tingzhou nodded. “Yeah, I know.”

Though he didn’t fully understand why—perhaps it wasn’t just about the beef jerky—he could feel Liu Ping’s attitude toward him had clearly changed.

After thinking for a while, Jiang Tingzhou turned to Lu Baiyu and said, “I never got a chance to properly thank you for what happened with Zhang Xiaocong. If there’s a chance in the future, I—”

Lu Baiyu interrupted at just the right moment, clearly anticipating what Jiang Tingzhou was about to say. “Liu Ping already had a favorable impression of you before today. During the finals, I received news that Zhang Xiaocong is being transferred—from the confidential department to a marginal position. Though he’ll still have a title, it’s unlikely he’ll ever return to the company’s core ranks.”

To avoid affecting the stock price, this matter wasn’t made public. But it explained Liu Ping’s change in demeanor.

He disliked people using the Xiushui Group’s name to intimidate others, especially those attempting to seize power behind his back—no matter how close the family relation.

As for Zhang Xiaocong, who once flaunted his power—whatever he felt about his downfall was irrelevant now. Jiang Tingzhou no longer needed him.

There was no time to dwell on the matter. As soon as their conversation ended, more people arrived.

Jiang Tingzhou’s stall had been tucked away in a remote location. Ordinary visitors couldn’t find it easily, but those who had tasted his food spread the word. One person told ten, ten told a hundred, and eventually, the crowd surged. His stall became extremely popular.

Fortunately, Jiang Tingzhou had prepared plenty of food. What he served to the judges earlier was only a fraction. All the diners loved his dishes, and seeing his food devoured brought immense satisfaction to the chef in him.

As the sky darkened, the food stalls stayed busy longer than usual. But all good things must end. Eventually, the crowd dispersed, and Jiang Tingzhou finally prepared to leave.

As he walked away, he glanced down.

This same venue had hosted the competition in his past life. He had won gold back then, brimming with pride and ambition, convinced that he was destined for greatness.

The scene now was nearly identical—moonlight in the sky, lights all around, the same crisp night air. But things had changed. Though he had achieved more in this life, that youthful ambition and restless fire in his heart had faded.

Now he only felt calm—more serene than ever.

The breeze brushed across his cheeks. It didn’t feel cold. He felt free.

He turned and walked on.

Two cars waited for him at the venue entrance.

One was from the sugar factory, and despite the late hour, Wen Qi had come in person and waited beside the car. 

The other vehicle had Lu Baiyu inside.

Before Jiang Tingzhou appeared, the two men had already seen each other.

Wen Qi raised his eyebrows and took the first shot: “Young Master Lu, you’d better head back. No point waiting here. Don’t you already know Tingzhou’s choice? Of course he’ll ride in his own car.”

Lu Baiyu didn’t even glance at him. “That’s not necessarily the case.”

Wen Qi replied, “Then let’s just wait and see.”

He was full of confidence—after all, Lu Baiyu had never succeeded in picking Jiang Tingzhou up before.

Just then, Jiang Tingzhou walked out.

Wen Qi’s eyes lit up. He immediately took a step forward, but before he could say anything, Lu Baiyu cut in: “Tingzhou, I have something to discuss with you. It’s business.”

At the mention of business, Jiang Tingzhou’s interest was piqued. He turned his head. “What is it?”

“Rolando told me. He has to catch a flight and can’t stay long. Before leaving, he said tonight was the happiest he’s been in years. Also, he asked me to pass along some news,” Lu Baiyu said. “It’s late—why don’t we talk on the way?” He opened the car door and gestured politely. “I’ll drive you home. It won’t take long.”

Jiang Tingzhou thought for a moment, then nodded. “Okay.”

Wen Qi: “…”

He was speechless and could only watch as Jiang Tingzhou left with Lu Baiyu.

The car door shut, and Lu Baiyu drove off.

They hadn’t seen each other for a while during the competition, but Lu Baiyu seemed subtly different now.

He didn’t waste time.

“Rolando heard you’re working with several selected chefs to open restaurants,” Lu Baiyu said. “He wanted me to remind you—the Red Diamond registration opens once a year. This year’s registration has already ended, and the secret evaluations in China will take place around July or August. With the sugar factory opening so many new stores, he thinks you can make the cut.”

Jiang Tingzhou was taken aback. “But the Red Diamond route changes every year. Dongjiang Province isn’t listed this year, is it?”

“They can add new cities. It’s not the first time,” Lu Baiyu explained. “For Rolando, they’re willing to make exceptions. Red Diamond has always been about finding great restaurants for diners. Also, he still remembers your cooking.”

Back when Jiang Tingzhou was working at Gongyan, Red Diamond conducted a secret visit, and Rolando had led it. At the time, Jiang Tingzhou’s skills weren’t yet fully polished, but he still helped Gongyan gain a second Red Diamond star—rare in Dongjiang Province.

This was valuable information.

Jiang Tingzhou began calculating. The sugar factory had several restaurant projects in motion. He had already signed several chefs from the competition and divided them into two groups:

One group excelled at stir-fry—aromatic, spicy, cooked with blazing heat and oil—perfect for opening an affordable jianghu-style eatery.

Another group specialized in northern cuisine—dishes like sweet-and-sour pork, fried pork strips, and authentic sauerkraut hotpot—ideal for a northern-style restaurant.

The Zhou family restaurant, specializing in small stir-fries, planned to establish their flagship restaurant in the Sugar Factory as well..

All three were budget-friendly, offering large portions at low prices. The food was excellent—meals averaged under 50 yuan per person.

But such restaurants didn’t fall under Red Diamond’s scope.

However, Qibao Restaurant and Ye Shunxin’s Shanhe Ji had already earned Red Diamond stars. Generally, their branches could also qualify.

Tao Jinyu’s Jinyuhui and Cai Yuan’s western-style Xingyun Feast were mid-range. Both had Red Diamond potential.

Seven restaurants in total—each with a different market positioning.

If one or more earned Red Diamond stars, especially Jinyuhui, which planned to expand into a chain, it would be a huge advantage.

Lu Baiyu’s timely update—and his connection to Rolando—gave them several months of valuable prep time.

Just as Jiang Tingzhou was about to thank him, Lu Baiyu changed the subject again.

“Tingzhou, how do you plan to spend the New Year this year?”

Jiang Tingzhou paused, caught off guard by the sudden shift. But the year was indeed drawing to a close.

“I won’t be spending it at home,” Jiang Tingzhou said. “This year, with the Sugar Factory doing well, Li Shuyan booked a hot spring resort and invited me and Xiaoping. We’ll all go.”

Just a few days ago, Jiang Moli had also tried every possible way to send him word, but Jiang Tingzhou had no intention of going to the Jiang family. The Tian family and Aunt Deng from next door had also invited him, along with many others he knew.

In the past, New Year’s had always been lonely for him. But this year, it was lively—so many wanted to see him.

Originally, he thought staying home would be fine. But Li Shuyan insisted cooking New Year’s Eve dinner was too exhausting. A small Little New Year’s dinner tonight was enough; she refused to let him cook again. Besides, the recent competitions had drained him, so it was better to relax properly.

Still, no matter what he planned, it had nothing to do with Lu Baiyu.

“She’s right,” Lu Baiyu replied. “The factory’s on break—you should take a break too.”

He said nothing more and quietly drove Jiang Tingzhou home.

The next day, Jiang Tingzhou passed word to Du Juan about his discussion with Yu Li. She was surprised but agreed to handle things after the New Year. It was time to rest.

Soon, Jiang Tingzhou packed up and went on vacation. Li Shuyan’s choice of hot spring resort was excellent—quiet, comfortable, with delicious New Year’s Eve food. The owner even served a special crab dim sum, Jiang Tingzhou’s favorite, though it wasn’t even on the menu.

But on New Year’s Eve, Jiang Tingzhou couldn’t sleep. Maybe he had eaten too much.

The villa was in the mountains, but not too remote. From his room, he could see the city lights and fireworks in the sky. The garden lights were on, and he sat there, unable to sleep.

Soon after, someone approached quietly and draped a coat over his shoulders.

Without turning, he already knew—it was Lu Baiyu.

“I thought Young Master Lu was very busy lately.” Jiang Tingzhou said.

He had seen the Lu family’s car earlier. Though Lu Baiyu had tried to be discreet, Jiang Tingzhou recognized it instantly.

He also knew Lu Group Fresh’s app had gained popularity from the competition. Even during the holiday, the platform stayed open, and staff worked with triple pay. Lu Baiyu shouldn’t have had free time.

“There are things to handle, but I’ll take care of them,” Lu Baiyu said softly. “Tingzhou, it’s cold up here. Don’t stay out too long, or you’ll catch a cold. Come back inside.”

Jiang Tingzhou didn’t move. “Then why did you come here?”

“I wanted to see you,” Lu Baiyu said. He didn’t avoid the question. “At first, I just wanted to take a look and leave.”

The Lu family never had a true New Year’s celebration. Lu Zhenting was on a business trip, Lu Jiahe had been reassigned, and Qin Rushuang had her own affairs. No one had time.

Lu Baiyu had only tonight—and the only thing on his mind was seeing Jiang Tingzhou.

“Is that really the only reason you came?” Jiang Tingzhou asked.

He turned to look at Lu Baiyu.

Their eyes met.

“No,” Lu Baiyu answered. “Tingzhou, I have something else to ask you.”