Chapter 994: Chapter 414: Fire-Stoking Master Geng Lishan! How Could a Little Kitty Have Any Bad Intentions!

"When processing this month’s payroll, add Qi Siliang’s housing allowance. Let’s encourage this ambitious young man... Also, since the heating is now on and everyone should have paid their heating bills, discuss with Sister Jing about giving all employees a heating allowance. The amount is up to you two to decide... Don’t forget to give yourselves a little extra as well."

The business in the shop is booming, and the employees’ benefits need to keep up.

Besides, the cold winter directly affects work efficiency.

Shu Yun took a bite of a slice of bread:

"Alright, boss. I’ll send a message to Manager Dou in a bit... Oh, this fried bread slice is quite good, really tasty."

Lin Xu stuffed the rest of the bread slice into his mouth and nodded towards Qi Siliang:

"Qi Siliang fried it. If you want more, just ask him to fry some for you. Qi Siming says he’s good at frying and such, and it seems he’s really got some skills."

After a delightful meal, Lin Xu didn’t set off immediately. The apprenticeship ceremony didn’t start until eleven in the morning, so there was no rush to get there.

It allowed both parties to simmer their emotions a bit.

That way, Geng Lishan’s scroll which stirs up emotions could have its effect.

A little past ten in the morning, after setting up everything in the shop, Lin Xu grabbed two bags of food and drinks and, along with Shen Baobao holding Dundun, arrived at the entrance of the alley to Geng Lishan’s house.

Just as he parked the car, Geng Lishan sauntered out of the alley with his hands behind his back.

Lin Xu opened the car door, and the old man came up to the car and handed over a painting scroll he was holding under his arm:

"Make sure this is the right scroll. Don’t mix it up with ’The World’s First Duck,’ or that’ll be embarrassing."

Lin Xu: "..."

Old Geng, you think you’re funny?

Though grumbling internally, he still opened it to check. After confirming it had the words "Distinguished Teacher and Disciple," he placed it in the back seat.

While handling this, he muttered:

"Your stirring things up doesn’t really suit someone with a cultured background."

Geng Lishan laughed and said:

"It’s just on a whim, nothing more... Plus, I’m just an old foodie; I can’t mix in with the dirty circle of cultured people."

I think you’d fit right in... Lin Xu opened the trunk, pulled out various braised snacks and packed dishes all at once from the car, and asked Geng Lishan:

"You’re really not planning to join us?"

Geng Lishan, fully aware of the reaction his scroll would provoke after being presented, laughed and said:

"No need, old me doesn’t like such occasions. Furthermore, with all the delicious food you’ve brought, staying home to enjoy a good drink makes more sense. Everything else is just fleeting."

You’re afraid they might seriously get mad and beat you up, aren’t you?

Lin Xu thought to himself and then handed the bag over:

"There’s all sorts of dishes. Take it easy, and don’t drink too much... Didn’t Boss Huang give you a couple of jars of Huadiao last time? Heat it up and enjoy it, then have a good sleep."

Geng Lishan laughed heartily:

"Alright, alright, I’ll take your advice, little brother. Remember to tell me about the event when you return."

Tsk tsk tsk, and you say there’s no hidden meaning behind that scroll?

After bidding farewell to the sometimes cheeky Geng Lishan, Lin Xu drove straight to today’s apprenticeship ceremony at the Yanjing Hotel.

In theory, a senior from the Fishing Platform recruiting apprentices should take place at the Fishing Platform.

But this time, it was evidently done to support their own, hence the choice of venue was Yanjing Hotel.

Even though it’s on away ground, the team from the Fishing Platform isn’t scared. Just the presence of the Eighteen Arhats, led by Master Xie Baomin, is intimidating enough.

Moreover, with over a dozen master chefs at the same level as Guo Jichang, who wouldn’t be daunted?

Upon reaching the Yanjing Hotel, Qi Zhentao, in his chef’s uniform, was already waiting in the parking lot, his face slightly clouded with gloom.

Lin Xu got out of the car and asked:

"What’s with the expression? Did your master get discharged?"

Qi Zhentao shook his head:

"Master didn’t come, but several of my uncles did, and they’ve just made me confront everyone head-on."

Confront... them?

Lin Xu chuckled and said:

"They almost ruined you... no, they already have. Is that something decent people would do? The head chef couldn’t possibly take their advice, right?"

Qi Zhentao shook his head:

"I certainly won’t listen to them; they just keep haunting me, constantly saying how hard Master worked to teach me. Director Lin, how can I shut them up?"

Shut them up?

This is easy!

Lin Xu said:

"Once the apprenticeship ceremony concludes, directly voice all the grievances you’ve endured, and then announce on the spot that you’re leaving your master and going independent."

Normally, no matter how wrong a master might be, doing so would have everyone talking behind your back.

Because the Confucian concept of Heaven, Earth, Sovereign, Parent, and Teacher is deeply ingrained in the national psyche.

But today’s an exception; there are too many onlookers waiting to ’speak justice’ present, fearless and waiting to uphold righteousness and fairness.

This is a good moment to voice some criticisms against that hospitalized Master Meng, perfect for people like Guo Jichang to work on.

For instance, removing him from the State Banquet Chef roster, canceling his qualifications as a Chinese Master Chef, and so on.

Things that can be maneuvered.

After all, in such matters, majority rule prevails, especially when the Fishing Platform holds the numerical advantage.

For these long-suffering masters bullied by their master for a lifetime, occasionally bullying someone else can be quite satisfying.

Upon hearing Lin Xu’s suggestion, a hint of hesitation flashed across Qi Zhentao’s face.