Zhao Meng listened to Fu Yu swear with confidence, utterly dumbfounded, and finally felt a rare sense of relief after suppressing his emotions for so long.

He looked at Fu Yu with mixed feelings, both amused and deeply moved.

Seeing Zhao Meng smile, Fu Yu became even more enthusiastic and said, "Chef Zhao, don’t worry, I will definitely do what I promise! I’ve already preliminarily set specific goals for each step."

"Regarding my studies, I can’t compare, but I can surpass his achievements one by one after he graduates!"

"In the first year after graduation, I interned at Qianlima, successfully transitioned to a full-time position, and in the second month after that, I participated in the Gold Medal Chef Competition and won first place!"

"Starting today, I will strive to first pass the junior title, then pursue the intermediate, and ultimately obtain the senior technician certificate!"

"Reputation is built gradually, and connections are made slowly. If he can do it, so can I!"

"Once I accumulate enough cooking experience and achieve a certain economic foundation, I can start my own business."

"I’ll first open a restaurant in the provincial capital, then return to Bei’an to open a branch. Whether it’s taste or service, I will stand out in terms of industry reputation."

As Fu Yu spoke, he became more and more excited and suddenly thought of something, quickly adding, "Oh, and I plan to buy a house, a car, and get married in the provincial capital!"

"I’ll buy a villa by the river, a limited edition supercar, and marry a wife who’s both beautiful and virtuous, someone who’s wholeheartedly willing to live with me, both pretty and kind-hearted!"

Fu Yu downed his beer in one gulp: "Chef Zhao, when my career succeeds one day, you can completely ignore them! Those damn lawyers, I want everyone to mention you with respect as a master!"

At this point, Fu Yu took a deep breath, clearly feeling a need to vent!

Zhao Meng silently laughed, looking at Fu Yu, and couldn’t help but ask, "This plan sounds quite challenging, doesn’t it?"

Fu Yu quickly said, "Without challenge, what’s the point of a career plan? I’m young, I need to give myself some pressure, otherwise, how could I achieve it!"

"Besides, what are these goals? Chef Zhao, rest assured, one day, I will make all those who once looked down on you regret ever being blind! I want you to rise to prominence through me, achieving greatness!"

Zhao Meng: "..."

Damn brat, maybe you’re just pretending to be drunk to mock me on purpose!

Looking at Fu Yu’s ambition, Zhao Meng took a deep breath.

Forget it!

This kid is definitely drunk!

No point in stooping to his level!

Yet, with just one glass of beer, Fu Yu seemed to gain some liquid courage.

He placed his hand on Zhao Meng’s shoulder, speaking sincerely: "Chef Zhao, all the kindness you’ve shown me, I remember in my heart, I’m someone who remembers gratitude!"

Zhao Meng said, "You don’t need to say it."

By this point, Fu Yu was slightly drunk, with red-rimmed eyes: "I have to say it! I want you to know."

"When I first arrived at Qianlima, I was nothing. If you hadn’t guided me hand-in-hand, I might still be there chopping potatoes now!"

"Chef Zhao, in my heart, you’re not just my mentor! Actually, in my heart, I’ve always seen you as a father figure!"

"I can’t bear to see you embarrassed by others’ pretentiousness! I want you to have the confidence to brag to others!"

"My goal is to make you proud of me! That’s my greatest motivation in life!"

With every word, Fu Yu spoke with the hint of alcohol: "I want to surpass Che Yuhang! I want to become the most badass chef! All those Michelin stars, and whatnot, I’ll create a restaurant brand that no one can surpass, so that when people hear its name, they’ll think of me, and think of you!"

Zhao Meng was silent, not expecting Fu Yu to say this.

He felt a flicker of emotion and discomfort, rubbing his hands on his pants, his face flushed from the alcohol: "Alright, you brat, are you drunk?"

Fu Yu: "I’m not drunk! I’m speaking from the heart!"

Zhao Meng was at a loss for words, looking at Fu Yu with a serious face, suddenly feeling a strange sensation.

He often joked with Yao Shi about how guiding Fu Yu was like raising a son.

But now, with Fu Yu’s heartfelt words, an inner turmoil arose.

Invisibly, there was now a generational connection with this young man in front of him.

A heavy weight seemed to press down on his chest.

It was a big responsibility on his shoulders!

Fu Yu leaned over and asked, "Chef Zhao, do you believe I can achieve what I say?"

Zhao Meng’s eyes were astonished, moved, yet he appeared calm, nodding: "I believe it. I also hope you can achieve all your goals, so that I can have the chance to boast and show off thanks to you."

Fu Yu chuckled, but before he could laugh out loud, a digital notification sound suddenly echoed in his ears:

[Ding! NPC Godfather Zhao Meng’s long-term chain mission: Fulfill all stated goals, surpass Che Yuhang, and break through all of his achievements, doing what you say. Mission reward: Random.]

He seriously listened to the mission.

The bit of alcohol in Fu Yu’s system completely sobered up.

He blinked and couldn’t help but re-read the mission notification.

NPC Godfather Zhao Meng?

Long-term chain mission?

His heartfelt drunken words had turned into a mission issued by Zhao Meng?

At that moment, Fu Yu was baffled!

Has he somehow gained control over Zhao Meng’s thoughts?

Or has his system turned Zhao Meng into an NPC altogether?

Feeling suspicious, Fu Yu thought he needed another beer to clear his head.

After drinking a beer, Fu Yu quietly reached out and pinched Zhao Meng’s arm.

"Ah! Damn it!"

Zhao Meng was caught off-guard and received a hard pinch.

Before he could react, he saw two fingers held up in front of him.

"Chef Zhao, how many fingers is this?"

Zhao Meng: "...One!"

Fu Yu visibly relaxed, grinning as he said, "Ah, good, you’re real, and you got it right!"

Zhao Meng: "..."

Damn it!

This kid is definitely pretending to be drunk!

Zhao Meng glared, helplessly sighed.

He had just wanted to go out for a drink to relieve some stress, but ended up paying the bill, worrying himself, and escorting the drunken Fu Yu back to the dorm room, laying him on the bed.

Taking off Fu Yu’s shoes and covering him with a blanket.

Zhao Meng stood up, looking at Fu Yu.

Amidst the effects of alcohol, Fu Yu slept deeply, not showing the slightest sign of waking despite all the fuss.

Zhao Meng gazed at the peacefully sleeping Fu Yu, murmuring to himself: "I may not have much hope for myself in this lifetime. No matter how I mix it up, it won’t get any better than this."

"But you’re different; you’re still young, talented, smart, quick-witted, willing to work hard, bold, and adventurous."

"What do you lack? You lack a background, a ’support,’ an opportunity for someone to give you a helping hand!"

"Boy, if it were about competing with family background, you wouldn’t stand much of a chance, and even considering me as a godfather isn’t quite sufficient!"

"Ultimately, you’ll have to rely on your efforts!"

As he spoke, a complex expression crossed Zhao Meng’s face, filled with a thousand emotions: "I can read people, and I know I won’t misjudge you!"