The Cheat Emperor of the Culinary World

Fu Yu was hit by a burst of inspiration, scribbling and researching deep into the night.

At the same time, at Qianlima Side Street Residential District.

Liu Yuqing was intently organizing all the special dishes of Qianlima Restaurant.

Over the past few days at work, during her free time, she had taken photos of all the dishes in the menu with her phone.

Qianlima, truly worthy of its century-old fame, boasted hundreds of special dishes, not to mention the various trendy new dishes currently in high demand.

She planned to use this time to familiarize herself with the dishes and then find an opportunity to learn the specific cooking methods.

She wasn’t doing this to secretly learn the craft, but to prepare a research thesis on the operation of a century-old restaurant.

She had said she already graduated and could now freely intern, but she hadn’t told her sister the truth.

She had applied for and was accepted to a student exchange program at the University of Surrey, UK. According to the university’s requirements, she needed to submit a complete and high-quality food research thesis.

This thesis wasn’t just about how to cook good dishes; it also needed to explore the food culture behind the cuisine.

The culinary arts program she applied for is actually a broad and profound field of study.

It covers not only all the academic disciplines but also uses food as a medium to study all aspects of human development!

Since it’s academic work, writing the thesis was a must, and the requirements were quite strict.

Liu Yuqing was actually under a lot of pressure.

She worked late into the night, writing and drawing as she looked at the photos.

Exhausted, she lay down in bed, initially intending to play some music to relax but accidentally opened a barbecue video she had previously recorded for Fu Yu.

The young and handsome chef wore a clean, brand-new chef’s uniform with a green floral apron, which seemed mismatched, yet once he began cooking, his presence immediately elevated.

Unknowingly, Liu Yuqing watched the video from start to finish, again and again.

3:30 AM.

Liu Yunong returned to the residential district, dusty from travel.

This apartment was a temporary purchase facilitated by a friend, located on the third floor, with three bedrooms, two living rooms, one kitchen, and two bathrooms, plus spacious enclosed balconies facing both north and south.

Though a bit pricey, its spacious layout and convenient location left both sisters quite satisfied.

Thus, Liu Yunong made the decision and bought the apartment.

After all, there would be a branch opening here in the future, and having a place nearby would be convenient.

Liu Yunong stayed at headquarters for a week but couldn’t stop worrying about her sister alone in Bei’an, hurriedly finishing her tasks and catching the evening flight back to Bei’an.

She opened the door and entered the house.

The entryway had the night light on.

Liu Yunong felt warm inside, knowing this was something her sister had thoughtfully left for her.

Even though she had said she might not make it back today.

Liu Yunong put down her luggage, took off her coat, and quietly entered the bedroom.

Liu Yuqing was already asleep in bed.

Even though she was over twenty, she still slept as restlessly as when she was a child.

The blanket was half off the bed, with her long legs exposed.

Liu Yunong, amused and exasperated, carefully tucked the blanket back over her sister.

As she got up, she noticed the loosely held phone.

Liu Yunong gently took the phone out, her thumb unintentionally pressing the unlock button at the bottom of the screen, which opened to the video’s ending frame.

She glanced casually at it but suddenly stopped in her tracks.

The young, handsome chef was smiling at the phone screen.

Liu Yunong’s eyes widened in surprise: this, this is Fu Yu!!

With the phone on mute, she replayed the video.

The more Liu Yunong watched, the more astonished and unsettled she became. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

This filming angle...

These two people...

Could it be that Fu Yu found out about Liu Yuqing’s identity?

It’s possible.

After all, she had used Yao Shi’s connection to secure Liu Yuqing’s spot at Qianlima.

So what is Fu Yu implying?

Liu Yunong looked at Fu Yu in the video confidently grilling saury, then at her sleeping sister.

A sisterly protective instinct suddenly tightened her heart.

Could their darling sister be won over by a boor?

...

The next day was a scheduled day off.

Fu Yu, as per his usual routine, had to head to the music restaurant.

Except during the National Day period, when the restaurant didn’t allow adjustments or time off, Fu Yu consistently rotated between a day off and providing on-site service.

Previously, he had taken on the business of Liu Yici’s good sister’s health and wellness meals, with both parties agreeing on a two-month course, twice a week.

It had only been a month now.

Since he skipped a week before, he voluntarily extended the course and, as compensation, planned to offer one extra herbal meal service for free.

Even though he had stayed up late the previous night, Fu Yu was still full of energy when he got up in the morning.

He felt grateful for his robust physique; the previous melancholy from being manipulated was almost gone.

After a simple breakfast, Fu Yu took a cab to the music restaurant.

After a month of herbal dietary therapy, Wang Xueli’s complexion had noticeably improved.

Fu Yu planned to adjust her diet plan based on her current condition. Previously, it was all about energy replenishment; now, it was time to introduce herbal meals for weight loss and beauty.

Upon entering the music restaurant, he saw Qu Jing already standing in the lobby, looking ready to go.

Having stayed there for a while, Fu Yu learned that there were two front desk managers at the music restaurant: one responsible for personnel allocation in the banquet hall, the other for front desk reception and arrangements.

Qu Jing was the latter, and although everyone in the restaurant called her Sister Qu, she was actually the front desk manager.

Seeing Fu Yu arrive, Qu Jing greeted him warmly, with evident respect and friendliness: "Good morning, Chef Fu!"

Fu Yu smiled and nodded: "Good morning, Sister Qu!"

Qu Jing seemed to treat Fu Yu just as warmly as before, with a kind attitude, but her sincerity was clearly more evident in her demeanor now.

Fu Yu, curious, checked his favorability rating with Qu Jing out of habit and realized it had unknowingly increased to 15.

This time, he didn’t hastily attribute the ten-point increase to his looks, as he often did.

Instead, he considered his actual circumstances and felt that perhaps competent individuals naturally gained more recognition and respect.

For others, greeting was just a friendly smile.

For Qu Jing, it was a genuine and hearty smile, her voice coming softly, "Chef Fu, Miss Wang is already here, booked in Private Room 202. By the way, in recent days, there have been two more customer inquiries about herbal dietary meal prices. After viewing your promotional menu, they both expressed interest and want to come in for a consultation."

Surprised, Fu Yu asked, "Promotional menu?"