The Cheat Emperor of the Culinary World

Zhang Zhen looked at Fu Yu, a bit awkwardly, and said, "Sigh... Actually, what I want to say is, this little girl’s family is really very difficult, relying solely on her grandmother’s meager welfare benefits to live. I’ve been helping her to pay for schooling, just to cover the tuition part..."

Saying this, Zhang Zhen felt a bit embarrassed. After all, he could pay out of his own pocket to support a poor student, but even so, he felt a little shy, troubling others to join in for free in acts of charity.

So, when talking about this with Fu Yu, he couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed, thinking he might be troubling others.

Especially since this person was Fu Yu.

Zhang Zhen was afraid this issue might affect their relationship.

So, when he spoke about this issue, there was an added touch of concern.

"Xiaofu, actually I know I shouldn’t ask you for this, since your service fees are quite high, and the ingredients for medicinal meals are inherently expensive, but... this little girl’s family really has no money. Her grandmother, to sustain their life, at such an old age, still constantly picks up scraps to sell for a little money to help with household expenses."

"The little girl really is quite pitiful, a perfectly fine face, now looking as though it’s ruined, no wonder she’s self-conscious. I just think, such a good and sensible child, if her studies suffer because of skin issues and she can’t get into a good high school, it might affect her whole life. I’d like to ask if you could do me a favor and, on my account, help her with medicinal meals to adjust her condition, could you?"

"Of course, you don’t have to worry about the ingredients, I’ll handle that, and in the future, if there’s anything you need help with, just say the word, I’ll be absolutely duty-bound to assist!"

Zhang Zhen, being clever and articulate, was very good at dealing with others.

Now, to achieve his goal, he poured out all his thoughts and requirements in one go, without giving Fu Yu a chance to respond or refuse.

He knew that if he let Fu Yu speak halfway, it could easily affect the final result.

Now, he clearly stated all matters and the commitments he was willing to make, allowing Fu Yu to consider.

Whether from a human relationship or a return perspective, the possibility of refusal would greatly diminish.

Zhang Zhen himself knew, doing this was quite a sly move.

But he really had no choice.

He had already taken the girl to the hospital, done the necessary checks, and got the medications, but the results were minimal.

The doctor said it was due to excessive psychological stress, coinciding with puberty, making the skin sensitive, plus an improper daily diet, all contributing to the current situation.

Ultimately, there was no effective, quick treatment for this acne.

But even a slow treatment should at least show some results, shouldn’t it?

After treatment upon treatment, troubling for more than half a year, the girl visibly turned from an originally cheerful and optimistic excellent student to a reticent and self-conscious lagging student.

Zhang Zhen saw all this and was genuinely anxious and worried.

The main thing was, Zhang Zhen really couldn’t think of anyone else to help.

He had seen Fu Yu making medicinal meals for people, with a very proper procedure and obvious effects.

So he was moved.

But at the same time, Fu Yu’s prices were really expensive!

He had seen the newly made medicinal meal promotional recipe at the restaurant.

A course is two hundred thousand!

How can ordinary people afford that?

Moreover, it’s said that a course of medicinal meals has never ended after just one course.

It requires long-term persistence.

Thinking of the cost, he didn’t dare calculate.

Considering Fu Yu’s current status, just suggesting Fu Yu design a therapy course for free was already brazen enough.

However, his original intention was to hope Fu Yu could also help with the cooking.

After all, this medicinal meal is not like other dishes, with such expensive ingredients, he didn’t dare cook them lightly!

Fu Yu didn’t immediately answer Zhang Zhen’s request because he was seriously listening to the electronic notification suddenly coming through his ear:

[Ding! NPC Music Restaurant Chef Zhang Zhen’s task: Help the impoverished student Zhang Xueyao cure her facial acne and safely emerge from the shadow of puberty. Task reward: a recipe for endocrine therapy food adjustment. Zhang Zhen’s favorability +20. Zhang Xueyao’s favorability +50]

Zhang Zhen was best at reading people’s expressions. Upon seeing Fu Yu remain silent after hearing all he had to say, his heart sank.

He actually also knew that this time he was indeed asking a bit too much.

And Fu Yu was unlike others. He originally worried this might affect their regular interactions, so seeing Fu Yu silent, although he was very disappointed, he sincerely said, "Well, Chef Fu, if you really find it too difficult, just pretend I never mentioned this, really, it’s okay."

Fu Yu just finished listening to the task distributed by the system and hadn’t even had time to be happy about getting a new manual when he heard Zhang Zhen speak.

Fu Yu hurriedly said, "Oh, this matter isn’t really that difficult, Chef Zhang, I admire your good deeds and am willing to lend a hand and show some kindness. This is a good deed that builds virtue, I definitely won’t refuse. By the way, you’d better arrange a time first for me to meet the girl; then I can see according to the actual situation how to adjust her condition, how does that sound?"

Zhang Zhen nearly couldn’t react at the moment, but delighted, he quickly said, "I can arrange at any suitable time; mainly, Chef Fu, I surely can’t let you be at a loss, so there are some things we should address upfront. This little girl’s family is truly struggling, they can’t come up with the money. The money they have is from what I gave last month, meant to cover school expenses. Though I’ll give you something for the customized medicinal meals, I really don’t have the means for your pricing."

Speaking of this matter, Zhang Zhen felt a bit sheepish: "My home finances are mainly handled by your sister-in-law, I didn’t dare let her know about supporting this little girl, lest more be better than less in matters. The discretionary money I have is limited. Ten to twenty thousand, I might manage, but nothing more."

Fu Yu chuckled at these words, sincerely saying, "Chef Zhang, you’re underestimating me a bit, am I someone blinkered with money? You’re doing a good deed, can’t I join in on showing some kindness? I’ve always been quite interested in charity work, even participated several times in Waterdrop fundraising. Though my ability is limited, it’s at least a heartfelt contribution. I’m also someone with a lot of love."

His self-praising words were spoken openly.

Zhang Zhen felt both moved and admiring heard him, saying, "No, how could I underestimate you! If it wasn’t that I think you’re kind-hearted, I wouldn’t have brought this up at all!"

"If you’re really willing to help, that would be great, whenever you’re free, I can arrange for her to come over."