Chef at the University Canteen

Chapter 581 320: This Pride Comes from a Deep Love for Hometown Cuisine

Tanzhou is a historical and cultural city with a rich history spanning 3000 years, and it is also renowned worldwide as a city of culinary delights.

Over the long years, Tanzhou has integrated Central Plains culture, southern rice culture, and Xiangjiang River culture, gradually forming a unique culinary system.

Xiang Cuisine is famous for its fresh, fragrant, and spicy flavors, beloved by many. Meanwhile, Tanzhou is also a gathering place for official cuisine and night market snacks. The variety of foods is dazzling, leaving visitors lingering with fond memories.

It is currently summer vacation, and countless food lovers, undeterred by the heat, flock from all directions, exploring the streets and alleys of Tanzhou in search of their favorite culinary snacks.

The entire city is bustling with tourists, vibrant and lively, exuding a prosperous scene.

At Tanzhou high-speed railway station, Jiang Yu, dressed in casual summer attire with sunglasses perched on his nose, carrying his old backpack that he's used for years, slowly exits the station along with the crowded people.

Tomorrow morning, the Huaxia Master Chef Committee will host the Huaxia Youth Master Chef Culinary Competition, which is also Jiang Yu's reason for coming to Tanzhou.

He is here not to compete, but as an invited guest by the committee, to serve as a culinary demonstration guest.

In reality, Jiang Yu is not interested in such matters at all; he just wants to quietly be a cafeteria chef and has no plans to develop in the direction of a professional chef. Enjoying himself in his own little world is quite satisfying.

However, Jia Dequan said that reading thousands of books and traveling thousands of miles, whether as a chef or in other professions, traveling and seeing more can broaden one's horizons, and interacting more with peers, especially those at a high level, can help one identify and improve areas of weakness, which is beneficial for skill development.

The words of Jia Dequan, the Hubei Cuisine master, naturally have merit. And thinking of visiting Lu Shuwu's grandfather, Lu Jinseng, in Tanzhou to express gratitude for the culinary notes gifted, Jiang Yu eventually agreed.

Soon after arriving at the exit of the high-speed railway station, Jiang Yu sees a tall, young man looking around the corridor, holding a sign with the large words "Jiang Yu."

Beside that young man, a middle-aged man resembling Lu Shuwu somewhat stands silently, with a gentle smile that never leaves his face.

Although having met only once, Jiang Yu quickly recognizes that this middle-aged man is none other than Lu Shuwu's father, Lu Chunming.

Lu Shuwu originally intended to accompany Jiang Yu to Tanzhou during the holiday, serving as a guide and taking him to taste Tanzhou's specialties and snacks, while also inviting him home as a guest.

Unfortunately, plans are often interrupted by changes. No one expected that the Seventh Dining Hall would remain open during the summer, and students coming to dine surprisingly increased even more than after school started, making it impossible for him to leave.

Left with no choice, Lu Shuwu entrusted the task of welcoming Jiang Yu to his family, having already informed them beforehand of Jiang Yu's arrival.

Though aware that someone would meet him at the station, Jiang Yu is surprised to find that the one welcoming him is Lu Shuwu's father.

It's truly a bit too ceremonious!

Despite the surprise, Jiang Yu composes himself, quickly walking towards the exit and putting away his sunglasses.

Upon exiting the station, Lu Chunming and the young man have already spotted Jiang Yu and hasten to greet him.

From afar, Lu Chunming extends his hands warmly, saying:

"Master Xiao Jiang, welcome to Tanzhou as our guest! Haven't seen you for so long, you are as spirited and lively as always!"

Jiang Yu hastens forward a few steps, shaking hands with Lu Chunming with an apologetic smile, saying, "Thank you, Uncle Lu. I'm sorry for bothering you to personally come to the station to welcome me."

"There's nothing to be sorry for. You are a distinguished guest of our family. If I don't come to receive you, wouldn't it seem too disrespectful?"

Lu Chunming says with a chuckle,

"Since the old man returned from Jiangzhou, he has been full of praise for you, saying that you are a once-in-a-century culinary genius in the Huaxia Chef community. He still can't stop thinking about it.

He heard you're coming to visit, and he's been hoping and yearning day and night, just wishing you'd come a little earlier."

Jiang Yu responds, "The elder truly praises me too much!"

"Not at all; it's because you possess such skill."

Lu Chunming says, then quickly steps aside making a gesture of "please," smiling at Jiang Yu and saying,

"Let's not just stand here chatting, let me show you around. You must visit often, and the old man is waiting for you at home!"

Turning to the young man previously holding the sign, he says to Jiang Yu,

"This is my assistant, named He Yong. Originally, I should have been your guide here, but things at the hotel are quite busy recently, so I can't accompany you.

During this period, Xiaohu will be your guide. If you need anything, just let him know."

He Yong turns to Jiang Yu with a smile, greeting, "Hello, Master Xiao Jiang!"

Jiang Yu also smiles, nodding, "Hello, Assistant He, I will be relying on you these few days."

"No trouble at all, it's my honor," He Yong replies, waving his hands repeatedly.

The three of them chat while walking, soon arriving at the parking lot, getting into the car, and heading straight toward Tanzhou City's direction.

Tanzhou is not only a city of gastronomy, but its scenic beauty and ancient charm attract tourists from around the world to explore.

Amidst the city streets, vehicles come and go incessantly, tourists of varied skin colors and ages wander in groups, leisurely enjoying every street and alley.

Regardless of gender or age, almost everyone is holding various delicious snacks, their faces adorned with genuine smiles.

Sitting in the car, Jiang Yu quietly watches everything through the window, witnessing a scene of joy, harmony, and lively urban silhouettes.

"How is it? Isn't Tanzhou quite lively?"

Seeing Jiang Yu somewhat lost in thought while gazing outside, Lu Chunming smiles, saying,

"Now the weather is too hot; it's better during the day. As evening comes, night markets and food streets become even livelier. People throng the places.

After we have dinner and take a break, I'll show you around those places so you can taste the flavors of Tanzhou's cuisine."

As he speaks, a hint of unabashed pride naturally escapes in Lu Chunming's tone.

This pride stems from a deep love for hometown cuisine.