Seeing the envy and jealousy in the eyes of the other kitchen workers, He Jin couldn't help but smile inwardly.
The more he compared himself to the original owner, the more he felt that "Sha Zhu" truly had lived up to his nickname.
Look at the situation now—he openly slacked off, yet no one dared say a word. Fatty and Ma Hua scrambled to do all the work that used to fall on him, working hard and even feeling honored to do so.
The original Sha Zhu, on the other hand, had taken these two as apprentices for seven or eight years and barely taught them anything. They couldn't even properly handle large-pot dishes, forcing him to cook personally every time.
And large-pot cooking was exhausting.
He Jin had tried it once and nearly collapsed from fatigue.
That experience alone had made him decide—never again.
From then on, he used the excuse of "teaching" to let Fatty and Ma Hua handle the big锅 dishes. On top of that, influenced by his own different mindset, he had genuinely begun teaching them Sichuan cuisine over the past month.
The results were obvious.
His workdays became incredibly relaxed, and more importantly, the two apprentices' loyalty had been completely won over.
Especially Fatty—clever, smooth-tongued, attentive—constantly hovering around him with diligence and enthusiasm.
Thinking of how Fatty had betrayed Sha Zhu in the original storyline, He Jin found his impression gradually improving instead.
At first, he had viewed Fatty negatively because of that betrayal.
But the more he thought about it, the more he realized the blame wasn't entirely on Fatty. The original Sha Zhu bore much responsibility.
If he himself had apprenticed under someone who refused to properly teach him for over a decade, he might have turned against that master too.
With that perspective, He Jin treated both apprentices equally and taught them sincerely.
After all, he didn't plan to remain a cook forever. He certainly wouldn't rely on cooking for his livelihood in the future. Even if Fatty's character had flaws, it wouldn't affect him much.
He wouldn't be staying at the rolling mill much longer anyway.
There wasn't enough time for them to truly surpass him. Even if he taught wholeheartedly, at best they'd master large-pot cooking and hold their positions steadily.
That alone would allow them to shoulder their families' burdens.
When he returned to Beijing in the future, he would test them once more.
If they still recognized him as Master and treated him with respect, he would help arrange better futures for them—even if he didn't continue teaching cooking.
If they were indifferent—or refused to acknowledge him—he wouldn't interfere.
And if Fatty ever dared commit an act of betrayal as in the original timeline…
He Jin's eyes darkened slightly.
By then, he wouldn't need to act personally. A single word from him would be enough to make Fatty's life very difficult.
"Master! The ingredients are ready. Please give us some guidance."
Fatty's flattering voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
He Jin stood, patted Fatty's shoulder approvingly, and walked to the stove.
Under their eager gazes, he began offering careful instruction.
—
Before long, the workers finished lunch.
He Jin sat calmly to the side while the kitchen staff bustled about cleaning. He didn't lift a finger.
He had already changed enough in their eyes—teaching apprentices seriously and no longer lashing out with sharp words. If he suddenly became overly helpful, suspicions might arise.
Fortunately, everyone was used to the workload, and cleanup went quickly.
He took a sip of tea and glanced toward the kitchen entrance.
The rolling mill didn't provide dinner for workers. Unless there was a special "small stove" banquet, he could leave early once cleanup was done.
If there was an evening banquet, the cafeteria director would come personally to inform him.
Time passed.
Just as Fatty approached again, clearly assuming there was no banquet tonight, the kitchen curtain lifted.
Director Liu Peng's face appeared.
"Sha Zhu, Director Li is hosting guests tonight. Prepare a proper table."
He Jin responded evenly, "Understood."
Seeing no reluctance, Liu Peng seemed pleased.
"Sha Zhu, you've been performing well lately. Looks like you've figured things out. Keep it up. In a few days, I'll put in a good word for you with Director Li—maybe get you a raise."
He Jin's expression remained neutral.
A raise?
He was leaving soon. An extra few yuan meant nothing to him now.
Still, he nodded politely. "Thank you, Director Liu."
Then he asked directly, "Anything else? If not, I'll take them to the storeroom to prepare ingredients."
Liu Peng had expected more enthusiasm and felt slightly slighted. Inwardly, he muttered that Sha Zhu was still the same blunt fool.
But outwardly he smiled. "That's all. I'll notify you when Director Li arrives."
As Liu Peng turned away, Fatty immediately handed He Jin paper and pen without being told.
He Jin shot him an approving glance and began drafting the evening menu from memory.
The moment he finished writing, Fatty took the list respectfully and motioned Ma Hua toward the storeroom.
Even He Jin had to admit—
With someone this perceptive and proactive, it was hard not to appreciate him.
If he weren't planning to leave, he might truly have cultivated Fatty further, original betrayal aside.
Clever, attentive, efficient.
Such people were rare.
And rare talent was always worth keeping close.