Siheyuan: Mastery started in the 50s

Chapter 191 The Quality of the Dishes

Wang Qiang is never satisfied with the status quo. He often uses his spare time to study cooking skills, go to the city market to find fresh ingredients, and even specially invites an old chef to teach him more advanced skills. He knows that if he wants to become a first-class chef, he needs to keep learning and improving. Only the ultimate skills can bring praise and respect from guests.

The food at the He Family Courtyard has become increasingly famous because of Wang Qiang's participation. Whether it is a family banquet or a banquet for guests, he can always use his superb skills and unique innovations to bring out the original taste of the ingredients to the extreme. He Yuzhu often proudly introduces Wang Qiang's cooking skills at banquets, proudly saying: "This chef Wang is extraordinary! His skills are comparable to those of the chefs in the palace."

Gradually, the He Family Courtyard became not only a gathering place for the rich, but also a food destination in Beijing because of Wang Qiang's cooking. Guests from all over the world came here for nothing else but to taste Master Wang's cooking. Wang Qiang's reputation spread quickly in and outside the capital, just like the fire of his cooking.

Wang Qiang's fame grew, but he felt lonely. In such a wealthy and bustling compound, although he was highly praised, he always felt distant from the people around him. No matter how friendly He Yuzhu was, no matter how the guests praised his cooking, he still felt like an outsider, a cook from an ordinary family who could never fit into this closed and luxurious world.

One day, Wang Qiang met He Yuzhu in the yard. He Yuzhu seemed to be a little worried. He was usually so cheerful and confident, but today he seemed a little tired and silent.

"Master He, you look a little unwell. Is there something bothering you? If possible, I'm willing to listen and maybe I can help a little." Wang Qiang said tentatively. Although he knew that he was of low status, his heart was still filled with a desire to care for and help this young master who was usually friendly to him.

He Yuzhu looked up at Wang Qiang, his eyes full of confusion and bewilderment. Finally, he sighed and said, "Master Wang, I... I don't really like living in this compound. Although everything here seems beautiful, it always makes me feel depressed and uneasy. I often think that if I can do something I like, I might be happier."

Wang Qiang listened quietly, and there was a sense of resonance in his heart. He understood He Yuzhu's feelings. Although their backgrounds and status were very different, to some extent, they both faced similar difficulties - being troubled by the constraints of life and environment.

"Master He, are you willing to try something new? For example, we can go to the market together to pick out ingredients, and then make a dish of our favorites by ourselves. Perhaps in the process, you can find some new fun and direction." Wang Qiang suggested gently. He was also looking forward to exploring the fun of cooking with He Yuzhu. This might be the starting point for deeper communication and understanding between them.

He Yuzhu thought for a moment, then nodded and smiled. "Okay, Master Wang, let's give it a try. I think we might be able to find some new feelings and fun."

From that day on, Wang Qiang and He Yuzhu began an unusual cooperation. Together, they visited markets in and outside Beijing to pick fresh seafood, vegetables and spices. Whenever they shuttled through the market, He Yuzhu's face always had a hint of happiness and relaxation, as if he was far away from those constraints and pressures.

Back in the kitchen of the He family compound, Wang Qiang and He Yuzhu seemed to have changed into different people. They worked together and exchanged ideas and techniques. Wang Qiang calmly guided He Yuzhu, allowing him to experience the joy of cooking and the exquisiteness of skills. And He Yuzhu gradually showed his talent and potential. He keenly captured every cooking detail, as if these skills had never left him.

As time goes by, the cooperation between Wang Qiang and He Yuzhu gradually deepens. They are not just a relationship between a chef and a host, but also a partnership of mutual understanding and support. Wang Qiang sees the pursuit and longing of young people in He Yuzhu, and He Yuzhu also feels the sincerity and persistence from Wang Qiang.

Their cooking skills have thus become richer and more diverse, and each dish contains their hard work and emotions. In the He Family Courtyard, not only the traditional food culture is inherited, but also the spirit of joint exploration and innovation of Wang Qiang and He Yuzhu is demonstrated.

However, their cooperation was not always smooth. Sometimes, they disagreed on the taste of dishes or cooking methods, and even had small disputes. But it was in these disputes and exchanges that they got to know each other better and strengthened their determination to cooperate.

As time went by, life in the He family compound gradually returned to its usual calm and busy state. The cooperation between Wang Qiang and He Yuzhu continued to deepen, and their cooking skills gradually gained recognition and love from the guests. However, during this peaceful time, Wang Qiang discovered a problem that puzzled him - the use of meat in recent recipes had obviously decreased a lot.

Whenever he was preparing food, he always found that he had significantly less meat than before. Wang Qiang observed carefully and found that this was not accidental. More than once, he found less meat in the freezer than he expected, and the types and quantities of meat on the menu were also quietly decreasing.

Wang Qiang began to try to find the answer. He did not directly question He Yuzhu, but chose to communicate with him inadvertently. "Master He, it seems that there is less meat in our menu recently. Is there any special consideration?"

He Yuzhu frowned slightly after hearing this, looking a little embarrassed. He was silent for a moment, and finally said: "Master Wang, I think you should have noticed. Recently, some guests at home mentioned that the consumption of meat is too high, and we need to save some. So I asked the kitchen to control it, try to use less meat, and use more vegetables and beans as a substitute. I hope you can understand and support this decision."

Wang Qiang was silent for a while after hearing this. He understood He Yuzhu's intention, but he couldn't help feeling disappointed and puzzled. In his opinion, delicious dishes without meat would undoubtedly affect the taste and texture of the dishes. He knew very well that as a chef, his duty was to satisfy the tastes and needs of the guests as much as possible, rather than sacrificing the quality of the dishes because of some external factors.

However, Wang Qiang also knew that He Yuzhu's decision might be necessary and reasonable.