Chapter 916 - 773: Things That Can’t Be Done

One hour later.

Zhao Meng and Gu Yunwu left the meeting room with the others, still absorbed in the experience.

Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Finally able to leave.

It was supposed to be an observation of culinary videos, but ended up reviewing them three times!

Watching repeatedly, Zhao Meng and Gu Yunwu discussed the details they each noticed.

They never specifically guided the others throughout.

Both were immersed in the intense exchange, completely absorbed.

This feeling was incredibly satisfying!

Discussing with peers at the same level is definitely more enjoyable than instructing subordinates!

The pleasure of finding a worthy opponent made Zhao Meng unusually pleased with Gu Yunwu.

Although Gu Yunwu was lazy, greedy, and tricky in every way, it couldn’t be denied that he had a high level of culinary skills, and his flexible mind meant he had unique insights into many culinary techniques.

This thrilling exchange of experience made both Zhao Meng and Gu Yunwu feel a mutual admiration.

The two, who usually stared each other down with hostility, walked harmoniously side by side.

The others followed behind, those staying at the dormitory yawning, grateful for a chance to rest, while those who had to return home late at night secretly complained, as the only way home now was a taxi.

The group split in the corridor leading from the front hall to the back kitchen.

It was quite late, so Zhao Meng took out his phone to send a message to Dai Li, informing her he would be staying at the dormitory tonight instead of making the trip back.

Upon pulling out his phone, he found two missed calls; one from Dai Li and the other from Fu Yu.

Zhao Meng quickly sent a message back to Dai Li and then dialed Fu Yu’s number.

While waiting for the call to connect, countless thoughts ran through Zhao Meng’s mind.

Why did Fu Yu suddenly call? Did something happen?

Were there complications during the journey?

Was he unable to join up with Liu Shaoxian and the others successfully?

Or...

They say a mother worries for her son traveling far, and now Zhao Meng truly understood that feeling.

Fu Yu answered the call quickly, and before Zhao Meng could ask, Fu Yu inquired, "Chef Zhao, what were you doing earlier? You missed my call."

Zhao Meng explained, "Chef Yao got the video of your culinary competition, so I organized Xiaosun and others to watch it together, and my phone was on silent, so I didn’t hear it."

After explaining, he quickly asked, "Is everything okay on your end?"

Fu Yu honestly described how Liu Yunong had picked him up from the station and detailed his communication with Liu Shaoxian.

Zhao Meng breathed a sigh of relief: "That’s good, get some rest tonight and be ready to meet the inspection team tomorrow."

Fu Yu agreed and chatted a bit more before Zhao Meng urged to end the call.

Fu Yu glanced at the time; it was already past eleven o’clock, but Liu Yuqing hadn’t messaged yet.

Were they still shopping?

Remembering Liu Yuqing’s enthusiasm during a previous furniture shopping spree, Fu Yu felt a mix of emotions.

The love women have for shopping is truly ingrained in their genes!

Thinking about it, Fu Yu sent a message to Liu Yuqing.

...

Liu Yuqing received the message while enthusiastically wandering the mall, arm-in-arm with her sister.

Though Bei’an also has large shopping malls and many brands, likely due to regional distribution differences, the fashion in the provincial capital differed greatly from that in Bei’an.

This made Liu Yuqing especially excited to shop.

The sisters shared a passion for shopping and had similar tastes, so once they entered the mall, they started a store-by-store sweep from the first floor.

Apart from buying clothes and accessories for themselves, they also custom-ordered some local specialties from the provincial capital to bring back to Bei’an as gifts.

Seeing her sister ordering a bunch of sausages and roasted pine nut small intestines, Liu Yuqing couldn’t help but say, "Sister, why not order one more of each?"

Liu Yunong paused: "Why?"

Liu Yuqing explained, "Fu Yu is in the provincial capital this time but doesn’t have time to shop around. Later, you can give him some to mail back home to honor his parents."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yunong looked at Liu Yuqing and smiled: "Whoa, you’re already thinking about future in-laws even before tying the knot?"

Liu Yuqing promptly protested, playfully saying, "Not at all, it’s just that I often see Fu Yu mailing things home, and whenever someone gives him something, he thinks of sending it to his parents, that’s why it came to mind."

She then shook her sister’s arm: "Sister, please!"

Looking at her sister, Liu Yunong felt deeply emotional.

The little girl she always pampered now knew how to be thoughtful of others.

But on second thought, Fu Yu’s filial behavior indicates he has great character.

If he treats his parents well, he’ll surely cherish her sister too.

With this thought, Liu Yunong smiled and nodded: "Alright, got it."

...

Meanwhile, Liu Shaoxian returned to the hotel with the inspection team after a group dinner.

They enjoyed the food and drinks immensely, waiting for the elevator with high spirits.

Liu Shaoxian was well-liked in the research association.

On one hand, his professional skills earned him respect and admiration.

On the other hand, he was genuinely approachable with no airs—a pleasure to interact with.

The group engaged in animated discussions, picking up where they left off during dinner.

Having had a few drinks, Liu Shaoxian was now experiencing a comfortable, slightly intoxicated state, simply smiling and listening to the conversation without offering his own comments.