Siheyuan starts to activate the task system

With Sister Rong's skillful matchmaking, Zhang Yuan finally got his wish and arranged a meeting time with Director Xu. As soon as the news came out, it immediately caused exclamations from the guests present.

Everyone was very surprised that Zhang Yuan was actually the deputy director of the steel rolling mill canteen. He was already a cadre at such a young age. However, on second thought, with his superb cooking skills and extraordinary abilities, it was a bit of a waste of talent. Zhang Yuan could definitely show his talents in a broader and more challenging field!

Liu Ruoqing's father, in particular, could not help but feel a sense of admiration for Zhang Yuan after hearing that he had such a hidden talent. What was even more unexpected was that when they learned that Zhang Yuan not only had superb cooking skills but had even helped their family repair a dilapidated radio, everyone's eyes widened with expressions of disbelief on their faces.

However, this is not the end! Sister Rong then revealed another shocking secret: It turns out that Zhang Yuan has always been adhering to the spirit of self-improvement and successfully obtained a high school degree through self-study examinations! This feat once again aroused praise and astonishment from the audience.

However, at this moment, Director Liu expressed a different view. In his opinion, it would be a pity for an outstanding talent like Zhang Yuan to be satisfied with the status quo and stand still. He firmly believed that Zhang Yuan should continue to make progress, study hard, further enrich his knowledge base, broaden his horizons, so that he can better serve the country and actively devote himself to the construction of the motherland. In contrast, being buried in the kitchen all day as an unknown little chef is nothing but wasting time and squandering one's own unique talents.

Liu Ruoqing's eyes sparkled with admiration. She deeply admired Zhang Yuan and sincerely hoped that Zhang Yuan could, as her father had said, give full play to his talent and apply it to his studies, so that he could repay the country's cultivation and kindness in the future.

Zhang Yuan also never expected to receive such high praise from the people present. However, he did not become conceited or proud because of this. In fact, as early as when he was self-studying and applying for high school, he had thought about going to college, but this idea was fleeting and he quickly rejected it. The reason was that at that time he lacked sufficient financial support and it was difficult to spare a lot of time to study at university.

If he could successfully complete his university studies, he would only have two short years left to himself. And more importantly, in these two short years, many unexpected changes and situations would most likely occur.

"Brother, don't worry too much. Believe that as long as you are diligent and hardworking enough, you can emit your own light and heat no matter where you are." Sister Rong comforted him earnestly.

The senior leader on the side also nodded frequently to show his agreement, and revealed his cherishment for Zhang Yuan as a talent. At the same time, he did not forget to encourage Zhang Yuan to be more diligent and studious in his daily life.

At this moment, Zhang Yuan deeply felt the care and love from the leader and his wife, who were like family members to him.

"Okay, let's not talk about these heavy topics for now. Zhang Yuan, if you have plans to continue your studies in the future, please be sure to let me know in time. I will definitely support you with all my strength!" the big leader added.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Leader, Sister Rong, and everyone present!" After receiving such a firm commitment from the leader, Zhang Yuan stood up excitedly and thanked everyone present with a trembling voice. He bowed deeply, his eyes sparkling with gratitude and joy.

With this thank you, today's banquet came to a successful conclusion. Sister Rong was still as warm and thoughtful as ever. Not only did she give Zhang Yuan many gifts, she was also worried that Zhang Yuan was hungry, so she secretly stuffed some bills into his hands. These subtle cares made Zhang Yuan feel very warm, and his heart was filled with gratitude towards Sister Rong.

When Zhang Yuan returned to the steel mill, a subtle change quietly occurred. After going to work, he keenly noticed that the attitudes of the two factory managers towards him had changed significantly.

When Director Yang saw that Zhang Yuan had established connections with the big boss, he mistakenly thought that Zhang Yuan had become a member of their camp. Every time they met, Director Yang would earnestly advise Zhang Yuan to visit the big boss's home more often to enhance their mutual feelings. At the same time, Director Yang also enthusiastically introduced Zhang Yuan to some of his friends, as if he wanted to use this method to further consolidate the relationship between the two parties.

In comparison, Li Huaide's approach was more direct; as soon as Zhang Yuan came back, he immediately summoned him and invited him into the office. After entering the office, Li Huaide handed Zhang Yuan a large stack of bills without saying a word, and hinted meaningfully: "Director Ma will retire in another year, and at that time I will fully recommend you to take his place. As long as you work hard, your future will be bright." After that, Li Huaide patted Zhang Yuan on the shoulder, his eyes revealing trust and expectation.

Faced with the two factory managers' completely different actions, Zhang Yuan felt surprised and a little overwhelmed. However, he understood that all this was due to the big boss. This unexpected gain made him feel emotional and realized the importance of interpersonal relationships.

The time agreed with Director Xu arrived, and Zhang Yuan rode his bicycle to a cadre building according to the address given by Director Xu. As soon as Zhang Yuan got off the bicycle, Director Xu's son was already waiting downstairs.

"Hello, Deputy Director Zhang, my father has asked me to wait here for a long time." Director Xu's son is about the same age as Zhang Yuan, but he knows that his father calls Zhang Yuan brother. He should have called Zhang Yuan uncle, but he was unwilling to call someone of similar age as uncle. In the end, he chose to call Zhang Yuan Director Zhang to ease the awkwardness between the two.

Today is Director Xu’s father’s birthday. Zhang Yuan was a little confused as he was not mentally prepared for the moment, but he quickly adjusted his mindset and started to prepare today’s recipe according to the ingredients prepared in the kitchen.

"Today I plan to make Dongpo pork elbow, husband and wife lung slices, pepper and sesame chicken, mapo tofu, sweet and sour spare ribs, red oil celery and garlic eggplant. Do you think it's okay?" Zhang Yuan thought about it again and again, and finally finalized today's menu.

"No problem, I'll do as you say." Director Xu took a quick look and thought there was no problem, so he made the decision on the spot.

So Zhang Yuan started to wash the ingredients, thinking about making longevity noodles as his own gift.