siheyuan: I transmigrated into love in courtyard

I looked at the ingredients available, scanning through them quickly. With chicken and pork, I could make something exceptional.

Taking a deep breath, I focused.

My hands moved with precision, cutting, marinating, and frying. Each movement was smooth, controlled, and far beyond what a normal factory chef could do.

Ma Hua and Liu Lan stared in disbelief as I worked, unable to comprehend how an "apprentice" could move with such skill. Even the Canteen Director, who had initially doubted me, stayed silent as he watched.

The Special Dishes

In just a short time, the food was ready. The aroma of perfectly cooked meat and fragrant spices filled the kitchen.

I prepared three signature dishes:

1. Braised Pork Belly in Soy Sauce – Slow-cooked until tender, coated in a rich, glossy sauce.

2. Crispy Fried Chicken with Sichuan Peppercorns – Spicy, aromatic, and mouthwatering.

3. Stir-Fried Vegetables with Garlic and Oyster Sauce – A balance to complement the meat dishes.

The colors were vibrant, the textures perfect. This wasn't just "factory canteen food"—this was restaurant-level cuisine.

I turned to Liu Lan and the Canteen Director.

"Taste it," I said confidently.

The First Taste – A Moment of Silence

Liu Lan hesitated at first, but after seeing the canteen director grab a pair of chopsticks, she followed.

As soon as they took a bite, their eyes widened.

The canteen director's hand trembled, his expression frozen in shock. Liu Lan covered her mouth, unable to believe what she had just tasted.

"This… this is…"

For a moment, there was complete silence. Then, the canteen director put down his chopsticks and let out a deep breath.

"This is the best food I've ever eaten," he muttered in disbelief.

Liu Lan, still stunned, nodded. "If I hadn't seen you cooking just now, I would have thought this was made by a top-level restaurant chef!"

Ma Hua stood in the corner, his face pale. He had always believed that Shazhu was the best chef here, but now, reality was crumbling before his eyes.

Before they could recover from their shock, we heard footsteps approaching.

The Leaders Arrive

The visiting government leaders had arrived, accompanied by Factory Director Yang and Deputy Director Li.

These were high-ranking officials from the aircraft industry, visiting the steel mill to discuss an important project. They were expecting a high-quality meal.

The dishes were quickly brought out and served.

As soon as the first leader took a bite, his chopsticks stopped mid-air. His eyes widened, and he turned to his companion.

Without speaking, the second leader took a bite as well.

A second of silence. Then—both of them looked at Director Yang.

"Director Yang, where did you find this chef? This is outstanding!" one of them exclaimed.

"This is beyond what we expected. It's like dining at a state banquet!" the other leader added.

Director Yang and Deputy Director Li, who had just started eating, were also shocked beyond words.

The canteen food had always been decent, but today's dishes were on another level.

The Question: Who Cooked This?

After finishing their meal, the leaders looked at Director Yang.

"We must meet the chef. Who made this?"

The canteen director stepped forward hesitantly.

"Lin Feng."

The moment my name was spoken, Yang and Li's faces stiffened.

They had expected to see Shazhu.

Instead, they were greeted with the sight of an unknown "apprentice."

Yang's brows furrowed. "Lin Feng? Who's that? Where's Shazhu?"

The canteen director cleared his throat. "Shazhu… left earlier. Something about Jia Beng at school. Lin Feng stepped in and prepared the dishes instead."

Silence.

Then, Yang's face darkened.

The Aftermath – My Promotion

After the leaders left, Director Yang immediately came to the canteen.

He looked at the canteen director with a sharp gaze.

"Explain."

The canteen director quickly recounted everything—how Shazhu arrived late, how he sat around drinking tea, how Qin Huairu showed up, and how Shazhu left without a second thought.

Yang's expression grew colder and colder.

"Unbelievable." His voice was low, but there was clear anger in his tone.

Then, he turned to me.

"Lin Feng."

I straightened up. "Yes, Director Yang."

He studied me for a moment.

Finally, he said, "Your cooking skills are too good to be wasted. I am promoting you to Level 8 Cook."

The entire canteen fell silent.

Ma Hua looked as if he had just been slapped.

Liu Lan's eyes flashed with surprise and admiration.

Even the canteen director, who had worked in this factory for years, was stunned.

A promotion to Level 8? That was Shazhu's rank!

Yang's voice remained firm. "From now on, you will be officially recognized as a Level 8 Cook. I will inform the higher-ups myself."

Then, he glanced at the canteen director.

"When Shazhu returns, send him to my office. I want to hear his explanation."