Chef at the University Canteen

Chapter 566 305: Beer and Barbecue Carnival

The Jiangzhou Provincial Sports Meet is in full swing, and all the members of Jiang University's sports team are making their final efforts for the championship.

Of course, it has to be the championship; after all, only by winning the championship can you enjoy the celebration feast prepared by Senior Brother Jiang.

Who wouldn't want to eat the dishes prepared by Senior Brother Jiang?

While Jiang University's athletes were sweating their youth on the Xunyang field, the Seventh Dining Hall remained as peaceful and calm as ever.

Because the Seventh Dining Hall chose to remain open during this summer vacation, many students who had originally planned to leave the university ended up changing their plans.

Those planning to go back to their hometowns either stayed for a few days before rushing back to school, or simply chose not to go back at all;

Those who intended to travel to other provinces, after much deliberation, found it hard to let go of the meals at the Seventh Dining Hall and eventually decided to give up their trips;

As for those who planned to stay on campus, they were overjoyed that they could still enjoy the meals from the Seventh Dining Hall during the summer vacation. What could be more fortunate than this?

Even the tedious preparation for graduate or civil service exams or the exhausting social practice activities became less unbearable.

The students' choices greatly disrupted the summer plans of the Seventh Dining Hall. Originally, Jiang Yu, Lu Shuwu, and others had discussed that since not many students would dine here during the summer vacation, the chefs in the kitchen on the first floor and work-study students could have it a bit easier and even take turns resting.

In reality, even though the school had already closed for the holiday, the number of students dining at the Seventh Dining Hall didn't decrease; it seemed even more than before.

In their busy rush, Lu Shuwu and the others felt both pain and joy.

That day, after finishing up at Dining Room Seven, Jiang Yu wandered over to the first-floor kitchen to see if he could lend a hand.

Since there were no classes during the summer, the students' dining times became irregular, with many rushing in to eat just after the dining hall hours ended.

After all, since it was summer vacation, only the Seventh and First Dining Halls remained operational on campus, and although Lu Shuwu and the others didn't want to work too hard, they couldn't possibly let those late-arriving students go hungry.

So, after consulting with Jiang Yu, they decided to extend dining hours by one hour during the summer vacation.

As a result, even after work was done at Dining Room Seven, the first-floor dining hall was still bustling.

To prevent other chefs from working too hard, Jiang Yu often came down to help cook a few dishes after finishing up on the second floor.

By the time they were done, it was already dark outside.

Old man Jia Dequan, for reasons unknown, seemed to be in a good mood today. Rarely, he rolled up his sleeves and personally cooked several savory dishes, then called the staff who had been busy all afternoon to have dinner.

"The weather is getting hotter these days, and after a whole day's work in the dining hall, I can't even muster up an appetite!"

As Jia Dequan placed the fragrant stir-fried dishes on the counter for the part-time students to take to the first-floor dining area, he shook his head and said to Jiang Yu,

"Xiaojiang, you'll have to think of something. Those students staying for exams and preparation are already having a hard time. If they can't eat properly, won't they wear themselves out?"

"Isn't the dining hall offering free sour plum soup? Plus, we have one or two different refreshing new dishes daily."

Jiang Yu grabbed a dry towel to wipe his hands, pursed his lips, and said,

"Honestly, we at the Seventh Dining Hall have been quite diligent in updating our menu, haven't we?"

"The number of students dining at the Seventh Dining Hall hasn't decreased, actually. However, I've noticed that many students aren't eating as much as before; I wonder if it has to do with the hot weather."

Before Jia Dequan could reply, Lu Shuwu came over and interjected,

"Our Seventh Dining Hall's food is indeed delicious, making folks long for it once they've tried it, but since we've been open for quite some time, most students can eat here almost every day.

Even if they don't get tired of the food here, they're somewhat used to the taste, so it's not as surprising as when the dining hall first opened."

"Of course, when you have something good frequently, it becomes a habit!"

Jiang Yu laughed and didn't disagree.

"So, Xiaowu, do you have any ideas? Since the school is on break and no one is attending classes, we should try to find some fun for the students to lighten their dreary lives."

Jia Dequan turned to look at Lu Shuwu with a smile and said,

"It's not really about how much money we make. The key is to boost the spirits of the students buried in their studies. Otherwise, I genuinely worry they won't be able to hold on."

"Old man, you sure have a lot on your mind."

Upon hearing this, Lu Shuwu couldn't help but laugh. He thought for a while and said,

"In this hot summer, not just the students, everyone's appetite is not great. The sour plum soup and cold dishes we offer are frequently updated with new picks, so we don't really have much more we can do on that front."

After a pause, he continued,

"Whether it's in Jiangzhou or Tanzhou, the night markets in summer are always bustling. After a busy day, people gather with friends or family to enjoy the cool night air, and there's always beer, barbecue, crayfish, and spicy snails.

Why don't we do something similar? Let's pick a night, organize a beer and barbecue festival, cook up large pots of spicy crayfish and snails, and bring the event to life.

I guarantee, when the students staying here hear about it, they'll definitely be thrilled!"

At this point, Lu Shuwu turned to Jiang Yu, bright-eyed, and with a face full of anticipation, he asked,

"Boss, what do you think of my idea?"

"I think it's great!"

Before Jiang Yu could speak, Jia Dequan nodded repeatedly, agreeing enthusiastically,

"Enjoying a cool summer night with chilled beer is fantastic—drinking a cup when you're all hot and bothered feels like soaking in an icy spring, cooling every pore!

Plus, with spicy and delicious barbecue, crayfish, and snails, who would trade it for anything, even something heavenly!"

With that, he gave Lu Shuwu a thumbs-up, looking at him approvingly,

"Xiaowu, your idea is excellent! I fully support it with both hands!"

"You're all busy as tops during the day, spinning without stopping. Do you even have the energy for activities at night?"

Jiang Yu glanced at Lu Shuwu skeptically and said with doubt written on his face,

"Can you manage it?"

"No problem!"

Hearing this, Lu Shuwu confidently pounded his chest and said,

"For evening activities, I and others can handle organizing the venue and preparing the ingredients, which isn't tiring.

Besides, by evening, haven't you already finished your work, Boss? The barbecue and crayfish definitely taste the best when you make them yourself!"

Jiang Yu: "!!!"

What the hell!

I thought you were so diligent, turns out you're leaving all the hard work to me!