Chapter 10, Relying on oneself is better than relying on others

I made several consecutive phone calls, and only one response was somewhat positive, but they also said they didn't know. Another person I asked if they were unemployed and needed to find a job.

Regardless of how much Gu Zheng scolded, Qi Ling did not respond. He could only walk back to his room by himself, lie down for a while to rest, while his backside still ached painfully, making it impossible for him to lie down or sit down.

The pain caused his body to bend down, and cold sweat began to bead on his forehead

Gu Zheng suddenly let out a terrible scream. When the spirit of the instrument said it wanted to try, he had a bad premonition. Unfortunately, before he could say 'don't try,' he felt a sharp pain in his backside, as if dozens of blades were cutting into him simultaneously

The second call lasted less than fifteen seconds before the other party hung up. This was the head chef of a large hotel, which has multiple procurement channels. He intended to inquire about something, but once the other party recognized his identity, they hung up the phone immediately

Gu Zheng took out his phone and began to make a call: "Mr. Wang, this is Gu Zheng, yes, yes, regarding the article I wrote for you last time, I would like to ask you something, hello, hello ... ... "

Even so, the cost of that meal must be above 5,000, which is quite a significant expense for Gu Zheng, who only earns around 5,000 to 6,000 each month

Hu Yueyue is a classmate of Gu Zheng at university, a strong-willed woman who is often a bit eccentric. After graduating from university, Gu Zheng has kept in touch with very few classmates, as he is somewhat introverted and does not like to reach out to others proactively. Only Hu Yueyue frequently calls him for no particular reason.

Old Zhao

"The picture book is fine, what is it?" Gu Zheng replied weakly.

"Esteemed scholar, have you been busy lately?"

General Manager Zhu

The income of a chef can be significantly higher than that of writing food reviews, primarily because the chef's role is more fixed while food reviewing offers greater freedom. Ultimately, he chose to become a food critic.

Captain Guo

Without discussing other types of eggs, let us consider the most commonly used chicken eggs. According to the rating system of the gourmet ingredients, these chicken eggs must be laid by hens that are free from harm and pollution. Not to mention the price of such eggs, they are quite difficult to find. The standards set by the gourmet are so stringent that even a slight intake of feed by the hens could directly affect the quality grade of the eggs.

There is a water source, and oil is readily available. Using sesame oil to fry eggs yields better results, but where can one find the raw materials for the eggs

In the past, Gu Zheng had participated several times, but gradually lost interest. The last time Hu Yueyue invited him, he did not go. However, in order to avoid being pestered by Hu Yueyue, he said he would definitely go next time. It seems that this time he really cannot escape.

Boss Gao, I am Gu Zheng. Which Gu Zheng? The one who wrote to you last time...

For the upcoming fried eggs, it is uncertain how much it will cost to produce them. The ingredients are limited to second-rate quality, which means that everything used must not be of inferior quality, including the water source. It reminds me that even washing the dishes requires that imported mineral water priced at eighteen yuan a bottle, causing Gu Zheng to involuntarily twitch the corner of his mouth.

After scolding for more than half an hour, he felt that his buttocks were not as painful anymore. Gu Zheng struggled to get up. Although the scolding was harsh, he could not afford to ignore this test. In order to make him understand the consequences of punishment, the spirit of the instrument had already made him experience what it meant to be whipped. He absolutely did not wish to have such a feeling a second time

Gu Zheng thought for a moment and then agreed. He had just eaten honey-glazed chicken and still felt unsatisfied. Although he knew that others' cooking could not compare to his own, the mention of food immediately reminded him of the honey-glazed chicken he had just had, prompting him to recommend a restaurant known for its signature dish, honey-glazed chicken

Imagine the feeling of being cut dozens of times with a knife on one's body, not to mention such a punishment being inflicted a hundred times. It is hard to fathom what one would look like after enduring a hundred lashes. Gu Zheng felt that receiving a hundred lashes would be better off dead.

The ancient dispute recalls that black chicken, which grew up in the mountains and had consumed inferior ingredients, ultimately resulting in its inferior rating

Is my popularity really that poor? It shouldn't be!

How could he have known that although his initial review was quite good, praising the food, he ultimately added a remark saying that one dish was not as good as another somewhere else? As the saying goes, there is no first in literature and no second in martial arts; the same applies to chefs. Because of that comment, others have harbored resentment towards him until now. Upon hearing it was him, how could they possibly still engage in conversation with him?

Thinking of this, Gu Zheng began to scold the spirit of the instrument again. If it were not for the fact that this spirit was invisible and intangible, he would have considered hitting it, provided that he could actually defeat the spirit of the instrument.

La la, I am a spinach, vegetable vegetable vegetable vegetable ... ...

Gu Zheng's phone suddenly rang, and he had been using this ringtone for several years. Wang Tao and the others had remarked that Gu Zheng truly is a genuine foodie, as even his ringtone is related to food

While lying down, Gu Zheng began to contemplate this trial

Holding his phone, Gu Zheng wore a puzzled expression. He usually does not accept red envelopes from others, only writing reviews that he genuinely believes in. Although the payment for his articles is modest, he feels no remorse. Unfortunately, he is completely unaware that his candid reviews have displeased many merchants who seek praise, and as a result, he has offended quite a few people.

He called the manager of an ecological resort, which emphasizes a natural and pollution-free environment, with food that is grown and raised on-site. On one occasion, he invited Gu Zheng to provide feedback and even gave Gu Zheng a red envelope.

Fifteen days is not a long time, which is acceptable to Gu Zheng. He does not like to stay in one place for too long, nor does he enjoy working on a single task for an extended period. Otherwise, he would not have chosen the profession of a food critic. Although his culinary skills do not match those of his father, under his father's influence, it is still not a problem for him to aspire to be the head chef of an ordinary restaurant.

He quickly picked up the phone, and a hint of disappointment immediately appeared on Gu Zheng's face. He had thought that the person who called earlier had some news to reply to him, but it turned out to be a call from his old classmate, Hu Yueyue.

This spirit is quite cunning, and I have gained some understanding of its nature. It is not so easy to obtain benefits from it. Just the test to open the primordial space has exhausted him to the point of near collapse. Had he known in advance that receiving the additional reward would also involve a test related to the illustrations and books, he would certainly not have agreed to accept this extra reward

Alright, at Wangyue Tower, the day after tomorrow at 6 PM, see you there!

The class reunion mentioned by Hu Yueyue refers to a small group of their university classmates who have remained in the city and keep in regular contact, numbering only about ten to twenty individuals. Hu Yueyue and the others frequently organize gatherings, and each time they ask Gu Zheng which restaurant is good, and then they make a reservation there

In order to complete the trial, he spent quite a bit of money. The honey, sorghum, and wild ginseng did not cost him much, as they were available at home. However, he spent over 5,000 on other items. Fortunately, there is still a box of water left, and there is also a considerable amount of sesame oil remaining

However, for magazines and websites, food reviews cannot simply be overly positive; there must be some differentiation. Gu Zheng's reviews happen to embody that difference, being balanced and impartial, which prevents the impression that they have been compromised. This is why Gu Zheng's articles can be published from time to time

Whenever the matter of money comes to mind, Gu Zheng's eyelids twitch again

It is yet another test, one should have known long ago that this elixir is not so easily obtained, and culinary skills are not so easily learned

Hu Yueyue quickly hung up the phone, and this call somewhat alleviated Gu Zheng's unpleasant mood. Relying on others is not as effective as relying on oneself; if others are unwilling to help, he will seek solutions on his own

What is wrong with the great talent and gourmet today, looking so listless? Could it be that you overworked yourself this afternoon?" Hu Yueyue first made a joke in a strange voice, then continued, "Of course, I came to ask you which place has good food, and by the way, to inform you that this time the class reunion is set for the day after tomorrow. You promised me last time that you would definitely come this time!

The test is unavoidable, which essentially means that Gu Zheng has no choice in the matter. The only thing that brings Gu Zheng a bit of comfort is that this time he does not have to worry about his life. But what kind of punishment is it to be whipped a hundred times? Is it to whip oneself?

Fifteen days is still acceptable, but how is he supposed to find a place here? Is he supposed to set up a stove on the street and sell fried eggs directly? Not to mention whether anyone would buy them, it is likely that the urban management officers would become his most loyal customers, chasing after him every day.

No... ... Ah!

Whipping is a fundamental punishment in the primordial world, using a celestial rod to strike the buttocks; you may try it out first

Gu Zheng could not help but curse in his heart; this feeling was truly excruciatingly delightful, as if being cut with knives, and not just one knife, but dozens of them simultaneously.

The review did not receive any red envelope, but the food was indeed commented on in a substantial manner. The ingredients were acceptable, but the culinary skills were average. The evaluation was rather conventional, and such a review is worse than having none for the Ecological Mountain Villa, which naturally did not leave a good impression on Gu Zheng.

Gu Zheng was somewhat puzzled; it seemed that Boss Gao had never offended him and had even written positively about them. Why did he hang up the phone like that

The Wangyue Tower on Qinchuan Road has excellent honey-glazed chicken

You, bastard

Is there a store that only sells fried eggs? Not to mention, Gu Zheng would never open a store; he does not like to be constrained, and moreover, he currently does not have the capital to open a store

Selling on the street is not feasible, opening a store? Even less reliable