Seventh Dining Hall, in the grand private room on the first floor.

After brewing a cup of tea, Jiang Yu sank deep into the sofa. He was about to start a chess "man vs. machine" battle on his phone when Jia Dequan lightly pushed open the door and peeked inside.

Seeing Jiang Yu, his face instantly broke into a smile, and he said cheerfully:

"I knew you'd be here, Xiaojiang. Just right, I have something to discuss with you!"

As he spoke, he stepped inside, casually closed the door behind him, and sat down on the sofa.

"What's up?"

Seeing him come in, Jiang Yu lost interest in the chess game. He closed the game, got up, took a clean cup, brewed tea for Jia Dequan, and curiously said,

"Lao Jia, you never leave the house yet seem to keep up with all the news. Compared to you, I'm really nowhere close."

"Isn't that quite normal? I've been in this circle for ages, and you, just a while."

Jia Dequan took the cup of tea from Jiang Yu, gently blew on the tea leaves, took a sip, sighed contentedly, and continued,

"Don't interrupt; I'm talking about serious business.

I told you a while ago that the old fellows from the Huaxia Cooking Master Committee came to eat at our place, right?

They originally intended to invite you to participate in this August's Huaxia Youth Famous Chef Cooking Competition but changed their minds after tasting your dishes.

They realized that having a high-level chef like you compete would be outright bullying.

I thought this matter was over, but who knew these old fellows hadn't forgotten about you. Guess what idea they've cooked up now?"

"I'm not a worm in their stomachs, how could I guess their thoughts?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yu couldn't help but shake his head and laugh, saying,

"Don't make things difficult for me. Let's talk business, guessing is too exhausting!"

"You little rascal!"

Jia Dequan pointed at him playfully and said with a smile,

"Those old fellows tasted your food, and shortly after returning, they convened some executive members of the Famous Chef Committee. They've decided to invite you to make an appearance at the Huaxia Youth Famous Chef Cooking Competition."

"They still want me to join the competition? I can refuse, right?"

Jiang Yu raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised, and said with a smile,

"I'm not interested in competing in culinary skills. With that time, I'd rather stay at home watching movies, it's even more comfortable."

"If they insist on inviting you to that youth chef competition, I'd find ways to get you out of it even if you didn't say anything."

Jia Dequan took a sip of tea to moisten his throat, smirked, and said,

"You and those contestants are not even on the same level; it's like an adult arm-wrestling with a kindergarten kid. Even if you win, there's no sense of accomplishment, it's better not to go!

Those old guys hope you'll do a culinary performance before the youth chef competition officially starts, and then you'll be directly awarded the 'Youth Culinary Artist' honorary title."

After a pause, he added,

"Based on my experience, this culinary performance is likely a comprehensive examination of your culinary skills, in front of everyone.

If you succeed, you'll naturally receive the honorary title. If your performance is a mess, you'll be embarrassed to even mention this, let alone bring up the honorary title."

"I don't want to go either."

Jiang Yu took a big gulp of water, smacked his lips, and said with a nonchalant expression,

"I'm just someone opening a dining hall in a university, not aiming to be a chef in a big restaurant. What's the point of having that title?"

"You cheeky brat!"

Jia Dequan was so amused by Jiang Yu's words that he almost burst into laughter. He glared and said angrily,

"Who said it's useless? You now own a restaurant yourself; having a 'famous chef' honorary title gives you credibility!

Otherwise, why would your dishes sell for 100,000 a table? If you're so capable, why don't you even have a chef title?

Why did those chefs from Jiangxia dare to come and try to step on you to boost their own fame? Isn't it because you lack a title?

If you're boasting 'Youth Culinary Artist,' 'Huaxia Cooking Association Member,' and other titles, you could sell a table for 200,000, and nobody would dare say a thing!"

The old guy was really exasperated, everything about Jiang Yu was great, but for some reason, this kid was so indifferent about personal honors!

Although there's a saying about keeping away from fame and fortune, not being burdened by possessions, it doesn't mean disregarding honors delivered right to your doorstep!

Moreover, these are achievements earned through your own abilities, why not take them?

Once you have this honor, aside from any benefits it might bring, it can at least fend off a whole lot of doubts and troubles.

This is such a good "shield," how can you not want it?

Could it be that you feel too idle and enjoy having people challenge you all day?

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