Carrying a Jurassic on me
Chapter 145 - 21 Pick Me Up After School _1

Chapter 145: Chapter 21 Pick Me Up After School _1

For the next two days, during the day he either delivered food to the school or helped the carpenter make tables and chairs. At night, he chopped trees to practice his skills.

After these two days, a fresh young carpenter was successfully trained.

His skills definitely couldn’t be called proficient yet, but he had grasped the overall process of making things and had no problem producing the basic stuff.

He even gained some unexpected knowledge.

After making the tables and chairs, the master taught Yan Fei how to use leftover materials to craft a small, foldable table and a few small, foldable stools.

Fifth Brother didn’t think much of these items because they were too small. Neither the length, width, nor height was up to a meter, and the stools were similar in size to those used in kindergartens and primary schools, so they were useless for the restaurant.

However, Yan Fei thought they were pretty neat. He liked the fact that they were foldable and portable, so he unceremoniously took them away.

The master admitted that these small tables and stools may not look significant, but they were a part of his secret artisan skills, which he did not usually teach his apprentices.

The master took a liking to Yan Fei because he was diligent, hardworking, fast-learning...

In fact, the master considered Yan Fei a bundle of great qualities, if only the master was more than just a common carpenter, not some kind of hermit expert. Otherwise, he would have likely taken Yan Fei as his apprentice, passed down the long-lost carpentry skills to him, creating another master carpenter in the world.

Learning carpentry skills was not all, he also stood by the chef to learn cooking as well.

During the hot summer days, others hoped to stay miles away from the kitchen, but he willingly went in.

The chef that Fifth Brother hired had a big temper and usually kept a stern face without interacting with anyone. What dishes to cook were all written down by Fifth Sister-in-law on a small notebook hanging near the kitchen door, which he would flip open and prepare accordingly without talking much.

Yan Fei didn’t interact much with this chef but now that he wanted to learn his craft, he mustered up the courage to ask, "Uncle, I can chop vegetables. Can I lend you a hand?"

The chef coldly looked at him and said, "What’s going on? You’ve already learned the carpenter’s secret skills, now you want to learn mine too?"

Yan Fei felt a bit embarrassed. Although arts and crafts were not as highly valued as before, it would still be up to the craftsman if they wanted you to watch their work.

"Let’s see your chopping skills, little carpenter?" To Yan Fei’s surprise, a rare smile appeared on the stern face of the chef. He then slammed the knife onto the chopping block.

It took Yan Fei a moment to realize that the chef was actually joking with him, despite the joke not being particularly funny to him.

Since the chef had agreed, Yan Fei seized the opportunity.

He held the knife and started chopping in rhythm. He had been observing for a while and understood how different vegetables should be cut.

The chef was amused by his swift chopping.

His skills were really good! Considering that Yan Fei had chopped a ton of meat over the past year, it wasn’t surprising that his knife skills were impressive.

On the first day, he only helped with chopping vegetables without interrupting his school schedule.

On the second day, the chef laughed more naturally. While cooking with a frying pan, he called out to Yan Fei, "Do you want to give it a try? Can you handle this pan?"

Yan Fei was eager to have a go, hence why he returned so quickly from school.

The chef hired by Fifth Brother was indeed outstanding. He held the big wok in his hand, and with a flick of his wrist, the vegetables inside flipped and swirled. It looked like a performance, and the sight alone assured you that the food would be delicious.

This wok wasn’t the kind with a handle meant for stir-frying small dishes; it was a big iron wok that needed a cloth pad to hold it directly. Not only did it test your skill but also, your strength.

Yan Fei was never short of strength. It’s just that he was a bit cautious about using too much at first, fearing that the vegetables would get thrown out of the pan.

After a few attempts, the chef, seeing that Yan Fei had found the right rhythm, couldn’t stop smiling, "Use strength! Don’t worry about vegetables falling out; it’s okay. Harder, just like that..."

Yan Fei was a bit hesitant at first but, with the chef’s encouragement, he let loose completely. With a flick of his wrist, the vegetables flew into the air, scattering in a broad area. Although they were far-flung, his quick reflexes worked wonders. He shook the pan and managed to catch almost all of the vegetables.

"Good!" Even Fifth Brother, who had been watching from the side, praised Yan Fei’s skills.

"What do you mean ’good’? Quite a lot of the veggies have fallen out," said Yan Fei, feeling a bit regretful.

"A few spilled veggies aren’t a big deal! No worries, keep going. A few more tries, and you’ll master it," the chef encouraged further.

No wonder this chef was impressive! He kept letting Yan Fei practice in front of his boss, as if these vegetables were free.

At this point, the guests who ordered vegetables were mostly done eating and those who wanted to continue drinking were still drinking. The dishes that were additionally ordered weren’t urgent, so Yan Fei continued practicing.

"Not bad, the kid is really good. It’s a pity I met him late, otherwise, just for his eagerness to learn crafts, I would have been willing to hand over the restaurant to him," the chef sighed. "Giving it to Fifth Brother wasted my reputation!"

His words left Yan Fei confused while Fifth Brother spoke up, "Dad, I..."

"Don’t call me Dad!" the chef snapped. "I told you, when you have mastered my craft then you can call me Dad..."

Yan Fei was stunned and then realized what was going on.

It turns out this chef is Fifth Brother’s father! No wonder he was so arrogant, strutting around with his hands behind his back, leaving right after he finished cooking without cleaning up.

Yan Fei had known Fifth Brother for almost a year, but he only came when he had matters to attend to, and even then, his visits were infrequent. Even when he did see the old man, the latter wore a stern expression, behaving as though he were owed a debt. Therefore, Yan Fei had never really interacted with him.

The old man was enthusiastic, determined to teach Yan Fei, despite grumbling occasionally about how a certain young rascal wasn’t learning properly every time he praised Yan Fei’s swift progress.

So, Fifth Brother admitted defeat, dust-covered and disappointed, leaving the elderly and the young alone in the kitchen to explore their culinary skills.

Yan Fei received a trainee treatment others could only dream of. Not only was he taught by a master, but he also got free hands-on experience, and most importantly, he received rewards — In anticipation of Yan Fei bringing meals to his future wife at school, the old man ensured that the meals included two more dishes every day. It was to let the future college students savor his culinary skills.

In a blink of an eye, it was time for the college entrance examination.

As usual, students were given two days off before the exam. So, Yan Fei told the old man he wouldn’t be coming that afternoon as he was waiting for Xu Xiaoyan to finish school, and then they would go home together.

The old man felt quite regretful. He spent the whole morning looking gloomy and off-color. By lunchtime, he had prepared several of his signature dishes for Yan Fei to take home. Yan Fei couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.

Fifth Brother, however, didn’t mind the generosity with the food. He urged Yan Fei to take it quickly. As Yan Fei was about to leave, Fifth Brother advised him to frequently visit after escorting his wife-to-be. To come and practice his skills with the old man and learn more about the family recipe for Sauce Beef.

As he sent Yan Fei out, he muttered, "Having old man here everyday was worrisome. Heaven forbids, what if he decides to handover not just the skills but also the restaurant to you, I might end up having to eat wind! Now that you have learned, don’t plot against my restaurant, will you?"

Yan Fei heartily laughed, of course knowing it was all in jest.

The old man, contrary to appearances, had been in good spirits recently. However, his usual stern face betrayed nothing.

Everyone had noticed: Sure the old man was about to become a grandfather, why wouldn’t he be happy? His stern visage was just habit and not a reflection of his inner mood. Having Yan Fei learn his cooking skills was mostly an excuse for him to talk and vent his emotions.

When Yan Fei got to the school, he set up a folding table in a corner and arranged the stools. Followed by laying plate by plate on the table and lastly put out a big watermelon under the table. He ensured the corner resembled his home’s courtyard.

The school had only third-year students left now, and fewer teachers turned up. So, he didn’t need to worry about sneaking in so many items anymore. He had an agreement with Xu Xiaoyan that he would wait for her at this spot.

When all these tasks were done, the bell ringed to signal the end of school.

As Xu Xiaoyan and few other students carrying their meal bowls came rushing over, they cheerfully greeted Yan Fei upon seeing the table full of dishes and then hurried off to get their food.

"Yan Xiaofei, knowing that we’ll finish school in the afternoon, you prepared such a lavish meal for me!" Xu Xiaoyan spoke joyfully.

"Yeah, I need to return to the ranch to check on things so, I’ll wait for you here in the afternoon, we can go home together, and then we can return together the day after tomorrow," Yan Fei nodded and replied.

"Wow... talking about going home together sounds so nice! We barely left school and it’s already about going home together?" Xiao Wen from the sideline teased. "Luckily, I wasn’t planning on going home today, or else I’d be stuck riding the bus alone!"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk..." Xu Xiaoyan jokingly spat towards the dish Xiao Wen was reaching for. "You chatty girl! Shut up if you don’t want to eat."

With exams drawing near, the students had significantly toned down their antics. After a brief round of banter, they all settled down to eat.

Even Yan Fei could feel the change in atmosphere. But he didn’t know what to say, so he quietly joined them in eating.

"Ah... Once the exams are over and we go on break, everyone will scatter. Xiao Xingxing, have you decided which college you’re going to attend?" Jingjing raised her head while eating to ask Xu Xiaoyan.

"Yeah, yeah, we all want to know," Xiao Wen joined in from the side.

"What? Are you scared of not being able to see me? Don’t worry, I won’t forget you even if I fly to the ends of the earth!" Xu Xiaoyan boasted. "I didn’t realize my popularity was so high! It seems everyone is concerned about me!"

"It’s not your popularity. Don’t you see they’re worried that once you leave, they won’t get Hero Yan’s dishes!" Zhou Peipei, a reticent girl, chimed in. She didn’t talk much, but when she did, it was either a mood killer or she stirred up a ruckus.

With that remark, besides Xu Xiaoyan, everyone else started laughing, lightening the mood considerably.

"After school today, I won’t go home right away; I have something to discuss with you. Remember to come early in the afternoon to wait for me. That’s all, just wait for me here after school!" After they finished eating, while the other students were washing their utensils, Xu Xiaoyan quietly approached Yan Fei and whispered in a secretive manner.

"What’s the matter?" Yan Fei, who was cutting watermelon, asked reflexively.

"You’ll know when you come and wait for me in the afternoon!" Xu Xiaoyan blushed and replied grumpily. "I’m leaving you in suspense!"

"Hum, hum, hum..." Yan Fei nodded.

At that moment, the other students returned, so he didn’t ask more and invited them to eat the watermelon.

Women are really troublesome. If there’s something to say, say it. What’s with all the suspense?

Upon leaving the school gate, Yan Fei started to be absent-minded, wondering what matter Xu Xiaoyan wanted to discuss. He decided to return to the ranch, filled up a jug of wine, and brought it to old chef — Fifth Brother’s father.

When he learned carpentry skills from the carpenter, the carpenter also wanted his help, so it was a mutual need. But when he learned culinary skills from Fifth Brother’s father using his ingredients and got meals from him, it was undoubtedly a personal favor.

He must reciprocate the kindness he received immediately to prevent any misunderstanding.

He was such a straightforward person; he believed in quick and efficient actions.

He promptly returned the favor received, otherwise people might think he lacked manners!