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Chapter 32: Definitely a Top Chef! Zhang Lin Has Made It
Chapter 32: Definitely a Top Chef! Zhang Lin Has Made It
It's no wonder Zhang He was embarrassed. Just a moment ago, he was confidently saying that he could guide the cooking at Zhang Lin's restaurant without any issues.
But now, after tasting the food, he realized that the dishes were far superior to anything he could make.
He did have a chef's certification and often cooked at home, but his skills were on par with those of a regular chef at a restaurant or inn.
However, the simple green vegetables served at Zhang Lin's restaurant were even better than those made by renowned chefs. His former cooking instructor, who was quite accomplished, couldn't even come close to making vegetables this delicious.
As more dishes were brought out, including seafood and meats, Zhang He grew increasingly surprised. Zhang Lin had definitely hired a top chef.
What was even more astonishing was that a top chef would work at a farm. It was almost unbelievable.
Zhang Zhao, of course, knew that the dishes were far better than what his father could make.
Thinking about how his parents had ganged up on him and fed him dog food, he smirked and teased, "Dad, didn't you say you were going to guide the chef at the restaurant? What do you think now?"
This comment made Zhang Ergen and the other men look at Zhang He, all of them grinning mischievously.
"That's right, Zhang He, you said you were going to guide the chef!"
"I think you should show us what you can do, Zhang He."
"..."
No one wanted to let Zhang He, the overachiever, off the hook.
"..." Zhang He wanted to curse.
Was he the kind of person who was arrogant? He had a clear understanding of his own culinary skills and knew he had no right to guide anyone.
So, he could only glare fiercely at his son, the instigator.
Zhang Yan, seeing her husband's embarrassment, quickly smiled and wrapped her arm around his, saying, "The chef at Little Lin's restaurant makes delicious food, but I still prefer what you cook, honey."
Hearing this, Zhang He immediately perked up. "My cooking might not be as good as the chef Little Lin hired, but my wife loves what I make!"
"..." Zhang Ergen.
"..." Zhang Dalin.
They watched as he gloated.
This teasing was rather tasteless, and it even felt like they were being force-fed dog food.
At their age, did they really need to do this?
They had all known each other since they were young, so they didn't hold grudges over such small jokes. The group quickly resumed their pleasant conversation.
"Admit it, Little Lin has hired a really talented chef!"
"That's true, these dishes are better than anything I've had before!"
"Even the best chef I've tasted before can't match this."
"..."
The meal was enjoyed by everyone, as it was a rare gathering and the food was exceptional.
As the meal drew to a close, Lin Yan picked up a glass of beverage and said to everyone, "Thank you all for coming today. You are all our family's benefactors. I'm grateful for the loans you gave my husband when we needed it, and for your understanding and support after his passing. I can't drink alcohol because of my health, so I'll raise a glass of beverage to you all."
"Also, there's one more thing. Little Lin has received some investments from his classmates and has been running a fruit wholesale business and a farm. He's made some money and wants to pay back the debts we owe."
Hearing this, Zhang He immediately said, "Lin Yan, Little Lin's farm is doing well, and it's just starting. He needs the money now. You don't have to rush to pay me back."
Zhang Lin smiled and said, "Uncle, I have enough money. It wouldn't sit right with me to keep the money without paying back the debts. I wouldn't be able to face everyone's kindness!"
Hearing this, Zhang He fell silent.
He and the others had already learned from Lin Yan's phone call that Zhang Lin intended to repay the debts. Now that Zhang Lin had said it again, it would be awkward for him to insist otherwise.
Zhang Ergen then took out an IOU and handed it to Lin Yan. "The last time Little Lin paid, I was in the hospital and didn't have the IOU with me. I brought it this time."
Zhang Dalin also handed over his IOU. "Here's mine."
Ancient wisdom held that debts should be settled, and since the Zhang family intended to pay back the money, it was only right to bring the IOUs to settle the accounts.
The others also took out their IOUs and handed them to Lin Yan. They had no doubt that Zhang Lin could repay the debts and did so without hesitation.
"Long ago, I tore up that IOU," Zhang He said directly.
Although it's true that even close brothers should settle accounts clearly, when his brother passed away, leaving behind a widow and orphans with a mountain of debt, he never thought of making them pay back the money.
Decades of brotherhood were worth more than 150,000 yuan.
Zhang Lin naturally understood his uncle's sentiment and said to everyone, "Uncle, Uncle Da Lin, do you all have your phones? I'll transfer the money to you!"
Zhang Da Lin and the others nodded and took out their phones.
Without hesitation, Zhang Lin took the IOUs from his mother and verified each one, then transferred the money through mobile banking, paying off the debts one by one.
However, he didn't include any interest. When lending money to family and friends, no one had ever expected interest.
Here, adding interest would change the nature of the favor, making it seem like they were eager to settle the matter quickly.
Not adding interest meant the favor was still acknowledged and remembered.
In one go, Zhang Lin transferred 550,000 yuan, leaving only a little over 10,000 yuan in his account, which originally had 568,034 yuan.
But with all the debts to family and friends now settled, he felt a strange sense of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
Now, he only owed the bank 600,000 yuan in loans.
When Zhang Da Lin and the others received the transfer notifications, smiles spread across their faces.
Though they knew Zhang Lin's family was struggling and had never pressured them for repayment, they were genuinely happy to see him pay off the debts all at once.
After all, every family has its own difficulties. Just like Zhang Er Gen, who was now in the hospital, having this extra money would certainly help ease their financial strain.
Naturally, Zhang Er Gen and the others couldn't help but look at Lin Yan with a hint of envy. Despite the misfortune that befell her family, she truly had a remarkable son.
"Zhang Lin is really something!" Zhang Da Lin couldn't help but praise him.
Zhang Er Gen also sincerely agreed, "That's true. He didn't even ask his parents for help, and he's paid back everyone's money for the family."
"Yeah, if my son were even half as capable, I'd be happy."
"Ah, my son found a girlfriend, and I had to prepare a dowry and even a down payment for a house!"
The others nodded in agreement.
Indeed, which of their peers had such ability?
Which parent wouldn't want their son to be this capable?
Hearing these praises for her son, Lin Yan felt a mix of emotions and hurriedly said, "Zhang Lin has met a benefactor. Someone has invested in him."
Hearing this, Zhang He disagreed, "Lin Yan, that's not the way to look at it. If Zhang Lin weren't capable and trustworthy, who would invest in him?"
Zhang Er Gen deeply agreed, "Exactly, who would invest so much in someone else? My son Zhang Dong can't even find a job without being rejected!"
"Dad, why are you bringing me into this?" Zhang Dong complained.
"Isn't it the truth?" Zhang Er Gen asked.
"..." Zhang Dong.
Zhang Lin smiled at these comments. There was no real investor; it was all the game system.
But he couldn't possibly explain that; it was a secret.
Besides, there was no need to explain. He saw the pride in his mother's smile, which was harder to suppress than an AK-47.
After the meal, Zhang He and the others had their own matters to attend to and left one by one. Lin Yan returned to the county with Zhang He.
With her son's debts paid, she naturally wanted to tell her husband and burn the IOUs in front of his memorial, so he wouldn't have to worry about the debt in the afterlife.
Zhang Lin had no idea about his mother's thoughts; otherwise, he might have laughed and cried at the same time. After seeing them off, he headed to the 500-acre sea of rapeseed flowers.
Now, except for the last 60 acres planted on the final day, all the rapeseed flowers were in full bloom.
And those last 60 acres would bloom tomorrow.
So, the rapeseed flower sea was ready to be promoted and opened to the public.
...
(End of Chapter)
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