“Oh…”

David Carter blinked and said nothing.

“Ding! You have gained the admiration of a family member and received a basic treasure chest.

The chest may contain energy potions, beginner skill books, skill points, or popular recipes… Would you like to open it?” It was still the same cold, mechanical voice, without a trace of emotion.

“I can get a treasure chest for this? Looks like Dad really does believe in me deep down. He only says those things to keep me from getting arrogant…

Energy potions, skill books? They all sound pretty good.” David Carter nodded. “Open it!”

Chapter 005: King of Free Food

The treasure chest yielded a bottle of energy potion.

According to the system, this thing can replenish a person’s energy and stamina, helping the ambitious become an excellent chef.

The chef profession is also called the ‘diligence trade’, which shows how tough it is. This is just right for David Carter, a future intern kitchen grunt. It’s just a pity he didn’t get a skill book or skill point—those are real treasures.

Although three years at Qingxiang weren’t wasted, even the top students are doing well if they reach the passing standard in basic skills like wok-flipping, knife work, ladle work, and fire control. There’s still a huge gap between them and those master-level chefs. David Carter was actually hoping for those skill books.

To complete the system’s startup mission, he chose Jiuzhou Dingshi, which teachers and classmates saw as a ‘dead man’s zone’. If he can’t hold his ground there and can’t even get through the internship, he’ll be a laughingstock—and his condition might even get worse.

After washing thirty jin of meat, David Carter had a great sleep. For someone with depression, a good night’s sleep is a rare thing. Usually plagued by insomnia, he slept all the way until noon the next day. When he opened his eyes, he felt an unprecedented clarity and energy—even the sunlight felt so warm and friendly.

The Zhou family’s Braised Pork Restaurant was as busy as ever. After all, they only sold a hundred pieces of braised pork a day. The effect of master-level vegetable washing didn’t trigger the kind of dramatic scenes you see in some stories.

Mr. Carter just noticed that some regulars were eating faster—more precisely, they were eating the braised pork faster, and as a result, their whole meal sped up. Some regulars who usually had good table manners even started smacking their lips.

“Tut tut, smack smack, pop pop…”

The regulars glanced at Mr. Carter, their eyes a bit strange, a kind of resentful emotion starting to spread.

Old man Mr. Young from next door suddenly said, “Xiao Zhou, this habit of only selling a hundred pieces of braised pork a day isn’t good. Maybe you should change it.”

Mr. Carter shook his head, looking quite proud. “That’s my rule, not a bad habit.”

A young lady who often came to eat swallowed her last bite of rice and looked up at Mr. Carter: “Boss, you really have something against making money… I’ve already gained five pounds, but I still have to say, you should sell two hundred pieces of braised pork a day!”

“Miss, there are many things in life more meaningful than making money.”

Mr. Carter was already sounding a bit impatient. He glanced at his watch—less than an hour and a half until “The Wandering Sun” started.

These days, even going to the movies means fighting for a parking spot, lining up for Coke and popcorn… Even though his wife was over forty, she still loved drinking Coke and eating popcorn at the movies, with the heart of a young girl.

“Today’s braised pork is as delicious as ever, maybe even a little better.”

Many customers said this as they left, and Brian Harris, picking his teeth with a toothpick, repeated it in front of Mr. Carter.

As someone who came to freeload at least five meals a week, he had to praise Mr. Carter at the right time—and he considered this a valuable trait.

Besides, from his professional perspective, today’s braised pork really was a bit tastier than usual. The flavor of the pork itself was more pronounced, but without any extra gaminess, which was quite rare.

When Mr. Carter heard Brian Harris say this, he picked a piece of meat from the bowl, tossed it in his mouth, chewed a couple of times, and nodded: “It is a bit better. Tom Brooks did well—the meat quality is higher.”

As he said this, a flash of yesterday’s scene of his son washing the meat crossed Mr. Carter’s mind, but it was just a fleeting thought—he didn’t take it seriously.

His son’s meat-washing technique was good, but he didn’t believe that alone could make today’s braised pork taste better. It must be thanks to Tom Brooks—that guy’s eye for picking pigs is getting sharper.

“Tom Brooks, huh? His stuff is good. I’ll have to ask him for a few pig’s feet next time…”

After saying this, Brian Harris regretted it a bit. Pig’s feet are expensive—maybe he should just buy some pork belly from Tom Brooks and make braised pork at home?

Forget it, pig’s feet it is! It’s been a while since he had any, and Old Zhou just refuses to make them, so there’s no way to freeload!

No, if there’s no opportunity, I’ll make one. I refuse to believe I can’t get some pig’s feet!

“Has your son finished his work? There’s still time to switch internship platforms. It’s a bit of a hassle, but since we’re such good buddies…

You don’t have to thank me specially. After eating your braised pork for so long, it’s time for a change. I think pig’s feet would be great!”