Teacher Wanjin summoned the student Xu Jiangyu to the high-end kitchen, which also served as the cafeteria for Shrek Advanced Academy.
"Jiangyu," Teacher Wanjin said, "from today on, you will begin your studies and practical work in this kitchen."
"Teacher, I will certainly study hard and will not fail your expectations," Xu Jiangyu replied.
"Very good. The equipment and ingredients here are top-tier; you must make good use of them."
"Wow, this equipment looks so advanced," Xu Jiangyu exclaimed. "I must master how to use it all."
"That is correct, but technical skill alone is not enough; you must also possess an innovative mindset."
"I understand, Teacher. I will strive to create unique and delicious dishes."
"I believe you have that potential," Teacher Wanjin said. "By the way, is there any specific cuisine you are interested in studying?"
"I am very interested in French cuisine and would like to understand it more deeply."
"French cuisine is very meticulous and requires the mastery of many techniques and details. However, as long as you study with dedication, you will surely be able to create excellent French dishes."
"Teacher, I will certainly work hard to delve into French cooking. Do you have any relevant experience you can impart to me?"
"French cuisine emphasizes the freshness and quality of ingredients, so you must be extra careful when selecting them."
"I understand. Only fresh ingredients can ensure the flavor and quality of the dishes."
"Correct. Furthermore, the control of heat and timing during the cooking process is also extremely important."
"I suppose that requires a lot of practice to master?"
"Yes, only through constant practice can you find the best cooking methods."
"I will work hard, Teacher. Are there any other points I should pay attention to?"
"The plating of French dishes is also very particular; you must pay attention to the combination of colors and presentation."
"I see, so plating also affects the overall effect of the dish."
"Of course. An exquisite dish must not only be delicious but also look beautiful."
"Thank you for your guidance, Teacher. I will remember these points."
From that day on, Xu Jiangyu studied diligently in the high-end kitchen, constantly improving his culinary skills and striving toward the goal of becoming an outstanding chef. As time passed, his expertise improved significantly. He began to experiment with fusing French cuisine with other styles to create unique flavors.
One day, the academy held a culinary competition. Xu Jiangyu decided to participate, wanting to showcase his innovative dishes.
At the competition site, Xu Jiangyu prepared nervously. He meticulously selected his ingredients and, utilizing the techniques and creativity he had learned, produced a stunning dish.
After tasting it, the judges all wore satisfied smiles.
"This dish is truly outstanding!" one judge exclaimed.
"The texture is rich, the seasoning is perfectly balanced, and it is full of creativity!" another judge added.
In the end, Xu Jiangyu won the championship with this dish.
He looked at Teacher Wanjin with gratitude, his heart filled with a sense of accomplishment.
"Thank you, Teacher. It is your guidance that allowed me to achieve today's results," Xu Jiangyu said.
Teacher Wanjin smiled with gratification. "Your effort and talent are the keys to your success. Keep it up!"
From that point on, Xu Jiangyu’s reputation in the academy grew ever brighter, and his culinary dreams drew ever closer.
As they walked, Teacher Wanjin said, "Xu Jiangyu, do you know Tang Wutong? She is a legendary figure at our Shrek Academy." Xu Jiangyu nodded; he was not unfamiliar with the name Tang Wutong.
Teacher Wanjin continued, "The sculpture in the center of this plaza is of Tang Wutong. She is the pride of the academy. And the sculpture of Huo Yuhao beside her is her partner. Their story has become a celebrated tale within the academy."
Xu Jiangyu gazed at the sculptures, a sense of reverence rising in his heart.
Teacher Wanjin remarked with emotion, "They grew together here at the academy and faced all sorts of challenges together. Their resilience, courage, and wisdom have always inspired every one of us."
"Teacher," Xu Jiangyu couldn't help but ask, "how did they become such outstanding individuals?"
"It was earned through constant effort and struggle," Teacher Wanjin replied with a smile. "They constantly honed themselves through their studies and practical experiences, gradually becoming the pride of the academy. You, too, must take them as your role models and strive to pursue your own dreams."
"I will, Teacher," Xu Jiangyu said firmly. "I will learn from Tang Wutong and Huo Yuhao and bring honor to the academy."
Having said this, he walked toward the kitchen with even greater determination, resolved to struggle and strive on his own culinary path.
As they continued walking through the plaza, Teacher Wanjin said, "Xu Jiangyu, Tang Wutong and Huo Yuhao not only surpassed the hundredth level and ascended to the God Realm after becoming gods, but ten thousand years later, it was Tang Wulin and Gu Yuena who led the third generation of the Shrek Seven Monsters to eliminate the Holy Ghost Church, which had existed for ten thousand years. The Holy Ghost Church was an organization of Evil Soul Masters that committed all sorts of crimes; their total annihilation was a service to the people. Later, Lan Xuanyu and Bai Xiuxiu also accomplished a great feat before inheriting their godhood and ascending to the God Realm."
Hearing this, Xu Jiangyu felt deeply moved.
He secretly resolved to take these predecessors as his models and work hard to improve his culinary skills.
Teacher Wanjin seemed to see through his thoughts and encouraged him, "Jiangyu, although we may not become great heroes like them, we can still pursue excellence in our own fields."
"I understand, Teacher," Xu Jiangyu nodded. "I will work hard to make every dish well, so that while people taste the deliciousness, they can also feel the dedication I have poured into it."
As he finished speaking, he looked toward the kitchen with a firm gaze, as if he could see the person he would one day become.