The Cheat Emperor of the Culinary World

Fu Yu walked closer for a look and saw Liu Yunong seated in the first position from the left.

Center stage was Dai Jinghe, flanked by Chen Xinwei and Zhang Zhiyuan.

Li Chongfu sat in the first position on the right.

The judges’ identities and statuses were clear from their seating arrangement.

At 4 PM, as several leaders from the city’s publicity department and the panel members entered, the rehearsal officially began.

Fu Yu and the other contestants only needed to wait backstage.

After the host finished the introductory remarks, a designated staff member would lead them on stage.

Fu Yu’s kitchen station was in the second row on the right. The four people in the first row were seasoned participants from previous contests, all head chefs from renowned local restaurants.

Fu Yu, young and without any fame in the industry, occupied a spot in the second row, thanks to the Qianlima Restaurant’s influence.

But as the formal rehearsal began, each contestant getting into position, as the cameraman aimed lenses at the stage zooming in and out, everyone took turns appearing on the main screen, when suddenly, Minister Zou from the city’s publicity department called the stage director over and whispered a few words.

Soon after, Fu Yu was moved to the second kitchen station on the left of the first row, and the camera positioned directly towards the contest stage ensured him ample screen time.

Sitting at the judge’s table, viewing contestants’ actions was done via the large screen above the stage.

Those contestants who were frequently on camera had a better chance of making a strong impression on the judges.

Fu Yu, participating for the first time, didn’t comprehend many of the intricacies within.

Nevertheless, moving from the second to the first row was an occasion that delighted him.

Fu Yu was pleased, but Liu Yunpeng, who got pushed aside, felt full of resentment.

Liu Yunpeng, head chef of the Family Joy Restaurant, had some renown in the field.

Although not comparable to the masters from the other three in the first row, compared to others, he had seniority.

During a pause in rehearsal, while the staff communicated and discussed arrangements, he approached the main planner responsible for stage layout.

”Your arrangement is a bit excessive! Why should I make way for him?”

Convinced that his culinary skills and industry reputation eclipsed Fu Yu’s entirely.

The main planner, listening to him, explained earnestly, ”Oh, this decision was made by our Minister Zou.”

Liu Yunpeng frowned, ”Why did he make such a decision?”

The staff chuckled awkwardly, ”Perhaps considering the on-camera effect.”

Liu Yunpeng: ”!”

Turning to glance at Fu Yu’s handsome face, then pulling out a phone to view himself.

Liu Yunpeng: ”...”