Chou Yu serves as vice chef and manager at Guangzhou's Yang Spring Restaurant, managing daily operations and mentoring staff while holding regional renown as a top acupuncturist. His daughter, Mei Li, assists at the restaurant, confirming his family ties.

As a culinary instructor, he trained Liu Mao Xing in foundational techniques like precision knife work and advanced heat control during Mao's formative years, forging a significant mentor bond. Chou Yu presents a stern demeanor and controlled emotional expression professionally, though occasional arrogance surfaces when evaluating culinary challenges.

A pivotal incident saw him face the Masked Chef (Li En) in a cooking competition where sabotage struck via a concealed scorpion in lobster ingredients. This event reignited their sixteen-year unresolved conflict, stemming from Chou Yu's prior victory amidst accusations he cheated using poisoned needles. Chou Yu survived poisoning during this lobster rematch.

Later, he participated in a cooking contest within Chicken Town, reuniting with Mao and acknowledging the young chef's growth. He subsequently appeared alongside Mao and Wei Li at a ruined fort after receiving an invitation. His responsibilities include crafting detailed ice sculptures for events, exemplified by his focus on refining the intricate details of a large dragon piece.

Chou Yu maintains professional relationships beyond mentoring Mao, including a documented association with Shell. His background includes judging Mao's initial culinary duel against Shou An at Kikkaro Restaurant, placing him at key series events. Physically, he possesses shoulder-length wavy black hair, typically covered by headwear, and wears an orange top with baggy pants paired with black boots, often covered by a long dark jacket.