《The Heartbeat at the Tip of the Tongue》 CH 1 The kiss at the tip of the tongue There are some things that Lin Ke Song will never believe happened no matter how much you hammer it into her head. For example, the flow of the whatever Yangtze river reversing or the Halley comet hitting earth¡­ ¡­ But all these cannot compare to the Jiang Qian Fan in front of her. The moment his lips touched hers, she felt like the target that was bullseyed by a bullet. She staggered backwards, trying to get a hold on anything she could get her hands on. The pounding in her ears felt like the whole world was overturning. The tip of his tongue teased her lips open, breaking her contentedness, smashing everything she knew and made her feverish in a split second. Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t possibly handle this degree of strength. When her legs turned so jelly until she was going to unglamorously plop onto the floor, his arms supported her and pressed her towards himself. His fingers grabbed the nape of her neck so tightly till she could feel like her skull was going to burst. His encompassing kiss arrogantly swallowed her breath, sneaked through her teeth and in a moment made her feel like she went to heaven and around the world. All the blood in her was focused on the tip of his tongue. When his tongue licked her upper lip releasing her, Lin Ke Song looked at him with widened eyes. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s facial expression didn¡¯t even change and said in a monotonous voice, ¡°Clean this place up.¡± Lin Ke Song tried to read clues from his obsidian eyes, but unfortunately, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s eyes were never windows to the soul. His eyes were only for display. His chiselled features gave nothing away about his emotions being affected. When he spoke, the tip of his tongue would loom and tantalise others to insanity. Until he eased his long legs and walked away with an air of omniscience avoiding all the ¡®obstacles¡¯, did Lin Ke Song look down. Eggs were in fragments all over the floor. Different types of spices were spilled. The bag of flour had split and spilled. The air was pervaded with all sort of smells mingling together, giving Lin Ke Song a pounding headache. A few minutes later, her brain successfully started up again. She grinded her teeth and asked the air: ¡°What do you mean ¡®Clean this place up¡¯?¡± What did he just do? Is this his new invention of bring a person to insanity? This pervert! PERVERT! Lin Ke Song squatted and clawed her hair to the state of a bird¡¯s nest. All these started from half a year ago. It was a night where the smell of super spicy lobster richly permeated the air. The person sitting opposite Lin Ke Song was Song Yi Ran. The dim yellow lighting made his eyebrows fainter. ¡°I have a fantastically good news to tell you.¡± Song Yi Ran heartlessly smiled, the air between his eyebrows were seething, causing a few people around them to spontaneously look towards him. Lin Ke Song also heartlessly smiled with him, using her gloved hands to strip the lobsters. ¡°What happened? Has your family finally gone bankrupt? In the future you won¡¯t have any money to treat me to lobsters anymore? Do you have a place to sleep? If you don¡¯t, I can let you sleep in my bathroom.¡± ¡°Your bathroom¡¯s so small, there isn¡¯t even a bathtub and my long legs can¡¯t even straighten in there. Furthermore, there is such a long list of beauties who are willing to spend the night with me that I can¡¯t even write all their names in my notebook, why would I not have a place to sleep?¡± Lin Ke Song twitched her mouth, she¡¯ll see how fantastic this news of his is. These few years, his fantastic news has only been that he spent all his tuition money but the school¡¯s beauty didn¡¯t dump him. ¡°I¡¯m going to New York, to study.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s finger cramped up making the lobster¡¯s juice shoot out, catching her completely off guard, splashing it onto the person sitting opposite her. Song Yi Ran shut his eyes, as if he expected something like this was going to happen and knocked on the table. That action was like he was overcomed with a strong urge to hit something. Lin Ke Song pulled out tissues from her pocket at lightning speed and pressed in on his face, preventing the sauce from dripping onto his BOSS shirt. Because he was near, this chap¡¯s features were clearer, his peachy eyes carried a hint of smile, upsetting the heartbeat of other people. According to logic, she has already seen this face for so many years, but why when it¡¯s so close she still has no control? From junior high to high school then university, Song Yi Ran has comfortably and consistently been the school¡¯s most handsome male. Just casually walk around on the streets and he¡¯d receive a few name cards of talent scouters. Unfortunately, this chap came from a rich family, all he does is think about how to burn his money, otherwise, the entertainment world would have a soaring male god. At the moment, the male god evilly smirks, raises his hand: ¡°Sir! Another two plates of spicy lobsters! One portion spicy fried razor shells! One plate of smelly mandarin fish! One portion braised snail! Oh, and wrapped quail!¡± Lin Ke Song widened her eyes and looked at him: ¡° Wey! Song Yi Ran! Is this the last meal? Are you trying to stuff me to death?¡± ¡°Yeap.¡± He put on a nonchalant expression, leaned his body forward, towards Lin Ke Song, ¡°Or¡­ ¡­ you come with me?¡± It was like something stirred through her heart¡¯s membranes, rushing to overflow the gaps with blood. But she still perfectly suppressed her emotions, ¡°To New York? Why would I go to New York to sell spicy crayfish? Stop joking! I¡¯ve devoted myself to be at your beck and call for so long, and in the end I¡¯ll end up being stuffed to death?¡± Lin Ke Song fluttered her eyes, the pepper in her stomach suddenly surged up to her throat, and swished about, ¡°Song Yi Ran, are you giving up on being an insect in china and going to America to be studying trash?¡± Song Yi Ran smiled without answering, his eyes flickered, not showing any emotions. Before Lin Ke Song could digest the news, a red sports car stopped next to the stall. Many who were having supper looked towards the car. A young pretty long-haired lady waved her hand towards Song Yi Ran: ¡°Honey! I¡¯m here to pick you up! We promised to hang out together tonight!¡± The sweet voice made it feel like the air was filled with floating soft cotton candy. But Lin Ke Song shivered, her skin formed goose bumps so bumpy they were going to fall onto the plates. ¡°Coming!¡± Song Yi Ran pulled out a few pieces of Grandfather Mao and handed it to the stall keeper, ¡°Whatever my friend wants to eat, make it for her!¡± ¡°No problem!¡± Song Yi Ran stood up, giving off an aura like a swan among ugly chickens. ¡°Wey! Bro, I¡¯m leaving! Talk to you another time!¡± Song Yi Ran pulled open the car door, and shared a shared a skillful, intertwining hot kiss with his current girlfriend, Chu Ting. Chu Ting didn¡¯t forget to send Lin Ke Song a provocative look of demonstration. Ten seconds later, the sports car finally leaves the area, leaving Lin Ke Song to sit by herself at the table. She slightly regrets eating too much. Now she feels like puking. She purses her lips, not letting tears fall. Only ghosts would want to be your bro! Which bro would be like me and carry tissue for you in their pockets? Which bro would be like me and remember your harem of lovers names, phone numbers, personalities and preferences? When you had appendicitis so pain you were sniveling and tearing, which bro would be like me and ride a tricycle to rush you to the hospital? The only difference is they wear short skirts, I love t-shirts! They wear high heels, I forever wear sneakers only! They spray perfume, I use six god¡¯s toilet water! Lin Ke Song¡¯s brain starts madly broadcasting Taylor Swift¡¯s You Belong With Me, comparing the the scene of the prostitute kissing the male lead in the MV and the scene that just happened in real life. ¡°Hey, girl, do you want anything else to eat? The cash your friend left behind is too much.¡± The stall keeper is such an honest person. ¡°Of course. Give me a portion of fried sugar Osmanthus rice cake, salt and pepper shrimp, deboned chicken¡­ ¡­ pack everything up!¡± ¡°Sure ley!¡± Shit it, this rascal is going to New York soon, better eat all that I can now! The red sports car stops in front of a hotel, Song Yi Ran pushes the car door open, straightens his collar, ¡°It¡¯s so late, I¡¯m going to sleep, you rest early too.¡± ¡°What?¡± The girl in the car has a shocked expression, ¡°Didn¡¯t we promise that we¡¯d be together tonight¡­¡­¡± ¡°Chu Ting, what time did we decide to meet?¡± Song Yi Ran asked, smiling, resting his arms on the car¡¯s door. ¡°Ten tonight ah.¡± ¡°Then what time did you pick me up?¡± ¡°Nine twenty-¡­¡­ I just wanted to see you earlier ma!¡± Even though Song Yi Ran is smiling, Chu Ting can feel faintly that this guy is not happy. Song Yi Ran is the most intelligent kid in school, with exceptional looks and taste, many girls rush to him like eagles. Chu Ting has liked him for a full four years, and he finally responded to her confession, Chu Ting felt like this had been the happiest month of her life. Song Yi Ran was not like the arrogant rich kids, on the contrary, he was tolerant of her pettiness. This made Chu Ting feel that he really liked her. Chu Ting shows an expression of being wronged, pulls on his sleeves and starts to act cute, ¡°someone just wanted to spend more time with you ma!¡± Song Yi Ran flicked Chu Ting¡¯s forehead: ¡°I¡¯ve already given you a lot of time for us to be together. So every minute of the time that my friend and I have together becomes very precious, do you understand?¡± Chu Ting¡¯s tears moved a whole round in her eyes, but she managed to control them. This is the first time that Song Yi Ran has said this kind of words. Does it mean that a non-eye catching average girl is more important than her? ¡°Sorry ma. If your friend is unhappy, we¡¯ll give her a treat next time? I¡¯ll apologise to her ma!¡± ¡°Then, see you again.¡± Song Yi Ran glanced at Chu Ting as if he was looking at a child, put his hands in his pocket and left. Chu Ting was left stunned, then she angrily hit the steering wheel. What kind of friend is it ah! More important than the girlfriend?! That whatever Lin Ke Song, it¡¯s not like she had never heard of her before. She had always been Song Yi Ran¡¯s lackey! From an ordinary background, a total country bumpkin! And she brought Song Yi Ran to eat at a roadside stall too! What if Song Yi Ran got an upset stomach! Song Yi Ran too, seriously, if he wanted to make friends, he should have chosen someone with a background like Chu Ting ah, with that country bumpkin, what would they have in common to talk about! She just couldn¡¯t stand the sight of that Lin Ke Song, so she purposely went to fetch Song Yi Ran earlier¡­¡­ But, it seems that Song Yi Ran has seen through that? It can¡¯t be, it can¡¯t be¡­¡­ She was so natural, how could he have seen through that? Song Yi Ran walked into the hotel room, and leisurely laid on the bed, he has a call. ¡°How are you doing? Mr. Song?¡± From the voice, it should be Song Yi Ran¡¯s good friend in New York, Kevin An. ¡°Pretty good, lazing in the hotel, don¡¯t have to act dandy around my older brother. He promised to give his biological younger brother a monthly allowance!¡± ¡°If your older brother knew you were using the monthly allowance to live carelessly, his facial expression would be brilliant. What about your scheming fourth uncle?¡± ¡°He expressed that I¡¯d forever be his dear nephew. Even if I were thrown overseas by older brother, he would always support me like he has always done.¡± Song Yi Ran smirked, hiding his lazy smile, adding a few degrees of sharpness. ¡°Wait till the whole Song Family is emptied by your fourth uncle. When that time comes, your foolish older brother will be squeezed off his seat. Ah, for the previous stocks exchange, our direction and opportunity grabbing timings were handled pretty well, earned twice the original. When will you try your hand at it again, Mr Song?¡± Song Yi Ran chuckled: ¡°When the timing¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Oh, right, when you come to New York, will you be alone?¡± Song Yi Ran was silent, after a while he said: ¡°How¡¯s the thing I asked you to do?¡± ¡°Of course it¡¯s done. But actually, if you wanted to bring someone along with you, you don¡¯t have to do things in such a big circle.¡± ¡°It¡¯s because I don¡¯t have the right to ask her to come with me.¡± Song Yi Ran stared at the shining ceiling and smiled. CH 2 Lin Ke Song carried the large pile of packed food home. On the way back, her emotions are complicated. She no longer remembers how she started hanging out and becoming close to a person like Song Yi Ran. According to logic, she and Song Yi Ran are of two different worlds, on two totally different sides. It seems like it really was from that time when she rode her tricycle to send that chap to the hospital onwards, he would bring her along whenever there was any good food to eat or drinks to drink. Of course, at the same time, he also intensified her ¡®enslavement¡¯, for example obviously disliking the cafeteria food but still making her queue up for and pack it; for example obviously having pockets, but always stuffing the paper napkins into her pockets; for example obviously only knowing how to use night study period to lie on the table to message beauties, but still wanting her to use her water bottle to reserve a seat for him, making other students who actually want to study not have any place to sit. All these years have gone by, yet Lin Ke Song realises that her crush for this chap has never stopped before. ¡°Ai¡­ ¡­ gosh¡­ ¡­ you mean ive always been such a persistant person ah?¡± Lin Ke Song could not help praising herself. From junior high to high school, Lin Ke Song has studied in the city¡¯s elite schools. There was much study stress and high amounts of tension. It has to be said the appearance of Song Yi Ran was not only good for the eyes, it also gave Lin Ke Song¡¯s spirits a boost. At least he let Lin Ke Song¡¯s school life have that little bit of colour. But, majority of the crushes probably die a natural death right?¡­ ¡­ well at least she herself is one of the majority. When she thinks like that, Lin Ke Song doesn¡¯t feel that depressed. When Lin Ke Song reached home, she suddenly realised that her parents were sitting in the sofa, without the television switched on, like they were specially waiting for her. ¡°Dad? Mom? What¡¯s happened?¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart strangely started to feel uneasy. Can it be that after telling her mom about resigning from her third job yesterday, they have decided to hold a family meeting to criticise her? ¡°Ke Song ah¡­¡­ father has an important matter to discuss with you.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡­ what¡¯s the matter?¡± Lin Ke Song lifted everything to the table top, while constantly thinking of a plan, if dad talks about her resignation, how she should guarantee him about surely finding a job within a month. ¡°Your uncle is a chef in New York, you know that.¡± ¡°En.¡± Lin Ke Song nodded her head. Her Dad¡¯s younger brother, Lin Feng (remark: not the Lin Feng on TV), and a friend partnered up and opened a small Chinese restaurant in New York. Apparently, the business isn¡¯t too bad, and every year the uncle comes back, he seems very proud. ¡°Your uncle¡¯s restaurant is getting busier and he wants us to help him. Didn¡¯t you just resign from your job? He wants you to go over to help him.¡± ¡°Help with what?¡± Lin Ke Song could not wrap her head around the situation. ¡°There are many dishwashers and waiters, but none of them are family. Your uncle is a chef in the kitchen, so he can¡¯t keep an eye on them at all. Your aunt passed away early, your cousin is still studying and is unable to offer any help. You go over and be a supervisor, keep an eye on the employees and make sure they do their work properly. It¡¯s that simple, the salary your uncle is giving is pretty thick, and includes food and lodging.¡± From the way her father speaks, it¡¯s obvious he hopes she goes. ¡°That¡¯s right, Ke Song, didn¡¯t you study hotel management? It¡¯s just nice, you can go to your uncle¡¯s and gain experience. You can even go sightseeing in America, open your eyes to the world. Your dad and I think that it¡¯s a pretty good idea. Furthermore, your dad and I feel that, if you can get used to that place, you can try to find a suitable institution and get your master¡¯s degree there. That way, when you come back to look for a job, maybe you¡¯d stop hitting pillars.¡± New York¡­¡­it¡¯s actually New York? Even though being a ¡®supervisor¡¯ in her uncle¡¯s small restaurant and the connection to whatever hotel management is a little farfetched, but she will be able to draw a salary and study, and to Lin Ke Song that has an allure. It¡¯s not that she doesn¡¯t understand her parents¡¯ expectations. Their real intention isn¡¯t for her to work at her uncle¡¯s but to use this opportunity to get a degree. Their family has just finished paying up the mortgage loans and are marginally living comfortably, they can pay for her tuition fees but the stress of doing so may become too much. Her parents¡¯ intention is to pay for a portion and have the remaining be paid for by the salary that she earns from working at her uncle¡¯s. New York¡­¡­ that is the city that Song Yi Ran is going to. Song Yi Ran didn¡¯t say how long he was going to be there, it may a year or two, maybe he¡¯ll end up staying there permanently. Lin Ke Song had already mentally prepared herself to withdraw from Song Yi Ran¡¯s life, but now there¡¯s such an opportunity? Is this the lottery from heaven or do the heavens want her to continue this kind of ¡°worrying but happy¡± life with Song Yi Ran? ¡°Ke Song, there is no need to rush into making a decision, think carefully. If you are okay, your uncle will be your guarantor, and your visa issues should be fine.¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll think about it.¡± She is unable to sleep, tossing and turning about on her bed all night. All that is in her mind are thoughts of hers and Song Yi Ran¡¯s life in New York. In her dreams, Song Yi Ran wears an ordinary pair of jeans and a t-shirt, walking with her, shoulder to shoulder through Broadway Street, walking slowly through Times Square, overlooking the statue of liberty, everything was so perfect to the point of ¡­¡­ unrealism. Her stomach was bloated to death, Lin Ke Song who had eaten too much had to get up to the bathroom to puke. As expected, sweet dreams are like eating too much, you can force it down, but there won¡¯t be a good ending. The second day, while Lin Ke Song was researching everything related to New York in front of the computer, her phone rang. Looking at the name on the screen, her steady heartbeat missed a beat. ¡°Hello? What¡¯s up?¡± ¡°It¡¯s so early and the unemployed young lady is already awake?¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s lazy and contended voice is like warm sunshine to Lin Ke Song¡¯s ears, her brain¡¯s reactions start becoming half a second slower. ¡°Knowing that I¡¯m unemployed and would want to sleep in, why are you calling to harass me so early in the morning?¡± ¡°I¡¯m just worried that you¡¯d eat too much for breakfast and not leave any space for lunch. See you at 12 at Lang Hua Hotel, I¡¯m treating you to lunch oh.¡± It seems like Song Yi Ran wants to keep to the plan of feeding her. If she told him about her possibly going to New York too, wonder what kind of facial expression he¡¯d have? ¡°Okay ah, see you then. If you¡¯re late, I¡¯ll kick your brain to pieces.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve always been punctual.¡± ¡°Hehe.¡± Lin Ke Song hangs up the phone. Song Yi Ran is in fact a very punctual person. Apparently, there has never been a time when he was late for a date with his girlfriends. But, not for Lin Ke Song. Once, during the period when Avatar was the hottest movie, Lin Ke Song managed to grab two tickets, and made an appointment to watch the movie with Song Yi Ran. This rascal was full of promises, and in the end reached only when the crowd was dispersing. If not for his messy head of hair that made it obvious he rushed here the moment he woke, Lin Ke Song would have stamped a punch into his handsome face. It was probably from that time onwards, but no matter what they made an appointment to do, eat, sleep, play games, wait¡­¡­ it¡¯s eat, study, play games, Lin Ke Song would mention to him to not be late. As she was worried about traffic jams, Lin Ke Song left the house one and a half hours earlier. When she reached Lang Hua hotel, she let out a breath as she saw the tall and big entrance. This hotel¡¯s d¨¦cor was traditional and luxuriously elegant, hearsay accounts praised the dishes as first class, many magazine reviews also praise it as worthy of 3 Michelin stars. Those who visit this hotel are naturally people who are important and have face. Before Lin Ke Song could get to the steps of the hotel, a pristine shiny black Bentley drives up to the front of the hotel. The revolving door starts moving and a few middle aged men in suits walk out with welcoming stances, their smiles so deep till their faces were creased up. The hotel¡¯s lobby manager and other staff came out to greet too, all with looks of fear and trepidation. ¡°Ai ya! Mr. Jiang! Welcome welcome!¡± ¡°Our Lang Hua Hotel¡¯s chairman, Chairman Zhao has been waiting for you since this morning to grace us with your presence!¡± Lin Ke Song could not help looking towards their direction, wondering what kind of figure would warrant such a big welcoming parade. The bald Chairman Zhao personally went up front to open the car door, stucked his butt out while using his hands as protection against the edge of the car roof, as if he¡¯s afraid that the person inside would bump himself against the roof. But that stance¡­¡­ there is seriously nothing that is more seductive than a doorman in a red starched uniform¡­¡­ First, a dark suit pants clothed long leg slid out of the car. Just by looking at that one leg, Lin Ke Song stroked her chin: not bad ah, a quality specimen of the male species! Wonder what his face looks like! That so called Mr Jiang bowed his head slightly and got out of the car, stood up and immediately was a head taller than that bald head Chairman Zhao, based on visuals, his height is an estimated 1.85m ah! He slightly straightened his collar, his actions not flamboyant like in a drama, but filled with restrained rigor. His back was pencil straight, his stature elegant. Impossible to not praise. What Lin Ke Song could see was only the profile of the other party, but that sharp as knives chiselled outline of his profile and deep, profound eyes still managed to give Lin Ke Song visual impact. But the other party had no facial expressions whatsoever, and gave off a look of indifference. With a gentle toss, whatever he had in his hands, flashed like broken silver light connecting together. ¡°Thank you.¡± His voice was icy cold. To Lin Ke Song, listening to it made all the blood flow in her body seem like it slowed down. That sentence ¡°Thank you.¡±, was out of courtesy, not out of sincerity. When the long thin pole in his hands started tapping the ground rhythmically, Lin Ke Song then realised the other party was blind. When that Chairman Zhao wanted to hold on to the other party, a young man who alighted from the same car stopped him. ¡°Chairman Zhao, Mr Jiang can take care of himself.¡± What it meant was that Chairman Zhao did not have to take on the stance of helping the Empress Dowager Cixi to help Mr Jiang. Mr Jiang did not say anything, but in a moment, the welcoming parade had retreated to both sides. After tapping his cane on the revolving door, he quietly waited for two seconds, and when the walking compartment revolved to him, he confidently stepped inside and went in. CH 3 Lin Ke Song cocked her head side to side, a cane can be that useful? Isn¡¯t he worried that he¡¯d get himself caught by the door? Even Lin Ke Song who is able to see perfectly would occasionally get caught by the revolving door. Anyway, Lin Ke Song did not watch the pretty man till she forgot her surroundings. After all, that guy gave off an aura of coolness from his demeanour to his walking style. If you took a second look, your heart would experience a draft of coldness too. After entering the restaurant, Lin Ke Song realised that Song Yi Ran had booked a small private room. And only after following the qipao wearing elegant waitress into the small private room did she realise how special the room was. It was located at the highest level of the restaurant, three of the walls were glass walls from the floor to the ceiling, with a perfect view of the scenery. Lin Ke Song rubbed her nose, Song Yi Ran¡¯s brains aren¡¯t spoiled right? Is there a need to reserve such a private room just to treat her to a meal? ¡°This private room is probably really expensive right?¡± Even though this question is crudely vulgar, Lin Ke Song decided she had to ask it. ¡°The reservation fee of the room is ten percent of the food bill.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± As expected, Song Yi Ran is burning his money away. At this moment, the door was opened again, and sounds of high heels on the floor and cheery chit chatting voices floated by. Lin Ke Song had a sudden sense of foreboding. With the appearance of Chu Ting holding onto the arm of Song Yi Ran, Lin Ke Song¡¯s stomach started churning like rivers turning and seas inverting. ¡°Ke Song! You¡¯re here so early ah!¡± Chu Ting¡¯s pretty and sweet voice sounded, gentle and soft yet makes others feel ¡®pity for her¡¯ while sounding feminine. No wonder Song Yi Ran with his eccentric and carefree personality still hasn¡¯t broken up with her. Lin Ke Song also feels that her thoughts are so fake. ¡°Yeap. It gets crowded during lunch hour, I was afraid I wouldn¡¯t be able to squeeze into the train, so I got here a little earlier.¡± ¡°The trains are better. Unlike Yi Ran and I getting stuck on Third Ring Road. Do you know what he said to me?¡± This whole time, Chu Ting held onto Lin Ke Song¡¯s hands, so affectionately till it made her uncomfortably uneasy all over. ¡°Oh, what did he say?¡± ¡°Haha, he said that if he were late again, Ke Song would kick his brain to pieces!¡± Lin Ke Song felt a pounding in her forehead. That was what she said to him, but there wasn¡¯t a need to tell other people right? ¡°So I said, there was no way that would happen. But after hearing him say that, I started getting nervous, afraid that I¡¯d be late. But, I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d still get here first ah? Didn¡¯t wait long right? You¡¯re not angry right?¡± Even though it was asked in a joking tone, with an expression of sincerity, no matter how much Lin Ke Song thought and looked at the situation, she somehow felt a little weird in her heart. ¡°Listen to him saying rubbish, why would I be angry?¡± After the three of them sat down, Song Yi Ran passed the duty of ordering food to the two ladies on scene. And Chu Ting passed the tablet menu to Lin Ke Song. ¡°Ke Song, whatever you feel like eating, order. Don¡¯t be shy ah! Yesterday Yi Ran wanted to properly tell you about him going overseas to study, but I unexpectedly came earlier and messed up the message. This party apologises to you ah! But listening to Yi Ran, your personality is carefree like a guy¡¯s, you probably won¡¯t be angry with me, right?¡± ¡°ah¡­¡­ Wont.¡± Lin Ke Song glares at Song Yi Ran. What rubbish have you sprouted to your girlfriend? This rascal Song Yi Ran only lazily smiled, as if he was happy to see his ¡®bro¡¯ and his girlfriend getting along so harmoniously. ¡°Then let¡¯s order!¡± Lin Ke Song suppressed the simmering gas in her heart. She was originally looking forward to meeting Song Yi Ran to tell him that she could possibly be going to New York too. But now, she feels as bad as if she had just consumed the faeces of flies. But Lin Ke Song quickly thought through things. Girlfriends are like flowing water, but bros are like beaten iron ma! Being fussy about this kind of things with a rascal with pits for brains is totally meaningless. Consequently, she properly ordered whatever Alaska king crab, sea cucumber soup, truffle foie gras¡­¡­ After ordering, Chu Ting and Lin Ke Song chatted a little and the topic geared towards New York. For example where the city¡¯s name originated from, what well known luxury brands New York offered, New York¡¯s Wall Street ah¡­¡­ Lin Ke Song could not even fit half a sentence into the conversation so she altogether took out her phone to surf the net. Until the shark fins soup was served. Chu Ting had a very wealthy lady like posture, gently cooling each spoonful, slowly savouring the flavours, all the while not forgetting to keep up conversation with Song Yi Ran. ¡°Lang Hua Restaurant¡¯s sea cucumber soup just has such a delicious flavour.¡± After Lin Ke Song drank two consecutive large mouthfuls of the sea cucumber soup, she put her spoon down. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Ke Song? Is it because you can¡¯t get used to drinking it? Why don¡¯t we change it to a snow clam soup? It¡¯s nourishing and aids beauty, furthermore, it¡¯s sweet, and you¡¯ll probably like it. ¡± Chu Ting asked with a face of concern, but why did Lin Ke Song feel it was weird? ¡°If you don¡¯t want to drink then don¡¯t drink anymore.¡± Song Yi Ran got up, stretched his arms and pushed the bowl of soup away from Lin Ke Song. ¡°Wey¡­¡­¡± The waiter in the private room immediately went up to the table and quickly removed the soup dish. ¡°And my share too, I don¡¯t want it anymore either.¡± Song Yi Ran said, ¡°Do you have sour and spicy soup?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Although we do not have this dish on the menu, but since Mr Song is our VIP, we can get our chef to specially cook it up for you.¡± But Chu Ting tugged Song Yi Ran¡¯s sleeve, ¡°Why would this kind of restaurant have sour and spicy soup ah? Don¡¯t make things difficult for people anymore!¡± Chu Ting of course knew who Song Yi Ran ordered the sour and spicy soup for, this is totally not giving her any face! ¡°That¡¯s right ah, there¡¯s no need to drink sour and spicy soup here!¡± Lin Ke Song was also starting to feel embarrassed. Song Yi Ran lightly patted Chu Ting¡¯s hand and said smiling: ¡°you have no idea how magical Ke Song¡¯s tongue is. Once when we went to the bistro opposite school for a meal, she ate a couple of mouthfuls and felt the taste was too weird to continue eating anymore. In the end, do you know what happened? That bistro¡¯s owner was arrested for using waste oil to cook.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ But this is a high-class restaurant, they can¡¯t possibly use waste oil ah¡­¡­¡± Lang Hua Restaurant was picked by Chu Ting. When Song Yi Ran said that, it made her feel very awkward ah. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s me, because I¡¯ve not had sour and spicy soup for a very long time, and I¡¯ve suddenly got a life taking craving for it.¡± Song Yi Ran smilingly replied. Chu Ting could only nod her head. After a short while, Song Yi Ran¡¯s phone rang. He took a look at the number and walked out of the private room. If Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t guess wrong, it¡¯s most probably his older brother who called. A rich family¡¯s most troublesome problem is nothing more than the internal struggle between siblings. Song Yi Ran suddenly going to America was probably because the older brother forced him to. ¡°Ke Song, I¡¯m so envious of you ah. Yi Ran cares so much about you.¡± ¡°Ah? Does he?¡± Lin Ke Song hehes in her heart, Chu Ting is probably going to start a showdown with her. ¡°Of course he does. But, fortunately, he only treats you like a good bro otherwise I¡¯d already be jealous to death.¡± Chu Ting smiled sweetly and beautifully, but the goose bumps on Lin Ke Song¡¯s arms were raised. It has begun! It has begun! This is not the first time that Lin Ke Song has accounted this kind of situation. Wonder what kind of reaction Chu Ting would give if she herself pretended not to understand all the way? Lin Ke Song started to feel cheeky. ¡°That¡¯s right ah. Back in university, we and a clan of students went out for overnight karaoke. That rascal obviously saw me hogging a sofa to sleep, but he still wanted to squeeze with me. He still said something like if people were good friends, they have to share everything. Share my ass ley! I kicked him away with a foot, hahaha! Good thing Chu Ting, you¡¯re broad minded, otherwise, if you misunderstand, I wouldn¡¯t know what to do. Who asked that chap to be so insensitive!¡± Chu Ting¡¯s facial expression got worse and worse. Lin Ke Song was guffawing in her heart. But jokes aside, as the saying goes, it¡¯s better to demolish a temple than ruin a marriage. Even though Chu Ting and Song Yi Ran have not yet married, her crush on Song Yi Ran is her own business, and she has never thought about sowing discord between Song Yi Ran and Chu Ting. But before Lin Ke Song could offer gentle encouragement, Chu Ting could no longer hold back. ¡°With all due respect, Ke Song. I don¡¯t mind that you and Song Yi Ran are friends. Yi Ran who was born with a silver spoon might have been able to find a sense of accomplishment while with you, so he is closer to you, that I can understand. But maybe his many considerate actions have given you some meaningless thoughts, this has no advantage to you and will also cause him worries.¡± Lin Ke Song has totally collapsed from laughing in her heart. So it seems that Song Yi Ran has found a ¡®sense of accomplishment¡¯ with her? Then her calling him a social loafer, a brainless rich second generationer, excessive residual male, having so many girlfriends that if he¡¯s not careful he¡¯d get some kind of incurable disease, is still able to allow Song Yi Ran to find a sense of accomplishment? As expected, the hole in his brain is quite big! ¡°Chu Ting, with all due respect too. The most taboo thing in a relationship is suspicion. I¡¯ve already known Song Yi Ran for ten years. Three years in junior high, three years in high school, four years in college, if we really had anything between us, we¡¯d have been in a relationship long ago. He treats me as a scapegoat, a venting bucket, and a punching bag, I know all his secrets. If I wanted to be with him, I would¡¯ve already done something way earlier. Don¡¯t you think so?¡± The corners of Chu Ting¡¯s mouth stiffened. Lin Ke Song thought to herself, she herself had been having a crush on this chap for ten years and hadn¡¯t confessed, as expected she has perseverance. Ten years to be ¡®teenage mutant ninja turtles¡¯, if there were another ten years, Lin Ke Song would probably gain enlightenment! Staying friends, that is the safest distance. Wasn¡¯t there a saying that went, ¡®women are like clothes, bros are like arms¡¯. Actually, she feels really happy that Song Yi Ran treats her as a bro. She is his hands and feet, how heartless does he have to be to cut off his hands and feet? Lin Ke Song touched her cup to Chu Ting¡¯s. ¡°I wish you guys harmony for a hundred years, and hope you guys give birth soon ah!¡± Lin Ke Song said half-jokingly, hoping to warm up the awkward atmosphere. At this moment, the door opened and Song Yi Ran walked in. ¡°Who and whom are giving birth early ah?¡± ¡°Who else is there?¡± Lin Ke Song questioned back with a smile. Chu Ting also put on an embarrassed smile and said: ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Ke Song was kidding with me!¡± Afterwards, Chu Ting¡¯s attitude towards Lin Ke Song was a whole lot better, and there were a lot fewer dark hidden meanings behind her words too. At the same time, in the most luxurious VIP halls, Jiang Qian Fan was seated at the table with a cold and stern expression that made everyone who was present not know what to say. CH 4 He has a face that makes people unable to look away. His features seemed like they were carved with utmost care and carried an air of elegance. Whether it was the height of his brow bone or the curves of the corners of his eyes, they were all perfectly placed. And his eyes were black as obsidian, which you knew couldn¡¯t see, but yet had a profound deepness. All anyone had to do was have his eyes in sight and you¡¯d have the illusion of being seen through. ¡°That, Mr Jiang¡­¡­ our chef will be serving his signature dishes successively, I hope you¡¯d taste the dishes and offer your professional opinion.¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned his head slightly and spoke to the special assistant at the side: ¡°Li Yan, describe the dining environment of Lang Hua Restaurant.¡± Li Yan leaned slightly towards Jiang Qian Fan, using an objective tone described: ¡°The d¨¦cor of the restaurant is of a traditional style that is similar to that of the late Qing Dynasty. All the tables and chairs are made of wood. The scenery is near bridges and flowing water that contributes to the ambience. The VIP hall has famous watercolour ink paintings for decorations. The floors are neat and clean, the tables have no dust and are not oily. The waiters here compared to other restaurants seem to have had more professional training. ¡± ¡°The serving speed of the dishes?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice had no fluctuations, which made it impossible to discern whether he was satisfied or not with the description that Li Yan had given. ¡°When we passed the lobby, two thirds of the visitors were already served their main dishes. The other tables had at least appetisers on their tables.¡± ¡°Pour me a cup of tea.¡± Jiang Qian Fan said faintly. Chairman Zhao was about to go forward, but assistant Li Yan shook his hands at Chairman Zhao, personally got up, touched the teapot to test the temperature, and poured tea for Jiang Qian Fan. The way he lifted the teapot was that of well-practiced skilful movements, when the tea filled two thirds of the teacup he lifted the teapot away, not a drop was spilled. Jiang Qian Fan took a sip of the tea. As dish after dish was being served, Chairman Zhao explained each dish in great detail, every dish¡¯s origins, and the specifics of the process of making the dishes. And as for each dish, Jiang Qian Fan would take only a single mouth. His chews were leisurely slow, every swallow would make other people nervously swallow with him. Everyone helplessly looked at him, hoping that he would just give at least a phrase of comment, for example ¡®tasty¡¯ or ¡®not tasty¡¯. Until the sea cucumber soup was sent to the front of him. Chairman Zhao wanted to add on some comments, but Li Yan shook his head at him. ¡°Chairman Zhao, actually, as long as Mr Jiang has a taste, he would know which ingredients were used, the manner of cooking, and the abilities of the chef.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ oh, no wonder all the industry insiders say that Mr Jiang possesses an ¡®absolute palate¡¯! So that¡¯s how it is ah!¡± Jiang Qian Fan scooped up a spoonful of sea cucumber soup, and took a mouthful after blowing it cool. Not even a second later, he lifted up the teacup and spit the soup out. ¡°What¡­.. What¡¯s the matter? Is there something wrong with the soup?¡± Chairman Zhao anxiously stood up. The whole entourage were also very nervous. ¡°If this were my restaurant, I would not serve this kind of soup to the guests.¡± ¡°What?¡± Chairman Zhao was stunned, he said extremely angrily, ¡°¡±Who cooked this soup? Call that person here!¡± In less than three minutes, a chef who looked about 30 years old pressing onto his hat rushed anxiously in. Chairman Zhao with a face full of rage accused without explanation: ¡°So it¡¯s you ah! Li De Xin! Your teacher still said you were a good seedling, wanted me to definitely recruit to Lang Hua restaurant! Is this how you repay me? This sea cucumber soup was to be made for Mr Jiang, you dare let Mr Jiang unable to swallow the soup!¡± The chef named Li De Xin was completely frozen on the spot. ¡°From this moment on, you have been fired!¡± Li De Xin gripped his fist, like he wanted to explain something, but in the end he swallowed his words. Right when he was about to take off his hat, the Jiang Qian Fan who had been silent spoke. The slightly cool voice circulated leisurely around the room like cold red wine. ¡°Your name is Li De Xin?¡± ¡°Yes, Mr Jiang.¡± ¡°Through this sea cucumber soup dish, you have exemplified your ability to balance flavours and your ability to grasp control of the fire has reached the point of professional perfection. Your culinary skills are excellent, but there are flaws that no matter how good a chef is, they would be unable to cover up. To be able to use inferior ingredients, to raise the soup¡¯s texture and taste up to this kind of standard, it¡¯s very rare.¡± ¡°Mr Jiang? You mean¡­¡­¡± Chairman Zhao did not sense any form of rebuke from Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s words towards Li De Xin, even to the point of ¡­¡­ praise? ¡°Chairman Zhao, I guess there is a huge problem in the stock management of your restaurant. Among all the ingredient used, the beef, mutton and duck are not the freshest. Of course, the poorest, most inferior quality is still this sea cucumber, after it has been air flown to your restaurant, the most appropriate method of refrigeration was not used. All these problems, are definitely not allowed in my restaurant. Clearly, our views on restaurant management are different. So, we are also not the best suited business partners.¡± Chairman Zhao was totally stunned silly. Lang Hua Restaurant has had such an outstanding reputation, countless people come to dine, if they have to always use the day¡¯s ingredients, there would be too much pressure, additionally in consideration of the costs, some compromise had to be made. But chairman Zhao did not think that Jiang Qian Fan could actually taste these out? Isn¡¯t this being too picky? He looked towards Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s assistant Li Yan, Li Yan could only shake his head with a helpless expression. At that moment, Jiang Qian Fan had already stood up, straighten his cane and walked towards the exit. When he passed Li De Xin, he said: ¡°I have a seafood restaurant in Manhattan. If you¡¯d like to test your skills, you know how to get there. There, you will get the freshest ingredients.¡± Finished with his words, Jiang Qian Fan walked out, assistant Li Yan hurriedly catching up. Li De Xin was in total disbelief of what he had just heard. Jiang Qian Fan is a legend in the Chinese food industry, not only because he became a three Michelin star chef in New York at the age of 18, but even more so because under his management, of the 20 restaurants opened by the Jiang co. in the united states, already six of them had received 2 Michelin stars, three restaurants had received three Michelin stars for three consecutive years, and that seafood restaurant in Manhattan was one of them. When Li De Xin heard that Chairman Zhao wanted to fire him, he thought that it was the end of his career as a chef. After leaving Lang Hua Restaurant, he¡¯s afraid that it would be very difficult to gain a foothold in another restaurant, but Jiang Qian Fan personally extended an olive branch to him? To Lin Ke Song, this meal ended on a pretty harmonious note. Before leaving, Song Yi Ran asked whether Lin Ke Song needed a lift home. Lin Ke Song shook her head, saying that she wanted to buy something from the mall. She has no interest in playing gooseberry. Song Yi Ran was not in a rush to leave, continuing to stand in front of the restaurant¡¯s entrance chatting with Lin Ke Song. ¡°Hey, about the sea cucumber soup today, what part of it was not tasty?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Actually, my mom cooked sea cucumber soup before too, I thought it was freshly delicious. But about the sea cucumber soup today, kept feeling it was not fresh.¡± At this time, among a crowd, Jiang Qian Fan and his assistant walked out. And they heard what Lin Ke Song said. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s steps paused slightly and looked towards Lin Ke Song¡¯s direction. Li Yan turned towards Chairman Zhao who was chasing them and said: ¡°Even your customers are able to taste that there is something wrong with the sea cucumber soup. Chairman Zhao, we are very disappointed with Lang Hua Restaurant.¡± Finished with his words, Li Yan brought Jiang Qian Fan to the car and rode away speedily. When Chairman Zhao turned to throw a raging tantrum like oil being poured on fire at Lin Ke Song, he realised that she had already walked away long ago. Lin Ke Song carried her bag, actually, she didn¡¯t really want to go to the mall, she just didn¡¯t want to see Song Yi Ran and Chu Ting being lovey dovey. In the Bentley that was going the opposite direction, the Jiang Qian Fan who had been consistently silent suddenly spoke up: ¡°Where is the person who was standing at the entrance of Lang Hua Restaurant, the one who could taste the staleness of the sea cucumber soup?¡± Li Yan hurriedly looked backwards: ¡°She is walking alone on the pavement, it seems like she is going to take the subway.¡± ¡°I have to ask her something.¡± Li Yan was stunned for a moment, immediately, he asked the driver to do a U-turn, to catch up with the girl. So, about ten plus seconds later, a black Bentley stopped arrogantly next to Lin Ke Song, giving Lin Ke Song a big fright. She leaned over a little. She realised that the situation wasn¡¯t exactly good just now, so she had left the scene in two to three steps. It can¡¯t be that the Chairman Zhao has sent some people to beat her up right? ¡°Was it you who could taste that Lang Hua restaurant¡¯s sea cucumber soup wasn¡¯t fresh?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was icy cold. Lin Ke Song could not hear a thread of fluctuation in the emotions. She even wanted to check whether he was breathing, is this chap even alive? Or is he a vampire? ¡°That¡¯s what I felt. I think I do have the right to express my opinion right? Anyway, I didn¡¯t post anything on the internet to affect Lang Hua Restaurant¡¯s reputation!¡± Lin Ke Song hopes that she is making herself look tough. If she had known earlier, she wouldn¡¯t have declined Song Yi Ran¡¯s invitation to give her a lift. ¡°You¡¯ve misunderstood, Miss. Mr Jiang has the same thoughts as you. Because the chef was highly skilled, the staleness of the sea cucumber was handle very well. But you were still able to taste the staleness, that means your sense of taste is not bad.¡± The Li Yan who was sitting beside Jiang Qian Fan gently explained. Lin Ke Song silently let out a sigh of relief. As long as it¡¯s not people from Lang Hua Restaurant looking for trouble, it¡¯s fine. ¡°Are you from around here?¡± Jiang Qian Fan spoke again. His every question sounded like a declaration to Lin Ke Song, slightly putting pressure on her nerves. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Are you familiar with the local snacks?¡± After Jiang Qian Fan finished asking, Li Yan beside him let out an expression of surprise. ¡°I¡¯ll pay you 1000 USD to be my tour guide for the day to bring me around to try the food. If among the foods, any one of them makes me think it¡¯s delicious, I¡¯ll give you another 500 USD as reward. ¡± ¡°What?¡± Lin Ke Song wonders if she¡¯s hearing hallucinations. Just bring him around to eat and drink for a day would earn her 1000 USD? This chap doesn¡¯t have a problem right? CH 5 ¡°If you not willing to, forget it.¡± When Jiang Qian Fan was about to turn around to return to the car, Lin Ke Song grabbed his arm quick as quick as a fire arrow: ¡°Willing! Willing! 1000USD is in cash or cheque or transfer!¡± As the sentence was shouted out, she suddenly felt the she had lowered her not very proud head in the first place in front of money, revealing the dog like nature of slavery that Song Yi Ran used spicy lobsters to enslave her. But it¡¯s 1000USD ah! When converted is more than 6000 renminbi! If she were to really go to New York, she would definitely have to bring some capital over ah! One day and 1000USD earned, it¡¯s only bringing around Mr Iceberg who has eyes that can¡¯t be used to eat and drink only, legitimate income from labour, why would she not want it? But Jiang Qian Fan creased his brows, and strongly pulled his arm back. Crap¡­¡­ was she in too much of a hurry, and had angered the boss? ¡°This Miss, Mr Jiang does not like others to touch him,¡± assistant Li Yan reminded. Lin Ke Song hastily withdrew her hand. ¡°Additionally, Mr Jiang is a very important figure in the Chinese cuisine industry. Especially his sense of taste. So I hope you won¡¯t bring him around to eat things that will affect his health or to places with dirty environments.¡± Li Yan¡¯s insinuation was extremely obvious. All of a sudden, Lin Ke Song did not know what to say. Jiang Qian Fan said he wanted to eat something unique, but at the same time those specialities and snacks most probably won¡¯t be able to meet Li Yan¡¯s requirements ah. At this time, Jiang Qian Fan straightened his cane. That movement was extremely elegant, like an ancient swordsman drawing his sword calmly and sharply. He extended the other end of the can to Lin Ke Song, indicating that she should hold on to it, and said: ¡°Let¡¯s make a move.¡± ¡°Mr Jiang, Why won¡¯t you take the car?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need. If we took the car, we wouldn¡¯t be able to get anywhere.¡± ¡°But¡­¡­ Mr Jiang¡­¡­you aren¡¯t used to riding taxis ah!¡± Li Yan doesn¡¯t dare to touch Jiang Qian Fan, but he kept a hold on Lin Ke Song who was leading the way, putting Lin Ke Song in a dilemma. It seems like this 1000USD is not going to be easy to earn. And, why would he not be used to riding taxis? Jiang Qian Fan was silent, not saying a word. Li Yan could only say to Lin Ke Song: ¡°Where ever you ride the taxi to, you must remember to open the door for Mr Jiang. Mr Jiang will not touch things that many people have touched before. Also remember, you have to guard the doorframe, you must not let Mr Jiang hurt himself. You have to cushion the seats, Mr Jiang will not sit where many people have sat before! After you sit, you have to wind the windows down, to let the air ventilate! Mr Jiang does not like smoke smells or other odours!¡± Lin Ke Song could not restrain her face from showing black lines. Honestly, this Mr Jiang is not only blind, but he is an obsessive clean freak! Didn¡¯t the saying go, out of sight, out of mind? What is he so obsessive for? At this point, Jiang Qian Fan finally speaks. ¡°I will not ride the subway, public transport or taxi.¡± Lin Ke Song could only look at the Bentley with shiny eyes, heartily recommending to go by car ba. But the next sentence spoken by Jiang Qian Fan made Lin Ke Song totally speechless. ¡°Do you know how to ride a bicycle?¡± ¡°Known how to since I was six.¡± ¡°Li Yan, go buy a bicycle first. Let her bring me around on a bicycle.¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned silly, ¡°What?¡± It¡¯s not that she has never had others ride pillion before. Once on a school¡¯s bike outing, young master Song Yi Ran got ill, and she could only as an ordinary modern woman have him ride pillion for more than two hours, causing her back aches the next day, especially for her legs where she could only lumber around. ¡°That¡¯s too dangerous!¡± Li Yan opposed again. ¡°You are my assistant, your job is to satisfy my demands and not constantly oppose my decisions.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was cold. Li Yan¡¯s expression did not look good. ¡°Yes, Mr Jiang.¡± Lin Ke Song awkwardly held on to the other end of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s cane while standing on the road. Many passers-by could not help taking a second look at them. After all, Jiang Qian Fan has such an outstanding appearance with an alienated disposition, and Lin Ke Song feels like she is strolling with a handsome guy¡­¡­. Ah, it¡¯s strolling with an iceberg guy. Li Yan was more efficient than Lin Ke Song expected. In less than 15 minutes, he bought a bicycle. Lin Ke Song glanced at the price tag stuck on the bike and almost got a fright, it was as much as two months of her internship salary! Furthermore, they set out Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s personal utensils, paper towels, etc. in the front basket. Li Yan also took a picture of Lin Ke Song¡¯s identification, indicating that if something were to happen to Mr Jiang, he would report her to the police. To have matters come to this point, Lin Ke Song suddenly felt like she doesn¡¯t want to do this kind of work anymore. As expected, the heavens will not drop free pies¡­¡­ Lin Ke Song held on to the bicycle, bit the bullet and said: ¡°You may get on, Mr Jiang.¡± ¡°En.¡± Once Jiang Qian Fan was on, Lin Ke Song bit her teeth and pedalled off. Good thing Song Yi Ran gave her practice, otherwise, how would she be able to have a visually estimated 1.85m big guy ride pillion and while riding look heroically and evilly cool? Wrong¡­¡­ it¡¯s heroically and windily cool. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked from the back. ¡°Lin Ke Song.¡± Lin Ke Song took a deep breath, the golden master behind has to be treated with care ah, ¡°Mr Jiang do you have any preference for snacks?¡± ¡°As long as they are unavailable at fine dining restaurants, it¡¯s fine.¡± With this type of icy cold voice coming from the back, Lin Ke Song feels that her sweaty back from pedalling has chilled in an instant. Lin Ke Song searched her mind fleetingly quick. The bike has left the main road, and is heading to some smaller streets. ¡°Mr Jiang, since it¡¯s some commoner¡¯s snack, then they definitely won¡¯t be as particular as Lang Hua Restaurant. We¡¯re only eating for flavour, so we can¡¯t expect quality. ¡± Lin Ke Song had to give Mr Jiang a preventive caution first. It¡¯s okay if the food doesn¡¯t suit his palate, but if he showed that he was unsatisfied or unhappy on the spot, imagine how awkward the situation would be ah! ¡°En.¡± ¡°That¡­¡­ the place I¡¯ve picked is what I think is considered one of the cleaner ones. I¡¯ve eaten here for 20 plus years and I¡¯ve not had an upset stomach from here before.¡± ¡°En.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just that they are all either roadside stalls or some little shop in the alleys, some shops are even just opposite homes.¡± ¡°En.¡± Lin Ke Song suddenly feels that she is at a loss for words. My dear brother, apart from ¡°En¡±, do you know how to say anything else? They both ride pillion, but Lin Ke Song suddenly feels that compared to this Mr Jiang, Song Yi Ran is a ¡°moe moe pie¡±! ¡°Mr Jiang, may I know what you¡¯re called ah?¡± Lin Ke Song feels that if she doesn¡¯t even know what the person behind her is named, then she has really let her father down. ¡°Jiang Qian Fan.¡± That was the answer, three words. For example which ¡°Qian¡±, which ¡°Fan¡±, there wasn¡¯t even any extra explanation. Until a few seconds later, Lin Ke Song finally realises that the other party¡¯s name might just be that ¡°Jiang Qian Fan¡±. Rivers (Jiang) pass east, as sails (Qian Fan) would too. This name sounds like the person would have possibilities of changes for the melancholy. But the owner of the name was so indifferent that others have no idea how to get along with him. Lin Ke Song rode the bike in boredom, and finally reached a roadside stall, an old granny was tending to the mouth of the pot, slowly stirring. A few foldable tables in front, there were a few young guys and girls slowly eating something, chatting and laughing together. The air was filled with an aroma that made people salivate unconsciously, Lin Ke Song hadn¡¯t even stopped the bike, and she couldn¡¯t resist swallowing. She touched a foot to the ground and said: ¡°Mr Jiang, we are here. Granny Wang¡¯s stir fried liver is what I¡¯ve eaten since I was little till adulthood.¡± Jiang Qian Fan alighted, and Lin Ke Song realised then that Li Yan had bought a bike, but he had forgotten to get a lock! She could only make do with having the bike lean on one side, put a napkin on a foldable chair, invite Jiang Qian Fan to sit down then cover his ear and whisper into his ears: ¡°Because this is a roadside stall, so the bowls and chopsticks are roughly washed then put in boiling water and considered already disinfected. You don¡¯t mind right?¡± Jiang Qian Fan moved his face away, obviously unhappy that Lin Ke Song was too close. ¡°It¡¯s already not bad that they are able to do so.¡± Lin Ke Song happily went to look for Granny Wang to order stir fried liver. Even Song Yi Ran with that cunning mouth would shamelessly ask her to pack Granny Wang¡¯s stir fried liver and bring it to school for him. She doesn¡¯t believe that this Mr Jiang would think that Granny Wang¡¯s stir fried liver is not tasty! Lin Ke Song received the stir fried liver from Granny Wang, and slowly and carefully put it in front of Jiang Qian Fan, ¡°Mr Jiang, it¡¯s a little scalding, be careful.¡± She put the spoon at the edge of the bowl, and had actually wanted to guide Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s hand to the spoon, but she remembered that Li Yan said that he did not like others to touch him, so all she could do was to sit quietly at the side. Jiang Qian Fan bend his head down, the warm steam floated up, carrying along the rich aroma of the stir fried liver. His eyelashes were very long, his nose bridge high. Under this kind of warm air, his original cold features were softened. Lin Ke Song felt a great sense of pity. If he could see, he would probably be in accordance to the fantasises of girls of cool tyrant president ¡­¡­ This is her first time that she has seen someone whose appearance is comparable to that player Song Yi Ran. When Jiang Qian Fan ate, his movements were restrained and elegant, slow but didn¡¯t give off a pretentious and feminine feel. On the contrary, Lin Ke Song has to admit, it is really pleasant to the eyes. When his lips separated, you could catch a glimpse of the tip of his tongue, the moment it touched the spoon, this guy who had a look of indifference gave off an aura of sultry sensuality. It¡¯s just that he only had a bite and he put the spoon down. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Is it because it tastes bad?¡± ¡°Just based on the ingredients, the pig¡¯s liver is very fresh, and the pig¡¯s intestine was handled very cleanly. After heating the oil, star anise and fennel are added, followed by raw garlic. After frying till golden brown, a suitable amount of bean paste was added, followed by stewed mushroom soup. After merging together, the gravy thickened. Internal organs are originally ingredients that are very difficult to handle, yet this plate of stir fried liver managed to extract the freshest, most delicious flavours from the pig¡¯s intestine and liver.¡± ¡°So you think that it¡¯s delicious?¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes lit up. She remembered that Jiang Qian Fan had said before, if she brought him to try foods and he felt that any were delicious, apart from the 1000USD tour fees, there would be an additional 500USD reward! ¡°For an ordinary roadside stall to be able to make it to this standard, it is indeed rare. But it¡¯s far from delicious.¡± Lin Ke Song‡å. Where is it not delicious? How is it not delicious la? Why is it not delicious la? This is totally insulting to Granny Wang¡¯s craft of decades ah! CH 6 ¡°Too many mushrooms were used for the mushroom soup. Using a right amount of mushroom soup would enhance the flavours of the pig¡¯s liver and intestines, but if too many were used, it would conceal the essence of this dish.¡± After his comment, Jiang Qian Fan was already ready to stand up. Lin Ke Song looked at the bowl of barely touched stir fried liver, and had a heart ache to death. Every time she packed a packet of stir fried liver to the gluttonous cats at the dorm room, they couldn¡¯t help licking the remnants of the packet. But Jiang Qian Fan only had a single bite, and still had a tone of criticism. Lin Ke Song did not want Granny Wang to see that was still so much left, so she hurriedly picked up the spoon that Jiang Qian Fan had just used and gobbled down half the bowl in two or three mouthfuls, almost scalding the roof of her mouth. But Jiang Qian Fan knocked his cane on the surface of the table, and murmured: ¡°Let¡¯s go. To the next place.¡± Lin Ke Song randomly wiped her mouth, and thought to herself even if Granny Wang¡¯s stir fried liver doesn¡¯t suit your taste, in such a big city, there has to be a dish that will suit your taste ba! After holding the bicycle steady, Jiang Qian Fan got on it, and Lin Ke Song thought about the next place to go. Gradually, they came to an alley. The stone paths under the wheels were no longer whole and neat anymore, couldn¡¯t help being bumpy. Lin Ke Song waddled a few times. She thought the Mr Jiang sitting behind her would at least grab onto her or at least hold on to the seat, but to the end, he calmly stayed seated with his arms rested on his thighs. This made Lin Ke Song feel cheeky. She purposely made ¡°Ahya ahya¡± sounds, twisting the bicycle as she rode forward. But disappointedly, logically, a blind person¡¯s sense of balance shouldn¡¯t be that good, but Jiang Qian Fan was consistently sitting behind her as steady as Taishan mountain, not a single gasp escaped from him. ¡°My hearing is very fine, Miss Lin. There are very few people on this road, although the road is not flat but with your capabilities you have the ability to keep your balance.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s cold voice sounded from the back. Lin Ke Song¡¯s single heart suddenly sank down. She had only wanted to play a little joke on him, the ¡°tour guide fees¡± won¡¯t be docked right? ¡°That¡­¡­ I felt that the atmosphere was a little cold, only wanted to make it livelier¡­¡­hehe¡­¡­¡± She had done the same thing to Song Yi Ran before, that chap would shamelessly say what ¡°if die, we die together¡±, then the both of them would laugh heartily. But when the one riding pillion is changed to Jiang Qian Fan, it might turn to her really seeking death. ¡°The relationship between us is purely employer and employee, there is no need to make the atmosphere livelier.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was as monotonous as a robot¡¯s with no fluctuations, carrying a cool metallic tone. Lin Ke Song found that she was actually speechless. While riding the bicycle, she wondered, just what kind of environment did this Mr Jiang live in. Doesn¡¯t he even understand this basic code of conduct? Even if it¡¯s an employer and employee relationship, she rode the bicycle so zealously with him riding pillion all over the big streets and little alleys, doesn¡¯t she even have the right to say a few sentences of jokes? Seeing at him ride in such a luxurious car to Lang Hua Restaurant, have the restaurant¡¯s chairman personally welcome him, and even have that whatever assistant Li Yan be so concerned to death about him say that he is a whatever important figure ¡ª¡ª most probably a capitalist ba! All capitalists need to be casted away! When they reached the end of the alley, at the intersection of the street, Lin Ke Song stopped. The smell of marinated fried soy on a pan floated by, with a rich soy sauce aroma, Lin Ke Song subconsciously licked her lips. ¡°Mr Jiang, we¡¯re here. Try the tripe here. Foreigners usually like to go to some famous snack street or business district to have tripe. But those are gimmicks, rather it¡¯s these kind of alleys or streets that make more authentic tripe.¡± Apart from recommendations, Lin Ke Song does not feel like saying anything more to him. As usual, before Jiang Qian Fan sat down, she would first use a napkin to wipe his seat clean, wipe the surface of the tables till there was not a single sign of oil shine. Lin Ke Song thought in her heart, she hasn¡¯t even gone to her uncle¡¯s yet, and she¡¯s already being a waitress¡­¡­ As she bent her body forward, she smelled a refreshing scent coming from Jiang Qian Fan. It wasn¡¯t the scent of men¡¯s cologne, but of a more natural flavour, like that of a shower gel. Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t help getting closer, because in the surrounding rich aromatic smelling cloud of tripe, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s bodily scent was inexplicably pleasant, and even carried a thread of warmth. Without her noticing, the tips of hair at the top of her tilted head had swept past Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s chin. ¡°Are you thinking of showing me friendly gestures?¡± The other party¡¯s voice was like a pan of cold water splashing on her from the head down, making Lin Ke Song quickly return to reality. ¡°Ah, no no! It¡¯s because the edge of the table was a little dirty.¡± ¡°But you weren¡¯t cleaning the edges of the table.¡± Jiang Qian Fan ruthlessly exposed Lin Ke Song¡¯s lies. Lin Ke Song was once again speechless. 1000USD for a day¡¯s worth of tour fees, definitely expects the tour guide to have a strong heart. She remembered Song Yi Ran¡¯s shamelessness, and suddenly pulled on a smiling face: ¡°The scent from Mr Jiang¡¯s body was really good bey. I was just a little curious. Don¡¯t mind me, I didn¡¯t actually touch you.¡± Jiang Qian Fan did not open his mouth to speak, this let Lin Ke Song let out a breath. Because she felt that the moment Jiang Qian Fan opened his mouth, there would definitely be an effect of a cutting blade. Lin Ke Song ordered a portion of tripe, and silently prayed in her heart that this dish that did not let her feel a little sick of for ten plus years, would let Jiang Qian Fan say a praise of ¡°delicious¡±. Lin Ke Song knew that this particular shop wasn¡¯t that particular about the cleanliness and hygiene of the utensils, so she took out the utensils that Li Yan had prepared for Jiang Qian Fan, scooped some tripe and put it in front of Jiang Qian Fan. This kind of aroma could stimulate saliva secretion better than Granny Wang¡¯s stir fried liver, if it were not due to eating too much at Lang Hua restaurant, and consuming a few large mouthfuls of stir fried liver, for this plate of tripe, Lin Ke Song would only need a minute to cleanly sweep up the whole plate. Jiang Qian Fan picked up the chopsticks. His slender fingers had a unique beauty, as if anything that were picked by his hands would suddenly become wonderful. He picked up a piece of tripe, and held it in front of his nose for a short moment, then he sent it into his mouth. Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart hung in anticipation. Will he find it delicious? After riding such a big bike all the way to this place, it should be worth it ba? At that moment, Lin Ke Song subconsciously widened her eyes and stared at Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s lips. In the second his lips slightly parted, and gently touched the tip of the food, she suddenly felt like there was something that had ruptured at her ear. There was no sense of enthusiasm from the attitude of this male when he ate. But why the moment the food was sent past his lips, Lin Ke Song could feel a sense of dedication and purity? Is it really because for faces that look pretty, they can be forgiven even if the words are icy cold ? She silently waited for this male to take a second bite, but he still put his chopsticks down. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is it not good?¡± Lin Ke Song started to get nervous. She has great confidence towards Lin¡¯s tripe. She has been living in this city for such a long time, only Lin¡¯s tripe was perfect. ¡°It isn¡¯t bad. But also can¡¯t be considered delicious.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song was suddenly depressed, only not bad? Then what has she been eating these 20 years? She can totally confirm now, Song Yi Ran that jerk is easier to serve than this person. ¡°Why do you think it¡¯s not delicious?¡± Lin Ke Song feels that even if she dies she still has to know why¡­¡­ ¡°This tripe, based on taste only, compared to other professional chefs is no less inferior. The sauce mixed and blended sesame paste, rose fermented bean curd, chives, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, chives, parsley, and green onion together. The degree of saltiness is appropriate.¡± There¡¯s no problem with the sauce, then maybe the problem lies with the tripe? ¡°The water that was used to scald the tripe also had Sichuan peppercorn and onions added, for the sake of removing the stink of the tripe. This was very thoughtful, and done well.¡± Then what is wrong? Just what are you not satisfied with ah? ¡°But the chilli oil that was drizzled over the tripe, because the fire was too strong, let the chilli blacken, and combined with the peppercorns, formed a bitter taste.¡± His voice was cold and calm, like a guideline, like an insurmountable boundary. All doubts and dispute have no chance of surfacing in front of him. ¡°How can it be!¡± Lin Ke Song picked up the pair of chopsticks, grabbed a piece and sent it into her mouth, using all her energy and concentration to taste in detail, but she only felt that it was delicious. But gradually, she too tasted the slightly bitter flavour, that taste of chilli and peppercorn being over fried. But how would an ordinary person be able to taste that subtle bitter taste? It¡¯s to the point that if you don¡¯t concentrate on picking the flavour out, you wouldn¡¯t be able to taste it ah! Are you sure this isn¡¯t being too picky? Lin Ke Song lifted her gaze to Jiang Qian Fan, and suddenly wondered, how is this chap¡¯s tongue configured? This subtle taste and all he needs is one mouth to be aware of it? ¡°Let¡¯s go ba.¡± Jiang Qian Fan stood up, adjusting his collar. ¡°Wait¡­¡­ your cutlery¡­¡­¡± ¡°You used it before, I¡¯ll not use it again.¡± Jiang Qian Fan took out his cane, tested out the path, not caring about Lin Ke Song and walked off like that. Lin Ke Song took a look at the plate of tripe, and prayed in her heart that the owner would not bear a grudge against her for being so wasteful. Lin Ke Song sighed, resigning to her fate, and went to catch up to Jiang Qian Fan. She is a little suspicious, is there any food in this world that exists that would make him feel that it¡¯s delicious? Good thing the stalls that Lin Ke Song frequents are not too far apart, otherwise in this big city, just depending on her two legs riding the bike, with a male weighing about 100 jin*, she would have crumbled from exhaustion. She brought Jiang Qian Fan to try Xu¡¯s sweet peas pudding, Jiang Qian Fan only had a bite, commented that it had a good texture, but was too sweet. Then they tasted the tea soup under the bridge, Jiang Qian Fan still only had a bite, the comment was that it had a delicate texture, and the thickness of the soup was appropriate, but the Osmanthus used in the Osmanthus brine was not fresh enough. Lin Ke Song did not want to speak anymore, and only said ¡°get on ba¡±, then rode the bicycle into the alley. In the end, the steamed rice cakes with sweet stuffing, cold pot fish and fried sauce noodles were as Lin Ke Song expected, shot down by Jiang Qian with one sentence. The sky gradually got darker, originally the 1000USD tour fees made Lin Ke Song feel that she should provide the other party with comprehensive, professional, at the beck and call, painstaking service, but her patience was quickly being spent, and she hadn¡¯t even collected a deposit! She had the urge to point at Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s brain and ask: let me say brother, so many dishes, many of them cooked with decades of inherited traditional skills, why when they reach you, are they only worth you having one mouth? Might as well call yourself Jiang Yi Kou (One mouth river) already! CH 7 But still the person continued sitting on the back seat sat leisurely, that poker face didn¡¯t even change. ¡°Do you have any more places to go?¡± The tone Jiang Qian Fan had was not of doubt, but it was a statement. With this question, Lin Ke Song felt a gaseous fire ball surge from her chest straight to her brain. Really feel like throwing the bike away and shoving him into a sack then trampling him into the crevices. Ah, right, this chap is blind. Don¡¯t even need a sack. A pity the ghost of his assistant took a picture if her ID. I¡¯m not angry. I¡¯m not angry. I¡¯m really not angry. She even tolerated Song Yi Ran that brainless young master for 10 years, Jiang Qian Fan is only one blind man! Other people are blind, if they want to be erratic, then be more erratic ba! ¡°Of course there is. This city is so huge, it¡¯s not so easy to eat all the dishes!¡± Lin Ke Song remembered that there was a place where the deep fried ginger slices were not bad, of course, she knew it would definitely not be good enough for Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s tongue. But she agreed to be his tour guide to taste dishes for a day, as long as time allows them, she will do her best to bring him to all the places that he can eat. It¡¯s just that Lin Ke Song has already become like shrunken eggplants (discouraged, no energy), with her head bowed, with totally no sign of the ambition she had at the start. The air suddenly had a pungent smell, unknowingly, she had already arrived at the entrance of her junior high school. At the corner of Lin Ke Song¡¯s eye, there was a deep fried smelly tofu stall. She sudden thought of the scene when she ate smelly tofu in front of Song Yi Ran for the first time. She herself was eating with relish, but that chap was holding his head with a gagging expression. Lin Ke Song smirked, she was feeling cheeky again. ¡°Hey, I say, we¡¯re here. Try the smelly tofu here!¡± ¡°The smelly tofu doesn¡¯t seem to be the signature dish here.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s eyebrows corrugated slightly. Lin Ke Song thought in her heart, now there¡¯ll be a show to watch. Grandaunt here will wait for you to vomit. ¡°This you don¡¯t know, of the whole city¡¯s high school, who doesn¡¯t know this smelly tofu stand? Do you know how many students ride their bicycles here to buy smelly tofu after getting off class? It¡¯s not I who said it, but your luck is simply too good. The student crowd has dispersed, there¡¯s no need to queue, so good!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not eating smelly tofu.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was icy cold, carrying a tone of command. Lin Ke Song from the start had no intent to persuade him to eat smelly tofu. To make someone sick, you don¡¯t necessarily have to make the person consume the sickening food. ¡°That¡¯s alright, I¡¯ll bring you to eat deep fried ginger slices later. It wasn¡¯t easy passing by my old junior high school, you let me satisfy my craving ah!¡± ¡°You are wasting my time. I paying you 1000USD a day for tour guide fees doesn¡¯t include time used to wait for you to eat.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice sounded like it came from a robot, every word so precise it could rival a newscaster¡¯s, especially that icy tone, was exceptionally asking for a beating. Lin Ke Song blinked her eyes, he¡¯s even so calculative about just a minute of eating smelly tofu. As expected, a capitalist is a capitalist! Squeezing every last bit of value from the labourers. Lin Ke Song really wanted to lecture him, but Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s ¡°waste of time argument¡± although was simple, had much logic, in that moment, Lin Ke Song had no idea what she should say. At this time, a person carrying a bag pack, wearing a hat walked pass the both of them, bumped into Jiang Qian Fan, lowered his head and murmured a ¡°sorry¡±, then quickly left. Lin Ke Song was still looking at Jiang Qian Fan when he suddenly spoke: ¡°The person who had just bumped into me stole my hand phone.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­ what?¡± The topic was changed too suddenly, Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t find the connection between smelly tofu and hand phone. Two seconds later, Lin Ke Song suddenly realised something, and looked towards the back pack carrying guy gradually blending with the crowd. ¡°Stay right here and wait for me! Don¡¯t go anywhere! I¡¯ll go get your phone!¡± After saying so, Lin Ke Song u-turned, pedalled strongly, and chased after the guy. In this whole life of hers the thing she hates most are the third hands (pickpockets)! Got hands and feet, got the ability to pickpocket a phone then why don¡¯t you get a proper job! Needless to say, during this year¡¯s New Year, she went with her parents to see the fireworks show. After the performance ended, her hand phone had flown away! Lin Ke Song did not yell aloud to ¡°catch the thief¡± but simmered the surging urge and rushed forward. When she was about to get to the front of the other party, that rascal suddenly turned around and noticed Lin Ke Song, and immediately started running madly. Your two legs are able to outrun my two wheels! Lin Ke Song bravely chased the guy, the passers-by one after another giving way. At this time, she started yelling: ¡°Catch the hand phone thief! Catch the hand phone thief! The thief wearing the black leather bag! Everyone help catch him!¡± That guy resolutely took off his bag and randomly threw it onto a mailbox at the side. Lin Ke Song continued yelling: ¡°Catch the hand phone thief! The one wearing the brown beanie!¡± That guy stripped off his beanie and stuffed it into his pockets, two or three strands of hair on his forehead swaying back and forth in the wind. ¡°Hand phone thief! That bald head! Everyone help out!¡± Bet you can¡¯t suddenly grow hair out! Two kind hearted uncles held onto the bald head, Lin Ke Song was about to go forward to say thanks, but who knew those two uncles moved the bald head thief behind them. ¡°I say, this little girl, you said other people stole your hand phone? What is your hand phone like? Can you describe it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s my friend¡¯s phone, I didn¡¯t see it clearly.¡± Lin Ke Song panted. ¡°Young lady, that¡¯s where you are wrong. You clamoured to catch the hand phone thief, but you don¡¯t even know what the phone looks like, then you can¡¯t differentiate if the phone he has was stolen from you, or was originally his!¡± Lin Ke Song finally understood, this few people were in cahoots! But Lin Ke Song isn¡¯t easy bait! During her university days, Song Yi Ran suddenly went bonkers and wanted to learn taekwondo, and had pulled her along. In the end, the chap fished for three days and sunned the net for two (no perseverance) and sat at the side sipping fruit juice, flirting with hot chicks, Lin Ke Song ended up learning a few tricks. In the end Song Yi Ran¡¯s conclusion was: Lin Ke Song was not only his bro, but also his bodyguard! Lin Ke Song has some confidence in beating the bald head, but with the added two chaps¡­¡­she won¡¯t overestimate herself. The passers-by all looked at her with pity. That bald head smiled a smile, turned and walked into a small alley. Lin Ke Song won¡¯t fight fights that she knows she will lose, just don¡¯t believe you won¡¯t have a time when you are alone! She turned the bike around like she was going off, but actually went around to the other end of the alley, patiently waited for the bald head to whistle by. And his companions were still hanging around at the junction of the alley, as if they were wary of Lin Ke Song coming back. Idiots! Now the far waters can¡¯t save the near fire! Lin Ke Song suddenly sprang out, lifted her leg and kicked the bald head¡¯s stomach, the other party almost vomited out. She grabbed onto his collar, following the momentum, pressed him against the wall, ¡°Where is my phone!¡± ¡°You¡­¡­ you be careful my bros come over¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song looked at the other end of the alley through her peripheral vision, those two idiot bros were smoking with their backs to them. ¡°Why? To wait till your bros look over to see how I bash you up ah!¡± Lin Ke Song raised her fists, ¡°you believe by the time your bros get over, you¡¯d have become pig¡¯s head! Where¡¯s the phone!¡± ¡°Right¡­¡­ right here¡­¡­¡± baldy was about to touch his pockets. Lin Ke Song was not that dumb, what if this chap dug a dagger out? ¡°I¡¯ll do it myself!¡± Lin Ke Song personally retrieved a shiny bright new model phone, it was obvious it wasn¡¯t this baldy¡¯s style, ¡°is this the phone you stole?¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡­ yes¡­¡­ I only stole this¡­¡­ the first one today¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song wasn¡¯t foolish, she took out her phone and took a picture of the guy¡¯s face, then used a bullying tone and said: ¡°You listen up, if you dare steal phones again, or bring your bros to look for trouble with me, I¡¯ll send your photo to the bureau of security!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t ah! Grandaunt! I won¡¯t steal anymore! Won¡¯t steal anymore!¡± Lin Ke Song hmphed and glanced at the entrance of the alley, then raised her arm and looked at the time, there was a cctv camera, just nice it can be used to testify that she was chasing the thief but was ganged up against by the thief and his bros. she doesn¡¯t believe that a leopard would change its spots, will definitely pickpocket again. She¡¯ll go report to the police later. Turning around, she pedalled the bike, and Lin Ke Song went back to the school¡¯s entrance to look for Jiang Qian Fan. While riding, she thought about her heroic actions. Aiya¡­¡­ the brave one beating up hand phone thieves or whatever, isn¡¯t that what a guy should do? Like this, she isn¡¯t gentle like a bird depending on others. If Chu Ting met with the same situation, she would have long been at the side screaming sharply for Song Yi Ran to get her phone back. Ah¡­¡­ no, Song Yi Ran that slave would not go after the phone, he would only say: It¡¯s alright, just buy another¡­¡­ Furthermore, she was really lucky this time. If the companions were together with bald head, she would have never been able to get the phone back. And if they had noticed her, and rushed back, she herself would have only been able to ride for her life. Ai, she shouldn¡¯t have been so impulsive to get the phone back. Should have brought Jiang Qian Fan to report to the police. Lin Ke Song was thinking about Jiang Qian Fan sitting at the police station when the front wheel hit a small stone, the wheel tilted, and Lin Ke Song crashed downwards off the bike. The wheels of the bike continued spinning. Lin Ke Song¡¯s mouth was twisted to the side. The palms of her hands were burning like fire, lifting them to take a look, a large area of her palms were scraped. She looked up and sighed, strongly stood up, retrieved a napkin and pressed it to the pads of her palms. When she reached the school¡¯s gate, it was already 8.30. The smelly tofu stand was closing shop. Jiang Qian Fan was nowhere in sight. CH 8 Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart sank. She didn¡¯t even leave for that long ah! Where did he disappear to? ¡°Boss! That pretty good looking guy, blind guy, he was just standing here, do you know where he went to?¡± ¡°Oh, I saw him cross the road, to the other side!¡± ¡°He¡­¡­ crossed the road himself?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Seriously doesn¡¯t want his life anymore!¡± Lin Ke Song hurriedly rode to the other side. There was a row of stationery shop and whatever other shops opposite. Lin Ke Song searched each shop but still could not find him. Her back was sweaty with anxiety. What on earth ah! Didn¡¯t she tell him to stay where he was to wait for her! Cross what road by himself! Move around for what! He¡¯s even lost his phone, how to reach him ah! ¡°Wait right here¡± doesn¡¯t he understand these three words ah! Lin Ke Song asked all the shops once through, anxiously wondering if she should report to the police, finally, a small shop owner said to her: ¡°The person you¡¯re looking for seems to have gone to that whatever Mufeng caf¨¦!¡± Li Ke Song almost knelt in gratitude to the shop owner. She hurriedly rushed to the caf¨¦, leaned the bike at the entrance and rushed upstairs in a few steps. After looking round, she saw a frosty, indifferent and composed as a fridge Mr Jiang sitting near the window. His always clear and handsome face, intricate to the extent of being unable to find any flaw in his features, the sunlight slanted, falling on the tip of his nose, surfacing a sense of warmth. Even with his alienating indifference, it couldn¡¯t make people displeased, but gave a sense of mystery. In front of him was a cup of lemon water. Jiang Qian Fan picked the cup up, and took a sip, so proper till it was like, in his universe, Lin Ke Song was like air. That anger of Lin Ke Song ah, was like a rocket about to launch in to the sky. She sat down in front of Jiang Qian Fan with all her might, supressing her anger and said: ¡°Didn¡¯t I ask you to stay where you were? Why did you end up here?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s expression was like he did not think he did anything wrong at all. ¡°I don¡¯t like the smell of smelly tofu.¡± Lin Ke Song rolled her eyes to heaven, and thought, and I don¡¯t like you ah! ¡°Then what if I can¡¯t find you?¡± ¡°You will definitely find me.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°For the 1000USD tour guide fees for the day¡± Lin Ke Song once again felt like she was stabbed by a knife. She had worked so hard today, and was still willing to look for him, she really didn¡¯t remember the 1000USD tour guide fees for the day. ¡°Your phone.¡± Lin Ke Song slid his phone across the table. This chap slowly took a piece of tissue, and wiped the phone. His fingers were very pretty, when he bent his head, it strangely stirred the hearts of others move. This is the first time Lin Ke Song looked at him from such a close distance. ¡°Do you want to eat anything from here? Or do you want to eat the deep fried ginger slices?¡± Lin Ke Song was quite tired, her voice was a little sickly. ¡°The coffee here is inferior. Just by smelling the heat, I know that it is bitter and not mellow. The pastry that was served left a faint flour smell, which meant that the pastry was not baked enough. With this kind of standard, I will not eat anything from here.¡± Jiang Qian Fan put the phone back into his pocket. Lin Ke Song pressed her temples, she knew it, this place would not be up to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s taste. She wanted to throw a tantrum as great as an erupting volcano, but when she caught sight of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s facial features, she realised that she couldn¡¯t get angry. He was like the lake between the valleys among the clouds, you can move it as much as you want, but he will always be calm. ¡°You are angry.¡± Jiang Qian Fan was still expressionless. Thank you for knowing that I¡¯m angry. ¡°I got your phone back with great difficulty. But you weren¡¯t waiting for me at the original spot. If you were me, how¡¯d you feel?¡± ¡°I paid you fees for tour guiding, I don¡¯t need you to go after my phone.¡± Another stab, right through the heart. But Lin Ke Song could no longer feel pain. ¡°Oh, I understand. I won¡¯t chase the next time, let¡¯s go.¡± Hope that the moment you get through the door, your phone will be stolen! When you kneel on the floor to get me to get your phone back, I will order lemon water and slowly have a drink! Lin Ke Song got up, held one end of the cane and brought him down the stairs. When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Jiang Qian Fan suddenly stopped. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°You are injured.¡± Jiang Qian Fan suddenly asked. Lin Ke Song was thinking can¡¯t you not see? How can you know I¡¯ve scraped my palms? ¡°Oh, I fell while I was riding the bike. How did you know?¡± Lin Ke Song felt a little wronged. But if it were Song Yi Ran he¡¯ll most probably reward her for having her two legs be fine. But this conceited Mr Jiang¡­¡­as long as he doesn¡¯t give another stab it¡¯ll be good. ¡°I smelled blood.¡± Lin Ke Song looked at her palms, he can even smell out this little blood? She¡¯s heard that even though the blind can¡¯t see, and the other senses may be more sensitive, but it can¡¯t be so sensitive to this standard ba. ¡°Go to the pharmacy, get it cleaned.¡± This was considered the most humane sentence that this chap had said throughout the whole day Lin Ke Song had been with him. There was a pharmacy nearby, Lin Ke Song bought a bottle of hydrogen peroxide, when she poured it over her palms, her tears swarmed around in her eyes, she caught a glimpse of Jiang Qian Fan at the window. His expression was distinctive. The cars lights outside the window flitted past his face row by row, but his eyes never once blinked. He was obviously a mortal, but he had a condescending aura, like he was not impressed with the things of this earth. She knows using ¡°pretty¡± to describe a male is weird. But the Jiang Qian Fan at that moment, let her have an illusion of indifference and beauty. Lin Ke Song started imagining, if Jiang Qian Fan could see, what kind of expression would his face hold? Will it be prouder? Or maybe have a devil-may-care smile like Song Yi Ran? After pasting the bandage, Lin Ke Song led Jiang Qian Fan on their way. This city is very crowded, even late at night, there will still be crowds and noises. When they reached the deep fried ginger slices shop, the owner was clearing up and getting ready to close shop. Lin Ke Song bought the last portion of deep fried ginger slices. Jiang Qian Fan bent his head, the night air lifted his hair, the dim light made his profile seem unreal. As she expected, Jiang Qian Fan had only one bite. ¡°Appropriate sweetness and sourness, rich fresh ginger flavour. But the smell of the eggs used is too strong, should have used fodder fed chicken eggs rather than eggs from grain fed chicken.¡± ¡°But if they used soil eggs, the cost price would be too high for this little stall.¡± Lin Ke Song explained. ¡°En.¡± What a rarity, the cold Jiang Qian Fan would agree with her views. At this time, an aunty carrying candied haws walked by them. The stand had only two sporadic sticks left. Lin Ke Song felt a sweet and sour taste on her tongue, and almost overflowed with salivation. Her obviously dispirited mood suddenly jumped to joy again. ¡°You¡¯ve come all the way here, how can you not eat candied haw!¡± Lin Ke Song bought only one stick. Because no matter how delicious she finds a snack, Jiang Qian Fan would only have one mouth. Lin Ke Song placed the candied haw in front of Jiang Qian Fan, ¡°Be careful, bite sideways, don¡¯t get poked by the bamboo pick.¡± Jiang Qian Fan opened his mouth, and Lin Ke Song once again saw the tip of his tongue. Without knowing why, every time Jiang Qian Fan ate something, as long as she unintentionally sees his tongue, it was like something gently brushing her heart, hooking onto to her thoughts, making the whole world seem like ripples in waves. He latched onto the candied haw, did not eat the whole ball but bit down with a ¡°kacha¡± sound. The red icing split at his lips, crackling up. He hadn¡¯t held in in his mouth for a second when he raised his eyebrows. Lin Ke Song saw his expression and laughed in her heart. ¡°How is it?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ the hawthorn should be peeled, or there¡¯ll be too much acerbity. The hawthorn fruit¡¯s flesh is too sour, the sugar coating too thin, the sweetness and sourness can¡¯t be balanced. The quality of the sugar is not good, has too many impurities.¡± ¡°So it¡¯s not delicious?¡± ¡°It¡¯s the worst snack among all the foods you have brought me to taste.¡± Lin Ke Song smiled, she placed the bicycle at one side of the road, sat on the curb, slowly and leisurely bit into the candied haw. Purposely having a ¡°kacha¡± sound. ¡°Have you ever had a crush on someone?¡± she asked randomly. Anyway even if he was treated like a god, he wouldn¡¯t show a different expression. Why not just do as she likes. ¡°No.¡± The answer was sure and to the point. His figure looked lonely under the street lights. Lin Ke Song laughed, this is the first time she felt like she was at an advantage in front of Jiang Qian Fan. At least there are some experience that she has had but he has never felt. ¡°A crush is like a candied haw. Hugging the person you like is like a sweet coating, but the moment you bite down on it, you will taste the sour and astringent flavours. Especially when you see the person you like always having someone by their side and that ¡°someone¡± is usually a green tea bitch (women who are ambitious but act innocent), that acerbity feels like it¡¯s going to emerge from the eye of the throat. But when you wear jeans, and have a walk with your crush down streets and alleys leisurely, then buy a stick of candied haw. You actually know the sugar coating is too thin, not enough to balance out the acerbity. But you still feel that every bead makes you happy, because that person is by your side.¡± Jiang Qian Fan stood where he was, not saying a word. Lin Ke Song guessed that he probably doesn¡¯t know what a ¡°green tea bitch¡± is, and is even more clueless about a ¡°crush¡±. But he waited patiently for Lin Ke Song to finish the remaining candied haw. When it was down to the last bead, Lin Ke Song stood up and went to Jiang Qian Fan, cocked her head and nudged him with her elbow: ¡°Wey! Only one bead left! Do you want another mouth?¡± ¡°No need.¡± An expectedly cold answer. ¡°Actually, the last two hawthorns are not as sour as the previous ones. Try la, maybe you will find them delicious?¡± Lin Ke Song raise the candied haw towards Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s lips, Jiang Qian Fan did not straight away reject, only moved his face to the side. When his features flashed in front of her, it was like her vision was stretched. This kind of Jiang Qian Fan, has a tempting softness. Lin Ke Song started feeling cheeky, wanting to see more of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s expression when he was avoiding. The face that he moved to the side, even his long fair neck, was like a comet racing across the sky, she could only see it, and never capture it. Lin Ke Song tiptoed and purposely pressed the candied haw to his lips, when he raised his hand to reject, she deliberately said, ¡°Be careful of the bamboo pick!¡± Jiang Qian Fan as expected did not push her away, but chose to step back. ¡°Come on! It¡¯s the last bead already! Maybe the previous 1000 candied haws were tart, but this would be different! Not every hawthorn comes from the same tree!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not someone you can play jokes on, Miss Lin.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s tone carried a hint of warning, increasing the pressure of the surrounding air. ¡°I¡¯m not joking with you. Why can¡¯t you try anticipating the taste of the next hawthorn? You never know, the sweet and sourness may just balance out perfectly.¡± Jiang Qian Fan stood where he was, unmoving. Lin Ke Song watched for a brief moment, then abruptly took back the candied haw. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to then forget it.¡± She crunched on it making sure to make the ¡°kacha¡± sound, and bit it off. Oh my ley! The last one was the sourest! Lin Ke Song threw the pick into the bin, and clapped her hands. Jiang Qian Fan was still standing where he was, his face expressionless. Lin Ke Song smirked, showing a face of pride in front of him: ¡°You wanted to take a bite just now right?¡± The other party did not reply, his indifferent eyebrows had a sense of passiveness. ¡°Do you want to know how the last one tasted?¡± ¡°No need.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s eyes were cool, obviously could not see, but because of the reflections of the street lights, it looked like a burning match in the dark. ¡°I wasn¡¯t planning to tell you either.¡± Lin Ke Song reached into her pockets, and walked to the bicycle. The phone in his pocket started ringing, it was his assistant Li Yan. Lin Ke Song patted the seat and said: ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll send you back to where you stay. Even though a day¡¯s tour isn¡¯t done, I can make up for the rest tomorrow.¡± Anyway, her job is to be at home, nothing to do till she can grow mould. ¡°I have a morning flight.¡± Jiang Qian Fan said blandly. ¡°Oh¡­¡­ but it¡¯s already so late, people will worry about you.¡± Lin Ke Song went up on the bike, Jiang Qian Fan followed the sounds and sat down. She¡¯s already not that interested in the 1000USD tour guide fees, because she¡¯s so tired to want to think about anything else. The night air was a little chilly, blowing against Lin Ke Song¡¯s face. A touch of sweetness and hawthorn flavour was diffusing in the air. After they¡¯d ridden past the traffic junction, because the street lights were a little dim, Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t see very well, the front wheel twisted, the back wheel shook too. Lin Ke Song tried very hard to maintain her balance, but at that moment, she felt something holding her waist. The feeling of warm was so clear, like it was holding her heart. But the other party quickly put down their hands. Lin Ke Song bent her head, and pursed her lips. They did not say a word on the way. Lin Ke Song sent him to a luxury hotel in the heart of the city. At the hotel¡¯s entrance, Li Yan and another foreigner that Lin Ke Song had never seen before seemed like they had waited for a very long time. ¡°Why are you only back now! Miss Lin, where have you brought Mr Jiang!¡± All of a sudden, Lin Ke Song did not know what to say. But it was the foreigner beside Li Yan who pressed Li Yan¡¯s shoulder, and used English to ask: ¡°Mr Jiang, are you okay?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s English was cool, sounding towards the British pronunciation, making it seem strict and restrained. Lin Ke Song let out a breath, pushed the bicycle towards Li Yan, ¡°Mr Li, this is the bike you bought, I¡¯m returning it to its owner now.¡± Author¡¯s note: Did everyone catch that? Lin Ke Song using the candied haw to taunt Jiang Qian Fan? CH 9 Li Yan seemed like he wanted to say something more to Lin Ke Song, but Jiang Qian Fan said to the foreigner: ¡°Mayer, pay her the tour guide fees of 1000USD.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Mayer nodded, turned to Lin Ke Song and said, ¡°Miss, may I know your name?¡± ¡°That¡­¡­ I¡¯m called Lin Ke Song¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song wonndered if the other party was going to pay by cheque or transfer, does she need to write down her account number too? ¡°Ke Song?¡± Mayer had an upper lip moustache, wore rimless glasses, had on a very formal western suit, and looked like an old British gentleman. Compared to Li Yan, Mayer was a lot more amiable. Moreover, his mandarin was really good, almost couldn¡¯t hear an accent. ¡°Lin is my surname, my name is Ke Song.¡± Mayer laughed: ¡°Sounds like croissant (T/N: said in english).¡± Lin Ke Song laughed, ¡°Ah, croissant (T/N: lit. French styled sheep horn bread)!¡± Mayer as expected tore out a cash cheque, and very politely handed it to Lin Ke Song: ¡°Thank you for accompanying Mr Jiang today, cute little bun.¡± Lin Ke Song blinked, what did he call her? Cute little bun? Jiang Qian Fan who had embarked up the hotel¡¯s stairs stopped, and turned slightly towards Lin Ke Song¡¯s direction. Even if Lin Ke Song knew that he could not see her, she didn¡¯t know why but she had the illusion that the other party was saying ¡°goodbye¡± to her. ¡°Goodbye, Mr Jiang.¡± Lin Ke Song quietly said, walked towards the main road, planning to catch the train home. Li Yan and Mayer accompanied Jiang Qian Fan into the elevator. The Jiang Qian Fan who had been silent the whole time suddenly said: ¡°Where is that bicycle?¡± ¡°Oh, I was thinking¡­¡­ how about giving it to the hotel employees?¡± Li Yan had a puzzled expression, he couldn¡¯t understand why Jiang Qian Fan would ask about the bicycle. ¡°I want to bring it back to New York.¡± Li Yan gaped, it¡¯s only a bicycle, there¡¯s no need to bring it over thousands of miles to New York, and Jiang Qian Fan is blind, he can¡¯t even ride a bike ah! But Mayer lifted his hand, signalling to Li Yan to not say anything more. They reached the hotel room, after Li Yan gave a short report, Jiang Qian Fan and Mayer were left in the room. Mayer slowly brewed a pot of tea, and sat opposite of Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°Mr Jiang, Li Yan said you wanted to try out the dishes around here, why didn¡¯t you let him accompany you and instead chose a female stranger, and even rode the bicycle?¡± ¡°Lang Hua restaurant was not as outstanding as Li Yan had reported, not enough to collaborate with me in China¡¯s region. Today at Lang Hua restaurant, Li Yan was also much more nervous than normal. ¡± ¡°So, Mr Jiang, you think Li Yan is hiding something from you?¡± ¡°My trust will only be given once. If I had sat in that car, I do not think Li Yan will help me find the thing I really want.¡± ¡°But Miss Lin did, right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Right now, Lin Ke Song is sitting in the train totally concussed, when she suddenly woke up, it looks like she has slept for two rounds round the same train route! Wiping off her saliva, Lin Ke Song hurried off the train. When she got back home, she took a proper shower, laid on her bed and used WeChat to send Song Yi Ran a message: It looks like I¡¯m going to New York too. After sending, she put the phone to silent mode, flipped the blanket around and went to sleep. The second day at eight in the morning, a black Bentley was on the road in the city district. The young person in the front row tapped on the car¡¯s windows: ¡°It¡¯s only eight in the morning, and traffic is already so congested!¡± ¡°Even if it¡¯s in New York, at eight in the morning, the traffic isn¡¯t any better, needless to say China? Stay calm, young man.¡± Mayer comforted. Cars were congesting at an intersection, it was difficult moving even a few inches every few minutes. Li Yan who was sitting at the front cautiously looked at the boss¡¯s face through the rear-view mirror. Jiang Qian Fan was still expressionless whether he felt joy or anger, like an ice statue where there were no fluctuations in the facial expressions. But Li Yan could faintly sense, that Jiang Qian Fan already knew about Chairman Zhao from Lang Hua restaurant asking him to help him with the matter of collaborating with Jiang Qian Fan. Jiang Qian Fan wanted to taste the local dishes, originally it could all be left in the hands of Li Yan to plan the tasting, there was no need to specially get a bicycle and get the girl to bring him around. Now they were going to be late, even though the traffic was not under Li Yan¡¯s control, but he still couldn¡¯t help being worried, if they did not get on the plane on time, will Jiang Qian Fan blame it on him? The morning¡¯s air was pretty fresh, Jiang Qian Fan half opened the window, the sunlight fell warmly on half his face. Suddenly, he spoke up: ¡°Is there someone selling candied haw on the road?¡± Li Yan paused, and looked out of the window, seeing only an elderly slowly walking on the sidewalk holding a stand that was poked full of candied haw. If it were anyone else, they would have been shocked at how Jiang Qian Fan could know even when he couldn¡¯t see. But Li Yan has been by his side for almost a year, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s sense of smell was extremely sensitive, as long as the smells were within five metres, he could differentiate them. ¡°There is someone selling candied haw.¡± ¡°I want a stick.¡± Li Yan looked at Mayer, Mayer nodded. When he got off the car, Li Yan exhaled. He really doesn¡¯t understand Jiang Qian Fan anymore. Tastes on Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s tongue will be limitlessly magnified, no matter if it were delicious flavours or distasteful flavours. So Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s expectations of food are so high it went into ridiculous standards. Food that may taste pretty good to an average person, to him might be hard to swallow. And the candied haw, this kind of thing that can¡¯t even make an appearance, no matter how Li Yan thinks, he feels that Jiang Qian Fan can¡¯t possibly eat it. But this past two days, Li Yan has understood, as an assistant, what he needs to do is not ask why, but do whatever Jiang Qian Fan asks of him. After carefully selecting a candied haw that was most pleasing to the eyes, Li Yan gingerly wrapped it up in a paper bag, and sent it into the car. He was very curious, would Jiang Qian Fan really eat it? The car finally started moving. Jiang Qian Fan only held the stick of candied haw naturally, didn¡¯t look like he had any intention to eat it, couldn¡¯t even tell what he was thinking about. Until they reached the airport, got down the car, Li Yan and the driver moved the luggage, did Jiang Qian Fan pass the candied haw to Mayer. ¡°Sir? Would you like to bring this back to New York too?¡± ¡°This is not the taste I want.¡± After saying, Jiang Qian Fan took out his cane, and walked forwards. Li Yan looked at Mayer, and Mayer dumped the candied haw on him. But he doesn¡¯t even know what to do with the candied haw ah? Does Jiang Qian Fan even want it? It better not be like the bicycle, wait till they¡¯ve boarded the plane then ask whether the candied haw was air flown to New York! Lin Ke Song hadn¡¯t even woken up, Lin Ke Song was dragged out of bed. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you pick up the phone when I called you? It¡¯s already 11 and you¡¯re still sleeping? Is this how an unemployed young woman¡¯s attitude should be?¡± The teasing voice came from above her head downwards. Lin Ke Song opened her eyes and the first thing her eyes were set on were a pair of narrow peach like eyes. And the mole on the nose that meant that the person was a flirt. Lin Ke Song jerked awake. ¡°Wey¡ª¡ª- Song Yi Ran! What are you up to! How¡­¡­how can you appear in my room!¡± ¡°I was looking for you, your mother opened the door for me, and she went for rehearsals for some red silk dance with the other aunties. Since nine in the morning I have been sitting on your sofa and waited for you till 11 before waking you up, don¡¯t you think I¡¯ve been really loyal?¡± Song Yi Ran had an expression of naturalness. ¡°You should have knocked, waited for me to put on my clothes then come in!¡± Li Ke Song looked down at herself, and totally was about to lose her mind. She was wearing her father¡¯s plaid pyjamas, her head probably looked like a bird¡¯s nest. Her image ah! Even though she believes that in front of Song Yi Ran she has no image to talk about. Song Yi Ran acted and walked out of the room then stood at the door and knocked: ¡°Lin Ke Song, I¡¯m coming in!¡± Lin Ke Song rolled her eyes, is there any meaning when it¡¯s done like this? Without waiting for her reply, Song Yi Ran blatantly walked in, ¡°Anyway what you¡¯re wearing is pretty neat. First make this clear, what so you mean by this WeChat?¡± ¡°It¡¯s exactly as it¡¯s written ah? You don¡¯t understand Chinese?¡± Honestly, Lin Ke Song wished that he didn¡¯t come all the way here to ask her about this. Song Yi Ran stared at Lin Ke Song, noticed that she was angry then sincerely asked, ¡°Ke Song, you couldn¡¯t have decided to go to New York because you like me and want to be with me right?¡± In a split second Lin Ke Song felt like her heart was strongly gripped by something, making her unable to catch her breath. In that moment, she suddenly realised, there are some personal feelings that are best kept from Song Yi Ran forever. She smirked, made an expression like a bullying bandit , and hooked her finger under Song Yi Ran¡¯s chin: ¡°Pretty lady, this sir just particularly likes you. Don¡¯t shy away from me ah! Even if it¡¯s New York, this sir will follow you!¡± Song Yi Ran immediately put on an act of a little wife, acted shy and laid on the bed, ¡°Aiyo¡­¡­ don¡¯t want ma!¡± Lin Ke Song guffawed, attacked upwards, and purposely made the chap¡¯s hair as messy as hers. A messy Song Yi Ran, had a charming smile. That moment, Lin Ke Song really wanted to give him a fierce kiss. But she held it in. ¡°Go find your girlfriend ba!¡± Lin Ke Song promptly flipped over, and went to the bathroom to wash up. Her eyes were stinging a little. But she held it in. She squeezed out toothpaste and started brushing. Song Yi Ran hugged his arm and leaned against the bathroom¡¯s door, that image was totally like a movie poster, Lin Ke Song really did not want to look straight ahead. ¡°Chu Ting and I have broken up.¡± ¡°Broken up again?¡± Lin Ke Song used an expression of incomprehension to look at him, ¡°What¡¯s the reason this time?¡± ¡°I, Song Yi Ran don¡¯t have friends, you have been my friend for 10 years. Then my girlfriend kept trying to establish her presence in front of you, isn¡¯t this making it hard for me?¡± Song Yi Ran smiled blandly. ¡°Come on, stop using me as your shield. It¡¯s most probably because you don¡¯t like her petty tantrums.¡± Lin Ke Song wetted her comb, and tamed her bird¡¯s nest. Song Yi Ran smiled without replying. ¡°Wey, wanna go opposite to have spicy soup?¡± Lin Ke Song used the back of her hand to pat Song Yi Ran¡¯s chest. ¡°Your treat?¡± ¡°My treat then my treat!¡± Lin Ke Song took out a cheque of 1000USD, and shook it in front of Song Yi Ran. CH 10 ¡°Where¡¯d you get it from?¡± Song Yi Ran curiously grabbed it. He was so close his eyelashes were about to blind her, Lin Ke Song hurriedly stepped half a step back, and hid herself. ¡°Any way, I didn¡¯t sell my body or my organs, it was legally obtained! Don¡¯t mind so much!¡± Lin Ke Song locked the bathroom¡¯s door, changed her clothes, and went to the street opposite to have spicy soup. Song Yi Ran did not ask any more about the 1000USD, instead added radish into a bowl while asking her: ¡°you said you might go to New York. What exactly is going on? Are you also going to be studying?¡± ¡°Since when was my life as good as yours ah. I¡¯m going over to help at my uncle¡¯s Chinese restaurant. If I manage to gather enough money, I might consider a master¡¯s ba.¡± ¡°Oh, then try your best to choose the same school as me ba! Then I¡¯d be able to protect you!¡± ¡°Right, it¡¯s more like you wished I were majoring in the same thing as you, so that you¡¯d be able to copy my work! But do you think I should agree to my uncle¡¯s invite?¡± ¡°There are so many graduates nowadays. You¡¯re neither pretty nor shapely, and you don¡¯t know how to promote yourself, how is it going to be easy for others to see your inner beauty? If you have the abilities, having a look at the world is a pretty good thing, maybe you¡¯d have a new direction in life. And you helping your uncle out, are earning money, not spending money. You¡¯re still young, if you can¡¯t get used to the place or can¡¯t learn anything there, it¡¯s not too late when you come back. Who knows, when you get there, you¡¯d be more settled, and you¡¯d end up having companies look for you or you firing the companies.¡± Song Yi Ran always used a casual tone to talk about things that were of great importance to others. But Lin Ke Song knows, he is serious. After the two of them had eaten and drunk their fill, Lin Ke Song went to the bank to convert the cash cheque. Song Yi Ran thought the premiums were pretty good, and got Lin Ke Song to change the cash into remittance. When Lin Ke Song was putting the card into her wallet, Song YI Ran suddenly grabbed onto her wrist. ¡°What happened to your hand?¡± ¡°Ah? This ah? Nothing! I accidentally fell down yesterday, and got my palm scraped.¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s fingers were warm, through the skin, she could clearly feel the other party¡¯s strength. The pulse with restrained liveliness and vibrancy, faking the calmness of the downwards flow from Song Yi Ran¡¯s finger. ¡°You were really careless.¡± Song Yi Ran resolutely shook his head, ¡°with you like this, if you really go help out at your uncle¡¯s restaurant, you better not shatter the plates or break the bowls.¡± ¡°It¡¯s still better than you who have never washed a plate or bowl in your life.¡± At that moment, Lin Ke Song¡¯s phone rang. The number had no name. ¡°Probably a spam call.¡± Song Yi Ran put his head over. Half a fair neck that was right in front of Lin Ke Song, she subconsciously swallowed her saliva, and was about to push the other party¡¯s head away, when Song Yi Ran said: ¡°You can actually hang up, this is Chu Ting¡¯s calling.¡± ¡°What?¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned, ¡°If it¡¯s Chu Ting, then I definitely have to answer.¡± Song Yi Ran held on to his arm and lifted his eyebrows, ¡°If you pick up then you¡¯ll probably suffocated again.¡± ¡°If she and comes all the my house and causes a commotion, then my whole family will be suffocated.¡± Lin Ke Song answered the call, ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Lin Ke Song, who is this?¡± ¡°You can¡¯t even recognise my voice?¡± Yuu, the anger¡¯s pretty big. ¡°Oh, Chu Ting ah? What¡¯s up?¡± ¡°Are you super happily with Song Yi Ran right now ah? You vixen! You have provoked me, Chu Ting, the Chu family will not let you live it down!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t ah, you and him dating, why¡¯d you have to bring me in? I am in fact with Song Yi Ran ah, we just had spicy soup!¡± ¡°You¡­¡­ you¡­¡­ previously you told me you didn¡¯t have any interest in him! You vixen! You¡­¡­¡± ¡°Wait a minute, Chu Ting, you ask your conscience, do I, Lin Ke Song, have the ability to be a vixen huh?¡± Lin Ke Song talked bad about herself, Song Yi Ran was laughing so hard at the side until his eyes were about to squeeze out water. ¡°¡­¡­Then¡­¡­then you have to ask yourself!¡± ¡°Chu Ting, to Song Yi Ran, I am a garbage can. You think every time he gives me a treat, is just to have a meal ah? It¡¯s obviously to complain at me ma!¡± ¡°Complain about what?¡± ¡°Complain about his girlfriend taking two hours to prepare, when they¡¯re late they never apologise, always like wearing miniskirts and high heels¡­¡­¡± ¡°Miniskirts and high heels¡­¡­ what¡¯s with that?¡± ¡°You are Song Yi Ran¡¯s girlfriend, don¡¯t you know about these? Since you are his girlfriend, then you should wear more conservatively ma. The skirt¡¯s length¡¯s until the knee ah! With his girlfriend exposed to everyone, will his male chauvinistic heart be able to take it?¡± ¡°You¡¯re lying! Song Yi Ran isn¡¯t that traditional!¡± ¡°What has this got to do with tradition? You go around asking your guy friends, which one of them would like their wives and daughters to go around in a miniskirt? Other women may be eye candy, but will they be happy when it¡¯s their own women? And high heels ah¡­¡­ you don¡¯t even know ba, he had a girlfriend in high school, she was older than him, wore high heels all day long. The day Song Yi Ran got into university and broke up with her, she fiercely stepped on his instep with her high heels. Si¡ª¡ªeven thinking about it hurts ah! And you always go around wearing high heels prancing around him, isn¡¯t this intentionally provoking his trauma?¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s lies were too smooth, even she herself didn¡¯t believe they were fake. And Song Yi Ran looked at Lin Ke Song with great interest, his eyes seemed to be saying: Let me see what standard you can fib to. ¡°Then why has he never mentioned any of these things before¡­¡­¡± ¡°Are you sure he has never mentioned them? Or did he say it but you didn¡¯t put it to heart? For example, when you were late, he might have smiled and said it was alright, just be earlier the next time. Then you thought he didn¡¯t mind it anymore?¡± ¡°¡­¡­Was it like that¡­¡­¡± Chu Ting¡¯s momentum had obviously slowed, even to the point of doubting herself. ¡°Of course it was like that. Otherwise you with a better background, are prettier than me, and smarter than me, he doesn¡¯t have pits for brains, why would he like me?¡± That¡¯s right ah¡­¡­ if he didn¡¯t have pits for brains, how would he even like me? So being a bro is better. ¡°Then what should I do ah? Should I apologise to him? You help me talk to him ah, I won¡¯t be late anymore, won¡¯t wear miniskirts anymore¡­¡­ and I also won¡¯t wear stilettoes anymore! where ever I¡¯m not good, as long as he feels like I should change, I will change them all, okay or not?¡± Lin Ke Song was most fearful of women like that. ¡°Chu Ting, in my opinion, you don¡¯t have any big shortcomings, it¡¯s just that Song Yi Ran is too much of a male chauvinist. Today you are willing to change for him, tomorrow he will be insatiable and have more demands. Do you know what his ex-girlfriend said?¡± ¡°What did she say?¡± Chu Ting was already led by the nose. ¡°She said, liking Song Yi Ran is like wetting the bed.¡± ¡°Ah?¡± Chu Ting feels like she heard wrong. Song Yi Ran reached out to pinch Lin Ke Song¡¯s face, but she dodged. ¡°Warm for a moment, cold for a lifetime (blanket).¡± Lin Ke Song harshly glared at Song Yi Ran, but Song Yi Ran thick skinnedly raised his thumb to her, as if he really liked her conclusion. ¡°So Chu Ting, if you really like him, and feel that no matter how he treats you, you can bear with it. Why don¡¯t you go to New York with him, study together, put down your pride and stick to him, not letting other girls get near him. Then, in the end he will be yours.¡± That was Lin Ke Song¡¯s sincere words from the heart. And she really thinks that, in this world, there will definitely be this kind of girl, who¡¯s not afraid of people looking down and saying it¡¯s not worth it, but still being will to stick to Song Yi Ran, this guy who was like treasure with out but full of foulness within. After hanging up, Lin Ke Song exhaled. Song Yi Ran started clapping, and put his head forward: ¡°Wey, I say, what do you mean by ¡°liking Song Yi Ran is like wetting the bed, warm for a moment, cold for a lifetime ah¡±?¡± His lips were very beautiful, the space between his lips had a casual sexiness about it. Lin Ke Song used her phone to hit his head, and warned: ¡°The next time no matter which girl you want to dump, if you use me as your shield again, I will press your face into the toilet bowl!¡± ¡°Ah, why is it the toilet bowl?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you always say you Song master when seen by flowers they blossom, when seen by cars they pick you up, when seen by toilet bowls, they flip their seat covers!¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart felt empty. She feels, as long as she never confesses, she will never become Chu Ting. Song Yi Ran¡¯s arm went up, rubbing Lin Ke Song¡¯s head: ¡°Wey, for real, go with me to New York. I¡¯ll properly take care of you.¡± ¡°What do you mean go with you to New York ah? Is it possible for us to be the same? You are going there to study, I¡¯m going there to work! What you¡¯ll take care of me! Lemme tell you, in the future put the serviettes in your own pocket!¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay! It¡¯s okay! We¡¯re both going the same way back ma!¡± ¡°Back your head ah!¡± Lin Ke Song got home and thought through in extreme detail and care. This hotel management specialisation of hers, is a major that makes it hard to look for jobs. Now diners, hotels, restaurants all need dishwashers and floor cleaners more that whatever management. Since that is the case, she¡¯d rather go to New York to wash dishes. Maybe it¡¯ll be really tough, maybe it wouldn¡¯t be as she has imagined it. But if it really were like Song Yi Ran said, working at the restaurant and will be able to gather money for studying, isn¡¯t it a wonderful thing. If the outside world was crueler than she imagined, coming back to the country injured, may not be as prideful or arrogant, but be with a law-abiding job. So she agreed to her parents¡¯ arrangements, and decided to go to her uncle Lin Feng¡¯s restaurant in New York to help out. After knowing where she¡¯d be going and what she was going to do, Lin Ke Song¡¯s life started having a direction. She started watching American dramas to learn English, trying to let her accent get more rounded. She surfed through different websites, looking for tips about life in New York, getting ready different types of daily necessities. But this chap Song Yi Ran, the degree of spanks that is warranted is also getting intensified. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª- CH 11 For example, when the two of them were talking on the phone, Song Yi Ran suddenly said: ¡°Wey, Ke Song, what is the size of your feet?¡± ¡°35. Do you have a problem?¡± ¡°Of course I do ah. You have to buy all your shoes here, whatever summer clothes, autumn clothing and winter wear. Otherwise by the time you get there, you can only buy children¡¯s clothes. HA HA HA!¡± ¡°Laugh your head ah.¡± ¡°Ai, do you want to bring rice cookers over ah? It seems like many who go over to study also bring rice cookers!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not even going to study overseas. And my uncle provides food and water, why would I need a rice cooker?¡± ¡°Then I¡¯m going over to study, do you think I need to bring a rice cooker over?¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s tone was as if he were really seriously thinking about it. ¡°Then you bring it over ba.¡± She doesn¡¯t believe that he will really ship one over. ¡°Ai, do you want to bring chilli sauce over?¡± Song Yi Ran solemnly asked. Lin Ke Song twisted her lips, she knows this chap is trying to kid her. If she really brought chilli sauce in her luggage she¡¯d then have a real problem getting through customs. And can¡¯t she find the sauces in Chinatown or Chinese supermarket! ¡°Oh, I have too many things, can¡¯t fit any more things, you bring a few bottles over then. Put them in your rice cooker, how space conserving ah!¡± Lin Ke Song also seriously answered him. Song Yi Ran knew that he did not manage to trick Lin Ke Song, laughed in ripples over the conversation. Three months later, the visas were settled, the tickets were booked, and Lin Ke Song bid farewell to her parents and boarded the plane to New York. Even though Lin Ke Song and Song Yi Ran booked tickets for the same flight, their seats were far apart. Lin Ke Song was in the economy class while Song Yi Ran was in first class. Just as Song Yi Ran was getting comfortable, lying in the spacious seat, Lin Ke Song had a feeling of dread. The plane ride was too long, and she wasn¡¯t considered tall, both her legs were hanging off the seats, her knees were sad to death. The space was so cramped, there was no way she could even stretch her legs. So sad till she couldn¡¯t fall asleep ah! At this time, an air stewardess carried a pillow and went to the Lin Ke Song, lowered her head and politely asked: ¡°Excuse me, are you Ms Lin?¡± ¡°Ah? I am.¡± ¡°I was asked by Mr Song who is in first class to bring this to you.¡± Lin Ke Song puzzledly rubbed her head. ¡°For you to support your legs.¡± The surrounding passengers looked over, and at the same time slanted their eyes to try to see clearly just how short her pair of legs were. ¡°Thank you ah.¡± Lin Ke Song put the pillow at her feet with a peace of mind, imagining the pillow as Song Yi Ran¡¯s brains and stepped on it with her might. Isn¡¯t she a bro! What¡¯s the point of providing a pillow! If he had the ability, provide a first class ticket ah! Burn money away daily, why don¡¯t you burn some of the money on me! You bastard! Watch me step your shell to bits! Throughout the ten hours of flight not a proper wink of sleep was caught, when the plane landed, Lin Ke Song only had a feeling of relief. Her legs were to the point of inability to walk. After reaching JFK airport, Song Yi Ran was as relaxed as always, wearing a Burberry windbreaker, hands in his pocket, watching the soulless Lin Ke Song walk out. ¡°Let¡¯s go, get the luggage!¡± Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t feel like talking, she only wanted a bed that would allow her to lie flat on so that she could sleep. The Song Yi Ran who used to like to instruct her to do this and that actually became gentlemanly, and not only didn¡¯t throw a young master¡¯s tantrum, but found a trolley and even brought out Lin Ke Song¡¯s luggage. Lin Ke Song then realised Song Yi Ran really did not have many luggage, instead, she herself had exaggeratedly more luggage than him. She definitely didn¡¯t bring the rice cooker, needlessly to say about the chilli sauces. Lin Ke Song followed behind Song Yi Ran. This chap is tall and has a pair of long legs, when he pushes the trolley it¡¯s so laid back like he¡¯s shooting a movie. While Lin Ke Song was obviously one of the masses in the movie. People of different skin colours walk by speaking languages Lin Ke Song doesn¡¯t frequently hear, the wide and bright hall of the airport, with broadcast after broadcast, made Lin Ke Song feel like she has really come to a place totally unfamiliar to her, a place that once only belonged to her imaginations. Just as Lin Ke Song was at a loss, the Song Yi Ran who was walking in front suddenly scooped her up. The feeling of soaring through air made her scream in surprise, Song Yi Ran put her in top of the luggage. ¡°We¡¯re off!¡± Song Yi Ran lifted his face and smiled at her. Under the clear, bright lights, giving off a moving feeling. Lin Ke Song had a sudden urge to grab his face and kiss him hard. ¡°I thought it¡¯s only the female lead of the drama that will get this kind of treatment.¡± Lin Ke Song said. ¡°Even though you can¡¯t be the female lead of a drama, at least in Song Yi Ran¡¯s life, you¡¯ll forever be the male lead.¡± ¡°Did you think your words were very romantic?¡± Lin Ke Song turned around, crossed her legs and propped her chin. This chap was ridiculing her about being like a man! ¡°I thought it was pretty romantic. ¡®forever¡¯ itself is a romantic word ah.¡± Pei (T/N: onomatopoeia of spitting), if I were to say that in my heart you¡¯ll forever be a moron, would you think it was romantic? Lin Ke Song turned her head and ignored the other party. Song Yi Ran pushed Lin Ke Song and the luggage out of the arrival hall. There were many people carrying flowers, pets, and even balloons, waiting for their family and friends. Lin Ke Song looked across the crowd and started looking for a face familiar to her. A plump middle age man was holding onto a block of board, looking at every tourist that was with a luggage. ¡°Ke Song! Ke Song! Over here!¡± ¡°Uncle! (T/N: Dad¡¯s younger brother.)¡± Lin Ke Song noticed her uncle and almost plunged to the ground from on top the luggage. Good thing Song Yi Ran fished her back up. ¡°Be careful.¡± Song Yi Ran lowered his body, glaring at Lin Ke Song. His arms were steady and strong with strength, she felt like she weighed nothing in his arms. It was rare that his eyebrows would corrugate, Lin Ke Song knew that when she had almost fallen off, this chap was really worried. Lin Ke Song consciously looked away. ¡°My uncle¡¯s there!¡± ¡°I see him I see him! Your whole family has the exact same eyes and eyebrows! Just by looking at your uncle, I can already tell how you¡¯d look when you get fat in your middle age!¡± ¡°Tsk!¡± Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t even care about the luggage anymore, and gave her uncle a full hug. Actually she still had a feeling of unease, but after seeing her uncle waiting for her in the crowd, she felt totally at ease now. Lin Ke Song shared pleasantries with her uncle and looked towards Song Yi Ran¡¯s direction. ¡°Hey, do you want my uncle to give you a lift?¡± Lin Ke Song knows that before Song Yi Ran arrived, he had already rented an apartment. ¡°It¡¯s alright, I¡¯ve a friend here.¡± Song Yi Ran pushed the luggage towards the opposite direction. A person with a high forehead and deep set eyes ran towards Song Yi Ran: ¡°Sorry! I got here late!¡± He looked like a mixed blood, and warmly fist bumped with Song Yi Ran, it looked like they¡¯d known each other for a long time. Lin Ke Song curiously surveyed the other party, Song Yi Ran had only these few friends, and she knew all of them. But this friend, she has never seen before. And the uncle beside Lin Ke Song also looked across, and revealed a puzzled expression: ¡°That¡­¡­ looks like¡­¡­¡± ¡°Looks like who?¡± Lin Ke Song looked suspiciously at her uncle, ¡°You know Song Yi Ran?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­ no, the one who came to pick him up¡­¡­ Looks like someone I know. Most probably seen wrongly!¡± Song Yi Ran looked back towards Lin Ke Song and waved at her, making a ¡°don¡¯t forget to call¡± action, turned around and left. Lin Ke Song laughed in her heart. This chap, no matter which corner of the world he¡¯s in, can always enjoy a wonder that only belongs to him. Her uncle drove a minivan (T/N: lit. bread car) to pick her up, the van had smells of all sorts of sauces and foods. ¡°Girl, don¡¯t mind it ah! This van is used to deliver food and deliver people, the smell is a little strong!¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright! For uncle to be able to fetch me, I¡¯m already very happy! Furthermore, I like this kind of strong smell!¡± Lin Ke Song leaned on the windowsill, looking out of the window at the distinctly different streetscape and pedestrians, full of curiosity. ¡°Originally, wanted to bring you around, but the restaurant is just too busy! When it¡¯s free, let your cousin (T/N: younger cousin sister who has the same surname) Claire bring you around. Whatever statue of liberty ah! Whatever Wall Street! The empire state building, central park, and that whatever Times Square! ¡± ¡°Thank you uncle!¡± she hasn¡¯t seen her cousin Lin Xiao Xue for a long time. Claire is her English name. Uncle¡¯s restaurant is located at a place where Chinese gather, there are signboards with Chinese characters everywhere, the people coming to and fro are mainly yellow skinned people, it¡¯s busy, and the mandarin mixed with Cantonese, lets Lin Ke Song feel like she has teleported, giving her a feeling that she is back at home. Her uncle¡¯s restaurant is located under the living quarters. He brought Lin Ke Song up, found a few people to help her move her luggage upstairs and opened a door to a room for her. ¡°This room is a little small, but it¡¯s clean. You stay here first, if you really don¡¯t like it, then we¡¯ll talk about it again!¡± ¡°No no! I really like it! There¡¯s a bed, a desk and even a wardrobe! There¡¯s even the view of the street! I really like it!¡± ¡°That¡¯s good, you get unpacking!¡± ¡°When do I start learning the ropes?¡± Lin Ke Song did not forget what she had come here to do. ¡°No hurry, take your time. You¡¯ve just landed, rest well, get over the jet lag then we¡¯ll talk about it again!¡± After Lin Ke Song thanked her uncle, she unpacked her luggage. Spread the bed, took a shower, and sweetly slept till it was dark. At dinnertime, she finally met her cousin Lin Xiao Xue. She had a head of beautiful waves, wore trendy earrings. At dinner, there were only the two of them, her uncle was already getting busy at the restaurant. The spread was sumptuous, there was a plate of Kung Pao chicken, a portion of fried beef, baby cabbage chicken soup, just looking at it made your appetite increase. But Lin Xiao Xue didn¡¯t have an inkling of interest in the cousin whom she hadn¡¯t seen for a long time, and instead had her head bowed and was playing with her phone. After having a couple of mouths of dinner, she went back to her own room. Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t even know how to start talking to her. Shortly after Lin Xiao Xue entered the house, she suddenly quickly walked out, with a tone that couldn¡¯t be considered polite, but was cold. ¡°Elder cousin, in the future, after showering, remember to clear the hair strands. I¡¯m not very used to having other people¡¯s things be left in our bathroom.¡± Which is to say, in her heart, she did not think of her elder cousin as family. Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t know what to say in that moment. Maybe it¡¯s because she had slept too much during the day, now that its night, Lin Ke Song had no intention to sleep. Until 11 at night, her uncle was then done being busy at the restaurant. And although the volume of Lin Xiao Xue and uncle¡¯s conversation wasn¡¯t considered loud, but Lin Ke Song could hear clearly. ¡°Dad, must she stay at our house ah? I¡¯m not used to having other people stay with us.¡± ¡°She¡¯s your elder cousin, not other people. You go to school in the day, and at night the both of you are in your different rooms, no one will impede on the other right?¡± ¡°I still have to share a bathroom with her!¡± ¡°What about that? Don¡¯t you have to share a bathroom with your father anyway?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about this anymore!¡± Lin Xiao Xue shut the door. Can hear that she is simmering with anger. Lin Ke Song sighed. She is also a female, and can understand the feeling of having her privacy being invaded by others. But there¡¯s no use thinking about all these. She hasn¡¯t even earned a penny, and the money her parents gave her can¡¯t be spent on a wimp, she¡¯s also unfamiliar with her surroundings and she can only stay here at the moment. If after a while she has gotten used to the area, and Lin Xiao Xue is still not used to the presence of her elder cousin, moving out then wouldn¡¯t be too late either. At this time, Lin Ke Song¡¯s phone vibrated, she has received a WeChat message. Song Yi Ran¡¯s selfie of him sitting on his sofa in his apartment, with the statue of liberty faintly visible from his window. This chap is burning money away again. Lin Ke Song also sat at the head of her bed, and sent a selfie to him. The other party quickly replied: You are such a cute little birdy. Lin Ke Song looked up down left right and everywhere, not understanding which part made the other party think about birds. So she replied: Why is it birdy? Song Yi Ran: because you are in a bird¡¯s cage. Lin Ke Song again had a sudden urge to hit her phone to smithereens. CH 12 Lin Ke Song: Go die ba. Song Yi Ran: We are bros, don¡¯t expect to be born on the same year, same month and same day, but hope that we die on the same year, same month and same day. Lin Ke Song: ¡­¡­ At this moment, under the cold white light, a man in a dark suit is sitting in front of a sofa. His features were handsome but not desirable, his eyes were like the scene of the sky falling. The hustle and flashiness of New York seemed to settle down around him, like clouds fading away. In front of the sofa, a cup of coffee was exuding the graceful mist if steam, the mellow fragrance overflowing to every corner of the room. ¡°Qian Fan, you¡¯ve been too busy lately, too busy until you¡¯ve forgotten about your appointment with me.¡± The man sitting opposite him said, his voice carrying a calming temperament. ¡°Since I¡¯ve spent money to talk to you, Dr Xie, I won¡¯t forget my appointment with you.¡± The cold and monotone voice sounded, giving the warmth of the hot coffee a thin layer of frost. ¡°Alright, alright. You seem like your old self. But the people around you are a little worried.¡± ¡°Are you referring to Mayer?¡± ¡°Of course he¡¯s one of them.¡± ¡°What¡¯s he worried about?¡± Dr Xie propped his rimless glasses: ¡°He said that after you¡¯ve returned to New York from China, your actions have been a little out of the ordinary. For example, you brought the bicycle you bought in China back to New York. You have never kept useless things.¡± ¡°That is my bicycle. If I it were my wish, I can send it to the North Pole.¡± His tone was not only freezing cold, there was a sense of insurmountable distance. ¡°Last month, you kept asking others to buy candied haw. It is actually very difficult to find candied haw in New York. Even of its china town, candied haw is also a rare sight.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m making it myself now.¡± ¡°But you¡¯ve been making candied haws for almost a month already. There¡¯s rarely a food that will make you fumble for a month and still not be able to produce the taste that meets your satisfaction.¡± Dr Xie reached for the coffee and gently sipped. Then through his thin lens observed Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s expression, hoping to gain insight into his heart through the change of his micro expressions. But he was expressionless like a sculpture, totally unable to see. ¡°Clothed by a thin layer of sugar, but when bitten down, the sour and astringent flavour can be tasted. Dr Xie, what do you this is?¡± ¡°¡­¡­Candied haw. When I was a child, and hadn¡¯t immigrated to America yet, had tasted it before.¡± ¡°Then so you still remember the taste?¡± ¡°At first I couldn¡¯t remember it. But once you brought it up, I had an impression. Even the insides of my mouth are already feeling the sourness.¡± ¡°Then do you remember the flavour of the first time you had a crush on someone?¡± Dr Xie was stunned, then bowed his head and laughed, ¡°I faintly remember. Why?¡± ¡°The end of our appointed time is here.¡± Jiang Qian Fan lightly stood up, flung his cane, turned around and walked out of the door. Dr Xie lightly stayed seated and continued drinking his coffee, his brows lifting slightly, his eyes carrying a sly light. The second day was a Sunday, Lin Ke Song stretched lazily, while her uncle had already prepared breakfast and left it on the table. ¡°You are up pretty early. Unlike Xiao Xue, even till now she¡¯s still sleeping.¡± ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯ve slept too much. If I were at home, I¡¯d still be asleep.¡± Until Lin Ke Song had finished breakfast, did Lin Xiao Xue stretch lazily while walking out of the room. Uncle said: ¡°Isn¡¯t the weather pretty good today? Xiao Xue, you bring Ke Song around to play bey.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t call me Xiao Xue, call me Claire okay. If you want me to bring her around to look at the statue of liberty or something, then forget it. There¡¯s no meaning to it. I¡¯ve made an appointment with my classmate to go to a Korean shop to do my nails!¡± ¡°Forget it uncle, it¡¯s alright. I¡¯ve also made an appointment with a friend, he said that he¡¯d bring me to Wall Street. ¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡­ is it the chap surnamed Song?¡± Lin Ke Song nodded her head. ¡°Is he your boyfriend? He looks really handsome, there are many temptations in New York, uncle is afraid you won¡¯t be able to keep an eye on him.¡± Uncle asked solemnly. ¡°Nope. We are classmates of 10 years. Uncle, when you meet him don¡¯t say rubbish ah.¡± ¡°What, are you embarrassed?¡± ¡°Of course not. That Song Yi Ran, I¡¯m afraid that he won¡¯t have a filter over his mouth and make jokes, and end up uncle feeling awkward.¡± ¡°Hahaha! Not afraid not afraid!¡± ¡°Your classmate? What is he doing in New York? Can¡¯t be that he is coming to the restaurant to work too ba?¡± Lin Xiao Xue acted like she didn¡¯t care. Uncle used his chopsticks and knocked on her bowls, then only did she not talk anymore. After breakfast, Lin Ke Song put on her sports shoes and casual clothes and set off. And happened to meet the Lin Xiao Xue who had put on her makeup, had her hair up and wore a back revealing short dress. Lin Xiao Xue sized up Lin Ke Song from head to toe, and smirked, then with her high heels walked downstairs showing off her gracefulness. Right at the entrance of the restaurant, a long laid back figure was leaning on the pole of the streetlight and playing with the phone. When Lin Xiao Xue walked pass she did not notice, but when she had taken two more steps, she could not help turning back. She has never seen such a good looking Asian man, his facial features were fuller than an average person¡¯s. Eyebrows were detailedly fine, like they were specially crafted, but wouldn¡¯t make others feel like they were feminine, on the contrary, there was an aura of neatness. ¡°Hey, Song Yi Ran, you leaning on the street lamp, trying to cosplay Robert De Niro?¡± So his name is ¡°Song Yi Ran¡±. Lin Xiao Xue repeatedly mouthed the name. Song Yi Ran sharpened his brows, looked up with convergence, showing a lazy expression. ¡°I think I¡¯m way more handsome than Robert de Niro.¡± ¡°Again. Narcissism is a sickness, need to cure it! Didn¡¯t you say we should go to Wall Street to see some charging bull?¡± ¡°Yeah. I heard that the more you rubbed the backside, the more luck you¡¯ll have.¡± ¡°Then do you know how to get there?¡± Song Yi Ran slowly took out a map. ¡°Hey, you trying to be funny?¡± Seeing Lin Ke Song¡¯s doubting expression, Song Yi Ran started laughing. Following the vibrations of his eyebrows, it seemed like the sunlight was bending. ¡°Of course I know how to get to Wall Street.¡± Looking at his back from far, Lin Xiao Xue furrowed her eyebrows. She can see that, the guy called Song Yi Ran has a youthful and handsome aura, and her cousin is incompatible in every aspect. How on earth did cousin get to know him? At this time, Jiang Qian Fan is in his car, facing the outside of the windows, his vision looked like he could see distance, like he was looking far away. ¡°Mr Jiang, have you heard about the gourmet competition Mr Winston is organising?¡± ¡°En.¡± ¡°Will you participate? He has sent you an invite.¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Right, this is probably going to be another fake show. All the chefs will have to perform according to the script, there is no mutual exchange of culinary skills. And no matter if it¡¯s you sir, or another Michelin star chef, when put together to compete, whoever wins or loses, both parties would feel awkward.¡± Jiang Qian Fan is not bothered by the problem, and only looks out of the window. The car has just stopped at the entrance of Chinatown, in the midst of the bustling crowd, the laughing voice of a certain girl could be heard faintly. ¡°I heard that if you touched Wall Street¡¯s charging bulls eggs (T/N: lit: egg egg, refers to the balls, testes, testicles¡­..), no matter which stocks you buy, it¡¯ll all rise to the highest!¡± ¡°Eggs? What eggs¡­¡­ I don¡¯t even play in the stock market anyway! You go touch it to your satisfaction ba!¡± The voice was getting further and further away, Jiang Qian Fan faced that direction, raised his chin slightly, like he was looking for something. At that time, Mayer picked up a call, and then his facial expression started becoming weird. ¡°Sir, heard that the rules of the competition has changed.¡± Jiang Qian Fan was noncommittedly silent, as if everything had nothing to do with him. Amongst the crowd, that familiar voice had already disappeared. Like it was an imagination. ¡°The competition committee will conduct an audition, and choose some unique participants from the amateurs who are interested in cooking.¡± Mayer looked sideways, studying Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s profile, ¡°Then have the chef who had received Michelin stars pick a student, then have them undergo three months of training. Then three months later, have these students represent their teachers as participants. In this way, awkwardness can be avoided between the gourmet Michelin chefs. Winning would be glorious, but losing would not be a representation of the standards of their teachers.¡± ¡°I feel like you are looking at me.¡± ¡°Yes, I am looking at you sir.¡± Mayer¡¯s eyes carried the smile of a wise elderly. ¡°You want me to send someone to the competition.¡± ¡°Sir, what Jiang Co. has is the most strength of Chinese manpower operating in this country that has an abundant food empire, and the outstanding chefs at hand are numerous. But the only one who can represent its highest standards is you. If you are willing to take part in the competition, and mentor an ordinary person, I can guarantee you, no matter if it¡¯s a win or lose, it will enhance the reputation of Jiang Co. and at the same time strengthen the affinity with the masses.¡± ¡°Sounds like I¡¯m not a chef or a caterer, more like I¡¯m going to run for president.¡± ¡°So you¡¯re not too willing?¡± ¡°Cooking is the pursuit of balance, not a contest.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s words were to the point. Mayer nodded and smiled, this kind of answer was as he had expected. ¡°Maybe when you participate, interesting things would happen?¡± CH 13 ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± ¡°But Dr Xie thinks that it would do you some good. You need to have contact outside your circle, and not only keep guard within your own walls.¡± ¡°I¡¯m communicating very well with you now.¡± Mayer laughed, not continuing to say anything more. When Lin Ke Song reached Wall Street, she was a little disappointed. This place where the most financial elite gather, was nothing like her imagination of high ended western style and quality. Many investment banks, trust companies, insurance companies actually set up the headquarters here, Lin Ke Song also had some doubts as to how they would be able to squeeze together. But the deeper she went in, she saw those suit wearing financial practitioners, when she walked past them, the strong aroma of money would spread through the air. Song Yi Ran bought two cups of coffee, and passed one to Lin Ke Song. She drank a mouth, it was sweet. She knows that Song Yi Ran only drinks black coffee, when buying for her, there would definitely be a special order of more milk and sugar. But the sweet taste left a long dwelling bitter aftertaste. ¡°Hey, when you¡¯ve saved enough money, do you want to study at the New York University School of business with me?¡± Song Yi Ran said leaning towards Lin Ke Song. She only needed to turn her head, and be able to see his shining eyes and maddening face. ¡°Ah? When you play with stock, then what will I do?¡± ¡°En¡­¡­you leech off me ba. (T/N: lit: hug my big thigh)¡± ¡°You really want me to leech off you?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t regret ah.¡± ¡°Wont regret.¡± Just as Song Yi Ran finished saying, Lin Ke Song put the coffee down on a bench at the side, then lowered her body and suddenly hugged Song Yi Ran¡¯s thigh. Even with all her might, but Song Yi Ran was just too tall, his legs too long, couldn¡¯t even move him. Lin Ke Song heard this chap¡¯s arrogant laughter float pass the roof of her head. ¡°Want to change to me hugging your thigh?¡± he raised his brows in challenge, Lin Ke Song¡¯s feelings that she had finally hidden felt like they were going to fly out. ¡°Don¡¯t want!¡± Lin Ke Song turned around and walked off. Want to get closer, but want to stay at a distance, this kind of dilemma, is something Song Yi Ran will never know. They did not spend too long and finished walking the whole of Wall Street. In front of the charging bull, were many tourists taking pictures of themselves touching the copper bull¡¯s backside. Lin Ke Song lowered herself and took the time chance when Song Yi Ran was not paying attention to touch the eggs of the bull. But when she straightened up, Song Yi Ran was beside her, bending down with interest to see what she was doing. This chap was too close, Lin Ke Song almost brushed against his face. In that moment her heart clenched, and she almost fell to the ground, good thing Song Yi Ran stretched out his arm and fished Lin Ke Song back up. ¡°It¡¯s probably because it¡¯s your first time touching the bull¡¯s¡­¡­ eggs so you got to excited and sat on the ground right?¡± Song Yi Ran blinked. ¡°I was frightened by you, okay!¡± Lin Ke Song ears were all red. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you didn¡¯t play with stocks, so you weren¡¯t going to touch it?¡± ¡°Then what if one day I play with stocks?¡± ¡°Then touch of you want to! Other people are touching and you touch it too, what¡¯s the big deal? Your ears are all red yo!¡± Song Yi Ran reached his hand out, holding Lin Ke Song¡¯s ears, making Lin Ke Song so angry she went around finding a place to hide. If Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t remember wrongly, Song Yi Ran will use this encounter to make fun of Lin Ke Song for a very very long time. With Song Yi Ran, although Lin Ke Song will be mad to death half the time, but there will never be a shortage of good food and drinks. On the way to the empire state building after the two of them left, they saw some event that was being held on the streets. There were many on lookers, crowded till there were only bobbing heads and spirits were high. Lin Ke Song jumped, and couldn¡¯t see anything. While Song Yi Ran only needed to slightly lift his head and borrow the length of his body and be able to see clearly. ¡°Looks like a cooking competition. Sounds like the judge is some gourmet food magazine editor. They¡¯ll choose an outstanding person from the competitors to participate in some big cooking competition. This should be considered an audition stage ba.¡± Song Yi Ran kindly explained to Lin Ke Song at the side. People were constantly entering, then people were constantly exiting. Even though Lin Ke Song can¡¯t speak English as authentically as Song Yi Ran, but she has always had a good sense of understanding through hearing. ¡°Hey, brother! How are you feeling?¡± ¡°The judges criticised my dish to nothing, I¡¯m going to form a trauma towards the kitchen.¡± ¡°Who are the judges/¡± ¡°Gourmet¡¯s Editor Winston! Some food association¡¯s chairman David and a gourmet connoisseur Luke! ¡± ¡°Aiya! With these kind of judges, won¡¯t only those top chefs be able to marginally satisfy their palate?¡± ¡°But this competition is only opened to amateur food enthusiast. Professional chef are not qualified!¡± ¡°So weird?¡± Even though Lin Ke Song likes to eat, but she has absolutely no interest in cooking. She pulled on Song Yi Ran¡¯s sleeve and said: ¡°Hey, let¡¯s go! There¡¯s nothing fun here!¡± But Song Yi Ran crossed his arms and slightly squinted his eye, obviously planning something bad. ¡°Ke Song, you say¡­¡­these gourmet magazine editor, chairman of a food association and gourmet Connoisseur, the things they normally eat are master chef¡¯s masterpieces right? Especially those dishes that have gotten Michelin stars.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­ye ah.¡± Lin Ke Song thought those Michelin starred foods sounded like they were very high class, not at all belonging to her life. She only needs to eat her uncle¡¯s specially cooked food and she would feel pretty happy already. ¡°The scale of this audition is not small.¡± ¡°What has that got to do with us?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you think making these picky eaters show an ugly expression would be a very interesting thing ah! Go, Ke Song! Show them something!¡± Song Yi Ran held onto Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulder and brought her into the crowds. ¡°I won¡¯t do those kind of things ah! Don¡¯t let me go! Hey! Hey! Song Yi Ran don¡¯t be too much!¡± But Song Yi Ran had already brought her to the registration area, and even fluently recited Lin Ke Song¡¯s particulars, to the point of stuffing the pen in Lin Ke Song¡¯s hand, wanting her to sign her name on the form. When Song Yi Ran asked about the registering fees, they actually said that there was none. It¡¯s only that the other participants had received news about the competition beforehand and had brought their prepared cooking utensils and ingredients, but they had nothing. Lin Ke Song wanted to leave, but Song Yi Ran actually just directly bought all the things of one of the participants that was just leaving. There was a frying pan and a ladle and there was also tomatoes and eggs and all sorts of bottles of things and trinkets. ¡°Wonderful! Ke Song, don¡¯t you only know how to fry tomatoes and eggs? Just cook that for them to eat! Remember it has to be so yucky they want to die!¡± Lin Ke Song has not seen that chap be this happy for a very long time. A face of mischief, hooking on to other people¡¯s hearts and making it ticklish. Just like that, Lin Ke Song was swirled in. and Song Yi Ran explained that his friend had come from America so the English was not good, and he wanted to stay at the side to translate, the surrounding people in charge were actually compassionate enough to let the both of them enter, only repeatedly asking that Song Yi Ran not help Lin Ke Song at all while she was in the process of prepping and cooking, otherwise, Lin Ke Song will lose the right to participate in the competition. Once Lin Ke Song entered the arena, she realised that there were actually uncountable numbers of people who were cooking their signature dish. Their expressions were one of deep concentration, it was obvious that they came prepared. She took a glance at Song Yi Ran and said: ¡°are you trying to make me a jumping clown?¡± ¡°The jumping clown is not you, but the three who are sitting over there.¡± Song Yi Ran wriggled his eyebrows, Lin Ke Song looked over, and saw that on the judging platform were three men, they were all wearing formal western suits, their faces were stern. The judging table was covered with a clean white tablecloth, every participant who had cooked their dish had a very respectful look while presenting their dishes. The three judges would share their opinions with each other, and tell the participants their comments. It¡¯s just that there is not a single participant who left with a smile. Looks like their standards are really harsh. The way they tasted the food reminded Lin Ke Song of that block of ice, Jiang Qian Fan, all the dishes that were served were only tasted a mouthful, and some that seemed really horrible were even spitted out. This made those who were cooking really worried. ¡°Hey, the others look like they are here to compete seriously, we are indeed here to play, isn¡¯t it bad?¡± ¡°What¡¯s bad about it?¡± Song Yi Ran had a face like he was not afraid if the whole world came into chaos, ¡°Remember to add more salt!¡± ¡°Even if I fry it out, who knows, they may not even take a bite due to the look of it!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll help you properly present it!¡± Lin Ke Song glared at the other party, she is probably going to be so embarrassed! As according to normal procedures, she made tomato scrambled eggs, it¡¯s only that it does not look like the real thing. And Song Yi Ran at the side adhered to the competition rules, did not open his mouth to say anything or help Lin Ke Song. The thing on the plate was a pile of rotten mess, she herself wouldn¡¯t eat this thing, and she didn¡¯t believe that the three judges will be so moronic as to put the thing into their mouths. Wait, if it¡¯s going to be like this, then there¡¯s nothing to lose ah! Anyway she wasn¡¯t even here to really compete. As she thought like that, Lin Ke Song started to relax. She opened the various spices she brought in, and haphazardly added things in, then after stirring added some water and continued simmering. Simmered till they were sodden in the soup, Lin Ke Song then scooped them up and plated them. She took a look at the other¡¯s foods display. Even though they were not professional chefs, they were all very serious in displaying their foods on the plate. Some were hilariously displayed, some were just a little off from the high classed western restaurants. For the sake of not coming for naught, Lin Ke Song decided to properly display her ¡°messy soup¡±. She first used the bowl to scoop the soup up, cleaned the sides of the bowl, then flipped around her things, and found a few pieces of celery leaves, and gently put it on the red soup¡¯s surface. Then took out a bottle of thick black liquid that she didn¡¯t even know what it was, and gently dripped it on the celery leaves. Lin Ke Song was very satisfied with her plating, and nodded mischievously at Song Yi Ran. Lin Ke Song suppressed her nervousness, and sent the ¡°soup¡± to the front of the judges. She wasn¡¯t afraid of the judges throwing back to her the crappy tomato and smelly eggs, she¡¯s only worried that they wouldn¡¯t even bother tasting what she had just made, if it were like that, then she would have really busied for nothing. CH 14 The judges looked at the portion of soup and lowered their heads to smell it, like they were trying to discern what kind of spices were used in the soup. Gourmet¡¯s magazine editor Winston was the youngest among the three judges. He looked like he was very gentle, a high nose bridge, deep blue eyes, and he graciously smiled at Lin Ke Song. Winston took up Lin Ke Song¡¯s registration papers and had a look and said: ¡°You¡¯re from china?¡± ¡°Uh¡­¡­ Yes¡­¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous, we are not bad people, it¡¯s only that we are a little too serious towards food.¡± Winston took a spoon and stirred Lin Ke Song¡¯s soup, ¡°introduce this soup to us then.¡± Lin Ke Song coughed slightly and said: ¡°My English is not good, so I would like to invite my friend to use English to explain it to the three judges.¡± Winston nodded his head, they unanimously looked at Song Yi Ran. Song Yi Ran used sleek English to explain: ¡°this is called red soup, it is a soup from a minority group, made with tomatoes and eggs, combined with dozens of spices boiled together. The technique used is not simply to boil the food, but you need to add different ingredients at different times, once the ingredients are added in the wrong order, the taste will change. This kind of soup, is only made in every family by the mother when her daughter is married. So normally, every female will only get to drink it once in their life. Because this minority group¡¯s culture is on a decline, the soup¡¯s recipe is also being lost gradually. And my friend happens to belong to this tribe, the soup recipe was passed from her grandmother to her mother and finally into her hands.¡± This is such a good teammate ah! While saying these words, his face didn¡¯t change and his heart did not skip a beat! Song Yi Ran shouldn¡¯t study finance, he is an elite of advertising ah! The fact that the advertising industry does not have an elite like him is such a huge loss! In a rush, all the judges suddenly had a huge interest in the soup placed before them! David the food association chairman even slightly licked his upper lips. Eat ba eat ba eat ba! I guarantee you will have the experience of your life! ¡°Then let us have a taste of this soup ba.¡± The judges scooped up the soup, slowly sending it into their mouths, with expressions that looked like they were expecting to taste something that was out of this world. First it was gourmet connoisseur Luke who spat out the soup with a blast. ¡°What is this! Do you want to ruin our tongues!¡± Good thing Song Yi Ran had prepared beforehand, and thought that he should stand to one side, or he would be shot by the soup. And the David the food association chairman had lowered his head and cough with vigour, his whole face was red. ¡°Oh my god ah! This soup is a total disaster! Give me water¡ªhurry give me water!¡± But Winston, he slowly swallowed the soup, and unhurriedly picked up his cup and drank a mouth of water. ¡°Very unique taste and texture. I can imagine why mothers would give their daughters this kind of soup before they are married. If you can even swallow this kind of soup, what kind of hardships will you not be able to tolerate?¡± The chairman of the food association David who had already drunk a whole cup of water exhaled: ¡°I hope the women over there will only marry once!¡± Luke used a stern almost ÅØÏøtone to say to Lin Ke Song: ¡°do you know of all the dishes I have ever tasted in my life, this red soup is the best in which category? ¡ª- the best in the worst category!¡± Winston picked up the napkin and wiped his mouth, and said the last cutting comment: ¡°Ms Lin, this red soup has no culinary technique to speak of, but only throwing a bunch of ingredients together. Food should let people feel joy, but your soup brought me to hell. I sincerely hope, that on this earth, apart from the three of us, there will not be a fourth person to taste this kind of food.¡± Lin Ke Song thought in her heart, even if she were to make another round of this soup the standard will never be able to reach this ah. Because she definitely had no thread of remembrance or knowledge of what ingredients she had put in. ¡°Goodbye.¡± Winston made a ¡°please leave hand movement¡±. Lin Ke Song and Song Yi Ran swiftly left the competition compounds, she was still afraid that if she didn¡¯t walk away fast enough, the judges would have an inspiration and get her to drink all three bowls of soup! Just as they exited, Lin Ke Song laughed till her stomach was about to burst. ¡°Wey, did you see that? Did you see that David¡¯s face? I was afraid he had high blood pressure ah!¡± Song Yi Ran put his hands in his pocket, looked at her posture of her holding her stomach and laughing, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you didn¡¯t want to play? Looking at you now seems like you¡¯re quite into it. When Winston commented, you looked like you were almost going to cry.¡± ¡°That was because I was trying to endure my laughter okay!¡± ¡°Then you don¡¯t think you are not as serious as the other participants anymore?¡± Song Yi Ran asked. ¡°Don¡¯t think so anymore.¡± Lin Ke Song shook her head. ¡°Oh, why?¡± ¡°Eating should be a very simple thing. They keep carrying a judging mood to eat food that others have prepared seriously, isn¡¯t this a kind of disrespect? After having my soup from hell, I wonder if they¡¯d still be able to taste other flavours?¡± Song Yi Ran chuckled, held onto Lin Ke Song¡¯s collar and went off. After today, Lin Ke Song will properly start working at her uncle¡¯s Lin¡¯s restaurant. In the past, Lin Ke Song had heard that operating a restaurant is a very tough thing to do. You are supposed to open at around 11 in the day, but the kitchen staff have to start preparations at 4, 5 in the early morning. Good thing, uncle did not have any plans to get Lin Ke Song to help out in the kitchen, but want her to handle the cashier. The cashier originally had two people taking shifts. One on the weekdays, the other on the weekends, who also happen to be Lin Xiao Xue¡¯s younger cousin brother (T/N: on the mother¡¯s side). The lady who was in charge of the cashier in the weekdays had a daughter who was pregnant and so wanted a leave for a period of time, and Lin Ke Song took over her shifts. Cashiering looks like just accepting money and putting it into the money box, and the cashiering machine will even automatically calculate the amount of change for the customer, based on logic it is a very simple job, but in actual fact, it is a job that make your arms and feet very busy. Good thing the cashier at the restaurant is not like the cashier at the bank, otherwise with a job that is like flowing waters, Lin Ke Song can imagine how burnout she will be. So Lin Ke Song while fighting and struggling with the ¡°old version¡± of the cashiering machine and cash and POS»ú, she finished her first day of work. She really feels sleepy, dizzy with a blurry vision, that feeling was like doing three high school exams in a day. After a hurried shower, Lin Ke Song crawled in to the bed, and was about to pull the blanket when there was a knock on the door. ¡°Uncle?¡± Lin Ke Song kneaded her eyes, can¡¯t be that she did some wrong cashiering right? ¡°It¡¯s me¡­¡­ Claire.¡± Lin Ke Song suddenly remembered that she had forgotten to clear her hairs after using the bathroom, Lin Xiao Xue can¡¯t be angry again right? She hurriedly put on her slippers and opened the door. ¡°Xiao Xue, you want to use the bathroom right, let me go clear the hairs on the floor.¡± ¡°Oh. That¡­¡­ this weekend my friends and I are organising a barbeque party. You can bring your friend along.¡± Lin Ke Song stopped in her tracks. From the time she was here till now, her cousin has always been distantly cold, why would she suddenly to invite her to a barbeque party? If it were in the country, Lin Ke Song¡¯s mind would work quickly, but in front of Lin Xiao Xue, she reacts in three seconds. Lin Xiao Xue¡¯s main point isn¡¯t her cousin, but her cousin¡¯s ¡°friend¡±. Lin Ke Song sighed in her heart. This was most probably because of Song Yi Ran. As expected, having good looks is different, when the car sees you they pick you up, when the flowers see you they bloom for you, when Lin Xiao Xue saw him, she flipped open for him ah. Even though the goddess is interested, but the King Xiang must have no dreams. No matter how Lin Xiao Xue is, she is also family, she can¡¯t let Song Yi Ran scourge her. ¡°Weekend, is it? I have to mind the cashier at the restaurant during the weekends too ah.¡± ¡°You can come after you knock off.¡± Lin Xiao Xue eyes carried a hint of hope. And Lin Ke Song purposely put on an awkward expression and said: ¡°Xiao Xue, after I¡¯ve knocked off, it¡¯s already 11pm. It¡¯d be so late already, your barbeque party should be already over too right?¡± ¡°Whatever!¡± after saying, Lin Xiao Xue closed the door and entered the house. She was angry, but Lin Ke Song had an established reason, there was no way to find fault. Lin Ke Song exhaled. A week later, Lin Ke Song swiftly adjusted to the cashiering job, even when it was the peak hours, she could handle it and not find it chaotic. Occasionally when the back kitchen was busy they couldn¡¯t handle it, Lin Ke Song would go over to help out, but as long as she doesn¡¯t help, it¡¯s good, once she starts helping, she was totally made use of like she was a male. ¡°Ke Song, come! Help bring these bags of rice in!¡± ¡°Ke Song, come over and look, why doesn¡¯t this bulb light up anymore?¡± ¡°Ke Song, the vegetable washing is clogged, come over and help unblock it!¡± While Lin Xiao Xue carried her bag and walked out, she saw her perspire till her whole back was wet and couldn¡¯t help smirking. ¡°Didn¡¯t my dad invite you here just to look after these people and collect money? Why did you let them order you around?¡± Lin Ke Song froze in her spot, Lin Xiao Xue already carried her bag and walked past her. But if she were to really just sit at the cashier and collect money, while watching the others get busy, she wouldn¡¯t have a sound conscious ah. But the one who should have a louder conscious is Song Yi Ran that crazy nut. Every afternoon, as long as there are no classes, 4.30pm sharp and he would be sitting in the restaurant. ¡°Lin Ke Song, pour me a glass of water.¡± And with the likes of a young master, using his finger to tap on the table. ¡°Can¡¯t you see me minding the cashier?¡± ¡°Can¡¯t you see that you¡¯re the only one who¡¯s free?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± On average, he would only order some light food. Even though this chap has lots of money, he doesn¡¯t have a bad habit of wasting, ordering however much can be consumed. At 7pm plus, when the restaurant was experiencing the peak flow of customers, Lin Ke Song would purposely walk to him and knock his table: ¡°hey, give a table up!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not done eating.¡± This chap had only a mouthful of porridge left, and was on his tablet using the restaurant¡¯s Wi-Fi. But the weirdest thing was, this chap only spent around 5USD and hogged a whole table, but neither the waiters nor her uncle had any intention to chase him away, her uncle even wanted to thank him, by letting him eat for free when he came the next time. ¡°Why ah?¡± Lin Ke Song could not understand at all. A/N: Song Yi Ran, the advertisement world welcomes you! CH 15 ¡°Because the business is increasing ah! Don¡¯t you think that there are more young ladies frequenting our restaurants?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± is this considered the trap of a beauty? Song Yi Ran this foul male, is so attractive from the country to country? Even Lin Xiao Xue frequently gets off school and runs straight to the restaurant, purposely sitting opposite Song Yi Ran, asking to discuss about some article review, in fact it was very obvious who was the one with ulterior motives ah¡­¡­ Song Yi Ran this chap still held a face of innocence and put his face beside Lin Xiao Xue, and very intimately ¡°guided¡± the other party, and even purposely wriggled his eyebrows at Lin Ke Song from time to time, that grin ah¡­¡­ only the two words ¡°great ecstasy¡± can be used to describe it. Almost every day was passed heart grippingly, lung tearingly, Lin Ke Song¡¯s life was once again like surging waves. Two men wearing suits walked into the bustling Lin¡¯s restaurant, a camera man and a woman who seemed to be a presenter followed behind them. The clothes she wore had a distinctive style, trendy yet with a sense of intelligence. She went to the front of Lin Ke Song, exposing a hint of smile ¡°Hello, may I know if Ms Lin Ke Song is around?¡± Because the name was said in English, it took Lin Ke Song two seconds to react. ¡°Ah¡­¡­ yes¡­¡­ I am Lin Ke Song, how may I help you?¡± ¡°Ah, the material says that you have just arrived in New York, so you don¡¯t know me, I forgive you.¡± The other part flutter her eyes, ¡°I am Annalise Horton, ¡¶Gourmet New York¡·¡¯s show host.¡± Suddenly, many heads in the restaurant turned, the woman named Annalise became the centre of attention. It looked like she was a very popular host. Too bad that Lin Ke Song had been here for so long, and she hadn¡¯t even seen a minute of American entertainment programmes. ¡°Didn¡¯t you join a cooking contest¡¯s audition two weeks ago?¡± Annalise saw Lin Ke Song¡¯s ignorant expression and could not help asking. Lin Ke Song smacked her head, finally remembering. ¡°Ah! Yes¡­¡­¡± She¡¯s dead she¡¯s dead, some food show¡¯s host has come looking for her, is it because when the judges ate her trash soup that day, they had food poisoning or more importantly¡­¡­ their breaths expired? It can¡¯t be, if it were really like that, the one who will be looking for her should be the police! You mean according to the wonderful palates of Americans, they feel that that trash soup was unique? ¡°Your dish left a deep impression on the judges, and has entered the Top 10.¡± Annalise¡¯s eyes squinted as she smiled, ¡°You are about to officially join the ¡°MasterChef¡± cooking contest jointly organised by the United States¡¯ leading magazine ¡°Gourmet¡± and Food Association!¡± ¡°It can¡¯t be possible right? Didn¡¯t the three judges say that my dish was made badly? None of them want me to make the dish ever again! How is it possible to enter the top 10?¡± What kind of standards do the other participants have to be of for the judges to have this kind of choice? Annalise smiled, offering dagger like words: ¡°its top 10 worst.¡± The whole restaurant was quiet for 2 seconds, then there were waves after waves of laughter bursting out. ¡°¡­¡­ this kind of answer is more normal. But your competition¡¯s rules aren¡¯t normal right? Why would you choose the top 10 worsts?¡± ¡°To ensure that the competition would be fair ah. The rules of the competition is that the participants will be training under professional chefs, and representing their chefs in the competition. If we chose participants whose skills were up there, even though they are outstanding they would have different degrees of excellence, to each chef, the guiding difficulty will be of different levels, how will it be a fair contest? But if the worst were chosen, especially those who are so bad they have no knowledge of cooking at all, all starting from zero, wouldn¡¯t it be a lot more fair?¡± Lin Ke Song was suddenly enlightened. The Americans are pretty good at these kind of reverse logic ah. ¡°That¡­¡­ Ms Horton, even though this culinary competition seems really interesting, but there is no way I can squeeze out the time to participate. I have to be here collecting money. ¡± Lin Ke Song patted her cashiering machine. She had absolutely no interest in cooking, the only time she cooked was for instant noodles, and she even burned the pot. She doesn¡¯t want to blow up a big chef¡¯s kitchen. ¡°Are you sure? The prize money is pretty generous. There are a total of 10 participants, but if you manage to get into the top 8, you will be able to get 1000USD, get into the top 6 and you will get 3000USD, top 4 and you¡¯ll have 9000USD, the 3rd place will get 30 000USD, the 2nd 100 000 USD. While the champion will get 300 000 USD. I think you should think carefully whether you really want to give up on this opportunity.¡± At that moment, Lin Ke Song only saw the whole sky filled with USDs flying around, Franklin¡¯s smile was simply too beautiful. ¡°¡­¡­ I will really have the chance to get the prize money?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡­¡± Annalise rubbed her nose, ¡°If we had chosen the best participants, you¡¯d definitely have no chance. But in a group of rotten tomatoes index rated 10 stars amateurs¡­¡­ I can only say that anything is possible. ¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart wavered. Her goal wasn¡¯t any championship, that far away dream has no meaning. But if she could get the 8th place, she would have 1000USD! Top 6 and she¡¯ll have 3000USD! Compared to the lotto, this is mana dropped from heaven ah! But¡­¡­ will uncle agree? It was only a while since she mastered cashiering, how can she apply for leave? At this time, her uncle who was wearing the chef¡¯s white uniform walked out of the back kitchen, and only said a sentence: ¡°Agree to her!¡± Lin Ke Song did not expect her uncle to be so refreshingly agreeable. ¡°Ke Song! Don¡¯t you know what competing in this competition means?¡± her uncle grabbed her shoulders. ¡°Wh¡­¡­ at¡­¡­¡± The 300 000USD? ¡°It¡¯s the chance to be mentored by the chef of the highest skills! This is the greatest wish of every chef and culinary lover!¡± Uncle Lin Feng was practically staring at Lin Ke Song. The uncle who always had no temper at this moment was very pressurising. Under his stare, Lin Ke Song could only nod. ¡°Then¡­¡­ Then I¡¯ll go?¡± Lin Ke Song asked tentatively. Once her uncle nodded, Annalise started clapping her hands: ¡°Wonderful! Then it¡¯s settled!¡± Lin Feng turned to Annalise: ¡°I would like to know, if she were to join the competition, who would be her teacher?¡± ¡°This has not been decided yet. The competition committee will make a decision by this weekend, and send Ms Lin to her mentor¡¯s.¡± ¡°Good, we¡¯ll look forward to the results!¡± Lin Ke Song suddenly felt that her uncle was more excited than her. Before Annalise left, she shook hands with Lin Ke Song, letting Lin Ke Song do a self-introduction in English towards the camera. In the rush, Lin Ke Song did not know what she should say, except for a sentence ¡°hello, I¡¯m Lin Kesong.¡± Annalise blinked and said, ¡°dearie, did you know your name sounds like a kind of bread?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ I know, croissant.¡± Lin Ke Song ‡åed*, this is not the first time someone has said that. Annalise hugged Lin Ke Song before she left, using a volume that can definitely be recorded by the camera and said: ¡°Alright, for the ease of the judges and audiences remembering you, let¡¯s give you a cute nickname ¡ª¡ª little bun, how about it?¡± ¡°Little Bun¡±, why does it sound so familiar ah? Lin Ke Song smacked her head, right! The guy beside that ice block Jiang Qian Fan, Mr Mayer called her that too! Annalise sashayed away in her heels, leaving Lin Ke Song in her trail. And her uncle had already found another person to replace Lin Ke Song, and even told Lin Ke Song that from this moment onwards, she was to properly rest and conserve her energy, she definitely had to endure it to the last hurdle of the competition! ¡°Ke Song! You must remember clearly all the techniques and knowledge the chef teaches you, come back and tell uncle!¡± ¡°¡­¡­oh, I understand.¡± Do you want it noted through memorisation or a recording? ¡°Uncle has a lot of ideas and questions that have not had a solution. If you can, you must help uncle ask the master!¡± ¡°¡­¡­okay!¡± Why does it sound like she wasn¡¯t going to learn to cook but to get her fortune told? ¡°In this life, uncle may never get a chance to interact with those star rated head chefs, but you do! So you must treasure this opportunity!¡± Looking at uncle¡¯s expression, Lin Ke Song finally understood. Don¡¯t look at the small restaurant that he operates, when it comes to cooking, he has a goal. Even now, he has not given up on this passion. Lin Ke Song suddenly felt that even though she has not figured out this competition, in her heart, she has decided she has to be serious in this competition. At least among so many participants, she hardly saw any Asian faces, so no matter what she should not throw the face of the Chinese ah! ¡­¡­ but to be in the top 10 worst, the face has probably be long thrown. That night, the programme ¡°Gourmet New York¡± aired the process of looking for the contestants. And Mayer sat in front of the television, drinking hot milk before bed while relishing Annalise¡¯s graceful figure. He was the only person in the entire villa apart from Jiang Qian Fan. The entire villa was so silent it made people feel uneasy, neither a trace of the wind nor the sound of a dropping drop of water could be heard. Even Mayer who was watching television was wearing head phones, like he was afraid of disturbing a certain someone. Annalise on television came to Chinatown, before walking in, she spoke to the camera: ¡°next, we will be meeting the one who made ¡°Gourmet¡± magazine¡¯s editor Mr Winston the horrible ¡°Red soup¡±, Lin Ke Song! Just what kind of person is the one who can create this kind of hellish taste? Let¡¯s go in and find out!¡± When the camera landed on Lin Ke Song¡¯s lost face, Mayer almost choked to death on his milk. ¡°Oh my god ah!¡± He stood up, walked a couple of steps forward, just shy of sticking his face to the television. Not two seconds later, the phone in his room rang. He hurriedly went back and answered the phone: ¡°Sorry Mr Jiang, I was too loud and disturbed you?¡± ¡°En.¡± A cool tone, which had only one syllable. Mayer helplessly smiled. It can¡¯t be helped, Jiang Qian Fan is too sensitive to sound, and even the dripping tap next door can be heard clearly. That¡¯s why while he was relaxing, he wanted absolute silence. That is also the reason why there are no other residence near the villa, and after nine, even the maids have to leave. ¡°Because Mr Jiang, I saw something interesting on TV.¡± CH 16 Jiang Qian Fan had no interest in this piece of news. Just as he was about to put down the phone, Mayer spoke again: ¡°I saw Ms Lin Ke Song! It¡¯s that¡­¡­ that little bun!¡± After waiting for two seconds, Mayer did not hear the sound of Jiang Qian Fan putting down the phone. The tips of his mouth lifted, and used a tone as calm as he could possibly manage to say: ¡°that Ms Lin, she is taking part in this round of the cooking competition ¡®MasterChef¡¯ organised by ¡°Gourmet¡± and the food association. I wonder who will become her mentor?¡± Jiang Qian Fan was still silent. Mayer then said: ¡°what if it¡¯s that hot tempered Ivan! She is a kind little lady, furthermore she isn¡¯t fluent language wise, will she be full of tears every day ah?¡± There was still no reply. ¡°It would be worse if it were Lilith that woman who looks kind but is mean inside ah! Little bun will definitely be disoriented by her! She will not teach her properly! ¡± Still silent. But the phone wasn¡¯t hung yet! ¡°¡­¡­ Harkins will not do either ah! He likes those girls who are petite and oriental! While teaching her, he will touch her arm, touch her leg¡­¡­ just thinking about it is unbearable!¡± ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re thinking too much.¡± It was still that monotonous intonation, it was a thin frost in this quiet night. The phone was hung. Mayer sighed regrettably. This night, Lin Ke Song slept well, and Uncle Lin Feng was at the table fighting a night war, writing down all the questions that he wanted to ask the Michelin chef. The next morning, the competition committee sent representatives to Lin¡¯s restaurant, two men wearing black suits walked in. Lin Ke Song was looking down from the window¡¯s edge, and felt that they gave off a ¡°man in black¡± feel. They told Lin Ke Song, the competition committee had already assigned her a mentor. Just as uncle was about to ask about who Lin Ke Song¡¯s mentor was, the two men in black shook their heads saying: ¡°this is a secret before the competition starts. We also hope that Ms Lin will be able to keep this secret.¡± Lin Ke Song was even asked to sign some confidential contract. Which was to say, unless her mentor agreed, she could not tell anyone who she was learning from. And when this competition was at the last stages, only the top 3 will announce the name of their mentors. Lin Ke Song twitched the corners of her mouth, she wasn¡¯t dumb, she was very clear this was to protect the reputation of those chefs who had received Michelin stars. If they lost, then it wouldn¡¯t be announced, if they won, then it would be announced to the world. These foreigners could really think. Might as well gather all these great chefs and make them compete among themselves, then broadcast the competition. Isn¡¯t it cannon fodder to send people like her who has no ounce of cooking skills for a competition? How is this kind of competition fun to watch? Lin Ke Song alighted from the car. She suddenly felt a sense of anticipation. The only thing she knew was that her mentor was a chef whose standard allowed the restaurant to get a 3 Michelin stars rating. And she heard her uncle Lin Feng mention that many top chefs were operators of high class restaurants. After driving for a long while, the car left Lin Ke Song¡¯s familiar surroundings, and still drove even further, when Lin Ke Song started getting nervous. Are they really the cooking competition¡¯s committee members? They can¡¯t be from some underground organisation, who kill people and rob goods, then dump her body in some deserted place right? Otherwise, which Michelin star chef will stay in such a reclusive area? At that time, Lin Ke Song did not know yet, the truly exclusive residential areas are located away from the bustle of the urban areas. Until the car entered a villa district, with thick greenery around, scent of flowers drifting in the air, and each villa a far distance from each other with the occasional luxury car Lin Ke Song could not name, did her heart start to calm down. The car stopped in front of a villa. The biggest difference of this villa compare to the others, was that it was located much further away from the other villas, like it had a case of loneliness. But when the sunlight gently landed on the roof, reflecting off, it was like an elegant gentleman awakening from the winter hibernation, Lin Ke Song could not help lifting her head to appreciate the sight. Two men in black pressed the bell at the large door of the villa, when the door opened, Lin Ke Song unexpectedly saw a familiar face. ¡°¡­¡­ Mr Mayer!¡± ¡°Hi! Cute little bun, we meet again!¡± Mayer amiably smiled, and shook hands with the two men in black, ¡°Thank you for sending her here, leave the rest to me.¡± ¡°Mr Winston wants us to confirm, Mr Jiang will be her mentor, right?¡± ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry.¡± When Lin Ke Song heard the phrase ¡°Mr Jiang¡±, could not help feeling sceptical. Does it mean her mentor is Jiang Qian Fan? It can¡¯t be ah! Isn¡¯t he unable to see? If he¡¯s blind how can he be a chef? And he is even a Michelin chef? Impossible! This isn¡¯t even science! The two men in black nodded and left. Mayer bend down slightly, and made a ¡°come in¡± gesture towards Lin Ke Song. Lin Ke Song lifted her legs and walked in. It was bright and spacious in the villa, giving her an illusion of entering a high class hotel. It was so bright that the dustless marble floors could reflect Lin Ke Song¡¯s face. There was no excessive decoration, even the lamps were of geometric shapes, the entire room giving off a strict and orderly style. Cold, indifferent, to the point that it seemed like there was no one staying here. Lin Ke Song followed Mayer up the spiral staircase. There were some modern paintings hung on the wall, with each painting as parallel to the stair case as a ladder. Her brain started to hurt. Everything about this style made her think about the man who used to sit pillion on her bicycle, who was critical about every dish to the point of a sickness, Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°That¡­¡­ Mr Mayer, may I know the person who I¡¯m going to meet?¡± Mayer put his finger to his lips, ¡°Mr Jiang likes silence.¡± Mr Jiang? Just which Mr Jiang is it? Maybe Jiang Qian Fan has a brother or uncle or something, all these people can be Mr Jiang too! It must be like that! Mayer looked at Lin Ke Song¡¯s ever changing expressions, pursing his lips of laughter. They walked to the end of the 3rd floor, Lin Ke Song has a realisation of how big the villa was, if she were not following Mayer, she¡¯d probably have gotten lost! Mayer opened a wooden door, at the end of the door was a line of dark coloured sofas sitting a solemn expressionless man. Both his hands were holding a silver cane, his long slender finger intertwining together. This was a simple posture, but it was pouring with a commanding imposing manner. When Lin Ke Song met the pair of eyes that had not the slightest bit of waves in them, the whole world felt like it was reversing crazily. All her senses were focused on him. ¡°Mayer, whom have you brought?¡± The cold voice echoed in the empty room. Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart suddenly shattered to the ground¡­¡­ it was really Jiang Qian Fan! ¡°Mr Jiang, when you were in china, there was a lady who brought you around on a bicycle to taste the local dishes, so you still remember?¡± ¡°En.¡± A monosyllabic reply as always. If Jiang Qian Fan was that so called great chef, Lin Ke Song won¡¯t even think about being in the top 10, with having to interact with Jiang Qian Fan face to face, is it not a kind of torture to her? ¡°It¡¯s that girl, she has entered ¡°rotten tomatoes rated top 10 most disgusting foods¡±, and will represent you in the ¡®MasterChef¡¯ competition.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s coughed coughed in her heart, that whatever rotten tomatoes ratings, there is really no need to specially mention it¡­¡­ ¡°I told you before, I will not take part in that competition.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s posture did not sway at all. Lin Ke Song was already planning to retreat. ¡°But, I have already agreed to ¡°Gourmet¡± editor Mr Winston for you. The other starred chefs also know that you are going to take part in the competition, if you were to back out now, they may mock you, sir.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not taking part.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s answer was as steadfast, without a trace of doubt, as always. Mayer could only sigh saying: ¡°alright then, I¡¯ll make a call to Editor Winston, and say that I had made the decision without consent, and you do not agree to participate in the competition. Let him find another starred chef for little bun then.¡± Lin Ke Song exhaled, showing a celebratory smiling face. While the Jiang Qian Fan sitting on the couch started freezing up. Mayer was communicating with Winston, asking for a change of a mentor for Lin Ke Song. ¡°So the only remaining three starred chef is Harkins?¡± Mayer purposely looked at Jiang Qian Fan, just last night he mentioned him, even though Harkins had good cooking skills, but he could not keep his hands to himself around oriental girls, ¡°Alright, if it¡¯s Harkins then it¡¯ll be Harkins.¡± At that moment, Jiang Qian Fan suddenly grabbed his cane and stood up. He obviously couldn¡¯t see, but Lin Ke Song had an illusion that the other party was looking at her. ¡°Why did you exhale? I¡¯m not willing to teach you, and you feel very happy, right?¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned, how did he know? She obviously didn¡¯t say a single word, and was standing there like a frozen stick ah! Mayer hurriedly said a word of ¡°Sorry¡± to the people on the other side of the phone, explaining that he had other matters to handle, and would call back later. ¡°Sir, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Jiang Qian Fan walked towards Lin Ke Song. A feeling of heavy pressure moved towards her, when he got closer to her, Lin Ke Song intentionally lowered her head, retreating backwards. ¡°You think compared to other chefs, I¡¯m not capable to make you the champion of ¡°MasterChef¡±?¡± ¡°N¡­¡­.no¡­¡­.¡± Your eyes can¡¯t see, how are you able to make things in the kitchen? Just cutting vegetables and whatever, 10 fingers are not enough for you to chop off, won¡¯t the kitchen be flooding with blood? So you know how much seasoning you have added? Who knows, the things you make taste worse than my ¡°red soup¡± ah! But in the territory of this ice block, all these words, she just can¡¯t say them! ¡°You are doubting my abilities.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s face faced her direction. His eyes were very deep, something quietly burning in the dimness. When his forelock fell with the movement of his posture, everything seems to go in slow motion. Lin Ke Song stared at his slightly parted lips. CH 17 She knew she shouldn¡¯t have thought those things, but she couldn¡¯t help it. ¡°I¡­¡­ didn¡¯t doubt your capabilities¡­..¡± This sentence, even Lin Ke Song found it hard to believe what she¡¯d just said. ¡°Lie.¡± In the short moment of him slightly separating his lips, she finally got to see the place that made people full of imagination faintly. Her heart felt like something soft and invisible had passed it by, just at the moment she was trying to desperately catch the thing, everything disappeared. Jiang Qian Fan went around Lin Ke Song. He kept the cane, because he knew this house like the back of his palm. His steps were at ease, making Lin Ke Song doubt if this guy was really unable to see. Mayer winked at Lin Ke Song, signalling her to follow. This was the first time Lin Ke Song saw the astounding kitchen. On the spacious countertop without a speck of dust, there was an array of knives of different lengths, the variety of professional cookware were so bright and clean it looked like they had never been used before. On the bright floors, there were refrigerator cabinets that were installed on the wall, with all sorts of vegetable, fruits and meats. There were so many types, Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t name some of them! Mayer looked at Lin Ke Song and smiled: ¡°this is where Mr Jiang studies various foods. Six dishes that are the signature dishes of 3 Michelin stars rated restaurant of which they were entered into the Michelin Red guides were created here.¡± Lin Ke Song blinked her eyes. Even though she didn¡¯t know much about this industry, but she knew that ¡°3 Michelin stars¡± to some diners are cuisine worth the wait of a lifetime. An average chef who can have a couple of dishes recommended but the Michelin Red Guides is already considered a great feat, but Jiang Qian Fan already had six dishes at such a young age? And the most most most unbelievable thing was, his eyes were obviously unable to see ah! At this time, Jiang Qian Fan took off his coat, and put on the head chef¡¯s uniform. The high collar was attached to his collar, his broad shoulder and narrow waist lines looked like they were sketched out. He turned on the tap, and washed his hands with the running water. When the water flowed between his long slender fingers, it was an extremely nimble beauty. Lin Ke Song was totally stunned. ¡°What was the dish you made that was in the TOP10 Rotten Tomatoes?¡± He took a clean white towel, wiping his fingers as he asked her. Lin Ke Song was muddled, how is she supposed to answer the other party? Hell¡¯s red soup? Even she herself doesn¡¯t know what that thing was. She could only grudgingly answer: ¡°Tomato omelette.¡± The commonest and simplest dish. But Mayer couldn¡¯t control his laugh anymore: ¡°Even though I don¡¯t know about the various cuisines of china¡­¡­ but tomato omelette, seems to be a common dish that no matter what will never be described as hell¡¯s soup right?¡± Lin Ke Song laughed a little. That was Song Yi Ran¡¯s idea! At that time it was really fun making fun of the three judges, but now it was so embarrassing her face was thrown all the way home! ¡°Then it¡¯ll be tomato omelette.¡± Jiang Qian Fan walked towards the cabinets, his hand smoothing across each one, picking three eggs in a hand. He walked towards the fruits and vegetables cabinet, lightly touching those red tomatoes, taking them to his nose to smell, and picked two tomatoes. His action of cracking the eggs was elegant and agile, when the eggs collided with the eggs of the table, the wrist and arm folded in the most artistic way. Even the sound of breaking eggs had a kind of rhythmic beat to it. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s actions of cutting the tomatoes were swift, when his fingers slid away from the tomatoes, they bloomed like they were petals of a flower, it was like when Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s knife blade cut through, it wasn¡¯t a death, but a rebirth. Under Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s focus, Lin Ke Song felt like she was looking into another purer world. The air was filled with the fragrance of the sweet and sour blend of the eggs and tomatoes. Her thoughts were attracted to the smells, her tongue and teeth could not keep still. When she made a tomato omelette she needed half an hour to toss it, but Jiang Qian Fan only needed a few minutes. The soft yellow and red together, was a fusion pleasant to the eyes. ¡°Gudu¡±, Lin Ke Song swallowed. Mayer who was at the side could not help laughing. ¡°This is the difference between you and me. There will never be anyone who would call this dish ¡®red soup¡¯ in my territory. ¡± His tone had no indication despise, like it was right and natural for him to make other people feel ashamed. Mayer gentlemanly passed a spoon to Lin Ke Song, smilingly said: ¡°Many people wish for their whole lives to taste his food once, you are very lucky.¡± No matter how good it is, it is only tomato omelette. That is how Lin Ke Song feels. She scooped a spoon of eggs and tomatoes, blew on it, and sent it into her mouth. The eggs still tasted like eggs, and the tomatoes tasted like tomatoes ma¡­¡­ But the next second, Lin Ke Song blinked her eyes. The eggs were fluffy on the outside and soft on the inside, the sweet and sour juice of the tomatoes and the aroma of the eggs fused together. The tomatoes weren¡¯t boiled to mush, the heat used was perfectly right. Lin Ke Song wanted another to have another spoon, when Mayer smiled asking: ¡°is it good? Or is it a normal tomato omelettes?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ good.¡± When the first mouth was swallowed, there was a richly salty and sour flavour but a one that you would never get tired of that was left behind on the tongue, it clung on to Lin Ke Song¡¯s nerves, controlling her hands to lifts the spoon. ¡°It¡¯s only good? There¡¯s no other comment?¡± Mayer shook his head disappointedly. ¡°¡®Good¡¯ in itself is an intuitive feeling. Where would the other adjectives or comments come from ah!¡± While talking, Lin Ke Song had already sent 2 or 3 spoonful into her mouth. It was so good! It was like all the taste buds on her tongue had been awakened, this was the best tomato omelette that Lin Ke Song had ever had in her life! When Lin Ke Song lifted the plate from the table, intending to drink all the soup at the bottom of the plate, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s finger held on to the edge of the plate. Lin Ke Song looked up. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m unable to teach you? Or do you think that people who can¡¯t see are unable to be chefs?¡± His voice fell from a high, each word pressing on Lin Ke Song¡¯s heartbeat. ¡°Sorry, because you weren¡¯t able to see, I had a biased perception towards you. The tomato omelette you made¡­¡­ I don¡¯t know what nice words to use to describe it, but it is the best omelette I¡¯ve ever had since I was born.¡± Lin KE Song has never been the type to stubbornly refuse to admit the wrong judgements. The truth was right there, it wouldn¡¯t change whether she admitted her wrong or not. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s had not the slightest change pf expression. Lin Ke Song twisted her mouth, even if he were blind, couldn¡¯t he tell that it was praise sincerely from her heart? Mayer coughed gently. Lin Ke Song then finally understood. ¡°And¡­¡­ with your standard, it¡¯s more than enough to teach me! With the way you were cooking just now, it was so fluid and pleasing to the eyes, even people who can see may not even be able to do it as well as you, like you knew the kitchen like the back of your palms!¡± ¡°Then from today, your mentor will be me.¡± ¡°What?¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned, she looked at Mayer, and Mayer only nodded, smiling. ¡°Mayer, regarding the ¡®MasterChef¡¯, how long more till it starts?¡± ¡°Three more months.¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned towards her, ¡°then please make a plate of tomato omelette, to let me gauge your standard.¡± No way! Tomato omelette again! I totally have no standard! But since things have come to this, she could only do as asked. Mayer found a white apron for Lin Ke Song, when she can to the station, thoughts of the smooth moves of Jiang Qian Fan lingered in her brains. She took a breath, its only tomato omelette! This time can guarantee the person won¡¯t die eating it! Her mood calmed down. Lin Ke Song picked out eggs and tomatoes, locking down all the ingredients that she needed, and imitated everything that Jiang Qian Fan had performed. The eggs were beaten till there was a thin layer of foam, the tomatoes were sliced in equal moderate thickness, the leaves in the middle removed. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s knife skills were too good, the juice of the tomato was intact in each lobe, and the working area was extremely clean. While compared to Lin Ke Song, it seemed like she was ¡°appalling¡±, even of Jiang Qian Fan didn¡¯t say anything, Lin Ke Song also felt that she has let the essence of the tomatoes flowed away on the table. Stir fry, flip, put in the ingredients, boil, thicken¡­¡­ even though Lin Ke Song imitated Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s every step. Her nerves were uptight, her attention fully on the details of every movement of her hands, But every step was a poor imitation like attempting to draw a tiger but making it end up looking like a dog. When Lin Ke Song scooped her tomato omelette, flipped it over, she deeply realised what master pieces meant ah! Jiang Qian Fan as a Michelin chef, had high expectations towards food. Lin Ke Song could suddenly understand why when she brought him around to taste dishes, he had only taken a bite. Mayer gently placed a spoon on the edge of the plate. Jiang Qian Fan reached out, and first ensured the position of the plate, then bent his head, scooped up a spoonful, and stopped it in front of his nose for a second. For that short moment, it looked like the poster of a gourmet movie. He opened his lips slightly, the moment the tip of his tongue touched the spoon, Lin Ke Song felt like her heart was swept past by something soft. She prayed in her heart, he would swallow her tomato omelette¡­¡­ please not ever spit it out1 And please don¡¯t use the tone of voice judging panel had when they commented on my tomato omelette I used to enter the competition. She was serious, only because she knew it would be sent to him. Lin Ke Song realised that she finally could understand how the participants were feeling that day while waiting for the judges¡¯ comments. Apprehension, nervousness, palms producing a thin layer of sweat. Mayer looked at Lin Ke Song with pity, like he was comforting her saying: no matter what Jiang Qian Fan says, don¡¯t take it to heart. But Lin Ke Song knew, no matter what he said, it was going to leave a deep impression on her. ¡°The saltiness of the eggs and the sourness of the tomatoes are not in a layer, the taste is out of balance. The tomatoes were cooked for too long in the pot, resulting in a softer texture. The oil was not hot enough while cooking the eggs, so the eggs are not fluffy enough. I personally do not understand why Winston would call it ¡®hell¡¯s red soup¡¯.¡± His voice was calm and objective, like someone was passing the law, making other not have any doubts about his strength. And because of that, all the more Lin Ke Song did not want to hear him put her failure in a ¡°nutshell¡± like everyone else did. ¡°Your tomato omelette isn¡¯t good, but it¡¯s not so bad to the point of hell.¡± With her head kept bent, Lin Ke Song who was feeling like she was riding a heavy bike for 25 000 miles suddenly lifted her head, and looked at Jiang Qian Fan incredulously. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s ¡°not so bad¡± to an average person is such a high praise ah! CH 18 ¡°Mayer, tell her the rules. I do not wish to tell her the same thing twice.¡± Jiang Qian Fan methodically slipped off the chef uniform, while walking out the door turned to Lin Ke Song and said: ¡°Clean up the kitchen.¡± Lin Ke Song looked at the work area, Jiang Qian Fan had left almost no trace behind, all the traces of egg smears, tomato juice were all left behind by her¡­¡­ ¡°Can he really not see?¡± Lin Ke Song looked towards Mayer, seriously doubting. ¡°He is not totally blind. He can sense light and the movements of people.¡± ¡°No wonder¡­¡­ if he were totally blind, no matter what you said, I would not have believed he couldn¡¯t see. Is he¡­¡­ still a Michelin chef?¡± ¡°Of course. And those food critics¡¯ praises for him now are higher than when he was younger. Probably because of the sight was weakened and leading to the sense of taste becoming keener. Also because of that, for any dish he tastes, his tongue will amplify any flaw exponentially.¡± Lin Ke Song suddenly understood the reason why Jiang Qian Fan did not find any of the many snacks that she had brought him to taste good even if she thought they were snacks that she would never get tired of for twenty more years. But even if her weren¡¯t totally blind, but being able to reach such heights in this field¡­¡­ he¡¯s also a monster right? Mayer looked at Lin Ke Song¡¯s expression, smiled: ¡°Ms Lin, the 18 year old Jiang Qian Fan may be a ¡®genius¡¯. But for the 28 year old him to be able to be as he is now, is because of a ¡®devil¡¯ like determination.¡± Mayer told Lin Ke Song about Jiang Qian Fan As he showed her around to help her familiarise herself with the castle like villa. Jiang Qian Fan made a name for himself when he was 18 years old, being the youngest chef in the food industry to receive a 3 Michelin star rating, not to mention the food industry was mainly dominated by French and Italian cuisine in Europe and America. He was like a dazzling meteor piercing through the horizons. Just as everyone thought that he was going to shine in this field, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and the place where the tumour was located was so risky to operate on, the doctors did not recommend surgery. But the tumour was pressing on his optic nerve, causing him most of his sight. Just as everyone was pitying him, and forgetting him, he was practicing day and night in that kitchen. Without his sense of sight, he could only depend on his sense of touch, smell, hearing and countless experiences of failure. 8 years later, when he reappeared in the food industry, his dishes surprised all. A perfect sensory experience without imperfection, he became the object of attraction all the gourmets flocked to. And now, he was a legend in the food industry worldwide, every new dish that he produced will make many top chefs scramble to imitate, but there has never been a single person who was able to create the same taste as him. ¡°Little bun, have you ever looked closely at Mr Jiang¡¯s hands?¡± Lin Ke Song was embarrassed. Even though she has never come close to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s hands, but his fingers were were long and elegant, needless to say, while he was cooking, it was like a magic show. ¡°His hands have been cut by knives countless times. His wrists too have burn marks. What people see is his success and talent, no one has seen the price he has had to pay. So Little Bun, he has never needed anyone¡¯s sympathy, but he deserves everyone¡¯s respect.¡± At this moment, Lin Ke Song was a little bit in awe of Jiang Qian Fan that ice block. ¡°Mr Jiang has never accepted students, but since you are going to learn from him, then I have to make a few rules clear to you. First, without Mr Jiang¡¯s permission, you cannot touch his body.¡± I know, he is a clean freak. ¡°Second, if Mr Jiang did not ask for it, you do not have to do anything for him. Including guiding him around.¡± Alright, his sense of pride is still incredibly high¡­¡­ ¡°Third, Mr Jiang¡¯s sense of hearing is very keen and he enjoys silence, so while you are staying here, surfing the net, listening to music, etc., please put on headphones, please do not make loud noises, even when you are on the phone. Please finish showering before 9 pm¡­¡­¡± ¡°Wait! Mr Mayer¡­¡­ you talk as if I¡¯m going to stay here?¡± Lin Ke Song widened her eyes. This villa is indeed huge, but it¡¯s silently quiet and so clean until it¡¯s too much, this kind of place does not suit her. ¡°You are not going to stay here? This place is a fair distance from New York, and Mr Jiang rises early, he may want to teach you something at any time, are you sure you are able to make it here on time?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± She really doesn¡¯t want to stay here. There is no sense of humans here okay! ¡°Furthermore, since he has decided to teach you, he will treat you as strictly as he treats himself. So, he will not let you waste your time and energy in unnecessary things.¡± Lin Ke Song was feeling worse and worse¡­¡­ ¡°Fourth, no matter what time, as long as you use the kitchen, you have to clear and clean up.¡± What what, three points are not enough, that there actually needs to be a fourth one? ¡°Clean up the kitchen¡­¡­ just how clean does it have to be?¡± ¡°As clean as the first time you set your eyes on it.¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned silly, this work area could be used as a mirror, and the floors were so clean you could ice skate on them! ¡°Are you sure¡­¡­ I thought that you guys hired a bunch of people to clean that kitchen up!¡± ¡°Bunch of people?¡± Mayer looked at Lin Ke Song with a you-must-be-kidding-me expression, ¡°That kitchen has always been cleaned by Mr Jiang himself. Before he left, he said that he would leave the cleaning to you, meant that he trusted you.¡± ¡­¡­this kind of trust was too much. She doesn¡¯t even organise her room that well normally, how is she going to handle such a big kitchen? ¡°Fifth¡­..¡± ¡°Wait, there¡¯s a fifth?¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s scalp was numbing up. Mayer smiled, ¡°I promise it¡¯s the last point.¡± ¡°Alright, say it.¡± Mayer¡¯s vision sank down: ¡°Ms Lin, you may not be an avid cook, and your life goal may not be to be a head chef, but trust me, for the time you will be with Mr Jiang, it will be an experience you will continuously look back on. Cherish it.¡± I hope to¡­¡­ No matter how you look at it, Jiang Qian Fan didn¡¯t seem like a nice fella to hang out with ah! ¡°Do I really have to stay here?¡± Lin Ke Song had not given up on struggling to the last moment. ¡°If you wish to be exhausted to death every day, you can don¡¯t stay here.¡± Mayer¡¯s finger nodded in the air, bursting Lin Ke Song¡¯s beautiful dream, ¡°think about the competition¡¯s prize. As long as you¡¯re not an idiot, there is no problem getting into the top three places.¡± Top three? If she hadn¡¯t remembered wrongly, the third prize was 30 000 USD! She¡¯d have her school fees! Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes was filled with hope for a moment. Stay, then she¡¯ll stay! What¡¯s the big deal! ¡°That¡­¡­ I would like to go back and grab some luggage, prepare a little. This should be possible right?¡± ¡°Of course you can. I¡¯ll get the driver to send you home, and fetch you back at 8 pm sharp. No problem right?¡± ¡°No problem!¡± And so, Lin Ke Song sat in a shiny black car with a name that she couldn¡¯t pronounce, and was sent back to her uncle¡¯s restaurant. When she told her uncle that she had to temporarily move out, and at the same time stay with her mentor, her uncle was very worked up. That night, Lin¡¯s restaurant was actually closed for business, almost all of Uncle Lin Feng¡¯s acquaintances and all the friends he knew were gathered here. They actually opened liquor to celebrate. They were all ordinary Chinese restaurants operators or back kitchen staff, and took turns exhibiting their skills, a variety of dishes, from Cantonese to Sichuan to Shandong, it was the first time Lin Ke Song had seen a round table filled with all 8 of the major cuisines present. ¡°Ke Song! You have to learn properly ah! You must know that even though the Chinese cuisine is well known around the world, but here, is still where the foreigners dominate! Besides the Jiang Co. being the most prominent leaders of our Chinese cuisine, there is really no other formidable figure!¡± Jiang Co.? Is it Jiang Qian Fan? Lin Ke Song could not help perking her ears. ¡°Yeah ah! Mr Jiang is the only person who can totally defeat those cocky top European chefs! No matter if it were Chinese or Western cuisine, only he is able to make all those harsh food critics praise him like dominoes.¡± ¡°Most importantly, Jiang Co. have has always been committed to promoting Chinese food culture abroad. For example that food street that is in construction, it¡¯s Jiang Co. that invested in that project. Mr Jiang even personally went back to china, and tasted different foods from different areas, wanting to bring the best tasting dishes to that food street. Even the mayor of new York is looking forward to it!¡± Lin Ke Song was a little surprised, she has never thought that Jian Qian Fan¡¯s reputation was this good among uncle and his friends. ¡°Ay, wait, Ke Song¡­¡­ is your mentor by any chance Jiang Qian Fan?¡± her uncle suddenly asked. Lin Ke Song was rooted to the ground. Before she joined the competition she had already promised, to not reveal who her mentor was. ¡°Enough! Old Lin! It¡¯s not like you¡¯ve never watched ¡®Gourmet New York¡¯, how can you not know the rules? Wait till the end and you¡¯ll know who Ke Song¡¯s mentor is!¡± Good thing he uncle¡¯s friend gave Lin Ke Song a way out. But not long later, they were congratulating Lin Ke Song together, all they were saying was for Lin Ke Song to cherish this opportunity that they wish to get but will never get. This time, apart from her uncle¡¯s hopes, Lin Ke Song had to also carry all the other hopes of so many other uncles. She felt like she was a scholar about to get on her bicycle to take the college entrance exams, and there were countless gazes filled with hope looking at her. A small glass of white liquor enters her stomach, Lin Ke Song found it so spicy her tears flew out of her eyes, and she coughed so much her lungs felt like they were going to be spat out. Everyone laughed loudly, and gave up on trying to chug Lin Ke Song with white liquor, and opened a few bottles of beer. Lin Ke Song thought that she was sober, but the bowl was like a carousel on the table, her surroundings were moving around her. At 8 at night, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s driver came to pick Lin Ke Song up. Lin Ke Song sat on the back seat and did not move at all, she only quietly smiled. No one knew what she was looking at, and in her eyes, everyone was distorted like they were on the magic mirror. Her Uncle patted her shoulder, there was no response, and got her to drink half a cup of water, but she was still quietly laughing. ¡°Is this girl drunk? Ai¡­¡­ shouldn¡¯t have let her drunk Erguotou! Liquor then beer, probably made this girl dizzily drunk ah!¡± They sincerely asked the driver to let Lin Ke Song sleep for another night, but one call from Mayer made everyone change their minds. CH 19 ¡°At 12pm sharp tomorrow, the members and a very important supporter has booked a lunch reservation at our restaurant, Ms Lin¡¯s mentor will personally bring her to check out the preparation and cooking process of the 3 star restaurant. From the preparation of ingredients to the seasonings and the final presentation, every step will be meticulously shown. But I cannot guarantee, when the car sets off tomorrow and Ms Lin¡¯s mentor doesn¡¯t see her, what kind of reaction will be given?¡± Without a second word, the uncles lifted Lin Ke Song into the car. Uncle Lin Feng¡¯s words and nagging on Lin Ke Song¡¯s ears were totally lost on her. When the car started up, Uncle Lin Feng¡¯s shouting voice asking her to call back anytime finally sobered her a little, when she turned her head to look back, uncle¡¯s figure was getting further and further away. And when uncle returned to the restaurant and saw his friends, one of them pointed to the red star erguotou and said: ¡°Old Lin, 52% liquor¡­¡­ did we go too far?¡± ¡°Since you know you went too far, why did you make her drink so much?¡± ¡°Wasn¡¯t it because we were so happy?¡± The lights of the bustling New York were like stars, flitting past Lin Ke Song¡¯s face like thin sheets. And she found herself feeling like she was floating through the vast Milky Way. Her heart suddenly felt hollowly empty. She took out her phone, and only saw a short text from Song Yi Ran: I¡¯ve gone to San Francisco, don¡¯t make mistakes while cashiering ah! Idiot¡­¡­ she was no longer a cashier! She was going to learn about cooking from a Michelin chef! Lin Ke Song leaned her head against the car window, and went to Song Yi Ran¡¯s Weibo. It was a picture taken with a few sexy ladies in some night club. He was smiling lazily, freely enjoying the glamourous city that never sleeps. Then, her eyes started to water. After reaching Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa, Mayer and a plump apron wearing middle aged lady were waiting for her at the entrance. Mayer saw Lin Ke Song drunkenly alight, frowning slightly in a total loss of sense of direction. ¡°Nina, give her a hand.¡± ¡°She¡¯s drunk, will sir be angry?¡± Mayer shrugged his shoulders: ¡°it¡¯s probably because someone was sending her off, I heard that the Chinese tend to drink a lot when they are sending people off. Being drunk has its merits, at least while sleeping Mr Jiang will not be disturbed.¡± Lin Ke Song only knew that Nina helped her up the icy cold stairs, with the driver following behind while carrying her luggage. Mayer opened the door for Lin Ke Song, while Nina put her on the bed. A short while later, a cup of mint water was at her lips, the coolness of the mint flavour wrapped around her lips and teeth, streaming coolly down her throat, making her whole being a lot more refreshed. After a while, everything quieted down, and Mayer left, closing the door and quietly greeting: ¡°Good night.¡± This bed was soft, like a huge cotton candy. The car and chatting sounds from outside the small windows were totally silent, this was the first time in the long time she had been in New York that she is this far from the hustle and bustle and can enjoy this absolutely peaceful silence. But after sleeping for a while, Lin Ke Song felt thirsty. Her cup was supposedly at her bedside, but no matter how much she felt for it, she couldn¡¯t get her cup. She got off her bed, and felt around barefoot for a long time before finally stepping on her shoes. But she still couldn¡¯t find her cup anywhere. She walked out of the room with a heavy head so heavy she could hardly open her eyes. She leaned on the walls, constantly groping forward until she saw a slit of light on the floor. Lin Ke Song crinkled her eyes in a smile. There are people here. If there are people, then there will be water! She cheered for the wisdom that she embodied. Open the door, this room was so big that¡­¡­. Even with all her might, Lin Ke Song¡¯s line of sight ended at the coffee table at the front of the sofa. There was a glass on the table, and it was half filled with water, quietly shooting rays of shining light. Without another word, she lifted the glass and gulped and gulped the water in two mouths. Just as her lungs were so moistened that they felt like they could float, an icy cold voice spoke from nearby. ¡°Who let you in here?¡± That unique voice, coupled with the night, produced an indescribable sense of elegance and alienation. Lin Ke Song stood up, and only saw a guy in a white shirt walking slowly from the stairs. The soft silver light poured on his shoulders, cold and demanding. When the other party got closer and closer, Lin Ke Song propped her upper body, and squinted, trying really hard to figure out who the other party was. ¡°Didn¡¯t Mayer explain the rules clearly to you?¡± She cocked her head, this person was familiar yet unfamiliar. His eyes were deep, his brow line beautiful, his nose bridge had a sense of nobility, and his lips. Lin Ke Song looked intensely, her heart inexplicably moved, like there was something constantly flitting past her heart. ¡°What did you say¡­¡­¡± She wanted to look at him speaking. As long as he spoke, she could clearly see the place that put people in a fantasy. Her head reached over to the edge of the sofa, stretching her neck out. ¡°Don¡¯t make me say the same thing twice.¡± Can you speak a little longer? Lin Ke Song shifted to the edge of the sofa, and lost her balance. Just as she was going to use her arms to cushion her fall, the other party caught her shoulders, and pulled her back up. His fingers emitted too much strength, Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulder bones were beginning to hurt. ¡°Go back.¡± Such short words again. But when the lines of his lips tightened, Lin Ke Song felt a strength from the depths of her heart, driving her to grab the other party¡¯s collar, and hook on. The other party turned away, so Lin Ke Song¡¯s lips grazed his ear, the touch warm and fleeting. Lin Ke Song¡¯s chin ended up on the other party¡¯s shoulder. His body froze for a moment, his voice lowered an octave. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Like he was trying to compress all the air. ¡°¡­¡­ I want to touch the tip of your tongue¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song laughed lightly, reached her fingers out, just touch the entrance of the lips, and they will be opened. The back of her hand hurt a little. She refused to give up and reached her hands out again, her fingertips was just about to lift the other party¡¯s upper lip and be able to touch that warm place, when the other party sharply turned the face away, and swung her hands away again. ¡°Lin Ke Song, this is my last warning to you.¡± Warn me about what? Lin Ke Song smiled, her eyes turning into crescents. ¡°I just want to touch the tip of your tongue! Let me touch¡­¡­ you bit me ah!¡± It seemed like she had anticipated touching that place for a very very long time¡­¡­ just as she was about to forget, she¡¯d be reminded by the other party¡­¡­ This heart gripping thing was not fun at all! All she wanted was to just touch it! Lin Ke Song¡¯s fingertips touched the other party¡¯s lips, and just like she¡¯d expected the angle the other party was going to avoid to, her fingertips touched his lips unaltered in the course and slipped through. Taking advantage of the fact that the jaws have not closed, she dotted on that softest piece. Her fingertips were satisfied to stop at the tip of his tongue, and moved slightly, that soft and moist feeling was totally different from the cold voice that the owner of the tongue used when he talked¡­¡­ ¡°Ah ya!¡± Lin Ke Song shouted, abruptly retrieving her hand. Because the other party had heartlessly bit down, that pain was so gripping that Lin Ke Song bent forward clutching her finger. So painful ah! It must be bleeding! Must be bleeding! ¡°Didn¡¯t I only touch you a little? Why do you have to bite people ah¡­¡­¡± her tongue was very stupid, could never speak clearly. Suddenly, Lin Ke Song only felt that something had fastened on her head, a powerful force compelling her to look up. Just as she was about to open her mouth to speak, the other party finally determined his bearings and pressed down on her. The soft and warm place behind his lips started to heat up suddenly, and without warning rushed between her lips, sweeping all of her away. Lin Ke Song used all her might to hit the other party¡¯s shoulders away, that fear of being completely overwhelmed made her lift her knee to give the other party a vicious kick. But before she could produce any hits, he had already tightened her hands behind, bringing her even closer to him. At this distance, don¡¯t talk about lifting her knees, she couldn¡¯t even catch her breath! The other party turned towards her, and produced waves of forceful strength, kissing her like he wanted to swallow her whole. Just as Lin Ke Song was about to cry, he suddenly stood up, and she who had lost the support stumbled two steps back and fell onto the sofa. ¡°The next time you get yourself drunk, I¡¯ll throw you out.¡± The other party turned around and left, without any yearning. Lin Ke Song¡¯s lips and the tip of her tongue were numb. Not like she wants to be here! She stood up resolutely, walked unstably towards the door, but not two steps later, her knees hit the coffee table. She managed to walk to the door, but when she opened the door, she realised that it was pitch black no matter the direction. Where is this place? She must be dreaming! When dreaming, it¡¯s impossible to find the way back, as long as you continue sleeping, and wait for yourself to wake up, it¡¯ll be fine! Lin Ke Song returned back to the sofa and laid down. A while later, the whole room darkened. Lin Ke Song hugged her arm, furrowing her brows. It¡¯s so cold ah¡­¡­ did she kick the blanket off the bed? Reach out to feel around¡­¡­ grabbed nothing. Where did the blanket go? Something was place on her, soft, and carried a refreshing scent. Once her thinking relaxed, her thoughts started to disperse. Lin Ke Song turned happily. ¡°Hey, wake up! Little bun, hurry wake up!¡± Oh no! Is she supposed to do cashiering today? Lin Ke Song suddenly sat up, her forehead almost crashing into the other party¡¯s nose. ¡°¡­¡­Mr Mayer?¡± Lin Ke Song looked at the other party blankly, then took in her surroundings, and realised that she was familiar with nothing around her. The white walls were without flaws, the marbled floors were as shiny as mirrors. And a few steps away, was an elegant Scottish styled carpet, that even with your naked eye you could see the exquisite quality of. In the centre of this spacious room was a large bed. The bed sheets were white. At the head of the bed were two dark cabinets, of a symmetrical modern art style. The room was open and spacious, without extra furniture. To the point that it seemed like no one lived here. ¡°Where is this place?¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s brain hurt a little, but the stuff that she had eaten were completely digested and she was extremely hungry now. CH 20 The first breakfast with Jiang Qian Fan Mayer smiled: ¡°I sent someone to fetch you yesterday, at that time, you were already drunk. The last time I saw you last night, you were in the room I had prepared for you.¡± Lin Ke Song hit her head, she vaguely remembered her uncle and his friends sending her off. That small glass of liquor she was given has lasting effects, at first she felt that it was choking and spicy, and after she downed a few beers, her brain totally crashed. ¡°This is Mr Jiang¡¯s room. I¡¯m very curious, how did you get in here?¡± ¡°Mr Jiang¡­¡­Jiang¡¯s room!¡± Lin Ke Song almost fell off the sofa. She was wondering why this room had no warmth at all! Apart from the almost morbid whiteness, and other dark tones that make people feel absolutely no happiness, Lin Ke Song felt that she was in another world. ¡°I forgot to tell you, apart from Nina and me, no one else is allowed to enter Mr Jiang¡¯s room.¡± At this time, Lin Ke Song noticed a plump dark skinned middle aged lady wearing a white apron standing at the sofa. Her expression was like Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s, expressionless. ¡°Sorry¡­¡­ I didn¡¯t mean it!¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. Mr Jiang allows anyone to make mistakes. But the same mistake can only be made once.¡± Mayer smiled, making it seem like his Mr Jiang was magnanimous. The problem was, Lin Ke Song could not even remember how she got here! She only remembered she seemed to be constantly wandering around in pitch blackness, like a dream that she could not find an exit to. Did it mean that she had wandered all the way to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s room? Oh my god¡­¡­ that would be too embarrassing. She lifted the blanket from her body, and after giving her thanks to Mayer, realised that her neck was extremely sore. ¡°No need to thank me. The blanket was placed by neither Nina nor I.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulders paused¡­¡­ if it were not Mayer or Nina, then did she rob Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s blanket in her haze? Oh¡­¡­ my god ah! This is the first time Lin Ke Song realised that she had such thick skin! Mayer took a look at his watch and kindly reminded: ¡°Ms Lin, it is 5am now, you have half an hour to change, wash up, eat and prepare.¡± ¡°5.30?¡± Lin Ke Song looked out of the terrace and realised that the day had just broken. ¡°You are going to follow Mr Jiang on his visit to a restaurant, Polar Lights to prepare lunch for Mr Thomas. This is probably your first time to be able to enter the kitchen of a top restaurant ba. You are very fortunate to have the opportunity to be able to witness Mr Jiang prepare one of the first dishes that was mentioned in the Michelin red guide, the 3 star restaurant¡¯s signature dish, quail foie gras.¡± Lin Ke Song blinked, she is going to be allowed into a high class restaurant¡¯s kitchen so quickly? Shouldn¡¯t she start from some basic skills of chopping, and choosing ingredients first? The speed of this progress is totally like the speed of a rocket ah! ¡°There is 27 minutes left. Are you sure you want to continue wasting time by day dreaming?¡± Without a second word, Lin Ke Song flew to the exit, opened the door and looked at the corridor which looked the same in both directions and could only turn back to Mayer for help. ¡°The sixth room on your left, then turn right and it¡¯s the second room.¡± What turn left, turn right! What¡¯s the point of having such a big house? There was no efficient utilisation! Lin Ke Song found her room after much difficulty, hurriedly flipped out her shower products from her luggage, and in 3 minutes finished showering, in 2 minutes put on all her clothes, totally faster than even those in military school. Nina brought her down to the dining area, and at this time, Jiang Qian Fan was already sitting at the dining table, nodding slightly, scooping up a mouthful of vegetable porridge from the white porcelain bowl and sending it to his mouth. Lin Ke Song sat down slightly nervous, the food set out on the table was relatively sumptuous, but the portions were small, all the foods were placed on white porcelain tableware. And when the spoon hit the edges of the bowl, there would be a crisp sound produced, as if someone were knocking on her heart. There were two shrimp dumplings clear as crystals, a small plate of glistening spinach, two aromatic spring rolls that were deep fried to a golden brown and a dish of stir-fried lotus roots and crushed red peppers. Lin Ke Song looked up, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s expression was quiet and indifferent. The morning light lightly caressed his side profile, and actually produces a sense of sacred control. Mayer smiled towards Lin Ke Song, lifting 2 fingers, indicating that she had only 20 minutes for breakfast. To only have 20 minutes to savour this sumptuous breakfast, it¡¯s too much of a pity! She did not want to eat like Zhubajie (the pig character in well-known show, Journey to the West) eating ginseng fruits, finishing the food and not knowing the flavours. But why¡­¡­ is there only a single bowl of porridge in front of Jiang Qian Fan? Or is it because he came down earlier and had already eaten? Lin Ke Song knows that she is Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s student now, at least a temporary student. If the teacher does not say anything, this disciple better not open her mouth to ask any questions. Mayer took out a tablet, and used a flat yet professional voice to read to Jiang Qian Fan the noteworthy news of the day, naturally it included some news about the food industry. For the most part, Lin Ke Song did not understand. She only needed to concentrate on consuming breakfast. First, a scoop of porridge, the rice had already been boiled till it had the unique fragrance of rice, paired with the vegetables, a slight saltiness, in an instant made the whole body feel extremely comfortable. Then a bite of the crystal shrimp dumplings, the skin was thin yet chewy, the feeling of the shrimp meat hitting the teeth was just too splendid, the deliciousness of the shrimp and the green beans were paired just right, a saltiness and the slight sweetness of the green bean intertwined together, refreshing and not greasy. The crust of the spring rolls were thin and crispy, when bitten down, the crust split in the mouth, the smooth and delicate mushrooms flowing into her mouth, and the slightly spicy flavour was startling, spreading all over her tongue. Lin Ke Song thought in her heart, these breakfast dishes couldn¡¯t be made by Jiang Qian Fan ba¡­¡­ a look at Nina, and Lin Ke Song understood. Even Nina had such exquisite cooking skills, she would definitely be able to experience many different things if she were to follow Jiang Qian Fan around! From the beginning to the end, Jiang Qian Fan did not say a single word to Lin Ke Song, and he didn¡¯t even lift his head to look in her direction. Even though his sight would not allow him to identify another, but he at least knows that Lin Ke Song was sitting in front of him. Probably¡­¡­ because he isn¡¯t too happy that she went into his room without authorisation ba. And, he is originally a cold person. Jiang Qian Fan who was opposite, put down his spoon, Mayer handed him his napkin, and he folded his napkin, and gently pressed it on his lips. All these seemed intellectually polite, Lin Ke Song felt like she was watching a scene in the movies. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Jiang Qian Fan stood up, and left the table. Lin Ke Song looked at Mayer, didn¡¯t he say there was 20 minutes left? Mayer shook his head regretfully, indicating that Lin Ke Song should quickly catch up. But she still had so many things that she hadn¡¯t eaten ah! If she wasted food the food might take revenge on her! Lin Ke Song poured the porridge into her mouth in a couple of mouths, and crunched the rest of the spring roll, stuffed a shrimp dumpling in one shot. These all happened in three seconds, Mayer who was looking at the side was stunned silly. Lin Ke Song caught up to Jiang Qian Fan. Looking at the other party¡¯s back, Lin Ke Song had a curious feeling, of Jiang Qian Fan alienating her. Even though he is cold to everyone, but if he really didn¡¯t want to see her, and also not want her to be like a little tail following him around then why did he say that he was willing to be her mentor? Don¡¯t try to understand a man¡¯s thoughts. The thoughts of guy who looks so handsome and has such a successful career and is blind, all the more you shouldn¡¯t even try to understand. The driver was already waiting next to the door for Jiang Qian Fan. After he entered, Lin Ke Song was hesitant. Where should she sit? Is it beside Jiang Qian Fan, or it the co-pilot position? It was a good thing Mayer came along and cleared her doubts. Because he sat in the co-pilot position, which was to say, Lin Ke Song could only sit with Jiang Qian Fan. In this small area, Lin Ke Song could once again on and off smell the slightly familiar but more unfamiliar masculine scent. She knew, that that was Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s smell. When she brought him around to eat tripe, and had bent down to wipe the tables, she smelled him then. It was very very slight, only when she had peeled away all the other smells, then she sensed the very subtleness of it. But it was just that little bit, that was like some force, incurring her sense of smell, to constantly chase to the bottom of it, to find the pureness and root of the smell. The car pulled out of the community and gradually went towards the city. Their destination was Manhattan, from here to there, the drive would take at least an hour and a half. The car was in total silence, not having any other sounds. Mayer did not speak, the driver too was silent, and even the radio was in a state of shut down. This was very normal to them, but to Lin Ke Song it felt like extreme awkwardness. She could only look out of the window, and look at the scenery that never changed. All the way until they entered the city, then did the sounds from outside the car start to get richer, Lin Ke Song mysteriously felt that the awkwardness went far away, and she no longer felt forced to feel the coldness and silence of the man beside her. When the car moved towards the junction, two uniformed policemen were chasing a young man wearing a hat, the young man rushed across the streets without a care, and the turning car had no choice but to make wider angle of turn and brake. Lin Ke Song¡¯s neck had a feeling of being twisted off, her whole person swerved to the side and fell, her face directly crashing into Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s shoulder. Jiang Qian Fan lifted a hand, and just happened to block the profile of Lin Ke Song¡¯s face. The car stopped, Mayer exhaled: ¡°The young people nowadays are crazy! Are they in a rush to see God?¡± The profile of Lin Ke Song¡¯s face could still feel the warmth of the palm of Jiang Qian Fan. There was no change in his expression, and was not moved by everything that had just happened. Lin Ke Song thought he would retrieve his hands quickly, but just like time had seemed to stop, his hand was still on her face. CH 21 Polar Lights Even the temperature of warmth of the palm was like an illusion, it seemed to be rising, becoming slightly hot. ¡°Mayer, the next time breakfast is finished, ask her to wipe her face clean.¡± Jiang Qian Fan spoke, with a cool voice, smoothly speedy. Lin Ke Song touched her face, eh¡­¡­ a spring roll crumb is still on her face. The corners of Mayer¡¯s lips lifted as he delivered a serviette over. The action of Jiang Qian Fan wiping his hands was very showy to Lin Ke Song. It was like she was looking at a male god with heart eyes, and having the male god say that there was gum in her eyes. Lin Ke Song glanced over Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s hands, recalling Mayer¡¯s words, she saw many fine wounds along his slender fingers. Their colours were light, probably because they were forged by a very sharp blade. Even his the web between his thumbs and index finger and the back of his hands had the same scars. He wore an exquisite men¡¯s watch on his left wrist, but at the edges of the watch, she could see faint and circular burn scars. Mayer said before, Jiang Qian Fan locked himself in the kitchen to practice for a whole 8 years. This was the price he paid. Other starred chefs were also cut by knives while honing their skills, were burnt by splashes of oils. But the suffering they go through in their pursuit of cooking, may not be as intense as what Jiang Qian Fan goes through in a day. Lin Ke Song let out a breath in her heart. She indeed does not feel any sympathy towards Jiang Qian Fan. Because sympathy is for those who are weaker than yourself. And no matter skill or inner strength, Jiang Qian Fan was obviously much stronger than the average person. The car started up again, and moved towards their destination. There are many high classed restaurants in Manhattan. All this time, Lin Ke Song¡¯s impression of high class restaurants was that of Lang Hua restaurant back at home, pompous and decorated atmosphere. But after coming here, she realised, the atmosphere and ambience was more important, and the one to one VIP service. Polar Lights had no arrogant fa?ade, and was very much like an ordinary western restaurant. But after going in, she felt amazement. The nostalgic textures of the floors, the casual elegance of the velvet curtains, beautiful mood photographs hung from the walls, and empty cans of sauces, milk bottles of all sorts of shapes gave Lin Ke Song a refreshing feeling. She stepped into the kitchen with Jiang Qian Fan and walked through the narrow passage. Many people lowered their heads respectfully towards Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°Good morning, chief!¡± This kind of greeting sounded one after another. From their expressions and tone, Lin Ke Song could feel a sense of respect border lining on idolisation. Jiang Qian Fan never spoke, only looked at the direction of the sounds, and nodded slightly. There were still many hours till opening, but everyone was nervously busy. Mayer turned back towards Lin Ke Song and said: ¡°for a good restaurant, the start of all the sumptuous dishes is from the preparation. The preparation of the ingredients, the preparation of the cooking utensils, and even the mental state that the person has to put himself in, every aspect is very important.¡± Lin Ke Song nodded. When Jiang Qian Fan walked past them, every lowered their heads back to what they were focusing on. Some were kneading, some were adjusting the sauce, and some were wiping countertops. Like what they were doing were doing was more that the preparation of simple food. When another door opened, Lin Ke Song was stunned. This was a kitchen that was exactly the same as the one in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa! A middle age man wearing a chef¡¯s white uniform was at the counter quietly awaiting Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking forward to this, chef!¡± He reached out his hand and Jiang Qian Fan shook his hands without hesitation. ¡°I¡¯ll trouble you today, chef Brody.¡± ¡°It¡¯s my honour to be able to work with you.¡± Brody¡¯s gaze went past Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s shoulder and fell on Lin Ke Song, ¡°This is¡­¡­ the new person who will be joining our team?¡± Lin Ke Song was about to shake her hands to signal that he had misunderstood, when Jiang Qian Fan said: ¡°She isn¡¯t qualified yet.¡± Okay¡­¡­ another stab. Mayer quietly explained to Lin Ke Song: ¡°This is Polar Lights¡¯ executive chef, chef Brody. Among his works, fried brandy striped bass was recommended in the Michelin red guide 2 years ago as a two stars signature dish, and his fried truffle foie gras and quail eggs was also named Polar Lights¡¯ signature dish when Polar Lights was rated three stars last year. He is the chef that Jiang Qian Fan trusts and admires the most.¡± This kind of outstanding person is also working for Jiang Qian Fan, just how good must Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s standard be for this Brody to be of service? Jiang Qian Fan took of his coat, and put on a white chef uniform like Brody. He adjusted his hair and put on a white chef hat. His dignified forehead and eyebrow that made people look were clearer, his dark eyes seemed to brighten with the light of the stars, like it was going to light up the whole room. Lin Ke Song and Mayer could only look on from the sides, unable to say anything, unable to so anything that may disturb the process of their work. ¡°Have all the ingredients for Mr Thomas¡¯s been menu prepared?¡± Jiang Qian Fan got to the faucet, and carefully washed his hands. ¡°All prepared. You can do the final selection of the ingredients.¡± Brody took out a tray, which carried a few quails, and placed it on the countertop. Jiang Qian Fan reached out, brushed past each quail, making sure of their sizes, using his finger to feel the quality of the meat and fat, and finally picked two. Followed by the foie gras, asparagus, all sorts of garnishes and the other ingredients. Jiang Qian Fan chose each ingredient carefully, his criterion extremely strict, while handling the ingredients, any slight flaw would be keenly detected. The entire process was very orderly, the understanding between Jiang Qian Fan and Brody needed little words for communication. When the quail was sent into a broth that had been simmering over a small fire prepared long before, Jiang Qian Fan also began the preparation before cooking. Lin Ke Song only saw Jiang Qian Fan skilfully preparing the Manchurian wild rice. Brody was cooking the pigskin before the boiling pot. She cocked her head, totally not understanding what they were trying to make. Then the peas, carrots, carrots, celery and eggs were cut and put at the side. Lin Ke Song took note of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s movements. Every single time before he used the knife, he would use his fingertips to feel the ingredients, to make sure of their length, size, texture and etc., the way he treated each ingredient, the slight difference in angles in which the knife hit the ingredients. A unique musical rhythm was produced as the blade cut through each ingredient and hot the table top. Even of Lin Ke Song did not know everything that was going on, she could still deeply sense that every moment here was a combination of the practice and studying done day and night for the past eight years. At this time, Jiang Qian Fan took a bowl of peas, used the back of the knife to crush them, then used the surface of the knife to scoop the peas into a dish, and used a teaspoon to scoop a little, brought it to his lips, ¡°Brody.¡± Brody turned around, and without a word, took over the mashed peas and handed a spoon of boiled pig skin soup. Jiang Qian Fan held the spoon in his mouth, the soup stopping between his lips and teeth for a second before he nodded, ¡°very good.¡± Brody smiled, and poured the mashed peas onto the boiling pig skin soup. Everything was relaxed, no order could be seen. And yet, everything seemed like it was running on an established track, every step that Jiang Qian Fan made was done straight towards that track. Lin Ke Song felt that it was magical, she had stood in the kitchen for four hours, and she actually did not feel the slightest fatigue. Only until after Mayer got a call to report the arrival of Mr Thomas and his friends, did Jiang Qian Fan start cooking the foie gras. Whether it was the action of cutting open butter, or the smoothness of sending the foie gras into the frying pan, all the actions made people doubt that he had problems with his vision. The first dish sent was the mint cabbage soup. All The cabbage leaves were fished out from the soup, leaving only a few tender pieces of mint leaves to float on the surface of the soup. The soup wasn¡¯t immediately scooped out, Jiang Qian Fan used a disposable spoon to scoop a little soup to taste, and only after nodding his head, Brody plated it in a special bowl. It was like a tranquil lake reflecting images of the trees, obviously simple, but when people see it, it gives off a sense of elegance. Lin Ke Song subconsciously swallowed. The cabbage is a very ordinary vegetable, and to her it isn¡¯t any more elegant when compared to the asparagus, yet it is placed in dining ware of fine dining restaurants, and is being served to entertain guests. She really wanted to know just how it¡¯d taste like. At this time, Jiang Qian Fan did not stop being busy. Brody took something that looked like jelly from the refrigerator, and set it in front of Jiang Qian Fan. He used a small knife to cut off a small block, and sent it into mouth. When he latched on to the piece of transparent jelly, bent his head a little, his eyelids drawn closed, Lin Ke Song could not help but looked at his face, wanting to see his expression clearly. Then he leaned down and stretched out his arms, retrieving a mould, and at that moment, his extended back and neck was in a line of tension and sexiness, which made people¡¯s heartrate uncontrollably increase. Brody put a portion of diced ingredients on his left. Jiang Qian Fan fried them into a fragrant sauce, and drizzled it over the frozen film. While Brody turned around, to do the final plating. The whole dish exuded a much textured lustre. Mayer leaned slightly towards the stunned Lin Ke Song, and softly explained: ¡°this is the appetiser, peas and frozen shrimp jelly. The appetiser plays a very important role in western cuisine, it is similar yet different to the appetizers in Chinese cuisine. The appetiser helps lift the appetite of the guest, and is linked to the main course, to produce an experience of consistent taste.¡± Lin Ke Song nodded not really understanding. And Jiang Qian Fan did not stop at all. Brody also took the quail out from the saucepan. The foie gras that was being fried started producing sizzling sounds from out of nowhere. There wasn¡¯t anything special about the aniseed, the seasoning that Jiang Qian Fan added were commonly seen too. After the skin turned a pleasing yellow, Jiang Qian Fan stuffed it into the abdomen of the quail, then gave it a slight roll in the frying pan, and Brody put it into the oven. The air was filled with the fragrance that made people feel like they were starving and Lin Ke Song was having a hard time standing. CH 22 Hawthorn ice cream In the past, her understanding towards the western cuisine was steak, borsch or some cream soup, and some kind of salad and cream cakes, but she realised now, everything wasn¡¯t as simple as she had thought. A few minutes later, the quail was taken out, it was still emitting steam. The two fragrant smells blended together, and Jiang Qian Fan was again adding some other ingredients. With the final transfer to the plate, it totally looked like a piece of art in the museum. In the past, Lin Ke Song did not understand why in pictures of western food, there needed to be such a large plate for such a tiny portion of food, but as she saw everything before her eyes, she suddenly came to an understanding. The expanse of the whiteness directed your attention, and there was even a margin of beauty. The imagination knew no bounds on the blank parts of the plate, and went deep into the depths of the brain. At the final and last step, Jiang Qian Fan lifted his wrist, and drizzled a spoonful of an unknown pale yellow liquid over the quail. His wrist moved gently, like he was sketching the most beautiful picture. ¡°This is today¡¯s main course, quail foie gras.¡± Mayer explained to Lin Ke Song, ¡°this dish, is common in many fine dining restaurants, but Representative Thomas has a special liking for this particular dish of Mr Jiang.¡± Lin Ke Song doesn¡¯t know how other restaurants will prepare the particular dish, but she was at the side and had witnessed the whole cooking process, rigorous and sophisticated, whether it was the final transfer or the overflowing aroma, all made her cheeks sore with sourness, with the impulse to take a bite. ¡°Next, is the last dish, the dessert. It is the ending, and if it winds up everything properly, it would be a memorable memory to look back on. But if the dessert is not prepared perfectly, the delicious flavours of the previous dishes will be drowned by a moment¡¯s failure.¡± Lin Ke Song gazed upon Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s back, constantly thinking and using her imagination, just what would the dessert be? Will it be a savoury mousse cake? Or souffl¨¦? Or a refreshing ice cream? But what Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t have imagined was, that Jiang Qian Fan would actually start cooking sugar, the white sugar that had been boiled in the pot turned a reddish brown, then he raised his hand, and added a little something, and it was like the sweet fragrance suddenly exploded. Brody retrieved a sealed container from the fridge, and when it lifted the lid, she realised that there were balls and balls of hawthorn. Does Jiang Qian Fan want to make candied haw? It can¡¯t be ah¡­¡­ didn¡¯t he think that candied haw was sour and astringent and not suited to his aesthetic? Just as Lin Ke Song was doubting, Jiang Qian Fan had already scooped up some hawthorn and swiftly swept it thorough the simmering sugar syrup, plated them, took up a spoon, tasted them and gave a nod. Brody brought a dining plate over, used a brush to pick up some sugar syrup, and constantly drizzled the syrup in circles around the hawthorns that were piled like a hill, the syrup quickly cooled and hardened, and formed a nest like shape in the end. It was crystal clear and it made people feel reluctant to break it. Lin Ke Song inhaled, she had a feeling, that the dish looked like candied haw, but Jiang Qian Fan must¡¯ve made some improvements, to make the level of sourness and sweetness match. The dish was sent out, Brody and Jiang Qian Fan started cleaning up the kitchen. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s hands were very agile, within three minutes, the countertop was clean and bright. He then stroked the surface with his finger, to make sure that the table top was clean without and stains, and he began to wash his hands. A few minutes later, the telephone of the back kitchen rang, the lobby manager telling Jiang Qian Fan that Representative Thomas wanted to meet him, because of the dessert at the end. Lin Ke Song started getting nervous. What¡¯s wrong with the last dessert? Is it because it¡¯s too sour? Or that it was too bitter? Didn¡¯t Jiang Qian Fan taste the hawthorn? He didn¡¯t like the taste, but why did he still use the hawthorn to make a dessert for Representative Thomas? ¡°Brody, let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Very well.¡± Jiang Qian Fan walked out of the kitchen, the cane in his hand unopened. Brody walked in front of Jiang Qian Fan, and Jiang Qian Fan put his palm on Brody¡¯s shoulder, letting Brody guide his path. This was only a simple action, but Lin Ke Song could feel the trust Jiang Qian Fan had towards Brody. Mayer looked towards Lin Ke Song and nodded, indicating that she should follow Jiang Qian Fan. When they arrived at the table of Representative Thomas and his friend, the both of them gave a standing ovation. ¡°Every time I come to this place, apart from the high quality that never changes, there is always an unexpected surprise.¡± Representative Thomas¡¯s eyes held unhidden praise for Jiang Qian Fan. His friend was in agreement: ¡°especially the dessert at the end, I¡¯d never expect you to use this sour fruit to make such a unique dessert, to stuff the hawthorn with vanilla ice cream, is so ingenious.¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned, even though they are saying everything in English, but she believes that she has heard that there was ice cream within the hawthorn! How did Jiang Qian Fan manage to fit it into such a small hawthorn? After the representative and Jiang Qian Fan shared a hug, he left with his friend very satisfied. Even with this kind of elite praise, Jiang Qian Fan faced it with a calm attitude, neither sad nor happy. He indifferently turned around, and said to Lin Ke Song: ¡°Come with me.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s nerves jumped, and she inexplicably started feeling nervous. Mayer nodded towards her, like he was comforting her: it¡¯s no big deal, go ahead. Brody went back to the kitchen, and Jiang Qian Fan went upstairs. As his feet stepped on the wooden floor, they creaked softly, and Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart beat starter beating along. When he turned around on the stairs, Lin Ke Song hurried to catch up. Her left foot stepped on the round bend at the corner of the narrow stairs, and her body shook, almost losing her balance, but Jiang Qian Fan was standing at the end of the stairs and he turned around: ¡°What are you doing?¡± The cold voice moved from the top of her head down, Lin Ke Song¡¯s body that had just barely regained the balanced lost its centre of gravity again, and fell forwards. Her forehead almost hit the steps, one hand quickly grabbing on to the staircase¡¯s handrail, and survived. ¡°You don¡¯t have to bow to me so formally.¡± Jiang Qian Fan finished saying and turned around to continue walking. Lin Ke Song got herself up, and could not figure out whether he was serious or not, or maybe he was mocking her? Does this count as her creeping at the bottom of the chef¡¯s suit? If Song Yi Ran knew about it, the fellow would definitely gloat and say: to die at the suit pants of a male god, it¡¯d feel so good even if you lost everything ah! When she caught up to Jiang Qian Fan, she realised that they were at the attic of the restaurant. The attic had a dining table, decorated with white tablecloths, a conical bowl of water that had a single little water lily floating at the surface, triangular floor to ceiling windows at her side, with the view of the hustling and bustling Manhattan. There were no other excessive decorations, but Lin Ke Song explicably felt that she was in another world. ¡°Sit.¡± Jiang Qian Fan folded his cane, and put it at the side. Lin Ke Song then remembered, it¡¯s already two in the afternoon, she and Jiang Qian Fan haven¡¯t had lunch yet. A waiter carrying a tray came up carrying a tray, and very politely placed two sets of soup in front of Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song. Lin Ke Song was stunned, does this mean that she is going to be able to enjoy the same treatment as the representative? ¡°Lin Ke Song, what does food mean to you?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked before Lin Ke Song could pick up her spoon. ¡°Food¡­¡­¡± How should she answer this question? ¡°You only need to say the most honest thought you have in mind.¡± Even though that is what you say, but as your student how can I casually answer it? Lin Ke Song took a full minute to think, her mind constantly searching sieving through the different introductions of different food shows and magazines, but it¡¯s too bad that she watched too little of this type of shows, there was nothing of use in her mind. But the Jiang Qian Fan in front of her seemed to have lots of patience, no matter how long Lin Ke Song took to think, he was willing to wait. But Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t make him wait forever. ¡°If it¡¯s food, then the first thing is, to fill a stomach ba.¡± Lin Ke Song thought this answer was a bit tacky. ¡°En, that¡¯s a fact. And?¡± ¡°And¡­¡­ a kind of enjoyment? Tasting good food will make people feel happy, eating with family, friends and even a person you like is a form of communication¡­¡­ and ¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song leaned back against the back of the seat, her heart lamenting about Song Yi Ran that articulate guy, would have already have answered about food being like diamonds and gold, touching hearts with a face full of sincerity. While Lin Ke Song has never been good at composition writing ah! Jiang Qian Fan continued making things difficult for her, and asked: ¡°do you know what food is to a foodie or a chef?¡± ¡°Work of art?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, they are works of art. An artist¡¯s materials are the canvas and paint, a musician¡¯s material is the note, and our material is all the flavours and edible things of this world. It is not simply a mixture of different ingredients, but more of the balance and integration of flavours, it is the exploration and exhibitions of the laws of the world.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was peaceful, like the cool spring water flowing through gravel, meandering between the mountains and finally silently entering the ocean. If someone else had said those words, Lin Ke Song would have scoffed and replied: Faker. But when Jiang Qian Fan had said those words, there was some kind of persuasion. ¡°So, no matter how the people in the place you grew up perceived chefs, right here, every chef is an artist.¡± Lin Ke Song pursed her lips, in that moment, she felt shame. Because in her heart, no matter how delicious a food was, it was only a superficial experience, which in the end it would be offered to the toilet. She had only treated food as food, apart from the subtleties of every dish and every taste, she had never felt in detail. Including every dish that Uncle Lin Feng had personally cooked for her, including Grandma Wang¡¯s fired liver, and the smelly tofu in front of her school. To make all these delicious foods, the ones who prepare them have put in much efforts and hard work. ¡°Today, you will try the four dishes that Representative Thomas had here. The first dish is mint soup. I hope that apart from filling your stomach, you¡¯d be able to distinguish the levels of flavours. What ingredients are in each level of taste. How the ingredients in each level was prepared and used to make this dish become ¡®good¡¯.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song lowered her head and looked at the soup in front of her, and suddenly felt a mountain of pressure. ¡°Come on.¡± Jiang Qian Fan had already lowered his head, scooped up a spoonful of soup and spooned it into his mouth. Distinguishing the ingredients may be a trivial and easy task to him, but to Lin Ke Song¡­¡­ she feel it¡¯s like the highest level of martial arts in a wuxia novel. CH 23 Mint Cabbage Soup = Nightmare Lin Ke Song started getting nervous, she scooped a spoonful, and placed it at her mouth, while thinking in her heart that since this was mint cabbage soup, then there definitely had to be cabbage and mint ma! If things were as expected, then there would definitely be salt. Apart from these, what else will there be? There was a very flavourful fragrance at the tip of her nose, but what was the fragrance? Lin Ke Song found it very familiar, but she could not put a finger to it. In the end, she put the spoon of soup into her mouth. The temperature was just right, the texture clear and rich, the flavour of the cabbage was not as strong as she thought, which made the fresh fragrance of the mint slowly overflow as she circulated the soup. The saltiness of the soup was weaker than Lin Ke Song¡¯s imagination, but there was a sweet aftertaste. But this sweetness was more gentle and subtle than sugar¡­¡­ it was from the fresh sweetness of the cabbage! And together with this fresh sweetness was a slightly fruity taste, and a light sourness that belonged to a fruit, this tartness made the drinker feel an increase in appetite momentarily. If Jiang Qian Fan did not ask her to take note of the different levels of flavours, she¡¯d probably have treated this soup and drunk it as a refreshing and appetising soup, never taking note of the many mysteries within the dish. ¡°Tell me, what is the first flavour you have come in contact with?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ a unique fragrance. It smells very good, makes people work up an appetite, like a nut¡¯s flavour¡­..¡± Lin Ke Song furrowed her brows, trying her best to think. This was the first exam that Jiang Qian Fan gave her, she did not wish to hand up a blank paper. ¡°What kind of nut?¡± Lin Ke Song searched in her mind. It wasn¡¯t peanuts, the fragrance of peanuts was different from this. It seemed like a little like roasted cashew nuts, but the fragrance was not as strong as cashew nuts. It was lighter, gentler, and¡­¡­ it did not overpower the fragrance of the cabbage. ¡°Is it almonds?¡± Lin Ke Song asked unsurely. ¡°Right.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was very calm, like Lin Ke Song being able to figure out the almond flavour was as expected. But with the answer of ¡°Right¡±, his lips opened for a moment, and Lin Ke Song felt inexplicable regret. Because, just a little bit more, only a little bit more, and she would be able to see the tip of his tongue. ¡°What else is there?¡± ¡°There¡¯s also the flavour of cabbage. But I¡¯m curious ¡­¡­ how did the sweetness of the cabbage get into the soup? Was it simmered for a very long time?¡± Lin Ke Song started regretting after she asked the question. ¡°If the cabbage leaves are stewed for too long, not only will the nutrition of the cabbage be damaged, the cabbage will also lose its sweetness. The proper technique is to select the most tender parts of the cabbage to boil, and remove the tender cabbage leaves before they turn yellow, the timing has to be seized right at the appropriate time. The ratio of the water to the tender cabbage leaves have to be similar. If there is too much water, the sweet fragrance of the tender cabbage leaves will be bland.¡± Jiang Qian Fan held the top of his cane with booth his hands, and the cane was maintained by the ground. This was the exact position he was in when Lin Ke Song saw him in the villa for the first time. Relaxed, calm and as cold as the cold in the high mountains. Lin Ke Song suddenly understood that this man was not arrogant. His world was too mysterious and too delicate, not a world that ordinary people can get a glimpse of, and not a world that ordinary people can understand. He was the only king of that world, and everything was in the palm of his hand. ¡°What other flavours are there?¡± ¡°And mint?¡± ¡°The fragrance of mint is very obvious. When do you think the mint was added?¡± ¡°With such a refreshing flavour, it should¡¯ve been added at the very start of making the soup base?¡± ¡°No. it¡¯s when the soup is about to be scooped from the pot. If the mint was simmered with the cabbage for too long, the soup would have a medicinal taste, and spoil the fresh sweetness that the cabbage carries. ¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned, she had never thought that there was so much thought gone to even the timing of adding the mint. ¡°What about the others?¡± When Jiang Qian Fan asked that, it really put stumped Lin Ke Song. Apart from almonds, cabbage, mint and salt, what other ingredients would there be? Lin Ke Song drank another mouth. Almond, cabbage, mint¡­¡­ and another unique fragrance¡­¡­ ¡°Parsley! It¡¯s parsley right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not difficult.¡± Not difficult? This is considered not difficult? That slight taste of parsley is considered not difficult? ¡°It¡¯s the parsley¡¯s most tender branches, and after removal of the leaves, the soup is filtered through for 30 seconds. The goal is to increase the levels of aroma, and not let the flavour of the parsley overpower the cabbage.¡± Lin Ke Song pursed her lips, first it was the almonds then the cabbage, and then the parsley, how is this cooking ah, she¡¯s about to catch up with perfume makers. ¡°What¡¯s the last ingredient?¡± Lin Ke Song almost spat a mouth of soup in the other party¡¯s face. There was actually another? This is only a soup! Why must it be so complicated! Jiang Qian Fan sat still opposite her, full of patience. Lin Ke Song swallowed the fifth mouth, and felt that the aftertaste had a light and gentle sourness. This sourness seemed like it was subtly pushing the majority of the taste buds, and yet disappeared quickly. What was it? What on earth was it? The soup that was originally little, was drunk by Lin Ke Song till the bottom of the bowl could be seen. She looked up into Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s eyes, and decided to answer honestly: ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve tasted some fruit¡­¡­ but I just can¡¯t figure out the taste¡­¡­¡± Jiang Qian Fan did not scold Lin Ke Song, he only calmly said: ¡°don¡¯t limit yourself to only the Chinese cuisine you¡¯re familiar with, open your mind.¡± Lin Ke Song pursed her lips, continuously trying to recall. At this time, the waiter walked up, serving a portion of appetizers, but it wasn¡¯t the frozen prawns that was seen today. The dish that was in front of Lin Ke Song, was the exact same soup. It looked like, if she could not find the answer, Jiang Qian Fan would not let her eat the good food. She was really so hungry¡­¡­ and wished to eat some food with more substance ah! She lowered her head, and depressingly scooped a spoonful of soup, just as she was about to eat, Jiang Qian Fan suddenly spoke. ¡°You¡¯re not happy.¡± ¡°Ah? Not happy?¡± Lin Ke Song forced herself to smile, ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be happy? This is a 3 Michelin stars restaurant soup ah! No matter how many bowls I drink I won¡¯t get sick of it!¡± ¡°Then continue to drink it.¡± The sides of Lin Ke Song¡¯s mouth twitched, blue veins pooping from her forehead, but she just couldn¡¯t get angry. Why wasn¡¯t the person sitting in front of her not Song Yi Ran? If it were him, she would be able to directly pour the bowl of soup onto his head! And Jiang Qian Fan just lifted the knife and fork, the fork didn¡¯t even touch the prawn on the plate, the knife gently glided through, a piece of prawn was picked, and slowly entered his mouth. The whole time, his knife and fork had no sounds of collision, even as the angle of his raised arm changed, the sense of coordination between his wrist and the utensils were like moves that were carefully calculated, pleasant. The process of him eating was neither fast nor slow, everything here went according to his rules, including time. Lin Ke Song lowered her head, and continued to drink the soup. In her mind, she continuously wondered what fruit could be used to make soup? It seemed like there was only the tomato right? But from the colour of this soup, no matter what, it wouldn¡¯t be tomatoes ah. Lin Ke Song stealthily retrieved her phone from her pocket, muted the phone, and then quickly searched: fruits used in western cuisine. One search, and she did not expect a multitude of fruits. So Lin Ke Song decided to narrow her search, and directly searched ¡°mint cabbage soup¡±, immediately the recipes came up, suddenly her eyes lighted up. Ai! So it was this ah! The foreigners seem to use this fruit a lot when they cook! ¡°It¡¯s oranges right?¡± Lin Ke Song asked. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s face continuously had no expression. ¡°Not right.¡± These two words made the originally happy Lin Ke Song suddenly feel depressed. It¡¯s actually not oranges! The recipes on the web had obviously written oranges, okay! ¡°Pineapple?¡± ¡°Not right.¡± ¡°Apple!¡± ¡°Not right.¡± Let¡¯s all have a fruits party everyone! Lin Ke Song was full of tears in her heart. Has she really eaten this fruit before? The appetizer in front of Jiang Qian Fan had already changed to the main dish, but Lin Ke Song was starting on her third bowl of mint cabbage soup. The originally sweet and refreshing soup had lost its charm, she really wished she had a smaller head, to directly drown herself. ¡°Was the search engine good?¡± When Lin Ke Song had finished the third bowl of soup, Jiang Qian Fan finally opened his mouth. ¡°Cough cough cough¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song coughed till there were golden stars in her eyes. This chap actually saw it? How did he see it? Didn¡¯t Mr Mayer say that he could only differentiate light? ¡°I can give you a hint. It¡¯s not bananas, not grapefruit, not American red grapes, not blackcurrants, not blueberries, not strawberries. Has your search range narrowed a little?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was like the water overflowing through cracks in the ice fountain, calm and indifferent. Even if Lin Ke Song were and idiot, she would also know that he was mocking her! She could only silently put her phone back into her pocket, and go red due to her trying to be smart. ¡°You figured out almonds, cabbage, mint, parsley, but you are unable to figure out the last fruit, have I overestimated you?¡± Jiang Qian Fan put his knife and fork down, that pair of eyes was obviously empty, but it made Lin Ke Song feel inexplicable pressure. His voice had no intonation, but it was sharp as a sharpened needle piercing through Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart. She was angry, really furious. The other party had already finished the main dish, she was still with a bowl with nothing in it! Did she miss something here? When the entr¨¦e was removed, and changed to the dessert, Lin Ke Song had already drunk the fifth bowl of soup. She still did not know what the fruit was. And Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s posture to his expression did not change at all. What¡¯s the point of clinging onto this? This isn¡¯t even some soup that must be drunk! Apart from this mint cabbage soup, isn¡¯t there the cream of mushroom soup, borscht, or the Chinese style chicken soup, duck soup and pork rib soup! Lin Ke Song propped her forehead on a hand, Jiang Qian Fan did not eat the dessert, but held his cane with both hands, and looked at Lin Ke Song. He was like a barbaric ruler. It was obvious that he himself had the answer, but he wanted the whole world to know everything like the palm of their hands, just like him! When the eight bowl of soup was served, she had absolutely no desire to lift the spoon. CH 24 The details determine everything, Ke Song She didn¡¯t believe that if she didn¡¯t want to drink the soup, Jiang Qian Fan would be able to force her to drink it. If she were not able to come up with the answer for the rest of her life, would he be able to sit in front of her in silence for a lifetime? But Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s patience exceeded the imaginations of Lin Ke Song. An hour passed, the soup was totally cooled, Jiang Qian Fan was like a sculpture, and his figure did not even sway at all. As for Lin Ke Song, her back felt horrible from sitting, is she going to have a herniated disc. Another hour passed, and then a waiter actually came up, to help Lin Ke Song change the cooled bowl of soup to a hot one. Does this mean that the mint cabbage soup is about to become her life¡¯s nightmare? She started to feel that every cell in her body started to get annoyed. When the waiter asked: ¡°sir, this is the last bowl of mint cabbage soup.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s happiness shot through the roof¡­¡­ that¡¯s not right, it¡¯s shot to the big dipper! As long as she forced this bowl of soup down, then say she didn¡¯t know what the answer was, would Jiang Qian Fan be able to continue wasting her time? ¡°Then prepare again.¡± Jiang Qian Fan said as if it were the natural course of things. ¡°Yes, sir.¡± The waiter went away, while Lin Ke Song went crazy! Jiang Qian Fan was obviously making things difficult for her! Is this trying to use this damn soup to rhythmically stuff her to death! When did she make him angry? Which part was it was an eyesore? If he found her an eyesore, why did he agree to be her mentor! He having his goals doesn¡¯t mean that the whole world had to have the same goals! He having his senses doesn¡¯t meant the whole world would have the same senses as him! Lin Ke Song suddenly stood up, grabbed the table with both hands, and exploded. ¡°To me this is only a bowl of soup, to the customers, it is only good to eat or not! Is there any meaning as to whether its apples or oranges inside? It¡¯ll all be pooped into the toilet anyway! So, Mr Jiang, I can¡¯t reach the expectations you have of me! And I have no interest in reaching them! And I don¡¯t even see the need as to why I need to reach them!¡± ¡°If apples were added among the cabbage, the fragrance will spoil the natural flavour of the cabbage, distracting from the main ingredient. As for lemons, if it were added to the soup, and due to the high temperature of the soup when it is scooped out, the sourness of the lemon will more astringent and even bitter in that temperature, and spoil the taste of the soup.¡± In the face of Lin Ke Song¡¯s anger, Jiang Qian Fan did not waver at all. It seemed like the whole world was spinning according to him, without offsetting at all. ¡°In many dishes, for example the quail foie gras you saw today, many top restaurant chefs know how to make them. Ingredients, process, and even the amount of time to bake is all the same, but in the end, there is not a single chef that can come up with the same taste. The details determine everything, Ke Song.¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned. He did not call her ¡°Ms Lin¡± or ¡°Lin Ke Song¡±, but ¡°Ke Song¡±. And totally unexpectedly, when he spoke her name, she saw the tip of his tongue raise slightly, like it was gliding along her emotions, she suddenly had the illusion her being pampered by him. Lin Ke Song swallowed her saliva, breathed in, and sat down. ¡°When tasting food, there needs to be the appropriate mood. Do you remember when you ate candied haw you told me, that it was the taste of having a crush?¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned, she did not think that Jiang Qian Fan would remember something she¡¯d said to him on a wimp. ¡°And this soup, was made to open the hearts of the customers, it is the beginning of them tasting good food. It determines the mood of the customer. When the customer is in a good mood, their sense of taste will be more detailed, and be able to taste every seemingly insignificant but deliberate moment that the maker put into the dish.¡± When the Jiang Qian Fan in front of her used the calmest tone of voice to tell her everything, Lin Ke Song was very surprised. He could have frowned due to her touching him without permission, asked her to comply with the rules that he had set, he never seemed to be bothered by her emotions, but at this moment, he seemed like a gentle elderly, accommodating all her impatience. ¡°Sorry.¡± ¡°Taste again.¡± Lin Ke Song took a breath, lifted the spoon, and sent the soup into her mouth, the warm liquid flowed past the tip of her tongue, almonds, cabbage, mint, parsley, and the lastly the fresh sweet and sourness of the mysterious fruit. Lin Ke Song cocked her head, trying to make the taste stay at the tip of her tongue for a longer time, she desperately tried to hold onto the feeling, but it was like the breeze passing through branches, disappearing in a blink of an eye. So she drank mouth after mouth, chasing after that subtle sweet and sourness in her mind. ¡°It¡¯s cherries, right?¡± Lin Ke Song lifted her eyes to look at the other party¡¯s direction. After drinking the eighth bowl of soup, it was the first time she was anticipating Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s definite answer. ¡°Right.¡± Lin Ke Song closed her eyes and exhaled. She was way too amazing! She could actually figure out the flavour of cherries! This is totally the skills of a god! ¡°This is my first lesson to you ¡ª¡ª taste deconstructing. When you are able to differentiate the ingredients in every dish in detail, and the needed preparation and dealing of the ingredients to achieve a certain taste, will you be able to not only reproduce other chef¡¯s signature dishes, but also be able to make the taste in your mind a reality.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was very calm, like Lin Ke Song being able to figure the taste of cherries was the natural thing. Lin Ke Song lowered her head to look at the soup in front of her, it was that same old soup, but the world that that she was familiar with was currently going in the opposite of what she knew. It was a premonition: everything was going to be more detailed and subtle than ever before. Jiang Qian Fan slowly stood up, and left the dining table, ¡°We can go back now.¡± Lin Ke Song looked at the table then she looked at Jiang Qian Fan, did the other party forget something? She was unlike him, apart from the soup, he also had eaten the appetiser and the main dish! She only had a stomach full of water! Jiang Qian Fan had already walked to the doors of the lift, Lin Ke Song desolately followed behind. As he took a step, he suddenly stopped. Lin Ke Song almost bumped into him. If she had really knocked him over, the consequences would be brutal! ¡°Next time, don¡¯t lie in front of me.¡± It was like him previously calling her ¡°Ke Song¡± was totally an illusion, and the freezing cold he was now was the reality. Lin Ke Song shut her eyes with all her might, finished finished, this big ice block will definitely remember this thing for a lifetime! Jiang Qian Fan got into the car, Lin Ke Song silently sat beside him, and the car started in the direction back. Mayer was holding the tablet pc, and was reciting some current affairs and some industry news, Jiang Qian Fan was listening quietly. And the consequences of the eight servings of mint cabbage soup were finally emerging. Lin Ke Song wanted to use the bathroom. From wanting to use it a little, to really wanting to use, she did not know how long more till they¡¯d reach Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa. And Mayer had said before, if Jiang Qian Fan had not allowed her to speak, it was best if she did not say anything. Furthermore, it seemed like she had made him unhappy today due to secretly using the search engine. What to do ah, what to do? Mr Driver, don¡¯t you wish to use the bathroom or something? Uncle Mayer, didn¡¯t you drink coffee for today¡¯s breakfast? Isn¡¯t coffee a diuretic? Why do you not have any reaction? And Jiang Qian Fan, you big ice block! Didn¡¯t you drink a bowl of soup? Did that bowl of soup freeze up in your stomach so that you have no reaction ah! Lin Ke Song¡¯s enduring was getting increasing uncomfortable! She suddenly understood, that the eight bowls of soup was Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s trick as her ultimate punishment! The Jiang Qian Fan who had been quietly listening to Mayer suddenly lifted his hand slightly. After Mayer saw Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s action through the mirror, he put down the tablet and turned around: ¡°Sir, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Jiang Qian Fan shifted his face in Lin Ke Song¡¯s direction and said: ¡°what¡¯s with you.¡± ¡°I¡­¡­ I want to use the restroom!¡± Lin Ke Song saw a ray of hope. ¡°Endure it.¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned back. Lin Ke Song was stunned for two seconds, and just managed to not lift a fist to hit him in the face. Endure? You actually said endure? You try enduring! You try it! Tear were spinning in Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes. Mayer looked at Lin Ke Song, and shook his head slightly, the meaning of his look was: what have you done to make Mr Jiang unhappy? She really did not do anything wicked or wreaked havoc amongst the common people, all she did was secretly search on her phone diligently! The car continued driving smoothly, Lin Ke Song¡¯s head was slanted to the side, thinking in her heart that at the most, she¡¯d not endure any more, and perish together with Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s luxurious car! Just at this moment, Jiang Qian Fan turned his head slightly, like he was listening to the sounds outside the window. Shopping malls with led screens were playing electronic music that was pulsating through the air. ¡°Stop here for a while.¡± He opened his mouth to say. Lin Ke Song inhaled, and looked at Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°The ladies¡¯ is on the second floor in the southeast corner of the mall.¡± It was like Lin Ke Song had gained amnesty, opened the car door, and rushed out without a care for her body. She got on the escalator, to the second floor of the mall, but realised that she did not know where the southeast corner was. After asking a shop staff, she found the restroom at the very last moment, and found relief. At this time, her phone received a message, it was from Song Yi Ran. At that moment, her tears almost fell from her eyes. Song Yi Ran: Why didn¡¯t you return my call? Only then did she realise, Song Yi Ran had made more than ten calls last night, but she was filled with too much alcohol by her uncle and his friends, and in the end she even slept in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s room, so she totally did not hear anything. Lin Ke Song: I¡¯m still alive. Song Yi Ran: That means you¡¯re not having a good life? Lin Ke Song: Your sister! All because you made me participate in some cooking audition! Now that I¡¯ve been chosen, I¡¯m about to join a competition! Song Yi Ran: ¡­¡­ it can¡¯t be, right? Since when were you going to join a competition? Do you want me to help you accumulate votes? Lin Ke Song: accumulate your head! I¡¯m currently having reclusive training! The mentor has an icy cold temperament, aloof personality, not at all giving! Suddenly, Song Yi Ran had an oncoming call, the ringtone scared Lin Ke Song that her phone almost dropped to the ground. CH 25 Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s thoughts = don¡¯t try to guess ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Where are you now?¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s voice was short of being lazy, with a little strictness that made people feel pressured. ¡°A bathroom in a shopping mall. Drank too much soup.¡± Lin Ke Song rubbed her nose, she was full with water. ¡°What¡¯s with the reclusive training? What shopping mall¡¯s bathroom, aren¡¯t you supposed to be minding the cashier in your uncle¡¯s restaurant?¡± Lin Ke Song could give Song Yi Ran a once over about everything that had happened to her, including her experience of being forced to drink eight servings of mint cabbage soup. Song Yi Ran was silent for two seconds, laughing till the heaven turned over at the other end of the line. Lin Ke Song did not need to look at his face to know that he was definitely clutching his stomach, laughing all over the place! ¡°Hey! Are you my bro or not ah! This master is totally obsessive compulsive disordered with self-centred complex ah! His house floors are so shiny they blind the blind! And you can¡¯t even produce a smidgen of sound! These aren¡¯t the symptoms of being over the top, I think he is sick in the mind!¡± ¡°Bro, I sincerely don¡¯t think that you are suited to be a chef. You better go back to your uncle¡¯s to work early, gather enough for your school fees and study with me ba. This older brother will protect you, you will definitely graduate smoothly without missing a single module.¡± ¡°Tch. You think I¡¯m not suited to be a chef?¡± Song Yi Ran gave a sigh at the other end of the phone: ¡°Ke Song, in Europe, the impressions that people have of chefs and the chefs who toil in the back kitchen in China are very different, they are artists. From young, you have no artistic cell in your body, while bringing you around to look at the modern art exhibitions, you head directly for the seating area to sleep. So why do you have to force yourself? If something doesn¡¯t suit you or you don¡¯t like to do something, just don¡¯t do it.¡± Lin Ke Song was silent. Did she really not like these things? Then, why was it when Jiang Qian Fan was preparing lunch for representative Thomas, she has observed every move and step with concentration greater than when she was revising for the college entrance examinations? Why did she rejoice when she was able to figure out the cherry taste in the mint cabbage soup? ¡°I want to try again.¡± Lin Ke Song said in a muffled voice, ¡°If I win, I would have enough for my school fees! Anyway, it¡¯s only three months!¡± Song Yi Ran was silent for a rare moment. Lin Ke Song cocked her head, and thought that there was something wrong with her phone. Until a few seconds later, his voice sounded again. ¡°Alright. But you have to tell me, who is your mentor?¡± ¡°This, is a secret la! I can¡¯t tell you!¡± Song Yi Ran laughed, his sound of laughter was very pleasant to the ears, and it carried some frustration: ¡°Okay, okay! Anyway it¡¯s only a little, don¡¯t force yourself to do things you don¡¯t want to do.¡± After chatting mindlessly for a little while more, and the call was hung, did Lin Ke Song sit up. Ai ya, having a conversation on the phone in the bathroom with her crush and all that, it¡¯s totally unromantic ah. She exhaled, bowed her head and walked out of the bathroom. Just as she was about to walk through the door, a cold voice sounded at her ears before she could look up. ¡°So sorry, I just have obsessive compulsive disorder and a self-centred complex. And not only that, but also am over the top and have a weak mind.¡± Lin Ke Song abruptly realised, Jiang Qian Fan was actually holding onto his cane, standing vigil outside the bathroom. Mayer had followed behind him. And Mayer shook his head helplessly at Lin Ke Song. Lin Ke Song was totally stunned, why did Jiang Qian Fan come here? Wasn¡¯t he sitting in the car? Did he need to use the bathroom too, so he just happened to hear her conversation with Song Yi Ran? Jiang Qian Fan! You seem so cold and aloof, why were you eavesdropping on the conversation at the corner of the ladies¡¯! But these are not the problems! Jiang Qian Fan turned around without saying anything. The view of that back, was extra cold and stern. How many times has she made him unhappy today? Lin Ke Song ah Lin Ke Song, are you seeking death today? You will definitely have a hard time in the future! Meditate upon the tips from Song Yi Ran, if the roads are congested, hurry give up and go around! ¡°Ms Lin, do you know how long you¡¯ve been in the washroom?¡± Mayer asked Lin Ke Song softly. ¡°Three minutes?¡± Mayer shook his head. ¡°Five minutes?¡± Mayer shook his head again: ¡°its 15 minutes. And your phone line was constantly busy.¡± Lin Ke Song ‡å-ed. She had spoken to Song Yi Ran on the phone in the bathroom, and had forgotten about the time. ¡°Mr Jiang was worried about you, and personally came up to take a look.¡± Once Mayer said that, Lin Ke Song started feeling guilty. But¡­¡­ no matter how you look at it, it didn¡¯t seem like Jiang Qian Fan was worried about her ah? Which part of her deserved his worry? Isn¡¯t it just a visit to the bathroom? It can¡¯t be that the moment she flushes that toilet bowl, she¡¯d be sent to the other world? ¡°He really said that he was worried about me?¡± Lin Ke Song asked Mayer with uncertainty. ¡°I guessed it.¡± Mayer answered seriously, and hurried to catch up to Jiang Qian Fan. How can a guess be treated as accurate ah! They got back to the car, and after Mayer answered a phone call, he turned around and said to Jiang Qian Fan who had not said a single word: ¡°Mr Jiang, Li Yan insists on seeing you.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t see any need to see him again.¡± Mayer hesitated for a couple of seconds, and decided to say what he really thought: ¡°Mr Jiang, Li Yan sounded very agitated.¡± ¡°If he sees me, he will only get more agitated and lose control, and will not reflect on his problem.¡± Mayer exhaled, ¡°I understand.¡± Lin Ke Song thought that the name ¡°Li Yan¡± sounded familiar. Wasn¡¯t this Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s assistant? You meant to say that he was already fired by this big ice block? But its right too, this big ice block has such high expectations, would any commoner be able to meet them? With the silence through the roads, Lin Ke Song got back to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa. Actually Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa, apart from being too clean, too quiet, and too big with no sense of humans, everything was very good. Just as she was squatting at her luggage that she had used great effort to move, Mayer walked in, and put a pile of books on Lin Ke Song¡¯s table. ¡°These are the basics of the preparation of food, main dishes, different types of soups and desserts. The contents are extremely detailed, hope that you will be able to reap the benefits.¡± Lin Ke Song counted the books from the base to the peak of the pile, there were a full dozen or more books. What¡¶ how to prepare your dinner¡·,¡¶ origins of ingredients ¡·,¡¶ the art of balancing tastes¡·, and what not. Lin Ke Song looked at Mayer: ¡°you want me to read all these in three months?¡± ¡°Three months?¡± Mayer smiled, ¡°you wish to spend three months on these books? These are what you need to read finish and familiarise yourself with within the first week.¡± Lin Ke Song almost spit her lungs out. ¡°Apart from that, every day from 8 am to 12 pm, Mr Jiang will guide you on how to segment ingredients without damaging them.¡± Its knife skills already? ¡°I¡¯m flying to Atlanta tonight, to help Mr Jiang settle some things. I wish you sweet dreams in advance.¡± Mayer left the room, Lin Ke Song randomly picked a book to flip through, her eyeballs were about to fall out. It¡¯s actually the English version! Everything was the English version! Even if she didn¡¯t neglect her English in university, but there were so many words related ingredients and preparation methods, she had never even seen them before! Does this mean that she has to go back to the ¡°good¡± times of burning the midnight oil? But after those eight bowls of soup were digested, Lin Ke Song was ferociously hungry. She opened the door, looked left and right, didn¡¯t see Mayer and couldn¡¯t find Nina¡­¡­ she also did not dare to walk around casually¡­¡­ she could only take out the bag of crackers that her mother had stuffed into her luggage when she came to New York. Even though it was a little crushed, Lin Ke Song still ate it deliciously, squatting in front of the wastebasket. What signature dish of a Michelin restaurant ah, it couldn¡¯t even compare to the biscuit crumbs now. After eating the biscuits, Lin Ke Song laid on the bed lazily, looking at the tall stack of books, with a premonition of a stormy kind of relentless sadness. Lin Ke Song knew, to do things subpar will only make things more difficult with Jiang Qian Fan. So many books, and having to read and understand them all and be familiar with them, it must be a way that Jiang Qian Fan had thought up to make things unhappy for her. But as long as she understands everything, Jiang Qian Fan will not be able to be happy! Lin Ke Song sat up, found the thinnest book ¡¶ origins of ingredients ¡·and started reading it. She remembered when she was in high school, while memorising, reciting and transcribing whatever, she could fall asleep even when seated at the table. So at this moment, Lin Ke Song had already made preparations at the table for when she crashes on the table. But when she flipped open the book, she was stunned. There were many notes on the pages, all written by a fountain pen. The words were tiny, but neat and elegant. Some places even had phonetic marks, others had explanations. It was like someone knew that Lin Ke Song was going to learn from this book, so they had done adequate preparations in advance for her. Without knowing why, Lin Ke Song just felt that these words were written by Jiang Qian Fan. But Jiang Qian Fan couldn¡¯t see. He couldn¡¯t have made annotations for her. Lin Ke Song flipped open the books, and the things that put her in disbelief was, every book had similar annotations. She could sense the kind of focus the person who had written the annotations down had while sitting at a table, reading each page under a light with a calm and quiet heart. With these kinds of annotations, Lin Ke Song suddenly felt that the originally choppy book became interesting. She never knew that the French would use sows to help them collect truffles! And she never knew that corn was actually a hermaphrodite (have male and female reproductive organs)! And she couldn¡¯t even begin thinking that salmons would swim against the currents up stream to reach their destinations during the spawning period! Lin Ke Song only felt that things were getting interesting. She didn¡¯t even realise when Nina brought her dinner. When she had flipped to the last page of ¡¶ origins of ingredients ¡·, she realised that it was already nine thirty in the evening. She packed up and walked into the shower. CH 26 Word count: ~4000 words A night of storm This bathroom is totally incomparable to the narrow and small washroom in uncle¡¯s house. The clean white bathtub, with a water temperature controlling system, gave Lin Ke Song a sudden impulse to have a shower. She set down a change of clothes. Switched on the shower and sweetly felt the warm water flow down her body. Her mood was so good she started humming a tuneless melody. But the moment she turned around, she let out a sharp shriek, and almost fell onto her butt. Because Jiang Qian Fan with a look of indifference, had his arm leaning against the bathroom door, and who know how long he had been watching. Lin Ke Song hugged herself tightly, and stepped backwards, the shampoo and body wash was hit down, making pilipala sounds. ¡°You¡­¡­ how can you come in! Don¡¯t you know I¡¯m showering!¡± Lin Ke Song was so angry her brain was about to explode! She hurriedly pulled a towel to wrap herself up. Only two seconds later, did Lin Ke Song realise, that Jiang Qian Fan actually could not see. The bathroom¡¯s steam came in contact with Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s face, then one after another bounced off and dispersed. At that moment, the originally cold and solemn face seemed gentler. But why was it that she had an illusion that Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s point of view was focused on her body, tracing her face, her neck, and even across the towel, like it was hugging her tightly. Her heart started beating furiously. The air that was breathed into her lungs was jumping and could not be restrained. ¡°Do you know what time it is now?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked slowly. The slight parting of the lips, was the source of Lin Ke Song¡¯s impulses. Like a flash of inspiration, she wanted to grab onto him tightly. ¡°Nine¡­¡­ forty?¡± she looked past the opened bathroom door, and looked at the clock on the wall. ¡°Mayer should have told you before, that you were not allowed to shower after nine ba.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Mayer did indeed tell her that, it¡¯s just that she couldn¡¯t remember it¡­¡­ ¡°You hear me in the shower?¡± Lin Ke Song asked him unsurely. After all, her room was quite a distance from Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s. ¡°Yes, I can hear you clearly. So, you have disturbed my rest time, Lin Ke Song.¡± She didn¡¯t know why, when he called her ¡°Lin Ke Song¡±, she felt an emotion of disappointment at the bottom of her heart. ¡°Your ears are so sharp¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song curled her mouth. ¡°My ears are indeed sharp. I can hear the sounds of your breathing when you lie, could hear the words you said in the bathroom in the shopping mall, and could hear the sounds of water flowing down in this villa. Even if I don¡¯t want to hear, I will still be able to hear. Do you understand what I¡¯ve said?¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Lin Ke Song pursed her mouth. You can¡¯t talk loudly in this room, have to put on a headset when you watch movies or listen to music, and can¡¯t shower after nine¡­¡­ in other words, you can¡¯t do anything that produces sound! Such a pity, I¡¯m not a dead person. The dead will not have any movement, and will be able to satisfy your extreme requirements of ¡°absolute silence¡±. Jiang Qian Fan turned around and left. Lin Ke Song then started to clear the bottles and jars on the floor. There¡¯s no way she can live like this ah! But when she squatted on the ground, she felt great pity towards Jiang Qian Fan. The reason why he was able to enter her bathroom, was because she had forgotten to lock the door. Imagine if the one in the bathroom wasn¡¯t Lin Ke Song, but a beautiful sexy lady! Other men who see the sight, will have their noses ejecting blood. But he Jiang Qian Fan is unable to see! How sad ah! Lin Ke Song started to laugh muffled. Then she rubbed the back of her head, why was it that she had a melancholy feeling that she had been looked at in all her nakedness? Jiang Qian Fan left Lin Ke Song¡¯s room, went along the secluded long corridor, and returned to his room. There, Dr Xie was waiting very patiently on the sofa for him. ¡°Qian Fan, what¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°Lin Ke Song was in the shower.¡± Jiang Qian Fan sat down. Dr Xie lowered his head, and lightly flipped through a file containing Lin Ke Song¡¯s data, ¡°Oh, did the shower sounds interrupt our conversation?¡± Although according to Dr Xie¡¯s hearing, he couldn¡¯t hear anything. ¡°Yes.¡± Dr Xie gently twitched the corners of his lips, and slowly without rushing said: ¡°I heard that last night, you let Lin Ke Song sleep on your sofa?¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned his head slightly to the side, the light leaving sorrowful traces on his face. He did not actually open his mouth to speak. Because to him this was a question that did not need answering. ¡°Why did she go into your room?¡± Dr Xie continued to ask. ¡°She was drunk, walked into the wrong room.¡± ¡°So you could smell alcohol from her body.¡± Dr Xie looked at Jiang Qian Fan thoughtfully, ¡°You¡¯ve lost that flavour, Qian Fan.¡± ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± ¡°And today, you were supposed to wait in the car for her, but you realised that she hadn¡¯t come back after ten minutes, so you went to the shopping mall to look for her.¡± ¡°Did Mayer tell you this?¡± ¡°This is what he was supposed to tell me, so don¡¯t blame Mayer. But, have you ever thought about why you went to find her, and waited for her outside the restroom?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never thought about it.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was ice cold. Dr Xie smiled, and changed the sitting posture: ¡°Maybe¡­¡­ just saying ¡°Maybe¡±. You know that you yourself are very strict, you know that you live a life where your sense of hearing, smell, taste and touch is magnified ten times more than an average person¡¯s, and you also know your pursuit for perfection will make people stay away from you. So you are worried, she will be like others, turn around, and leave without even a ¡®bye¡¯.¡± ¡°You¡¯re too sensitive, Dr Xie.¡± It was like Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s facial expression was solid, there wasn¡¯t any movement. ¡°You just went to remind her, to not shower after nine, to follow the rule of absolute silence after nine of this villa. But her shower sounds, did it make this villa not quiet, or did it make your heart unable to quieten down? ¡± Dr Xie¡¯s voice carried a hint of a smile. ¡°My heart is very quiet.¡± Dr Xie let out a laugh, ¡°Qian Fan, are you sure when the shower sounds started up, the image you were thinking of was not the water flowing past her neck, her shoulder, her fingertips?¡± His voice was calm and warm, but it had an inexplicable strength, like it was drumming the depths of the mind. ¡°Wasn¡¯t.¡± But Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s answer was concise and sure. ¡°Are you sure when you went over, it wasn¡¯t because you wanted to see?¡± ¡°She has nothing that I want to see.¡± ¡°Are you sure that what you wanted to say to her was not ¡®Leave my mind¡¯ but ¡®no showering after nine¡¯?¡± ¡°Dr Xie, the questions you¡¯ve asked have already exceeded the questions a psychologist should ask. And I¡¯m sure I still belong to the category of the mentally healthy. No depressive tendencies, no antisocial personality, and no self-isolation characteristics. I don¡¯t know where the value of your questions lies.¡± ¡°You are not only full of defence towards me, but you also have aggression.¡± Dr Xie touched his chin, and used a deep tone to say, ¡°This means, I have asked the right questions. I¡¯ve only asked the questions you¡¯ve asked yourself out loud. Some philosopher, can see the essence of the world from a grain of sand. It¡¯s the same for you. A grain of sand may be very small, a slight misstep and it will be gone, never to be found again.¡± ¡°Thank you for your reminder.¡± ¡°Ah, I have a photograph of Ke Song here, do you need me to describe what kind of girl she is to you?¡± ¡°No need.¡± Jiang Qian Fan stood up, making a gesture of pointing the guest out. But Dr Xie seemed like he hadn¡¯t seen anything at all, and continued saying: ¡°she has very fair skin, her eyes are big.¡± ¡°Dr Xie, today¡¯s consultation hours have ended already.¡± ¡°A small nose, when she smiles, it looks like she has a dimple on the left.¡± ¡°Dr Xie.¡± Jiang Qian Fan said in a low voice. ¡°Short hair, but full of spirit.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s faced towards the door. The corners of Dr Xie¡¯s lips lifted, and he finally stood up and left. When he reached the door, he stopped his steps, ¡°Qian Fan, compare to the average person, you know even more that understanding a person is not only about ¡®seeing¡¯.¡± The room was quiet again. Jiang Qian Fan sat in front of the sofa in silence for a long time. After Lin Ke Song sorted out the bathroom properly, she started wiping her hair. She didn¡¯t dare use the hairdryer, afraid that the noise will attract Jiang Qian Fan over again, and could only send a message to Song Yi Ran while letting her hair dry. Lin Ke Song: Have you returned to New York yet? Song Yi Ran: This weekend¡¯s flight. Are you missing me already? Memeda (Chinese ver. of xoxo/sound of flying kisses)! Lin Ke Song: Memeda your butt ah! She actually wanted to rant at Song Yi Ran about the exotic rule of not being able to use the bathroom after nine, but when she thought about it, once she rants, wouldn¡¯t it mean that she would have to reveal that she was totally ¡°seen¡± naked by Jiang Qian Fan? Song Yi Ran will definitely go insane! Lin Ke Song looked at the ¡°memeda¡± on her screen, her ears heated up a little. This stupid swine, definitely doesn¡¯t know what ¡°memeda¡± means! Song Yi Ran sent another message: After I come back, let¡¯s have a meal together ah? Lin Ke Song thought: Got to ask if my mentor is willing to give me some time to rest. On the other end of the line in San Francisco, Song Yi Ran stood in front of the large full length window, looking at the lights of Silicon Valley, his eyes narrowed. With her headphones on, listening to that song¡¶¡·, Lin Ke Song started thinking about home. After giving her parents a call, and greeting her uncle, she rubbed her tummy¡­¡­ hungry. Lin Ke Song regretted, why hadn¡¯t she prepared a huge container of snacks before? Abruptly, she remembered the kitchen that she had seen before. She definitely won¡¯t be able to cook anything to eat in that kitchen, Jiang Qian Fan will definitely discover it. But there were so many ingredients there, including all sorts of fruits. Anyway, Mayer has never said to her before that she couldn¡¯t go to the kitchen to get the fruits to eat ah! Lin Ke Song suddenly became very happy. She left her own room, tracing the way to that kitchen using the memory in her mind of when Mayer led her that day. The corridors were pitch black, with only the lights of the stars and the moon. Lin Ke Song annoyingly chattered in her heart, totally don¡¯t understand the reasoning behind Jiang Qian Fan buying such a large villa! The shadows swayed, moving around on the grounds like ghosts. Lin Ke Song finally felt her way to that kitchen, then only remembered that it seemed like Mayer had keyed in some code, how would she know what the code was ah! It seemed like she¡¯d made a wasted trip! Just as Lin Ke Song was about to turn back, she realised that the kitchen door seemed to be unlatched. Did Mayer forget to lock the door? Or was Jiang Qian Fan still inside? Lin Ke Song¡¯s finger hooked onto the edge of the door, and slowly opened it. In the darkness, she could faintly make out a silhouette of a person in the corner. Lin Ke Song felt the wall for the light, and the moment she pressed the switch down, the whole kitchen lighted up. And that person had the back facing Lin Ke Song, standing on top of the shelves, in the corner don¡¯t know doing what. The moment the lights lit up, he pulled down his hat, suddenly turned around, knocked past Lin Ke Song and rushed out. Lin Ke Song pressed her shoulder, it hurt so much it felt like the bones were going to split. But the next second, she realised. That was a thief ah! Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s house was so huge and so empty, it was totally a ghost town! Lin Ke Song suddenly thought of Jiang Qian Fan, he couldn¡¯t see, what if the thief had bad intentions towards him? That man had already run out, about to make a turn, that was Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s room! At that moment, a voice of pain sounded, followed by the sound of a fall. Lin Ke Song was shocked, and immediately ran. ¡°Jiang Qian Fan! Jiang Qian Fan!¡± Her voice echoed in the corridors, but there was no reply from Jiang Qian Fan. Her heart was about to burn up. Lin Ke Song swore, that she didn¡¯t even sprint this fast for the 100m dash in secondary school! Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s room door opened, the light flooding the corridors. A figure with the back turned towards Lin Ke Song was fallen on the ground, Lin Ke Song hurried to help the other party up. ¡°Jiang Qian Fan ¡ª¡ª are you al¡­¡­.¡± Lin Ke Song came in contact with the other party¡¯s arm, and knew that this person was not Jiang Qian Fan. And without a word, the other party lifted a fist aiming for Lin Ke Song¡¯s face. Lin Ke Song was shocked, and couldn¡¯t avoid. At that moment, someone grabbed the back of her shirt collar, and directly hoisted her away with a great strength, That punch pretty much brushed past Lin Ke Song¡¯s cheek, her heart almost popping out of the heart of her vocal cords. The hand grabbing her collar let go. Lin Ke Song staggered a step back due to inertia, and crashed into the other party¡¯s arms. The familiar smell blossomed. A hand pressed her back, and got her stabilised. Lin Ke Song inhaled, lifted her head, and just happened to see Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s chin. ¡°Li Yan, what are you doing here?¡± The cold voice sounded, like all feelings had no meaning in his world. The man sitting on the floor took off his hat, only then did Lin Ke Song realise, he was in the entourage that followed Jiang Qian Fan when Lin Ke Song first saw him. What was the matter? Li Yan smiled, and got up from the floor. His left thigh was a little crippled, probably stumbled from the hit of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s cane. ¡°What am I doing here? Mr Jiang! I was your assistant for a year, even if there¡¯s no credit, there¡¯s hard work! But how have you treated me?¡± ¡°Precisely because there was no credit but there was hard work that I gave you a chance to voluntarily resign.¡± ¡°Voluntarily resign? This is the recognition you give to my work? Is this how you repay my cautious work?¡± Li Yan crooked his face, his eyes having a paranoid twist to them. Lin Ke Song had a bad hunch. In this world, she, Lin Ke Song is not afraid of gangsters and is not afraid of cultured gangsters. But in front of a lunatic, she has always been helpless. She stood in front of Jiang Qian Fan, thinking about when she would the right time be to grab Jiang Qian Fan and run? ¡°Isn¡¯t it because you took a bribe from Langhua Hotel¡¯s Chairman Zhao, so you classified them as Jiang Co.¡¯s partner? Not only that, to make Langhua hotel¡¯s merits seem more outstanding, you even purposely hid the merits of the other hotels. Li Yan, you made use of the trust I had in you.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was overly calm, in this calmness, the emotion of ¡°disappointment¡± couldn¡¯t even be seen. Li Yan hmphed lightly, pointed at Jiang Qian Fan and said loudly: ¡°Isn¡¯t Langhua hotel the most powerful amongst the potential partners? Apart from them, who else can you choose? All I did was make the merits of Langhua hotel more outstanding only!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need someone else to make the decisions for me.¡± ¡°But I have no more future in the industry of Chinese catering in America! Because you are Jiang Qian Fan, the people that you don¡¯t use are the people who are defective, are not perfect! You have ruined my everything!¡± Li Yan got agitated. Lin Ke Song had never thought that such an originally gentle man could show such rage. If he used his fist, neither of them would be able to block it! Jiang Qian Fan ah Jiang Qian Fan, why didn¡¯t you make Nina stay! At least there¡¯d be someone to give the police a call! With a house so big, and with so much money, would it cost you a piece of your flesh to hire a night security guard! ¡°I did not ruin you, it¡¯s you who ruined everything that you once had. You said that there is no future for you in the Chinese food catering industry anymore, but I don¡¯t think so. There are so many zero star restaurants, you could obviously start from the basics up, but you¡¯re not willing to. You are unable to forget superiority of being a manager of a recognised restaurant, you look down on the commonest, most simple job, your heart has not quietened yet, this is the reason you are unable to find a job, and it is not because of me.¡± Lin Ke Song poked Jiang Qian Fan in his chest with her elbow, to hint to him to stop speaking, to stop provoking Li Yan. ¡°So in the whole world, you are the noblest! Your standards set the boundaries for everyone, including the pursuits of our lives! I worked so hard in this country for 10 years, to get what I have today! But you easily deny my everything! Since it¡¯s like that, why don¡¯t you also try the feeling of being denied by others?¡± After finishing, Li Yan suddenly took out a knife from his pocket, and aimed towards Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s shoulder. Lin Ke Song lifted her thigh without explanation, and gave a kick to Li Yan in the abdomen. ¡°Ooh¡­¡­¡± Li Yan clutched his stomach and stumbled backwards, starring daggers at Lin Ke Song, then lifted his dagger and raised it towards her. She had learned taekwondo before, but she didn¡¯t see the need to fight to the end with a lunatic. She dodged Li Yan¡¯s attack, turned around and ran. After running a couple of steps, she realised that Li Yan hadn¡¯t chased after her, but had rushed towards Jiang Qian Fan to stab his chest. ¡°Jiang Qian Fan!¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned, and hurriedly ran back. Jiang Qian Fan lifted his hand to block, waving his cane over, and just happened to hit Li Yan in the face. Li Yan clutched his face and fell to the side. Lin Ke Song was surprised, and thought that this Li Yan was really useless, he couldn¡¯t even stab a blind! Wait, this isn¡¯t what she should be wondering about. She rushed forward, Li Yan rushed up again, and she grabbed Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s cane, and harshly hit Li Yan in a flurry. ¡°Stupid girl! Die together with Jiang Qian Fan ba!¡± ¡°You keep asking people to die all day long! Why don¡¯t you die yourself ah!¡± Lin Ke Song hit even more harshly. In her heart, this Li Yan was sick in the mind! When Li Yan grabbed the can over, Lin Ke Song did not fight over it with him, and turned around, grabbing Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s wrist and ran. ¡°What are you still standing here for! Run ah!¡± Jiang Qian Fan did not say anything, letting Lin Ke Song grab him anyhow, until they ran into the kitchen, and whatever Jiang Qian Fan pressed, the kitchen door was locked. Li Yan was outside keying in the passcode frantically, but the door had no reaction. She suddenly lost his patience, and kick the door with all his might. ¡°Jiang Qian Fan, you coward! Come out now! Come out!¡± ¡°Jiang Qian Fan ¡ª¡ª you selfish self-centred bastard! Come out! Or I will burn you to death!¡± Lin Ke Song listened to his roar, and couldn¡¯t help getting scared. ¡°He said he was going to burn us to death ah!¡± Jiang Qian Fan leaned on the counter, his expression a little down, and calm. ¡°Hey¡­¡­ will that lunatic really do that?¡± ¡°The house has smoke sensors. If he really started a fire, the sprinklers will automatically start sprinkling.¡± Lin Ke Song was speechless. ¡°On your right, there is a police button. After pressing it, the community¡¯s security will rush over.¡± ¡°Oh!¡± Lin Ke Song then remembered that this was a fancy residential area, security is advanced and well thought out. But how did Li Yan get in? He obviously knew the password to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa, but what did he enter the kitchen for? Li Yan saw that they refused to come out, and started smashing and throwing the things in the house. Sounds after sounds, *pili pala*(crashing sounds), Lin Ke Song listened till her brains started to hurt. ¡°He¡­¡­ wasn¡¯t he by your side previously? And he was very concerned about you¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song remembered, at that time she brought Jiang Qian Fan to try out the dishes, Li Yan had even taken a photo of her identification, just to ensure the safety of Jiang Qian Fan. In Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart, Li Yan was very serious about his job ah, diligent, and prepared everything for Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°Because he did something wrong.¡± Jiang Qian Fan did not continue to explain, Lin Ke Song understood, to not ask any more about what she was not supposed to ask about. Quickly, the security guards rushed over, and subdued Li Yan, to hand to the police to handle. Lin Ke Song received the call from the security guard, and only then unlocked the kitchen, and followed Jiang Qian Fan out. The main door of the villa was wide open, the flashing lights of the police cars swept over Lin Ke Song¡¯s face again and again. Li Yan was still struggling, the police couldn¡¯t help but press him against the hood of the car. The moment he saw Jiang Qian Fan walk over, his eyes seemed to be staring till they wwere about to be popped out: ¡°Jiang Qian Fan! Jiang Qian Fan! I will not let you go! I will not let you go!¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s face was calm, the police came over to him, to let him sign some documents to confirm. ¡°Sir, please sign over here.¡± When the other party realised that his eyes couldn¡¯t see, he tried to touch Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s hand. But Jiang Qian Fan moved slightly to avoid. ¡°Lin Ke Song.¡± When she heard him call her name, Lin Ke Song rushed forward, ¡°What¡¯s the matter ah, Mr Jiang?¡± CH 27 WRITTEN BY QINTARJUNE 20, 2016 Word count: 3900w Mushroom pork noodles = roots of weed ¡°Where do I sign?¡± Jiang Qian Fan lifted his hand, and Lin Ke Song was stunned, not knowing whether she should touch him. Only until Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s distorted did Lin Ke Song hurriedly take the pen the police officer offered, and stuffed it into Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s hand, maneuvered his finger to the place where the signature should be. ¡°Right here.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s hand started moving. His signature was in English, his words elegant, Lin Ke Song blinked, it was actually really similar to the notes in her book. Does this mean that the notes taken were written by Jiang Qian Fan? The cool night air lifted the hair on Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s forehead, so gentle that it looked like waves that never broke. She once thought that Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s side profile was like a cold and sharp cliff, but now it gave off a weird sense of desolation. The police left, and Li Yan was also taken away, he will be facing a serious prosecution. Jiang Qian Fan turned. Without his cane, he walked to the door, hesitated for a while, and suddenly opened his mouth: ¡°Lin Ke Song, come over.¡± ¡°Ha?¡± Lin Ke Song hurried to his side. But she never once thought, Jiang Qian Fan would actually raise his palm. ¡°Where¡¯s your shoulder?¡± ¡°Here¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song carefully took hold of his arm, and put it on her shoulder. His palm was very warm, the kind of warmth that made people feel at peace. ¡°Go back.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± Lin Ke Song walked up the stairs slowly, and Jiang Qian Fan followed behind her. ¡°Close the door, remember to take precautions.¡± His voice sounded from the back, and was so close, she kept having an illusion, that when the other party spoke, his breath wandered at the back of her neck. She followed everything he said and keyed in the password code. While she walked, she made sure that all the doors and windows were shut tight. The window near the kitchen had already been shattered, the night air blew in, the curtains danced in the air, like skirts of spirits. If Jiang Qian Fan had not been just right behind her, Lin Ke Song thinks that she would definitely been frightened to death. ¡°You said you discovered Li Yan in the kitchen?¡± ¡°En, yes.¡± Lin Ke Song thought it quite weird too. If Li Yan had a grudge against Jiang Qian Fan for forcing him away, he could¡¯ve caused some trouble in his room, why did he go to the kitchen? ¡°Go back to the kitchen to check it out.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Lin Ke Song opened the kitchen¡¯s door, and walked in with Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°You take a good look, especially at the places that Li Yan hovered around, is there anything out of the ordinary?¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Lin Ke Song tiptoed, leaned over, and there seemed to be something at the corner. ¡°Mr Jiang, there seems to be something! But I can¡¯t reach it!¡± After saying, Lin Ke Song only felt someone grab her lower back, before she could react, she was carried up, to sit on Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s shoulder. At that moment, she almost screamed, and in a moment of nervousness, she pressed the top of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s head. ¡°What are you so flustered for, I won¡¯t let you fall.¡± His voice was still as cool, but she could clearly feel the strength of him pressing against her. Lin Ke Song carefully let go of Jiang Qian Fan, and reached her hand out. ¡°Mr Jiang, please move a little to the left.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s finger hooked onto that little black thing, gave it a hard tug, and pulled the thing down. ¡°All good! Mr Jiang! I¡¯ve got it!¡± Lin Ke Song thought Jiang Qian Fan will directly put her down, but unexpectedly, he walked back a couple of steps, held on to her lower back, and practically carried her down to a height that was about his height. Both his hands supported her, and it seemed like to him, she didn¡¯t weigh anything. This was the closest that Lin Ke Song had ever been to Jiang Qian Fan. Her line of sight was almost at the same height as Jiang Qian Fan, she could see his high and clear forehead, his eyebrows and even his elegant eyelashes way too clearly. When she finally reacted, Jiang Qian Fan had already put her on the counter top. ¡°Where¡¯s the thing?¡± he opened his hand towards her. He leaned forward, with a hand still supporting at her side. He turned his face slightly, it looked like the prelude to a kiss. Lin Ke Song swallowed her saliva, and pressed the thing into the palm of the other party. Jiang Qian Fan straightened up, and left her. That kind of enveloping breath left her, and made people oddly disappointed. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s finger pressed on the black thing, felt it, and conveniently just placed it back on the countertop. ¡°Is that a mini camera?¡± Lin Ke Song had only seen these kind of things on TV. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°What did Li Yan install the camera in the kitchen for?¡± Lin Ke Song totally could not understand. This Li Yan can¡¯t be a pervert ba? For example be infatuated with the stance of Jiang Qian Fan cooking? He was indeed so swoony handsome when he was on the kitchen with his white uniform working methodically¡­¡­ so Li Yan who had been working at Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s side for a year plus could not resist the temptation of his psychopathy? When she thought to here, Lin Ke Song could not help saying that the hole in her brain was way too big¡­¡­ ¡°I often explore and test ideas for new dishes in this room.¡± Once Jiang Qian Fan said that, Lin Ke Song was suddenly enlightened. ¡°So Li Yan records the whole process of creating a new dish, and he will be able to sell the footage to other restaurants right? Especially to your competitors in the industry! He thinks that this way he will be able to affect you, right?¡± ¡°Right.¡± When she first heard Li Yan, that he was forced away by Jiang Qian Fan, she had felt a little pity for Li Yan. But now that she has seen it, Li Yan wasn¡¯t even morally right in the first place. Jiang Qian Fan had seen this aspect and only asked him to leave. ¡°Then let¡¯s look around for more cameras!¡± ¡°No need. Wait till Mayer comes back and we¡¯ll see.¡± Jiang Qian Fan suddenly reached out his hand, and brushed the hair on Lin Ke Song¡¯s forehead, ¡°What about you?¡± ¡°Me? What about me?¡± While being pressed by his palm, Lin Ke Song subconsciously lifted her head. ¡°You weren¡¯t sleeping in your room, why were you in the kitchen?¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned. Big ice block! Can your brain not work so fast please! We¡¯ve just finish tossing the yusheng! Shouldn¡¯t we be celebrating with a can of beer? Lin Ke Song could not help thinking about a more appropriate reason¡­¡­for example sleepwalking? ¡°Remember what I said to you before, don¡¯t lie.¡± ¡°I got hungry¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song said pitifully. ¡°So you were here to look for something to eat.¡± ¡°Yes. But I only thought about grabbing a banana or a tomato only!¡± Lin Ke Song wanted to bring her crime index to the lowest. ¡°What do you feel like eating?¡± Jiang Qian Fan suddenly asked. Lin Ke Song was stunned, and tilted her head asking back: ¡°Are you going to make it for me?¡± ¡°I want to make noodles, you can have the soup.¡± After saying, Jiang Qian Fan turned around, opened the refrigerator, and took out mushrooms, and a slab of pork. Lin Ke Song smiled, she started her brain, Jiang Qian Fan was going to cook noodles for her! ¡°Not going to boil the water?¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned his face to her. Lin Ke Song jumped from the countertop, and according to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s instructions, filled a third of the pot with water, and placed it on the stove to boil. ¡°Come over here to take a look.¡± Jiang Qian Fan said to Lin Ke Song as he put on his apron. His apron was very simple, no frills, and flawlessly white. The average guy may give off a sense of homeliness when they put on an apron, but Jiang Qian Fan seemed very professional and accomplished, his gestures gave off an aura that people could not help trusting. Lin Ke Song wen to his side. Jiang Qian Fan lowered his face, his finger covering the mushroom, pressing lightly with the fingertips, ¡°Every ingredient has its unique texture and line. Some ingredients have rules to be followed when you cut them, to be able preserve the texture and protect it from damage before it reaches the pot, to maintain the freshest taste. For example, the mushroom, do you see the lines?¡± ¡°I see it.¡± Jiang Qian Fan gave the mushroom a few cuts, and split it into sections, then flipped the cut up mushroom over. Lin Ke Song then realised, the mushroom was cut within the lines. ¡°Fungi, cut along the lines, to maintain maximum elasticity.¡± ¡°En.¡± Lin Ke Song nodded her head. But her sight always ended up falling on the fingertips of Jiang Qian Fan, long and pretty, even with though thin and light scars, they did not seem incomplete or hideous, and on the contrary, had another kind of beauty. ¡°You try.¡± Don¡¯t know whether it was because of the boiling sounds of the water not far away, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice that sounded in Lin Ke Song¡¯s ear was a lot gentler. She followed Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s method, first located the lines of the mushroom, and then cut them open. One she finished slicing, Jiang Qian Fan pushed them to the side without looking at them. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to check?¡± Lin Ke Song asked sticking her head over. ¡°You aren¡¯t stupid. The water is boiling, put the noodles in, remember to stir with the chopsticks, don¡¯t let it stick to the pot.¡± ¡°Oh! I understand!¡± Lin Ke Song gave a laugh, that sentence ¡°You aren¡¯t stupid.¡± is it considered a compliment? Jiang Qian Fan lifted his hand, took another chopping board, and put the pork on it. ¡°Pork breaks into pieces easily when crosscut, and get old when you cut vertically, so when you cut pork, it¡¯s best to slice according to the lines.¡± Jiang Qian Fan switched to another blade, his fingers gently brushing the surface of the pork. Lin Ke Song knew, he was feeling for the lines. He purposely slowed down, to let Lin Ke Song see clearly the angle of contact of the blade with the pork. Slices of pork were cut along the blade, Lin KE Song was filled with curiosity about Jiang Qian Fan. Even though Mayer said before, to come back to the world of cuisine, Jiang Qian Fan had isolated himself for 8 years, but even so, when his blade slide across the pork without hesitation, Lin Ke Song still felt that everything was a miracle. ¡°You try.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­ me?¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song thinks that her cutting will definitely be disorderly, some thick some thin, and definitely not meet the aesthetic expectations of Jiang Qian Fan. But when Lin Ke Song lifted the knife, and lowered her head to study the lines of the pork, Jiang Qian Fan came up behind her. His left hand gently clothed Lin Ke Song¡¯s fingers, aligning his fingertips with hers, his right hand pressing the knife together with Lin KE Song. Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulders started getting nervous all of a sudden. Because she realised, she was pretty much in the arms of the other party. This was a very small world, with only inches of land. She only needed to move her body slightly, and she¡¯d bump into the person behind her. So she could only carefully shrink into herself, like she was afraid of disturbing the other person¡¯s world. ¡°Why are you nervous? I won¡¯t let your fingers get cut.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡®s voice was as always, steady and cold. But Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulders gradually relaxed. She did not know how he did it, it was like he could feel every little emotion of hers? Jiang Qian Fan led her and started slicing. She originally thought that his method of cutting would need lots of strength, but she realised that it was unexpectedly lithe. When the blade glided across, she could feel the amazing feeling of the meat closest to the blade splitting. How every line was subjected to the passing of the blade, how the slices of pork fell off. It was like she had entered into Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s world where all the senses were enhanced. Everything started becoming wonderful. ¡°Right at this angle, do you remember?¡± ¡°Yes, I remember.¡± Lin KE Song nodded her head. Jiang Qian Fan released his hands, and started heating a pan. Lin Ke Song stood at the side, and observed his movements carefully. The pan was heated, but he did not pour oil, but put the mushrooms in the pan to stir fry, to force the water content out of the mushrooms, and put it in the plate for later. Then, he poured the oil, and patiently waited for 10 plus seconds then put the pork slices in. His stir-frying method was very unique, like every inch of the pork slices were dancing lightly in his shovel. Lin Ke Song tiptoed and watched, as before the colour of the meat went completely white, the garlic and ginger were poured in, the sizzling sounds were coupled with the strong aroma, Lin Ke Song¡¯s stomach got hungrier. She gulped down a mouthful of saliva, but Jiang Qian Fan said: ¡°You don¡¯t eat much at night?¡± Lin Ke Song touched her tummy, and smiled embarrassingly: ¡°I¡¯ve got good digestion.¡± Jiang Qian Fan didn¡¯t say anything more, and pored the prepared mushrooms into the pot, saying: ¡°take 3 cubes of ice and at it into the pot.¡± ¡°Ah? Why?¡± Even though Lin Ke Song did as told, she couldn¡¯t resist asking. ¡°To give the noodles more elasticity.¡± That¡¯s why! When the noodles boiled for a second time, Jiang Qian Fan mentioned: ¡°sieve the noodles out.¡± Lin Ke Song did as told, when she put the noodles in the bowl, she realised the portion was only enough for one ah! Jiang Qian Fan poured the stir fried mushrooms and pork slices together onto the surface of the noodles, picked up a pair of chopstick, and neatly gave the noodles and the ingredients a mix. ¡°Eat ba.¡± He pushed that bowl of noodles towards Lin Ke Song. ¡°Weren¡¯t you going to eat? This noodles were made only for me?¡± No matter how Lin Ke Song thought about it, the fact that this big ice block will make a bowl of noodles especially for her was something unthinkable. ¡°I don¡¯t eat supper.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­ why ah you so good to me ah¡­¡­¡± this was the first time Lin Ke Song felt such gratefulness towards the other party. ¡°Treat it as a reward for not running off alone, and remembering to return to look for me.¡± The ends of Lin Ke Song¡¯s mouth twitched, will you die if you say ¡°Thank you¡±? But the bowl of noodles was too fragrant, it was only mixed mushroom pork noodles, how can it be so fragrant? ¡°Can¡¯t be that after eating I would have to list out the ingredients ba?¡± If I can¡¯t say them, you will continue cooking noodles for me, until the skin of my stomach explodes noodles? ¡°What ingredients I¡¯ve used, didn¡¯t you see them clearly? Why is there a need to make you say them again?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s tone of voice was as normal, but the eyebrow that was slightly lifted seemed to say: Are you an idiot? Lin Ke Song was relieved, and her stomach was hungrier than ever. She picked up a chopstick of noodles, blew on it and was about to put it into her mouth, when the male sitting across her suddenly lifted his hand, and accurately pressed on her forehead, lifting her face up. The noodles that was finally picked up returned to the bowl once again. His palm was still stuck to her forehead. Lin Ke Song got unexplainably nervous, ¡°Wh¡­¡­What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°The noodles are scalding, you send it to your mouth just like that, do you not want you tongue anymore?¡± Lin KE Song looked stupidly at Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s lips, the tip of his tongue peeking and hiding, pushing and pulling, moving her heart. She never thought he would touch her. Li Yan said before that he did not like anyone touching him, Mayer had also told her the same thing. But why, did it seem that the rule had been broken, he had touched her more than once. ¡°I¡­¡­ I¡¯ll blow on it again¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song inhaled a breath of air, lowered her head, picked up the noodles, blew multiple times more, and made sure that it was cool, and only then sent it into her mouth. And Jiang Qian Fan had already picked up a cloth, and started cleaning the counter top, arranging the cooking utensils. While eating, Lin Ke Song could not help looking at the other party. When he was sorting out the kitchen, everything fell into place, no matter what was said, Lin Ke Song could not believe that he could not see. This proficiency, was totally dependent on his understanding of this area. Lin Ke Song then realised there were fine lines on all the counter surfaces, and every ingredient or utensil, was put on the places where the lines were marked. Lin Ke Song finally understood, as long as the things were in the designated places, Jiang Qian Fan will be able to remember where each item was, and cook like a normal person. Jiang Qian Fan used less than 3 minutes to clear the kitchen. From Lin Ke Song¡¯s point of view, there was nowhere that was no shining brightly. She thought he would coldly ask her to remember to clean the bowl and chopsticks or something and leave, but he sat beside Lin Ke Song. Everything quietened down, and was only left with the noises of Lin Ke Song eating noodles. When the first mouth of noodles entered her mouth, Lin Ke Song was stunned. It was only the mushroom pork noodles that was very common, but it had such an aromatic flavour. The delicious meat slices and mushroom, ginger, and garlic flavours blended together, and became a flavour that made people search for it, the warm feeling entered from the tongue to the bottom of the heart. The noodles were exceptionally springy, and carried a slight egg and buckwheat fragrance. These all made Lin Ke Song want to consume the bowl of noodles in a breath. But Jiang Qian Fan was precisely sitting opposite her. All these time, Lin Ke Song had already deeply understood just how amazing Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s sense of hearing was. And his dining etiquette has always been elegant, he¡¯s definitely feel uncomfortable listening to her slurping sounds of consuming the noodles right? So she could only suppress her deep impulse to satisfyingly take big mouths of noodles, pick up a few strands of noodles, and carefully put it into her mouth without making any sound. As Lin Ke Song ate, she looked up to glance at Jiang Qian Fan. What was this big block of ice doing sitting here? Can¡¯t he let others properly eat noodles? Jiang Qian Fan leaned slightly on the counter, showing the side of his face. Lin Ke Song¡¯s line of sight fell on his deep set eyes, down to his chin, along his neck that showed the degree of his relaxed shoulders, and finally stopped at the shirt cuffs he had unbuttoned, and folded nicely, at his lower arms. Lin Ke Song purposely looked past the side of his face. Because at that moment she had an impulse, she wanted to pull off his shirt, to see some other expression than his coolly indifferent one. This thinking was simply too perverted la! ¡°Is there a problem with the noodles?¡± Jiang Qian Fan suddenly asked. ¡°No! No problem at all! It¡¯s so explosively good!¡± Why would he think there was a problem with the noodles? The problem was it was too delicious but she couldn¡¯t eat it in big mouths ah! ¡°The sounds you make while eating the noodles don¡¯t sound like they¡¯re ¡®explosively good¡¯.¡± Jiang Qian Fan reached out his hand, and landed it on Lin Ke Song¡¯s forearm. At that moment, Lin Ke Song got nervous, and froze on the spot not knowing what to do. While Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s palm followed her arm and slowly moved down, reaching her the outsides of her wrist. This was the first time Lin Ke Song felt the other party¡¯s fingertips. It was a warm gentle touch that did not match his cool indifference. He picked the chopsticks from her hands, and leaned down towards her. As he came nearer to her, Lin Ke Song only felt that the air started inexplicably vibrating, and even his fine lashes were like wings that were ready for flight, casting a subtly sorrowful shadow from his eyelids. He picked up a few strands of noodles from the bowl, and held it in his mouth. ¡°There isn¡¯t a problem with the noodles. The flavour is right too. Is it a problem with the mushrooms or the pork slices?¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned his face towards Lin Ke Song. Looking into his eyes let her experience the feeling of falling. ¡°The mushrooms?¡± Jiang Qian Fan lifted his eyebrows slightly as he asked. ¡°I¡­..I¡¯ll help you take.¡± Lin Ke Song carefully retrieved the chopsticks from the other party¡¯s hands, picked up a piece of mushroom, and placed it at the side of his lips. Lin Ke Song used to think that his lips were cold and stern, always pursed, making people nervous. But she realised at this moment, he lips had a beautiful outline, when it was slightly parted, it made people want to exclaim. When Lin Ke Song sent the mushroom between his teeth, she felt the moment when the tip of his tongue appeared. She could not help holding her breath, it seemed like Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s tongue was flitting past her heart that her whole body, even the smallest cell in her body was vibrating. ¡°The mushrooms are fine too. Are the pork slices not good?¡± He was dedicated in knowing just what was the problem was, with this bowl of mixed mushrooms and pork slices noodles, But Lin Ke Song just realised, this pair of chopsticks is the pair that she had used before ah! Why didn¡¯t Jiang Qian Fan have any reaction ah! If he suddenly thought about it, will he use the chopsticks to stab her to death? But she could only bite the bullet and pick up the sliced pork, and send it to his mouth. It had to be said, that the way his chin was slight raised while waiting was so adorable. Even the originally stern chin became childish. ¡°There¡¯s no problem with the pork slices either, just which part of it do you find not delicious?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s eyebrows turned into a frown. CH 28 Mixed mushroom pork noodles VS shredded fish fried noodles (Comes with a small act) ¡°Which part of it is not nice ah! This is the best noodles I¡¯ve ever had!¡± Lin Key Song hurriedly explained. If the noodles Jiang Qian Fan made wasn¡¯t good, then what else would be good food? Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s eyebrows were still in a frown. ¡°I¡¯m only¡­¡­ only¡­¡­¡± Lin Key Song thought about Jiang Qian Fan telling her to never lie to him, but the truth, was really a little awkward. ¡°You only what?¡± ¡°I was only afraid of making sounds, then you¡¯ll think that I have no manners while eating.¡± Jiang Qian Fan lifted his hand, rested it on his chin, his fingers clutching his lips, his head facing the side, like he was thinking about something. Lin Key Song looked nervously at the other party. Until he opened his mouth: ¡°this is only a bowl of noodles, and it¡¯s only my kitchen, not a fine dining western restaurant that you have to dress up for.¡± This belonged to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s unhurried tone of speech, sounding as cold as always, but Lin Key Song seemed to be able to see a faint smile on his lips under his fingers. Her heart felt like a page that was brushed by the wind, gently swaying and bending. Lin Key Song lowered her head, and took a huge mouth. ¡°Ooh¡ª¡ª¡± It¡¯s simply too refreshing! All the flavours followed the smooth noodles and fill all the spaces in her mouth. Lin KE Song used around a minute to down the whole bowl of noodles. She closed her eyes with satisfaction, and exhaled a breath. Rubbing her stomach, Lin Key Song leaned on the chair and did not feel like getting up. When her eyes slit open, Jiang Qian Fan was looking in her direction. She had an illusion that he could actually see. The world in his eyes was clearer compared to other people. Lin Key Song sat up, washed the bowl and chopstick, and put them on the bowl rack. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Jiang Qian Fan only stood up then, feeling the edge of the counter top, and after determining the space and direction, he walked out without hesitation. Jiang Qian Fan returned to his room first, open the door and walked in. When that door was closed, Lin Key Song looked at the long and dark corridor, her heart filled with a sense of fear. She stood at her place, filled with great affection for the slit of light coming from Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s door. And the road forward, looked like something would jump out at any moment. The more Lin Key Song moved forward, the more her imagination and worry increased. Who knows, when she gets to the corner, someone would suddenly jump out? Or when she opened the door, she¡¯d realise that there was someone hiding behind the door? Or maybe, after she¡¯s fallen asleep, some thing will slide out from her closet? In the darkness, her imagination was infinite. She knew that she was only scaring herself, but she still couldn¡¯t stop her imagination. Forget it, she¡¯d rush back to her room in a breath, then give the bottom of the bed, the closet and the bathroom a proper check and lock up, then put on her headphones and listen to music to sleep! At this time, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s door suddenly opened. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you left?¡± ¡°I¡¯m¡­¡­ about to go¡­¡­¡± Lin Key Song wondered, did she produce any sounds, is standing outside his room for a few moments considered breaking the rules? Jiang Qian Fan only held onto the door, not saying anything. Lin Key Song had a feeling of being seen through. She knew, Jiang Qian Fan was waiting for her to say the truth. ¡°I¡­¡­I¡¯m a little scared. Your house is too big and too quiet¡­¡­ if there¡¯s someone like Li Yan hiding somewhere in this place, will we not even know ah? ¡± ¡°Li Yan was my assistant before, he knew the passcode to deactivate security. It¡¯s not that easy for other people to come in. if you are afraid, then sleep on my sofa. Wait till tomorrow when Mayer comes back, I will let him check the security system again.¡± Lin Key Song wondered, had she heard wrongly? ¡°You¡¯re saying, you¡¯d let me sleep on your sofa tonight?¡± ¡°Is this the first time you¡¯re sleeping on my sofa?¡± Jiang Qian Fan spoke his share, turned around, and left the door to Lin Key Song. This was total happiness, is she stayed in the room alone, she¡¯d definitely imagine things and be jittery! ¡°There¡¯s a backup set of blanket and pillows in the cupboard, help yourself. No snoring, no grinding teeth, no sleep talking.¡± After Jiang Qian Fan said the three ¡°No¡±s, he lifted the quilt, laid in, with his back facing her. Lin Key Song could only look at the back of his head and a small section of his neck peeking out of the blanket, seriously, it gave of a feeling of being partly concealed. After finding the pillow, covered up with the blanket, Lin Key Song laid on the sofa, this time was much more comfortable than the previous time la! She took a peek at her phone, and saw a message from Song Yi Ran. Song Yi Ran: Good night. Lin Key Song: Still good night! A bad guy had entered this house! The police just took him away! Lin Key Song had actually thought this chap was still asleep, unexpectedly, not three seconds later, her phone started vibrating. She panicked, with Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s sense of hearing, he¡¯d definitely have heard it. She quickly rejected Song Yi Ran¡¯s call. Lin Key Song: I¡¯m about to sleep, I¡¯m beat! Song Yi Ran: Lin Key Song, you are dead meat, how dare you hang up on my call! Lin Key Song: Then you bite me ah! Song Yi Ran: Seeing that you still have the energy to ask me to bite you, seems like you¡¯re alright ah. Lin Key Song: I can even beat you to the ground, what can happen? Song Yi Ran: You¡¯re definitely so scared you can¡¯t fall asleep. Lin Key Song: How did you know? Song Yi Ran: You¡¯re only a little brave. Watch a ghost film and you¡¯re scared to use the bathroom at night. Lin Key Song: Haha, I¡¯m not scared, I¡¯m sleeping with my teacher! Song Yi Ran: your teacher is a female? When Lin Key Song looked at this sentence, she suddenly realised¡­¡­ even though Jiang Qian Fan is blind, he¡¯s a male. But Lin Key Song knew Jiang Qian Fan was an upright person, and he was her mentor, so she didn¡¯t even think about anything else. Lin Key Song: My teacher is on the bed, I¡¯m sleeping on teacher¡¯s sofa! There¡¯s teacher to protect me, goodnight la! There¡¯s still many things to learn tomorrow! Bye bye! Lin Key Song lifted a corner of the blanket, looked towards Jiang Qian Fan, made sure that he hadn¡¯t moved at all, and then could only exhale. And at this time, Song Yi Ran had actually gotten up from bed, randomly put on a suit, came to the balcony, and lighted a cigarette. She looked at the last message Lin Key Song sent, a finger pressing down hard on the word ¡°protect¡±. In the morning the second day, Lin Key Song was awaken by Nina. And Jiang Qian Fan had long awakened. Breakfast today was slightly different from yesterday¡¯s, but it was as nutritiously balanced. Without Mayer reciting the headline news at the side, the whole atmosphere at the table was heavily quiet. But the fish porridge was fresh and delicious, even the fish fried noodles has a very delicate taste. ¡°Today I will send you to a fine dining restaurant under Jiang Co., you will practice cutting ingredients. The head chef, Iris Quentin will be at the side personally supervising you.¡± Lin Key Song looked up, ¡°Iris Quentin?¡± Wasn¡¯t Jiang Qian Fan the one to personally teach her? She still remembered the feeling of him holding her hand gently to slice the meat, and even at this time she could still deeply remember every nuance of every minute. And this name ¡°Iris¡±, sounds like it¡¯s a lady? ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter how much theory I teach you, what you need is practice.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± Lin Key Song lowered her head, and weirdly, the breakfast in front of her doesn¡¯t taste as good as before. Jiang Qian Fan turned his head slightly, and gently placed the spoon beside the bowl: ¡°You sound disappointed.¡± Lin Key Song really feels like saying that there¡¯s nothing wrong, but it¡¯s best not to hide things in front of Jiang Qian Fan, with a little hesitation and he¡¯d notice. ¡°Because you¡¯re my mentor, I thought you¡¯d be teaching me.¡± ¡°Indeed, you are able to practice segmenting ingredients in this kitchen, but the two of us will not be able to finish the ingredients that are prepared. Furthermore, in the back kitchen of a restaurant, while facing the pressure at the pantry, you will improve faster. Iris Quentin is the top chef of all the restaurants under Jiang Co., with one of the most superb artistry. Especially in the aspect of ingredients, she is an expert.¡± Lin Key Song had always thought that Jiang Qian Fan was authoritative, that everyone had to follow his directions. But he actually explained to Lin Key Song. ¡°How do you find today¡¯s fish fried noodles?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked. ¡°It¡¯s delicious ah! Not only are the noodles chewy, even the meat is fragrant and tender! The sweetness is just right, it won¡¯t make people feel sick! I actually don¡¯t like green peppers, but today¡¯s green peppers doesn¡¯t have the hateful raw taste! This is the most delicious shredded fish fried noodles I¡¯ve ever had!¡± ¡°Yesterday you said that the mushroom pork noodles were so good you were going to explode. Today you say the fish fried noodles is the best you¡¯ve ever eaten. Do you like using all these exaggerated expressions?¡± Lin Key Song was stunned. The fish fried noodles was probably made by Nina. Now that she¡¯s praising the fish fried noodles as the best ever eaten, it sounds like it surpassed that noodles that Jiang Qian Fan had made last night¡ª¡ª you mean to say even this has made him unhappy/ How should she explain this ah. If she said the truth that both noodles were delicious, then it means that Nina¡¯s and this big chef, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s cooking skills are about the same. But if she said that the noodles last night were better, Jiang Qian Fan would definitely be able to tell that she was lying! Nina ah, Nina! Why do you have to make such delicious fried noodles ah! No matter how I eat it, I find it flawlessly perfect! It¡¯s hard to be human ah! It¡¯s even harder to be Jiang Qian Fan disciple! If Iris thinks that you are hardworking enough today, I¡¯ll teach you how to make fish fried noodles tonight. Jiang Qian Fan lowered his head to continue drinking the porridge, and everything was back to normal. Lin Key Song¡¯s brain went a full big round, and she suddenly realised a problem: Jiang Qian Fan said to teach her how to make fish fried noodles, does it mean¡­¡­ the fried noodles she¡¯s eating was actually made by Jiang Qian Fan? But how is this possible ah! Where will you find a teacher waking up early in the morning to make breakfast for the disciple? When breakfast ended, and Jiang Qian Fan had gotten up to walk towards the door, Lin Key Song then went to Nina¡¯s side, softly saying: ¡°Nina, your fried noodles today is totally a total success! Never thought that you¡¯d be able to make such delicious Chinese food!¡± Nina had on a puzzled expression: ¡°What fried noodles?¡± ¡°The shredded fish fried noodles ah!¡± ¡°That was made by Mr Jiang. This morning, sir asked me what I made for breakfast, then he said that it might be tough for you today, the portion I prepared may not be enough. So he personally cooked a portion of fried noodles for you.¡± Lin Key Song¡¯s heart felt like it had sat on a roller coaster and rushed out. She looked at Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s faraway back, and suddenly felt that he was just that big. In the past she¡¯d had always thought that he was very indifferent, always not talking about his feelings. Until now she still remembers that eight bowls of mint cabbage soup. But¡­¡­ from last night¡¯s bowl of mixed noodles onwards, she felt that he was not as cold as she thought. Aiya Lin Key Song, you are really easily bought by food ah! From Song Yi Ran¡¯s mala crayfish to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s mushroom pork noodles¡­¡­ After sitting in the car, they drove towards the urban district. But the thing Lin Key Song couldn¡¯t expect was, that today¡¯s traffic conditions would be more serious than normal, jammed everywhere. People were carrying signboards everywhere, shouting something. Even the police had to be dispatched. ¡°Oh, god¡­. It¡¯s the environmentalist that are protesting!¡± the driver sighed, turned around and said to Jiang Qian Fan, ¡°Sir, we might not be able to reach he restaurant on time.¡± Lin Ke Song curiously put her head out of the window, back in her country, she¡¯d heard about the environmentalist of the European countries, and their publicity protests were abundant. But after seeing so many people raising ¡°treasure every green leaf in the city¡±, ¡°reject the forest of steel¡±, ¡°New York is crying¡± and other slogans, and the distribution of leaflets, Lin Ke Song felt for the first time a sense of perceiving first hand. ¡°I never thought that New York had so many environmentalists?¡± Lin Ke Song exclaimed. ¡°it¡¯s because of the negative impact of a real estate project by Rosen and Doyle group, that so many environmentalists that don¡¯t belong to New York came over from the other cities to participate in this protest.¡± The driver kindly explained. A few youths lifted a sign and walked towards Lin Ke Song, Lin Ke Song suddenly felt someone pull her back into the car. At the next moment, in a group of people, some fell down, and the youths carrying the placards were squashed at Lin Ke Song¡¯s window. Good thing she was already pulled back, otherwise her brains would be hit. ¡°Do you really like watching the fun that much.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s cold voice sounded. Lin Ke Song pursed her lips, quietly not saying a word. ¡°Miller, are there any other ways to reach the restaurant on time.¡± According to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s OCD personality, he definitely can¡¯t endure lateness. No matter if it were others or himself that were late. ¡°Sir, looking at the situation now, it¡¯s probable only by taking the subway will you be able to be punctual.¡± Lin Ke Song laughed in her heart. Jiang Qian Fan would not take other forms of transport, his cleanliness disease is too serious! ¡°Lin Ke Song, do you know the subway route?¡± Jiang Qian Fan suddenly asked. Lin Ke Song thought, it can¡¯t be that he want her to get to the restaurant by herself ba? But she doesn¡¯t even know Iris Quentin! The driver turned around and said: ¡°the route is very simple.¡± ¡°I know ah.¡± Just as Lin Ke Song finished saying, Jiang Qian Fan retrieved his cane, opened the car door: ¡°Very good, let¡¯s go.¡± Lin Ke Song froze for a few seconds before reacting: ¡°You are also going to ride the subway?¡± ¡°Iris doesn¡¯t like lateness.¡± Lin Ke Song then understood Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s intentions. Her teacher today is Iris Quentin, if the teacher did not have a good impression of the student, the type of ending can be expected. Lin Ke Song hurriedly got off the car, and went round to the front of Jiang Qian Fan. Jiang Qian Fan reached out his hand and put it on Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulder. The surrounding was a surging crowd, Lin Ke Song suddenly got nervous. She carefully squeezed through, saw the subway sign tens of metres away, her heart started getting nervous. She nervously observed every person, afraid that the things they raised or carried would hurt Jiang Qian Fan. There were people squeezing over, and once Lin Ke Song got nervous she raised her hand to grab his wrist. Like going against the current, Lin Ke Song pulled Jiang Qian Fan, with difficulty, reached the roadside and squeezed to the entrance of the subway station. She exhaled, and when turned around to look at the silent Jiang Qian Fan, her heart stopped. Finished, finished! She hadn¡¯t asked for permission and she grabbed his hand! He¡¯d definitely be mad! ¡°That, Mr Jiang, sorry! I didn¡¯t mean to grab you ¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song hurriedly released his hand, but didn¡¯t expect that the other party¡¯s fingers would tighten, and grab her back. At that moment, she almost couldn¡¯t stand steadily. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Into the subway station.¡± His voice had not even a trace of hate or irritation. People came back and forth, from Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s side, occasionally some would kick him, and some would walk by him while smoking, these touches and smells didn¡¯t seem to bother him, calm and indifferent. ¡°En, let¡¯s go.¡± Lin Ke Song turned around, and held onto him tightly. ¡°This is an escalator, be careful!¡± Jiang Qian Fan took a step, and followed Lin Ke Song up. He had totally kept his cane, and seemed to practically only trust Lin Ke Song to hold his hand. They walked a long distance. The air in the station wasn¡¯t as fresh as the air outside, with all sorts of smells mingling. Jiang Qian Fan did not say a single word, and didn¡¯t even frown once. It was the morning rush hour in New York, human traffic was great. Lin Ke Song was so nervous her palms were perspiring. What to do ah! It¡¯s so embarrassing ah, Jiang Qian Fan will definitely be able to feel that her hands were moist¡­¡­ Lin Ke Song only wished that all of this would end as soon as possible. With much effort, they managed to squeeze in to the train, Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t help but triple check that they were on the right line and the right direction. This kind of nervousness was like you had left your house and keep feeling that you didn¡¯t lock the door. The seats were all taken up, and they could only stand. A Chinese student who was listening to music probably realised that Jiang Qian Fan could not see, and just as he was about to let his seat, Lin Ke Song hurriedly shook her head, signalling to the other party that it wasn¡¯t necessary. Even though she hadn¡¯t interacted with him for long, Lin Ke Song understood Jiang Qian Fan. He didn¡¯t need anyone to show him extra care or pity. Even without Lin Ke Song around, she knew that Jiang Qian Fan would be able to take care of himself. Jiang Qian Fan continued holding on to her hand, and Lin Ke Song held on to the handgrips in the carriage. She couldn¡¯t help but maintain her balance carefully, because Jiang Qian Fan would not touch anywhere else in the carriage. When they reached a transferring station, even more people entered the carriage. Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t help reaching her hand out, to attempt to fence off others. But just as her hand was just reaching out to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s side, he reached out to hold onto her. ¡°Mr Jiang?¡± Jiang Qian Fan did not say a word, and only put her hand back to where it was holding on to beforehand. His meaning was obvious: you only need to take care of yourself. Lin Ke Song thought he¡¯d retrieve his hand quickly, but she never thought that he¡¯d leave his hand on her back. If she leaned back just a little, Lin Ke Song¡¯s back would be able to feel the warmth of his chest. She had an illusion that she was being hugged by the other party. Her heartbeat followed the sounds of the moving train, beating like a page of a book flapping in the wind. Only when they reached the last station, did Lin Ke Song lift her hand, and when the other party¡¯s palm left, Lin Ke Song¡¯s floating mood sank. She held his hand and walked out of the station. ¡°What time is it?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked. ¡°It¡¯s already eight forty. But according to what Miller said, we should walk down this road and be able to see the restaurant!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± No more environmentalist could be seen on this stretch of road, there were only people rushing their way to work. Lin Ke Song carefully went around them, avoided the working adults holding cups of coffee, and finally reached the entrance of the restaurant. This elegant and high class fine dining restaurant even had patio seating, and this patio had fresh flowers planted. The d¨¦cor in the restaurant was meticulous and exotic. It was still early, and there were waiters cleaning the interior, setting out the cutlery, and changing the flowers to fresh ones. When they realised Jiang Qian Fan had walked in, they all got up to greet. At this time, a blonde lady wearing the white chef¡¯s uniform walked out. Deep set eyes and high forehead, with a pair of blue eyes that made people think of the deep blue Aegean Sea. ¡°Goodness, you¡¯re here? Why didn¡¯t I see your car?¡± She opened her arms, and hugged Jiang Qian Fan, her sight traced his shoulder to his wrist, and when she realised that he was still holding onto Lin Ke Song¡¯s hand, her eyebrows jumped slightly. Lin Ke Song felt like her hands were poked with needles, and abruptly took them back. ¡°Traffic was no good today, so halfway through, I decided to take the subway.¡± Jiang Qian Fan also patted the other party¡¯s back. Iris exposed a surprised expression: ¡°What? You sat on the subway? Unbelievable.¡± ¡°It¡¯s actually no big deal. Since my appointment with you was to meet at nine, I will definitely do so.¡± Iris smiled: ¡°You still remember my principle.¡± ¡°Of course I remember.¡± Iris gently adjusted Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s collar, this action that seemed mindless was actually very intimate. Jiang Qian Fan did not avoid, and Iris was so close, almost sticking to him. ¡°Don¡¯t you think you should find time to discuss the new menu for the restaurant with me?¡± ¡°So you have a new idea.¡± ¡°To be able to leave an impression in your heart, there definitely needs to be new ideas.¡± ¡°Okay, we can have a chat today.¡± The smile Iris revealed was reserved, but Lin Ke Song saw anticipation and idolising admiration for Jiang Qian Fan in her eyes. Lin Ke Song rubbed her nose. Is there a need to be so lovey dovey ah¡­¡­ CH 29 Word count: 3713 Hell¡¯s kitchen Oh right, previously all her attention was on Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s obsessiveness, compulsiveness and mental breakdowns, and had forgotten about his achievements in this field and his demeanour. The scene in front, gave of the feeling of a perfect couple. Iris and Jiang Qian Fan were people of the same world. Not to mention, the head chef Iris was actually such a great beauty. Her blonde hair was neatly combed, and gathered behind, with a slim stature and can be described as exquisite. In Lin Ke Song¡¯s impression, female chefs were all full figured and fatties, but Iris was a total stunner. It¡¯s a pity Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s eyes could not see, otherwise he¡¯d see how much of a fest for the eyes Iris¡¯s existence was. ¡°This is the student you¡¯re sending to me?¡± Iris looked at Lin Ke Song with great interest, her finger on her chin. That previously sharp as needles sight seemed to have disappeared. ¡°yes. She had no basics.¡± ¡°No basics?¡± Iris showed a surprised expression, ¡°You would actually accept a student who has had no form of experience?¡± Sorry that I know nothing, letting you laugh. Lin Ke Song sighed in her heart. ¡°won¡¯t you normally make something to eat at home?¡± Iris asked insistently. ¡°I know how to make instant noodles.¡± Lin Ke Song laughed, and laughed a little ugly. In school, she¡¯d follow Song Yi Ran to either eat out or eat the canteen food. When she returns home, there¡¯s a virtuous wife and fine mother around, she¡¯d never even touched a spatula. Iris laughed lightly, and looked at Jiang Qian Fan: ¡°You did it on purpose, giving me a difficult problem.¡± ¡°Precisely because she doesn¡¯t have any experience that I have to give her some.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Iris clapped her hands, and said to Lin Ke Song, ¡°Follow me ba. But if you cut yourself, don¡¯t cry in my back kitchen.¡± ¡°yes, chef.¡± At this time, Jiang Qian Fan opened his mouth: ¡°Lin Ke Song, remember, the focus of you coming here is not speed, but the right method to segment ingredients. Understand?¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Iris raised her brows, ¡°Mr Jiang, you saying this will make her develop inertia, it won¡¯t be conducive to my teachings.¡± ¡°Since she¡¯s going to follow you to the back kitchen, she won¡¯t be inert.¡± Jiang Qian Fan picked up his can, and walked up the stairs. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Iris brought Lin Ke Song into the back kitchen. As they walked, Iris introduced the workers who were currently working. Then she brought her to the front of a thirty something year old guy. ¡°Pepper, her name is Ke Song. The pronunciation is similar to the French bread. Today she¡¯ll follow you. she¡¯s a newbie, so don¡¯t have too much expectations towards her speed. I will personally teach her some methods of cutting simple ingredients, you delegate some work to her.¡± Lin Ke Song was a little ‡å, it seemed like many people had to compare the French bread to the pronunciation of her name. Pepper nodded: ¡°Yes, chef.¡± Iris nodded, and demonstrated in front of Lin Ke Song on how to cut potatoes, onions, carrots and other vegetables. Although it was only cutting things, from Iris¡¯s agile movements and the unique position, her skills had deep foundations. ¡°Remembered?¡± Iris looked at Lin Ke Song. ¡°Remembered.¡± Lin Ke Song nodded. Iris lifted the corners of her lips slightly, in her eyes, Lin Ke Song saw slight mockery. She didn¡¯t believe Lin Ke Song had remembered. Or what she¡¯d remembered and will execute was far apart. ¡°You try.¡± Iris pushed an onion to Lin Ke Song. The onion had already been soaked. Lin Ke Song pressed in on the counter, and cut it vertically from the middle. Then, she put one of the halves on the counter, and started slitting. Lin Ke Song noticed, that Iris¡¯s method of slitting onions was very quick. She knew that once she slowed on her cutting, it will be very easy to get chocked. And in the busy back kitchen, there was no extra time to let her soak the onions. She could only bite the bullet, and cut as fast as she could. Especially under the watch of Iris, Lin Ke Song felt a thorn in her back. When the first onion was cut, Iris reached out her hand to grab Lin Ke Song¡¯s onion, and let it fall through her fingers. She examined them, and said unhurriedly: ¡°even though the actions were slow, and the thickness of the onions cut are not uniform, at least the method isn¡¯t wrong. Continue like this. Pepper, watch her well. The things that she cut, make sure to give it a once through.¡± ¡°Yes, chef.¡± Pepper nodded. When Iris left, the whole kitchen started getting busy. Pepper¡¯s knife skill was quick, arranged the little potatoes on the counter, and pressed with his hand, one knife down, and all the little potatoes were split. Lin Ke Song also followed and tried, but she couldn¡¯t press onto so many at once, and only tried it on three. Pepper only glanced at Lin Ke Song, didn¡¯t give extra explanations. At first, Lin Ke Song cut really slowly, gradually, she got affected by the Pepper¡¯s speed, from holding the potatoes to pressing down on them, then to cutting them along the edge of her finger, to throwing them into the plate, even Pepper turned his face to look at Lin Ke Song. Not even half an hour later, the little potatoes were all cut. ¡°You are really fortunate to not have cut your finger. You had no need to catch up to my speed.¡± Pepper turned around, and took out onions from the freezer. Only Lin Ke Song stood dazedly at the original spot. Only then did she realise, she had actually caught up to the chopping speed of Pepper, this veteran of the back kitchen. She lifted her hands and had a look, and thought about the feeling of the blade pressing onto her fingers while it passed, and had cold sweat start up. A few onions were pressed in front of Lin Ke Song, Pepper¡¯s voice sounded: ¡°Continue.¡± Lin Ke Song took a breath, and according to Iris¡¯s method, started cutting onions. She tried her best to not let herself be influenced by Pepper who was at her side, and before every cut was made, make proper preparations. For example, the thickness released by the fingers, for example the angle of the blade going down, once it was confirmed, she cut without hesitation, and did her best to ensure that every slice of onion was of the same thickness, and still not spoil water content the onions carried. Pepper looked at Lin Ke Song and never said another word. From nine in the morning to 11, Lin Ke Song was beside Pepper chopping veggies. And from 11 am onwards, it was like hell. Today happened to be the weekend, reservations made by diners were more than usual. Separated by a wall, Lin Ke Song could hear the roars of the pantry members. ¡°Why isn¡¯t table 7¡¯s onion soup not yet prepared!¡± ¡°Table 9¡¯s fried lady¡¯s fingers!¡± ¡°Is table 3¡¯s mini Italian pizza dumplings ready!¡± Everyone had their heads bowed, busy. And even Iris inspected the kitchen, when she passed Lin Ke Song, she purposely stopped, and randomly picked up some slices of onions from the basket in front of her, then without saying a word, flung them back. Lin Ke Song waited for her comments, but she didn¡¯t say a word. Iris clapped her hands, and got everyone¡¯s attention. Then she delegated the work to each person, including Pepper. ¡°Pepper! A total of 12 people, Mr Elliot and his friends, all ordered the salmon en croute! I need you to handle it carefully! And, there are 20 orders for chicken cheese roll! You need to match up the baking speed!¡± ¡°Yes! Chef!¡± When Iris¡¯s talking voice lowered, the whole back kitchen started boiling up. ¡°Hey, I¡¯ll leave all these to you!¡± Pepper put a small basket of garlic in front of Lin Ke Song, ¡°You need to cut them into thin slices!¡± ¡°Oh, okay!¡± Cut into thin slices¡­¡­ Pepper seemed to know what Lin Ke Song was thinking, and pushed a glass bowl in front of Lin Ke Song, ¡°Cut them like this. Here, not everything is taught through demonstration, you need to do observation and experimentation!¡± Without giving Lin Ke Song time to react, Pepper went to handle the salmon. Lin Ke Song inhaled, and put the garlic in her palm, to observe the thickness, and the angle of the cut. She peeled a garlic, and cut it up slice by slice like the example she had. Because it was thin, she had to be very careful, to not cut her fingers, so her progress was slow. When Pepper had finished preparing a salmon, he turned around to look at Lin Ke Song, and sighed heavily: ¡°With your speed, even when all the diners have finished their meal, these cloves of garlic will not be chopped!¡± When he was about to teach Lin Ke Song, he was called by someone else. Before he left, he could only say: ¡°don¡¯t be so inflexible! Remember rhythm!¡± Lin Ke Song looked at the garlic slices, and thought about how Pepper had chopped five potatoes at one shot, and suddenly felt that her slicing of garlic was stupid and slow. She peeled all the garlic, and put the similar sized ones together, and out the knife through. At first, when she moved the knife, all the garlic scattered, and at the end, she realised that the fingers holding the stabilising the garlic had to be pressed firmly. From Lin Ke Song¡¯s clumsiness at the start, to the slow but still of her own rhythm, no matter how battered and busy the others were, Lin Ke Song kept to her rhythm that seemed neither rushed nor slow to the end. ¡°Garlic slices! Where¡¯re the garlic slices!¡± Iris¡¯s holler sounded. Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulders jerked, finished finished, she sliced too slowly, she¡¯s definitely going to be roared and howled at. Pepper grabbed the glass bowl of garlic slice, and looked at Lin Ke Song like he had something to say. ¡°Sorry¡­¡­¡± Without another word, he put the glass bowl in Lin Ke Song¡¯s hands: ¡°Send it over! Leave the rest to me!¡± ¡°Oh, okay!¡± Lin Ke Song hugged the bowl and ran to the direction of the main kitchen, Iris didn¡¯t even look to see who it was, and just took the glass bowl away. Lin Ke Song looked a little nervously at Iris as she sprinkled the garlic slices on the surface of the plate, and thought that she would say something, but she never said anything. Lin Ke Song hurried back to Pepper¡¯s side, and realised he was chopping garlic at a speed where the blade could not be seen, thin slices of garlic appeared on the surface of the blade, it was totally like a machine. Quickly, all the garlic cloves were chopped. Pepper lifted the apron, wiped the perspiration on his forehead, and glanced at Lin Ke Song. ¡°go to the fridge and bring a salmon over.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Lin Ke Song went to the frozen seafood fridge, and following Pepper¡¯s pronunciation, found a fish, and hugged it over. Pepper glared at Lin Ke Song, and yelled: ¡°Is this salmon? You don¡¯t even recognise salmon? What do you even recognise?¡± Lin Ke Song was shocked by his sound that her shoulders hunched. She really did not recognise salmon. She who has never been to the supermarket, at most is only able to differentiate the cat fish and the Wucheng bream. As for salmon, this kind of fish that is commonly seen in western cuisines¡­¡­. She totally did not know how it looked like¡­¡­ Pepper grabbed Lin Ke Song¡¯s collar, and brought her to seafood fridge, pointed to a certain kind of fish and said: ¡°This is salmon! Cape Breton of Canada, it¡¯s the best salmon! Look carefully at the head! The lines on the abdomen! And the tail!¡± Lin Ke Song was hollered at by Pepper until her could barely open. Finished finished, she¡¯s already been despised by Pepper ah. After he finished talking, Pepper retrieved a fish, and retrieved a special board and placed the salmon flat on it. ¡°I¡¯m only going to teach you once.¡± Lin Ke Song dispirited mood was shocked, and once she heard Pepper was going to teach her, her eyes immediately widened. ¡°First is to disinfect the tools.¡± Pepper sprayed some liquid on the blade in front of Lin Ke Song, then lighted it. Lin Ke Song then realised that it was alcohol. Pepper explained the constitution of the salmon, the best parts to pick, and the details of preparing. He talked quickly, and furthermore it was in English, Lin Ke Song could not react immediately, and could only watch him seamlessly separate the meat from the bone, slice them in similar thickness, and put them aside. Lin Ke Song tilted her head, watching the opening cut of the fish slices that were being cut, and focusing on the angle of Pepper¡¯s blade as it touched the lines of the fish, even to the strength used when bringing the blade down. ¡°Avoid pressing too hard that you tear, it will destroy the texture of the fish, and make the meat loose, and lose its taste.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Lin Ke Song has remembered those words. Pepper continued to slice the salmon, his movements like flowing water, Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t catch up. Quickly, 12 pieces of salmon were sliced. Pepper then started on other things. Because the chicken for the chicken rolls needed to be prepared. It seemed like because the diners were more than expected, the whole back kitchen was so busy. That 12 pieces of salmon were brought to the main kitchen, but the person carrying the plate just had to fall, all the salmon pieces fell onto the ground. ¡°Are the chicken breasts ready!¡± ¡°I¡¯m removing the bones! Let me live!¡± Pepper replied loudly. ¡°Pepper ¡ª¡ª the salmon fell on the floor, they can¡¯t be used anymore!¡± ¡°God damnit ¡ª¡ª¡± The whole kitchen was a large ball of chaos, with a sort of order within the chaos. But only Lin Ke Song, as if she was an outsider, could only follow Pepper at his side, but not know what to do. ¡°I beg you, can¡¯t you find something to do yourself! Chop garlic, potatoes, chop anything!¡± Pepper had obviously already lost patience. Lin Ke Song could only bite the bullet and shout: ¡°Does anyone need me to chop anything?¡± Nobody answered. Or maybe because it was Lin Ke Song, that no one needed her to chop anything. Lin Ke Song only felt awkwardness. What she needed to do was something. Even if they burned their asses, they wouldn¡¯t ask her for help. ¡°Did you understand how to prepare salmon?¡± Lin Ke Song nodded. ¡°Understand, or not! Talk!¡± Pepper¡¯s fury came back again. ¡°Understand!¡± ¡°Then go!¡± Lin Ke Song immediately brought out her utmost caution, and found a salmon from the refrigerator, and followed everything Pepper did, seamlessly removing the meat from the bone, without hesitation without doubt. Then following the lines of the fish, felt around to make sure that there were no fish bones, and carefully expelling the thorns. After the fish bones were all removed, Lin Ke Song recalled Pepper¡¯s movements, and cut the fish skin from the meat. But her experience was not as much as Pepper¡¯s, Pepper¡¯s fish skin was very thin, but the fish skin Lin Ke Song cut still had an obvious layer of flesh still stuck on. There was no time to be particular. Lin Ke Song went according to her familiarly remembered angle, and went along the lines of the fish, cut by cut. She put the meat into the glass tray, and sent it in front of Pepper: ¡°Is this okay?¡± Pepper lowered his head and gave a glance, then continued prepping the chicken. Two seconds later, he turned back, looked at the fish meat, then at Lin Ke Song, his gaze somewhat indescribable. ¡°Hurry send it to the main kitchen! Faster! Get moving!¡± Lin Ke Song immediately turned around, ran over, and handed the fish to Iris. ¡°Why is it only sent now! Ask Pepper to move faster! Does he want the diners to eat the plate!¡± Just as Lin Ke Song wanted to explain something, Iris had already turned around. She could only silently return to Pepper¡¯s side. Pepper¡¯s expression was as per normal, and didn¡¯t even ask her about Iris reaction when she saw the salmon. After Pepper had finished prepping the chicken breast meat, he started on the beef. Even though Pepper was as busy as a bee, he was still able to point out to her which part of the cow the pieces that he cut to belonged to, the texture and other characteristics. Then Lin Ke Song was called to chop garlic again. But the more she cut the smoother and easier it became, and the time used was a lot less than what she had used at the start. The lunch rush gradually passed, the whole atmosphere of the back kitchen also relaxed slightly. Lin Ke Song exhaled, and lifted her hand to wipe the perspiration on her forehead. The taut tension finally relaxed when it was almost 2 o¡¯clock. There were even people who took out a coke, a group of people gathered in a circle to drink it together. ¡°Hey, hungry?¡± Pepper suddenly asked. Lin Ke Song then realised that she hadn¡¯t even eaten lunch. ¡°Make you a sandwich?¡± ¡°Really? Thank you!¡± At this time, somebody suddenly shouted Lin Ke Song¡¯s name from outside the back kitchen. ¡°Lin Ke Song! Mr Jiang asked you to make a trip to the third floor!¡± ¡°Oh! Coming immediately!¡± Lin Ke Song looked towards Pepper, Pepper nodded, indicating that she go up. Lin Ke Song suddenly felt uneasy. These few hours, she¡¯d been hollered at quite a few times by Pepper¡­¡­ it was probably time to settle the score. But there was always a first time for everything ah, she was only a fledgling, her feathers weren¡¯t even fully grown, it can¡¯t be expected of her to fly right? With an inhale, Lin Ke Song walked up towards the third floor. Each step carried a heavy mood. She kept looking back at all the things she did wrong, like chopping the onions unevenly, her movements too slow, the salmon fish skin had way too much meat still stuck on which was such a waste, and¡­¡­ she didn¡¯t recognise salmon¡­¡­ The third floor here was an outdoor platform that was like a flower garden. The warm sunlight shone down, the flowers are the side of the stage blossomed gorgeously, and this place was the softest, gentlest place in this steel forest. There was a table in the middle of the patio, and at the table sat Iris and Jiang Qian Fan. Jiang Qian Fan was as usual, both hands holding onto the cane, his back upright and straight, with no other expression on his face. ¡°how is it experiencing your first day at the back kitchen?¡± Iris propped her face, and casually asked her. In her eyes, Lin Ke Song was a nobody unworthy of a mention. So she could only smile and not say a word. ¡°the onions were chopped relatively well, for a beginner. With more practice, the chopping will be better.¡± ¡°I will work hard.¡± Lin Ke Song lowered her head. Jiang Qian Fan lifted his right hand, and stretched it towards Lin Ke Song¡¯s direction: ¡°Come here.¡± His ¡°come here¡± voice was very light, Iris¡¯s original dull expression suddenly changed colour. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s hand was still in mid-air, like he wouldn¡¯t put his hand down if he didn¡¯t have what he was waiting for. His eyes turned to her direction, like he was looking at her. Lin Ke Song was suddenly at a loss. What was she supposed to give to Jiang Qian Fan? A cup of tea was in front of him at the table, and it was still giving of a little steam too, so what he wanted was not a cup of tea. Then¡­¡­ sugar? Condensed milk? Like Lin Ke Song was being towed, she slowly stretched out her own hand. At the moment her fingertip just touched the other party, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s suddenly tightened, and grabbed onto her, with a tug, he pulled her over. Lin Ke Song thought she¡¯d bump into the other party, but Jiang Qian Fan had already turned, and nicely pull Lin Ke Song between his two folded legs. This kind of distance and position was too ambiguous, just as Lin Ke Song wanted to lengthen the distance, Jiang Qian Fan actually lifted that hand of hers to his nose. She drew a breath. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s nose seemed to have rubbed across the back of her hand, and at that moment, all the sensation in her body flocked to that small piece of skin, her shoulders and back rapidly tightened. His breath was so fresh, when the air pass through it brushed past her skin, like it wanted to blow all the pores away. ¡°I smell onions, potatoes, green peppers, garlic, eggplants and there¡¯s also the smell of salmon.¡± The voice was a calm that carried a hint of coolness, when Lin Ke Song heard it, it was like streams, quietly entering all the indentations of the heart. ¡°You¡¯ve really cut a lot of things today.¡± Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t say anything. Because the Jiang Qian Fan in front of her eyes, was so gentle that it didn¡¯t seem real. The slightly lowered eyes, had a rich sense of mystery, that made people unable to guess what he was thinking about. Lin Ke Song wanted to take her hand back. Because every time Jiang Qian Fan opened his mouth to speak, she would have an illusion of the back of her hand touching the other party¡¯s lips. He lifted his head, it was a searching gesture. She saw some kind of pure devotion in the depths of his eyes. CH 30 Squid roll and absinthe ¡°I thought you¡¯d only chopped the onions. It seems like you have performed pretty well in the back kitchen.¡± Iris¡¯s voice sounded, Lin Ke Song had a feeling that she had been pricked by a needle, and fiercely took her hand back. She could vividly feel the moment that Jiang Qian Fan clutched onto her, but not half a second of hesitation later, he still let her go. ¡°Thank you very much for your guidance.¡± Lin Ke Song turned her body towards Iris to express her gratitude. ¡°I didn¡¯t even guide you in anything, the person who had been by your side looking at you is Pepper.¡± After saying so, Iris called for Pepper to come up. She propped her chin, her eyes full of laughter looked at Pepper: ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard today.¡± ¡°it was all what I was supposed to do.¡± Pepper nodded, it looked like he had great respect for Iris. ¡°how did you feel about Ke Song¡¯s performance today?¡± Iris¡¯s finger slowly slid across the edge of her brow, it was a casual stance, but it made Lin Ke Song feel a hundred times more pressured. ¡°Worked too slowly.¡± Pepper used a stern tone to reply. Iris seemed to have already expected this comment, nodded and smiled: ¡°can¡¯t do anything about this. Before this, she hadn¡¯t even stepped into a kitchen. Apart from being slow, is there anything else?¡± ¡°She actually couldn¡¯t even recognise salmon.¡± Just as Pepper¡¯s voice fell, Iris laughed out loud. Lin Ke Song¡¯s face turned red, lowered her head. She didn¡¯t even dare to look at Jiang Qian Fan who was at the side. ¡°all these have to be taken slowly. Is there anything else?¡± ¡°she lacks initiative towards the work in the back kitchen.¡± Iris eyed Jiang Qian Fan, like she was waiting for him to say something, but he kept silent. ¡°Pepper, she¡¯s bound to have some positive points ba. There should be some encouragement for the newbie.¡± Iris pulled Lin Ke Song to her side, and patted her shoulders. Pepper inhaled, and furrowed his brows. Lin Ke Song was even more downcast. Didn¡¯t even think that it¡¯d be so hard to just mention a positive point¡­¡­ Even though she knew that she couldn¡¯t compare to these professional chefs at all, but that suffocating feeling lingered and couldn¡¯t go away. ¡°Chef, what do you think about the cutting of the salmon en croute?¡± ¡°Not bad ah, the fish meat didn¡¯t loosen, the structure was whole, the cut was neat, just as per your usual style.¡± Iris¡¯s eyes showed obvious praise. ¡°It was Lin Ke Song who cut it.¡± Iris was stunned, the smile in her face was frozen too. She looked at Pepper, and opened her mouth 2-3 seconds later: ¡°You personally taught her?¡± ¡°I demonstrated it once for her to see, and she remembered. Even though her movements were so slow it made people lose their patience, but she didn¡¯t make any fatal error.¡± Pepper¡¯s last sentence, finally allowed Lin Ke Song to relax. Pepper ah Pepper! You are such a great bro! even though you roared at me, grabbed my collar, and are not even gentle or cute, but you are an honest good person! ¡°Will she continue working here?¡± Pepper asked. Iris looked at Jiang Qian Fan: ¡°For that, we¡¯ll have to see Mr Jiang¡¯s intentions.¡± ¡°Do you wish for her to continue working here?¡± Jiang Qian Fan finally opened his mouth. Lin Ke Song suddenly got really nervous. If Pepper said he wished so, would Jiang Qian Fan agree? This is a restaurant that has a Michelin star rating, if she could continue on in the back kitchen, she¡¯d be able to see the many ways of dealing with different types of foods, some not seen outside techniques created by the head chefs, she¡¯d definitely be able to improve really quickly ba. ¡°Even though she has no foundation, she isn¡¯t totally talentless.¡± ¡°then we¡¯ll wait until she has enough of a foundation to come back here to work ba.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s tone was very dull. Couldn¡¯t hear whether he was satisfied or not with Lin Ke Song¡¯s performance for today. Iris¡¯s smile deepened. Don¡¯t know why, Lin KE Song could feel some hostility from Iris. It¡¯s actually really easy to guess the root of this hostility, Iris obviously likes Jiang Qian Fan. And she being his temporary student, was just too close to him, so Iris didn¡¯t feel comfortable. Ai, you are so outstanding and pretty, and are of the same world as this ice block, Jiang Qian Fan, I¡¯m only a fledgling, and compared to you it¡¯s the difference between a dragon¡¯s egg and a rotten egg¡­¡­ why the need to bother about me? You¡¯re dropping your own self-worth ah, goddess. ¡°Pepper, send the dishes of the new menu we designed, let Mr Jiang have a taste ba.¡± Iris said to Pepper. Pepper nodded, Lin Ke Song also felt that there was nothing else, and just as she was about to follow Pepper to leave together, Jiang Qian Fan patted the table gently. ¡°Sit ba.¡± To put it simply, it was only a word. Lin Ke Song even felt that she had things. Jiang Qian Fan was asking who to sit? Iris? She hadn¡¯t even gotten up! Pepper? Wasn¡¯t he going to the pantry? Then it was only left with her? Lin Ke Song froze at her spot, not knowing what she should do. Pepper had already gone down the stairs. Bro, what are you walking so fast for! Where has the care and concern from earlier gone to? After a long while of not hearing any sound of Lin Ke Song taking a seat, Jiang Qian Fan slowly got up. His hand moved along the table surface, determined his direction, walked to Lin Ke Song¡¯s side, and helped her slide the chair out. His hand mounted on the back of the seat, then he said again: ¡°Sit ba.¡± Lin Ke Song felt like her heart was about to fly out, needless to say, Iris eyed Jiang Qian Fan weirdly. ¡°Are you sure to let Ke Song¡­¡­ stay here too?¡± ¡°the dishes you design, represents the best standards in the culinary world. To her, it¡¯s an excellent learning opportunity.¡± Iris laughed soundlessly, turned her head and twitched her lips. This time, Lin Ke Song experienced extremely obvious disdain. She knew what Iris was thinking. As a fledgling, she couldn¡¯t even differentiate salmon, to taste the work of such a culinary expert as Iris, is like letting ZhuBaJie eat ginseng fruit, can¡¯t even taste any flavour. But Jiang Qian Fan had already pulled the chair out for her, it looked very gentlemanly, but it was actually coercing her to sit. Lin Ke Song lowered her head and took a seat. The atmosphere was just like that time with Song Yi Ran at some LangHua hotel with and an extra Chu Ting, but Lin Ke Song had not even felt as out of place as now. Pepper carried the try up. He carefully placed two portions of the main dish in front of Jiang Qian Fan and Iris. When he noticed Lin Ke Song was also sitting there, he couldn¡¯t help asking: ¡°excuse me, should I prepare another portion of the main dish?¡± ¡°No need, just prepare another set of cutlery would do.¡± ¡°Yes, Mr Jiang.¡± Lin Ke Song glanced at the plate in front of Jiang Qian Fan, the plating was very beautiful, a beauty that people totally couldn¡¯t bear to spoil. Rolls of squid were placed on one third of the plate, the surface of the squid was pan-fried to a light golden, the surface of the squid had some finely grinded light green particles, it gave the dish a dash of colour. The base of the plate had a layer of slightly thick pale yellow liquid, that brought some warmth to the sight. With parsley leaves for embellishment, it gave of a mood of a willowy dawn. But Iris seemed to not have seen anything out of the ordinary and lifted her knife and fork, and elegantly cut the squid, Lin Ke Song then realised, the squid rolls were full of fillings. Iris dipped the squid slightly into the sauce at the base of the plate, then sent it to her mouth, and nodded her head. ¡°En, this is the flavour and texture. Mr Jiang, what do you think?¡± Jiang Qian Fan lifted the knife and fork, the knife moved a round along the sides of the plate, made sure of the position of the squid, and only then did he make a cut. Lin Ke Song wanted to keep watching him, but she was apprehensive of Iris¡¯s look of mockery, and could only lower her head. After swallowing, he didn¡¯t make any comments, but slid the plate to Lin Ke Song¡¯s direction. ¡°what ingredients can you identify?¡± Lin Ke Song suddenly remembered the 8 bowls of mint cabbage soup. No way¡­¡­ this again? Iris¡¯s gaze looked over, her eyebrows wrinkled, she seemed surprised. Lin Ke Song¡¯s scalp started numbing up, to eat from Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s plate in front of Iris¡­¡­ To Jiang Qian Fan, this chap who always had one mouth, Lin Ke Song eating the leftovers was really not a big deal. But to others, is their teacher student relationship that close? Or that he thought it was enough for her to eat his leftovers? Lin Ke Song could only totally unfamiliarly imitate Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s posture of dining, and cut a small piece of the squid roll, dip into the sauce, and send it into her mouth. When the flavour of the freshness of the squid and the other ingredients spread in her mouth, she couldn¡¯t help but produce a sound of ¡°en¡ª¡ª¡±. That feeling was like waking up after a fulfilling sleep. Iris looked at her amusedly: ¡°obviously, the lead role of this dish is the squid. Apart from the squid, what else did you eat?¡± Apart from squid, the main point of this dish was the sauce and the fully packed filling. Lin Ke Song recalled the all the flavours that had just slid past her tongue and the various aftertastes, thought about what Jiang Qian Fan had said, that cooking was actually the balance of taste. The taste of one dish, has layers. And in this dish, the things that embraced the freshness of the squid, is a kind of fish. It should be part of the fillings. ¡°the surface of the squid should have been pan fried in butter. As for the fillings, it seems like there¡¯s some kind of marine fish. I get very little chances to eat fish from the sea, so I honestly can¡¯t identify what fish it is.¡± Lin Ke Song looked towards Jiang Qian Fan, waiting for his response. ¡°No wonder, after all you can¡¯t even identify salmon. Mr Jiang, to have an average person distinguish the ingredients and spices of such a complicated main dish, is simply too difficult.¡± On the surface, Iris¡¯s words seemed like she was defending Lin Ke Song, but in reality, she was constantly reminding the truth of ¡°you are not professional¡±. ¡°It¡¯s anchovy. This fish isn¡¯t big, shaped like sardines, highly nutritious, flavour fresh. There are not many chances to have anchovy. Other than this, what else have you eaten?¡± Which was to say, Jiang Qian Fan did not mind that she couldn¡¯t identify what kind of marine fish this was? That¡¯s right ah, there are so many types of marine fishes, of you could figure out the flavour of every kind, then you¡¯re not human, it¡¯s godly¡­¡­ insane ah! ¡°I also tasted scallop, it¡¯s also part of the fillings.¡± ¡°En.¡± ¡°glutinous rice and barley.¡± ¡°En.¡± ¡°and¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song furrowed her eyebrows and detailedly identified. Where did this flavour come from? It seemed like prawns, but she didn¡¯t eat any prawn meat ah¡­¡­ and this flavour very primitively belonged to the ocean. ¡°and prawn eggs!¡± ¡°En.¡± When Jiang Qian Fan nodded, Lin Ke Song felt a kind of elation bursting from her heart. Even Iris looked at her mildly surprised. ¡°What about the sauce? Can you taste what is in the sauce?¡± Iris¡¯s expression became serious, and suddenly made Lin Ke Song feel an increase of pressure. When will she be able to eat a meal properly ah! Lin Ke Song already could not remember what the sauce tasted like, so she used the fork to dip a little, and licked without a care for how she looked. ¡°En! There¡¯s parsley, garlic¡­¡­pepper¡­¡­ butter¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song tilted her head, still pondering about what that little smooth and tender taste was. ¡°and what else?¡± Iris eyes stared at Lin Ke Song without moving, this made her uncontrollably nervous. ¡°And¡­¡­ and¡­¡­¡± Lin KE Song could not say it out. ¡°Then have another mouth.¡± Jiang Qian Fan said. The voice that made Lin Ke Song feel cold and emotionless, at this moment actually made her calm down. She cut a little piece of squid, and dipped it into a little sauce. The layers of flavours were pulled apart at the tip of her tongue, the light fragrance of the parsley, the flavour of the garlic, the aroma of the pepper, the suppleness of the butter¡­¡­ The ingredients interacted with each other, it was not a simply matching. There was bound to be something to integrate them together. ¡°¡­¡­ it¡¯s egg yolk? Raw egg yolk?¡± Lin Ke Song asked unsurely. ¡°En.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s affirmation made her let out a touch of laughter. And Iris¡¯s eyed grew deeply colder, she used a tone near examination and said: ¡°the egg yolk is an ingredient frequently used to make sauces in western food, it¡¯s nothing to have figured it out. But this dish still has another frequently used ingredient, do you know what it is?¡± Nothing to have tasted the flavour of egg yolk? Goddess, your expectations are too high! And what other important ingredient? ¡°Wanna have another bite?¡± Iris lifted her brows in provocation. She was confident, Lin Ke Song would not be able to taste the last ingredient. This dish used 3 types of seafood, and in it there were squid, scallops and anchovy, the sauce was relatively thick, just what was it that made the fishy taste of the seafood become mild. It was not only because of oven baking or the using of butter to panfry that took away the fishy smell, this intoxicating yet slightly fragrant scent¡­¡­ ¡°Is wine!¡± ¡°Red wine or white wine?¡± Iris asked, her eyebrows furrowed. ¡°not red wine¡­¡­¡± Using red wine for steak was more like it, and white wine and seafood sounds like they¡¯d be compatible, but¡­¡­ Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t feel like this was white grape wine. She wrinkled her brows, and uncertainly said: ¡°this kind of flavour of wine should be very refreshing ba. It has a hint of anise. I haven¡¯t studied wine¡­¡­ I don¡¯t know what wine it is. But I feel that it¡¯s neither red wine not white grape wine¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s voice got smaller as she spoke. She had a sense of shame like she had trespassed. But she didn¡¯t realise that under the table, Iris had clenched her fist tightly. ¡°It¡¯s absinthe.¡± Jiang Qian Fan said. All suspicions and thought at this moment fell away. Lin Ke Song looked at him in surprise. He really only had a mouth, and he knew all the ingredients in this dish clearly. She knew his sense of taste was sensitive, but she didn¡¯t think it would be this sensitive! At this time, Jiang Qian Fan moved the plate to his front, and ate the leftovers unhurriedly. Lin Ke Song widened her eyes and wanted to remind the other party, this dish already had a few mouthfuls eaten by her! But Iris opened her mouth before her: ¡°I can get Pepper to prepare another portion!¡± ¡°it¡¯s fine. This dish is outstanding. You didn¡¯t use white grape wine or hard liquor, and chose absinthe, an extremely clever and wise idea. I look forward to this dish appearing on the menu.¡± This was the first time Lin Ke Song heard Jiang Qian Fan praise another person, and even though his tone was too dull, that it seemed like this was what Iris was expected to do. ¡°thank you.¡± After finishing this dish, Jiang Qian Fan got up, motioned at Lin Ke Song¡¯s direction to ¡°follow me¡±, and the two left the restaurant. Lin Ke Song was a little disappointed, where did her lunch go to? You mean it was only that two squid rolls? She acknowledged that the squid rolls were very high grade and delicious, but she didn¡¯t even eat a few mouthfuls ah! Breakfast was long digested already ah, and she was batteredly busy in the back kitchen, now her stomach was hooked by the two mouthfuls of delicious squid roll that the front of her chest was stuck to the back of her back¡­¡­ she wants to eat ah! Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart was broken and full of longing, but Jiang Qian Fan didn¡¯t seem like he had any intentions to stop. When they passed the entrance of the back kitchen, Pepper¡¯s voice travelled over: ¡°Hey! Ke Song! Wanna eat sandwiches!¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes lighted up, and without thinking blurted: ¡°Want want want!¡± When she bit down into the sandwiches she received, she suddenly felt that such an ordinary thing at this moment could actually become a delicacy. ¡°Pepper! Your sandwiches are so delicious!¡± ¡°Of course, it costs five times more than an average sandwich.¡± Pepper glanced at Lin Ke Song. Then this five times more expensive sandwich was even greater! When the last mouth was stuffed into her mouth, Lin Ke Song then realised that Jiang Qian Fan had already walked to the entrance of the restaurant. One hand was in his pocket, the other holding the cane, the figure against the backlight had a delicate sense of beauty. Occasionally when people walked past him, they couldn¡¯t help taking a second look at him. A slight wind blew past his hair, gently swaying, the whole world seemed to be gently shaken in a glass of wine. ¡°Lin Ke Song.¡± It seemed like because he didn¡¯t hear her following steps, that Jiang Qian Fan recited her name. ¡°I¡­¡­I¡¯m here!¡± ¡°You ate something?¡± ¡°Yeah ah, Pepper made sandwiches!¡± You won¡¯t let me eat, can¡¯t I eat somebody else¡¯s? and Mr May didn¡¯t say that your permission had to be granted for eating, no? ¡°I originally planned to make a red velvet cake for your tea time, but since you¡¯ve eaten your fill, then I don¡¯t have to bother anymore.¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned around, the driver Miller was already waiting at the door. What? Jiang Qian Fan wasn¡¯t not caring about her lunch, but had already made plans for tea? Ah! If she had known earlier, she wouldn¡¯t have eaten the sandwiches! ¡°I can still eat ah! I wasn¡¯t even full!¡± Red velvet cake! Red velvet cake ah! She¡¯s never had it before ah! And it was even made by Jiang Qian Fan! Jiang Qian Fan didn¡¯t say a word and sat in the car. Lin Ke Song reckons the red velvet cake is hot soup. It was probably because she slugged an entire morning, and then she was highly strung mentally in the back kitchen, Lin Ke Song fell asleep shortly after leaning on the car window. Don¡¯t know how long she slept, Lin Ke Song¡¯s phone in her pocket vibrated, this made her wake up. She reached into her pocket, and lifted her head, and suddenly shockingly realised that she wasn¡¯t leaning on the car window, but Jiang Qian Fan! When she lifted her eyes, and saw the other party¡¯s side profile, she was almost scared to death! The nose was Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s unique point, the clear and handsome line had a rich tension of intricate beauty. She hurriedly sat up, touched the sides of the mouth. Thank God! No saliva! Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s posture didn¡¯t even move, this made Lin Ke Song breathe a sigh of relief. She said to herself: just treat it as if it¡¯s never happened ba! She shifted to the side, lengthened the distance between her and the other party, and only until she was far enough from the other party that her heart felt freer and fresher, did Lin Ke Song¡¯s uneasy heart finally calm down. She took out her phone, looked at the message: coming back for dinner tonight? It was a message from Uncle. Lin Ke Song looked at the date, then suddenly realised that today was Uncle¡¯s birthday ah! She came to New York by herself, and was always taken care of by Uncle, if she didn¡¯t even go for his birthday, will it be considered too unfilially? Could she ask for leave from Jiang Qian Fan? This big ice block didn¡¯t seem like it was easy to get along with, but actually her was a pretty good person ba¡­¡­ She opened and closed her mouth, her gaze on his stern side profile, organising words in her heart. ¡°if you have something to say, say it.¡± Jiang Qian Fan said indifferently. ¡°How did you know I have something to say?¡± Lin Ke Song thought the other party was simply too amazing. ¡°Because your breathing tells me you are hesitating.¡± Lin Ke Song twitched the sides of her mouth, this big ice block¡¯s hearing is so good. ¡°That, today is my Uncle¡¯s birthday, can I go back to have dinner?¡± ¡°Can.¡± ¡°Then can I stayover at my Uncle¡¯s? I think we¡¯ll probably eat until quite late, can¡¯t shower after nine right?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll get Miller to pick you up at nine.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song showed a disappointed expression, is this the route to not letting her shower tonight? ¡°I didn¡¯t say you couldn¡¯t shower.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s answer made Lin Ke Song feel very surprised. She thought all of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s rules were insurmountable. But today, it seems like she has broken all his rules? Like holding his hand to take the train; like using the same plate as Jiang Qian Fan; and, like right here right now him agreeing to let her use the shower after nine? CH 31 Word count: 3954 Uncle¡¯s birthday Lin Ke Song looked at the other party carefully, and wondered if this man was really the big ice block? ¡°Miller, make a trip to ¡®Blue tulips¡¯.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± At this time Jiang Qian Fan took out his phone, and made a call: ¡°Help me prepare a three-pound birthday cake. I¡¯ll pick it up in an hour.¡± Lin Ke Song blinked her eyes, did he order the cake for her? But Jiang Qian Fan is even acquainted with her uncle ah, why would he order a cake for him? He never bothered himself with things that had no business with him. After hanging up the call, Jiang Qian Fan also didn¡¯t explain anything to Lin Ke Song, it was so quiet in the car that Lin Ke Song thought that this was all her wishful thinking. 10 minutes later, their cars stopped in front of an extremely exquisite entrance of a caf¨¦. They hadn¡¯t even entered, and they could smell the rich and mellow aroma of coffee. Lin Ke Song had never been a coffee enthusiast, but the aroma passing through her nostrils at this moment was simply too moving. Just as Jiang Qian Fan ascended the steps, a waiter wearing a white dress shirt with a coffee coloured apron around the waist refined and courteously opened the door for them. ¡°Mr Jiang.¡± They bowed in greeting at a 30-degree angle, in no way with exaggerated enthusiasm, the smile was just right, but not at all stiff. Lin Ke Song could tell, that they¡¯d received professional training before. They were led to a corner by the window, it was very quiet, and could just see the sparse pedestrians on the street. ¡°What do you want to eat? The cake won¡¯t be done so quickly.¡± Jiang Qian Fan opened his mouth, and Lin Ke Song could only then confirm that the birthday cake ordered was for her. The waiter bent the back, and place a menu in front of Lin Ke Song. This was a handsome guy, wavy maroon hair, high nose bridge and grey blue eyes, a slight smile, and Lin Ke Song started feeling shy. ¡°English waffles.¡± You couldn¡¯t see the prices for the things here, but Lin Ke Song knew that the places that Jiang Qian Fan went to, as long as it had something to do with eating, the price would definitely not be cheap. ¡°Do you wish to drink anything?¡± Little handsome guy¡¯s smile made Lin Ke Song feel that it would be an offense if she didn¡¯t order a drink. Lin Ke Song lifted her head to look at Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°the earl grey milk tea here is pretty good.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll have an earl grey milk tea.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s understanding towards milk tea, was using a drink that brewed milk tea powder with other sauces, a cheap one would cost 4 dollars, a slightly more expensive one would cost 10 plus dollars. Wonder what the milk tea would be like here. When the waiter left, Jiang Qian Fan asked: ¡°You like Morgan?¡± ¡°Morgan?¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned. What Morgan? JPMorgan? ¡°The waiter from before.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice carried a little coolness. Especially just as Lin Ke Song thought that he was becoming easier to get along with. ¡°Ah¡­¡­ no ah. Why would¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song subconsciously wanted to deny at first, but she reacted and thought that it was better to not lie to Jiang Qian Fan, so she hurriedly supplemented, ¡°I only thought that he looked really good when he smiled, and his attitude was very professional.¡± Jiang Qian Fan didn¡¯t say anything. But Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart felt like there were ants crawling back and forth. How did he manage to figure out that she like Morgan by just hearing? Totally can¡¯t be anymore baffling. She was female, see a handsome guy and give him a couple more admiring looks, didn¡¯t even whistle at him¡­¡­ The atmosphere became slightly awkward in a short while. Until the waiter called Morgan carried the tray of English waffles and earl grey milk tea to her side, when he lowered his body and smiled at Lin Ke Song, Lin Ke Song could not help but pull back her mind from those beautiful pair of blue eyes, and politely said: ¡°Thank you.¡± The plating of the English waffles paid much attention to the pattern, the crisp white cream and the cherries and strawberries made others feel a sense of merriment. Lin Ke Song¡¯s knife gently touched the surface of the waffle, the crispy sound was like tearing a piece of paper. Dip a little in the whipping cream, send it into her mouth, the feeling of happiness peeled of layer by layer in her mouth, the fluffy soft insides made her unconsciously smile. Jiang Qian Fan on the opposite had his left leg over his right, sitting on this type of sofa, and holding a cup of coffee, aristocratically elegant, this was a disposition that was innate and could not be imitated. The steam shrouded his forehead, nodded when he took a sip of coffee, it seemed like something silently passed between his down casted eyelids, and was rippling through the air. Lin Ke Song looked at the other party stupidly. Until Jiang Qian Fan put down his cup, and leisurely asked: ¡°are the waffles not good?¡± Lin Ke Song suddenly remembered the mixed mushroom pork noodles from that night. All because she wanted to show herself more cultured in front of him, he thought that she didn¡¯t like the noodles he made. Now, he won¡¯t think that she didn¡¯t like the food again ba? ¡°No! the waffles here are really good, it¡¯s the ¡­¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s the best waffles that you¡¯ve ever eaten, and it¡¯s so good you¡¯re going to explode.¡± Even if Lin Ke Song¡¯s IQ was in the negatives, she¡¯d also know that Jiang Qian Fan was ridiculing her. ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve ever had waffles. And it¡¯s really delicious.¡± Lin KE Song didn¡¯t say anything else, and silently had a sip of the earl grey milk tea. And only then did she realise, the milk tea here actually soaked the tea leaves in milk. The fresh fragrance of the tea and the smoothness of the milk blended into the mouth, the taste was unique, the aftertaste was also deeper than the milk teas sold by the streets. ¡°You only had a mouthful.¡± Why was he always preoccupied with why she only had a few mouthfuls or how she ate? You mean she should gobble and inhale her food like she just came back from the refugee camps? Lin Ke Song suddenly felt cheeky. ¡°Because I was looking at you.¡± Jiang Qian Fan had nothing to say. The corner of Lin Ke Song¡¯s lips lifted, and purposely used an extremely honest tone to say: ¡°Morgan only looks good when he smiles. But you, no matter what angle it is, no matter what kind of cold expression you show, all make me unable to look away.¡± Aiya! The goose bumps are about to fall into the milk tea! She must have been possessed by Song Yi Ran, otherwise how could she have possible said these kind of words? But, what expression would Jiang Qian Fan produce? Will it be a shy one? What a joke, even of the whole world said that he was like a beautiful scene, chic and suave, only afraid that he would not even laugh. The probability was greater that he would tell her coldly that she shouldn¡¯t ever play this kind of silly joke ever. Bit Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s response exceeded Lin Ke Song¡¯s expectations. His body leaned forward, a hand on the table. As his face came nearer and closer, Lin Ke Song could not help moving backwards, until her back was firmly stuck to the sofa. The entire space seemed to follow Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s figure and seemed about to collapse in front of her. Her breath was stuck in her body, because he was too close, his stern but delicate features were so clear, she was afraid that the breath she breathed out would touch his skin. Jiang Qian Fan reached out his other hand, and just nicely put it on Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulder, his fingers touched her neck, the blood pumping under his skin along his fingertips. Until his hand lifted up her chin, covered her cheek, his fingers travelled along the lines of her brow, from the heart of the eyebrows to the end of the eyebrows. ¡°Wh¡­¡­What is it¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song asked extremely nervous. She had subconsciously wanted to stick onto the other party¡¯s palm, because the warmth there distracted her, it wasn¡¯t too warm, and it wasn¡¯t too cool. But she endured. Because she did not know just what Jiang Qian Fan was doing. A good while later, Jiang Qian Fan took back his hand. ¡°Indeed, my looks are aesthetically pleasant and mainstream. But yours, are too common.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song wanted a to cover his face with the waffles. A pity that she didn¡¯t dare to. And could only fiercely use the fork to jab the waffle, then stuff it into her mouth, and bite it with her might. ¡°the sound of your eating now, sounds like you feel it¡¯s really delicious.¡± Jiang Qian Fan lifted his coffee in an elegant posture. Lin Ke Song took a look at her messy plate: Jiang Qian Fan do you really have aesthetics! At this time, Morgan came to their side, and told them that their cake was prepared. Lin Ke Song carried the cake and returned to the car with Jiang Qian Fan. The car did not drive to Chinatown, but stopped at the corner of the street. Lin Ke Song alighted, and suddenly felt her mood get a lot happier. Haven¡¯t seen Uncle for a few days, wonder how he¡¯s doing! Is the restaurant busy? How¡¯s business going? When she came to Lin¡¯s restaurant, and saw the multitudes of people coming and going, she could not help producing a grin. Just as she was about to walk in, someone happily yelled: ¡°Hurry ah! Ke Song¡¯s back!¡± Uncle practically rushed out from the back kitchen: ¡°Ke Song! You¡¯re back! Go up and have a seat! Uncle is on the way!¡± ¡°don¡¯t need to greet me already! Uncle do your thing! I¡¯ll also help out! This is a birthday cake for you!¡± Uncle received the cake, and smile ecstatically: ¡°There¡¯s even a cake! Ke Song you¡¯re so thoughtful! The few disciples I had have all graduated! I¡¯ll hand all of tonight over to them! I¡¯ll explain a couple words and come up! Right, your friend also came over! Actually it was to see you, in the end he even brought me a gift! So embarrassed ah! So I got him to stay for dinner!¡± ¡°My friend?¡± Lin Ke Song blinked, ¡°Can¡¯t be Song Yi Ran ba?¡± ¡°Right right right! It¡¯s Song Yi Ran! Go up and play with him!¡± Haven¡¯t seen that chap for so many days, Lin KE Song suddenly missed him so much. Ran up in a couple of steps, pushed opened the door of the first room. Uncle knew that she will be back after 3 months, so the room was maintained, even the bed sheets and all that were properly covered. And in the bed, laid a person, his back was towards the door, and only exposed the broad shoulders and a pair of long legs. Even though it was only the view of a back, it was enough to charm many ladies. Lin EK Song sat at the edge of the bed, and pounded his shoulders with her fingers: ¡°Hey! Song Yi Ran! This is my territory, why is it invaded by you again?¡± Song Yi Ran suddenly turned around, his arms bypassed around Lin Ke Song¡¯s waist, and directly hugged her. His face was practically stuck to Lin Ke Song¡¯s back, the warm breath made her freeze up uncontrollably. ¡°Why is it that though I haven¡¯t been feeding you well, you still fattened up a round?¡± Song Yi Ran said muffled. ¡°No way? I didn¡¯t even eat much ah!¡± Lin Ke Song angrily lowered her head, and realised that Song Yi Ran¡¯s were all smiles. ¡°Didn¡¯t eat much? Is it because I wasn¡¯t around and so you missed me?¡± Song Yi Ran turned around, propped his face, really was quite like a tipsy concubine. The long eyes carried a faint smile that provoked, lips bent in a lazy arc. Even that elegant nose, made people have an impulse to bite down. ¡°That whatever food show¡¯s host Annalise came over to look for me, said the that pot of stew I made it to the rotten tomatoes top 10 list, I did long for you then, longed to punch you!¡± Lin Ke Song raised her fist, and just as she was about to pound into his nose, she was firmly withheld by Song Yi Ran. He loosened her fingers one by one, lowered his eyes, couldn¡¯t tell if he were happy, his fingers slowly embedded through hers, and pressed her hand gently onto the pillow. ¡°What about now? Do you think this so called isolated training is of any use? You don¡¯t seem to be getting along happily with your mentor.¡± Not very happily? Lin Ke Song hesitated. Indeed, Jiang Qian Fan wasn¡¯t that kind of patient and gentle through all weathers kind of mentor. At the start, she held some suspicions towards his behaviour. So many expectations, so many rules, so uneasy. But if she really had to leave the life she had now, she suddenly felt that she¡¯d actually be unable to bear to leave it. Is this her having Stockholm syndrome? Song Yi Ran raised his head slightly, that pair of mesmerising eyes looked at Lin Ke Song, and observed in detailed every one of her micro expressions. His eyes were very deep. Lin Ke Song suddenly felt that the Song Yi Ran in front of her was very unfamiliar. Because he had never looked at her like that, like he wanted to pull her into his eyes. ¡°If you want to lobby money for the degree¡¯s tuition fees, I can recommend other more suitable jobs. You don¡¯t have to definitely join this competition. This kind of competition, they most probably have a script already prepared. The so called learning from a mentor, is only a gimmick.¡± Song Yi Ran used a very calm tone to say. There was no intention to mock her, but only to tell her a truth. ¡°You¡¯re saying, that even if I joined the competition, the result of the competition actually had nothing to do with the abilities of the contestants¡­¡­ just like those variety shows, whoever the audience likes will last to the end, and whoever is at the end will be the champion? Everything is for the ratings?¡± Lin Ke Song was inexplicable agitated. When Annalise appeared in front of her and talked about some rotten tomatoes list, she actually knew in her heart that this was only a television programme. But Jiang Qian Fan¡­¡­ made her treat all these seriously. Because she believed, the programme that made Jiang Qian Fan get serious can be some flub dub programme. ¡°even though on the surface they let these prestigious big chefs in the industry mentor their students, but is 3 months really enough? This kind of competition is just for the big chefs to avoid direct competition that can result in embarrassment and a loss of reputation. But they can totally have the students that the chefs have been teaching for a long time to compete ah! The standards will be higher, able to represent better, and are also able to achieve the motive of mining rookies. But the completion committee just happen to choose those of you who made the worst dish. You mean it really isn¡¯t to attract the audience¡¯s interests, and whet their appetites?¡± Lin Ke Song knew that Song Yi Ran wasn¡¯t targeting her, and was only worried that she would get disappointed if she carried too high of an expectation into people¡¯s traps. This kind of feeling was much worse than when she knew at first that this was all a game for the audience to watch. Song Yi Ran sat up, his finger tapped in Lin Ke Song¡¯s forehead, ¡°Look at your disappointment. Stayed so long in the kitchen, are you interested in cooking already?¡± Lin Ke Song covered her forehead. ¡°Seems like it ba¡­¡­ you know, I used to think that as long as food was cooked, the taste right and it¡¯d be enough. I never knew that a dish, from the choosing of the ingredients, the cutting, pairing, the layer of flavours, all had so many details to take note of. If your told me that a cooking was an art or something before I came to New York, I would have harshly mocked you. But now¡­¡­ it is indeed an art.¡± ¡°so you want to continue?¡± Song Yi Ran asked. ¡°I want to understand those things¡­¡­ but I don¡¯t really want to be a clown on telly.¡± ¡°Then as I¡¯ve said, we can find someone willing to teach you.¡± ¡°But I¡¯ve already promised to participate in the competition, I can¡¯t just irresponsibly back out. Furthermore, there is a cash prize. Treat it as the salary for three months of work would do.¡± Lin Ke Song laughed, bent down and said softly, ¡°furthermore from that big book of questions from Uncle, I haven¡¯t even gotten a single answer. If I back out halfway like this, he¡¯d definitely kill me.¡± ¡°You have never been those kind of people who never finish what they started.¡± Song Yi Ran yawned, and lazily got up. Lin Ke Song hadn¡¯t straightened her waist in time, the tip of Song Yi Ran¡¯s nose just nicely rubbed past her face. The slightly cool tip of the nose left a lingering feeling like a scratch when it touched her cheek. Lin Ke Song covered her face, while Song Yi Ran fluttered his peachy eyes, suddenly there was a pool of flirtation, ¡°Great ah, Lin Ke Song! You were purposely waiting for me to kiss you right!¡± The old drama is about to be staged. Li Ke Song hunched her shoulders and laughed out loud three times, placed a leg along the edge of the bed frame, a finger hooked under Song Yi Ran¡¯s chin, ¡°Aiyo, pretty one, you seen through it? Come come come, let master give you a kiss.¡± Song Yi Ran was like a lazy cat, covered his eyes like he was really enjoying Lin Ke Song hooking his chin. At that moment, Lin Ke Song was shaken, she suddenly thought, when Chu Ting or other ladies played with him, will he also show this kind of expression? At the next moment, Song Yi Ran cupped Lin Ke Song¡¯s wrist, and suddenly pressed Lin Ke Song down. When the back of her head hit the pillow, the Song Yi Ran in front of Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes suddenly got closer to her face. His breath was at her nose, everything was caged by him, that kind of suppression, made Lin Ke Song inexplicably feel danger. It was a posture totally different from Jiang Qian Fan, it was like a dormant beast, finally locking down on its prey in the thick forest. The originally lazy and practically didn¡¯t care about anything eyes, seemed to suddenly crash into the dark night. A few seconds later, Lin Ke Song finally got her mind back. ¡°Hey¡­¡­ you scared me to death!¡± she lifted her thigh, and actually was about to kick him away, but in the end, because the position wasn¡¯t right, only the knee rubbed past the other party¡¯s waist. At that moment, Song Yi Ran¡¯s eyes got even darker. He slowly lowered his head, turned his face, like he was about to lean into her lips. Lin Ke Song got nervous. The closer he got, the clearer his warmth. Don¡¯t be played by him anymore. And don¡¯t carry any expectations towards him. Lin KE Song snapped her head away, Song Yi Ran¡¯s head was buried in her neck, then he gave a muffled laugh. ¡°Hey, master¡ª¡ª the pretty one was about to kiss you, how did you end up getting shy?¡± Lin KE Song rolled her eyes. Look ba! Look ba! This chap was just like this! Good thing she didn¡¯t uncontrollably kiss him, otherwise don¡¯t know how this damned ending would be! ¡°What are you guys doing!¡± A girl¡¯s voice sounded at their sides. Lin Ke Song turned her face, and this time she really just happened to touch Song Yi Ran¡¯s lips. She widened her eyes, and didn¡¯t have her consciousness back for a few seconds. What had she just done? The person standing at the side of the bed wasn¡¯t anyone else, it was Lin Xiao Xue! Don¡¯t even bother first about how Song Yi Ran would react, but what to do if Lin Xiao Xue ran to tell her Uncle rubbish? Even if it was very open minded here, but Uncle was like her Father, are all very conservative people, definitely don¡¯t like the young one to mess around in the room! And Song Yi Ran just happened to be pressing down on her, only the Lord knows if she were told on by Lin Xiao Xue, Uncle will think that they were doing something! ¡°Fooling around ah.¡± Song Yi Ran smiled as he got up. ¡°Fooling around? Lin Ke Song, didn¡¯t you say that you were only ten-year-old friends with him?¡± Lin Xiao Xue was a whole appearance of anger. Lin KE Song ‡å-ed, why is this girl so obvious everything was shown on her face ah. As if afraid that the whole world didn¡¯t know she was interested in Song Yi Ran. But today, Lin Ke Song considers this as seeing the real ability of Song Yi Ran¡¯s thick skin. ¡°Who said that ten-year-old friends couldn¡¯t fool around?¡± Song Yi Ran opened his arms, a posture like wanting to hug Lin Xiao Xue, ¡°You can join us too ah! Otherwise you can kiss this part too?¡± Lin Xiao Xue was stunned. In her heart, Song Yi Ran was a personable, knowledgeable, virtuous, tiptop specimen. The previous time he helped her with her essay and she got a very high grade, even the lecturer praised her thoughts, sufficient analysis of the arguments. She idolised Song Yi Ran even more. But the Song Yi Ran now, is he really Song Yi Ran? ¡°Wanna join or not ah?¡± ¡°You¡­¡­ you¡­¡­ this is my house!¡± After saying, Lin Xiao Xue angrily slammed the door and went off. Song Yi Ran didn¡¯t forget to raise his voice to say: ¡°but this is Lin Ke Song¡¯s room. Remember to knock the next time you come!¡± Separated by a wall, but Lin KE Song could hear the sounds of Lin Xiao Xue throwing things. She exasperatedly lifted her leg, and kicked Song Yi Ran. ¡°Who asked you to play around! You¡¯ve played well now ah! If Uncle knows about it, don¡¯t even know how to explain. Let me be clear, Xiao Xue isn¡¯t Chu Ting, she¡¯s my cousin, my family. Don¡¯t fool around.¡± Song Yi Ran turned around, gathered his brows: ¡°just what kind of person am I in your heart ah?¡± ¡°Gold and jade on the outside, filth on the inside.¡± Lin Ke Song sat up, crossed her legs, a hand propped on her knee and answered very seriously. ¡°Then what if one day you realise, that I¡¯m the same inside out?¡± CH 32 Word count: 3782 Lin Ke Song¡¯s Mixed mushroom pork noodles ¡°Then I won¡¯t let you be together with Xiao Xue.¡± ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, why don¡¯t you sacrifice yourself, and get together with me?¡± Song Yi Ran tilted his head, and smiled like a cat that had just finished a fish. Lin Ke Song gave him a pat at the back of his head, too lazy to bother about him. Sometimes she really wanted to ask this bastard, if she really said ¡°Okay ah¡±, what kind of expression will you show. At night, Uncle cooked a whole table of fine dishes, he was glad when he saw that Lin Ke Song was back, but Xiao Xue at the side constantly had a frozen face. ¡°it¡¯s so rare for you, Ke Song to be back, and even Yi Ran¡¯s joined us. In the past, for these kind of occasions, it¡¯s always been Xiao Xue and I celebrating. Last year¡¯s birthday, this girl even went out with her friends for a picnic at the national park, totally forgot about her father!¡± ¡°Dad! Didn¡¯t I get you a present to make up for it?¡± Lin Xiao Xue glanced at Song Yi Ran. She still minded how Song Yi Ran viewed her. But Lin Ke Song was very shocked. Beforehand, Uncle was even suspicious of Song Yi Ran because he was too good looking, worried that Lin Ke Song would really date him and get hurt and whatnot. Now he didn¡¯t even call him Mr Song and all that, but even called him ¡°Yi Ran¡±. Just what soup did this chap make Uncle drink? Uncle laughed, turned to Lin Ke Song and said: ¡°are you learning well at your teacher¡¯s? an average Michelin chef tends to be very busy. Did he teach you anything?¡± ¡°Because I¡¯ve hardly ever stepped in the kitchen, everything is being taught from the basics. Like understanding ingredients, the methods of cutting ah, and differentiating the different level of flavours and more.¡± ¡°That means you haven¡¯t learnt to cook a single dish?¡± Lin Xian Xue chillily said a sentence, ¡°you have two more months to the start of that competition of yours, you being like that is to be cannon fodder there?¡± ¡°Xiao Xue!¡± Uncle lowered his voice. ¡°what I meant was that you dad, have to give cousin some face. What understanding ingredients ah, what cutting thing and flavours and whatnot, it¡¯s obviously the other party doing what is perfunctory. It is a Michelin star head chef, how is it possible that they¡¯d teach a rookie personally. It¡¯s totally a waste of time.¡± Lin Xiao Xue turned her face, rolled her eyes. This girl¡¯s vengeful heart is really strong ah. ¡°Don¡¯t bother about her, her temper is just like that!¡± Uncle sighed, and said softly to Lin Xiao Xue, ¡°we still have a guest here today, how ugly do you want to show yourself?¡± ¡°anyway don¡¯t you think that this daughter isn¡¯t as filial as this niece? Then you let her make a bowl of noodles for you! In any case, today is your birthday!¡± ¡°You¡­¡­¡± Uncle chocked, and could only shake his head. Lin Xiao Xue¡¯s attitude made Lin Ke Song feel gradually awkward. ¡°Then just make a bowl of noodles.¡± Song Yi Ran said patting Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulder, ¡°You just came to New York, and Uncle Lin has been taking care of you the whole time. You just make a bowl of noodles for him ba. No matter if it were good or bad, it¡¯s all about the intentions.¡± Once Song Yi Ran said that, Lin Ke Song also felt that it was good. Gifting of the birthday cake and whatnot, it was all prepared by Jiang Qian Fan, even the money wasn¡¯t paid by her. And the image that appeared in her mind was of that night, when Jiang Qian Fan made a bowl of mixed mushroom and pork noodles for her. His every move, every step done, were all remembered vividly by her. She too wanted to try it out, if Jiang Qian Fan were not by her side, would she really be unable to do anything. ¡°Okay ah, Uncle, I¡¯ll make a bowl of noodles for you. Song Yi Ran, you accompany my Uncle and drink some beer!¡± ¡°Okay ah, make more. I¡¯ve only ever eaten your instant noodles! Let me snitch off Uncle¡¯s honour ba.¡± ¡°Can ah, even if it¡¯s not good you have to eat it all.¡± ¡°No problem ah.¡± Lin Ke Song laughed to the kitchen next room. This was the place where Uncle cooked for the family. She found pork, mushrooms, made sure of all the ingredients, and buckwheat noodles. She put water to boil, and according to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s method, cut the mushrooms, sliced the pork. Smashed the garlic clove, prepared the ginger, and marinated the pork. Jiang Qian Fan once said, the difference between a top chef and an average chef wasn¡¯t the process, but the details. These details include the amount and degree. Lin Ke Song first stir-fried the water content in the mushroom away, and put aside. Put a few ice cubes in the boiling soup, to increase the texture of the noodles. in her mind it was totally Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s figure, she imitated all his movements and steps based on her memory. Until the end, she gave the noodles a good mix, used the chopsticks to pick up a little strand and sent it into her mouth. She blinked her eyes, even though the layers of flavours weren¡¯t as rich as Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s, the pork was somewhat a little old, but she was very satisfied with the result of cooking for the first time. As she was putting the noodles on the table, Lin Ke Song thought in her heart. When she was stir-frying the pork slices, she should have adjusted the strength of the flames, should have had less hesitation when stir-frying, the mushrooms were a little late in being stir-fried with the pork slices. Uncle looked very happy when he saw the noodles: ¡°Aiya, this is mixed mushroom pork noodles ah! In the past when Xiao Xue¡¯s mom was still around, she made it frequently for me!¡± ¡°You really made it? Looks pretty good ah, but we don¡¯t know whether the taste will have an explosive reaction.¡± Song Yi Ran blinked. That face that was asking for a beating, Lin Ke Song really wanted to use the chopsticks to hit his brains. Uncle lifted the chopsticks, got a bowlful, blew on it, and sent it into his mouth. ¡°En! En! Tastes pretty good ah! Ke Song, the noodles are very chewy!¡± ¡°Because after boiling, I added a round of ice cubes.¡± ¡°Oh, heat expands, cold shrinks, using this method will make the noodles chewier? I¡¯ve remembered it!¡± Lin Xiao Xue played with her phone at the side, and said softly: ¡°how can it be that magical.¡± Song Yi Ran also had a mouthful, ¡°the flavour of the mushrooms is pretty good too ah, no extra water content, very fragrant.¡± Lin Ke Song smiled. ¡°You too try the mixed noodles your cousin made ah. It tastes quite good.¡± Lin Xiao Xue still sat where she was without moving. Song Yi Ran indifferently had another bowl, gently nudged Lin Ke Song saying: ¡°with this standard, why not I invest in a noodle shop for you, just sell mixed mushroom pork noodles would do!¡± ¡°Ke Song, did your teacher teach you to make this? Even though it looks really simple, but there are a lot of techniques ah!¡± Uncle could not help asking. ¡°Actually¡­¡­ I haven¡¯t been taught by teacher. It¡¯s just that I was too hungry one night, and wanted to go to the kitchen to grab some fruit or something, and unexpectedly bumped into him. He made the bowl of noodles right in front of me. I only remembered the steps he went through.¡± ¡°You really know how to show off. The great teacher not only has to teach you from the basics, but even made you supper in the middle of the night?¡± Lin Xiao Xue lifted the corners of her lips, full of mockery. Lin Ke Song was muted. It did indeed sound unbelievable. And when applied to Jiang Qian Fan, it sounded even more unbelievable. ¡°Don¡¯t bother about this girl. It¡¯s probably because she has an appointment with friends again, and in the end has to accompany this old man, that made her unhappy.¡± This dinner, Lin Xiao Xue didn¡¯t eat much. But Uncle and Song Yi Ran chatted about the restaurant business, Song Yi Ran¡¯s experience made Uncle appreciative. When they finished the meal, it was almost eight thirty. Lin Ke Song looked at the time on her phone, and thought that if Miller really reached here at 9pm sharp, would she be unable to hang out a little longer? Song Yi Ran¡¯s head suddenly popped over, his hair gently brushing Lin Ke Song¡¯s ear: ¡°Why do you keep looking at your phone?¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡­ my teacher said that he¡¯ll pick me up at 9. Probably going to send me to that kitchen¡¯s back kitchen again ba.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve been to the back kitchen of a fine dining restaurant? Is it a Chinese or western cuisine?¡± Uncle asked interestedly. ¡°It¡¯s a western one.¡± ¡°Then what did you do inside? Were you at the side looking at them prepare western dished?¡± ¡°Nope. The back kitchen was too busy, if I stood at the side watching, I¡¯d definitely disturb the others. I was helping them chop onions ah, ginger slices ah. I was even hollered at too, because I couldn¡¯t differentiate salmon. The salmon pieces I cut, the head chef there even said that there were no flaws too.¡± Bringing up this point, Lin Ke Song felt pretty happy. ¡°since it¡¯s like that, don¡¯t let your teacher wait. Let¡¯s cut the cake!¡± Uncle had full support for Lin Ke Song¡¯s learning. Song Yi Ran brought the cake out. The box was intricate, just using your hand to touch and you¡¯d know that much attention was paid to the texture. Lin Xiao Xue who was playing with her phone glanced at the cake box, suddenly her eyes lighted up, and rushed over: ¡°Isn¡¯t this Blue Tulips¡¯ cake? How did you manage to buy this?¡± ¡°Blue Tulips?¡± Uncle was stunned too. ¡°Ah? What¡¯s wrong with Blue Tulips?¡± Lin KE Song did not understand why Lin Xiao Xue was shocked. ¡°Blue Tulips is New York¡¯s most famous dessert shop. Last year, their ginger meringue cake got ¡¶gourmet¡·¡¯s five star rating. And just 2 months ago, their newly released passionfruit carrot cake became their signature dish as appointed by the ruby guide, they are the best fine dining restaurant dealing primarily with desserts.¡± Uncle explained. ¡°How did you buy this? A birthday cake needs at least a reservation 3 months in advance! I have a friend, her father is the vice president of some bank, and even when it was for his birthday, the reservation clause was the same!¡± ¡°It¡¯s my teacher who heard that I was coming back for Uncle¡¯s birthday, so it was reserved impromptu for me.¡± Lin Ke Song did not think that for the life of Jiang Qian Fan would order such a costly cake. Lin Xiao Xue gaped, she probably wanted to refute Lin Ke Song or something, that her teacher couldn¡¯t possibly do so much for her. But with just Lin Ke Song herself, she couldn¡¯t possibly have ordered this cake. She could only wait, when the box was opened, and the cake is a fake one. Then she¡¯d be able to have a good laugh at Lin Ke Song. Song Yi Ran and Uncle lifted the box carefully, to reveal the cake in the box. The European styled cake was very simple, there weren¡¯t too many fruits displayed. But at one glance, one could see that the cream at the top was very uniform, the cocoa powder was evenly spread on the surface. The cream that was formed into roses had a few grains of sugar, shaved lemon was placed on top. The colour contrast was very gentle, the whole layout wasn¡¯t too crowded, but it gave off a sense of elegance. This was indeed a Blue Tulips styled birthday cake. But Lin Xiao Xue still did not believe, and only waited for the cake to be cut. Until Uncle had made a wish, and cut the cake, the insides had clear layers of cake and cream, and a thin layer of fruit. The fruits were obviously very fresh, not any kind of canned fruits. The first mouth Lin Xiao Xue had, she realised she couldn¡¯t endure it anymore, wanting to bite, and swallow the whole birthday cake. The soft cream, doesn¡¯t make people feel sick from the sweetness, but because of the fragrance and sourness of the lemon did the taste have more layers. The fluffy cake was soft and full of springiness, the high quality butter in the embryo of the cake brought about a taste that made people unable to stop. Lin Ke Song closed her eyes, and savoured the ingredients within little by little. As expected, the reason for being delicious, was because of the radiant balance of the flavours of the ingredients. If there were a little bit more butter, the cake will be soft and sticky, if the butter were a little sweeter, the sourness of the lemon will overpower and make it lose the balance. Everything, was the grasping of the degree. Right at this time, Lin Ke Song¡¯s phone rang. ¡°Hello, Miller? You¡¯ve reached? I¡¯ll be right out.¡± Lin Ke Song gave her Uncle a goodbye hug, and left. Song Yi Ran accompanied her to the street. A black Bentley glowed under the streetlights. ¡°This is your pumpkin carriage? You¡¯re going to your fairy godmother?¡± Song Yi Ran asked smiling. Lin KE Song laughed: ¡°if I somehow lose my fairy godmother, don¡¯t throw me away.¡± ¡°how is it possible?¡± Just as Driver Miller was about to open the door for Lin KE Song, Song Yi Ran said: ¡°Let me.¡± He opened the door, watched as Lin Ke Song sat in. ¡°Hey, Ke Song.¡± ¡°En?¡± ¡°Your mixed mushroom pork noodles was really delicious today.¡± ¡°Is it better than LangHua Hotel¡¯s?¡± Lin Ke Song asked smiling. ¡°Better than anything I¡¯ve ever eaten before.¡± Song Yi Ran smiled. His fingers pinched the tip of Lin KE Song¡¯s nose. Lin KE Song had a kind of out of conscious feeling. When he straightened, and closed the door, the light of the streetlamp quietly fell on his face. She saw some sort of an illusion of doting in his eyes. She still hadn¡¯t distinguished clearly, and the car drove away. Lin KE Song looked back, and saw Song Yi Ran waving to her, there was a sense of dashing chicness. But when the car got far enough, Song Yi Ran¡¯s face dimmed. He made a call. ¡°Kevin, I need you to help me.¡± There was a noisy sound from the phone, Kevin was going crazy with a bunch of friends at a bar. ¡°sure ah! Hurry come join our party! We¡¯ve clenched such a big deal, shouldn¡¯t we celebrate properly?¡± Song Yi Ran suddenly walked back half a step, leaned on the street lamp, like the crazy atmosphere had no effect on him. ¡°You seem busy. We¡¯ll talk again when you have time ba.¡± Song Yi Ran hung up. Not half a minute later, his phone rang again, it was Kevin calling back. ¡°Hey, what do you need help with?¡± The noise was a lot lesser. The other party had obviously gone to a quieter place. ¡°I want you to check up on a number plate for me.¡± ¡°No problem with that. Does this number plate belong to a pretty lady? Do you need me to tell you the other party¡¯s measurements, interests, hobbies and all that ah?¡± ¡°If I didn¡¯t guess wrongly, the owner of the car should be a guy. If you are willing to check out his measurement, interests, hobbies and whatnot, I don¡¯t mind.¡± Song Yi Ran gave a shallow laugh, took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and shook it, putting one of them between his lips. ¡°No way ba? Someone really stole your lover? But¡­¡­ are you sure?¡± ¡°If a man, lets a woman stay in his house, makes her supper, and even prepare an expensive birthday cake for her family¡¯s birthday, what do you think this is thinking?¡± ¡°He¡¯s trying to woo that woman.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Song Yi Ran lifted the corners of his lips, ¡°Give me results asap.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± The car left New York, and returned to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa. Mayer had finally returned, when Lin Ke Song saw him, it was like she¡¯d finally seen her saviour. ¡°I heard about Li Yan entering the villa. Actually it¡¯s not the first time for this thing to happen, there¡¯s always someone who wants to enter Mr Jiang¡¯s kitchen, to steal his ideas.¡± ¡°Not the first it happened?¡± Lin KE Song lifted her eyes to look at Mayer. ¡°Of course. If you come across a gourmet recipe, it could potentially gain fame for a small restaurant, and save a restaurant that¡¯s about to close down from death. So don¡¯t look down on Mr Jiang¡¯s kitchen.¡± Lin KE Song exhaled. ¡°But you don¡¯t have to worry too much, I¡¯ve already changed the security system. Sleep peacefully ba.¡± Lin Ke Song lifted the corners of her mouth, it¡¯s easy to say so, how is she supposed to sleep peacefully ah! When she returned to the room, and turned on the shower, she realised that there was already hot water in the bathtub. She hurriedly walked out, opened the door, Mayer hadn¡¯t walked far. ¡°Mr Mayer, the hot water in my bathtub¡­¡­¡± ¡°You can take a proper bath, relax a little.¡± Mayer nodded. Lin Ke Song was suddenly happy. She laid in the hot water, and actually wanted to hum a melody, but she thought that it might affect Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s mood, and could only give up the idea. Mayer went to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s kitchen, don¡¯t know what he was pondering about now. ¡°Mr Jiang, I¡¯m back.¡± ¡°En.¡± ¡°Ms Lin is also back.¡± ¡°En.¡± ¡°Furthermore, Iris Quentin called today to ask about Ms Lin¡¯s matter.¡± ¡°What did she say?¡± Jiang Qian Fan was carrying a bowl, making some kind of sauce. ¡°She feels that you are very concerned about Ms Lin.¡± ¡°Lin Ke Song is my student now.¡± ¡°But Iris has always had good feelings towards you. As an heiress of a large restaurant group, she chose your restaurant to be a head chef, and as for the reason, sir, you should be very clear.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about this, Mayer.¡± ¡°Of course this is something I have to worry about. If you could accept Iris, Jiang Co and Quentin Group will become partners, and together be invincible.¡± ¡°Iris has a desire to chase the strong, all her areas of focus have people who understand her thoughts and are able to reach a consensus. She is a powerful ally, but to her, a marriage is like a war. She doesn¡¯t know how to understand, tolerate and respect, she can only see the so-called strong, but not their advantages. So you think this kind of marriage is a booster or a disaster?¡± Mayer went silent. ¡°Furthermore, I do not wish for my marriage to have anything to do with Jiang Co., it is not a beneficial trade-off, it is only a marriage.¡± Jiang Qian Fan picked up a small spoon, dipped a little into the bowl of sauce, gently pursed his lips, slowly furrowed his brows. ¡°I understand, sir. But if possible, I do not wish for Iris Quentin to become your enemy.¡± ¡°If one day she really becomes my enemy, then all that needs to be done is to defeat her.¡± And the Lin Ke Song now, was quietly lying in the bathtub. She kept replaying in her ear what Song Yi Ran had said to her. 3 months, is it really enough for her to be able to join that type of competition? She knew that she didn¡¯t look that cute, couldn¡¯t speak English that fluently, even during the auditions, the judges said that they never wanted to see her again. Her like this, will she be able to stay to the end of the competition? She¡¯s been her for many day, thinking carefully, she really did gain a lot. She knew how to differentiate the different levels of flavours, understood the different preparation methods for different ingredient, and she even got to ¡°practice¡± at a Michelin starred restaurant, but all these was still far from being able to prepare a dish that the judges would consider whole. She hasn¡¯t even made a whole dish under the instruction of Jiang Qian Fan. When the water in the tub was almost cool, Lin Ke Song woke from her deep thoughts. She dried her hair, stood at the window. Indeed, she couldn¡¯t expect Jiang Qian Fan to teach every single thing to her, she has to put in her own effort too. She needed to try to make something. Only practice can allow her to master different types of practical skills as quickly as possible. Everything shall start from the mixed mushroom pork noodles that was made today. She thought about how to make the noodles taste better, what follows after would be the execution. Anyway Mayer did not say anything about not being allowed to use the kitchen alone, he only said that after using the kitchen, everything needed to be cleared and cleaned. After making up her mind, Lin Ke Song left the room, and went to the kitchen. But when she pushed the door open, she realised that the light was switched on, and Jiang Qian Fan was standing in front of the counter, while he had his arms folded, don¡¯t know what he was thinking about, Lin KE Song stepped a step back. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s expression was that of focus, a position of slightly nodding, let Lin Ke Song instantly think of a pine tree at a cliff. It seems like she won¡¯t be able to use the kitchen today. ¡°Is it Lin Ke Song?¡± The cool voice felt like it slightly swiped Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart. ¡°It¡¯s me¡­¡­¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°I¡­¡­ Thank you for ordering the birthday cake for me, my Uncle and his family really like it¡­¡­¡± ¡°Get to the point.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s posture didn¡¯t even change. CH 33 Special Hollandaise Sauce Lin Ke Song was stunned, why did Jiang Qian Fan always know everything? She hated his sensitivity to death. Can¡¯t you give people some leeway? ¡°I made mixed mushroom pork noodles for Uncle today. I felt that I hadn¡¯t made it perfect enough, so I wanted to come here to practice.¡± ¡°go ahead ba.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s reply surprised Lin KE Song. Didn¡¯t this fellow love quietness to the point of sickness? ¡°you look like you¡¯re studying a new dish¡­¡­ I think I won¡¯t disturb you.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re like this, you will forever be unable to use this kitchen.¡± Lin Ke Song paused for a while. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s meaning is that he¡¯d be in this kitchen frequently? And he doesn¡¯t mind her making thunderous movement at his side? But even if he didn¡¯t mind, she would mind ah! At first she had only thought about exploring the process, but Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s hearing was so sensitive, if she worked while he gave comments at the side, she¡¯d definitely be all over the place ah! ¡°If you¡¯re not planning to use the kitchen, close the door when you leave.¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned around, walked towards the fresh foods storage. Lin Ke Song made up her mind, anyway food is made for people to eat, then shouldn¡¯t have the fear of people¡¯s judgment. And Jiang Qian Fan is her teacher, every point he may say probably will be more accurate and of greater essence than her being a blind man feeling an elephant. ¡°Then I¡¯ll be intruding!¡± Lin Ke Song walked into the kitchen, and closed the door. She prepared her ingredients, started making and cooking her mixed mushroom pork noodles step by step. Compared to her Uncle¡¯s home kitchen, Lin Ke Song was a lot more focused now. The details she hadn¡¯t noticed before, were all compensated for right now. Until she mixed her own noodles, did she realise that from the start to the end, Jiang Qian Fan was at the front of the counter, hugging his arm with his head lowered, not moving, not making a sound. Lin Ke Song thought that since the other party was in deep thought, she¡¯d better not disturb. She lowered her head, and tasted the noodles she made. Because she couldn¡¯t find buckwheat noodles, she chose a noodles that was frequently used to cook soup noodles. The first mouth she ate, and she realised that it was egg noodles. These type of noodles was very similar, but they were very soft too. She had slight overcooked them. This time¡¯s mushroom and pork slices were stir-fried pretty well, the soup was tasty too, but with the noodles added, there was a flat feeling. The fresh flavour was overpowered by the batter of the noodles, wasn¡¯t as good as the noodles that was made at Uncle¡¯s house. Lin KE Song inhaled, failed ah. But she had no guts to pour the noodles away in front of Jiang Qian Fan. Even though she knew that Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s focus probably wasn¡¯t even on her. She planned to eat all the noodles in one shot, then quietly start over. Just as she was halfway through, Jiang Qian Fan suddenly said: ¡°Bring it over to let me taste.¡± Lin Ke Song jolted, almost choked. ¡°No¡­¡­No need ba¡­¡­ it¡¯s a failure¡­¡­¡± ¡°You chose the wrong noodles. The noodles used to make mixed noodles have to be springy, and not easily mushy. But you chose egg noodles, even though these noodles have a smooth texture, but it is difficult to control the time and heat when cooking them. If it were me, and I really had to use egg noodles to make mixed noodles, I would choose to sieve them out when they are half transparent, put them through cold water, wash away the extra flour, stir the noodles in ice cubes, to tighten the texture of these noodles. Put aside. Wait till the mushrooms and pork slices are stir fried, then put the noodles back in boiling water until they are fully cooked then drain the water, and mix them together with the mushrooms and pork slices.¡± He hadn¡¯t even tasted her noodles, and already knew where she failed? This made Lin Ke Song¡¯s frustration heavier. ¡°So, I¡¯ve decided to recook.¡± Lin KE Song really wanted to throw away the left over noodles right now. But Jiang Qian Fan stretched his hand towards her: ¡°Noodles. Maybe your failures, are not only these.¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned for 2 seconds. She hadn¡¯t been stabbed by Jiang Qian Fan for a while. A dead pig is not scared of boiling water. Anyway, no matter what, she wouldn¡¯t be able to cook food that would be able to satisfy the other party¡¯s tricky sense of taste. ¡°this bowl of noodles has been eaten by me.¡± Lin Ke Song kindly reminded. Jiang Qian Fan didn¡¯t say anything, but only gathered the chopsticks, just as he grabbed some, the noodles snapped. Lin Ke Song hunched her shoulders, she could imagine the kind of comments she would get. It looks like, there was no need for Jiang Qian Fan to eat this bowl of noodles. Jiang Qian Fan still sent the noodles into his mouth. ¡°The pork slices and the mushrooms were probably turned over too early for about 10 to 15 seconds. Too much mushrooms were used, it overpowered the original taste of the pork slices. Too little cooking wine was used, the thickness of the ginger slices should be halved, otherwise the fragrance would not be able to be extracted by the oil. Furthermore, compared to the amount of noodles you cooked, there isn¡¯t enough mushroom and pork slices broth, so the noodles couldn¡¯t be mixed uniformly.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± As for all these, if Jiang Qian Fan hadn¡¯t pointed them out, her focus would probably be on choosing the wrong noodles. But when he used a calm tone to say it, Lin Ke Song realised that there were actually so many more details she had to take note of. Jiang Qian Fan pushed the noodles to the side, and said lightly: ¡°the most important suggestion I can give you is, when you choose ingredients, you definitely have to be clear about its special feature, including the fragrance, toughness and even the taste. No matter if it¡¯s the same ingredient, because the method of production and even the slightest difference of details for the different types of ingredients, will produce a totally different product.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve remembered it.¡± ¡°Go.¡± Jiang Qian Fan lowered his head again, looking at the small bowl in front of him. This time, Lin Ke Song has to be a lot more careful, she finally found buckwheat noodles, and broke off a short bit, sent it to her mouth to feel the tightness of the noodles. When she prepared the noodles again, she had a taste. The taste of the noodles was pretty good, the freshness of mushroom and pork slices were as she wanted. She dished out a little bowl, and sent it to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s front. ¡°If it were me, I¡¯d cook the buckwheat noodles for an extra minute. Buckwheat noodles is different from egg noodles. Egg noodles absorb the flavour of the sauce more easily, but buckwheat noodles in and of itself does not absorb flavour easily, cooking the noodles for an extra minute to allow room to absorb the flavour of the sauce, would be better. Furthermore, you¡¯ve chosen the wrong part of the pork. This isn¡¯t tenderloin. Even though you have good observation, and didn¡¯t continue stir-frying the pork as it was about to be overcooked, but the pork slices lack the tenderness of the tenderloin.¡± Jiang Qian Fan pushed the bowl to the side. Lin Ke Song grabbed her head, it looks like she still has a big problem with choosing ingredients ah. She didn¡¯t actually feel depressed, at least Jiang Qian Fan was still guiding her. She continuously repeated, continuously changed, she realised that while she was cooking the things that she took note of was increasing. Like the water content of the mushrooms, like the transparency of the noodles, like the thickness of the pork slices and the length of time of margination in the cooking wine. And the thing that made Lin Ke Song most thankful, was the at least Jiang Qian Fan didn¡¯t make her eat all the failures up. Noodles couldn¡¯t be compared to some mint cabbage soup, they could stuff a person to death. Without noticing, it was daylight. And the bowls that Lin Ke Song placed in front of Jiang Qian Fan were increasing. Even Lin Ke Song herself didn¡¯t know how many portions she¡¯d made, but Jiang Qian Fan could always point out some flaws. Until all the buckwheat noodles in the kitchen were used, Lin Ke Song watched as Jiang Qian Fan ate the last mouth of noodles. If it were when she knew nothing about Jiang Qian Fan, maybe she would be very depressed and even angry about his nit-picking, but when she saw Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s serious attitude towards taste her mixed noodles, no matter how detailed the suggestions he brought up, Lin Ke Song would have a sense of respect. ¡°Not perfect enough, right?¡± ¡°If the portion of the noodles were lessened by one fifth, the taste would be better.¡± ¡°En. But all the buckwheat noodles have been used up by me already.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s very delicious.¡± Jiang Qian Fan continued to leisurely eat that bowl of noodles. This was the first thing that Lin Ke Song had made that made Jiang Qian Fan have a second mouth. ¡°Really? If you don¡¯t think it¡¯s perfect¡­¡­ how can it be delicious?¡± Lin Ke Song felt that Jiang Qian Fan was encouraging her. But he didn¡¯t seem like the type of person to say things against his will to encourage others. ¡°there¡¯s nothing that¡¯s perfect, and it¡¯s precisely because of that, that we pursue perfection.¡± Jiang Qian Fan put down the chopsticks, turned in Lin Ke Song¡¯s direction, ¡°this portion of mixed noodles, the heat used to cook the buckwheat noodles was just right. You have to remember this feeling. The pork slices were evenly cut, the marinating time and the ingredients used were just right. And the time of stir-frying the mushrooms was controlled well. If any Michelin gourmet spy had this bowl of noodles, I believe they will at least give you a fork and spoon evaluation.¡± Lin Ke Song blinked. She¡¯d heard of the Michelin star rating method. Every gourmet spy that came to judge would not reveal the identity beforehand, before they receive the star rating, they first have to be qualified to receive a fork and spoon designation. Was Jiang Qian Fan praising her before? ¡°Come here.¡± ¡°Ah?¡± ¡°come taste this kind of hollandaise sauce.¡± ¡°Hollandaise sauce?¡± Lin Ke Song had only seen this sauce on the books that Jiang Qian Fan had let her read, just how it tasted like, she really hadn¡¯t come across it before. But what she did not expect was, that Jiang Qian Fan would use a thin stirring spoon to scoop up a yellow sauce, use the other hand to gently hold, and reach out towards Lin Ke Song¡¯s direction. His fingers had a demeanour that moved people¡¯s hearts, needless to say, he looked elegant delicately stirring the spoon, Lin Ke Song did not dare get near, afraid that she would spoil this beauty. ¡°Lin Ke Song?¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned his face, like he was feeling for her to come nearer. She took a breath in, went forward in a few steps, lowered her head, and latched onto the spoon. She had an illusion, that Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s hand under the spoon seemed to want to hold her chin. So like she was running for her life, she took back her head. ¡°what have you eaten?¡± ¡°En¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song pursed her lips, letting the hollandaise sauce stop at the tip of her tongue for a longer time, ¡°There¡¯s egg yolk, lemon juice, shallots, butter, white vinegar¡­¡­ there seems to be a wine taste¡­¡­¡± ¡°white grape wine.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± ¡°This is traditional hollandaise sauce. If its raspberry grilled pork chops, served with this sauce, the taste will be very ordinary, and greasy. If it were you, how would you improve this sauce?¡± ¡°raspberry grilled pork chops? I can¡¯t imagine what kind of taste it is¡­¡­¡± If she didn¡¯t know how the main dish tasted like, how would she know the taste of the main dish dipped in the sauce? And most of the time, hollandaise sauce is paired with quiche or foods like asparagus. Jiang Qian Fan actually thought about using it with grilled pork chops? Wont it be incompatible? ¡°Wait for a while.¡± Jiang Qian Fan actually in a moment made a portion of grilled pork chops for her in the kitchen! It was crispy on the outside, and carried the fruity fragrance of raspberries, it made Lin Ke Song¡¯s mouth salivate, and her cheeks ache, really want to give it a big bite. Jiang Qian Fan cut a small piece of pork chop for her, dipped it into the hollandaise sauce from before, reached out towards Lin Ke Song¡¯s direction. This time was a lot more natural than the previous time, Lin Ke Song stretched out her neck, and latched onto the small piece of pork chop. She carefully made sure that the pork chops sauce did not drip onto Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s hand. But just as she straightened up, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s hand moved up slightly, his fingertip brushing past Lin Ke Song¡¯s chin. She knew he didn¡¯t do it on purpose, she knew he couldn¡¯t see, but that short moment of contact, made her heart feel like a balloon so pumped with air, that it was about to burst anytime. ¡°How is it?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was as per normal. Lin Ke Song slowly chewed. The pork chop was perfectly seasoned, the precise control of heat and time made the pork chop delicious. The grilled fragrance and the fruity fragrance of raspberries mingled, it was full of flavour. The hollandaise sauce that Lin Ke Song thought wouldn¡¯t complement the pork shop also added a silky texture to the pork chop. But it was a fact that for the taste, it lacked a taste that would make people feel harmony or impact. ¡°Let me think¡­¡­¡± Lin KE Song¡¯s brain suddenly had the image of the peddlers selling grilled lamb skewers. Those spices, that flavour, saliva just flowing ah¡­¡­ ¡°Can we add some cumin? Something like cumin powder?¡± Lin Ke Song said uncertainly. After all, adding cumin powder to hollandaise sauce, is super weird ba? ¡°Or chilli? Make the flavour have more of a kick?¡± Jiang Qian Fan didn¡¯t say anything, only lowered his head in deep thought. No matter how long he thought, Lin Ke Song could only accompany him at the side. If it were imitating lamb skewers, directly sprinkling cumin or chilli on the pork chop would do, why the need to put it in the hollandaise sauce, it doesn¡¯t complement too ah! Just as Lin Ke Song thought that her idea had no value to be realised, Jiang Qian Fan cut a small piece of butter, then put cumin into the oil, the strong aroma dispersed far and wide. Then he grinded some leaves and added them in, 10 seconds later, stirred the sauce little by little into the original hollandaise sauce. Then he cut a small piece of pork chop, and dipped into the sauce. Lin Ke Song thought he would ask her to go over to taste, but he sent the pork chop into his own mouth. When he swallowed the pork chop, the line of his throat was like water, Lin Ke Song subconsciously followed and swallowed too. ¡°That¡­¡­ how does it taste?¡± ¡°Try it and you¡¯d know.¡± Jiang Qian Fan had no more intention to feed her. This made Lin Ke Song inexplicably feel disappointed. Even though this disappointment was kind of laughable. She wasn¡¯t even the kitten he took care of, one that would look up and scrunch the eyes, and make a lazy expression while waiting for the owner¡¯s love. Move your own arms, and have ample clothing and food. Lin Ke Song cut a large piece of pork chop, dipped into the sauce and sent it into her mouth. How amazing! Jiang Qian Fan didn¡¯t add any form of chilli ah, where did this slightly spicy and sweet spicy flavour come from? Can¡¯t be from the garlic, can¡¯t be from the cumin either¡­¡­ maybe it¡¯s from this grinded green leaves? Lin Ke Song stealthily used a fork to dip into the grinded green, and sent it into her mouth. A slightly sweet flavour coupled with the spicy flavour that seemed like it came from fennel, the aftertaste was a little bitter. But this bitterness was flavourful. ¡°what is this grinded green ah?¡± Lin Ke Song asked curiously. ¡°it¡¯s tarragon.¡± Lin Ke Song remembered that she had seen this kind of spice in books. she has really gained a lot today ah! First it¡¯s the hollandaise sauce, then the tarragon. ¡°What do you think of the taste?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked. ¡°complements the grilled pork chops much better than the hollandaise sauce at the start! But I feel¡­¡­ how do I say it?¡± The flavour was richer, had more layers and stimulated the appetite more, but she kept feeling that there was no convergence. ¡°the original fruity fragrance of the raspberries has been overpowered.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice descended, Lin Ke Song suddenly had a feeling of being enlightened. ¡°right! Exactly that! The grilled pork chops and fruity raspberry fragrance are complimentary! But the garlic and cumin flavours are too weighty, the plus point of the raspberries are not obvious anymore!¡± ¡°En.¡± Jiang Qian Fan picked an apple, and said to Lin Ke Song: ¡°Peel it.¡± Without another word, Lin Ke Song picked up the knife, slid around in a circle, and shaved off the apple¡¯s skin. ¡°cut a piece, test its sourness.¡± Lin Ke Song silently remembered this point. She realised that no matter what Jiang Qian Fan did, he would make sure of every ingredient¡¯s taste or texture. She had a slice herself, but Jiang Qian Fan face was turned slightly towards her, she hurriedly sliced a small piece, and sent it into his mouth. The gap between his lips have always had a sense of mystery, when the apple was close to his lips, Lin Ke Song inexplicably started feeling nostalgic. Until the other party¡¯s lip pursed past her fingertips slightly, that gentleness and warmth, were completely different from Lin Ke Song¡¯s imagination. ¡°En, the sourness and sweetness are balanced. Squeeze out the apple juice.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Lin Ke Song took a small had juicer, and squeezed the apple juice out. Jiang Qian Fan scooped two coffee spoon of apple juice, stirred it into the hollandaise sauce, then cut another piece of pork chop, and had a taste. ¡°En, it¡¯s much better now.¡± ¡°Really? Let me try too!¡± The taste was just totally awesome ah! no matter the aroma, taste, flavour or the finish were all impeccable. Lin Ke Song could not help it and ate the rest of the pork chops up. When she swallowed the last mouth, she realised that Jiang Qian Fan was still beside her, hadn¡¯t walked far. ¡°You can really eat.¡± ¡°Because it¡¯s delicious ah!¡± this was a praise from her heart. ¡°To you, anything is delicious.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°But the reason why it¡¯s so delicious, had something to do with you. Even though the idea of adding cumin was boring, it was effective.¡± Lin Ke Song was a little happy, and a little lament. I say, Mr Jiang, when you compliment others, can you not make it sound like a criticism? ¡°Get ready, follow me to make a trip to Iris¡¯ restaurant.¡± ¡°Ah?¡± ¡°the back kitchen is a good place to train someone. And there is going to be an important person who will be having a meal, I will personally cook the main course.¡± ¡°What main course?¡± ¡°Raspberry grilled pork chops with special hollandaise sauce.¡± What? Isn¡¯t this what he¡¯d just made? Jiang Qian Fan reached out his hand, and pressed it on Lin Ke Song¡¯s forehead, and pushed her head away: ¡°You¡¯re blocking the road.¡± Lin KE Song rubbed her forehead. After tossing a night of mixed mushroom pork noodles, shouldn¡¯t she be specially allowed to have a good sleep? But, once she thought about Jiang Qian Fan using the dish they had completed together to receive an important guest, no ounce of fatigue was felt, the whole body was full of vigour! The back kitchen today was not as busy as yesterday¡¯s. Apart from chopping garnishes like onions, garlic slices and the like, Pepper was more patient than the previous time while imparting the know-hows on cutting steak. Different parts of the steak had different ways of cutting. Even the different ways of cooking determined the thickness of the steak. Under Pepper¡¯s guidance, Lin Ke Song sliced three portions of filet mignon. This kind of steak is taken from the most tender part of the meat at the spine, it carried no fats. Then she handled some T-bone steak. Looking from this angle at the main kitchen, Jiang Qian Fan and Iris coordinated with much understanding. Iris was obviously cooking the appetizer of French vanilla fried scallops, but she could deliver ingredient to Jiang Qian Fan from time to time, and even remind him about the rawness of the pork chop. This made Lin Ke Song envious. Pepper knocked Lin Ke Song¡¯s head: ¡°Focus.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡­ I was only curious.¡± ¡°Curious about what?¡± ¡°Mr Jiang¡¯s and Iris¡¯ coordination seems like they¡¯ve known each other for a long time.¡± ¡°wait till you become an outstanding chef, you will know that many things do not need language to communicate, you only need to see, and you¡¯ll know what the next step is.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t know what kind of person the VIP is today¡­¡­¡± Actually made Jiang Qian Fan think for a whole night to formulate the hollandaise sauce for the pork chops. ¡°do you know Silicon Valley?¡± ¡°Of course I know!¡± ¡°The one coming today is the CEO Mr McCallum of network services company snr and one of their new shareholders. Some time ago, because of snr having customer information leaks, they faced public relations crisis, it was this new shareholder¡¯s proposed solution that allowed their losses to be kept at a minimum. So Mr McCallum is coming to dine with this new shareholder here, to show gratitude and at the same time strengthen communication.¡± ¡°Oh, so that¡¯s the case.¡± ¡°Enough, you¡¯ve asked all you needed to ask, do your work properly!¡± It was obvious, Iris ¡®appetizer and Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s main course received Mr McCallum¡¯s favour, Iris accompanied Jiang Qian Fan to meet Mr McCallum. At the dining table sat Mr McCallum, the company¡¯s legal consultant, and a young Asian. Mr McCallum shook hands with Iris and Jiang Qian Fan, and with a very sincere tone said: ¡°the scallops today had a fresh taste. And the pork chop, was so stunning! My friends and I feel very regretful, why couldn¡¯t the portion of pork chops be a little more?¡± Iris laughed, Jiang Qian Fan only lightly said: ¡°This way, you will come a second time.¡± CH 34 Word count: 3618 Qian Fan VS Song Yi Ran round1 McCallum¡¯s laughter got more obvious. And the legal consultant was full of praise too. In front of all these praise, Jiang Qian Fan took them all in stride, he gracefully and properly listened, but never showed any exaggerated happy expression. Like the praises of the guests were within his expectations. McCallum looked at the partner who was consistently sitting quietly at the side: ¡°Mr Song, what do you think about the dish today?¡± The constantly smiling black haired guy, used a playful glance to look at Jiang Qian Fan, and leisurely opened his mouth. ¡°It is indeed a great piece of work. The fruity fragrance reduced the greasiness of the pork chop, the cumin added flavour to the pork chops, the special hollandaise sauce enhanced the taste of the pork chops. As expected of the head chef of a restaurant that had been awarded 3 Michelin stars.¡± A sleek American pronunciation, with a slightly lazy sound, when heard, made people inexplicably forget their thoughts. ¡°Thank you.¡± Jiang Qian Fan replied. McCallum passionately explained: ¡°This is our snr¡¯s new shareholder, Mr Song Yi Ran. He came to New York from China. Don¡¯t look at his young age, he had unique insights, quick thinking and should not be underestimated.¡± ¡°Hello, Mr Song.¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned to Song Yi Ran¡¯s direction, and nodded at him with restrain and politeness. Unexpectedly, Song Yi Ran stood up, put his hands in his pocket and faced Jiang Qian Fan: ¡°even though you look cold, but you have an unforgettable face. Girls should be easily attracted to you ba. And the colder you are, the more they¡¯d want to get closer to you, understand you.¡± This section of words, Song Yi Ran used Chinese to say them. Apart from Jiang Qian Fan, no other person present could understand them. ¡°sorry, but I do not know what other people think.¡± Jiang Qian Fan also replied calmly in Chinese. Song Yi Ran turned his face, sweeping an oppressive look across Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s features: ¡°What about Ke Song?¡± ¡°Mr Song, what are you want to say?¡± Iris at the side looked suspiciously at the both of them, she could feel the confrontation between Jiang Qian Fan and Song Yi Ran, even though the confrontation seemed baffling. ¡°What I want to say is, if you are planning on teaching her, then be dedicated to teaching her properly.¡± When Song Yi Ran straightened up, he recovered his carefree smile. ¡°What were you guys talking about?¡± McCallum asked curiously. ¡°I was just thinking that I would have never thought that a Chinese could actually be this accomplished in a place where the Europe chefs dominate.¡± Song Yi Ran used fluent English to reply. That sincere expression, made people trust wholeheartedly without doubt. Iris accompanied Jiang Qian Fan to the entrance of the restaurant to see Mr McCallum off. When she lowered her head, she realised that Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s fingers were gripping the cane tightly. ¡°Iris, did you see that Mr Song just now?¡± ¡°Yes. What happened?¡± Iris was curious. As a head chef, to meet the people who really like his dishes is a very normal thing. He seldom said unnecessary words, and had never been interested in how those guests were like. But today, from the time that Mr Song said that bunch of words to Jiang Qian Fan, even though Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s expression had no change, Iris could still faintly detect a stir in his emotions. ¡°describe him to me.¡± ¡°Describe him¡­¡­¡± Iris gave a thought, not knowing which aspect of Mr Song Jiang Qian Fan wanted her to describe, and could only start from the appearance, ¡°Apart from you, I seldom see such an attractive Asian guy.¡± ¡°You¡¯re saying his appearance is outstanding.¡± ¡°Yes, and low key. When we met Mr McCallum, he silently stayed seated, unlike the other Chinese tycoons, who were eager to give their opinions on the food.¡± ¡°What else? Tell me whatever you saw.¡± ¡°he had short black hair, his features 3D, pretty eyes. From his dining etiquette, he¡¯s probably not from those families that got rich overnight, very virtuous. His physique slender, height about the same as yours, probably the type to go to the gym frequently. Good taste in clothing¡­¡­¡± Iris didn¡¯t know what else to say. Jiang Qian Fan kept silent. This silence made people inexplicably feel like a volcano covered by frost, one that could explode at any time. ¡°why did you suddenly ask about Mr Song?¡± ¡°No reason.¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned around and walked towards the back kitchen. He stood at the door, and coldly voiced: ¡°Lin Ke Song, let¡¯s go.¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned, ¡°but I haven¡¯t cut finish the steak¡­¡­¡± ¡°don¡¯t make me repeat the same words.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was very cold, cold to the max. Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t know what had happened, but she knew that something must have angered Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°Yes, Mr Jiang!¡± Lin Ke Song could only hand the uncut steak to Pepper, wash her hands, and get to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s front. Iris also gazed at the both of them weirdly. Lin Ke Song followed Jiang Qian Fan up into the car, Mayer was in the car, there was no one to read the industry news to Jiang Qian Fan, the tension in the car made Lin Ke Song uncomfortable. Needless to say about Jiang Qian Fan at the side, was totally low pressure. Lin Ke Song really wanted to ask the other party about what had happened. But instinct told her, that it was best that she kept silent. Good thing Nina left some sandwiches for her, otherwise she¡¯d really starve. Once she returned to her room, Lin Ke Song collapsed into her blanket and fell asleep. And Jiang Qian Fan was seated on a soft chair at the terrace, unmoving, don¡¯t know what he was thinking about. Until Mayer came up to him. ¡°Sir. Your mood doesn¡¯t seem good. Ms Iris said, you didn¡¯t even have lunch, and just left the restaurant.¡± ¡°Lin Ke Song?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked coldly. ¡°Ms Lin? After having a sandwich, she returned to her room. Haven¡¯t heard any movement, probably taking a nap.¡± ¡°Get her up, to the kitchen.¡± ¡°Sir, are you going to teach her? It seems like the both of you hadn¡¯t had any sleep last night, it¡¯s better to have a rest now ba.¡± ¡°she already doesn¡¯t have much time left before she needs to compete.¡± ¡°Sir¡­¡­¡± Mayer helplessly sighed. ¡°I hear you sighing.¡± ¡°Because you now, isn¡¯t like you.¡± ¡°Then how should the normal me be like?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked coldly. ¡°Calmly analyse what is affecting your emotions. Realise the problem, then solve the problem. And rather that than making yourself unhappy, it¡¯s better to clear all the obstacles.¡± Mayer¡¯s voice was very gentle, ¡°Sir, do I still need to wake Ms Lin up?¡± ¡°No need.¡± Mayer retreated a couple of steps, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s figure was still cold. Lin Ke Song slept till dinnertime. If it weren¡¯t for Nina knocking on her door to deliver dinner, she suspected that when she opened her eyes herself, it¡¯d be seeing the sun. While retrieving the tray, Lin Ke Song suddenly thought of something: ¡°what about Mr Jiang? Has he had dinner?¡± ¡°Mr Jiang has had dinner. He let me notify you, that you¡¯d be flying with him to Washington.¡± ¡°What are we to go to Washington for?¡± ¡°to attend Mr Jiang¡¯s teacher¡¯s, Chef Montgomery¡¯s birthday party.¡± After saying her words, Nina turned around and left. To meet Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s teacher? Who¡¯s her grand teacher then? Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s culinary skills are so amazing, then wont that Montgomery be god like? What should she say when she meets Montgomery? She didn¡¯t even prepare any birthday present, and just meet Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s teacher empty handed, will it really not be a problem? She hurried to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s room, and knocked the door, and heard the other party¡¯s cold voice from the other side. ¡°Come in.¡± At this time, Jiang Qian Fan was seated on the sofa, his facial features were clear, the crisp white shirt bringing his introverted aura. Lin Ke Song inexplicably got nervous. ¡°That¡­¡­ going to Washington tomorrow¡­¡­ I¡¯m not sure what Mr Montgomery party is like? Will it be very formal?¡± ¡°he¡¯s a childish person, so it¡¯s impossible for his party to be formal.¡± This was the first time Lin Ke Song heard Jiang Qian Fan use ¡°childish¡± to describe a person. So she doesn¡¯t need to wear a formal evening dress? Great, after all she had no chest and no waist, totally unsuited to evening dresses ma! At the same time, Mayer brought a document to Jiang Qian Fan for his signature. He saw Lin Ke Song, and smiled: ¡°Ms Lin, you¡¯re about to follow Mr Jiang to Washington tomorrow, feeling happy?¡± ¡°Of course I¡¯m feeling happy! I¡¯ve never been to Washington!¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s face was of excitement. ¡°Remember to give a call to your family, and your boyfriend oh! Otherwise they¡¯ll worry of the can¡¯t find you.¡± Mayer blinked while he said so. Jiang Qian Fan received the document, Mayer helped him move the pen to where he should sign, but his fingers did not move. ¡°Haha, I don¡¯t have a boyfriend, it¡¯s enough to just inform my Uncle.¡± Lin Ke Song shrugged her shoulders in laughter. ¡°No way ba, no one actually ate such a cute little bun?¡± Mayer showed an expression of regret. Lin Ke Song smiled embarrassedly: ¡°Mr Mayer, you¡¯re the first person to say I¡¯m cute!¡± When Mayer lowered his head, he realised Jiang Qian Fan had already signed his name. Mayer took the document to leave, Lin Ke Song thought and still uncertainly asked: ¡°then what about the birthday present? I don¡¯t need to prepare it either?¡± ¡°No need, I¡¯ve already prepared it.¡± Lin Ke Song thought that with Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s thoughtfulness, indeed she had nothing to worry about. ¡°Well then, goodnight, Me Jiang.¡± Just as Lin Ke Song was about to turn around, Jiang Qian Fan spoke again: ¡°You once told me, candied haw is like the taste of having a crush, right?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­ yes ah.¡± Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t know why Jiang Qian Fan would suddenly ask her this. ¡°So you¡¯ve had a crush on someone.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s expression was like a pine on the artic cliff, heavy with snow, seemed indifferent. He used this type of tone to discuss with Lin Ke Song about crushes, totally a bit uncomfortable. ¡°Crushes and all that, isn¡¯t it a very normal thing?¡± How many girls, have never had a crush on their tablemate, the most handsome in school or the male god? ¡°do you still have a crush on him?¡± Lin Ke Song lowered her head, and went silent. Having a crush on Song Yi Ran, this thing that lasted for 10 years, she¡¯d never before brought it up with anyone. And she never dared to talk about it with someone either. Because the people by her side had something to do with Song Yi Ran, classmate, friend, they were all in the same circle. She also understood a principle, which was that she definitely could not tell her secret to another girl, once it¡¯s out, it will not be a secret anymore. But Jiang Qian Fan wasn¡¯t the same. Not because he was a guy, but because he¡¯s definitely a tight-lipped person. ¡°Yeah ah, I¡¯m still having a crush on him, but he only treats me as a friend.¡± The frustration and melancholy rose like mist shrouding ships on the lake, and the moment they came in contact with Jiang Qian Fan, they quickly dissipated. Lin Ke Song looked at Jiang Qian Fan, when she told him her deepest secret, she realised that that this cold man was actually no as far as she had thought. ¡°Is he in this city too?¡± Even though there was no understanding as to why Jiang Qian Fan had a sudden interest in her, especially in the world of delicate feelings, but Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart was inexplicably pleased. ¡°He is ah.¡± ¡°Did you come to New York for him?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked again. She¡¯d thought about this question in her heart for a long time before. In her heart, a woman should be independent, have her own judgement in her own life. She could never understand those women who would chase a guy to a totally unfamiliar place. But when Jiang Qian Fan asked about it, she felt like she had become those type of ¡°incomprehensible women¡±. ¡°Part of the reason ba. Because after liking a person for a long time, it¡¯s like opium, unless he mercilessly makes me desperate, otherwise it won¡¯t be that easy to quit it ba.¡± Lin Ke Song had no choice of using lies to cover up. Because Jiang Qian Fan would definitely be able to hear it. In Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart, he was the strong in life. From losing his sight to losing everything, to making a comeback, gaining fame and fortune. It seemed like there was nothing that could get his life off track, his own fate has always been in his own hands. In front of these kind of people, there was no need to feel ashamed even when your weakest appearance is shown. ¡°He must be a perfect guy, otherwise you won¡¯t always be crushing on him.¡± Lin Ke Song looked at Jiang Qian Fan unbelievably. He said that because Song Yi Ran was perfect, only then would she have a crush on him, this kind of logic was the trust Jiang Qian Fan had in her. He thought she wouldn¡¯t like a shallow guy. This kind of affirmation, could only be understood by people who understood Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s logic. ¡°You said it before, nothing is perfect.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes teared, ¡°apart from being good looking, and being pretty loyal, and never minding the gap between our rich and poor, he has a pile of shortcomings. He spends money like he¡¯s burning it, has no brain, is lazy, a playboy.¡± But Lin Ke Song knew, under this layer of thin shell, she had never had the chance to discover Song Yi Ran¡¯s other world deep in his heart. She was always patiently waiting, to one day really be part of his world. Jiang Qian Fan raised his hand towards her, she wasn¡¯t sure of the other party¡¯s intention, and gently held on to his finger. When his fingers curled, and held onto her, she had an illusion of being hailed by the other party. Like being drawn close, she went closer to him step by step, when she regained consciousness, she realised that she was already by Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s side. He lifted the other hand, covered her face, slowly moved up, got to her forehead, covered her eyes, and gently nudged. ¡°Silly.¡± Cold but so gentle it was almost inaudible, Lin Ke Song felt her eyes were about to be drenched. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s palm was very warm, so warm it made Lin Ke Song unwilling to let go of his hand. Only when she left Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s room, did she remember that she had forgotten to ask why the other party suddenly talked about the topic of ¡°Crushes¡±. Is it because of the candied haws? Light passed the front of the window, Lin Ke Song moved her head and looked, and saw an unfamiliar car drive in. A middle aged guy wearing a suit stepped out of the car, wearing rimless glasses, looking refined and virtuous. What was even more unthinkable to Lin Ke Song was that, Mayer was actually at the entrance to personally receive him. The man lifted his head, saw Lin Ke Song at the windowsill, and gave a warm smile. His eyes were deep, like it could pierce through everything. Lin Ke Song politely nodded at the direction of the other party. Who is that man? Apart from Mayer and Nina, Lin Ke Song pretty much didn¡¯t see any other persons entering this villa. Dr Xie was very familiar with this villa, he didn¡¯t need anyone to lead him, and found Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s room. Lightly knocked the door, and heard a voice saying ¡°Come in¡± from the other side, Dr Xie smiled as he opened the door. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s back was facing him, leaning against the edge of the terrace. Moonlight fell on his shoulders, and his hands gently rocked the wineglass, reflecting a ray of starlight. ¡°What a great mood, you¡¯re actually drinking wine.¡± ¡°Today doesn¡¯t seem to be the date of our appointment.¡± ¡°En¡­¡­ someone told me that your mood wasn¡¯t that good, and you have to set off to Washington tomorrow, the conversation this weekend will definitely be cancelled.¡± Dr Xie went to his side, holding his chin, indifferently looking at him. ¡°you are analysing the reason behind my bad mood.¡± ¡°I saw ¡®Little bun¡¯.¡± Dr Xie did not reply to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s words directly. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s brows wrinkled slightly. ¡°You don¡¯t like me to call her ¡®little bun¡¯, and hope that I address her as Ms Lin or Lin Ke Song, right?¡± ¡°How you address her, is your business.¡± ¡°If I address her as ¡®Ms Lin¡¯ or ¡®Lin Ke Song¡¯, it means that her and I have a definite distance between us, I have to treat her with the most basic of societal courtesies. But ¡®Little bun¡¯ is different, this is an intimate way of address, and from different meanings shows my favour to her. If I call her ¡®Little bun¡¯, and she gives me a reply, it means that she acknowledges the relatively close relationship between us. This will make you uncomfortable.¡± Jiang Qian Fan didn¡¯t move at all. ¡°Actually, my suggestion is that, you can occasionally call her ¡®Little bun¡¯, see if she¡¯d reply to you like how she reacts to Mayer. This is a start to building a close relationship.¡± ¡°Why do I have to do that?¡± ¡°I thought you wish to be closer to her. Qian Fan, you have always been clear about what you want, and how to get it.¡± ¡°I like her.¡± The voice was cold, permeating in the drunkenness of the red wine, layer upon layer, lingering. Dr Xie lowered his head, smiling. ¡°she told me, that she had a crush on a guy. But today, that guy warned me ¡®if you are planning on teaching her, then be dedicated to teaching her properly¡¯.¡± ¡°Oh, interesting. Then will you tell her, that the guy she has a crush on demonstrated at you?¡± ¡°Why must I tell her? I have never been a generous person.¡± Dr Xie¡¯s smile on his lips got bigger: ¡°This is called jealousy. I and very glad that after being your psychological consultant for eight years, there¡¯s finally a sense of humanity.¡± ¡°I want you to help me check up on a person. His name is Song Yi Ran, snr¡¯s new shareholder.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not kidding ba? This kind of thing, you¡¯re not getting Mayer to help you search, but me?¡± Dr Xie showed an expression of incomprehension. ¡°Because you are my psychological consultant, according to doctor patient confidentiality, everything I¡¯ve said to you, you can¡¯t reveal to a third person.¡± ¡°but what does investigating Song Yi Ran have to do with confidentiality?¡± ¡°For my mental health.¡± Jiang Qian Fan gently rocked the wineglass. Dr Xie rubbed his eyes: ¡°Why don¡¯t you just tell me that you wish to know yourself and win all battles?¡± ¡°You have achieved your motives for today, you may go.¡± Dr Xie took a look at his watch: ¡°There¡¯s still 46 minutes, don¡¯t mind me drinking a glass of wine before I leave ba?¡± Probably because she took too long of an afternoon nap, Lin Ke Song had no intention to sleep. She decided to go to the kitchen to try making an apple pie according to the basic recipe. Just as the door opened, she saw that man with the rimless glasses walking by, smiling. He saw Lin Ke Song, and stopped, reached his hand out to her: ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s psychological consultant, Xie Jing Wen. You must be Little bun ba?¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned, and shook the other party¡¯s hand: ¡°Hello, Mr Xie, I am Lin Ke Song¡­¡­¡± ¡°I prefer to be addressed as Dr Xie.¡± ¡°So¡­¡­ you are a psychologist?¡± Lin Ke Song widened her eyes, no wonder this Dr Xie looked gentle with a mild temperament. Wait¡­¡­ Jiang Qian Fan sees a psychologist? As expected, he has psychological problems ah! and to be at the stage where a doctor has to be seen, the illness must be serious! ¡°What are you thinking? Do you feel that as long as a person is seeing a psychologist, that means the person has psychological problems?¡± Dr Xie¡¯s laughter was pleasant to the ears, making Lin Ke Song inexplicably relaxed. ¡°Isn¡¯t that so?¡± ¡°A lot of times, those who consult or talk to a psychologist, are trying to adjust their moods, to prevent mental illnesses from appearing. Prevention is better than cure ma. Then in your heart, does Jiang Qian Fan seem like a person with mental illness?¡± Lin Ke Song thought about it, to say words that are against her thoughts would be easily seen through by a psychologist ba, so she nodded her head. Dr Xie had long expected Lin Ke Song¡¯s thoughts, and only bend down slightly, quietly asked: ¡°then what mental illness do you think he has? See whether our opinions are the same?¡± CH 35 Word count: 3879 Neurasthenic Qian Fan? ¡°Antisocial, clean freak, neurasthenia, obsessive compulsive disorder?¡± Dr Xie¡¯s shoulders hunched as he laughed happily. ¡°It seems like you have a deep understanding.¡± ¡°you won¡¯t tell him, that I said all these ba?¡± ¡°Of course not. As a psychologist, the thing I¡¯m the best at is being tight-lipped.¡± Don¡¯t know why, but Lin Ke Song had a feeling that she was being tricked by the other party. ¡°Do you know why he¡¯s antisocial?¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°because he is always able to tell the other party¡¯s mood and attitude from their tone of voice, intonation and breathing, no matter how well the other person hides it. In face to face interactions, a lot of times, people will lie to protect themselves or for other motives, but these things that an average person can ignore, to Jiang Qian Fan is infinitely emphasised.¡± ¡°Like his sense of taste?¡± A little flaw will not be undetected by his taste buds. ¡°Yes. His world isn¡¯t the same as the average person¡¯s. his demands are more absolute, more, how do you say it¡­¡­ nit-picky. He can only wait, for a situation or a person, to attract his attention, to free him from these absolute feelings.¡± Lin Ke Song arched her shoulders ¡°Mother ah¡­¡­ feels like the person who he takes a fancy to is really unfortunate ah!¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because his expectations are so high, so absolute. As his girlfriend, wont it probably be really exhausting?¡± ¡°He won¡¯t freely treat anybody well. But when his heart is moved, he will give all of himself. This is his absoluteness.¡± Dr Xie straightened up, and walked past Lin Ke Song¡¯s side. At that moment, Lin Ke Song suddenly felt that the Jiang Qian Fan Dr Xie spoke about was so familiar, yet unfamiliar. She had no more mood to go to the kitchen, and turned back to her room, clearing a few clothing. She went online to search for the temperature in Washington, made a call to her Uncle saying that she was going to leave New York. She had originally wanted to send a message to Song Yi Ran, but she didn¡¯t send it. Because she couldn¡¯t find a compelling reason to tell Song Yi Ran about her itinerary. When she just had a seat at the table, and was searching about the information of different types of fishes and spices, the phone suddenly rang. Lin Ke Song looked at the name and it was actually ¡°Song Yi Ran¡±, and almost fell off her chair. Thinking about Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s sensitive hearing, Lin Ke Song took the phone out of the villa, to under a tree in the courtyard, squatted there, covered the earpiece, and was about to answer, when the call was hung up on. Lin Ke Song could only return the call. ¡°Hello, Song Yi Ran, why¡¯d you look for me?¡± ¡°I was wondering if you had severed your ties with me, I called and you didn¡¯t even answer.¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s voice was still that lazy tone, asking for a beating. ¡°No ah. I was afraid that talking to you would disturb others.¡± ¡°Who can you disturb? Your cooking teacher?¡± ¡°Considered ba. He¡¯s a little neurasthenic.¡± Lin Ke Song laughed. But when she lifted her eye, she was stunned. Because the thing that was facing her was the terrace of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s room. And he was leaning on the terrace, his eyes downcast, his stare like a waterfall pouring down, totally crushing Lin Ke Song¡¯s bones to fragments. Impossible ah! wasn¡¯t the big ice block unable to see? Why does it feel like he knows where she was ah! This is unscientific! Wait, she was crouched here on the phone, did Jiang Qian Fan hear it? Like that word ¡°neurasthenic¡±? ¡°Is he neurasthenic, or unhappy that you are calling me?¡± ¡°How can it be? Haha¡­¡­ haha¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song laughed dryly, and walked to a place that was further away. ¡°is there something you¡¯ve forgotten to tell me?¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s voice was still like he was joking, but Lin Ke Song inexplicably felt that he seemed unhappy. Did Uncle tell him, that she was going to Washington? But Uncle had no reason to even report to Song Yi Ran about this ah! ¡°what do I have to forget to tell you ah! ¡­¡­but I¡¯m going to Washington tomorrow la! To attend a chef¡¯s birthday party!¡± ¡°is that so. If I didn¡¯t ask you, would you have told me?¡± With this, Lin Ke Song confirmed that Song Yi Ran was unhappy. Seriously baffling. She Lin Ke Song was already 18 years old! Song Yi Ran wasn¡¯t even her guardian, based on what did she have to tell him everything ah! ¡°I won¡¯t tell you.¡± Lin Ke Song decided that she too wanted to be proud for once. ¡°Then I too won¡¯t tell you.¡± Song Yi Ran purposely imitated Lin Ke Song¡¯s tone of voice. ¡°Won¡¯t tell me what?¡± ¡°Secret.¡± When he finished saying so, Song Yi Ran hung up the call. Lin Ke Song had a feeling of being stuck. She shook the iron gate with all her might, and in the end decided not to stay angry at this dreg man, and walked back to her room. She lifted her head, Jiang Qian Fan was still on the terrace. A wine glass of red wine was beside his hand, expression as per normal. Lin Ke Song exhaled a breath, he probably didn¡¯t hear it ba. The next morning, Lin Ke Song was awakened by Nina. She took out her phone to take a look, and realised that it was only 5 in the morning, the sky outside the was only that of day break. ¡°Nina? Why did you wake me up so early? Isn¡¯t the flight at 11?¡± ¡°Mr Jiang wanted me to wake you up.¡± ¡°Ah?¡± When Lin Ke Song got to the dining table, she realised today¡¯s breakfast was very dull. There wasn¡¯t the delicious dim sum, there weren¡¯t any side dishes that lifted people¡¯s appetites, there was only plain porridge and pickled cucumber. Lin Ke Song thought that it was because she was up too early, so Nina hadn¡¯t prepared the breakfast yet. But she drank the porridge slowly for 20 plus minutes, Jiang Qian Fan walked down the stairs leisurely at six o¡¯clock sharp, and nothing else appeared in front of Lin Ke Song. She turned her face, elevated her neck looking at Jiang Qian Fan. Because of the angle elevation, his legs looked extra-long and slender, every twist was just right. Needless to say, his action of gently tugging his clothes¡­¡­ really wonderful. Even if his eyes couldn¡¯t see, no matter where he went, he was a proper male god. But when the male god sat in front of Lin Ke Song, Nina not only served shrimp porridge, there was also sliced emerald green lettuce salad and a few kinds of dim sum. But Nina didn¡¯t seem to have any intention of coming over to Lin Ke Song¡¯s side. Just what is happening? Discrimination? Lin Ke Song looked at Nina, inquiring with her eyes. But Nina stood quietly behind Jiang Qian Fan, not even sparing a glance for Lin Ke Song. There¡¯s a problem! Something tricky! Mayer as usual carried a tablet pc to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s side, and started the morning news broadcast. But this time, he only smiled, looking at Lin Ke Song and said: ¡°Ms Lin, have you finished your breakfast?¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡­ Almost¡­¡­¡± ¡°Sir¡¯s meaning is, from today onwards, to have you recite the current affairs and industry news.¡± ¡°What? Me?¡± ¡°This is advantageous to your English, and it can also help you expand your vocabulary of similar English words.¡± Mayer passed the tablet pc over, and Lin Ke Song could only receive it. No wonder she needed to wake up earlier! It¡¯s to allow her to read the news during Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s meal time! Mayer help her choose an article on the food safety act, and Lin Ke Song stammered while reciting. There were so many words she didn¡¯t even recognise, and could only guess it phonetically. When she finished reciting the first sentence, Jiang Qian Fan interrupted her. ¡°Do you know what it means?¡± When that word overflowed from Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s lips, there was a rigid cold feeling. Lin Ke Song had seen that word before, she knew that it had something to do with law, but in front of Jiang Qian Fan, she actually couldn¡¯t remember what it meant on the spot. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to hurry and search for it on your phone?¡± Lin Ke Song pursed her lips, having spoken with Jiang Qian Fan so many times before, she had long figured out his temperament. Being honest had a better ending than covering up. ¡°Sorry, Mr Jiang, I can¡¯t remember it.¡± ¡°it¡¯s Chinese translation is legislation. And, your accent is wrong.¡± Lin Ke Song inhaled, and read the first sentence again, but before she could finish reading the first paragraph, she was asked to stop again. ¡°what does atives mean?¡± Lin Ke Song ‡å-ed, why was Jiang Qian Fan always able to pick out the ones that she didn¡¯t know to ask her? Is this the senate or the house of representatives? ¡°I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s the senate or the house of representatives.¡± ¡°House of representatives. And, your pronunciation for ative is wrong.¡± Jiang Qian Fan has been in America for many years, and might even have been here since he was young and had grown up here. How can her pronunciation be compared to his? Lin Ke Song suppressed her resentment, and read finish the first paragraph. This report that Mayer could have finished in two minutes, Lin Ke Song recited for a full 10 minutes, needless to say about the many corrections Jiang Qian Fan did for her. She felt that she was having oral lessons. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s pronunciation was very nice to hear, very perfect, but every time she was interrupted, Lin Ke Song had a feeling that the other party wasn¡¯t trying to correct her for her own good, but was trying to pick on her. She suppressed her anger with all her might, and Mayer at the side was constantly gesturing for her to calm down. Until later when she started to read industry news, Lin Ke Song was totally going to go crazy. A chapter of the article, had too many words that she¡¯d never seen before. Like what ¡°leavening agent¡±, ¡°hydrolysed collagen¡±, ¡°distillation¡±, she didn¡¯t recognise them and they were hard to pronounce too, Lin Ke Song just couldn¡¯t read on. As for Jiang Qian Fan, he corrected her page after page, that demand to have a perfect grasp of pronunciation totally drove Lin Ke Song to insanity. ¡°You think it¡¯s annoying that I correct your pronunciation?¡± Just as Lin Ke Song was about to smash the tablet pc into his brain, Jiang Qian Fan asked. Can she be honest? Can she really say the truth? The problem is that she doesn¡¯t dare to ah! this is Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s territory! This chap just saw a psychologist last night! ¡°I¡¯m only annoyed at myself, why I can seem to learn properly.¡± She admitted her annoyance, but didn¡¯t admit the reason for her annoyance, she doesn¡¯t believe that this way, Jiang Qian Fan would be able to hear her lie! ¡°What time is it, Mayer?¡± ¡°It¡¯s nine o¡¯clock already.¡± Lin Ke Song then realised that she¡¯d actually already read for two and a half hours? ¡°Let¡¯s go ba, to the airport.¡± Jiang Qian Fan got up. Lin Ke Song¡¯s throat was so parched it was smoking up, grabbed the glass at Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s place and gudugudu, drank till the base of the glass could be seen. After she finished drinking, she wondered, whether OCD, autism, obsessive disorders and the like are contagious. They sat in the car, and Jiang Qian Fan stayed silent on the way. Good thing Mayer was seated in the passenger seat, continuing to read the news for Jiang Qian Fan, otherwise, the silent atmosphere will totally freeze Lin Ke Song up. When they reached the airport, Miller took the luggage down, and placed them on a trolley. And Mayer actually handed his tablet pc to Lin Ke Song saying: ¡°Ms Lin, because sir handed me some tasks, I have to stay in New York, so for the few days in Washington, please take care of sir.¡± ¡°Ah? you¡¯re not going?¡± If it were only her and Jiang Qian Fan together¡­¡­ doesn¡¯t it mean it¡¯s going to be so frozen they¡¯re going to become popsicles? ¡°Yes. If sir needs so, remember to read the news to him.¡± Mayer blinked. Lin Ke Song¡¯s face collapsed to the ground. Even though through reading the news to Jiang Qian Fan she is able to correct her pronunciation and broaden her vocabulary, have a free English teacher, and enjoy 1v1 VIP treatment¡­¡­ but this teacher had expectations that were too high, she wouldn¡¯t be able to bear it ah! Good thing the both of them didn¡¯t have much luggage, Lin Ke Song too, wasn¡¯t those kind of ladies who needed to bring the whole house and do facials the moment they walk out of the house, two average luggage, when pushed, is actually pretty light and convenient. But if she were to push the luggage, who will bring Jiang Qian Fan through customs to the boarding gate? It so big and spacious here, once you¡¯re careless, you¡¯d bump into people¡­¡­ At this time, she heard a familiar voice. ¡°Hey! You guys are here!¡± An outfit of casual clothing, a lady wearing sunglasses brisk walked towards them. When she drew up to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s arm, Lin Ke Song realised that she was Iris. ¡°Chef Quentin? You are going to Washington too?¡± ¡°Of course. Chef Montgomery isn¡¯t only Mr Jiang¡¯s teacher, he¡¯s also my teacher.¡± Iris smiled when she saw Lin Ke Song: ¡°didn¡¯t expect that Mr Jiang would actually bring you to Washington?¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned, turns out Jiang Qian Fan and Iris came from the same place ah! she thought this whole journey will be her and Jiang Qian Fan only, didn¡¯t expect that Iris would be around. She likes Jiang Qian Fan so much, will probably take good care of him ba? ¡°Mayer is busy. If I don¡¯t bring her along, who would carry the luggage?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s reply made Lin Ke Song feel like she was suddenly stabbed. It¡¯s been a long time since she was attacked¡­¡­ what a painful realisation. She really thought that he brought her along just to show her face to grand teacher Montgomery. Actually it¡¯s just as a porter. ¡°Ms Lin¡¯s strength is actually so great? It¡¯s troublesome to drag this luggage along, put them together ba.¡± Not even waiting for Lin Ke Song to talk, Iris had already placed the luggage on the trolley. Lin Ke Song had just gaped, but Iris just held onto Jiang Qian Fan and walked towards the security channel. Looking at their backs, Lin Ke Song could only think about the comment of ¡°handsome man capable lady, a couple made for each other¡±. And she, pushing the luggage became something that was laid out beforehand. Forget it, at any rate, Iris had taught her before. Their seats were first class. And even Lin Ke Song got to share the spotlight. Even though it was only an hour plus of flight, when Lin Ke Song sat in the spacious seat, and could even lift her legs to avoid travel fatigue, she felt it was totally worth it even it¡¯s being a porter ah! It¡¯s just that on the way, Lin Ke Song could feel Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s indifference. He would answer Iris¡¯ questions from time to time, topics about cooking techniques and handling of ingredients, Lin Ke Song had to try very hard to be able to understand. And Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s face, never once faced her direction, like she really had become air. Lin Ke Song actually wanted to close her eyes to sleep, but she had no sleepiness at all. Until the plane landed, she was only like a shadow following behind Jiang Qian Fan and Iris. The one that pushed the luggage from the airport was her too, Iris had no intentions to be polite. Mayer had long arranged for someone to pick them up. The car left the airport, and headed downtown. This city had many world war II monuments or buildings. Like the Washington monument, Lincoln Memorial, etc. When they passed by the Whitehouse from a far distance, Lin Ke Song¡¯s face was almost plastered to the car¡¯s window. ¡°Oh¡­¡­¡± she looked at the white building dazedly, the marble under the sun seemed exceptionally bright. Iris who was originally sitting in the back row suddenly laughed: ¡°Ke Song, is this your first time seeing the Whitehouse?¡± ¡°It¡¯s my first time seeing it in person. Is it possible to visit the Whitehouse?¡± When Lin Ke Song turned her head around, and saw Iris through the gap of the chairs, she then understood that in Iris¡¯ eyes, she was like a tourist who had never seen the world. ¡°Of course you can. But Mr Jiang and I are very busy, there might not be anyone free to bring you.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± Lin Ke Song sat straight, and looked forward. She doesn¡¯t wish to visit the Whitehouse with Jiang Qian Fan or Iris ah, will totally lose all the fun in touring. She glanced at Jiang Qian Fan, the other party¡¯s facial expression was as indifferent. And Iris clearly knew what topics would arouse his interest, even though most of the time it was Iris giving her opinion, but Jiang Qian Fan would express his agreement from time to time and succinctly express opinions. They reached a luxurious hotel, just walking in would let people feel it was magnificent, like a palace. She had just alighted from the car, and she realised there was someone who helped her take the luggage in. Iris accompanied Jiang Qian Fan to the reception, to confirm the room details. Lin Ke Song stood at the side, a receptionist greeted her with a smile, the other party had a clean smile, and small dimples had much affinity. Don¡¯t know what happened, Iris requested of the receptionist to verify some details about the rooms. ¡°You must have gotten it wrong. How can Mr Jiang only book one room?¡± ¡°We are sure, Mr Mayer only booked one room for Mr Jiang and Ms Lin.¡± The hotel staff courteously replied. ¡°Mr Jiang, do you want to confirm with Mayer. How can he make this kind of mistake?¡± Iris could not accept it. ¡°Mayer won¡¯t make mistakes. He definitely has his reason.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was calm. Hearing that he had no intention to object, the hotel staff prepared to send the luggage up. Lin Ke Song tilted her head as she handed her passport to the reception, then she realised that she was actually going to share a room with Jiang Qian Fan? Mayer doesn¡¯t look that old ah, his brain doesn¡¯t have a problem ba. Iris gave a look to Lin Ke Song, that warning look was totally too obvious. Lin Ke Song swallowed her saliva, and smiled towards that handsome dimpled guy, asking: ¡°That, may I ask if there are any other rooms available?¡± The Jiang Qian Fan who had already walked towards the lift suddenly spoke: ¡°Mayer let you take over his place. Don¡¯t you understand?¡± ¡°Ah?¡± At that moment, Lin Ke Song suddenly understood. That hotel room could not compare to the villa that Jiang Qian Fan was familiar with, he needed to have someone look after him. At this time, the handsome dimpled guy lowered his head and said softly: ¡°the room Mr Jiang booked is a deluxe suite, it comes with a suite room.¡± So she was to stay in the suite room? She had thought that she and Jiang Qian Fan were going to share a room! A hassle for a half a day because she was mistaken ah! Jiang Qian Fan did not say another word, and had already walked into the lift. Taking advantage of the lift doors not having closed yet, Lin Ke Song hurried in, her head was rather abruptly caught between the lift doors. ¡°Aiya!¡± Jiang Qian Fan never moved at all, his expression indifferent as always. Iris irritably looked away. ¡°Ms Iris are you staying in this hotel too?¡± Lin Ke Song asked. ¡°No, I have a place in Washington.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart repeated this sentence, totally over the top ah. you actually have a place to stay, then why did you follow us here for? The hotel staff helped them open the room door, and pushed the luggage in. Iris opened her purse, gave the other party a tip, very much like a queen. Lin Ke Song had thought at first that this deluxe suite room would only have two rooms, but she had totally gotten it wrong. Apart from Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s master bedroom and Lin Ke Song¡¯s suite room, there was still a study room and a guest room. The carpet under the feet was soft and meticulous, the colour was a light yellow, making the whole room seem warm and cosy. The interior was that of a luxurious European style, with various embosses styles, making it seem gorgeous like a European palace, but Lin Ke Song could not help worrying about whether Jiang Qian Fan would accidentally bump and hurt himself. She went to the door of the master bedroom, and saw a very spacious and wide doubles bed from the half opened door, the doubles bed also had a tray on it, and it seemed like there was chocolate, and roses on the tray. As expected, a luxurious hotel is different, the placement of the dessert and fresh flowers had that much more romantic and graceful atmosphere. Lin Ke Song had just taken half a step forwards, and she saw a hand reach across, and took away the chocolate in the tray. That was Iris¡¯s hand, she was sitting on Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s bed. There was obviously a sofa by the bed, she doesn¡¯t sit on the sofa, why must she sit on the bed? And Jiang Qian Fan took out a cane, lengthened it, and gently tapped it on the floor, the cane tapped past the edge of the bed, the continental windowsill, the edge of the sofa, like it was determining the worth. ¡°at your nine o¡¯clock direction, walk forward two steps, it¡¯s the coffee table. There is a tea set on the coffee table.¡± Iris reminded. ¡°Thank you.¡± A few minutes later, Iris accompanied Jiang Qian Fan out of the room, to the living room. ¡°walk five to six steps towards your 12 o¡¯clock and it¡¯s the sofa. Walk straight towards your six o¡¯clock direction for about 20 steps to reach the study room¡¯s door. About two arm¡¯s length to your left, is the dressing table¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song then understood the reason Iris came up with Jiang Qian Fan to the hotel room ¡ª¡ª to help him familiarise with the environment. CH 36 WRITTEN BY QINTARSEPTEMBER 28, 2016 Word count: 3831 words Honesty in a rainy night When Jiang Qian Fan had totally familiarised with the layout here, iris turned to Lin Ke Song and said: ¡°please sort out Mr Jiang¡¯s clothes into the closet, and line them accordingly to the numbers on the hangers. Mr Jiang and I are going to have a look at the new restaurant that¡¯s opened in Washington, don¡¯t know when we¡¯ll be back. If you wish to tour the Whitehouse or something, feel free to do so.¡± Lin Ke Song tilted her head, and thought that even though Mayer¡¯s intention was for her to look after Jiang Qian Fan, why did Iris¡¯ attitude make her feel this profound? And Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s back constantly faced her. A straight spine, a meticulous suit, his held on to the cane, and walked towards the door. Lin Ke Song suddenly had an illusion, that Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s back view made the division between both their worlds. Iris placed her hand on Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s arm, the both of them left. The cold atmosphere finally dispersed, Lin Ke Song was slightly relieved. She opened Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s suitcase, and according to what Iris said, sorted his suits and coats into the bedroom closet. These suit were either black or navy blue, the designs too were very simple and neat. Lin Ke Song could imagine, if it were an average guy wearing this kind of outfit, it¡¯d definitely be old-fashioned. But it was different for Jiang Qian Fan, he made black look rich and deep. After arranging the coats, Lin Ke Song made sure that she didn¡¯t make a mistake in the order, she decided that since she had come all the way to Washington, she would properly have fun. who cares if she were a country bumpkin tourist. Good thing that the night before, Lin Ke Song had strategized on the internet. She left the hotel, and because she hadn¡¯t made any reservations beforehand, she couldn¡¯t enter the Whitehouse, and could only take pictures outside the Whitehouse. Just as she finished taking a couple of photos with her phone, she realised that only her head was big, and the scenery behind wasn¡¯t even captured, Lin Ke Song found a passer-by, and finally got two pictures. After leaving the Whitehouse, Lin Ke Song went to the Congress. One needed to have more affinity here than the Whitehouse. Tired from walking, she had afternoon tea at a caf¨¦ by the road. the same waffle and earl grey tea, made Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyebrows crease. The waffle was too sweet, it was like eating a big mouth of granulated sugar. Because there was no honey on the surface, after baking, the crust wasn¡¯t crispy enough, and it wasn¡¯t soft on the inside. As for the earl grey tea, it was even more disappointing. The milk and tea fragrance was totally not in balance, and the flavour of the tea leaves had too much of a punch, there was absolutely no sense of gentleness like the previous earl grey tea. ¡­¡­ wait, was she being picky? If it were before, would she even think about the whether the crust of the waffle was wiped with honey before baking? The quality of the tea leaves of earl grey milk tea is completely irrelevant! Aiya! Finished finished! She has been by Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s side for too long, and has contracted his ¡°perfectionism syndrome¡±! Will she ever be able to eat things happily in the future ah! Unconsciously, the sky had gradually darkened. Lin Ke Song realised, it was most probably because it was about to rain. Looked at her watch, it was still early. Lin Ke Song paid, used her hands to shelter her head, and ran to the mall opposite the caf¨¦. Lin Ke Song shopped around in low spirits, the shop assistants were all every polite, but she had no intention to buy anything. It wasn¡¯t because she found the merchandise here too expensive, but it was because the design and size were totally unsuitable. She had a small bone structure, her body as according to Song Yi Ran¡¯s words, cover the face, and no matter, from the front, back, left, or right, you wouldn¡¯t be able to tell it was a woman¡¯s. so the clothes and shoes here were more suited to Lin Xiao Xue, that kind of exquisitely fashionable girl. And at this time, in a fine dining Chinese restaurant, Jiang Qian Fan and Iris sat opposite each other, the boulevard outside the window where rain poured on was like a scene out of a movie. Jiang Qian Fan picked up a piece of asparagus, the action of sending it to his mouth had no extra modification, but it seemed low profiled and introverted, with its own kind of mysterious elegance that silently crept along the line of sight. Furthermore, his fingers were naturally long, the posture of holding the chopsticks, was that of a rarely seen gentle demeanour. When he swallowed the food, the lines in his neck rose and fell, introducing people into reveries, a different kind of sexy. Iris watched him, gave a laugh: ¡°really fortunate that your eyes can¡¯t see.¡± She was different from Jiang Qian Fan, because she wasn¡¯t used to using chopsticks, so she was using the fork and knife. ¡°I never knew that this was a fortunate thing.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice, was like melted snow, calmly flowing down from the mountains, but still at an icy temperature. ¡°This way, those who are looking at you in fascination will not feel awkward.¡± Jiang Qian Fan did not reply Iris, but slowly turned his head, lowering his eyelids slightly. After 10 seconds of silence, Iris laughed lightly: ¡°the previous time when you met rain with me, you also had this expression. Are you able to hear anything from the sounds of the rain?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± Jiang Qian Fan lowered his head again, and cut a small piece of striped bass, ¡°What time is it?¡± ¡°4.30pm, why?¡± ¡°this rain will probably continue for a long time.¡± ¡°So we are not in a hurry to leave, can slowly taste.¡± Jiang Qian Fan only had a bite from the dish in front of his, and he put his chopsticks down onto the white marble chopsticks holder. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is there something wrong with the asparagus soup?¡± ¡°in Chinese cuisine, it is one of the most commonly used seasonings. Under normal circumstances, it is boiled in the soup base of lean meat, chicken and ham.¡± ¡°is there something wrong with this soup base? I think it¡¯s very delicious.¡± ¡°the ratio of the ham is too much. The asparagus is originally a vegetable that has a clear and light taste, too much ham, will spoil this kind of taste.¡± Iris showed a thinking expression, and had another mouth, then immediately nodded: ¡°indeed it is.¡± At this time, Jiang Qian Fan slowly stood up: ¡°Let¡¯s go ba, I wish to go back to the hotel.¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°I wish to rest.¡± ¡°Rest?¡± Iris frowned, ¡°or is it because you¡¯re worried about whether Lin Ke Song has really gone touring at the Whitehouse?¡± ¡°What does she touring the Whitehouse have to do with me?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was cold, and even his expression had no change. ¡°Because it¡¯s raining, you worry that she¡¯ll get drenched. Because this isn¡¯t New York, you are worried that she¡¯ll get lost. Even if she didn¡¯t go out and is quietly staying in the room, it¡¯s almost dinnertime already, you hope that the person sitting opposite you is her.¡± Iris sat at her original place, quietly looking at Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°what I want is to return to the hotel, not to look for her.¡± Jiang Qian Fan stopped his steps slightly, ¡°Furthermore, Iris, speculating other people¡¯s moods may not be your expertise, but understanding other people¡¯s moods is my expertise.¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Can you hear the idolisation and admiration Lin Ke Song has for you?¡± ¡°no. I hear the dissatisfaction and disdain you have for Lin Ke Song. You think she is someone who has no basic understanding for cooking and has not the slightest sense for this art. You think she totally does not deserve any of my efforts, and is impossible for her to stand out in this field. And even more, you don¡¯t think that I really treat her as a student to teach.¡± ¡°isn¡¯t that so?¡± Iris laughed lightly, ¡°until now, what has she learned? I admit that she cut the salmon and steak very well, but so what? The days that she spends beside you, if it were any chef from our back kitchen, with your guidance, would have long had improved by leaps and bounds.¡± ¡°the salmon and steak skill you talk about, Pepper learned it for a week, Ke Song only used a day.¡± ¡°Alright then, even if she really has talent, where do you have the confidence that she will be able to win the competition in three months?¡± ¡°I never said that I wanted her to win.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was a calm as water. On the contrary, Iris who was in front of him was extremely agitated. ¡°Then what¡¯s that point of bringing her to your side?¡± ¡°A person, who wants to make a difference in an area, must first accept it, then love it. This is the start for everything.¡± Iris was stunned. Slowly, her face showed an expression of disbelief: ¡°So¡­¡­ you really plan to accept her as your student?¡± ¡°She has the most perfect sense of taste that I¡¯ve ever seen.¡± After saying so, Jiang Qian Fan tapped his cane gently, and walked towards the door. At the moment the door opened, the threads of rain fell according to the wind, and the smells of the fresh green leaves blended into one body, the heaven and earth seemed to broaden up. When Jiang Qian Fan returned to the hotel room, everything was very quiet. He opened the closet, slowly stretched his hand, fingertips touching the clothing inside. Iris came to his side, had a look and said: ¡°She didn¡¯t place the clothes wrongly. The order is as per your usual.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Jiang Qian Fan said so, then sat back onto the sofa. ¡°do you need me to read you the news?¡± Iris asked. ¡°No need. See you tomorrow.¡± Iris gaped, and had actually wanted to say something, but in the end only smiled helplessly. At this time, Lin Ke Song was already seated on a high seat at Starbucks, looking at the tips of feet in boredom. Dunno whether Jiang Qian Fan has already reached the hotel. He¡¯s probably having dinner with Iris ba. Even if they return to the hotel, it¡¯s definitely talking with Iris about the different types of ingredient matching or about innovative cooking practices. She was only and outsider. Really don¡¯t feel like returning ah! And, she could feel the indifference Jiang Qian Fan has for her. If Iris was accompanying Jiang Qian Fan, it¡¯ll still be fine. But if there was only Lin Ke Song and him left in the room, it¡¯d really be too awkward. Thinking about it, for the whole day today, he didn¡¯t even say three sentences to her¡­¡­ Just where did she provoke him? God ah, even if it¡¯s death, can¡¯t die without knowing the cause ah! Rain was still pouring, the shopping mall was about to close too. Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t help but go to the mall¡¯s entrance, grab a cab, and return to the hotel. She thought, it¡¯s so late, Jiang Qian Fan is probably already asleep ba. When she returned to the suite room, the whole room was in a state of pitch blackness. dluck! Lin Ke Song did not switch on the light, afraid that a ping of any slight sound will disturb Jiang Qian Fan awake. When she tiptoed to the direction of her room, the cold voice moved along the lines of darkness and pierced into the depths of her brain. ¡°You sure you don¡¯t need to switch on the lights?¡± It was obviously a question, but it was in the tone of a statement. Apart from Jiang Qian Fan, she couldn¡¯t think of anyone else. Lin Ke Song swallowed, her shoulders frozen. She herself didn¡¯t know why she was this afraid of Jiang Qian Fan, this feeling was totally different from skipping classes and meeting the teacher. Two to three seconds later, Lin Ke Song returned to the front, and switched on the lights. Jiang Qian Fan at the sofa was still in that suit, the tightly clasped collar made Lin Ke Song feel that what was grabbed on wasn¡¯t the other party, but her own neck. His hands ledged onto the top of the cane, the sitting posture that didn¡¯t move any bit added to the tension. ¡°Mr Jiang¡­¡­ you haven¡¯t slept?¡± Lin Ke Song asked uncertainly. Was Jiang Qian Fan waiting for her? ¡°you think Washington is safe, lawful and orderly like a place of paradise?¡± Lin Ke Song shook her head. ¡°Then do you know what time it is?¡± Every sentence Jiang Qian Fan said wasn¡¯t long, but it had impact. ¡°ten twenty.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t know Washington¡¯s raining night view was that mesmerising, enough to make you wander and forget to return.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s words were very clear. Which was, it was obviously raining outside, you Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t rush home, where did you blindly stroll to? ¡°I didn¡¯t bring an umbrella, so I was just at a mall waiting for the rain to get lighter before coming back¡­¡­ but unexpectedly, it kept raining, and didn¡¯t stop¡­¡­¡± ¡°You think that you won¡¯t be seen through if you lie in front of me, right?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was so cold to the bone. But Lin Ke Song felt infinite rage. It was raining outside, she wandered around, not wishing to comeback, wasn¡¯t it because of this guy in front of her? Will he die if he doesn¡¯t see through a lie? Because he couldn¡¯t see, so he doesn¡¯t know what ¡°turning a blind eye¡± meant? ¡°Anyway you don¡¯t wish to see me, isn¡¯t me staying outside to your wishes? Mr Jiang, if there¡¯s something about me you¡¯re dissatisfied with, please tell me upfront!¡± You are already cold enough, if you still use cold violence to treat others, it¡¯s totally twice the pressure. ¡°I¡¯m neurasthenic, sorry for making you uncomfortable.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s words were short but it produced the effect of a stab that ended a life. Lin Ke Song suddenly understood, he had really heard her call to Song Yi Ran that day. But she was only ranting, he could hear her from that far away? What kind of hearing is this ah! Jiang Qian Fan had already gotten up, and walked to his room. Lin Ke Song intended to follow him, but when she walked into the other party¡¯s room, she felt intensely awkward. What was she to say? Sorry, I shouldn¡¯t have said you were neurasthenic? Or say sorry, I¡¯ve misunderstood you, actually you aren¡¯t neurasthenic? Or the neurasthenic one is me, please don¡¯t mind? Ai yo! Neurasthenia put people in trouble ah! At this time, Jiang Qian Fan whose back was facing Lin Ke song, unbuttoned the buttons on the suit, and took his coat off, slowly walking in the direction of the closet. Lin Ke Song knew that she should go up to help hang his clothes, but she just didn¡¯t know how to move her legs. ¡°That¡­¡­ I know your hearing is very sensitive. So a volume that is small to an average person, where the sound will not affect the rest or thoughts, to you¡­¡­ is actually very loud. Even though I understand, but I have no way to experience the same thing as you¡­¡­ so I¡­¡­ I don¡¯t really think you have ¡®neurasthenia¡¯¡­¡­ I was only ranting to a friend, in that moment I couldn¡¯t find another more appropriate description¡­¡­ I don¡¯t actually hate you or disrespect you¡­¡­ even your pursuit for perfection, even though I¡¯m unable to do so myself, but I really admire you. So, sorry.¡± Lin Ke Song said such a huge chick, when she was finished, realised her brain was a blank slate. She couldn¡¯t even remember what she¡¯d just said, except for that last sentence of ¡°sorry¡±. Jiang Qian Fan had no reaction. This made Lin Ke Song uneasy. Why wasn¡¯t he saying anything, why was there no expression? Or did she say something that made him even more angry? Maybe it wasn¡¯t even just ¡°neurasthenia¡±? Ah! finished! That psychologist must have told Jiang Qian Fan everything she said! What ¡°tight-lipped (tight as a bottle)¡±! the bottle was long shattered ba! No wonder Jiang Qian Fan was always so cold, must be because he had a grudge against her! ¡°That¡­¡­ actually obsessive and compulsive disorder and whatnot is not really a big deal ah! loving cleanliness is a good thing ma!¡± Lin Ke Song desperately thought of what she should say to make Jiang Qian Fan think she has finally ¡®empathised¡¯. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s eyes could only differentiate light and shadows of objects, most of the time, to perceive something, apart from touch, hearing and smelling, its these senses that help make an image. In this world where he is unable to have a thorough perception, there harbours deep inside a kind of distrust. This kind of distrust, made him pursue pureness and cleanliness. ¡°Actually, you¡¯re also not that obsessive and compulsive. You only need someone that you can trust. As long as you have opened up your heart, your tolerance for the environment is higher than even mine.¡± Like that time when she was guiding him, squeezing through the crowd, in the train where there were all sorts of smells, and bumping into people of all shapes and sizes in the carriage, Jiang Qian Fan was calm, even his eyebrows never lifted. ¡°and the obsessive compulsive disorder in pursuing the perfection of taste, isn¡¯t actually obsessive compulsive disorder. Any master of their field, has their own pursuit of perfection. This dedication that is greater than any average person, allows them to get to a place further than any average person. And I, as only one of the average, your dedication makes me feel ashamed¡­¡­ even though I don¡¯t know where this shame comes from¡­¡­ so I hate your dedication, your perfectionism. But I also admire you for all these.¡± Lin Ke Song pursed her lips, thinking that she was going to be swept out of the room by Jiang Qian Fan ba. Since when was there a student who critiqued their teacher as ¡°neurasthenic¡±, ¡°obsessive¡±, ¡°clean freak¡±, ¡°obsessive compulsive disorder¡±? Good thing, she hadn¡¯t talked about ¡°autism¡±. But Jiang Qian Fan will automatically leave that point out ba. ¡°I¡¯d originally thought, I was a ¡®neurasthenic¡¯ patient. Now I know, that I had cleanliness issues and obsessive compulsive disorder too.¡± Lin KE Song¡¯s heart thumped. What? Dr Xie didn¡¯t talk about these? If he didn¡¯t, why did Jiang Qian Fan keep silent and not say anything? Is this to purposely dig a grave for her to jump in? Why couldn¡¯t she suppress herself ah? ¡°but the things you said before, are your honest words.¡± Lin Ke Song was frozen there, looking at Jiang Qian Fan unbuttoning each button. The long and smooth line of his neck was getting more obvious. Through the slightly opened shirt, the ups and downs off his chest had a mysterious sexiness. ¡°Sorry¡­¡­¡± Apart from this phrase, Lin Ke Song¡¯s head was empty. ¡°If what you say are honest words, then there¡¯s no need to apologise. In the future, don¡¯t hang out too late into the night before coming home. Needless to say, in a totally foreign city.¡± At this point, Lin Ke Song understood, Jiang Qian Fan was really seated on the sofa waiting for her to return. ¡°What are you still standing here for?¡± ¡°Ha?¡± When Jiang Qian Fan took off his shirt totally, and exposed a back of rich intensity but not to the point of exaggeration, she reacted and realised that the other party was going to shower. ¡°Goodnight, Mr Jiang!¡± Lin Ke Song hurriedly exited, and closed the door. Leaning against the room¡¯s door, she looked up and exhaled. Good thing good thing, she wasn¡¯t hated by Jiang Qian Fan. But as she was about to walk out of the bathroom, the phone in the room rang. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Lin Ke Song, come over to read the news.¡± A cold voice, a tone that was fixed, apart from Jiang Qian Fan, who else can it be? ¡°What?¡± Lin Ke Song wondered if her ears had a problem. Or was she hallucinating? It was already 11 at night, Jiang Qian Fan wasn¡¯t going to sleep, read what news? She hadn¡¯t made things clear when the phone was already hung. Lin Ke Song sat at the head of her bed, dazedly frozen for two seconds, then pounded the mattress intensely hard¡ª¡ª really crazy! Crazy! In the future, she will not hold back on critiques on him! Lin Ke Song hugged the tablet Mayer handed to her, and knocked on Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s door. ¡°Come in.¡± Lin Ke Song walked in carefully. In the middle of the large double bed, Jiang Qian Fan wore a pure white bathrobe and was seated at the head of the bad. His hair was not yet completely dry, he lifted his head, his fingers gently lifting his hair, revealing his noble forehead. Eyelashes that were slightly droopy, were like cicada¡¯s wings waiting for a storm. The bathrobe collar was originally relatively loose, his clavicle lines were clearly visible. All these, were reflected in Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes, the other party¡¯s wet hair, slender fingers, even the lip line of the pursed lip became unusually sexy. ¡°Mr Jiang, what news would you like to hear?¡± Lin Ke Song knew, even if she were to remind him that it was already very late, the other party would not change his mind. And it was not easy, since their ¡°cold war¡± seemed to have ended. ¡°Open ¡°Gourmet¡±¡¯s homepage, search for ¡®XingYue Hotel¡¯s reviews.¡± ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Lin Ke Song searched in the station for a bit, and found 3 reviews. Opened the first one, and found out that there was a full 78 pages, reviews for every single dish of the hotel¡¯s, and even for the cold dishes. Lin Ke Song stole a glance at Jiang Qian Fan, and wondered, just how long will she have to recite this till? Couldn¡¯t have a good night¡¯s sleep today again? Or this was a new way of punishment Jiang Qian Fan invented, the effect of it the same as the eight bowls of mint cabbage soup? Lin Ke Song flipped another page, it was still this horrid and this long¡­¡­ Were these critiques reviewing fine food or movies ah? ¡°Recite ba.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice sounded. CH 37 Same Bed Shared Pillow Lin Ke Song swallowed her saliva, with a gentle speed, and proper articulation, recited the English text. She was a little nervous, if Jiang Qian Fan was like this morning, correcting her pronunciation, punctuation, and at the same time explaining the English phrases, she¡¯d probably not be able to sleep tonight. After reciting a whole paragraph, all having to do with the description of the hotel dining environment. Lin Ke Song stopped, and looked towards Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s face. He lifted his hand, and patted at the seat beside him. ¡°You¡¯re too far away. Sit here and read ba.¡± Lin Ke Song got even more nervous. What did Jiang Qian Fan say? It can¡¯t be that she¡¯d heard wrongly ba? This bed was in fact quite big, Jiang Qian Fan was sitting in the middle. To recite with this distance between him and herself was indeed quite straining. But to sit against the bed with Jiang Qian Fan, is something Lin Ke Song wouldn¡¯t even dare to dream about. When Lin Ke Song hadn¡¯t even reacted, Jiang Qian Fan had already stretched his arm, putting the pillow next to him against the head of the bed. If this were another man, extending this kind of invitation, it would definitely be with a motive, even though she doesn¡¯t think that she has the ability for people to have motives towards her. But this man was Jiang Qian Fan. He has always walked the talk, and was so clean that he was of standards unreachable by the commoner. These thoughts of having a motive towards another probably would have never surfaced in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s mind. Lin KE Song sat down nervously, carefully folding her legs. She thought that she could only sit on the blankets, but didn¡¯t think that Jiang Qian Fan would actually say lightly: ¡°cover your legs.¡± Maybe she has been given the ¡°cold treatment¡± by the other party for too long, this bit of his warm words, could make her feel totally unreal? Jiang Qian Fan did not like to talk much, his words were never said the second time. Lin Ke Song lifted the blanket, the scent that belonged to Jiang Qian Fan flooded towards her. There was no smell that was this cold, and warm and fresh, that made people suddenly have the urge to snuggle in his arms. She knew, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s legs were somewhere not far from her, she was uneasy that she would touch him if she moved a bit. She started reading, this was the first time, that she didn¡¯t know what her mouth was saying. Because all her senses and attention were given to the man beside her. She looked at him in the corner of her eyes, his side profile was beautiful, constantly calmly looking forward. His breath was obviously steady, but in Lin Ke Song ears, it sounded like the raging ocean in the dark, it became overwhelming without her noticing. She knew that she had read some parts wrongly, and she knew the wrong in her broken sentences, but Jiang Qian Fan kept silent. She was even starting to suspect, if he had fallen asleep with his eyes opened. Lin Ke Song started to get drowsy, she rubbed her eyes, and stopped. Thinking that if Jiang Qian Fan did not say anything, it meant that he had fallen asleep, and she could go back to her own room already. She read the seconds silently. 1, 2, 3, 4¡­¡­ Her eyes were heavy, Lin Ke Song said to herself, that she would only close her eyes to rest for a few seconds, a few seconds later, she would return to her room. But not long later, her head tilted, leaned against the pillow, thoughts completely lax, that tiny bit of determination to wake up disappeared. A few minutes later, the tablet in her hands tilted to the side, and fell onto the blanket. The guy who was seated quietly as a statue beside her reached his hand out, and placed the tablet on his side. Not long later, soft snores sounded. Jiang Qian Fan turned his face, like he was making sure of the source of sound by leaning over. One of his hands was placed at the side of Lin Ke Song¡¯s pillow, the other hand gently covering the blanket, pulling it up. That fragrant scent lured Lin Ke Song to turn her head over. Like there was something soft that touched the side of her face. Everything was like an illusion. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s hand went around the pillow, placing Lin Ke Song¡¯s upper body down, then pulled the blanket up. As he was retrieving his hand, his finger flitted past the top of her nose, and stopped. The finger slid across the bridge of her nose, forehead, not into her hair, stroking her hair gently. When she woke up again, blurrily looking at the European styled walls. There were sounds of flowing water from the bathroom not far away. Lin Ke Song was startled alert, suddenly sitting up. Where was this place? She dazedly looked at the surrounding, her last memory in her mind was of her reciting the news while sitting at the head of the bed, and Jiang Qian Fan was seated beside her! Turning her head over, Lin Ke Song realised that on the other side of the bed, laid the tablet flat in the blankets. So¡­¡­ this was Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s room! This was Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s bed! And even the blanket was Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s! Countless exclamation points pressed heavily in Lin Ke Song¡¯s mind, the only thought Lin KE Song could think was: finished. At this time, the bathroom door opened, Jiang Qian Fan walked out. He had already put on a shirt, walked to the front of the closet, fingertip pointing through the rack, retrieving a casual style suit. Lin KE Song stayed seated, holding her breath, her heart beat almost exploding. She thought that if she had occupied Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s territory, even if he doesn¡¯t kick her down, he¡¯d at least go to another room to sleep ba? Slowly stretching out her arms, she confirmed that there was still some warmth left in the place beside her¡­¡­ which meant that Jiang Qian Fan had laid beside her yesterday. His outfit was as neat as always, walking step by step towards her. Lin KE Song grabbed on to the blanket, slowly looking up. ¡°What time is it now?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was bland. There was no one else here, he could only be speaking to her. So¡­¡­ he knew that she was already awake? Weren¡¯t his eyes unable to see? Can he not be so sharp? Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t feel for her phone, hurriedly felt for the tablet at the side, switching it on. ¡°It¡¯s eight twenty.¡± ¡°leaving for Montgomery¡¯s at nine. Don¡¯t be late.¡± ¡°Understood!¡± Lin Ke Song lifted the blanket with a boom, and rushed out of the room. When she returned to her room¡¯s bathroom, her ears started to redden as she faced the mirror to wash up. God ah, seeing Jiang Qian Fan putting on his shirt in front of her this morning¡­¡­ felt magical. Good thing no one else saw it, otherwise there¡¯d be misunderstandings, and even if she jumped into the Pacific Ocean, she wouldn¡¯t be able to wash them away. Just as she was showering, the hotel service staff had already pushed the meal cart into the suite room, and placed the breakfast on the table. The whole breakfast was very silent. The only fortunate thing for Lin Ke Song was, that she did not need to recite the news beside him. When they left the hotel¡¯s entrance, Iris¡¯ car had already arrived. Good thing Iris had dressed ordinarily, an off shoulder t-shirt and jeans, otherwise, Lin Ke Song would think that her outfit was not respectful enough to meet a great chef of the culinary world. The car drove into a compound, and stopped in front of a villa four storeys high. A round arched door was built outside the villa, the door had colourful balloons attached, puffing the words of ¡°forever young Montgomery¡±. Many cars were already parked neatly outside the villa, and there were even Astons, Bugatties and luxury cars. There was even an inflatable bounce castle on the lawn, there was a figure dressed as a clown guarding the entrance of the castle. Laughter of children could be heard from the castle. But the clown¡¯s tummy was simply too big, if it was just looking at the silhouette, Lin Ke Song would think that it was Kentucky! Outside the bouncy castle, there were dining tables, filled with plates and drinks. Many were talking and eating at the same time. When they saw Jiang Qian Fan alight the car, with Iris holding onto him and walking over, all eyes were focused on them. Lin Ke Song felt like it was walking on the red carpet. At this time, the clown with the big tummy that was in front of the castle suddenly got to the front of Jiang Qian Fan and Iris, reaching his hands out to them. The guests who were eating and chatting at the party started laughing. Iris sighed, turned her head to Lin Ke Song and said: ¡°Ke Song, go to the car and bring the gift for teacher Montgomery over ba. Teacher, you were flash the previous year, batman last year, should I be relieved you aren¡¯t superman this year?¡± Lin Ke Song then understood, this big bellied clown was actually Montgomery! The clown didn¡¯t say anything, only rubbed his big belly. Everyone started laughing again. Iris turned to look at Lin Ke Song, gestured with her jaw, to ask why she hadn¡¯t gone over. Lin Ke Song sighed in her heart, and just as she was about to turn around, Jiang Qian Fan suddenly opened his mouth: ¡°Do you know where the present is placed?¡± ¡°I should be able to find it ba. The car is only that big.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡± Jiang Qian Fan patted Iris¡¯ palm that was on his arm, removed his own hand, and reached towards Lin Ke Song¡¯s direction. Even though he didn¡¯t directly ask Lin Ke Song to get the gift on her own, but Iris¡¯ expression wasn¡¯t that good. That joy in Lin Ke Song ¡®s heart ah! This outcome was partly probably due to the heart to heart communication that she and Jiang Qian Fan had last night ba. ¡°Forget it, George has already sent the present over.¡± Even though Iris¡¯ face carried a smile, the expression was obviously not great. The big bellied clown happily received the present, and opened one of the boxes. He looked towards Jiang Qian Fan and Iris, Iris smiled saying: ¡°This is my gift.¡± Opening it, there was actually a very dreamy merry go round night light. The clown revealed a smile, gave Iris a bear hug, to show thanks. Then he pointed to Jiang Qian Fan, disassembled the remaining gift. A little yellow duck jumped out, and just nicely bumped into the clown¡¯s face. Everyone laughed, the clown rubbed his face, pointed to Jiang Qian Fan and waved his finger. Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t understand the meaning, but Iris said: ¡°Qian Fan, teacher Montgomery practically doesn¡¯t believe that this gift was picked by you. He thinks that it should be Mayer¡¯s idea.¡± ¡°It is Mayer¡¯s idea.¡± Jiang Qian Fan admitted magnanimously. Montgomery¡¯s gaze followed Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s shoulder and landed on Lin Ke Song. ¡°what is this cute lady¡¯s name ah?¡± This was the first time Lin Ke Song heard Montgomery¡¯s voice. Cordial, carrying some mischief. No wonder Jiang Qian Fan said he was very childish. ¡°Hello, Mr Montgomery, my name is Lin Ke Song, you can call me Ke Song.¡± ¡°Your name is so adorable, it makes people wanna give it a bite. Jiang Qian Fan and Iris are all my students, but I don¡¯t know whom you came with today?¡± Iris laughed, moved half a step forward and said by Montgomery¡¯s ear: ¡°she is the student of Qian Fan.¡± ¡°Qian Fan¡¯s student? Oh my god ah, even in my dreams I would have never thought Qian Fan would have any tiny bit of heart to teach.¡± Montgomery tilted his head, ¡°Then Ke Song, you¡¯ve come to my birthday party, what present did you prepare?¡± Lin Ke Song was surprised, she looked at Jiang Qian Fan, it was him who said that there was no need to prepare a present ah. ¡°that means there isn¡¯t one? That¡¯s alright, give me a kiss in place of a present ba.¡± Montgomery turned his face, pointing to his cheek. Here, pressing faces as a greeting wasn¡¯t something too much, Lin Ke Song too did not need to really give a kiss. She knew Montgomery was kidding with her, so generously went forward to touch the other party, when she felt someone hold onto her arm, pulling her back with much strength. ¡°Teacher, you¡¯re just as always, teasing people.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice sounded. Montgomery shrugged his shoulders regrettably and said: ¡°Qian Fan, you¡¯re dislikeable just as always.¡± After saying so, Montgomery turned around, and returned to the bouncy castle, to play with the children. Iris went with Jiang Qian Fan to the guests. After hearing their words, Lin Ke Song could pretty much guess their statuses. Some were famous critics in the dining industry, editors, journalists, some were great people of the food and beverage industry, and there were some who were star chefs like Iris. They were all the elites of this field, only she¡­¡­ was comparable to none. But Lin Ke Song has always been easy going, a world that she is unable to integrate into, she wouldn¡¯t force herself to do so. She went to the food table, looking at the foods, Lin Ke Song almost burst out laughing. Sausage buns, mini hamburger, jelly bean donuts¡­¡­ No matter how you look at it, it was food children ate. She took a mini burger, gave it a bite and half of it was gone. But with only a bite, she was enraptured by this amazing flavour. The fried meat patty was extremely crispy, and when it touched the teeth, it produced a shasha sound of crispiness. The patty was extremely tender, the meat juice was totally locked in. the cauliflower that was in the middle seemed to have been seasoned beforehand, sweet and sour, extremely refreshing. The buns of the burger were fluffy soft too, carrying the fragrance of wheat. The flavours of the sauce and the patty fused together, a unique flavour. Not only children would like it, the adults would have much praise too ba. Just who made these food? Even though it was only a simple mini burger, Lin Ke Song could feel the skilful grasp of flavours and ingredients. Just as she was tasting carefully, someone suddenly covered her eyes from behind. She got shocked, couldn¡¯t control her balance and fell backwards, and nicely knocked in to the other party¡¯s arms. She intended to lock the other party¡¯s arms, thinking that someone wanted to cause trouble. ¡°That¡­¡­ sir, I think you¡¯ve gotten the wrong person.¡± The other party still didn¡¯t let go. She could even feel the other party¡¯s face sticking to her, rubbing gently. Lin Ke Song got angry. She knew that the people who were at Montgomery¡¯s birthday party were either well brought up or had high statuses, but the other party¡¯s actions were obviously unfitting. Iris¡¯ eyes glanced over, and when she saw this, she only smirked, and continued chatting with others. In front of them was the chairman of the cuisine association, David. He was very interested in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s newly opened Chinese cuisine restaurant in Washington, and therefore said much about his ideas and opinions. And while Jiang Qian Fan didn¡¯t say anything, he was always listening. ¡°Sir, if you don¡¯t let go, then don¡¯t blame me for being impolite.¡± Lin Ke Song used English in a low voice to seriously warn the other party. But what Lin Ke Song could have never thought of was, that the other party actually was aggravated! She felt her ear being nibbled, her shoulders rose subconsciously, she wanted to avoid the other party, but the other party covered her eyes to the end. Lin Ke Song¡¯s ears turned red. Because not only did the other party nibble her, she could clearly feel that the tip of that bastard¡¯s tongue hook past her ear, even though it was only for a very short time. Just as she was about to lift her leg without mercy, planning to kick backwards at the other party¡¯s knee, a familiar voice sounded at her ear. ¡°Your English has improved a lot ma! That sentence before had no accent at all.¡± The other party let go, Lin Ke Song turned around, and saw Song Yi Ran¡¯s smiling face. He looked carefree under the warm sunlight, and needless to say, a lazy smile was always hung at his lips. ¡°You¡­¡­ why would you be here?¡± ¡°En, someone invited me here.¡± Song Yi Ran hooked on to his pockets, leaning forward, asked with a smile. ¡°did you think I had bad intentions towards you just now ah?¡± At that moment, Lin Ke song almost lifted her hands to hold her ear, but she steadfastly endured. ¡°You¡¯re so annoying! When I said I was going to Washington, why didn¡¯t you say you were going to come over too?¡± ¡°If I didn¡¯t ask you, weren¡¯t you planning to not tell me you were going to Washington? In your heart, aren¡¯t you thinking that no matter how good of a friend there is no need to mention about your whereabouts in detail?¡± Lin Ke Song finally understood. This chap was totally petty. ¡°why would someone invite you?¡± Lin Ke Song looked left and right, ¡°where¡¯s your new girlfriend? You¡¯re definitely here as the male partner ba?¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s finger flicked Lin Ke Song¡¯s forehead: ¡°what are you thinking about? It¡¯s a university friend of mine that invited me. He is Mr Montgomery¡¯s grandson. The food today, is all prepared by him.¡± ¡°Really? His culinary skills are totally great! Have you tried that mini burger? They taste absolutely great!¡± Song Yi Ran raised his shoulders holding onto his pockets: ¡°I only know his cooking standard is comparable to yours. I don¡¯t believe that in half a month, he can have much improvement.¡± Lin Ke Song took a sausage roll, and bit half of it, then put the remaining half in front of Song Yi Ran: ¡°Look! The bread wrapping the sausage us so fluffy soft, before putting the sausage into the oven it was slightly pan-fried with butter, so that it¡¯d be crispy when bitten down. He also used basil and thyme to season, doesn¡¯t taste greasy at all!¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Really!¡± Song Yi Ran suddenly lowered his head, and took the remaining sausage roll in Lin Ke Song¡¯s hand into his mouth. His lips touched her own fingertips, that touch was soft and fleeting. ¡°En¡­¡­ really didn¡¯t think, his standard would actually be this high already? Can¡¯t be that he found someone to make these in place of him to make his grandfather happy ba?¡± ¡°Hey, take whatever you want to eat yourself ah! why¡¯d you eat what I just ate?¡± ¡°Because I know you ah. you¡¯ve had all sorts of vaccines, physical examination results say you¡¯re very healthy, a high quality blood source that donates freely.¡± This chap was tuning nonsense again. But with him around, Lin Ke Song suddenly felt that this impenetrable party became cute. At this time, a young person walked out from the villa, brown hair, smiling happily. Many people greeted him, and he waved smiling back to them. He came to Song Yi Ran¡¯s side, patted his shoulder: ¡°Hey, Song! Did you eat the food I made?¡± ¡°eaten, tastes not bad. Why didn¡¯t I know you¡¯re of this kind of standard? At the barbeque party, the lamb chops you barbequed made me want to vomit when I saw lamb chops, for a whole month.¡± Song Yi Ran looked at Lin Ke Song and introduced, ¡°this is my classmate from New York school of business, Bruce Montgomery.¡± ¡°Montgomery¡­¡­ so he is Mr Montgomery¡¯s grandson?¡± ¡°Right ah,¡± Song Yi Ran lifted his arm, and directly rested it on Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulder, an image of two brothers who got along well, ¡°Hey Bruce, this is my most important friend Lin Ke Song.¡± ¡°Oh, Ke Song! Hello!¡± Bruce shook hands with Lin Ke Song, his fingers were very long, making Lin Ke Song suddenly think of Jiang Qian Fan, ¡°Song! If Lin Ke Song is your most important friend, then what am I to you?¡± ¡°she and I have known each other for 10 years already. If one day the amount of time you and I have known each other surpasses Ke Song, then you too can become my ¡®most important¡¯ friend.¡± Song Yi Ran pressed Lin Ke Song hard into his embrace. That feeling of bone being twisted to smithereens made her start to feel pain. Her ear was squashed on Song Yi Ran¡¯s chest, his heart beat was calm like a mountain, like a world that she had never known. ¡°aright ba, good to see you Ke Song. When you see me, do you have a sense of familiarity?¡± Bruce purposely put his face near Lin Ke Song. ¡°Because you look like Mr Montgomery?¡± Lin Ke Song asked not understanding. ¡°I¡¯m saying, we participated in¡¶Gourmet¡·, the culinary competition co-hosted by the Gourmet Union! I even saw you on television. Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t remember me?¡± Lin Ke Song shook her head, and said embarrassed: ¡°Actually I didn¡¯t really watch television programs, and somehow got told that I had passed the auditions.¡± CH 38 Near Qian Fan¡¯s Lips ¡°Haha, it¡¯s also a talent to cook food so bad it gives people psychological trauma!¡± Bruce blinked, ¡°But, I already know who your mentor is. Only Jiang Qian Fan will not bother about winning and losing, and openly bring you around to take part in events that have the industry¡¯s people. And my teacher, pretty much has never appeared at the same place at the same time as me.¡± With these words, Lin Ke Song suddenly realised that if she didn¡¯t even become the best six contestants in the competition, everyone would know that her teacher was Jiang Qian Fan. She would end up letting let his face sweep the floor. ¡°Hey! What are you thinking?¡± Song Yi Ran snapped his fingers in front of her face. ¡°Ah, nothing¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song looked in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s direction. He was an air of calm, calm and indifferent. Does this chap really not worry that this apprentice of his that has made no progress would totally lose his face? Right at that time, an already fat old man who was around 60 years old holding a glass wine, went to the middle of the guests, lifted his hand to tap the glass, producing a crisp sound, attracting the attention of everyone. ¡°Thank you to all who have come to my birthday party!¡± So this was how Montgomery looked after he¡¯d taken off the clown makeup, really looked quite similar to grandpa Kentucky. ¡°This isn¡¯t any solemn ceremony, there¡¯s no need for you to be too graceful, and even less need for you to dress in such splendour, don¡¯t know whether you¡¯re coming to celebrate my birthday or for New York fashion weekend!¡± Everyone laughed out loud. ¡°you are all here to celebrate my birthday, which is to say the most important thing is to make me happy!¡± ¡°That¡¯s for sure!¡± some famous food journalist echoed, the atmosphere suddenly was enlivened. Everyone was discussing, they were all talking about whether Montgomery had used some weird idea to make fun of everyone. ¡°the first game of the day, will definitely give everyone a surprise! Bruce, if any lady catches your fancy, remember to stand beside her oh!¡± Montgomery fluttered his eyes towards his grandson, then retrieved a serviette from his pocket, ¡°everyone, please use your mouth to hold on to this serviette by breathing in, then pass it on to the next person. The next person has to carefully suck it, to pass it on the following person. If anyone drops it accidentally or tear the serviette, then it¡¯s a loss. The person who loses, has to drink this drink I¡¯ve specially concocted, guarantee that you¡¯ll remember it for life!¡± When the special drink was mentioned, everyone showed an expression of lingering fear, and stepped half a step back. ¡°Of course, if amongst you there is someone you really want to kiss, and are steadfast even with my special concoction, I don¡¯t mind watching you suddenly tear this piece of thin serviette of a barrier, and kissing together oh!¡± The tense atmosphere from before, was more lively now. ¡°do you want to play this game with everyone?¡± Iris leaned towards Jiang Qian Fan to ask softly. Jiang Qian Fan did not reply, he turned his face slightly, like he was trying to listen carefully for something. ¡°are you looking for Ke Song?¡± Iris smirked, her eyes showing a teasing gleam, but the tone of her words was no different from the norm. ¡°What¡¯s happened to her?¡± ¡°Nothing¡¯s happened to her, but you definitely wouldn¡¯t have thought, she¡¯d be together with Mr Song.¡± ¡°snr¡¯s new shareholder Song Yi Ran?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice went cold. ¡°Even though I don¡¯t remember the pronunciation of the name, but it is the Mr Song who¡¯d visited our restaurant, and the one you asked me to describe his look and disposition. He¡¯s together with Montgomery¡¯s grandson, Bruce, looks like they¡¯re quite close.¡± Iris waited for Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s reply. ¡°No need.¡± It was obviously complicated, but to Iris, it looked like there were too many hidden meanings that she couldn¡¯t confirm. ¡°Then¡­¡­, let me now demonstrate to everyone how this game should be played!¡± Montgomery¡¯s eyes were full of anticipation, his facial expression was no different from a four or five-year-old waiting for Christmas to come. He placed the serviette on his face, gently breathed in, and the serviette was firmly stuck to his lips. Then in high spirits, he ran to a silver haired lady about the same age as he, Mrs Bell. The other party was a little surprised, when Montgomery went forward, Mrs Bell almost lost he footing. But she reacted quickly, and breathed in that serviette, and leaned towards her granddaughter at her side. Everyone let out light laughter. Montgomery laughed while holding on to Mrs Bell¡¯s hand, fluttering his lashes to everyone saying: ¡°Everyone, let¡¯s kiss together ba! Just like how I took the opportunity!¡± Mrs Bell was a senior gourmet in the food industry, the number of culinary rookies that she dug up who later became Michelin chefs were countless. She who had lost her husband early had a difficult life, and as a friend, Montgomery was always by her side supporting her. The friendship between the both of them is also a story of its own in the industry. But Mrs Bell who wallowed in the memory of her dead husband never fully accepted Montgomery, made many sigh endlessly. But today, when Montgomery kissed Mrs Bell through the serviette, everyone smelled honey sweet smells. Mrs Bell smiled saying: ¡°honoured guests, today, there are 54 guests, excluding the children. If everyone is able to pass this serviette around in a minute, I will accept Montgomery¡¯s proposal.¡± As the speech ended, not a second of silence later, everyone started applauding. At first, it was only a game, all the guests started getting serious suddenly, and many even discussed strategy softly, and there were some who had taken up a serviette to practice. From their attitude towards this game, Lin Ke Song could feel the respect towards Montgomery and the happiness that they wish the couple. Lin Ke Song looked at Song Yi Ran embarrassingly, she¡¯d never played games of this kind before. Even though it¡¯s separated by a piece of serviette, but you can pretty much feel the other party¡¯s lips and warmth and whatever¡­¡­ totally awkward ah! Montgomery, this is totally a kissing game! How did you think of this ah! totally not childish, but evil ma! Looking at the other guests again, even though some looked embarrassed at first, but once they heard Mrs Bell¡¯s words, they all got invested in the game. Lin Ke Song looked towards Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s and Iris¡¯ direction. Jiang Qian Fan had heard the game instructions, but his face had no other expressions as always. But Iris, was at his ear, dunno what she was talking about. Jiang Qian Fan always kept a certain distance form people, this intimate stance, Lin Ke Song had only seen it with Iris and him. Will he play this game? Iris was just right by his side, when playing this game, they wouldn¡¯t separate ba? It seems like, this was not much different from kissing Iris ba? If it were others, Jiang Qian Fan would absolutely not take it, but if its Iris¡­¡­ he will joyfully accept ba¡­¡­ ¡°Hey, you won¡¯t not give Teacher Montgomery face ba? He¡¯s looking right at you? If you decline the invitation to play, I bet he would sweep you out the door.¡± Iris said half-jokingly. ¡°I know.¡± Jiang Qian Fan replied indifferently. ¡°on your left you have me, on the right¡­¡­ is the chairman of the food association, David.¡± Iris explained kindly, like she was trying to find something from his expression. But Jiang Qian Fan just kept silent. Iris¡¯ gaze looked towards Lin Ke Song¡¯s direction: ¡°want me to call Lin Ke Song over? But she seems pretty fine beside Mr Song. They Probably know each other from before. Mr Song takes good care of her.¡± ¡°no need.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice in this warm sunshine, was like the cold wind passing by. He stepped half a step back, it was obvious that he wasn¡¯t going to take part in this game. After all, he couldn¡¯t see, Montgomery too, knew that he didn¡¯t like touching others, even if he backed out, Montgomery would probably not get angry with him. Lin Ke Song saw Iris look towards her, and hurriedly glanced away. She tugged Song Yi Ran¡¯s sleeve, the other party smirked bending lower: ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Too embarrassed to play this game?¡± Song Yi Ran, this chap, has of course played all kinds of outrageous games, this was totally child¡¯s game to him. ¡°I¡¯m only wondering where the serviette is going to be passed from, if it only reaches me at the end, who knows if it¡¯d already be torn.¡± ¡°so it¡¯s this ah? I thought you were embarrassed, till your ears became red.¡± Song Yi Ran reached out his hand to pull Lin Ke Song¡¯s ear, Lin Ke Song hurriedly lifted her hands to cover. ¡°it wasn¡¯t red, you¡¯re tricking people again!¡± ¡°who knows, maybe there¡¯ll really be someone who tears the serviette, just to kiss someone they wanna kiss!¡± no matter how you looked at Song Yi Ran¡¯s smile, it looked evil. Montgomery voiced out, he gave a clap, and all the guests started moving. ¡°alright alright! I¡¯ll give everyone a 30 seconds chance to go stand next to the person you wanna ¡®kiss¡¯! set, go!¡± Bruce was pulled away by a herd of seniors about the same age as Montgomery, the whole party scene was suddenly like a mah-jong table being shuffled. ¡°Song! Come with me!¡± The friends with Bruce called Song Yi Ran over too. ¡°Coming!¡± Song Yi Ran replied loudly. He gave Lin Ke Song¡¯s wrist a grab, turned back and said smiling: ¡°Even if you¡¯re kissed by the aunts and uncles, it¡¯s no big deal, right?¡± Lin Ke Song smiled, suddenly feeling a lot more relaxed. This was only a game, she should blend with the atmosphere and not be uptight. Quickly, a big circle was formed. Montgomery and Mrs Bell stood in the middle of the circle, holding their chins and inspecting the guests who formed the circle. ¡°Iris and Qian Fan, where are you guys?¡± Iris¡¯ voice sounded from the back of the crowd. ¡°Over here, teacher! Qian Fan won¡¯t be playing this game, I¡¯ll accompany him ba.¡± ¡°How can you not participate! If the two of you don¡¯t participate, it¡¯ll be 52 people, to finish it in a minute is totally child¡¯s play, not challenging at all! You must both participate!¡± Montgomery told them very seriously. Iris inly laughed saying: ¡°Alright alright teacher, we¡¯re coming now.¡± Iris led Jiang Qian Fan over. ¡°Here¡­¡­ is there anyone you think is ¡®fine¡¯?¡± Iris said beside Jiang Qian Fan softly. Many ladies looked over, their eyes obviously full of hope that Jiang Qian Fan would choose their side, but because of his expressionless face they don¡¯t dare to request. Maybe to Lin kE Song, Jiang Qian Fan this guy has a flaw that makes people think that he isn¡¯t the best person to interact with, but to others, he is a charismatic successful person and a well-known person in his field. Jiang Qian Fan held onto his cane, patted the back of Iris¡¯ hand, indicating that he could take care of himself. Iris lifted her eyebrows, but in the end still respected Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s wishes and retrieved her hand from Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s arm. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s step were very stable, the cane was pretty much floating, always 2 inches above the grass bed, never touching the ground. Every person he walked past, everyone turned around to look at him, all appearing curious about just who he was going to choose to stand beside. When Jiang Qian Fan was about to walk behind her, Lin kE Song turned around, swallowed while thinking: he doesn¡¯t know where I am¡­¡­ he doesn¡¯t know where I am¡­¡­ But the heavens obviously didn¡¯t hear her prayer, Jiang Qian Fan stopped behind her, very politely said to the elderly lady beside her: ¡°may I know if it Mrs Smith?¡± ¡°Yes. How did you know it¡¯s me?¡± Mrs Smith had a surprised expression. ¡°I smelled your orange blossom perfume. Please, may I stand beside you?¡± Mrs smith laughed: ¡°of course you can, young man. Didn¡¯t think that my orange blossom perfume would leave such a deep impression on your nose.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Mrs Smith very naturally pulled at Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s arm, turned towards him and said: ¡°Montgomery is as always, likes to see everyone carry an awkward and troubled expression. But today¡¯s game is pretty interesting. Between people, there must be close contact, to have an understanding of each other.¡± ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡± Iris who wanted to walk over to join but was pulled by a few lady guests, couldn¡¯t help but be separated. And Lin Ke Song who was standing next to Jiang Qian Fan suddenly got nervous. Her heartbeat jumped quickly, her arm was not even 2 inches away from Jiang Qian Fan. She didn¡¯t dare to get any closer to him, didn¡¯t even dare to speak, confirming if there was any kind of smell on her body. She knew how sensitive Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s sense of smell was, so she made sure again and again neurotically that there was no hint that was available to make Jiang Qian Fan choose this place. Her palms started to perspire slightly. Even though Jiang Qian Fan spoke little, he was very respectful to the elders, no matter what Mrs smith said to him, small talk, or jokes, he would give a reply. Lin Ke Song inhaled, Jiang Qian Fan never once faced her, it looked like he didn¡¯t know that she was the person standing on his other side. He probably thought that that those who were standing here were all the elderly ba. When they play the game later, will he learn about it then? How will he react later? Will it be like he came in contact with germs and push her away? Or feel that he was cheated by her? If it were the latter, then it¡¯d be terrible. After all it¡¯d be too suspicious if she, his student was standing beside him but didn¡¯t make any acknowledgment ah! Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t dare to look towards Jiang Qian Fan, and kept keeping close to Song Yi Ran, wishing to put more distance between Jiang Qian Fan and her. Song Yi Ran who was at the side glanced down, and saw the image of Lin Ke Song bending her head, her ears were red. A fleeting trace of cold flashed past his eyes. He had only gently held onto Lin KE Song¡¯s wrist at first, but now he slowly slid down, and pinched her finger. Lin Ke Song looked up, Song Yi Ran shook his head at her, indicating that she should switch places with him. You gotta know, on the other side of Song Yi Ran was a kindly looking granny of sixty. Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes filled up with a deep sense of gratitude towards Song Yi Ran. But once she thought about the change of place, it would mean that Song Yi Ran would be standing with Jiang Qian Fan, no matter how Lin KE Song thought about it, it felt ¡ª¡ª harmonious and wonderful? Alright ba, Song Yi Ran! Knowing you for so many years, and it¡¯s so rare for you to be so generous back! You¡¯ve definitely kissed many women before ba? Let you change your flavour today! Hopefully nothing bloody would happen! Good luck to you! Lin Ke Song was about to turn, someone held onto to her arm steadily. She looked over surprised, its Jiang Qian Fan! He was chatting with Mrs Smith ah! Lin Ke Song tested her movement, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s strength was great, pretty much had her nailed at her spot. She looked at Jiang Qian Fan in shock¡­¡­ Jiang Qian Fan wouldn¡¯t simply touch anyone. So he actually knew, that she was standing beside him! Then, did he know it about her after choosing to stand beside Mrs Smith, or did he actually already recognise her and Mrs Smith was just an excuse? The probability of the former was about 80 percent, the latter¡­¡­ Lin Ke Song, you¡¯re too narcissistic¡­¡­ Lin KE Song wanted to cry, because she had a feeling of stealing Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s phone, wanting to hide in the crowd but being held captive instead. Song Yi Ran turned, looked at Jiang Qian Fan, his facial expression turned cold too. He lifted his hand, wrapped it around Lin KE Song¡¯s neck, holding onto her shoulder, and pulled her to the other side with a strong tug. But Jiang Qian Fan used even more strength to hold onto Lin KE Song¡¯s arm, his fingers used much strength, to the point that even Lin Ke Song¡¯s bones could feel his strength. Song Yi Ran¡¯s face held a constant smile, but when Lin Ke Song lifted her face, that smile made Lin Ke Song feel unfamiliarity. It wasn¡¯t lazy, and it wasn¡¯t by any means of ridicule, on the contrary,¡­¡­ it was like a sharp scabbard about to slice, reflecting of that sharp edge. Song Yi Ran wanted to pull Lin Ke Song to the other side, and Jiang Qian Fan held Lin Ke Song steady at her original place like a mountain. It was like a tug of war between the two guys, no one was willing to retreat or let go. It was so painful that Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes wrinkled up, if this continues, she suspects her arm will get pressed to smithereens by Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°I¡¯ll just stay here. Look, the game is about to begin!¡± Since they both weren¡¯t willing to let go, then it was only her, Lin Ke Song who could compromise. Song Yi Ran looked at Lin KE Song, she could not see any form of emotion in his eyes, deep and dark, 2 seconds later, he raised his brows, the sunlight seemed to make his lip bloom again: ¡°Alright, up to you. If you get bitten, don¡¯t come crying.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t. Who¡¯ll bite me ah! haha¡­¡­¡± At this time, Lin Ke Song realised that Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s grip had slightly relaxed. What is this chap thinking about? Mrs Smith was just asking Jiang Qian Fan about a few Chinese home cooking recipes, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s tome of reply was very gentle, pretty much couldn¡¯t see that he had exerted such strength on Lin Ke Song. It was like everything that happened before was Lin Ke Song¡¯s imagination. The game finally started. The whole scene was tight and tense. Shouts of ¡°Hurry up! Hurry Up!¡± could be heard from everywhere. The whole process was a lot smoother than Lin KE Song expected, following the established rhythm, the serviette was already passed by 7 or eight people, and was actually slowed where at Bruce¡¯s area. Every time he was about to turn, the serviette almost fell off, back and forth a few times, in Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes, it looked like a dvd that was stuck, an image that was on a constant loop. ¡°Bruce, don¡¯t breathe when you turn! Hurry hurry!¡± The people after Bruce couldn¡¯t wait anymore, everyone urged Bruce on. With a full delay of 4 to 5 seconds, Bruce finally passed the serviette to the next person. To make up for the lost seconds, everyone passed the serviette on to the next person without thought. When 2 middle aged guys with big tummies bumped into each other, everyone was filled with laughter. ¡°Peter, you gotta turn to your side, otherwise with the distance created by the both of your tummies, even if your neck detaches, you guys still won¡¯t be able to touch!¡± The both of them finally managed to pass the serviette, then the rhythm quickened, everyone pretty much wasn¡¯t bothered about whose lips they touched through the serviette. A few lipstick stains were left on the serviette, it looked really fascinating. Quickly, the serviette reached Song Yi Ran. Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart rate quickened. Just as she was rehearsing the way to make sure the serviette stayed on her face, Song Yi Ran had already turned around. He lowered his head, lips knocking, accurately pressing it on her lips. That moment¡¯s strength, made Lin KE Song feel like she was being hit. Even if it was through the separation of a serviette, she could clearly feel the warmth of his touch. This was the most intimate contact they¡¯d ever had in their 10 years. Lin KE Song felt Song Yi Ran blow gently, blowing the serviette onto her face. ¡°inhale.¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s reminder sounded. Lin Ke Song inhaled slightly, and the serviette was stuck to her face. She couldn¡¯t see anything, couldn¡¯t even do any thinking, she turned, the serviette was covering her eyes, she couldn¡¯t see Jiang Qian Fan. But according to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s height, Lin Ke Song thought that no matter what she had to tip toe. CH 39 Happy Lunar New year!! Thank you for your well wishes for Christmas and new year¡¯s and the lunar new year!! I¡¯m not used to having wishes, but I hope you get to eat many delicious foods and snacks and home cooked foods and then be able to diet successfully after!! (*¡ñ???¡ñ)? Word count: 3650 Lin Ke Song¡¯s sense of taste But just as she was about to tiptoe, she exhaled. And the serviette flew up. Finished! Lin Ke Song was frantic to death, and was about to inhale the serviette back, but something warm pressed down on it. When the skin touched, she could feel the other party¡¯s gentle breath, it seemed to carry deep sentiment, it was an illusion of Lin Ke Song¡¯s lips being carried away by the other party. Her breath entered the other party¡¯s lips, she had never felt so sensitive before, it was like even the wrinkles of the other party¡¯s lips were pressed into her lips. She opened her eyes wide, and what she saw was Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s drooping lashes, so close, like it was going to touch her eyeballs. It was obviously a short time, but Lin Ke Song had the illusion of feeling preciously cherished. He left her lips, straightened up, using a voice that was slightly cool as always but like flowing water and asked: ¡°where¡¯s the serviette?¡± That poor serviette had fallen to the floor long ago. The surrounding people laughed. Lin Ke Song only felt that this world was rotating, and she couldn¡¯t figure out who was who. Until someone¡¯s palm held her from behind. Lin Ke Song turned around to see that it was Song Yi Ran¡¯s face. His eyes held a certain strength, suddenly falling from a place ten thousands of metres up in the sky, about to crush her. ¡°Hahaha! Didn¡¯t think that the thing I wanted to see the most has finally happened la!¡± Montgomery was very happy. Mrs Bell then looked at the phone and said: ¡°there are less than 20 seconds left!¡± ¡°Hurry! Hurry pick it up!¡± ¡°There¡¯s still a chance! Hurry!¡± Many shouts from the surrounding people passed Lin Ke Song¡¯s ear. Her unrestrained mentality returned, and hurriedly picked the serviette off the ground and put it on her face. The awkward incident had already happened, even if there¡¯s any disagreement, it¡¯d have to wait until after the game is finished. Lin Ke Song grabbed Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s tie, stood on tiptoes, before the both of them did any form of touching, she puffed out a breath of air, and stuck the serviette onto Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s face. She released him, and watched him leisurely pass the serviette to Mrs Smith on the other side. No anger could be seen from his expression, not even a frown could be seen. Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart was like a rapidly spinning gyro, and was also like a rocket debris that was descending to the ground, everything out of her control. The serviette was smoothly passed to the last person, Mrs Bell recited the timing. Everyone suddenly started cheering! Applause, and continuous laughter. But Lin KE Song was still confused. She kissed Jiang Qian Fan¡­¡­ Not right! It should be Jiang Qian Fan kissed her! Why didn¡¯t he have any reaction? Later Lin Ke Song realised another problem¡­¡­ this seemed to be the first kiss of her life¡­¡­ Even though she didn¡¯t not have any first kiss complex, but the problem was that the person was Jiang Qian Fan ah! She still had to interact day and night with him for 2 plus months more ah! Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t even dare to look at Jiang Qian Fan now. So awkward¡­¡­ if it was misunderstood that she purposely blew the serviette away, even if she jumped into the Atlantic Ocean it wouldn¡¯t be washed clean ah! Her gaze accidentally met Iris¡¯. Even if Iris was trying to restrain herself, talking and laughing with the surrounding people, her gaze obviously held resentment and ridicule towards Lin Ke Song. Lin Ke Song inhaled. ¡°Ke Song, Lin Ke Song!¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s voice sounded, Lin Ke Song lifted her head: ¡°Ah? what¡¯s happened?¡± ¡°Montgomery is proposing to Mrs Bell.¡± Lin Ke Song lifted her head, and only then realised that Montgomery was already kneeling on one knee in front of Mrs Bell. ¡°We¡¯re not young anymore, Monica. Maybe tomorrow, I¡¯d lie in bed and not open my eyes anymore. I don¡¯t have an ambitious heart towards work, and have no more heart to notice those pretty young ladies¡­¡­ my grandson too has no more need for my shade. On this earth, there is nothing else that needs me to expend thought to engage, to expend energy to pursue. But only you¡­¡­ Monica¡­¡­ I wish to use the rest of my days to spend it with you¡­¡­ as a husband, to hold your hand, and walk through streets, with people throwing envious glances at us. I will make the most delicious foods on earth for you, to let you be full of anticipation each day¡­¡­ let our remaining days be delicious¡­¡­¡± The whole site was a plane of silence, everyone¡¯s attention was on Monica. Mrs Bell laughed. She, in fact, was not as pretty as the youth of the young ladies, but she had an elegant charisma shaped by time. She knew clearly what she needed, and knew even better what apart from reputation was more worth her cherishing. ¡°beloved Montgomery, I think I will still live for a very long time, so I don¡¯t wish to used my time to long for another. If I agree to your proposal, I have only one condition, which is that you must live longer than me.¡± Everyone turned towards Montgomery. He inhaled deeply and replied very solemnly: ¡°then from today onwards, I will strictly control my diet, and exercise no matter the weather! The first step would be to be at our wedding where everyone wouldn¡¯t be able to see my belly! I will spend every day with you healthily!¡± When Montgomery¡¯s big tummy was brought up, everyone couldn¡¯t help but laugh. ¡°I do.¡± Mrs Bell too endured her laughter to reach her hand out towards Montgomery. They hugged each other tightly, the applause lasted for a long time. Lin Ke Song looked at them, and was suddenly envious. ¡°are you envious?¡± Song Yi Ran asked softly. ¡°Yeah. I wish for someone, to never leave my side as we grow old.¡± Lin Ke Song exhaled. ¡°You too will have one.¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s voice was drowned in the cheers of the people, Lin Ke Song only remembered that the laughter in his eyes, was deep and far away. When everyone raised a glass towards Montgomery and Mrs Bell in celebration, Montgomery started smiling evilly. ¡°Just now, during the game, there were two who had let the serviette drop¡­¡­¡± Everyone¡¯s eyes gazes moved towards Bruce and Lin Ke Song, they showed regret and sympathy, making Lin Ke Song get uneasy unknowingly. ¡°So these two people have to properly taste my devil¡¯s juice!¡± Right ah! there was still some punishment to come! Was too engrossed in the game before, Lin Ke Song had forgotten about this! ¡°wait, where has Bruce gone?¡± Mrs Bell was searching through the guests, and actually could not find a trace of Bruce. At this time, Song Yi Ran suddenly shouted: ¡°He¡¯s running away! Underneath the desserts table!¡± Everyone suddenly flocked over, to grab Bruce back. ¡°Song ¡ª¡ª I¡¯m your friend! How could you betray a friend!¡± Bruce¡¯s voice sounded mournful and pitiful. ¡°Because I can¡¯t bear for Ke Song to suffer the punishment alone ma!¡± Song Yi Ran grabbed his pocket, and fluttered his lashes to the other party. Lin Ke Song lifted a corner of her mouth and looked at Song Yi Ran with disgust: obviously this rascal wanted the both of them to undergo the forfeit! Otherwise why didn¡¯t he remind her to run away as quick as possible! Montgomery happily brought out 2 glasses of black liquid with green floaty bits in them, and purposely said to Bruce: ¡°my dearest grandson, you don¡¯t have to worry about not holding it steadily and dropping it on the floor, because I¡¯ve made a whole big bucket¡¯s worth!¡± Bruce looked at the cup of stuff and leaked an expression of terror. ¡°Ke Song, you come over too!¡± Montgomery waved at her, ¡°don¡¯t worry, this drink isn¡¯t anything much, and it¡¯s really good for your body oh!¡± Lin Ke Song looked suspiciously at Bruce on the other side, and Bruce repeatedly gagged, like he was about to puke. ¡°Actually its really easy to drink this devil¡¯s drink in one breath.¡± Montgomery was saying, but the guests¡¯ expressions were not unanimous with his words. To the point that when he swung the glass, everyone stepped half a step back in unison. This made Lin Ke Song be on sudden vigilance. No matter how harmless Montgomery made it sound, she never stopped building herself up mentally. This power of this cup of juice is definitely far beyond the weird tasting soup she made during the auditions! But Lin Ke Song was fully confident, that no matter how bad it was, it was only an eyes closed one breath thing! In the past, she managed to stomach all those hard to drink Chinese medicines, could Montgomery¡¯s drink even be worse than that? It must be because these foreigners have never consumed Chinese medicine, and have a low threshold! ¡°So I have decided to increase the difficulty.¡± Montgomery had a full face of happiness, like he totally did not care that Bruce was his son, ¡°if the person who accepts this punishment is able to taste what all the ingredients are in this drink, then they don¡¯t have to drink that big cup!¡± That big cup, which big cup? Everyone suspiciously followed Montgomery¡¯s finger and looked in the direction he was pointing, and only saw that Mrs Bell was actually carrying a beer mug that had to be at least 1 litre out. The inky black liquid had a kind of gloomy feeling under the sunlight. Everyone gasped, and even Lin Ke Song felt on edge. ¡°Grandma Monica, you can¡¯t let my grandpa do this! It¡¯ll cost a person¡¯s life!¡± Bruce didn¡¯t give up his last struggle. ¡°Oh? Is that so? I think it¡¯ll be pretty interesting ah! Bruce, I believe that you will be able to taste all the ingredients!¡± The two of them were becoming more and more like a married couple. Bruce and Lin Ke Song received the glass from Montgomery¡¯s hands. Lin Ke Song¡¯s mood was much heavier than before. After all she was planning to gulp everything down in one breath, not caring about the taste. But now, for the sake of avoiding that great big cup¡­¡­ she has to taste the flavours carefully. No matter if she can handle the taste of the drink, at least her tummy would not be able to stomach such a big cup ah! ¡°Believe me¡­¡­ this will definitely be the nastiest thing you¡¯d ever come across in your life!¡± Bruce lowered his voice at Lin Ke Song. Montgomery and Mrs Bell seemed to have been long prepared, they took out 2 blocks of blackboard, placing them back to back, then said to Bruce and Lin Ke Song: ¡°you guys will take turns to write the ingredients on these blackboards ba!¡± Lin Ke Song took a deep breath¡­¡­ hoping that all the ingredients in this devil¡¯s drink will be ingredients that she had seen before, and not become a joke who can¡¯t differentiate a salmon from other fishes. She turned around to look at Song Yi Ran, the other party was hold his pockets, fluttering his eyes at her. This rascal, he should pray to Amitabha for not being in trouble, never expected him to help anyway. She then looked towards Jiang Qian Fan, if it¡¯s as she expects, his face will not show any expression. Lin Ke Song took a deep breath, a sigh came from the guests, it was from Bruce who had already drunk the first mouth. Alright ba, she will start too! Carrying the cup, the tip of her tongue had only touched a little of the drink, and she could already smell the thick and choking flavour. Sour and bitter and astringent, Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t even figure out how to swallow that tiny bit! Tastes bud were poisoned, especially those astringent flavours, they made Lin Ke Song¡¯s flush, even the meat on her face went into spasms, hurting all the way to her brain. She expended the energy of 9 cows and 2 tigers, to accumulate lots of saliva, to finally swallow the first mouthful! After swallowing, everything was not yet over. The bitter taste from the base of her tongue flooded the whole mouth, she suddenly had a feeling that she¡¯d lost all sense of taste. Really too terrifying! Her stomach tumbled, whatever she ate before, she only wished that she could puke everything out in a breath. When she lowered her head, Montgomery¡¯s voice sounded: ¡°Can¡¯t vomit oh! If you puke it out, you will break the rules! And have to undertake punishment oh!¡± What? Can¡¯t even puke? What kind of evil rule is this? Don¡¯t talk about that litre of devil¡¯s juice, she can¡¯t even swallow the small glass in front of her! ¡°My darling Ke Song, Bruce has already written 7 to 8 ingredients oh, you have to keep up!¡± Mrs Bell reminded kindly. Everyone looked at Lin Ke Song with pity, and she could clearly see Iris hugging her arm and chuckling tauntingly. She was waiting to watch a show. In everyone¡¯s heart on site, even though Bruce wasn¡¯t a professional chef, he was under the influence of such a great chef like Montgomery since young, his sensitivity to ingredients would be far greater than Lin Ke Song. But people were curious too, because Jiang Qian Fan had the title of ¡°absolute taste¡± in the fine dining industry, even Montgomery, was amazed at this student¡¯s taste buds. Jiang Qian Fan had admitted in public that Lin KE Song was his student, then doesn¡¯t it mean that Lin Ke Song had some peculiar trait too? Lin Ke Song looked in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s direction again. He held his cane with one hand, his face was of a calmly indifferent expression, like whether Lin Ke Song could figure out the ingredients had no relation to him. But it just so happened that that Lin Ke Song could feel that he used all the light and dark distinction ability of his dull eyes to focus on her. In her mind, she remembered all that Jiang Qian Fan had taught her about differentiating the different layers of flavours, and how to pinpoint the ingredients from the layers. Alright ba, no matter if Jiang Qian Fan were to care about Lin Ke Song¡¯s sense of taste, no matter what she will definitely not drink that large mess of a drink! Lin KE Song lifted the pen, and wrote on the blackboard: Mustard, grapefruit, lemon peel, kiwi, raspberry, bitter gourd¡­¡­ These were all flavours that could be very intuitively. Montgomery was too much, specially combining all these fruits and veggies that she really disliked! And what else? This fishy taste, is like seafood¡­¡­ She need to distinguish in more detail. Lin Ke Song held her breath, and had a mouthful, she couldn¡¯t swallow immediately, but swished it between her teeth, this feeling of self-torture is really too *. Is it shrimp of some kind of fish? Since things have come to this stage, all things are possible. Lin Ke Song will not naively think that Montgomery will only add fruits and veggies. Lin Ke Song put aside all the sour and bitter tastes, and focused on that fishy taste. In the end, she confirmed that it was kelp. No wonder this cup of juice was inky black! But don¡¯t know whether the kelp was considered a veggie of the ocean? Apart from kelp, she could taste vegetable kind of raw taste. It was this kind of flavour that meshed together with the fishiness of the kelp that made people have ten thousand thoughts about puking. What kind of veggie was it¡­¡­ Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes lighted up, it seemed that Montgomery, is totally too talented, how could he think of blending green onions and leek in? If it were in normal dumplings, you¡¯d think these two things were absolutely delicious. But the problem was that this wasn¡¯t dumplings, this was a drink ah! Totally becomes a nightmare! Lin Ke Song lifted the pen, and thought, then realised something tragic, which was that she didn¡¯t know how to spell ¡°leek¡±. She looked at Montgomery, and pitifully made a request: ¡°Mr Montgomery, can I invite my friend to teach me the spelling of the names of some of the ingredients?¡± Montgomery looked at Mrs Bell, Mrs Bell nodded and said: ¡°Darling, of course you can. After all they haven¡¯t drunk that cup of juice.¡± After hearing that, Lin Ke Song was like she had received amnesty, she looked towards Song Yi Ran: ¡°Hey! How to spell leek?¡± Please, don¡¯t make it that even Song Yi Ran doesn¡¯t know the spelling. But even if leek dumplings are a common sight in Chinese restaurants, Song Yi Ran only needed to speak Chinese ah, how would he know the English word for leek? ¡°leek. l-e-e-k.¡± Song Yi Ran walked slowly to Lin Ke Song¡¯s side, and gently leaned on her shoulder, softly spelling out every letter for her. Lin Ke Song suddenly felt like a full face of tears. When she wrote the word down, she could obviously see the change in Montgomery¡¯s expression. She had a hunch, that she hadn¡¯t written the wrong thing. Then, she wrote garlic and green peppers. Even though the green peppers¡¯ flavour was overpowered by the combination of the flavours of leek and garlic, Lin Ke Song could still taste it. But there was another flavour that left an aftertaste that made someone want to puke dinner¡¯s leftovers, Lin Ke Song could not think of the name in at the moment, but when Mrs Bell kindly passed her and Bruce a cup of water, Lin Ke Song suddenly recalled. When she had gone with her family to Sichuan for a holiday, she¡¯d eaten these kind of veggies, or rather an herbal salad, but¡­¡­ none of the family members could get used to the taste. But the name of this herb, Song Yi Ran couldn¡¯t possibly know it right? ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Song Yi Ran lifted his eyebrows. ¡°Houttuynia? You wish yourself luck ba.¡± Song Yi Ran shrugged his shoulders. Lin Ke Song could only turn around, and look at Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s direction. He would surely know. And with his sense of hearing, he would have already heard her. But he wouldn¡¯t move at all¡­¡­ totally not wishing to help her¡­¡­ At this time, Mrs Smith who was holding onto Jiang Qian Fan suddenly said: ¡°Ke Song, you can use the dictionary in your phone!¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned. Even Song Yi Ran was looking at her with a ¡°So you¡¯re this dumb ah¡± expression. She only used 3 seconds to find the spelling of Houttuynia, and wrote on the board: Houttuynia cordata. at this time, Bruce had already drunk a whole cup. Montgomery walked up to him and asked: ¡°Dearest Bruce, are you sure the ingredients on the list is your answer?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure¡­¡­ but I can¡¯t taste anything anymore¡­¡­¡± Bruce squeezed out those words from his throat, if he were to say another word, he¡¯d most probably vomit. ¡°Alright ba.¡± Montgomery tuned to Lin Ke Song, ¡°What about you?¡± ¡°I¡­¡­ I haven¡¯t finished drinking¡­¡­¡± ¡°Oh, actually it¡¯s aright if you don¡¯t finish drinking. The main point is whether you think the ingredients you¡¯ve written down, are they correct? And is there nothing to adjust or add in?¡± Montgomery¡¯s expression was very amiable, this made Lin Ke Song form an illusion of the other party trying to remind her. She lowered her head, and tried another mouthful of that inky black substance, constantly searching whether there was any other flavour that she¡¯d missed out. When the spicy flavour moved along her nerves to her brain, she suddenly realised, this spiciness was not only of mustard. She remembered the previous time Jiang Qian Fan added tarragon when he prepared the hollandaise sauce for grilled pork chops. Turning around, she wrote down on the blackboard: Tarragon. ¡°I¡¯m sure, it should be just these.¡± ¡°Alright, let us announce the results!¡± as Montgomery said, Mrs Bell turned the two black boards to face everyone. Lin Ke Song then saw Bruce¡¯s answer: Grapefruit, lemon, kiwi, raspberry, kelp, bitter gourd, green onion, parsley, mustard, green pepper. Although most of the ingredient were the same as hers, but Bruce mentioned parsley, and she had written leek. otherwise, she had written down tarragon and houttuynia¡­¡­ Lin Ke Song started being uneasy. She wasn¡¯t afraid that she had guessed it wrong, at the most it would just be said of her that her sense of smell isn¡¯t as good as Bruce, and Jiang Qian Fan was an image of not being afraid of being moved by lightning even as he get embarrassed. But she really didn¡¯t want to drink that big cup of demon¡¯s juice! Her intestines will be blended together! And her guts will be vomited out by her! For the rest of her life, when she sees any inky black stuff, including coke, she will have a trauma towards it! ¡°Ah ha, everyone wishes to know that answer ba? Who between them has the correct answer? Or are both their answers wrong?¡± Montgomery¡¯s eyes were lightened with the shine of seeing someone in peril, he looked at Jiang Qian Fan, ¡°everyone knows, the student I¡¯m proudest of, Jiang Qian Fan has amazing taste buds that everyone in the industry praises. Let him differentiate, just what is in this drink.¡± The guests were slightly stunned, looking towards Jiang Qian Fan. Montgomery didn¡¯t reveal the answers directly, it was obviously to make Jiang Qian Fan undergo the punishment. * the asterisk was what was put in the original text. Maybe missed out, but most probably there to censor whatever word was gonna be used? I¡¯m thinking it¡¯s the word pervert (??ÆH??) CH 40 Swaying Lin Ke Song thought Jiang Qian Fan would refuse, and didn¡¯t think that he would walk slowly towards Montgomery¡¯s direction instead. ¡°then I shall taste, what is in this drink.¡± Jiang Qian Fan received the glass from Montgomery, and swished the cup a little. His demeanour was indifferent and quiet, his facial features endlessly elegant, even the action of swishing the glass was like he was going to taste vintage wines. Everyone¡¯s gazes consciously followed. When he nodded to put the glass to his lips, Lin Ke Song started getting nervous. She knew that all the flavours, no matter how slight, would be magnified unlimitedly. She felt that things she thought tasted horrible, to Jiang Qian Fan, will be a disaster. Jiang Qian Fan only had a tiny sip, the whole scene of the party was silent, with only an occasional sound of children playing. Lin Ke Song saw his throat move slightly, down the smooth lines, it was beautiful and sexy. His eyebrows didn¡¯t even lift, and his calmly said: ¡°the sourness comes from grapefruit, raspberry, kiwi, the fishy taste comes from kelp, even though Garlic, green onions and leeks were used to attempt to cover the fishy smell, the taste is still obvious. The bitterness comes from bitter gourd and lemon peel. And the spiciness is because of mustard and Artemisia. Excuse me, are my answers correct, teacher Montgomery?¡± This was Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s precise taste deconstruction. Montgomery touched palmed his forehead regretfully: ¡°only a little sip and you¡¯re able to taste all the ingredients? I was looking forward to having you drink this whole cup ne!¡± ¡°Very sorry, for disappointing you.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was very calm, but the looks from everyone when they gazed over were full of shock and respect. Here, no one will look down on Jiang Qian Fan because of his blindness, because they knew Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s true ability and talent far surpasses their imagination. ¡°your sense of taste seems to be more sensitive that a few years ago. But do you want to know the results of the win and loss between Bruce and Lin Ke Song?¡± Montgomery smiled rubbing his chin. ¡°Not only did she win Bruce, she also wrote down all the right answers.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice, was neither sad nor happy, steady as a mountain. ¡°You¡¯re so sure?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was calm as always. Lin Ke Song looked at his side profile, and never thought that he would actually have so much faith in her sense of taste. ¡°Alright ba, Ke Song did indeed write all the answers correctly. Even the trickiest ingredients, Houttuynia and Artemisia.¡± Montgomery went to Lin Ke Song, and patted her shoulder, ¡°I never thought you¡¯d one day undertake a student, but at least now, I know why you¡¯ve only selected Ke Song.¡± Montgomery had said these words simply, but the gazes of the people surrounding them towards Lin Ke Song changed. They no longer held slight curiosity or indifference to a nobody, their gazes had admiration, observance and even examination towards her. Even Bruce walked over to shake Lin Ke Song¡¯s hand: ¡°looks like the ¡®Masters competition¡¯ will have a scary opponent like you. For the remaining 2 months, I will need to work hard!¡± Lin Ke Song was a little in disbelieve, she had only tasted all the ingredients in the drink, why were the expressions of everyone towards her like they had seen the emperor penguin in Africa? And Iris¡¯ gazes had gotten even colder. Montgomery went to David, the food association¡¯s president, and asked smiling: ¡°Hey, David, what did you think about the food for the party today?¡± Lin Ke Song saw David and hurriedly look away, you gotta know, she poisoned him with the chaos of the tomato and eggs stew. Wish that he¡¯d already forgotten her! ¡°En¡­¡­ even though I know that it¡¯s not from you, it tastes pretty good.¡± ¡°if it were a Michelin gourmet spy, what kind of evaluation will they give the food here?¡± ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m not a gourmet spy. But ¡­¡­ I think the creamy carrot soup can receive at least a knife and fork evaluation. As for the other foods, they too are delicious.¡± David did not purposely give excessive praise to the food at the birthday party just because of Montgomery¡¯s status in the industry.¡± ¡°Ah ha, thank you. Mrs Smith, what do you think?¡± ¡°As for me, I thought the ¡®pig in the blanket¡¯ was done really well.¡± Mrs Smith smiled, ¡°Alright, the food at the party can¡¯t be what Monica prepared specially for you ba?¡± ¡°No, it was prepared by my grandson Bruce! You must know that just a month ago, he had zero knowledge about the thing of the kitchen. But ever since that ¡®Masters show¡¯ his improvement has been amazing!¡± while talking about Bruce, Montgomery¡¯s facial expression was full of pride. David was extremely shocked: ¡°Oh my god ah, I have a very deep impression of the baked lamb chops Bruce made that time! That flavour was totally from the depths of hell! But to have prepared everything today is too shocking! Bruce, you are indeed Montgomery¡¯s grandson, the gene for controlling ingredients flows in your blood!¡± Everyone started murmuring. And Iris went up to Bruce, praising him and at the same time exchanging cooking techniques, in a moment, Bruce became the focus of the party. many asked who his mentor for the masters show was, and under everyone¡¯s praise, he kept reason, and was sealed as a bottle. No one noticed Lin Ke Song, she too half a step back. ¡°if the taste in the mouth is unbearable, you can try the baileys cake.¡± The cool voice was like a wind that passed by slowly. Lin Ke Song looked over, and realised that Jiang Qian Fan was actually standing beside her. When everyone was focusing on Bruce, Jiang Qian Fan had remembered her existence. At this time, Song Yi Ran came over, he looked at Jiang Qian Fan, then said to Lin Ke Song: ¡°Open your mouth.¡± ¡°Ah?¡± Lin Ke Song hadn¡¯t had time to react, and a jelly bean was thrown into her mouth by Song Yi Ran, the sweet milky fragrance spread all over her tongue. His laziness and comfort formed a very sharp contrast against Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s introverted cold. ¡°I never thought I¡¯d see you here.¡± Jiang Qian Fan calmly said. ¡°What?¡± Lin Ke Song looked at Song Yi Ran, then looked at Jiang Qian Fan, ¡°You know each other?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve only had the chance to dine at Mr Jiang¡¯s restaurant. The food he cooked, had an unforgettable fragrance.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve been to Mr Jiang¡¯s restaurant?¡± Lin Ke Song looked at Song Yi Ran, and thought that this rascal had an 80 percent chance that he had a new girlfriend, and went to the high-class dining restaurant to burn money. Song Yi Ran smiled without answering, Jiang Qian Fan only held on to the cane, a face of calm. Even if it was under this kind of quiet atmosphere, Lin Ke Song still felt the surging undercurrent between the two of them. Good thing Montgomery had another plan of a new game for the guests, the atmosphere got lively again. And Iris had found a new reason to bring Jiang Qian Fan away. Lin Ke Song and Song Yi Ran leaned against the dining table, not bothering about the noisy scene in front of them. ¡°So, your mysterious teacher is Jiang Qian Fan?¡± ¡°en.¡± ¡°in the Chinese food industry, he is the leading man, a chef recognised by European and American food sector, is said to be the uncrowned king.¡± ¡°this is the first time I¡¯ve heard you give such great acknowledgement to anyone.¡± ¡°then, you¡¯re staying in his villa.¡± Song Yi Ran tilted his head, and used that pair of that inexplicably heart wavering eyes to look at Lin Ke Song. When the light fell on his forehead, his nose, his person looked transparent and clean. ¡°Right ah. but there are 2 more months, and I¡¯ll be moving out.¡± ¡°didn¡¯t you say, that staying with him is tiring?¡± ¡°ah¡­¡­ a little¡­¡­¡± Excessive, eccentric, overachieving silence and what not is indeed really annoying. But¡­¡­ she doesn¡¯t hate him at all. ¡°Then do you wanna stay with me?¡± Song Yi Ran turned and smiled asking. ¡°You? Aren¡¯t you staying at Manhattan? It¡¯s so far from Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa! If he suddenly feels like teaching me or something, I¡¯d still have to rush over from Manhattan? Forget it ba¡­¡­¡± just thinking about it made Lin Ke Song feel it¡¯s too much toil. ¡°Then¡­¡­ wait till Montgomery¡¯s party is over, do you wanna go back to New York with me?¡± ¡°Mr Jiang has probably already booked a flight back to New York.¡± Lin Ke Song shrugged her shoulders. ¡°Alright ba, I¡¯ve lost to Jiang Qian Fan.¡± Song Yi Ran sighed helplessly. ¡°this makes it sound like you like me.¡± Lin Ke Song clicked. ¡°I¡¯ve always liked you ah.¡± Song Yi Ran lifted his head halfway, his voice was a little sad, and a little frustrated. Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart felt like it was suddenly given a squeeze. He always used such a light and calm voice to say such important things. And now, with such a serious expression, Lin Ke Song knew better than to take it seriously. ¡°Continue acting ba! Life is like a play, a play is like life!¡± Lin Ke Song purposely used a ferocious voice to say. Montgomery¡¯s party ended, Lin Ke Song went with Jiang Qian Fan to the airport, to get ready to board the flight to New York. Before boarding, Lin Ke Song as usual made a trip to the washroom. While she was washing her hands, Iris walked in too. Lin Ke Song had thought at first that Iris wouldn¡¯t talk to her, because the women¡¯s sixth sense told her, that Iris really hated her right now. But unexpectedly, Iris went up to Lin Ke Song. ¡°Montgomery¡¯s party is really exhausting ba?¡± she said smiling. ¡°Ah¡­¡­ yes.¡± ¡°En, many people wish to and are afraid of going to his party. To be able to be invited by him, means that he recognises the status of the person in the industry. But he is an infamous trickster, teasing and provoking people every year on his birthday.¡± ¡°Right ah.¡± Lin Ke Song wanted to leave. But Iris spoke again: ¡°Bruce surprised everyone. Even though he¡¯s close to his grandfather, he has never been interested in cooking and food. But this time, he was able to plan and entertain a lunch party for over 50 guests of the restaurant industry elites and large figureheads, everyone never gave any negative view, can see that it¡¯s evident that he has the ability. No matter who his mentor is, his ability is enough for him to enter the top 5 of the competition. But what about you? Lin Ke Song, if it were you, would you have been able to do what Bruce did?¡± Lin KE Song was stunned, she frowned: ¡°Chef Quentin, what are you trying to say?¡± If you have anything you are displeased with, please be upfront about it, if you hate Lin Ke Song then don¡¯t get close to her, and even more so, don¡¯t say ambiguous words and what not that need people to figure the meaning, her English isn¡¯t that good. ¡°What I want to say is, maybe Mr Jiang didn¡¯t bring this up seriously before, but as long as you stand on the competition grounds of ¡®Masters show¡¯, everyone will know that you¡¯re Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s student! Your standard does not only represent you, it includes Mr Jiang. Can you cook a complete dish? Can you fulfill the pickiness of every guest today? Maybe, your exceptional sense is the reason that made Mr Jiang notice you and be willing to mentor you, but do you think it¡¯s enough to only have this?¡± One of Iris¡¯ hands adhered to the sink, facing Lin Ke Song. In her eyes was strong oppression that she¡¯d never experienced before, in front of her, it was like she was an ant that could be easily stepped to death. ¡°do you think that if you work hard now, you¡¯d be able to catch up to Bruce? Bruce is only one of the 10 contestants in the competition, there are other competitors that are mentored by other great chefs. Even though their initial cooking skills is as bad as yours, they have very strong plasticity, the will be like a sponge and absorb all information that has to do with food and improve quickly. You? Compared to where you started, is your improvement enough?¡± Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t answer Iris, because she couldn¡¯t answer. Bruce¡­¡­ after all, he¡¯s Montgomery¡¯s grandson, under Montgomery¡¯s influence, compared to others he¡¯s obviously at more of an advantage. ¡°you are only dawdling around at Mr Jiang¡¯s. your goal has never been to be the top 3 in the competition, you only wish to go as far as you can, you only see those prizes of a few thousand USD. You have no pursuit for the culinary arts, you don¡¯t even understand the art of food! You don¡¯t have the heart of dedication to winning, with you like this, you¡¯ve already lost from the start!¡± ¡°I know you don¡¯t like me, and because of Mr Jiang¡¯s tutelage and care it has made you uncomfortable, but¡­¡­ you don¡¯t really understand me, so please don¡¯t be in such a hurry to criticise me.¡± Lin Ke Song fastened the edge of the basin. It was the first time she was so peeved, this kind of anger was totally different from when girls who used to like Song Yi Ran bothered her. Her chest felt really suffocated, to Iris, she was just a clown! Then what did she study cooking books till late at night for? Then what did it mean when she stayed in the kitchen for a whole night just to make a bowl of mushroom pork noodles that Jiang Qian Fan would be pleased with? Stay by Jiang Qian Fan, this ice block¡¯s side just for a few thousand USD? ¡°indeed, I don¡¯t understand you, but I understand Jiang Qian Fan. I understand the hard work he put in to get all he has today, whether it¡¯s the recognition from the food industry or the respect from the gourmets. He¡¯s perfect, at least he¡¯s currently so in the food industry. Every dish he makes is flawless. And you, when you are eliminated from the ¡®masters show¡¯, you will give him his first flaw.¡± After saying so, Iris used a paper towel to wipe her hands, and walked out of the washroom. At the moment she brushed past Lin Ke Song, for the first time, Lin Ke Song felt like she was going to split apart. She suddenly didn¡¯t know how to walk, and could only hold onto the sides of the basin, lowering her head. She shouldn¡¯t let her feelings be influenced by Iris. But Iris was speaking the truth, she knew that. The perfection of Jiang Qian Fan, Lin Ke Song may not have known in the past, she hated his coldness, his indifference, his pride, his dedication¡­¡­ but every second she stayed at his side, he gained another point of perfection in her heart. She couldn¡¯t imagine how Jiang Qian Fan went through the 8 lonely years, she only saw the scars between his slender and elegant fingers. All the respect and honour that he had won, wasn¡¯t easily gained. And with her like this, how could she represent him? If she lost, and be eliminated even before entering the top 8, how will people talk about Jiang Qian Fan? Maybe everyone will say, Jiang Qian Fan is a legend, but he too has a limit¡­¡­ unlike Montgomery who has many outstanding students, Jiang Qian Fan can¡¯t even produce a decent chef? And to correct this flaw, will he need to use many years and much hard work again? No¡­¡­ no¡­¡­ Lin Ke Song shook her head. She was only a nobody, how would she be able to cause such a huge impact on Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s life. Even so, Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes inexplicably teared. She could stay in the same villa as Jiang Qian Fan, follow him and even walk beside him¡­¡­ but she will always be so far away from him. He knew that even if she lost, and no matter how much everyone will talk, he will be immune to fame and fortune, wonderfully alone. Lin Ke Song looked up, and let the tears return to her eyes, she wiped her face clean, forced a smile, and walked out of the washroom. In the vip hall, Jiang Qian Fan sat on the sofa, and Iris held the newspaper and read the news to him. Iris knew all of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s habits and likes, knew what he needed at what time, and knew how to go about respecting him. Unlike her, a reckless intruder. Lin Ke Song sat quietly not far away from him, and lowered her head scrolling her phone. She started searching for specific information pertaining to ¡®Masters show¡¯, like the results of forfeiting the competition. She knew that she¡¯d signed a contract, and there was a clause, that if she were to withdraw from the competition, she¡¯d have to get the agreement of the mentor, because the mentor would then be faced with 2 options. The first, is to directly abandon the competition; the second choice is to accept another student that the committee arranges, but the time frame will not change. If Lin Ke Song were to abandon the competition now, Jiang Qian Fan will be left with only 2 months to teach the other student. Lin Ke Song exhaled, even though it was only a thought of the moment, but no matter how she thought about it, if she were to withdraw or give up at this point, it¡¯d be irresponsible towards Jiang Qian Fan. of course¡­¡­ if he were willing to withdraw¡­¡­ originally, he wasn¡¯t willing to mentor her ba? It was only because Mayer had brought her to see him, and he discovered that she didn¡¯t believe in his ability. With Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s personality, complete disdain for this kind of competition. ¡°Lin Ke Song.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice sounded at her ear. ¡°Yes?¡± all of Lin Ke Song¡¯s thoughts were captured by the other party¡¯s voice, lifting her head up, she saw Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s beautifully handsome face. When did he walk over? ¡°they¡¯ve already started boarding.¡± After saying so, Jiang Qian Fan then walked slowly towards the tunnel. ¡°called you many times before, and only saw you staring blankly at your phone.¡± Iris smiled meaningfully. She obviously knew the reason for Lin Ke Song¡¯s daydreaming. She confirmed that she had affected Lin Ke Song¡¯s mood. Lin Ke Song inhaled, and stood up, following Jiang Qian Fan. This time in first class, Lin Ke Song¡¯s seat was next to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s, and Iris¡¯ seat was on the opposite side. ¡°I¡¯ll swop with Iris ba.¡± Lin Ke Song planned with good grace to give her seat to Iris. She and Jiang Qian Fan had more in common, and knew how to take care of him. As Iris was about to agree, Lin Ke Song¡¯s wrist was steadily held on to. That kind of feeling and strength, was the same as before that game, when she wanted to move to the other side of Song Yi Ran but was grabbed on by Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°Mr Jiang?¡± ¡°Just sit here, there¡¯s no need to swop.¡± ¡°Right ah, it¡¯s only reading the papers and things like that, you can do it too.¡± Even though Iris said so, her gaze was the kind that gave Lin Ke Song an uncomfortable feeling. Lin Ke Song could only take a seat. The plane took off, the cabin crew checked that everyone had their seat belt on, and started broadcasting the safety instructions. And all of Lin Ke Song¡¯s feeling was focused on the Jiang Qian Fan who was beside her. His indifferent and handsome side profile, made people uncontrollably stare at him. Her hand rested gently on the armrest, the roar of the engine at her ear, the slight tilt of her body, and the take-off started. At that moment, something covered the back of her hand, that safe and familiar yet a little unfamiliar warmth made Lin Ke Song turn her head. She never thought, that Jiang Qian Fan too would be facing her direction slightly. Even though the engine was loud, she could hear clearly, he was asking her: ¡°What¡¯s up with you?¡± Lin Ke Song looked at him, he said it in mandarin, and chose this moment, like it was so that she could understand, and planned that only she could hear. The world that Iris carved for the both of them, Lin Ke Song always felt that she could never enter. But at this moment, Lin Ke Song had a notion that Jiang Qian Fan had purposely carved a world that belonged only to her. ¡°Nothing.¡± Lin Ke Song replied smiling. She knew she was lying, at the moment, she was hesitant, her mood was low, she knew that she who was always ¡°blocking when soldiers come, using soil to block water (T/N: tackling different situations with the appropriate solution) had failed. At this moment, her only hope was, that the sensitive Jiang Qian Fan¡­¡­ wouldn¡¯t see through her. T/N: Does the bathroom talk that went on between LKS and Iris really happen in real life? And with that intensity? For a moment there, when Iris was talking I felt suffocated too man!! p.s. Ah, I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ve ever mentioned this, but the sentences have commas popping up or missing in weird places because I¡¯m trying to keep the structure as similar to the original text as possible. So something that warrants a comma in the english sentence sometimes is missing because it is a connected sentence without any commas in the chinese sentence. And sometimes something that has a comma that isn¡¯t in the most appropriate place is there because, in the chinese text, a comma was placed there. Which means Grammarly is just not kind. ??? But every once, twice, thrice or more times in a chapter, I swop portions of the sentence, because it simply won¡¯t make sense if directly translated. So, would you like the sentences changed to be highlighted or will it be okay if they aren¡¯t? CH 41 Word Count: 3747 The Comet Kiss Jiang Qian Fan turned his head, leaning against the seat. The plane went through the clouds, and gradually stabilised, even the engine noise was reduced greatly. ¡°Do you need me to read anything to you?¡± Lin Ke Song asked. ¡°No need, I wish to rest.¡± Jiang Qian Fan closed his eyes. His hand left the back of her hand, and she felt an inexplicable coolness. Lin Ke Song closed her eyes too, but the things that constantly appeared in her eyes were the different foods that Bruce had made, even the tastes had incurred a huge reaction. And at her ear, was the constant echo of the words that Iris had said to her in the bathroom, like a church bell echoing in the sky, even if she wanted to, there was no place to hide. The plane quickly landed in New York, Mayer was there to fetch them back. In the car, Mayer constantly reported on the operation of the restaurant in New York, while Jiang Qian Fan listened for most parts, occasionally saying a few short words. Lin Ke Song looked out the window, but none of the sights entered her eyes. It was only till they returned to the villa, and Lin Ke Song had laid on her bed, far away from Jiang Qian Fan, that she had a sense of relieve. She decided to let go of everything, and have a good nap. But she could not fall asleep. Because she could not help thinking, if on the first day that she stepped into the villa, Jiang Qian Fan hadn¡¯t agreed to be her mentor, what kind of ending would it be? In the end, she still decided to get up, and went to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s kitchen. She wanted to try, whether she had the ability to recreate the dishes Bruce had made. That day¡¯s creamy carrot soup, was what David, the food association president favoured the most. The ingredients of this dish were simpler, the cooking process should also not be that complicated. Lin Ke Song relied on all the teachings that she had learned this past few days, and the deconstruction of the flavour of the ingredients, to make a bowl of thick carrot soup. When she first had a sniff of the fragrance, she already knew that she wasn¡¯t successful this time. Bruce¡¯s creamy soup, had the fragrance of the cream and the fresh sweetness of the carrot complement each other, but her own creamy soup was on the creamy side, the carrot already has its own sweet flavour, but the cream she used had sugar in it, when both were superimposed, the flavour of the carrot totally disappeared. Lin Ke Song could only make the soup again, this time she chose to use plain cream. Although the creamy soup tasted a lot better that the previous one, the flavour was not up to Bruce¡¯s soup. On the third try, she chose to use butter and half cooked the carrots before chopping them into cubes before boiling. Even though the fragrance overflowed, and the carrot¡¯s fragrance was thicker, the milky fragrance was covered. If more butter was used, it¡¯d make the soup¡¯s viscosity lose balance. Lin Ke Song¡¯s hands gripped the counter, the frustration in her heart could not be expressed in words. She and Bruce were equally layman, but in a month¡­¡­ only a month¡¯s, he¡¯d already reached another level, and she herself couldn¡¯t even make a bowl of carrot soup properly. In the past, Lin Ke Song thought that this was a competition that belonged to her, whether she performed well or not, was only the difference between getting a prize or not. But now, she understood that this could be a contest between those great chefs, she wasn¡¯t representing herself, but Jiang Qian Fan. She exhaled, took out carrots, and again remembered the flavour of the carrot soup. But her mind was not as clear, even her memory was getting as chaotic as her confidence. What was the flavour she¡¯d tasted before? Was she sure it was cream? Do the flavours of cream and carrots layer like that? Constant doubt made her messier. So what if Montgomery praised her ability to taste? This ability had no way to help her win the competition against any of the competitors that could cook a full dish. She felt really depressed. She didn¡¯t care that she was like a clown when she failed, because no one would remember the clown. But she really didn¡¯t want others to connect her failure with Jiang Qian Fan. Lin Ke Song retrieved carrots, when the blade touched the carrot, she realised that she actually did not know how to chop. Her whole body went into a trance, it suddenly felt lonely in this huge kitchen. Just as she brought the blade down, the tip touched her finger that was resting on the carrot, a clear and cool voice sounded from far yet near, like pellets of ice falling from an altitude of 10 000 metres. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulders trembled, the carrot fell to the ground with the knife. Jiang Qian Fan turned his face slightly, like he was listening carefully. He took out his cane, and opened it, pointing it on the ground, until it met that carrot. He bent down to pick it. Lin Ke Song hurriedly stopped him: ¡°Be careful of the blade!¡± But Jiang Qian Fan continued like he didn¡¯t hear anything, his fingertip slid along the edge of the blade, a trace of blood flowed from the pad of his fingertip. ¡°Mr Jiang!¡± Lin Ke Song hurriedly squatted, lifted his finger, took out the first aid box that was prepared long beforehand, and used alcohol to disinfect his wound. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s hand was quietly left in Lin Ke Song¡¯s left hand, his expression as per usual, like the cut had made him feel no pain. ¡°I¡¯d already warned you, why did you still go ahead to pick up?¡± ¡°Ke Song, when you choose a certain road, you know that you¡¯d obviously meet some harm, but you can¡¯t avoid, you can only face it.¡± Lin Ke Song lifted her head. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s expression was very calm, like the nothing will be moved even with the tribulations of life. This was the second time he called her ¡°Ke Song¡±. It was obviously always in a cold tone, Lin Ke Song had an illusion that she was being doted on. But Jiang Qian Fan couldn¡¯t possibly dote on anyone. Precisely because of this, Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t control the urge to ask the question that was buried in the depths of her heart. ¡°I know¡­¡­ but Mr Jiang, have you ever thought that choosing me to represent you in this ¡®master show¡¯ was a mistake?¡± To remind Jiang Qian Fan to go against the decision that he had made before, to Lin Ke Song, needed great courage too. ¡°Why?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked calmly. And this calmness in turn made Lin Ke Song feel more restless. ¡°Because¡­¡­ because I don¡¯t have talent! If it were not for going into the back kitchen, to this day, I may not even recognise salmon! Because I don¡¯t even know how to combine foods together to make something that people will find delicious! Because I in 3 months¡¯ time I may not even be able to even accomplish what Bruce has done! Because¡­¡­¡± There were to many because that, at that moment, Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t even know which to mention. ¡°only because you can¡¯t make a bowl of creamy carrot soup properly?¡± Jiang Qian Fan leaned his can on the table side, reached his hand out, and looked for the three portions of creamy carrot soup that Lin Ke Song had made. He even lifted his spoon, and was about to scoop some into his mouth. ¡°no need to try, I wrongly used heavy cream for this portion, to thick, too sweet.¡± Jiang Qian Fan took a spoonful in like he hadn¡¯t heard her: ¡°Indeed.¡± When he scooped the other portion, Lin Ke Song said again: ¡°I changed it to light cream, it has lost its rich texture.¡± Jiang Qian Fan still had a taste. He did not give any other comments, but used his finger to bring the third bowl closer. ¡°This portion¡­¡­ the carrots and fragrance of the milk was unable to strike a balance, the viscosity wasn¡¯t right either.¡± Lin Ke Song only wished that he would stop, and not try and try again her failures. It was obvious that with just a stir of a spoon and a whiff of the soup you¡¯d be able to discern its flaws, there was no need for Jiang Qian Fan to taste them. ¡°your choice to use light cream is the right one, using butter to fry the carrots is right too, but have you ever thought of using half light cream and half fresh milk?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s was calm, and Lin Ke Song¡¯s anxiety was totally different. ¡°but during the ¡®master show¡¯, if I had to make creamy carrot soup, Mr Jiang, would the competition committee another chance, or 3 or 4 more? Will they allow you to come to my side to direct me like this?¡± This was the first time that Lin Ke Song had used a counter questioning tone at Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°Of course not.¡± ¡°so Mr Jiang, I¡¯ve never understood why you won¡¯t choose a contestant easier to teach than me? One¡­¡­ one at least talented like Bruce who only needs a little direction and would be able improve by leaps and bounds? Everything you have right now did not come easy, shouldn¡¯t you be concerned about yourself?¡± Lin Ke Song could not understand. Actually, from the first day she¡¯d arrived, she couldn¡¯t understand any of this. But a month ago, she had the mindset that she could stay here with a peace of mind even without understanding anything, anyway all she needed to do was put in her utmost efforts. But now, this kind of ¡°not understanding¡± made her feel pressured. ¡°what made you think that you¡¯re a person without talent? What made you feel you were not as good as Bruce? What made you feel that choosing you would not be protecting myself?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was calm as always, like even if Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyebrows were on fire, he would be calm as a mountain, face unchanging. ¡°What have I done? I don¡¯t know the names of so many seasoning and ingredients! I can¡¯t even make a bowl of mushroom minced pork noodles that matches your palate! And now, even in front of a beginner¡¯s creamy carrot soup, I am helpless¡­¡­ it¡¯s been a month already, you¡¯ve brought me to the back kitchen of the best restaurant, and I still haven¡¯t accomplished anything¡­¡­¡± ¡°SO you¡¯re blaming me right now for not teaching you properly, am I right?¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned his head to her, the cold fluorescent light fell on his face, the contrast between light and shadow was so clear, his face in the shadows was subtle yet mysterious, and his eyebrows under the light was like a metal sculpture that was carved with precision and left nothing to desire. ¡°it¡¯s not like that, you have already taught me many things I¡¯ve never known before¡­¡­¡± You¡¯re very good. So good to the point of perfection, from your sense of taste to your cooking skills and even that heart obsession and perseverance towards the pursuit of perfection, they all make me afraid. Afraid that I would shatter this perfection. ¡°then you are blaming me for not following the other good teachers, to encourage you in good times and bad?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that, you have no problem, it¡¯s me¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song finally understood, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s indifference was a kind of persistence, an assurance that will not be destroyed if the heart of the south wall hasn¡¯t been knocked down. There¡¯s nothing that will change his mind, even if it were reality. ¡°it me who isn¡¯t even made of potential.¡± Jiang Qian Fan held onto the edge of the counter, and slowly stood up. His gaze obviously had no waves, but there was an indescribable pride. ¡°So just now, you wanted to cut your finger, and I wouldn¡¯t even be able to disagree when you pull out of the competition claiming injury, right?¡± Lin Ke Song stopped breathing, using all her might to not let his have any trace of clues. But her heart raced against her will, because she had never thought that the thought she had for that spilt second, was discovered by Jiang Qian Fan. How was this possible? ¡°I did not.¡± ¡°Ke Song, I too don¡¯t know what to do to make you have confidence, should I not be on such a high standing of a mentor, and be like a normal guy, to make you feel loved and protected? I thought you were a grown woman, very strong, and determined, but it seems I was wrong.¡± It was the first time Lin Ke Song was puzzled by Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s words. What normal guy? What love and protect? What was Jiang Qian Fan trying to say? ¡°if you feel that those kinds of words will make you braver, I can do so.¡± His voice was very calm, so calm that the heavens and the earth would not even dare to change it. ¡°¡­¡­ can do what?¡± This man has always been very clear about what his needs were, what his goal was, his emotions seldom leaked, but he wasn¡¯t a difficult man to understand. But at this moment, Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t understand anything every sentence he said. Jiang Qian Fan reached his hand out, and draped on Lin Ke Song¡¯s face. His palm was very warm, like it was supporting everything. The tears that she had been holding in for so long just fell like that. She had never felt so weak before, even when she had left the examination grounds knowing that she¡¯d messed up the exam, she could laugh to herself saying that it was no big deal, that she could take the exam again next year. But her weakness, was not for someone else, but for the guy standing in front of her. His finger wiped the dampness at the side of eye, and sighed slightly. ¡°Sorry, Ke Song.¡± Lin Ke Song felt like she was hallucinating. How could the word ¡®sorry¡¯ actually spill out from Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s lips? ¡°I do not only wish that you stay by my side, but I hope even more that you would be confident and brave. So, I should have done this earlier.¡± Done what? Lin Ke Song hadn¡¯t understood everything yet, when Jiang Qian Fan turned to buckle the back of her head, and suddenly brought her to himself. That was the greatest force that Lin Ke Song had ever felt in her life, she crashed into his arms, and pretty much tried to lift her head up. His face was towards hers, his exquisite eyebrows was branded above Lin Ke Song¡¯s eye. The moment his lips hit Lin Ke Song¡¯s, she felt like she had been hit in the bullseye by a bullet, and staggered backwards, trying to grab hold on anything she could grab a hold onto, a crackling sound sounded at her ear, like the whole world was overturning. The tip of his tongue opened her lips, strongly and firmly squeezed in between her teeth, totally different from his usual coldness and indifference, totally alienated. Like striking a match in darkness, chi, burns up crazily, burning up all the oxygen without care. That wasn¡¯t an ordinary interaction of lips, she could clearly feel how he pried her mouth open, almost presumptuously taking away everything of hers. This kind of strength, was a strength Lin Ke Song could not bear, until her legs went soft and was about to sit on the floor unglamorously, the other party¡¯s arm easily fished her up, pressing against her back towards himself, the back of her head was grasped onto tightly, her skull felt pain like the other party was about to crush it with his fingers. He easily carried her thighs, and put her on the counter top, in the moment when she was in the air, she grasped on to his shoulders. His lapse and loss of control, was like the coming of the end of the world, washing everything away. His kiss devoured her breath, sneaking along her teeth, then suddenly overwhelming. All the blood in her body rushed to the tip of his tongue. She couldn¡¯t even breathe, and frantically struggled. She tapped his shoulder, pushing for distance between her and the other party. Instead, this push made the other party use a greater strength. He folded her hands, and pressed them to her back, and tightened the hold on them. Her head moved backwards, she felt that she was going to be broken by him. Lin Ke Song had never seen this side of Jiang Qian Fan before. Like the silence of a frozen planet, suddenly exploded in front of Lin Ke Song, that moment¡¯s energy was totally destroying her into splashes of dust. Just as she was about to start crying, he stopped. When his tongue left, hooking past her upper lip, it was like all the pressure from before was for this moment of gentle warmth. His forehead leaned on her lightly, that surging breathing slowly returning to normal. She shut her eyes tightly, her shoulders frozen, not daring to look at him. He released her hand, and took two steps back. Only a few seconds later, did Lin Ke Song open her and stared wide eyed. Jiang Qian Fan was moving along the table, looking for the cane he had put on the side. His expression didn¡¯t even change, like whatever that person had done, was not him. Lin Ke Song lowered her head, and stared at her wrist that she has squeezed red, she knew that she it would take her a really long time to forget Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s strength. He was a guy, Lin Ke Song had never had such a strong realisation as she did today. He only used his tone that he normally used and said: ¡°clean these up.¡± Lin Ke Song tried to look for any trace of a clue from those obsidians like eyes, unfortunately, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s eyes were never windows to the soul. That tumultuous insanity was absent in his eyes. They were only pretty decorations. No emotional fluctuations could be seen in the knifelike facial features. When he spoke, the tip of his tongue peeked out and hid, that was the thing that made people grab their hair. Only until Jiang Qian Fan straightened his legs, and omnisciently like avoided all the ¡°obstacles¡± and walked out of the room, did Lin KE Song lower her head. Eggs were broken all over the floor. All sorts of spices were spilled. The flour bag was split by her too. The air was filled with all sorts of smells, blending together, making Lin Ke Song all the dizzier. A few minutes later, her brain had successful restarted, gnashing her teeth, she asked the air: ¡°what do you mean by ¡®clean these up¡¯?¡± But there was something that Lin Ke Song was very sure about, her thoughts of using the cut finger to make Jiang Qian Fan give up the competition had angered him. If there were a day when he becomes determined to give up something, it must be from his own intention, and not someone else¡¯s design and coercion. She squatted on the floor, pressing her lips, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s strength could still be felt. Like a comet, breaking through the earth¡¯s atmosphere, leaving an impression that is hard to remove, just a moment away. Her heart was boiling, her blood was rushing. She had never known, that a man¡¯s kiss could have so much power. But why did he do that? From Lin Ke Song¡¯s point of view, if there were a day when Jiang Qian Fan kissed someone, it will be purely because of appreciation and love, and not any other reason. But for him who was standing at the top, would there really be anyone who can make him open his world, to accept, to understand and even accommodate and appreciate? She sat on the floor, and only got up much later. Her whole head was going crazy. She didn¡¯t know how she managed to clean all the shattered eggs and dispersed flour from the ground, and she didn¡¯t know how she cleaned the counter table properly. She returned to her room, and sat in front of her table in a daze. It was like everything she¡¯d understood was overturned by Jiang Qian Fan. Until the next morning, when Nina as usual woke her up half an hour earlier. When she was about to finish breakfast, she heard Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s footsteps walking down the stairs. Lin Ke Song lowered her head, not even daring to look at the other party. He went opposite her and sat down, calmly speaking: ¡°Ke Song, have you finished eating?¡± This was the third time he had called her ¡°Ke Song¡±. Was this what he meant by ¡°following the others¡±, ¡°in good times and bad¡±? She¡¯d rather not have it¡­¡­ ¡°Yes, finished eating.¡± Even the hand Lin Ke Song used to put her chopsticks down was trembling slightly. Mayer looked at Lin Ke Song¡¯s expression, and revealed a thoughtful look. But he didn¡¯t say anything else, only passed the tablet to her. ¡°Recite ba.¡± It wasn¡¯t news that was on the tablet, but it was the most basic cooking recipes. She glanced at Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s side profile, he only lowered his head, unhurriedly drinking porridge. ¡°pumpkin soup, 3 servings. Ingredients, one small pumpkin, a piece of a large pumpkin, 33 small potatoes, 250 grams of parsley, 500 cc of chicken stock, 3 tablespoons of fresh milk¡­¡­¡± ¡°Ke Song, do you know why you need to add potatoes to pumpkin soup?¡± Jiang Qian Fan picked a prawn dumpling, and put it in his mouth. Lin Ke Song looked at the way he ate, her brain almost forgot to think. ¡°to increase the thickness of the soup and texture. And the smell of the potatoes won¡¯t affect the crisp sweetness of the pumpkin.¡± CH 42 ¡°Continue.¡± ¡°Preparation method: preheat oven to 200 ¡ãC. bake the pumpkin in the oven for 30-40 minutes, until the pumpkin becomes soft.¡± ¡°Ke Song, why do we have to bake the pumpkin?¡± Lin Ke Song thought about it, seeing the image of a pumpkin being baked in her mind, and suddenly understood: ¡°to maintain the freshness and soft texture of the pumpkin. This way, we can avoid over cooking while boiling the pumpkin, leading to the loss and spoilage of texture and softness.¡± ¡°so?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked lightly. At that moment, Lin Ke Song came around. ¡°So it¡¯s the same for the carrot soup! I should¡¯ve used butter to slightly fry the carrots then put them into the oven till they become soft!¡± ¡°En.¡± Jiang Qian Fan slowly turned to face her, ¡°Ke Song, it¡¯s a very easy thing to learn to make any dish. As long as you have the recipe, or a demonstration, with your memory, you will remember them all easily. No matter how good Bruce made his food, it was all only a repetition of his mentor¡¯s cooking process.¡± Was this him helping her analyse her opponent? ¡°If it were a dish you guys have never seen before, or tasked to make a dish perfectly without having seen the recipe or ingredients, do you know what you should do?¡± ¡°I do not.¡± ¡°The first step, is to do a taste deconstruction. To find those ingredients you can see, and still not let you and your opponents differentiate. On the contrary, those whose sense of taste that are weaker will be unable to recognise which flavours belong to which ingredients, you will have to depends on your taste buds. In this regard, you¡¯re far stronger than Bruce.¡± Lin Ke Song blinked her eyes, was Jiang Qian Fan praising her? ¡°The second step, is process deconstruction. Every dish¡¯s fusion of the ingredients, the cooking method. Apart from observing the presentation of the food¡¯s form and colour, you need to distinguish if the dish was fried, baked or charcoaled. When each seasoning or pairing ingredient was added, all depends on you tasting in detail. Apart from your taste buds, you need to have the ability to think, to attack three folds back, and even experience. If you only learn to make certain dishes, and you yourself are unable to think about why each step is done, you will forever know how to make those few dishes, and lack the ability to explore yourself. This world has thousands of thousands of ingredients combinations, does it mean that if I never teach you the recipe, you¡¯d be unable to cook those dishes?¡± So, Jiang Qian Fan was saying, this method of teaching was to let her be able to think for herself. Bruce looked outstanding, but it was only doing all the things that his mentor had taught him to. ¡°The third step, is to master the degree. Some foods, people may find delicious, because of the balance of the taste and texture. These need not only experience, but also the ability to control the cooking duration, the control of weight, and even the prediction of the thickness or thinness when cutting the ingredients. These, need experience. You lack experience, same as the other participants, you are all on the same running track, there is no further need to talk about your more sensitive sense of taste compared to the others, so I totally do not understand your reason of self-deprecation.¡± He said it like she was self-deprecating, but he was actually acknowledging her. ¡°Thank you, Mr Jiang.¡± ¡°Do you have any other questions?¡± Jiang Qian Fan raised his chin slightly. His side profile gave off an extreme sense of beauty under the soft light. Lin Ke Song went silent, but she had no way to restrain the question in her heart. ¡°Then, what if I lose? What if I don¡¯t enter top three, and can¡¯t even enter top six?¡± ¡°Do you like cooking?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°What I refer to is not expending all your energies to be passionate for it. So, you acknowledge that it is a form of art? Do you feel that you are respecting it?¡± ¡°Yes, I acknowledge that.¡± Lin Ke Song was totally sure of that answer. ¡°Then I am very pleased. It¡¯s not important whether it¡¯s a loss or win, Ke Song. No one can use your one-time victory to critic my life. And no one can use your one time win or loss to define your talent. If you like the things that I make you do, then properly enjoy the process. It is only one activity that you enjoy doing.¡± ¡°then¡­¡­ what about you, Mr Jiang?¡± ¡°do you think that for the month that you¡¯ve spent beside me, you¡¯ve made no improvements at all?¡± Lin Ke Song did not know where the extent of her improvements reached. ¡°You have learned to deconstruct the tastes of food, many great chefs exchange years of experience for this ability, and it fell into your hands. You learned to pursue perfection in failure. Like your mushroom pork noodles, and the carrot cream soup yesterday. Your greatest improvement, is not being like an average person, thinking that a delicious food is plainly delicious. I enjoy the process of teaching you.¡± Jiang Qian Fan picked up a napkin, and wiped the corners of his mouth, stood up: ¡°Let¡¯s go ba.¡± ¡°To where?¡± ¡°Of course it¡¯s to the kitchen. Since you already have the sense of urgency, then we will start to learn the real thing.¡± Lin Ke Song looked to Mayer who was standing at the side, Mayer nodded at her, and took the tablet. She followed behind, and walked through the long corridor. Everything was the same as before, but something was quietly changing. It was only the view of a back, but it was tall and straight as the mountains, and yet like the clouds that were difficult to touch, it looked like it was still and wandering. As long as it was following behind him, it would produce a desire to chase. This kind of man, had hugged her so tightly. When Jiang Qian Fan opened the door of the kitchen, Lin Ke Song knew that there was one last question, if she did not clear it up, this question will turn rivers and overturn oceans in her head, and she would never be able to do another thing without thinking about it. ¡°Why did you kiss me yesterday?¡± When she asked that out loud, her heart was practically bursting through the roof. Her voice echoed, everything became stillness. Jiang Qian Fan might lift his cane to knock her head. But his pace was calm without change. Only when he reached the front of the counter, did he turn around to lean on it. Lin Ke Song hardly sees him in such a relaxed posture. He stood under the light, without any intention to avoid or hide himself, his quiet eyebrows did not need any extra expressions to touch people. ¡°Because I¡¯ve never told you that, I like you.¡± Everything quietened down, but it felt like there was wind whistling past Lin Ke Song¡¯s ears, tugging her hair, taking all of her away. Whatever Jiang Qian Fan said, every word, every sentence, was crystal clear. ¡°What?¡± she tilted her head, felt like the words ¡°like you¡± had a greater impact than yesterday¡¯s kiss. To kiss a person, is but an action. To say ¡°I like you¡± is to label the action. ¡°because I¡¯ve never told you that, I like you.¡± He repeated. Whenever Jiang Qian Fan spoke, he hardly repeated himself. His voice was very pretty, ethereal and sorrowful. ¡°You¡­¡­ how can you like me?¡± Lin Ke Song felt that she was sleepwalking. She should give a painful pinch to her thigh! Jiang Qian Fan liked her? Like what? Like how? Why would he like? Lin KE Song had originally thought of getting an answer to a question, didn¡¯t think that she would incur more questions instead. ¡°like you more than all the people around you. Now you should be more confident.¡± Lin Ke Song was about to tear. Sometimes, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s logic is very frightening. For example, the main point of this conversation was probably ¡°confident¡±, and not ¡°like you¡±. Because no matter the viewpoint, Lin KE Song could not believe that Jiang Qian Fan would ¡°like¡± anyone, needless to say that the person is her. This wasn¡¯t from the lack of confidence, but her understanding of him. She was even suspicious, of whether the big ice block would understand what it meant by ¡°like¡±! Jiang Qian Fan had counter her question before, asking whether he wasn¡¯t encompassing enough, but like and the kiss and whatever, is totally out of the world! But Jiang Qian Fan had already offered his ¡°like you¡±, to help her gain more confidence, he¡¯s really given his all! ¡°Mr Jiang! I¡¯m thankful for your liking towards me! But you shouldn¡¯t just kiss me! You are a guy, I am a girl, and¡­¡­ yesterday¡¯s kiss and the game¡¯s kiss is totally different! You doing this¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song wanted to say that it was ¡°barbaric behaviour¡±, but who has ever seen such handsome, such elegant disposition, and all with a serious face ¡°gangster¡±? ¡°You like it when I kiss you, isn¡¯t that right?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked gently. Instantly, the feel of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s tongue, his overbearing and strength, and even the feeling of sliding across her teeth entered her head again. ¡°¡­¡­ never!¡± Lin Ke Song retorted without thought. ¡°Lies.¡± Again! Again! The big ice block¡¯s killing move of ¡°lies¡±! Such great stabbing effect! ¡°How many people have received that kind of kiss?¡± Lin Ke Song retorted in anger. Her lips were still a little swollen when she was brushing her teeth this morning. ¡°If that didn¡¯t happen, you would still definitely be thinking that you were not up to par with Bruce, or thinking of ways to hurt yourself to drop out of the competition and what not. At least you¡¯re now thinking of my kiss, and not any other rubbish.¡± Jiang Qian Fan had already turned around, and gone to the refrigerator, choosing steak. Indeed, she hadn¡¯t been thinking about what Iris had said for the whole night, but Jiang Qian Fan. This was obviously more serious than Iris ba! ¡°Mr Jiang, let not this kind of thing happen again in the future¡­¡­ I believe that no matter how depressed I am, I would still be able to moderate my mood.¡± Lin Ke Song seriously said. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s eyebrows raised up. ¡°If you were really confident, you wouldn¡¯t have this kind of thoughts.¡± What thoughts? ¡°Mr Jiang, the main point is that I don¡¯t actually like you!¡± Lin Ke Song was a clear-cut person, like means like, don¡¯t like means don¡¯t like. Notwithstanding that Jiang Qian Fan was her mentor. ¡°You answer too quickly, are eager to draw lines, this shows your hastiness. I¡¯ve never said that you had to like me back, so what are you so anxious for? To like or dislike a person, isn¡¯t making a stand.¡± Just as Lin KE Song was squeezing brain juice to understand Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s logic, Jiang Qian Fan had already started to cook the steak. He lowered his head, it was also his best posture when his eyebrows were tilted down. ¡°And, even if you clamour about not liking, it doesn¡¯t represent tomorrow, and it doesn¡¯t represent the future. Now, put aside my liking of you, focus on what you should be doing well.¡± Lin KE Song looked at him, her brain was unable to process anything else. When he presented an exquisite plate of steak in front of Lin Ke Song. ¡°have a taste, then make it again yourself.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s expression was as usual, like the ¡°confession¡± from before was no big deal. Lin Ke Song took a breath, she knew that from now on, Jiang Qian Fan was going to start teaching her seriously. If she were to continue deliberating and having all sorts of thoughts, Jiang Qian Fan would probably really use the cane to knock her head. Lin Ke Song picked up the knife and fork, and sliced a small piece, and put it in her mouth. ¡°Steak is the most indispensable part of all western foods, no matter French or Italian cuisine, they all can¡¯t not have it. This is America, if you wish to win the acknowledgment of the critics here, then start with steak first. To those out of the industry, steak is only about pan frying in the pan, and sprinkle some garnish or some sauce and consider it done, but in fact, it tests a chef¡¯s cooking skill. Heat, seasoning, time and selection of ingredients, as long as there is one aspect one is careless about, the taste of steak would lose balance.¡± Jiang Qian Fan leaned on the counter, folding his arms, he¡¯d already totally entered teaching mode. Lin Ke Song knew, if she continued being caught up in that sentence of ¡°like you¡± and that kiss, she would totally waste this portion of steak that Jiang Qian Fan had made for her, and was also a disrespect to his vocation. She was the best at temporarily putting away things that shouldn¡¯t be in dispute, and focusing on what should be done. She picked out a knife and fork, bent slightly, and had a whiff of the flavour of this steak. The fragrance of the beef was very rich, but there was no sense of stink at all. The scents of the seasonings brought out the rich fragrance of the beef even more, and there was a sour smell that didn¡¯t seem to be there, it seemed to smell like vinegar. The beef was already cut into uniform pieces. Lin Ke Song forked a piece, the outer appearance of the beef was fried and slightly charred, but the inner part was glowing pink, this was the standard medium to medium rare. The moment the beef touched the teeth, it was full of flexibility, but there were levels of flavours. Lin Ke Song identified the ingredients bit by bit. There were the flavours of rosemary, salt, black pepper, and some kind vinegar. This kind of vinegar wasn¡¯t the white vinegar or vinegar used with dumplings that Lin Ke Song was familiar with, but another kind of flavour. The side dish used arugula and some form of cheese. Lin Ke Song tasted carefully, and didn¡¯t feel and other ingredients or seasonings. Which was to say, this steak did not use fancy cooking methods, and didn¡¯t use too much spices and condiments. Its delicious flavour, was only because of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s highly skilled technique that locked the juiciness in, the ingredients were added at just the right time and the fire was controlled just right. She studied the thickness of the steak, and the colour it presented, she had to keep in mind, if she wanted to reach this kind of texture, when the steak presented this colour, she had to do just enough. She went to the many seasonings, and lowered her head to smell them, carefully tasting, and found parmesan cheese and Italian balsamic vinegar, according to her memory. Then she chose the beef. As per the texture of the beef, she knew that this piece of beef had little fat content, the texture delicate. She observed all the beef in the refrigerator, and chose a piece of beef tenderloin in the end. When she started marinating the steak, she was a little nervous, not knowing if she had missed out anything. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s words, solidified her confidence. ¡°You¡¯ve found all the ingredients to make this steak, you have accomplished the first step.¡± This let Lin Ke Song breathe a sigh of relief. She marinated the steak, out it in the pan to fry, seasoned, and lastly plated. She cut a piece, had a taste. Because the juice of the steak leaked to the pan, it was a little charred, affecting the taste. She didn¡¯t know if it was because she didn¡¯t pour enough olive oil into the pan or should she have changed to butter to pan fry the steak? Lin Ke Song tried a few more times, they were all failures. And Jiang Qian Fan only quietly sat at the side, with absolutely no intention to disturb her experiments. After 3 to four more tries, Lin Ke Song tried a new method, putting olive oil to the steak and marinating with the rosemary, and finally preventing the stick to the pan. But when she tasted it, she just felt that it wasn¡¯t tasty enough, but she was sure that the marinating period was long enough. She continuously thought about the cooking books she¡¯d read and the methods of preparing steak she had seen in polarlights, she realised that she should plastic wrap the steak while preparing the steak, to let the spices and the olive oil and steak have sufficient contact. When she cooked the steak the next time, she felt that the sauce wasn¡¯t thick enough. After experimenting with ripping the chees in the pan or adding the balsamic vinegar first and other methods, there was a niggling feeling that something wasn¡¯t right. She had almost used all the tenderloin that was stocked up here, there cant be anymore wastage. Lin Ke Song pressed on the counter, thinking while looking at the frying pan. She was a little regretful that she hadn¡¯t looked carefully at the process when Jiang Qian Fan was cooking, but was thinking about unnecessary things. ¡°don¡¯t leave the most essential things in the pan.¡± Jiang Qian Fan who had been silent said. Lin Ke Song looked over, she hadn¡¯t realised that Jiang Qian Fan was still here. She had already made so many portions of failed steak, according to logic, a long time should¡¯ve¡¯ d passed, Jiang Qian Fan was actually not bored at all? Lin Ke Song looked at him, apart from looking cold, this man¡¯s side profile had a kind of almost detached indifference. ¡°Focus, Ke Song.¡± His reminder had no condescending feeling. It was like a partner who was sharing the same table while self-studying, nudging her with an arm when she was drowsy. Lin Ke Song withdrew her gaze, and looked at the frying pan. The base of the pan had a thin layer of the juice of the meat, that was from the steak that had been cooked before. Lin Ke Song had a sudden realisation, and used 2 to 3 spoons of pure water, whipping up the juice from the base of the pan, simmer over a small fire, to prevent it from drying up. When the juice of the meat was thicker, she mixed the arugula in, and paired the balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese. She had a taste, chewing gently, this tasted exactly like the one Jiang Qian Fan had made. ¡°Mr Jiang, have a taste.¡± ¡°En.¡± Jiang Qian Fan nodded, elegantly lifting the knife and fork. Lin Ke Song started getting nervous, she grabbed her apron tightly. The way Jiang Qian Fan lowered his head was like the petrels wandering along the rocks on the sea, so delicate and profound. ¡°Flavour is very balanced, the taste of the beef was properly preserved, the texture is perfectly medium to medium rare. You have done well, Ke Song.¡± At that moment, Lin Ke Song had a sense of excitement. It was like suddenly getting a high mark in chemistry and physics when she¡¯d been struggling no matter how much she worked. ¡°Thank you, Mr Jiang.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me. I pretty much didn¡¯t teach you anything for this dish, the one you depended on was yourself.¡± Lin Ke Song let out a smile. ¡°this is only an Italian style balsamic vinegar steak, the book says¡­¡­ that its method of cooking is basic.¡± ¡°But Bruce didn¡¯t actually cook steak at Montgomery¡¯s birthday party right? Because he didn¡¯t have the confidence to control the fire, this isn¡¯t dependent on the process of imitating the mentor. It needs detailed observation and countless failures. At least you are now ahead of him in your journey.¡± ¡°So, Mr Jiang, are you still helping me find my confidence?¡± ¡°this isn¡¯t looking for confidence, but letting you realise your own talent.¡± ¡°Alright ba, this method is very effective on me.¡± At least its greatly more acceptable compared to the ¡°I like you¡± and electrifying hot kiss. ¡°let¡¯s take advantage of your good mood, and try a dessert.¡± This day, from morning to 3 plus in the afternoon, apart from learning how to make steak, Lin Ke Song also learned under the guidance of Jiang Qian Fan, to make vanilla cream pudding and greek style cigar rolls. Jiang Qian Fan pretty much didn¡¯t let Lin Ke Song see himself make the dessert or the appetizer, he only let Lin Ke Song taste the end product, and let her search and fail as she wished. Lin Ke Song was like she¡¯d suddenly found a joy, trying different cooking methods, until she made something that was the closest to what Jiang Qian Fan had made. It was only when it was 4pm, that Mayer reminded Jiang Qian Fan, the guests that he¡¯d made an appointment with had already arrived, and Lin Ke Song realised that she and him hadn¡¯t had lunch. Even so, Jiang Qian Fan had already eaten almost all that successful steak, and a portion of cigar rolls, probably shouldn¡¯t be hungry. She herself had already tried too many failed dishes, and didn¡¯t feel hungry either. ¡°Alright ba, today¡¯s lessons are up to her. You¡¯ve learned to make an appetizer, a main course and a dessert.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Lin Ke Song revealed a smile, this was the happiest day she¡¯d had since she became Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s student. ¡°Then it¡¯s time for the test.¡± ¡°Ah? What?¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned. ¡°Use everything you¡¯ve learned today, to make an appetiser, main dish and dessert to treat my guests today.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was calm, like it was as simple as brewing a cup of tea. Ah, that¡¯s not right, to brew a cup of tea in front of Jiang Qian Fan is also something you must pay a lot of attention to. Aaaaand, this marks the middle of the story!!! only 42 chapters more to go!! ?(#¦µÒæ ¦µo)¡É sorry again for making you guys wait so long, OTP. you must¡¯ve been really irritated, i¡¯d be totally irritated at a translator who made me wait so long too. ???????) ????? however, i cant promise a schedule and can only thank you for your patience.©d(_ _*) here¡¯s to hopefully faster translations and shorter waits ( ?§¥?)?µ©ÇÒ_(?_? ). (it¡¯s tea, because i dont take to wine.) Thanks for reading!! (???)? CH 43 Word count: 3682 If You¡¯re Not Confident I¡¯ll Kiss You His villa rarely had visitors, if there were, Lin Ke Song believed that they were all very important people, how could a student who pretty much doesn¡¯t know anything get out there? ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they aren¡¯t people who are picky about food, they¡¯re only a few restaurant partners. I plan to open a few casual dining restaurants, so the food won¡¯t be of such a high standard as you¡¯ve seen in polarlights. The people and the price are the most important, there is no need for flamboyant presentation. Or do you not even dare to give it a try? Bruce may not even know how to cook steak, but had the confidence to make so many well-known fine dishes to host. Don¡¯t you have even this confidence?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice had no overbearing tone, it was the statement he usually said. And at that moment, Lin Ke Song suddenly had an eagerness to be impulsive. Even if she made it taste terrible, with her current standard, she couldn¡¯t possibly make it as bad as the ¡°hell¡¯s red soup¡± ba? She really wanted to know, if she depended on herself, whether the things she made could be accepted by others. ¡°I¡¯m willing to try.¡± ¡°don¡¯t try, but do it well.¡± Jiang Qian Fan got up, and fetched a chef¡¯s white shirt, ¡°Wear it ba.¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned, she opened and saw, that this obviously didn¡¯t match Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s measurements. ¡°this was prepared for me?¡± ¡°I got Mayer to prepare this, you¡¯d use it sooner or later.¡± Lin Ke Song would have never thought that Jiang Qian Fan would even prepare even this for her. Thinking back, even though Jiang Qian Fan had never directly taught her anything, he¡¯d given her many opportunities to learn, to experience the rush in starred fine dining restaurant. For her to be able to depend on her sense of taste to deconstruct the three dishes and the cooking methods, would be dependent on this past month¡¯s theoretical study and experience in the back kitchen. These, Lin Ke Song believed that Bruce had never received before. ¡°Thank you.¡± Lin Ke Song put on the white shirt. This was in an extremely design, but it represented a responsibility. Jiang Qian Fan reached his hand over, searching and landing on Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulder. He flattened the cloth, and straightened the collar. ¡°To a chef, the uniform is very important too. Don¡¯t let your customers think that you¡¯re dirty and don¡¯t like cleanliness.¡± ¡°Yes, Chef.¡± Lin Ke Song pursed her lips, and looked at Jiang Qian Fan in the eye. It was of the darkest deepest black crystal, reflecting a shine that moved people¡¯s hearts. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s fingers grazed past the skin on Lin Ke Song¡¯s neck, and at the moment of interaction, the blood at her neck felt like they were gonna burst out of the blood vessels. Her heartbeat increased by leaps and bounds. She knew that it wasn¡¯t due to her becoming a chef for a day, but because of the close distance between Jiang Qian Fan and her. His breath, his warmth, once again invaded her world, unable to exclude, unable to refuse. When he turned his face over, and tucked her flyaways to the back of her ears, she even had an illusion that he was going to kiss her again. ¡°Now, I will greet my friends, introduce today¡¯s dish. You can prepare to start work now. Do you know what you have to do?¡± ¡°Marinate steak, make dessert, because the former needs time to let the flavours sink in, and the latter needs time to freeze.¡± ¡°Very good.¡± With those words, Jiang Qian Fan retreated 2 steps, turned around and walked out. This dinner¡¯s location was on the 2nd floor terrace of this villa. The table was set appropriately. The simple vase held a fresh bouquet of lavender, that with a soft breeze, would one be able to smell a relaxing scent. The glass wares that held the candles, just happened to be placed in front of the 3 guests. Mayer elegantly helped them to aerate the wine, the 3 guests were full of laughter. When Jiang Qian Fan appeared, the 3 of them stood up. ¡°Mr Jiang!¡± ¡°Hello.¡± Jiang Qian Fan nodded, reaching his hand out to offer them a seat, ¡°it¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve invited the three of you here. Of course, most of the time it¡¯s to give the newly designed dishes for the new menu a taste test. Everyone knows that I plan to open a casual dining restaurant in New York, where the target group is the middle class. So, in this kind of restaurant, there will not be extremely expensive ingredients like caviar or black truffles. My goal, is to use commonly available ingredients to make flavours that the average person will find delicious, but be unable to easily recreate in their homes.¡± ¡°Yes, a lot of f&b industry giants are considering doing chain restaurants now. Even though personally don¡¯t agree with this kind of utilitarian practice, restaurants need to make profit and at the same time become large scale. The restaurant Mr Jiang speaks of is a great choice. On one hand, there won¡¯t be managerial problems due to the chain restaurants, and on the other, cheaper ingredients can be used to create high-quality foods, and help Jiang co. to widen their reputation, to be known to more people.¡± ¡°Furthermore, chefs of this kind of restaurants need not be as fine as other fine dining restaurants, after all, even though there needs to be a certain foundation of the common ingredients most people are familiar with, it¡¯s not necessary to have complicated preparation like the other starred restaurants, service will be more productive.¡± The few guests talked among themselves, with much anticipation for the dishes that will be presented. ¡°in that case, please wait a moment.¡± After Jiang Qian Fan announced the menu for today, the three guests were very curious. ¡°don¡¯t know how the Italian balsamic steak Mr Jiang made would taste like? You must know, that every time my wife makes me this dish, I feel like it¡¯s a nightmare. Even though it¡¯s common, not everyone can make it well.¡± ¡°You¡¯re funny, you obviously know that you can make it yourself, why would you let your wife torture your tongue?¡± ¡°this is the way my wife shows her love for me, even if it¡¯s torture, I will gladly accept.¡± Just as the three of them were chatting, Lin Ke Song had already started on the flavoured cigar rolls. She had melted an appropriate amount of butter. Sprinkled feta cheese into the mint leaves, and mixed an egg together then tasted the flavour, to make sure of the balance of the mint leaves and the cheese, whether there was enough egg, and to sprinkle the appropriate amount of salt. Then she retrieved the pizza that she had made freshly today, evenly brush on the melted butter, put the cigar roll mixture in, and added olive oil after rolling it. And lastly use excessive oil absorbing paper to absorb the grease. She didn¡¯t forget to plate, to pair every strip of cigar roll with a fresh bean sprout. And under each cigar roll was a well-made prepared hollandaise sauce. Before she sent it out, she didn¡¯t forget to have a taste of the finished product. ¡°Mr Jiang, would you like to have a taste to confirm?¡± Lin Ke Song asked. ¡°You need to have faith in your sense of taste.¡± Jiang Qian Fan passed the plated to Mayer, to bring out. Just gonna serve it as it is? ¡°Concentrate, Ke Song. You should forget the appetiser, because you can¡¯t change the taste of the dish anymore. So, put your focus on the upcoming main dish.¡± ¡°Yes, chef.¡± Lin Ke Song moderated her breathing, no matter what she thinks about now, she can¡¯t do anything about the critiques. The only thing she can do, is to make the main dish even more perfect. Lin Ke Song did the preparations for 3 portions of steak according to the method before. She then confirmed the fire for the steak, the taste of the sauce at the base of the plate, the sourness of the arugula, and lastly plated simply, and handed everything to Mayer. Mayer gave a smile, and brought the dishes out. This was like an examination, Lin Ke Song had finished two-thirds of the examination paper, she had to carefully throw herself into the last question, to let this round of examination finish perfectly. The pudding in the fridge had already taken form, of course, Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t only make one. She took one of them out, took a spoon and scooped one to taste, to make sure that the pudding¡¯s taste, bounciness, and flavour was to her satisfaction, then start on making the jam. She kept in mind the words Jiang Qian Fan had said to her before, that as a chef, she herself had to make sure of the flavour of every ingredient that was going to be used. She tasted the blueberries, pineapple and the peaches, and according to the degree of their sweetness and sourness, made sure of the ratio of the fruits, then made the jam. After making sure that every link was without fault, she mixed the jam and ice cream together and drizzled it on the pudding, and placed a bird nest shaped with caramel on top of the pudding, and lastly decorated with a single piece of mint leaf. Brightly coloured, the plating gave off the feel of a picture in a cooking book. When even the dessert was taken away by Mayer, Lin Ke Song leaned against the counter and lifted her head, and took a deep breath. ¡°How does it feel?¡± Jiang Qian Fan who had been silently in the kitchen finally spoke. Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t help laughing, she was too focused, and had almost forgotten about Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s presence: ¡°Feels amazing.¡± Jiang Qian Fan took out 2 tall glasses, and poured champagne, giving one to Lin Ke Song. At that moment, Lin Ke Song had a feeling of being acknowledged. She received the glass, and clinked glasses with the other party, the crisp sound made her mood follow the vibration. She had never realised that champagne was actually this delicious, refreshingly moving, her whole being felt like it was floating. And what was more mind blowing, was Jiang Qian Fan who was before her eyes. Lin Ke Song felt like she had become the champagne that he held on his mouth, siding elegantly past the curve, so sexy that even the air felt a little warm. A few minutes later, Jiang Qian Fan put the champagne glass on the table: ¡°In that case, we can now listen to what the guests have to say, let¡¯s go ba.¡± Jiang Qian Fan walked towards the door, and Lin Ke Song¡¯s originally relaxed mood was once again tensely nervous. How will the guests critique? Even though there isn¡¯t a definite standard for delicious food or not, but the rough standard won¡¯t be too different. ¡°you don¡¯t have to be nervous. In the completion of the appetiser, main dish and dessert, there wasn¡¯t any obvious mistake, with your standard, it¡¯s already very rare.¡± Jiang Qian Fan walked in front of her, Lin Ke Song looked at his back, and unconsciously laughed out loud. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Jiang Qian Fan stopped walking, turned around. Lin Ke Song suddenly had an illusion that nothing was permanent, like the oceans of fields. ¡°Because you pretty much don¡¯t say things like ¡®pretty good¡¯, ¡®very rare¡¯. But in these 2 days, the number of times you¡¯ve said these things are probably more than the number of times you¡¯ve said them your whole life.¡± You¡¯ve made me feel very special, through your careful treatment, that is worthy of you stepping out of your own siege, to do something you¡¯ve never thought of doing. ¡°Then go listen, to hear if they have the same judgement as I do¡± When Lin Ke Song had almost reached the terrace, she was stunned. Because the 3 guests who were sitting at the table were actually the top chefs of the restaurants under Jiang Qian Fan: Brody, Han Bin and Iris. Jiang Qian Fan waved his hand slightly, ¡°you stand right here.¡± Lin Ke Song took a breath, and stopped in her tracks. This spot was the safest spot for her. She stood in a room without a light, she could see the expressions of the three guests clearly, could hear their chatting, but they would not see her who was in the dark. Jiang Qian Fan had already really thought about her face. ¡°how does everyone feel about today¡¯s appetiser, main dish and dessert?¡± Jiang Qian Fan went to the front of the dining table, calmly asking. His question wasn¡¯t as fancy as the restaurant, on the contrary, it had a very objective feeling. ¡°the appetiser¡¯s skin was crispy, the cigar roll was very well marinated, full of flavour. Even though it¡¯s a dish that can be made by the average household, the balance of flavours in this dish is pretty good, this only issue, of course it¡¯s only my opinion, the cigar roll strips can be cut a fifth thicker, that way, when you eat it, it will have a more fulfilling feeling.¡± Jiang Co.¡¯s Chinese restaurant head chef Han Bin said. Lin Ke Song heaved a sigh of relief, even though there was a flaw, the overall meaning was that it was delicious! ¡°Brody, what do you think?¡± ¡°I have a very deep impression of the dessert. This kinda pudding, was made very often for me by my mother when I was young, it has a very nostalgic taste. The ratio of the fruits in the jam is very appropriate, mixed with the vanilla ice cream give it a very fresh dynamic. There is also no problem with the pudding¡¯s texture, however if it were me, I would consider making the pudding indented, to put the jam and ice cream in the hole, in that way, the flavours of the ice cream and jam will mix with the pudding easier.¡± ¡°Very good suggestion, I will remember it.¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned to Iris, ¡°Iris, what do you think?¡± ¡°En¡­¡­¡± Iris was silent. Her silence led Lin Ke Song to start feeling very uneasy. Iris has never acknowledged Lin Ke Song¡¯s ability, she has always felt that she was only an outsider, unable to make the dishes on the table, all that she had was the shadow of Jiang Qian Fan, and even in the end become his weakness. ¡°this Italian style balsamic steak¡¯s remarkable point are many. Like the steak, is precisely medium rare to medium, the meat is tender, the flavours of the spices in the marinate was properly retained in the cooking process, and it is just enough that it doesn¡¯t drown the original flavour of the beef. But if it were me, I would pan fry the steak on its sides at the very start, to lock the juices in the meat in. good thing it¡¯s the beef tenderloin, if it were a steak that had more fat, the excess fat of the steak can be pan fried out.¡± Iris held her arm laughing, ¡°but from the flavours, there¡¯s indeed nothing to criticise, except that the plating was a little inattentive. Even though the goal is the middle class, your requirement is to have the appearance for every portion of food be able to hook and whet the appetite from the start. It looks like, these three dishes are probably not your doing.¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned, did it mean that the three chefs have been thinking that the person who cooked the dished was Jiang Qian Fan? Didn¡¯t he tell them? ¡°If the total marks were 10, how would you rate these three dishes?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked. Brody laughed out loud, and said to Iris: ¡°I¡¯m guessing that this has to be the new chef¡¯s test, and us three are the judges! Alright ba, even though the artistry isn¡¯t pretty enough, but I¡¯m guessing that he should be very young, and lacks some experience. But as long as more training is done in the back kitchen, independent work can be quickly achieved. To me, for that pudding, I will give 7 points.¡± Lin Ke Song blinked, she didn¡¯t hear wrongly ba, head chef Brody is giving her 7 points? You must know that the restaurant that head Chef Brody oversees has 3 Michelin stars, his tastes should be very high, and be very strict towards food. ¡°If it were me, that flavoured cigar rolls have a pretty good flavour, but it still needs some adjustments, I give it 6.5 points.¡± Han Bin nodded saying. The YueJiang restaurant that Han Bin oversaw was the most prestigious Chinese restaurant in New York, many New York high flyers would think of YueJiang restaurant when Chinese food was mentioned. The points he gave Lin Ke Song for the appetiser was very objective, and the most important thing was that, Lin Ke Song passed! If this was in a university overseas, 65% is pretty close to good! ¡°As for the steak, I feel that it can receive 7 points.¡± Iris said smiling. At that moment, Lin Ke Song felt totally relaxed, and even overjoyed. She¡¯d never thought of getting such high scores in front of these three head chefs, but to have an all pass, doesn¡¯t it at least mean that she was a little better than those novices? Especially Iris, her 7 points was very clear cut, totally unlike the aggression in the bathroom the previous time. They already knew that these dishes weren¡¯t made by Jiang Qian Fan, so when giving scores, they wouldn¡¯t think about saving Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s face, and only need to express their thoughts, so their judgement towards her has pretty much no extra considerations. Lin Ke Song¡¯s tears were about to flow down, not because she was sad, but because she was happy. ¡°Alright, Mr Jiang, stop playing the guessing game. Bring that chef out ba. It¡¯s better if we talked face to face.¡± Iris smiled saying. Brody nodded his head too, ¡°He indeed has talent, but still needs a little training. I suggest that before starting work at the restaurant, let him come to my restaurant to get adjusted.¡± ¡°Oh, Brody, you are such a scheming chap. You obviously know that my restaurant needs more hands, and yet you ask to have the new chef undergo ¡®training¡¯ at yours?¡± Iris said with interest holding her chin. ¡°So as a chef, you guys can accept him?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked calmly. At that moment, Lin Ke Song totally tense up. ¡°Can. Even though he¡¯s not experienced enough, he can at least be a 2ndalready.¡± Iris said holding her chin. Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t know what a 2nd was, but if you are able to enter Iris¡¯ kitchen, you can at least say that she wasn¡¯t as uncut and unpolished as she¡¯d thought. ¡°Ke Song, come over ba. You¡¯ve seen Iris and Brody, but this is your first time seeing Han Bin.¡± When Jiang Qian Fan called for ¡®Ke Song¡¯, Iris obviously stiffened, eyes widening in an instant, totally unable to believe, even the hand fell from the chin. Lin KE Song slowly walked from the darkness, for every step under the light, her emotions were unexplainable. ¡°Oh¡­¡­ it¡¯s you? I remember that a month ago, you¡¯d come to my restaurant to observe! Mr Jiang¡¯d said that you haven¡¯t entered¡­¡­these dishes were made by you?¡± Brody¡¯s expression was very shocked too, but his shock was different from Iris¡¯, it was a kind of pleasant surprise. ¡°Which is to say, Mr Jiang you have been directing her in the back kitchen ba.¡± Iris looked at Lin Ke Song, ¡°You are very lucky, Mr Jiang has never taught anyone by taking them by the hand.¡± Brody and Han Bin had an expression of realisation, to them, a novice who¡¯d only just entered a month ago would have to rely on such a great chef like Jiang Qian Fan to achieve such a standard. ¡°I didn¡¯t actually hold her hand as I taught her. These three dishes are also a test I gave her to test her ability. From 8.30am to 4pm, was all the time she took to learn to make these three dishes. And you three are her examiners. When she participates in the examination, I will not say anything extra.¡± ¡°What? You¡¯ve only learnt this for a day?¡± Brody looked at Lin Ke Song, ¡°I believe all that Mr Jiang has said. Even if it¡¯s a month¡¯s time, these three dishes finish and flavours are astounding. I¡¯ve always thought it odd that Mr Jiang brought her to the back kitchen, now I understand. Ke Song, keep going!¡± ¡°If your standard is like these three dishes, you can already start considering working in this industry. If Mr Jiang can let you prepare these three dishes independently, it means that he believes your ability.¡± Han Bin said to Lin Ke Song with a smile too. ¡°But don¡¯t let these 3 dishes get you proud, what you see is only a single tree, but there is a whole forest behind you.¡± Iris graciously smiled, shaking Lin Ke Song¡¯s hand. But Lin Ke Song knows, that she wasn¡¯t encouraging her, but warning her. This victory was only a coincidence in Iris¡¯ eyes, and is unable to fully prove Lin Ke Song¡¯s ability. To Lin Ke Song, this level of words is already unable to graze her. At least now she knows that she isn¡¯t rotten wood that cannot be carved. She believes, she too can do whatever Bruce can do. After dinner ended, and the three chefs discussed about a new menu for the restaurant and left. Jiang Qian Fan personally saw them to the door. ¡°Iris, I have something to say to you.¡± CH 44 Word count: 3760 Let¡¯s live together, Ke Song ¡°Is that so? I happen to also have something to say to you,¡± Iris raised her eyebrow and walked with Jiang Qian Fan to stand below a tree in the courtyard. ¡°What you did today was intentional, right? In order for me to acknowledge Lin Ke Song without knowing anything beforehand, you had Brody and Han Bin act as foil. Your aim wasn¡¯t even to taste the food for your new restaurant or tests the level of your new chef,¡± said Iris with an extremely serious face. From afar, Lin Ke Song who was standing at the door glanced at the two people beneath the tree. She was worried that Jiang Qian Fan would argue with Iris. ¡°Yes. Using this method, I wanted you to discard your prejudice and make an honest evaluation. You already tasted out that these three dishes weren¡¯t made by me, yet your first response wasn¡¯t to think of Lin Ke Song. Instead, you thought that I wanted to introduce a new chef. In your heart, you have never acknowledged Lin Ke Song¡¯s talent, or even thought she possessed such capability.¡± ¡°What talent does she have? It was just merely three dishes and nothing more. All she did was imitate them, anyone can do that.¡± Iris raised her head in disdain. ¡°I didn¡¯t demonstrate to her how to make those three dishes, she relied on her own sense of taste to think of a way. In the end Iris, are you doubting my foresight or is it because of something else that¡¯s the reason for your dissatisfaction with Lin Ke Song?¡± Compared to Iris¡¯ brashness, Jiang Qian Fan appeared entirely calm. ¡°Indeed, I feel prejudiced against her. A girl who doesn¡¯t even have any experience or even feel any passion for this industry is treated so well by you. Haven¡¯t you ever thought about my feelings?¡± ¡°You¡¯re already outstanding, Iris. I have nothing that I could teach you.¡± Using the cane to support him, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s tone was unhurried and calm. She laughed. ¡°Teach me? Is comparing notes in the culinary arts the only thing that exists between us?¡± In self-mocking, she lifted her hand and poked Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s chest, ¡°In fact, in your heart you have already crossed the boundary from being just a teacher. I wait and see if you can change anything.¡± Finished speaking, Iris turned around and left. Jiang Qian Fan turned and walked to the door where Lin Ke Song was still standing. She knew that the matter between Jiang Qian Fan and Iris was something that she would never be able to step into, but she understood a bit about the purpose behind everything that Jiang Qian Fan had prepared today ¡°Thank you.¡± Following behind him and treading on his shadow, Lin Ke Song lowered her head and uttered softly. ¡°Your voice doesn¡¯t sound confident at all so everything I¡¯ve done has gone to waste.¡±¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was cool, causing Lin Ke Song to feel a flash of helplessness. ¡°No! Right now I am very confident! Although my confidence is not full to brim, but I know that if I do everything I can, then it¡¯s possible for me to win!¡± Jiang Qian Fan stopped walking and turned around. His figure was like another world that had been slowly pulled apart by a heavy curtain; some kind of wave following her line of sight and rushing forth into Lin Ke Song¡¯s brain.¡±¡± ¡°Ke Song, I have never thought of wanting you to win, nor do I need you to win in order to protect my reputation. I have never deliberately demanded for you make any dishes according to my method because I have never wanted to change you into another me.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was like the quiet flow of time in the middle of the night. He had never tied himself to success and fame. During that eight year period, he hadn¡¯t wanted to prove himself, but rather only wanted to return to the field he was very fond of. From the beginning to the end, he was always quite pure. ¡°I have only one request to ask of you. I hope that you can sincerely enjoy and feel happy with the things you are doing right now.¡± Lin Ke Song suddenly didn¡¯t know how to reply to Jiang Qian Fan and could only gaze up at him. He seemed so close, and yet she was so far away. Jiang Qian Fan stretched out his arm and searched about in the air before lightly patting Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulder. ¡°How about this, Ke Song. If you can make something that I feel is delicious, then I will agree to one condition of yours. Regardless of how difficult it may be to accomplish, I will do my best to achieve it, no matter how much time or energy is needed. ¡°Making something that you will find delicious is probably going to be harder to do than making something that a Michelin chef thinks is delicious,¡± smiled Lin Ke Song. His pursuit of taste is so pure, how can an inattentive person attain it? ¡°However, my promise is more reliable than that of the stars given out by a Michelin chef. Conversely¡­¡± Jiang Qian Fan lowered his body and leaned his face slowly near hers, his gentle and soft expression causing her heartbeat to still momentarily. ¡°If I feel that you lose confidence in yourself again and want to escape, then I will kiss you again regardless of the people around us, the place we are at or how unwilling you are.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t do that!¡± Lin Ke Song shouted. This was simply too despotic. ¡°Of course I can.¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned around and walked away. Lin Ke Song hurriedly followed him, ¡°If you want to encourage me, you don¡¯t need to use such methods. Really. You can punish me to copy recipes or read the news for forty-eight hours, no, seventy-two hours uninterrupted. You really don¡¯t need to do this.¡± ¡°Do you regard me kissing you as a punishment?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice became somewhat colder. Oh, god. My heart nearly split right open. If he does it again, then I might as well be going to heaven. ¡°No, no. Why would you think that?¡± ¡°I like you. When you don¡¯t feel confident in yourself or are dejected, why can¡¯t I kiss you?¡± Obviously, it was a voice without the slightest amount of affection, yet Lin Ke Song felt moved when she heard it. He said that he liked her again and again, Lin Ke Song suddenly didn¡¯t know how to confront him. Just as Lin Ke Song had her head lowered, something unexpectedly touched her cheek. ¡°Aiya!¡± Lin Ke Song lifted her eyes and faced Jiang Qian Fan who had leaned down slightly. He had kissed her again, even though it was only superficial contact.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t believe that I like you, not because you don¡¯t like me, but because you don¡¯t believe that you have anything I could like.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± Had she been seen through by Jiang Qian Fan again? Jiang Qian Fan moved closer again and Lin Ke Song covered her face than retreated back. ¡°I¡¯m very confident! Right now, I definitely believe that you like me! I don¡¯t doubt it at all!¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Really! Absolutely! Can¡¯t you hear the confidence in me voice?¡± Lin Ke Song was certain that the her at this moment was not hesitant at all. As he straightened his back, Lin Ke Song felt as if she could see the ghost of a smile on his lips. Did he purposely tease her just then? How was that possible? This definitely couldn¡¯t be Jiang Qian Fan! Doctor Xie, where are you? Quickly come and see this patient here! ¡°Alright, tomorrow we will give seafood a try.¡± After speaking, Jiang Qian Fan walked into the house. Closing the door slowly, Lin Ke Song breathed out a sigh. ¡°Oh my god¡­oh my god¡­¡± Clenching her first, Lin Ke Song walked down the hallway. She felt as if she was facing a challenge even more difficult than the college entrance examinations. That was, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s ¡®like¡¯! For the entire night, Lin Ke Song tossed and turned in her bed, unable to sleep. Whenever she closed her eyes, her mind conjured up the image of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s kiss. The night was just like a blooming flower opening up her world. Her phone vibrated, it was a message from Song Yi Ran: Let¡¯s live together. After catching sight of what was written, Lin Ke Song immediately got up and coughed violently. This idiot, it was eighty percent likely that he had messaged some pretty girl and ended up sending the text to the wrong target. She replied without any explanation: Was your skull crushed by a door? Song Yi Ran: Let¡¯s live together, Ke Song. Lin Ke Song: Get lost! Song Yi Ran: I guarantee that I won¡¯t mind you listening to music or watching movies in the evening, eating chips messily on the sofa and attracting cockroaches or having a shower after nine o¡¯clock at night. Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t help but laugh: Sure, then come and buy a villa here! Song Yi Ran: Then it¡¯s happily decided. Seeing this text message, Lin Ke Song suddenly sat up. She thought, how could this be? Song Yi Ran always burned money, but where did he get so much? It could be seen at one glance that Jiang Qian¡¯s Fan¡¯s residence was at a high level since everyone who visited were all upper class figures in New York. However, with Song Yi Ran¡¯s brainless character, it was very likely that he would really do it! This guy wouldn¡¯t really go ahead with it, right? She had only complained to him a few words, and he was going to come and help her out? If he really did have such thoughts, then why didn¡¯t he buy her a first class plane ticket when she came to New York at that time? No, no. She wasn¡¯t even one of his women, so why would he buy her a villa? Nonsense, what buying her a villa? It was most likely that he had gotten tired of his house on Manhattan island with the view of the sea and wanted to move somewhere else. This studying abroad trash! Not properly attending university every day and only knowing how to squander money! Furthermore, what he said was most likely nothing serious. She was grateful to Song Yi Ran for successfully diverting her attention away from Jiang Qian Fan. Lin Ke Song hauled her blanket over her and quickly feel sleep. *** At this moment, Song Yi Ran was sitting on a high stool at a bar and had laughed after seeing Lin Ke Song¡¯s message. ¡°Hey! I heard that you¡¯re moving tomorrow?¡± Sitting beside Song Yi Ran, Kevin held a beer and slapped his shoulder. ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Do you want me to find you a few beautiful sisters to celebrate with you?¡± ¡°Tomorrow, you and your beautiful sisters better not appear before me.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Kevin displayed an expression of extreme disappointment. ¡°Because I want to stay quietly, how is this reason?¡± ¡°This guy, you¡¯re so boring!¡± As Kevin carried his beer and left, Song Yi Ran deliberately nodded with a helpless smile. *** The next morning, Lin Ke Song stood beside Jiang Qian Fan and read the recipe. His advice was always perfect, allowing Lin Ke Song to both fully reflect and understand where the main focus should be. At the time when she was in the kitchen fumbling about trying to find saut¨¦ed scallops and tomato and olive perch, Doctor Xie unexpectedly arrived. Jiang Qian Fan directly left the kitchen and went back to his room to talk with Doctor Xie. Involuntarily, Lin Ke Song began to ponder what exactly Jiang Qian Fan and Doctor Xie were discussing about. Maybe, after explaining to Doctor Xie¡­he won¡¯t say ¡®I like you¡¯ to her again and try to use kissing her as a solution to encouraging her? Instead, he will change to using normal, step-by-step methods? Lin Ke Song looked up and laughed, it was even harder to imagine that kind of Jiang Qian Fan. In the case that everything returned to the origin¡­the point of Lin Ke Song¡¯s knife halted at the edge of the scallop, and she couldn¡¯t remember what to do next. Don¡¯t think about it anymore, everything will happen as a matter of course. At this moment, the phone at the kitchen wall and a calm voice sounded out, ¡°Doctor will stay for lunch today. The appetizers and entrees will be left to you.¡± ¡°What? Leaving it to me?¡± Lin Ke Song glanced back at the kitchen. Just then, her imagination had run wild and she hadn¡¯t been able to think through the two dishes. ¡°You made such delicious dinner for three famous chefs, do you have no confidence when it¡¯s for Doctor Xie?¡± Even across the phone, Lin Ke Song felt an illusion as if Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s breath was blowing into her ear. He seemed to be leaning towards her and was just about to touch her. ¡°I can! It¡¯s just¡­what about the dessert?¡± ¡°We don¡¯t need any dessert, however you can prepare a soup.¡± Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t have the time to ask ¡®what soup¡¯ before Jiang Qian Fan hung up the phone. Fortunately Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t have a phobia with making choices, otherwise she would hesitate to death. Although Doctor Xie lived in New York, he wasn¡¯t a western person after all. As for the taste of Asians, he should prefer the taste of light soup compared to cream pumpkin soup or carrot puree. Also, the first dish is the saut¨¦ed scallops so if the soup was too heavy then it would weaken his perception of flavour to taste the scallops. Lin Ke Song clicked her fingers, ¡°Then peppermint and Chine cabbage soup!¡± She would never forget this soup¡¯s flavour! After drinking eight bowls, she had to look all over the world for toilets. According to her own impression, Lin Ke Song prepared the ingredients and the resulting soup tasted almost the same as the one she had that day! Following the soup was the scallops and perch. After all the dishes were sent to the dining table, Lin Ke Song cleaned up the kitchen according to the requirements of Jiang Qian Fan then also went to the dining room. However, she didn¡¯t expect that Doctor Xie was the only one at the table. The dishes she had prepared for Jiang Qian Fan were placed opposite Doctor Xie. Seeing her puzzled expression, Doctor Xie laughed then gestured for her to sit. ¡°Recently, there is a new restaurant that is about to open and Jiang Qian Fan will be very busy. He takes it very seriously and has the habit of attending to everything personally.¡± ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s like this.¡± She had thought that she would hear Jiang Qian fan¡¯s evaluation of her dishes,but didn¡¯t think that wouldn¡¯t even eat a mouthful. Doctor Xie supported his chin on his hand and stared at Lin Ke Song with interest, ¡°You know that your current expression looks very lost?¡± ¡°That¡¯s because I thought I could receive his advice.¡± Lin Ke Song laughed. In front f Doctor Xie, any lies would be immediately seen through so she might as well just say the truth. ¡°Not just advice, but also recognition.¡± Doctor Xie added. ¡°What about doctor Xie? Do you think that what I made is delicious?¡± ¡°Not bad, taking action to ask me the question.¡± Doctor Xie nodded his head, ¡°It¡¯s very delicious, really makes people unable to believe that it was made by a beginner.¡± Lin Ke Song laughed, then scooped up some soup and had just sent it into her mouth when Doctor Xie¡¯s following words nearly caused her to spray it out. ¡°Has Jiang Qian Fan confessed to you yet?¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s eye widened, Jiang Qian Fan even told these things to Doctor Xie? ¡°The first time he asked me what it felt like to have a crush, I knew for sure that someone had moved him, ¡± Doctor Xie stretched out his fingers to demonstrate a small distance, ¡°Even if it¡¯s only a little bit. Being affected is being affected.¡± ¡°Crush?¡± Lin Ke Song raised her head up in curiosity. Could it be Jiang Qian Fan also had the experience of having a crush? An extremely cold Adonis like him? ¡°He even asked me if I remembered the taste of candied haw.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s fingertips trembled. That quiet night which had ended and was nearly forgotten by her, and those impromptu words of hers that she had spoken to him, he still remembered? Crushes are just like a candied haw. Hugging the person you like is like a sweet coating, but the moment you bite down on it, you will taste the sour and astringent flavours. ¡°He is not as indifferent to the world as you might think. He is very keen, not just in regards to his taste, but also to his feelings. Ke Song, how did Jiang Qian Fan confess to you?¡± Doctor Xie¡¯s eyes were like the bottom of a deep sea, reflecting the innermost of her heart. ¡°He said he liked me.¡± ¡°Your expression is not so sure. Is it because you still like someone else, or because ¡®I like you¡¯ is not what you really wanted to hear?¡± Lin Ke Song swallowed. Does she still have a crush on Song Yi Ran? When she saw his message, she would subconsciously smile. If she stood too close to him, her heartbeat would quicken. But what about Jiang Qian Fan? When he came close to her, it wasn¡¯t just her heartbeat, but as if the whole world had rushed up to her. ¡°Don¡¯t rush to answer me because understanding your own heart is the best way to respond to each other. When you¡¯re ready, ask him the right question again. Only by asking the right question will you get the right answer.¡± ¡°What question?¡± Doctor Xie laughed but didn¡¯t answer. He elegantly wiped his mouth then stood up, ¡°Thank you for the lunch.¡± When Doctor Xie left and left Lin Ke Song sitting at the table by herself, everything seemed to quieten down. It was as if that faded night was vivid again. Her tongue still retained the sweet and sour taste of the candied haw, and she saw the side view of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s face under the streetlight. It was then that Lin Ke Song¡¯s phone rang and her subconscious mind saw the name of Song Yi Ran flickering. Her fingers trembled and her phone dropped onto the ground. ¡°My god¡­¡± Lin Ke Song quickly picked it up, ¡°Hey, Song Yi Ran?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve already moved into a villa in the same neighbourhood as you.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song reacted two seconds later. ¡°You really bought a villa?¡± ¡°My rent remains until next month. I specially came to keep you company, how about it? Enough?¡± Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t know what to say. This guy was always like this. When she clamoured that she needed his help at that time, it was like he had amnesia. Yet, when she didn¡¯t hold any hope for him, he somehow always managed to surprise her. Then, a villa number was sent to her phone and it seemed that it was quite close to Jiang Qian fan¡¯s villa. ¡°I haven¡¯t eaten lunch yet. Aren¡¯t you participating in that ¡®master show¡¯? Show me your abilities.¡± ¡°Did you buy any food? Show you my abilities?¡± ¡°Yeah, tomatoes and eggs.¡± ¡°Alright, you wait for me.¡± Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t believe that Song Yi Ran would really let her make tomatoes and scrambled eggs for him. It was eighty percent likely that when she arrived at his villa, there would be a pack of scoundrels holding beer and embracing women. Lin Ke Song told Mayer that she would be visiting a friend who had recently moved over. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s your freedom. However, don¡¯t come back too late. Master wishes that you will focus your energy on researching cooking techniques, so don¡¯t disappoint him.¡± ¡°Yes! I¡¯ll be back very soon!¡± ¡°Little bun, who is the friend you mentioned that recently moved over?¡± Mayer asked casually. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s an old friend who came here with me. It¡¯s only that he came to study here.¡± Lin Ke Song changed her shoes then walked out. Mayer stared at her retreating shadow then dialled a phone number. *** Song Yi Ran didn¡¯t rent an enormous villa, but as Lin Ke Song entered, she realised that the furniture here was basically the same as the ones at his Manhattan apartment. Today, Song Yi Ran seemed to be dressed quite casually in a light brown sweater, dark blue jeans and a pair of slippers. He smiled faintly, and those two eyes easily threw her heartstrings into disorder. ¡°Come in.¡± ¡°No way. You moved all your furniture here? And didn¡¯t squander any money?¡± ¡°I won¡¯t easily exchange things that I¡¯m used to. If I change it, I won¡¯t be able to sleep. Besides¡­¡± Song Yi Ran purposely stretched out his voice, ¡°As long as I can always see you, then no matter what you do, I won¡¯t be annoyed.¡± He moved his face closer and Lin Ke Song pretended to avoid him in disgust, pushing his head away,¡± Whatever, didn¡¯t you say you were hungry? Where¡¯s the kitchen? I¡¯ll make you the ¡®Infernal soup¡¯!¡± Speaking of that, Song Yi Ran couldn¡¯t help but laugh, ¡°Do you believe or not? That no matter how distasteful the food you make is, I will completely finish it.¡± ¡°You wait and see. I won¡¯t ever make such unpalatable food again.¡± Lin Ke Song hadn¡¯t entered the kitchen for more than three minutes when a shout was heard, ¡°Song Yi Ran! Where¡¯s the salt? Sugar? Seasoning?!¡± Song Yi Ran leaned against the kitchen door and slowly spoke, ¡°Oh, I forgot.¡± ¡°You might as well forget your brain as well!¡± Lin Ke Song said angrily. Song Yi Ran smiled, ¡°Did you know that the way you spoke just then was like that of a wife I¡¯ve married for many years?¡± Here we go again. This brat had no heart, joking like that to her. ¡°I¡¯ll make you tasteless tomatoes and scrambled eggs, you better eat it all!¡± CH 45 Word count: 3756 Qian Fan VS Song Yi Ran Round2 How many years is the so called ¡°many years¡±? If 10 years were not enough, will it really last for a whole lifetime. You mean she had to wait till she¡¯s old, and there¡¯d still be a heart that¡¯s interested in her? At that moment, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s words of ¡°I like you¡± rang sharp and melodious. Like a kind of comfort, a small ripple in calmness. This villa¡¯s kitchen is in the same body as the dining hall. Lin Ke Song turned around and put the dining plates on the table: ¡°Eat ba!¡± ¡°Ai, it¡¯s really tomato scrambled eggs!¡± Song Yi Ran revealed an exaggerated expression, picked up a spoon, and with a serious expression, sat at the table and took a bite. Lin Ke Song waited for him to say something, but he only ate slowly, spoon after spoon. ¡°Hey, is it good?¡± Lin Ke Song could not resist asking. ¡°better than tomato scrambled eggs that have salt added to them.¡± Song Yi Ran replied smiling. ¡°For real?¡± Lin Ke Song picked up a spoon. The egg was very fluffy, the juices of the tomato were boiled out, the natural tartness of the tomato and the fragrance of the eggs blended together, giving an extraordinary flavour, the only pity was that it didn¡¯t have salt. ¡°how¡¯s it, isn¡¯t it better that the salted tomato scrambled eggs you made previously?¡± Song Yi Ran asked. ¡°indeed.¡± Lin Ke Song laughed along. Song Yi Ran finished lunch, then pulled Lin Ke Song to the living room. The both of them sat on the mat, and faced the television and started playing games. This was pretty much their daily activity during winter breaks. And today, Song Yi Ran wanted to test the compatibility between the game and the tv. ¡°Hey! Are you kidding ah! If you hit there I¡¯ll die!¡± Lin Ke Song shouted happily. ¡°It¡¯s my original intention to win you ah! if you don¡¯t die how will I win?¡± Song Yi Ran replied naturally. When this chap played games, you can use ¡°fast, ruthless, accurate¡± to describe him, with a solemn face, for those that don¡¯t know, they¡¯d think that he was looking at the stock market! Lin Ke Song used her peripheral vision to glance at him, the light from the screen flashing on his face, it was like an illusion. Sometimes, Lin Ke Song will feel that this kind of Song Yi Ran, whose goal is to have a clear decisive kill, is the real him. 2 to 3 seconds later, Lin Ke Song really died. She reached out her hand angrily and clawed Song Yi Ran¡¯s head till it became a bird¡¯s nest. Her eyes were a little tired, Lin Ke Song laid on the mat lazily, and gave Song Yi Ran a kick: ¡°Hey, I say¡­¡­ do you and your girlfriend stick together all day to play games?¡± ¡°I only do this with you.¡± Song Yi Ran pulled a cushion next to Lin Ke Song, and laid down with her. ¡°En¡­¡­¡± Subconsciously, she pursed her lips, even though she knew that Song Yi Ran was good at sweet talking girls, but these kinds of words, were rarely said to her. ¡°Ke Song.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Lin Ke Song was sleepy, she¡¯d normally be having a nap at this time. ¡°We will always be like this together, right ba?¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s voice was soft, like some kind of probe. ¡°En¡­¡­ I¡¯m gonna nap for a while¡­¡­ wake me up before 2.30¡­¡­¡± She still wanted to go back to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s kitchen to continue practising searing scallops and baked tomatoes olives bass. Listening to her mumble, Song Yi Ran supported his chin, reached a hand out, and gently brushed across her forehead. Lin Ke Song was awoken by the phone¡¯s ringing. It was Mayer calling. When she suddenly sat up, she realised that it was already 4.30 in the afternoon. Oh my god ah! ¡°Ke Song, looks like you¡¯re having a great time at your friend¡¯s ah.¡± ¡°That¡­¡­I accidentally fell asleep, and forgot the time!¡± It can¡¯t be that Jiang Qian Fan is already back ba! If he realised that she actually hadn¡¯t been properly practising in the kitchen, will he be very disappointed? Lin Ke Song gave Song Yi Ran an angry kick, this chap was in deep sleep! Song Yi Ran reluctantly sat up, and rubbed his eyes, this sleepy-eyed look, was indeed quite childlike. ¡°It¡¯s alright, I just called to ask if you¡¯d be back for dinner?¡± Mayer¡¯s voice carried laughter. ¡°Of course I¡¯ll be back! Will Mr Jiang be back too?¡± ¡°Yes, Mr Jiang came back at 3 o¡¯clock.¡± Lin Ke Song suddenly had a feeling that she was ¡°dead¡±. ¡°Since you¡¯re coming back, Mr Jiang wants me to tell you, why not invite Mr Song over for dinner ba.¡± Lin Ke Song was shocked at that moment, according to Jiang Qian Fan, he knew that she was with Song Yi Ran? The problem was, how did he know that? Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t reply yet, when Song Yi Ran suddenly replied: ¡°Can ah¡± ¡°We¡¯re looking forward to your arrival.¡± After the phone call, Lin Ke Song looked at Song Yi Ran suspiciously: ¡°I¡¯ll say, what drug did you put in the gourd? Why would Mr Jiang invite you to dinner?¡± ¡°We¡¯re neighbours. Don¡¯t you know about the custom of visiting your neighbours with a little gift or some snacks when you move to a new area in other countries?¡± Song Yi Ran had an expression like everything was as it should be. But Lin Ke Song knew him, this chap must have hidden something from her. ¡°did you prepare snacks?¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you bake them now? I have butter and flour.¡± ¡°Forget it ba, you don¡¯t even have sugar. Furthermore, can¡¯t you talk properly to him. Mr Jiang is never the type to invite neighbours to enter his villa and host what dinner? Just what is going on?¡± Lin Ke Song grabbed Song Yi Ran¡¯s collar, and asked sternly. ¡°Don¡¯t you know what a banquet is?¡± Song Yi Ran lifted his arms, placing them on Li Ke Song¡¯s shoulder, a coldness surfacing in his eyes, ¡°Who knows, he may try to kill me.¡± ¡°Kill your head!¡± Lin Ke Song knocked him harshly on his head, ¡°Hurry, go take a shower, don¡¯t have any messy scent! When you see him don¡¯t speak anyhow! As for things that you shouldn¡¯t be saying, speak a word and I¡¯ll pluck your tongue out!¡± Lin Ke Song then proceeded to kick Song Yi Ran into the bathroom. At 5 in the afternoon, Lin Ke Song brought Song Yi Ran into the Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa. Mayer walked in front of them as their guide. Song Yi Ran tucked his two hands into his pockets, and looked around as he walked. Lin Ke Song inexplicably started getting nervous. Actually, when you think about it, Song Yi Ran¡¯s standard of living is actually closer to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s than hers, she didn¡¯t need to worry that he would speak inappropriately in front of Jiang Qian Fan. Furthermore, Song Yi Ran had great qualities and could easily succeed, it would be a piece of cake to handle Jiang Qian Fan ba. But don¡¯t bother guessing Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s intentions, no matter how you guess you won¡¯t understand ah¡­¡­ ¡°Mr Mayer, who cleans these marble floors, they¡¯re really clean as a mirror.¡± Song Yi Ran said using fluent and almost accentless English. ¡°Thank you for your praise. Every week, we have specialised help to do cleaning and maintenance, if Mr Song needs so, I can recommend them to you.¡± Mayer gave a textbook reply. ¡°No need. They¡¯ve cleaned too well, it feels like when you look down you would be able to see your reflection, a little scary.¡± Lin Ke Song tugged Song Yi Ran, when does a little scary mean ah? ¡°Mr Jiang has a higher standard of expectation towards cleanliness than the average person.¡± Mayer¡¯s voice carried a slight smile, not a little displeased, totally within boundaries of a professional housekeeper. At last, they finally reached the dining room, Jiang Qian Fan was sitting at the dining table, holding his cane in his hand, posture tall and straight, his perfect face adding on aristocratic elegance. ¡°Mr Jiang, Mr Song and Ke Song have arrived.¡± Jiang Qian Fan stood up, and extended his hand in Song Yi Ran¡¯s direction: ¡°Heard you moved nearby and have become my neighbour.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Song Yi Ran smiled, shaking his hand. There was a feeling of competing rivals in a mall between the two of them, apart from those words of courtesy, there was pretty much no other interaction. ¡°Ke Song, Mr Song is your friend. You will oversee today¡¯s dinner ba.¡± Before Lin Ke Song had arrived, she had already thought that Jiang Qian Fan wouldn¡¯t personally cook to host her and Song Yi Ran, and she hadn¡¯t done anything for a whole afternoon too. ¡°Yes, Mr Jiang. What will the menu be?¡± ¡°The appetiser will be the sauteed scallops you¡¯ve just learned today ba. The main dish will be raspberry charcoal pork chops. The dessert will be caramel stewed pear.¡± Lin Ke Song blinked, sauteed scallops are still fine, but she had only seen Jiang Qian Fan cook the raspberry charcoal scallops once before, even the ingredients for the hollandaise sauce especially for the pork chops is very complicated. Furthermore, even though she¡¯d read about the cooking method of caramel stew pears in books, she¡¯d never tried before ah! Looking at Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s calm expression, she understood that this was another opportunity to learn. In a situation where there was no one to demonstrate or help her and be able to produce results, is an ability she needed to have. Lin Ke Song looked at Song Yi Ran a little worriedly, there¡¯ll only be him and Jiang Qian Fan left, will they have things to talk about? Song Yi Ran won¡¯t be tactless and say things he shouldn¡¯t be saying ba? Or will the two of them be awkwardly silent, until the end of dinner? When Lin Ke Song left the dining area, Mayer brought out a very traditional ancient Chinese tea set, and brewed oolong tea for them. Song Yi Ran cradled the tiny tea cups, had a whiff of the fragrance, and smiled: ¡°it¡¯s such a rarity to be able to taste such great oolong in New York. But Mr Jiang, you didn¡¯t invite me here simply for a dinner ba?¡± Jiang Qian Fan didn¡¯t actually touch the cup of tea in front of him, keeping his previous posture, steadfastly. ¡°They say that your appearance is excellent and handsome, that you¡¯re graceful and talented.¡± ¡°Thank you for your praise, the same for you.¡± ¡°what¡¯s rarer, is that apart from your appearance, you know passiveness and tolerance.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Song Yi Ran turned, looking at Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s unchanging eyes. ¡°The Song Family specialises in hotel operations, they have a strong standing in this field. The hotels your family invests in are not only domestically, there¡¯s even Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and other tourist countries, and they also invest in many high-class hotels and resorts.¡± ¡°I never thought that Mr Jiang would be so interested in the Song family. But I believe, your motive for talking to me about these, is not to collaborate with the Songs, right ba.¡± ¡°the Songs can indeed be considered outstanding in your father¡¯s generation. But when it comes to your generation, it¡¯s honestly lacking. On the surface, it looks like the head is your brother Song Yi Fan. But it¡¯s a pity, he doesn¡¯t have business mindedness or foresight, and he is greatly influenced by you uncle, it can be said that the Songs are under your uncle¡¯s directions.¡± ¡°Ah, thank you for your summary. But these have nothing to do with me.¡± ¡°Why would they have nothing to do with you?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s body leaned forward slightly, and in that moment, there was an oncoming force of oppression. Song Yi Ran even had the illusion that the other party could see. ¡°on the surface, it looks like your brother sponsored you to study in America, but in fact it is to put you far away from the Song¡¯s heart of the control. Here, he gives you whatever you want, except power. He wished to use the life of luxury to paralyse you, use pleasure to kill your ambition. But if I were him, I wouldn¡¯t send you to America. You used the principal pay he gave to you as living fees, to accumulate your own net worth in the operation of this high-speed capitalist market in the US. But I am very curious, if he knows that you have shares in snr already? Network technology can indeed achieve a million, notwithstanding the popularity of smart phones now.¡± ¡°Can I take this as Mr Jiang praising me?¡± Song Yi Ran touched his chin. At this time, Mayer served the appetiser to the both of them: ¡°sauteed scallops, please enjoy.¡± Every plate had three scallops, their appearance was pan-fried golden, releasing a seductive scent. Underneath the scallops were pickled radish thinly sliced as onion skin, then dotted with mushy peas that were first boiled then baked. ¡°Was this really made by Ke Song?¡± Song Yi Ran lowered his head, revealing a surprised expression. ¡°Apart from her, there isn¡¯t a second person in the kitchen.¡± Song Yi Ran lowered his head, and had a taste of one of the scallops, that fresh and just right flavour lingered at the tip of his tongue: ¡°as expected that a renowned teacher would produce such a great disciple ah. Mr Jiang, you can continue the topic from before.¡± ¡°what would happen if your brother knew what you were doing here?¡± Jiang Qian Fan spoke indifferently. Song Yi Ran put down his utensils, the smile on his lips got deeper: ¡°does Mr Jiang plan on telling him?¡± ¡°You haven¡¯t accumulated sufficient financial resources to rival your uncle, you still need them to continue ¡®sponsoring¡¯ you. This is also the reason why you pretend to indulge in pleasure every day. Use their financial resources against them, your every move is consolidated, almost seamless, but many a time, success or failure is but a word. But don¡¯t you worry, I didn¡¯t expose you to your brother and uncle.¡± ¡°Oh, didn¡¯t think that Mr Jiang is a traditional gentleman, who thinks that there is only honour in winning the opponent in a fair fight?¡± ¡°Because I want Ke Song to stay here in peace, and do the things she wishes to do.¡± Song Yi Ran lowered his head, his fingers gripping the fork tightly, ¡°Mr Jiang, do you know what it feels like to have a crush on a girl for 10 years but be unable to confess?¡± ¡°You know it clearly, that once people know that she is the person you care about the most, your enemies will use her as a weapon to deal with you. And before you fight back, your marriage will be a deal between families. Your love, is meaningless. You have been waiting, enduring, putting in the effort to put her in a place within your sight.¡± Jiang Qian Fan said unhurriedly. ¡°So I will not tolerate anyone who spoils what I have planned. If you want to try, this Song will accompany you in the fight. (T/N: this sounds a whole load cooler in Chinese.)¡± Song Yi Ran lowered his head, and unhurriedly ate the rest of the scallops. ¡°You have tolerated everything for the sake of getting everything back, then I think you can understand Ke Song¡¯s frame of mind. I have no doubt that she will retreat as much as she can for you, no matter how depressed she may get. For your own goals, it¡¯s enough that you have her in sight. Do you also want her to put her dreams only where you can see them?¡± ¡°Mr Jiang, you are indeed very persuasive.¡± At this time, Mayer served the main dish. Raspberry grilled pork chops. Song Yi Ran tilted his head looking at it in detail, and said to Mayer: ¡°Mr Mayer, are you sure these were not prepared by you, but by Ke Song?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take this as a compliment to Ms Ke Song.¡± Mayer made a ¡°Please enjoy¡± gesture and left. Song Yi Ran¡¯s finger slid across the edge of the plate, laughing softly: ¡°now I know why you invited me for dinner. You want to let me know of her talent in this field.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°You want to make me feel despicable, for taking away her dream by making her stay by my side. But Mr Jiang, to me, it is originally despicable to love another. One who is too gentlemanly, will forever seek and not receive.¡± At this time, Lin Ke Song had already finished making the dessert, she pushed it out on the cart to serve them personally. When she reached the dining table, she realised that Jiang Qian Fan hadn¡¯t even touched the appetiser and main dish, and couldn¡¯t help getting apprehensive. Did it mean that there was a problem with the smell of the things she made? She was a little nervous and didn¡¯t know if she should even bring the dessert out, after all, they still had much of the main dish left. What was going on between the 2 of them? Lin Ke Song quietly tugged Song Yi Ran¡¯s clothes, and used her eyes to ask him: did you say something inappropriate? ¡°Mr Jiang and I have been having a wonderful chat.¡± Song Yi Ran replied smiling, and got up to pull a chair for Lin Ke Song. ¡°Really?¡± Lin Ke Song looked in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s direction. She kept feeling that the atmosphere between these 2 was so¡­¡­ strange? And Jiang Qian Fan had already picked up the knife and fork, and started on her main dish. The action of him putting the scallop between his lips and holding on slightly to the fork was introverted and sexy, Lin Ke Song could pretty much imagine the moment of the food coming into contact with the tip of his tongue. Even when he swallowed, the surge in movement made Lin Ke Song take a breath. Lin Ke Song thought that he would say something, but he only quietly ate the rest of the appetiser. This was totally not according to his habit of only taking a bite ma! Lin Ke Song stared at his lips, thinking that he would give some suggestions, but when Mayer brought the main dish to him, he started cutting the pork chops. Just as Lin Ke Song was getting very nervous, someone took a hold on Lin Ke Song¡¯s hand under the table. That familiar warmth, was Song Yi Ran. She looked over, Song Yi Ran was holding his chin, giving her a shallow smile. He could always read her emotions easily. ¡°Have you tried the pork chops you made?¡± Song Yi Ran asked. ¡°Yes! I¡¯ve tried them!¡± ¡°Do you think there¡¯s any weakness?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked.¡± Lin Ke Song took a breath: ¡°I think the proportions of the raspberry sauce hasn¡¯t been appropriately controlled. The tart flavour is stronger than the original flavour of the pork chop. In addition, the raspberry sauce was smeared too early, leading the raspberry to turn sour due to the prolonged baking time.¡± ¡°So you made adjustments to the dipping sauce at the base of the plate, and didn¡¯t stick to the original flavour.¡± ¡°Then, are my adjustments successful?¡± Lin Ke Song asked apprehensively. ¡°in my opinion, you have successfully saved this dish from losing balance.¡± Jiang Qian Fan lowered his head, and continued with the pork chops on the plate. Lin Ke Song pursed her lips, and laughed silently. She was really worried that Jiang Qian Fan would blame her for having unrefined skills and yet trying to play these kinds of tricks, but the baking period of the pork chops is really not short, if they were to be made all over again, she was afraid that something would happen if Song Yi Ran and Jiang Qian Fan were left with each other. So when she realised that the raspberries were grilled too sour, she could only adjust the flavour of the dipping sauce. This dinner ended with the sweet fragrance of the caramel stewed pears. Lin Ke Song walked Song Yi Ran to the entrance of the villa. ¡°Hey, you agreed to stay with me before.¡± Song Yi Ran hands were in his pockets, leaning forward to bring his face closer to Lin Ke Song, depth could not be seen in his smile. Lin Ke song laughed, and used her fist to hammer his shoulder: ¡°if I were to really stay with you, I might not be able to endure.¡± ¡°endure what?¡± ¡°endure molesting you, this good woman ah!¡± Song Yi Ran sighed: ¡°you actually can¡¯t bear to leave this place ba?¡± Lin Ke Song lowered her head. Apart from having a crush on him, she has never hidden any other things from him, and it is the same now. ¡°Not that I can¡¯t bear to, but I can¡¯t. Many things can be learned here. Song Yi Ran, did you know, this is the first time I want to do something well, and is also the first time it feels like I¡¯m doing something I like.¡± ¡°Alright, I understand.¡± Song Yi Ran gave a tap in between Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyebrows with his finger, ¡°you got me worried to death, I thought you were bullied.¡± Lin Ke Song lowered her head smiling: ¡°Be at ease, Mr Jiang only looks like he wouldn¡¯t be easy to interact with. But he has always dealt with situations resolutely, and his critique towards me has always been very objective.¡± ¡°did you know that the tone of voice and descriptive words you use now are worlds apart from what you used to describe him then.¡± ¡°Sorry ah, made you worry.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing, if you have time, come over to make something delicious ah!¡± ¡°Forget it ba, the number of people who want to make delicious food for you are aplenty!¡± ¡°But no one¡¯s foods are comparable to the things you make!¡± Song Yi Ran stood under the silver moonlight, there was a clear sense of ethereal beauty. ¡°Ke Song, are you sure, that you don¡¯t want to stay with me?¡± CH 46 Word count: 3872 Becoming Lin Ke Song Song Yi Ran leaned towards her, his lip line gently separating, spun slowly. At that moment, Lin Ke Song had moved like she was a puppet controlled by the other party. She even had an impulse to just follow him ba. But this kind of impulse went back and forth in her head with the time Jiang Qian Fan said ¡°I like you¡± in his slow cool voice. Her thoughts were like they were scalded and came back instantly. ¡°En, I¡¯ve thought about it clearly. I will ruthlessly endure to the end!¡± Song Yi Ran looked at her, his gaze far and deep. In her memories, he had never looked at her like that before. This was a kind of hesitation, hesitating about whether to give up or not. ¡°Alright ba, no matter what happens, remember to tell me.¡± ¡°I know.¡± ¡°And, when the ¡®Master¡¯s show¡¯ ends, no matter the results, you cant stay here anymore.¡± ¡°Why? It feels like you really mind me staying here?¡± Lin Ke Song asked, tilting her head with a smile. ¡°Because, I¡¯m not willing.¡± Without any more explanations, Song Yi Ran turned around. Lin Ke Song had a feeling of puzzlement. When she returned to the villa, and was just a few steps in, she was surprised to find Jiang Qian Fan holding his stick and leaning against the wall. ¡°Mr¡­¡­Mr Jiang! What are you doing here?¡± ¡°waiting for you to make your decision.¡± ¡°What decision?¡± Did Jiang Qian Fan and Song Yi Ran eat something wrong today? Why did they all only speak in half sentences? Jiang Qian Fan walked slowly to her, he reached his hand out, searching in the air, finally touching Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulder. Lin Ke Song started getting nervous, until Jiang Qian Fan pressed her into his hug. This was a very curious feeling. So warm that it felt like the flow of blood and thoughts stopped, her belated feeling was like Jiang Qian Fan had spread a kind of increased sensitivity to her. His breath at her ear and even every hair of hers could feel the warmth from his fingertips. ¡°Decision to not give up.¡± ¡°Why would I want to give up?¡± From the beginning to now, she could not find any reason to give up. Jiang Qian Fan let go of her, that feeling of the warmth leaving her made Lin Ke Song suddenly feel empty. But when she lifted her eyes, the familiar illusion once again entered her heart. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s dips in his lip were very deep, the overlaps of the lights and shadows had a kind of mysterious charm. He seemed to have smiled. But only those who put in the effort to feel, will be able to. ¡°Ke Song, as long as you wish to do it, you will do so sooner or later.¡± His voice was calm, so calm that no other emotion could be heard from it. But she instead understood his unspoken words: no matter what I will help you, accompany you, even respect you wherever you wish to go. ¡°this kind of Mr Jiang¡­¡­ is totally unlike Mr Jiang.¡± Lin Ke Song pursed her lips, and said smiling. ¡°I am me, there¡¯s no alike or unlike.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s eyebrows were still as unshakable as the heavens and earth. At that moment, Lin ke song really believed that this man really like her. ¡°Ke Song, I know you like Song Yi Ran.¡± Lin Ke Song looked speechlessly at Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°Your breathing tells me, that you are very surprised that I know.¡± ¡°How did you know? What I said to Mayer and you was that¡­¡­ Song Yi Ran was my friend and classmate¡­¡­¡± ¡°the tone of voice you use towards him, the way you tug on his sleeve, the flavours of the dinner you that you prepared, all tell me of your repressed liking for him. If I were you, I will bravely tell him.¡± ¡°Because you are Jiang Qian Fan, so you won¡¯t know this kind of worry that the person you like will drift from you the moment you say some things. As long as I properly endure, maybe I will always be able to stay at a place neither too far nor near him¡­¡­ like someone is a very curious feeling. It can allow a person to face all kinds of trials bravely, and it can also make a coward of a person¡­¡­ I am afraid that I may not be able to help it and just destroy the chemistry that we have between us, to the point that no matter the repairs there will be no way to get it back. Friends and lovers can stick together, but are of a world of difference. But to take that step¡­¡­ takes not only courage, but drastic determination.¡± These words, have been repressed in her heart for a very long time, unable to pour out and also having no one to listen to them. ¡°not being able to have drastic determination means you don¡¯t like him enough. In the future, try liking someone that will make you brave.¡± Jiang Qian Fan leisurely walked ahead. And at Lin KE Song¡¯s ear, it felt like she could almost hear the air crackling from dryness, something brushed past her like it was nothing, the place in the depths of her heart that was squeezed tightly by Song Yi Ran was about to open up and be clear. Daily after, Lin Ke Song¡¯s time was pretty much spent in the kitchen. Jiang Qian Fan increased the number of dishes for Lin Ke Song to imitate through her tasting from 2 a day to 3 a day, 4 a day, Lin Ke Song realised that she was quickly learning and mastering all sorts of cooking techniques from Jiang Qian Fan. No matter if it were barbecuing, frying or baking, she found herself getting handier. Half a month later, Jiang Qian Fan had already stopped making dishes for Lin Ke Song to try, instead giving her a limited amount of ingredients, letting her use her imagination, to make something that she thought was delicious. This kind of challenge was full of difficulty, and yet creative. Every time she saw Jiang Qian Fan lower his head to taste the dishes, she would feel very nervous. Especially when Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s lips parted, bent his body, and his hair swung across his forehead like a pendulum, Lin Ke Song¡¯s mind was matchlessly focused, like waiting for the biggest lottery number to be revealed. She always remembered the promise that was made between Jiang Qian Fan and her, if there were a day she made something that Jiang Qian Fan thought was delicious, Jiang Qian Fan would agree to one of her wishes. If that day were to come, her wish would probably be to have Jiang Qian Fan laugh for her ba? Who knows, maybe Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s laugh would be uglier than his crying? Lin Ke Song was currently kneading the noodles, using strength and thinking thoughts in her mind at the same time. ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± The cool voice sounded at her ear. ¡°Nothing ah! I¡¯m making the dough ah!¡± ¡°You forgot the eggs.¡± Jiang Qian Fan was very close, Lin Ke Song could clearly see his eyelashes, ¡°And, don¡¯t have unrealistic fantasies about me.¡± Lin Ke Song ‡å¡­¡­ What on earth was this, why was the other party so clear about her thoughts? Couldn¡¯t even daydream? This is logical! Even though Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s insight of her made her a little troubled, Lin Ke Song felt that everyday passed happily. Sometimes she turned her head, or lifted her head, she could see Jiang Qian Fan quietly holding his can, sitting somewhere neither near nor far from her. His profile was very beautiful, but he would never know this. After a day of learning in the kitchen, Lin Ke Song would frequently make something for Song Yi Ran to eat. This chap¡¯s first semester had ended, and the great pressure of the finals were coming. In Lin Ke Song¡¯s impression, Song Yi Ran always belonged to the straight As kind of people, totally no need to spend extra effort to read any books. but this time it was different, it seemed like his professor and mentor were really strict, this chap had actually been sitting in front of the table flipping books and making notes without rest for a whole week. Holding the plate and standing at the entrance of the study room, will give you a clear view of Song Yi Ran in black framed spectacles making notes with a serious expression. Lin Ke song placed the plate at the edge of his table and unhurriedly disturbed him, until he flipped the whole page. He then placed the pen between the pages, turning his head towards Lin Ke Song and opening his mouth: ¡°Ah ¡ª¡ª¡± Lin Ke Song was about to ask why his young master disease had returned, but when she saw his smiling eyes behind his glasses, she knew that this rascal had did it on purpose. She forked a small piece of bacon egg roll, and with an evil expression, stuff it in Song Yi Ran¡¯s mouth. He closed his eyes, and nodded while chewing. ¡°Hey, is it good?¡± ¡°Delicious. Your instant noodles are starting to have the style of pasta.¡± ¡°Go die ba.¡± Lin Ke Song stuffed a large piece of bacon egg roll in his mouth. Song Yi Ran almost chocked, this chap was so good looking even when getting choked by food. ¡°Hey, there¡¯s still another week before competition starts, are you nervous?¡± ¡°If I weren¡¯t nervous it would be an act ah! I don¡¯t have that strong of a psyche.¡± Lin Ke Song exhaled. She didn¡¯t know what the upcoming ¡°Master¡¯s show¡± will be like, and what challenges she would face. When the competition starts, she will only be surrounded by competitors, she couldn¡¯t possibly get Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s guidance, she would have to depend on herself. ¡°When the competition ends, don¡¯t forget about what you promised me.¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s eyes were deep, Lin Ke Song felt inexplicable pressure. At this time, Song Yi Ran¡¯s phone rang. He glanced at the phone number, and a mocking cold smile formed on his lips. He turned around, went to the window, and lengthened the sound cord, smiled saying: ¡°Big brother, it¡¯s been a while la!¡± Their words exchanged, even with Song Yi Ran¡¯s tone, can be considered ¡°brotherly¡±. But Lin Ke Song knew, that the relationship between Song Yi Ran and his brother was complicated, from the respect from the start to the disappointment later till ¡°just like that ba¡±, every step taken to today, Lin Ke Song knew of the hurt Song Yi Ran harboured. After hanging up, Song Yi Ran looked at Lin Ke Song, smiled saying: ¡°Song Yi Fan actually said that he ¡®s gonna come to New York to see me.¡± ¡°Then what do you plan on doing?¡± Lin Ke Song knew, that the seriousness that Song Yi Ran was displaying was probably going to disappear. ¡°En¡­¡­¡± Song Yi Ran lazily stretched his waist, and simply put the book together, ¡°Of course I have to make myself not look so hardworking.¡± After saying, he took the plate towards himself, and started eating the egg rolls. Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t say anything, watching the image of him sit at the corner of his desk, swinging his legs, and eating. His eyelashes were very long, from this angle, it seemed finer and longer, like there was quicksand slipping from his brows. ¡°Ke Song, eating your food, is the happiest thing that I¡¯ve done since I came to New York.¡± ¡°Then do you think that this taste can make me the champion? You gotta know, that it is 30 000 USD ah!¡± Song Yi Ran laughed lightly: ¡°in the end, you won¡¯t get 30 000.¡± ¡°Ah? Why?¡± Song Yi Ran raised his face and pinched Lin Ke Song¡¯s nose: ¡°Silly, you think you don¡¯t have to pay taxes?¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s face fell. ¡°But, I think you will become the champion. So Ke Song, if there comes a day I open a restaurant, will you be my head chef?¡± His eyes had a moving anticipation. ¡°If you dare to hire me, I¡¯ll dare to do so.¡± The two exchanged looks and laughed. When Lin Ke Song returned to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa, it was already after 8 at night. She stepped into the living room, and realised Jiang Qian Fan was wearing a flannel shirt on the sofa, and Mayer was reading a very very long piece from the tablet. This was the first time Lin Ke Song had seen Jiang Qian Fan wearing such casual clothing, and could not help taking a second look. But Mayer straight up called her: ¡°Ke Song, I think it¡¯s more suitable for you to read this piece! You will definitely learn many useful things!¡± Lin Ke Song looked at Jiang Qian Fan, he didn¡¯t have any opposition to Mayer¡¯s suggestion. So, she received the tablet, took a look at the contents of the passage, and realised that it was about a baking technique written by a head chef called Lilith. Lin Ke Song continued reading the next page. And looked at Jiang Qian Fan while reading. His life was always orderly, around this time, he should be in his room, pouring a glass of red wine, leaning on the balcony thinking about his restaurant, new dishes or other interesting things. When Mayer walked away, the constantly silent Jiang Qian Fan spoke: ¡°Tomorrow, I will make quail foie gras, you have to taste it well.¡± Quail foie gras? Lin Ke Song blinked, you gotta know, this was Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s signature dish! She¡¯d seen him make this dish before, but at that time she was clueless about cooking techniques, and couldn¡¯t understand the importance and meaning of every step Jiang Qian Fan went through. But now, she will definitely open her eyes widely and clearly remember every minute and seemingly unimportant movement! ¡°Since it¡¯s a competition where the mentee represents the mentor, then it¡¯s likely that the cooking of the mentor¡¯s signature dish will not be missed.¡± Jiang Qian Fan stood up, and walked towards the stairs. ¡°No need to read this article anymore?¡± Lin Ke Song asked suspiciously. ¡°No need. When it was first published, Mayer had already read through it.¡± Ah? then why did Mayer¡­¡­ Wait, Jiang Qian Fan wasn¡¯t waiting for her to return ba? Lin Ke Song lofted her eyes towards the image of Jiang Qian Fan who was unhurriedly walking up the stairs, like the transition of day to night, like an illusion. Just as he was about to disappear, Jiang Qian Fan suddenly stopped his steps, ¡°Ke Song, when you were together with Mr Song, were you happy?¡± ¡°Ah?¡± Lin Ke Song was surprised that Jiang Qian Fan would suddenly ask this question. Or, that he would be bothered about this made Lin Ke Song shocked. Even if he said that he liked her, from what Lin Ke Song could see, the Jiang Qian Fan good feelings Jiang Qian Fan had towards her were incomprehensible¡­¡­ but honestly, would he too be bothered about her spending time with Song Yi Ran? ¡°He¡¯s about to have exams, I only made a little something for him to eat.¡± ¡°If you come across anything that makes you unhappy, don¡¯t be nostalgic, come back earlier.¡± At that moment, Lin Ke Song understood the meaning of Jiang Qian Fan waiting for her return. He knew that she would harbour some feelings towards Song Yi Ran, and he did not want her to get hurt when she was at Song Yi Ran¡¯s. Lin Ke Song laid on her bed, and the thing that kept surfacing in her mind was the ¡°Come back earlier¡± words that Jiang Qian Fan had said. That light coolness, seemed calm and blue, but it was like a warm hand, covering Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart. It was actually very easy to be moved. A woman will be moved many times in her lifetime, watching the sunset and sunrise, looking at the sky, a novel, a movie are all able to move one to tears. But to move from liking a person to loving that person, isn¡¯t an easy thing. Dr Xie once reminded her, once Jiang Qian Fan loved a person, it¡¯ll be absolutely and purely. He was a person of self-control. Lin Ke Song knew that he wouldn¡¯t let his ¡°absolutely¡± suffocate the other person. She knew, he was beautiful. ¡°Mr Jiang.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Jiang Qian Fan stopped his steps. ¡°The me now, respects you, even idolises you, but it isn¡¯t like.¡± Whatever her heart feels, she had to say it honestly. Even if she didn¡¯t say so, he would be able to feel it. ¡°Thank you for telling me.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s face showed neither anger nor unhappiness. This answer was within his expectations. His calmness on the other hand made her helpless. ¡°Because you are very important to me, so you will not easily accept me. You are the type of girl that will be more careful the more you care about something. You are like that to Mr Song, and are like that to me too. You have never worried about rejection, but loss. Compared to swift cut people, you may be weak, but to me, it¡¯s very cute. Because once you accumulate enough courage, and take that step, you will be more steadfast than those who are willing to love and hate.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes teared slightly. Why did this man see through her in three months? ¡°Thank you, Mr Jiang.¡± ¡°Goodnight, Ke Song.¡± With those words, Jiang Qian Fan disappeared at the top of the stairs. And Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart felt like it was flowing water that was disturbed, twisting and turning, then finally flowing into the ocean. Now, every day was precious, it has totally entered the countdown period to the ¡°Master¡¯s show¡±. Today will be the tasting of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s quail foie gras, Lin Ke song couldn¡¯t help getting nervous. But Jiang Qian Fan had no intentions of just letting her watch at the side, but have her sit in the room on the terrace. The sunlight was wonderful today, lazily falling on the sides of the terrace. The air carried the slight fragrance of roses, the mood swinging gently with the breeze. She closed her eyes, and knew that it was obvious the closer it got to the competition, the more nervous she¡¯d be, but at this moment, her mood was calm, totally absent of the unease when she was going for her college entrance exams. The fragrance of shrimp and the rich flavours of peas hid and appeared in the air. Lin Ke Song turned her face, Mayer who was in a suit and tie carried a plate to her, the plated was covered with a cover, not allowing anyone to see what was on the plate. His eyes carried deep intentions of laughter, his angle of lowering forward just right, ¡°Ke Song, guess what the appetizer is today?¡± She will never forget this flavour. This was after she had entered the back kitchen of the high-class restaurant, and saw Jiang Qian Fan making a dish for the first time, at that time, head chef Brody was his assistant. ¡°never thought that there would be an appetizer¡­¡­ I thought there¡¯d only be a main dish! It¡¯s jellied peas and shrimp, right?¡± ¡°Your nose is indeed sharp.¡± Mayer lifted the cover. The jellied pea shrimp was sliced into 6 thick uniformed slices, the soft green of the peas complemented the clean whiteness of the shrimp meat, the frozen film emitting an attractive luster under the sunlight, needless to say, the slightly sour plum sauce was padded on the bottom of the plate, clove, turmeric and basil flavours were blended, Lin Ke Song only had a mouthful and felt that it had a delicate taste, the peas between her teeth were plump and fresh. Furthermore this frozen texture was very natural, there wasn¡¯t any gelatine taste. ¡°This frozen film was broiled from pig¡¯s skin¡­¡­ and need a few hours, does this mean Mr Jiang had already prepared this film since last night?¡± ¡°Sir started preparing this from 8 in the morning.¡± Mayer smiled replying. Lin Ke Song was stunned: ¡°So early? Does this mean that there are other guests?¡± ¡°Today, sir only had you as his guest.¡± Lin Ke Song lowered her head, looking at the intricate appetizer, and suddenly couldn¡¯t bear to continue eating. ¡°Sir said, that there was no need to try to guess the production method of the foods. You only need to enjoy the flavours of the food. The you now, is already unlike an outside who knows nothing of cooking. Sir believes, that as long as it is a real delicious flavour, it will be remembered by your brain. And as long as the flavours are remembered, no matter early or late, you will be able to produce them.¡± Mayer took 2 steps back, and left the terrace very politely. But Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart was so light it felt like it was going to start flying. She prettily enjoyed the appetiser, where the bouncy feeling was felt when the shrimp touch the teeth. When the appetizer was finished, Mayer sent the main dish of quail foie gras like he had counted the time to the seconds. That intricate beauty of the display, made it unbearable for people to spoil everything that was on the plate. Lin Ke Song found it hard to imagine, that Jiang Qian Fan who had lost his sight could do all these. The same dish, was probably made tens of thousands of times before reaching this standard. This dish was the signature dish that represented the standard of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s culinary skills. Lin Ke Song used all her might to take a deep breath, and cut the quail open. The thick fragrance of the foie gras was totally locked in the quail, without a hint of stink, matching the smells of the various seasonings, one coming after another. When it was put in her mouth, the first thing she tasted was the quail that had been cooked perfectly and still carrying the unique meat smell that came after barbequing, when the teeth bit into it, and touched the foie gras, the tender and rich flavour, and the natural flavour of the spice and ingredients blended together perfectly. It was a meat, but it wasn¡¯t greasy at all. Even the lingering sour and sweet taste that was left behind in her mouth whetted her appetite. It was like there was simply not enough, she felt that she hadn¡¯t ingrained the flavours in her head, and the plate was empty. At this time, footsteps sounded from out the door, it was Jiang Qian Fan. He pushed the door open, and was as always wearing the head chef¡¯s white uniform, making the whole person seem delicate and orderly. His left hand was holding a plate, and behind him was Mayer. CH 47 Battle of the senses of taste He reached the table, and leaned forward in her direction like he was trying to get a sense of where Lin Ke Song was. At that moment, Lin Ke Song held her breath. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s line of sight just happened to miss, but his handsome face was so close to her, it made her feel good. He placed the plate down, and on it was a red pyramid of candied haw. This whole menu, was the things that Lin Ke Song saw Jiang Qian Fan make when she¡¯d first entered the back kitchen. But that time, she drank 8 bowls of mint cabbage soup, don¡¯t talk about the main dish, she didn¡¯t even get to taste the appetiser. Jiang Qian Fan didn¡¯t say anything, and sat quietly across her. The sunlight gently landed on his face, like all the indifference and coldness was melted off at this moment. Lin Ke Song lifted her spoon, carefully scooping a haw, and putting it into her mouth. Sweet, sour, and a little astringent, these were the flavours of sugar coating hawthorn. When the sweet freshness of the ice cream spread at the tip of the tongue, that moment of thought was like breaking out of the cocoon. There were clearly 9 candied haws, but to her, it felt like she¡¯d only eaten one piece. The same taste, was like the cycle of reincarnation. When she put down her fork, Jiang Qian Fan who was in front of her had his expression as usual. ¡°I thought that this lunch was your test for me.¡± Lin Ke Song looked at Jiang Qian Fan, she used to think that he was like a steep cliff, one you desire but cannot reach. And today, when he was this close to her, even though he was expressionless, he still had a beautiful demeanour. ¡°Then, what do you taste? Or what thoughts do you have?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked lightly. ¡°Actually, the first time I saw you make quail foie gras, I was already very curious about the soup that you¡¯d poured over the dish. Today, I have tasted it, and realised, that it wasn¡¯t any soup¡­¡­ but apple juice.¡± ¡°If it were three months ago, you wouldn¡¯t have been able to discern the apple juice. You¡¯ve matured, Ke Song.¡± ¡°Then¡­¡­ I started to think about how you out the ice cream into the hawthorn. This is really exquisite, if you put too much, the cream will break the balance between the fruit and sugar coating. If there¡¯s too little, the sourness of the hawthorn will be overpowering.¡± ¡°this kind of balance doesn¡¯t happen overnight, it needs multiple trials. But today, you only need feel their flavours.¡± Lin Ke Song scooped up another ball of hawthorn, and placed it in her mouth, her eyes scrunching up. With the warm sunlight, the male goddess eye candy, and the sweet candied haw that carried a little sourness, life couldn¡¯t possibly be better. ¡°You¡¯ve said before, that candied haw tasted like having a crush.¡± ¡°If every crush tasted like this, I would wish that I would forever never wake up.¡± Lin Ke Song shrugged her shoulders and laughed. She had rarely laughed like that in front of Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°Then remember the flavours that are in contact with your taste buds. Remember the feeling you have now. Carry this feeling to meet all your opponents and future problems. And most importantly, even though you are my student, do not try to become me.¡± ¡°Then what should I become?¡± Lin Ke Song asked. She wasn¡¯t only in awe of him. Many times, she felt that it was like she fallen through layers of clouds and finally crashed into the lake in his eyes. ¡°Become Lin Ke Song. And remember that I said I like you?¡± His voice was light, like the it was and icy spring that flowed into a cup, a little swirl, brewing unusual throbs. ¡°Yes.¡± Lin Ke Song started getting nervous. What did he want to say? What did he want to ask? ¡°Your thoughts are in a mess. So, forget it temporarily.¡± Jiang Qian Fan lowered his eyes slightly, the sun light making patchwork on his eyelids. But at that moment, Lin Ke Song¡¯s felt like her heart was pricked by a needle, and rapidly tightened, the pain quietly spreading. ¡°Because this isn¡¯t a multiple-choice question, and it also isn¡¯t borrowing one person to forget another.¡± Jiang Qian Fan had always been thorough. ¡°I will always be behind you. So, no matter what happens, do not be afraid.¡± Lin Ke Song pursed her lips. Actually, these words were much better that a thousand ¡°I like you¡±s. At that moment, she hoped, that today¡¯s lunch would never end. To become Lin Ke Song¡­¡­ just what version of herself did she want to become? The day ¡°Master¡¯s show¡± officially begins, the competition committee will specially send a car to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa to pick Lin Ke Song up. At 6 in the morning, she sat with Jiang Qian Fan at the table to eat a Chinese breakfast, Mayer was at the side reciting today¡¯s news, Nina was right behind Jiang Qian Fan. Everything was as it had been for the past 3 months. ¡°Mr Jiang, it¡¯s almost time.¡± The staff whom the competition committee had sent over reminded. Jiang Qian Fan put down his chopsticks, and unhurriedly cleaned his mouth, stood up, and walked towards the door. Lin Ke Song followed him, and got to the front of the door, and saw that black business car that had sent her here 3 months ago. This view, got her feeling introspective. ¡°Go ba.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s farewell was way simpler than Lin Ke Song expected. She thought that he¡¯d tell her about how to handle everything calmly, or to take note of certain cooking techniques or something. But it was so simple like he was sending her off to New York for a day of fun. But when you think about it, this is Jiang Qian Fan. He didn¡¯t have many wishy-washy details. The things he¡¯d wanted to teach her and the words he¡¯d wanted to say were all already done and said. ¡°Goodbye, Mr Jiang.¡± Lin Ke Song lowered her head, and sat in the car. 3 months of mentorship had ended. She was about to return to her uncle¡¯s. in this period, she was still able to meet and consult her mentor. But it will be prohibited when the competitions start. Hearing her luggage being put in the boot and the slam of the car cover was like cutting off her nerves. She turned around, saw the image of Jiang Qian Fan holding his cane at the door, and she suddenly had a premonition. No matter where she went, this man will always be looking at her. ¡°this is new.¡± The driver smiled glancing at the rear-view mirror, ¡°are you very nervous?¡± ¡°Even though my mentor hopes that I enjoy this process, I can¡¯t help feeling nervous.¡± Lin Ke Song replied sheepishly. ¡°Haha, Mr Jiang is indeed a person indifferent to fame and fortune. He has never been like other who spend energy worrying for the sake of a little praise, but every time he introduces new dishes, people will naturally rush for it. But in this industry, there¡¯s definitely many who wish to see him fall from the peaks of the clouds, people¡¯s jealousy us always so frightening.¡± Lin Ke Song clutched her hands into a tight fist, ¡°If I fail, will it make him look bad?¡± ¡°Haha, don¡¯t worry. You only need to do your best, and not be the last and it¡¯ll be fine. If someone were to criticise him because of your failure, then there will be even more people who will stand up to protect him. His eyes cannot see, and making him mentor like other chefs is already an unfairness.¡± Lin Ke Song gaped, unable to finish her words. Her reputation is already linked to Jiang Qian Fan. The car left the quiet villa area, and entered the city. They got to the venue where ¡°Master¡¯s show¡± will be held, Leidewensen hotel Lin Ke Song got a nameplate from the competition committee. She placed it on herself, and walked into the lift. ¡°Hey, Ke Song! Didn¡¯t think I¡¯d meet you here!¡± ¡°Bruce! It¡¯s you!¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart calmed down a lot more after seeing a familiar face. Bruce laughed saying to Lin Ke Song: ¡°My granddad and Mrs Bell will be cheering for me. What about you, Ke Song?¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned, she lowered her head smiling, ¡°I only have my uncle here. He is the chef of a Chinese restaurant, and is usually really busy, so¡­¡­¡± There was also Lin Xiao Xue, but she didn¡¯t think that this cousin would cheer for her. ¡°that¡¯s alright, I know one person who would definitely come.¡± Bruce blinked, patted Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Who ah?¡± ¡°Secret.¡± The lift reached the top floor. Staff ushered them to the big door of the venue. When the heavy thick door was opened, Lin Ke Song suddenly got nervous. The bright lights, the applauding audience, these all were hard for Lin Ke Song to adjust to. This was a lecture venue that was changed to a competition ground. The center of the venue was 10 independent bright white porcelain counters. Knife sets and chopping boards were placed on top of the counters, and a one piece oven was placed under the counter. The venue was surrounded by an auditorium, reminding Lin Ke Song of the lecture halls during her university days. With the entrance of the participants, applause sounded one after another, the enthusiasm of the audience was very high. Lin Ke Song took a look at her surroundings, and suddenly had a confused feeling of not knowing where her place was in this world. Even the lights abouve her head made her unable to open her eyes. She lifted her hand, to shield her eyes, feeling like the ceiling was falling towards her. ¡°Ke Song! Ke Song! Every counter has a participant¡¯s name! look for yours!¡± Bruce reminded her softly. Lin Ke Song then got her mind back, found her name at the last row, then proceeded to stand behind the work counter. Only then did she realise, apart from the basic cooking utensils, there was still a tablet on the counter. She took a deep breath, regulating her breathing, and when she looked around, she aactually realised that there was someone in the audience who was holding a red banner. Loud Chinese words entered Lin Ke Song¡¯s view: Ke Song, good luck! She was stunned, it was actually uncle and his friends! Their expressions were very excited, constantly gesturing with their thumbs at Lin Ke Song. She knew, that this kind of image would look comical on tv, but at this moment, she was very touched. And what was more unexpected, was that the person sitting beside her uncle was Song Yi Ran. His sitting posture was elegant, left leg perched on the right thigh, hands clasped together, resting lazily on the legs. Even if they were so far away, she could see that he was smiling. Normally, this chap would definitely feel embarrassed to be sitting next to a banner, like he was a fan that had lost his rationality. But at this moment, he was like her guardian, looking at her indifferently. All these times, she¡¯d always looked at him like that, no matter what he did, no matter who was beside him. Today, she finally had a feeling that she was the core of his world. It was a dizzying feeling. The sound of a fork hitting a wine glass sounded. Everyone¡¯s attention was focused at the forefront of the work counters. ¡¶Gourmet New York¡·¡¯s host Annalise was wearing a silver mini dress, fluttering her eyelashes elegantly and sexily at the camera man. She cleared her throat, and the scene quietened down. ¡°Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and our nervous participants! Welcome to the collaboration of ¡¶Gourmet foodie¡· magazine, national Food Union and¡¶Gourmet New York¡· in co organizing ¡®Master¡¯s show¡¯.¡± Annalise paused, and gazed deeply at the participants, then lifted her head to look at the audience, and said in a resounding voice: ¡°If any of you think that this is a gimmick of a competition between Michelin chefs or a pre-planned scripted programme, then I can only say that you are very wrong. The door is there, if you wish to leave, I will not stop you. Of course, the entrance fee is non-refundable.¡± Lin Ke Song started feeling curious. Before this, she too had thought that this was just a tv programme. ¡°¡¯Master¡¯s show¡¯ is absolutely professional. This professionalism isn¡¯t only in front of the counters, but totally of high class restaurants¡¯ configuration, this too is inclusive of the judges. Our judges team consists of 12 professionals. Of course, the head of the panel of judges is the one who everyone has seen, the chief editor of Gourmet foodie magazine, Mr Winston!¡± The introduction had just ended, and Winston who was wearing a suit and tie confidently walked to Annalise. His face no longer carried that amicable smile that was shown durng the auditions, but it seemed stern and cold. ¡°I believe that I have at least said ¡®I never wish to see you again¡¯ or ¡®you aren¡¯t suitable to the food industry¡¯ to every person here. But, these criticisms are in the past, I hope you will be able to change my mind! I am a strict judge, a presentable dish isn¡¯t enough to move me. The only thing I ask of you in this competition, is to fully showcase your knowledge of food, creativity and cooking skills!¡± Lin Ke Song got inexplicably nervous, and the audience got silent too. The next introductions made were of Chairman David from the Food Association, Food connoisseur Luke, Mrs Bronte, owner of a 6-star restaurant, and when Annalise announced the name ¡®Han Bin¡¯, it made Lin Ke Song get a little shocked. The judging panel included head chefs from a Mexican restaurant, a Korean restaurant, Japanese restaurant and even a pastry chef from Australia. This was indeed a judging panel so dauntingly professional. ¡°every participant is required to prepare 12 portions of a dish. Every judge will give you a score, with 10 being the highest score. The highest and lowest score will be averaged and that will be the score for each participant. There will be no elimination of any participants in this competition, the person who accumulates the highest score will be the final winner of this competition. To protect the fairness of the scoring, the judges will not see the whole process of cooking with the audience, but be seated in a separate room, so that there will not be any influence in scoring everyone¡¯s dishes. The dishes will not have a name, only have a number. Furthermore, all participant¡¯s mentors will not be invited to be a judge for this competition. So audience and the gourmet industry do not need to have regrets of certain great chefs and other figures not appearing. Because it is largely possible that their representative work will be present by these 10 participants right in front of your eyes!¡± Annalise explained the scoring and rating system seriously. Chief editor Winston¡¯s stern face slowly revealed a smile, like the harsh and cold words was his joke to them. ¡°however, we will not be using any utensils today. Because for the first competition of ¡®Master¡¯s show¡¯, we will not be testing your cooking skills, but your sense of taste.¡± Winston smiled at the participants. Nobody looked surprise, but there was much discussion from the audience. Lin Ke Song thought about that 8 bowls of mint cabbage soup. Jiang Qian Fan pretty much spent one third of the time to teaching and helping her experience the synergy of different ingredient and the flavours produced. ¡°we all know, sommeliers can pinpoint the origin, year and texture of a particular wine after one small sip. The perfumer can smell the fragrance notes and the ratio of the fragrances with just a whiff. Similarly, a chef only needs a taste of the food to be able to discern all the ingredients used and the cooking process and time. Of course, our expectations aren¡¯t so high today. Participants, on the counter in front of you are various drinks and meals, figure out the ingredients in each food and put your answers through the tablet, the system will automatically give you a score. The duration of this competition is 30 minutes.¡± At this time, some staff pushed a push cart to them, and placed carious foods, including juices, pudding, cake, barbeque, etc and displayed them on their work counters. Annalise kindly reminded everyone: ¡°everyone, please take note, that every ingredient that was used in each food has to be correct. No matter if it is salt or water or any ingredient that you take for granted, don¡¯t forget to key that answer in. any missing or wrong answer will not be considered right. Our computer system will score and rank you according to the correct answers you give. Which is to say, the more correct answers you give in this limited time, the greater your score will be.¡± Lin Ke Song looked at the foods that filled the counter with a dazzled feeling. These foods, even if you take only a small bite and are able to discern all the ingredients, a half hour is enough to stuff a person full. Furthermore, a person who can be like Jiang Qian Fan who will have insight to everything with just a small bite¡­¡­ probable doesn¡¯t exist ba. Lin Ke Song looked to the side, and saw Bruce¡¯s troubled expression. The previous discerning was the devil¡¯s juice Montgomery made, Lin Ke Song won him, don¡¯t know he had made any improvement the past 2 month. Lin Ke Song had originally thought that the majority of the participants would be American, but she didn¡¯t think that apart from Bruce, there was a French, Italian, Mexican, Greek, a few blacks and more. Everyone¡¯s skin colour was different, their behaviours and style were different too. Annalise lifted her hand, and said smiling to everyone: ¡°when my fork hits the wineglass again, it signals the start of the competition.¡± The whole scene immediately quietened down, totally silent. Lin Ke Song was like the other contestants, and was already holding onto a spoon and fork, lowering her head and waiting for that moment to arrive. Her heart was thumping, the blood swelling through. She suddenly felt an inexplicable panic, because she didn¡¯t know if her taste buds could be as sensitive as when Jiang Qian Fan was with her. The crisp sound sounded in the air. All the audience quietened down, and all their energies were focused on the 10 contestants. Lin Ke Song and the people around her lowered their heads, to start tasting the food. Lin Ke Song had already observed the foods while Annalise was explaining the rules. She knew that she couldn¡¯t waste her precious time on the complicated things, like the tomato tower, the fillings must be very rich, to discern every single thing will definitely be difficult. So the first thing she chose was the nearby pudding. Firstly, the spoon went through the pudding from the highest point to the base, to ensure all the ingredients would be on the spoon, Lin Ke Song held it in her mouth, breaking the flavours layer by layer: fresh milk, egg, sugar, light cream, marshmallow, blueberry, passionfruit¡­¡­ wait a minute, what was this unique fragrance? Lin Ke Song furrowed her eyebrows, searching for the answer in her head. It¡¯s wheat! The fragrance of wheat! If one were careless, they would neglect that fragrance. Lin Ke Song emitted cold sweat in her heart. Even the simplest milk pudding had this kind of hidden trap? She had another 2 scoops, and made sure that there weren¡¯t any other flavours then gave her answer through the tablet. When the acknowledgment correct answer was shown, Lin Ke Song could breathe a sigh of relief. But she was surprised to find out, that she was ranked sixth among the 10 people. Which was to say, than in this short time, 5 other people had already discerned the ingredients of a dish. She couldn¡¯t keep hesitating and end up suffering a loss, otherwise the first competition will end up in her failure. Jiang Qian Fan said, she possessed an excellent sense of taste. She chose to believe in the evaluation Jiang Qian Fan had of her, she decided to believe in herself. Grabbing a donut, this was the most common snack, even if many ingredients were used, it couldn¡¯t be as complicated as a steak. Lin Ke Song tasted the ingredients in 15 seconds, when she finished answering, she realised that she had finally risen to the fifth place. CH 48 Chocolate and Rose She moved to the front of a cake, this piece of cake looked a little black, it seemed like a chocolate cake, but the looking at the texture and the smell that its producing, Lin Ke Song could tell that it wasn¡¯t. She first used a knife to cut the cake open and made sure that there weren¡¯t any fillings, then Lin Ke Song cut a piece as she would normally. When the sweet fragrance and some waxy texture bloomed in her mouth, she was totally stunned. Really never thought that carrot could actually be used to make cake, and such delicious cake too! Lin Ke Song wrote in the tablet: carrot, medium gluten flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon powder, egg, white sugar, apple, walnut, raisins, ginger, clove, pepper, nutmeg. As she wrote, she was shocked, didn¡¯t think that an ordinary cake would use so many spices and ingredients! No matter how unique the texture and flavour, there was a lingering fragrance, that did not match the product ah! But to make the carrot and flavours of ginger, pepper and nutmeg blend together, there still needs to be a little something¡­¡­ What is it? When Lin Ke Song frowned to think, the tablet displayed that her name had dropped to the sixth place again. This was really a race ah! Stay calm, Lin Ke Song! She took a deep breath, and told herself not to bother about what was happening around her, including her placing, the discussion noise of the audience, and the host¡¯s intentionally agitating words to keep the atmosphere on set high. It¡¯s salt! How could she have forgotten salt? in many people¡¯s thought process, cakes should be sweet, so they won¡¯t think that there will actually be salt included! After she wrote down ¡°salt¡±, she suddenly had a thought before submission about the impossibility of the lack of oil when creating a cake. What oil was used here? Butter? Olive oil? Heavens ah! this isn¡¯t easily tasted! Lin Ke Song could only consider according to the density of the cake and texture and fragrance. This wasn¡¯t the fragrance of butter, neither was it the fragrance of the olive oil¡­¡­ what other oils can be used to bake cakes? Definitely not peanut oil or soybean oil, and definitely not sesame oil¡­¡­ It¡¯s sunflower seed oil! Even though Lin Ke Song had some hesitation, she still submitted her answers. The system displayed that her answer was correct, and in an instant, she rose from the sixth place to the fourth. She knew, that there was definitely one of the participants who was rank above her before who had given a wrong answer, which made their rank drop. Lin Ke Song released a breath of air and continued tasting the other foods. They included Mexican sauces, a beef pastry that was stuffed with mushrooms and had complicated seasonings, French-styled pan-fried lamb, Chinese prawn dumplings, and plain noodles, etc. Her ranking suddenly dropped to third last because she mistook the yellow sugar in the creamy English muffins for white sugar, then she consecutively tasted the ratatouille, lasagne, and stuffing filled roasted bell pepper and rose back to the fourth place. She had seen almost all of the desserts and dishes in the cooking book that Jiang Qian Fan had given her. But every single thing wasn¡¯t in accordance with the book or to be more accurate, there was always something that was out of the ordinary. But this kind or extraordinariness wasn¡¯t unconventional, but instead, allow the layers of flavours reach new heights. If it were not for this competition, Lin Ke Song doubted that she would embrace it with open arms, what was more attractive than the uncountable delicacies in front of her? When Annalise lifted her wrist to ring her fork against the wineglass, it was to signify that there was only a minute left. A minute to Lin Ke Song allowed her to taste at least another 2 dishes. Some participants had already slowed down their tasting speeds, and were becoming more cautious. This period of time was where the ranking would make the greatest jumps and falls. A moment of carelessness, can make you fall from heaven to hell. Lin Ke Song knew, the difference between everyone was only but a gap. Lin Ke Song decided to take a gamble. She successfully tasted the spring pasta and nice scones, reached the third rank. There were 20 seconds left. Should she just be satisfied with the third place¡­¡­ or grab hold of this last chance? Lin Ke Song¡¯s gaze floated over the dishes that had yet to be tasted and was focused on a plate of jelly. It¡¯s glow, it¡¯s translucency reminded Lin Ke Song of that frozen peas shrimp Jiang Qian Fan made. Her tongue still remembered it¡¯s taste, that unique smoothness, perfect harmony, like it was locking the original flavours of the ingredients. Lin Ke Song decided to pick up the jelly, cut a piece from the middle, and place it in her mouth. The main ingredient of the jelly was the rich soup that was broiled from pig¡¯s skin. But this dish¡¯s main lead wasn¡¯t the shrimp and peas, but scallop. It was the garlic that was slightly fried that made such a unique fragrance. There was also shredded bamboo shoots, egg whites, salt, pepper and cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, turmeric powder, strong but not spicy. And the cold jelly had a sea flavour that was wrapping the scallops, revealing a thick seaside style on the tongue. There was definitely something that was broiled with the pig skin¡­¡­ this ingredient comes from the oceans. What was it? Kelp? Seaweed? Lin Ke Song kept thinking about it in her head, the time for the conclusion of the competition was coming. When a particular ingredient flashed through her mind, she wrote it down without hesitation: Sea cucumber. At the moment she pressed submit, her uneasiness felt like it was bursting through her chest. When she saw her rank rise from the third to second, her whole person was like a fire arrow almost jumping up. Even her uncle in the audience stood up to applaud, the red banner was even more eye-catching. Annalise clapped her hands, to signal everyone to quieten, and introduced the participants starting from the tenth place as shown on the scoreboard behind her. The introductions of the third place were for Goto Nozomi from Japan. He was an international student in America, younger than Lin Ke Song by 2 years, and had a stern face, that made people respect and keep a distance. ¡°Goto Nozomi has always surprised me, because he has always maintained the top 5 ranking, without many fluctuations, and in the last 5 minutes rose from the 5th place to the 3rd place. If I were you guys, I would keep an eye out for this cool and calm competitor.¡± Lin Ke Song looked at the back of Goto Nozomi, this chap¡¯s posture was pencil straight and looked like he had quite the manner. ¡°The second place, is Lin Ke Song from China! But the fact that she can continue answering in the last 20 seconds, is bravery and courage worthy of admiration. After all, if the answer was wrong in this 20 seconds, her ranking could have plummeted. So many participants who were satisfied with their ranking chose to give up continuously tasting. Even though I¡¯m not a professional judge, as a host of this competition, I¡¯ve got my eye on you oh!¡± Lin Ke Song smiled sheepishly. Then who was the 1st place? Lin Ke Song really wanted to know, just who was it who had such a sensitive sense of taste? ¡°Lastly, I introduce to you the champion of the first round of competitions, who also received 10 full points, contestant Timothy Viktor!¡± When the screen showed a young and innocent face, passionate applause sounded. ¡°Viktor, tell everyone your age!¡± ¡°16 years old.¡± The Viktor on the screen revealed an innocent smiling face. Emerald eyes, light brown hair, a tall nose and some shy dimples, made people feel full of love in an instant. ¡°16 years? You¡¯re 16 years old only!¡± Annalise looked at the audience, ¡°¡±Has anyone counted the number of foods there are in front of every competitor?¡± Many necks in the audience were lengthened, fingers reaching out to count. ¡°There¡¯re a total of 100 kinds, no more no less. But Viktor tasted through 90 kinds! This averages out to Viktor being able to discern all the ingredients in a dish in 20 seconds. Don¡¯t underestimate the foods here, no matter the simplest pudding, they all have a hidden secret weapon.¡± Annalise hugged her arms, and looked at Viktor with a weird expression, ¡°I¡¯m really curious now, what did you do to make the judges choose you to be the top 10 in the rotten tomatoes?¡± Viktor embarrassedly rubbed his nose, that kind of adorableness attracted all the attention of the audience. ¡°On the audition day, I was dragged along by a friend for company. his cooking skills are greatly better than mine, I just didn¡¯t think that I would be chosen because of how terrible the food tasted. This teaches us, that you don¡¯t have to do well, and that sometimes being terrible can be a kind of opportunity.¡± The audience started laughing. ¡°Viktor, you haven¡¯t explained the reason for your godspeed improvement!¡± ¡°Haha! It¡¯s because my mentor is very amazing ah!¡± Viktor fluttered his eyes. ¡°Great, then we¡¯ll wait for you to reveal your mystery mentor when you enter the top 3!¡± Lin Ke Song looked at Viktor, this young man looked very confident, his expression didn¡¯t look like he was competing in a competition, just the activeness of a teenager. Even though they hadn¡¯t even exchanged words, Lin Ke Song could faintly feel several levels of a genius aura from him. Annalise announced the end of the first round of competitions for ¡°Master¡¯s show¡±. Even though Viktor had extraordinary results, Lin Ke Song¡¯s results shouldn¡¯t be underestimated and has caught the eye of many a competitor. ¡°The next round of competitions will be a day later. Which is this Wednesday, it will be held at the same time as today, participants, be careful to not oversleep! Today¡¯s competition is only the beginning, and can¡¯t even be considered difficult. This Wednesday, the judges, and audience will see your true prowess. No matter if you are satisfied with your results today, the next round of competitions will probably reshuffle the ranks. Good luck to each and every one of you!¡± When Lin Ke Song left the competition grounds, Uncle and his friends excitedly lifted her up. She let out a stunned breath and every time she was thrown to the highest point in the air, she searched the leaving crowd for a certain figure. But she was disappointed every time. Jiang Qian Fan will not come to this kind of place. He has many important things to do. His new restaurant was already in operation, he will be very busy. And the other competitor¡¯s mentors weren¡¯t on set either. Just as the group of friends and family let Lin Ke Song down, she could have a stable standing because her mind was somewhere else, and almost fell flat on the ground. Someone stood in front of her, and Lin Ke Song¡¯s head knocked into the other party¡¯s arms, a warm hand supporting her shoulder, hugging her gently. ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± The warm breath followed the slow voice of the other party, lingering by her ear. ¡°Or, who are you thinking about?¡± the lengthen tone of words was distracting. ¡°Song Yi Ran!¡± Lin Ke Song lifted her face, and face his smiling face and sparkling eyes. ¡°Hey, you said my full name, is there something you¡¯re upset about?¡± ¡°How is that possible!¡± Lin Ke Song hit his shoulder, ¡°I just didn¡¯t think that you¡¯d really come!¡± ¡°You are very serious about this competition, so I definitely have to support you. What did you think I was gonna do otherwise?¡± ¡°order a bouquet online, then choose the ¡®pay upon delivery¡¯ option. Brew a pot of coffee, kick your legs, bask in the sun, and wait for me to call you in tears when I flunk the competition.¡± Lin Ke Song said happily. Song Yi Ran lifted a good-looking brow: ¡°Am I this kind of guy in your eyes?¡± ¡°In my heart, you are a toxic bad friend. But pretty reliable at the most crucial time!¡± Song Yi Ran chuckled lightly. ¡°Let¡¯s go ba! Go home Ke Song! Uncle has missed you for this past 3 months! Let Uncle show you a hand or two! But I¡¯m afraid that after you¡¯re used to the great chef¡¯s cooking, Uncle¡¯s dishes wouldn¡¯t be delicious anymore!¡± ¡°How is that possible! I¡¯ve missed Uncle¡¯s stir-fried beef to death!¡± ¡°I knew you¡¯d missed that!¡± Uncle looked at Song Yi Ran and said, ¡°Yi Ran, join us too ba!¡± ¡°Of course, but I miss the soybeans stewed pig feet to death.¡± Lin Ke Song looked at Song Yi Ran, and totally couldn¡¯t imagine how this chap would look like eating pig¡¯s feet. Returning to her little bird cage, the smell of the room was so familiar, her attentive Uncle had even helped her change the bedsheets already, burying her head in, she could smell that thick smell that belonged to the sun. Even with her face buried into the blankets, all that was in Lin Ke Song¡¯s mind was Jiang Qian Fan. After the editing of the footage, this competition will be broadcasted tomorrow night. But the competition committee would have probably already notified him about the results of the competition. Will he be satisfied with her results? Jiang Qian Fan is a person who pursues perfection, would he think that she should¡¯ve gotten first place instead? Not right not right, he is a person who doesn¡¯t look at reputation, his pursuit of perfection is about taste, and not a moment¡¯s loss or win. ¡°Ke Song, food¡¯s ready! Hurry come and eat!¡± ¡°Coming!¡± Lin Ke Song leaped to the dining table, Uncle placed the plates on the table, and Song Yi Ran was actually setting the bowls and chopsticks, looking naturally like the image of a family. There were little sounds of high heels running down the stairs. No need to wonder, Lin Ke Song knew that it was Lin Xiao Xue. She pushed the door open, and her eyes lighted up the moment she saw Song Yi Ran¡¯s back. ¡°Cousin! I heard that you placed 2nd in the competition! That¡¯s amazing ah! what dish did you make?¡± Lin Xiao Xue was like before, directly getting close to Song Yi Ran, but using roundabout tactics, and getting to Lin Ke Song¡¯s side, acting like she was very close to her cousin. ¡°Didn¡¯t you have nothing on this morning? Doing whatever with your hair with your friend, why don¡¯t you go watch your cousin¡¯s competition.¡± Uncle savagely tore through her disguise. Lin Xiao Xue hurriedly put her arm on Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulder, and sat with her at the table, and said with an intimate tone: ¡°I¡¯d already book the appointment to do my hair way earlier, if I didn¡¯t go, then I don¡¯t know when is the next time I¡¯ll be able to make an appointment. Cousin, you aren¡¯t angry ba?¡± Lin Xiao Xue¡¯s was fluttering her eyelashes at Lin Ke Song, Lin Ke Song found it inexplicably funny. No matter how you look at the eyelashes, they were fake, Lin Ke Song wasn¡¯t really sure if guys would like this kind of hypocritical thing? ¡°It¡¯s not a problem, there are still many rounds of competition left.¡± ¡°Is that so ah! I heard that this competition will be a variety show and be broadcasted, then let me take cousin to get a more glamourous hairstyle!¡± Lin Xiao Xue was suddenly in high spirits. ¡°Actually, Ke Song looks pretty good like that. It¡¯s short hair, no matter how you do it, it can¡¯t get any more different.¡± Song Yi Ran smiled saying. Lin Ke Song had the feeling of being rescued, it¡¯s still Song Yi Ran that understands her best. She hates sitting at the salon and doing nothing that most, spending half a day perming or dyeing hair. When she was at university, she had gone to do her hair once, and it was done by some hairstylist that was awarded some price or something. After a whole day of torture, the other party gave Lin Ke Song a ¡°trendy¡±, ¡°avant-garde¡± hairstyle way beyond her imagination. The hairstylist was very satisfied with their own work, and this ¡°Art¡± also cost Lin Ke Song half a month¡¯s worth of living expenses. In the end, by the time the week ended, Lin Ke Song had become the joke of her dorm, and had an increase in ¡°nicknames¡±. What braised lion head, mutated sheep, smart and what not. Every time Song Yi Ran looked at her, he had the expression of uncontrollable laughter. In the end, out of brotherhood, he pulled her to the hair shop in front of the school, and only spent a hundred yuan to straighten the hair and cut it to a pixie style. That experience had totally left a trauma in Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart. ¡°Then, cousin, grow your hair out! Then we can go together!¡± Lin Ke Song laughed. Wait for her hair to grow out? Then it¡¯d be a ¡°long long¡± time later ba? This meal was one that Lin Ke Song thought was eaten in comfort, the piping hot rice, the familiar homecooked taste, Lin Ke Song ate 2 large consecutive bowls of food, scaring Lin Xiao Xue stunned. At the table, Song Yi Ran and Uncle Lin started chatting. ¡°Yi Ran ah, I called Ke Song¡¯s parents a couple days back, they asked me to take note of the happenings in school. I¡¯ve been here for a very long time, but I don¡¯t know a thing about choosing schools, Xiao Xue isn¡¯t reliable either. Yi Ran, you are more experienced and know Ke Song, so help her think about school stuff ba!¡± ¡°This ah, I¡¯ve already talked to Ke Song about this before, to get her to study at the same school as me, but I dunno if she¡¯d be willing.¡± Lin Ke Song took a glance at Song Yi Ran, and wondered if this chap¡¯s major was in people. ¡°Is that so! That¡¯d be great! I and her parents can be relieved now! I¡¯ll leave Ke Song in your hands, come, let me pour you a cup!¡± Lin Ke Song looked at her uncle¡¯s posture, something doesn¡¯t look right. It feels like this is marrying her away ah! ¡°You¡¯re welcome, Uncle, Let¡¯s drink together!¡± Song Yi Ran and Uncle Lin clinked cups? Brother, don¡¯t you know that this isn¡¯t water but Erguotou ah! This posture, why did it look like one of a future son-in-law? After the meal, Lin Ke Song helped her uncle clear the utensils, and with a turn of her head, she realised that Song Yi Ran had disappeared. Returning to her room, she realised that he was actually unpacking her luggage. Her family photo was placed at the head of the bed, her outerwear hung in the closet. Even her messily stuffed in shirts were rearranged so well by Song Yi Ran they looked like as straight as if they¡¯d just been bought from the shopping centre. When he pulled out her bag of underwear, Lin Ke Song immediately flung herself forward, ¡°Let me unpack this myself! Myself!¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡­ I know now, dirty laundry that you have washed for a few days?¡± Song Yi Ran hugged his arm and leaned against the wall, smiling at Lin Ke Song. His smile was as attractive as before, asking for a beating, ¡°You think I¡¯m you ah? wear new clothes once to throw them away?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t throw them away. And I¡¯m definitely more diligent than you!¡± ¡°haha.¡± Lin Ke Song stuffed that bag into the drawers and closed them properly. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe, then come to my house to take a look ah.¡± ¡°You think I¡¯m so crazy to go to your house to see if you¡¯ve washed your underwear?¡± ¡°I thought you would really want to have a look ah.¡± Song Yi Ran had an expression of ¡°Isn¡¯t it like that?¡±. Lin Ke Song found it atrocious yet funny, like they had returned to the times where they were messing with each other in university. Even if 800 hundred years were to pass, she and Song Yi Ran will probably never change. ¡°I¡¯m tired, imma nap here for a bit.¡± With that, Song Yi Ran laid on Lin Ke Song¡¯s bed, turned one round and took all of the blankets away. That action was like Lin Ke Song¡¯s room was his home. ¡°Hey, if you sleep here, then where do I sleep?¡± Lin Ke Song snappily pushed his shoulders. Song Yi Ran shamelessly patted at the space behind him. ¡°Sleep ba sleep ba! Sleep to death!¡± Lin Ke Song returned to her luggage, opening the other compartment, and took out a notebook. That was the record of her experience when she was with Jiang Qian Fan. With his back facing her, Song Yi Ran said with a sleepy voice: ¡°when the competition ends¡­¡­ study with me ba.¡± Lin Ke Song turned her head, looked at the back of Song Yi Ran¡¯s head that was peeking out of the blankets, a little lonely. So if I¡¯m not by your side, you too will get lonely. ¡°En.¡± At this time, Lin Xiao Xue¡¯s voice sounded from outside the door: ¡°Cousin! There¡¯s an express delivery for you!¡± ¡°an express delivery?¡± Lin Ke Song was suspicious. Maybe it¡¯s sent by her parents? But if it were them, they would have chosen shipping and not express delivery ah¡­¡­the delivery fee itself will be more expensive than the stuff¡­¡­ When the door was just opened, Lin Xiao Xue¡¯s gaze darted in. when she saw that Song Yi Ran was on Lin Ke Song¡¯s bed, her expression turned ugly. ¡°Where¡¯s the express delivery?¡± ¡°Downstairs.¡± Lin Xiao Xue¡¯s tone wasn¡¯t as intimate as it was during the meal anymore. Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t be bothered with her, and went straight down to sign for the express delivery. The address was written in English, the writing foreign, a closer look told her that it was the address of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa. He actually sent something to her. What was it? That feeling of the heart unable to handle it surfaced again. Like Jiang Qian Fan was by her side. She found a knife, cut open the carton, and there was a paper box in it. Opening the box, and there were actually chocolates in it! At the top of the chocolate was a white baby rose. Lin Ke Song picked it up, then realised that it looked like the climbing roses that were in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s courtyard! CH 49 Potato Pancake Tower (I) The faint fragrance, although not as elegant as ordinary roses, had an understated fame, a chic wanton bloom. These 9 pieces of chocolate each had a very chic appearance, so much so it made it such a pity to take a bite. Lin Ke Song lowered her head, and took a whiff of the chocolate fragrance, thick and rich, with the smell of nuts, and the smell of rum, the smell of jam, Lin Ke Song could constantly imagine Jiang Qian Fan touching these chocolates with his finger, moulding them, filling them, packaging them Don¡¯t know whether he had tasted the flavours of these chocolates. Carrying the chocolates, Lin Ke song couldn¡¯t wait to call Jiang Qian Fan on his handphone. When the clear voice of the other party¡¯s sounded, Lin Ke Song was suddenly regretting. What if the chocolates weren¡¯t made by Jiang Qian Fan? It¡¯s very possible that Mayer had bought it for her from some place¡­¡­ The handwriting on the delivery note wasn¡¯t Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s ah¡­¡­ rubbish, his eyes couldn¡¯t see, how could he have filled in the form! Even though she didn¡¯t say a word, Jiang Qian Fan on the other end never said a word. To not be straight forward is really unlike Lin Ke Song¡¯s style of things. ¡°Mr Jiang, I¡¯ve received the chocolates. And the climbing roses. Thank you.¡± ¡°No need, the rose was cut by Mayer.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ still, thank you.¡± Lin Ke Song was a little disappointed, so this present was from Mayer. This kind of exquisiteness, with a dash of romance, no matter how you think, it¡¯s not Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s style of things. ¡°Your voice sounds a little low.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Lin Ke Song was about to find an excuse, but she remembered, to not lie in front of Jiang Qian Fan. No matter if he was in front of her or not. ¡°I didn¡¯t know your tastes because it seems like as long as it¡¯s delicious food, you¡¯ll be able to eat them very happily.¡± So, the chocolates were made by Jiang Qian Fan! Right, to gift flowers and what isn¡¯t Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s style, but chocolates¡­¡­ ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Remember, all foods have an expiry date.¡± Lin KE Song laughed. Jiang Qian Fan really understands her, knew that she probably couldn¡¯t bear to bite open all these very exquisite chocolates. Jiang Qian Fan ended the call. ¡°would you choke of you said a couple more sentences?¡± Lin Ke Song picked up the piece of chocolate that was in the centre of the box, and put it in her mouth. The bitterness of the cocoa and the sweetness of the sugar was just right, there wasn¡¯t any sweetness overload, the smell of butter and milk was looming, and there was a trace of spiciness, like a crackling fire, brushing past the tip of her tongue. This was the first time that Lin Ke Song had tasted chocolate that carried a spiciness, but this kind of spiciness gave the original balance of flavours a little surprise. This didn¡¯t only come from Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s gift, but also his coaching. He never told her how to do things, but let her think about what needed to be done. At this time, Jiang Qian Fan sat on the terrace, with Mayer reciting the news to him. Jiang Qian Fan sat quietly on the sofa, right hand holding a cup of perfectly hot tea. ¡°Right, Sir, Timothy Viktor is also participating in the competition. Isn¡¯t this considered fraud, he has learned from Mrs Quentin about cooking since he was young and is a genius.¡± ¡°During the auditions, what did the competition committee request of the participants?¡± ¡°To not be professionals.¡± ¡°In that case, he actually hasn¡¯t violated the competition rules. He indeed isn¡¯t a professional chef.¡± ¡°this is only a loophole that Mrs Quentin got. She must¡¯ve heard about this news from somewhere, that the auditions will choose the worst dish. It is impossible for Ke Song to win if she were to face Timothy Viktor. That kid has been going in and out of a kitchen since he was 6.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never asked for Ke Song to win.¡± Jiang Qian Fan calmly replied. ¡°Sir, it¡¯s obvious that Mrs Quentin wants to use this opportunity to gain fame.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never thought to use Ke Song to gain fame.¡± Mayer exasperatedly gushed: ¡°Sir, Mrs Quentin obviously doesn¡¯t think that way. I even suspect, that Iris had already known about her mother¡¯s intentions, but didn¡¯t tell you.¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t what we need to worry. Mayer, anyone who wants to climb over people, are more tragic than normal people when they fall. So there¡¯s no need to be anxious Mayer, wait patiently, and you will definitely see the results you want to see.¡± Mayer gaped, and in the end, didn¡¯t say anything. At this time, Nina walked in, ¡°Sir, Ms Lin has left, does this mean her room can be cleared up?¡± ¡°Just clean it ba.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll bring those books back to your study room.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t bother about those books. leave them be at the places she left them.¡± Nina looked doubtingly at Mayer, Mayer nodded back at her. ¡°If you care about Ke Song, you can actually go to the venue to watch her compete.¡± ¡°I will go, but not now.¡± ¡°Sir?¡± ¡°wait till she feels that my presence is motivation, and not pressure.¡± ¡°Alright ba. There¡¯s another thing, Song¡¯s family Song Yi Fan has come to New York, it looks like he really wants to work with the Jiang¡¯s.¡± ¡°What does he want to do?¡± ¡°Maybe he wants to participate in your New York Street Food Project. Or maybe, he hopes that a restaurant by Jiang Co. can settle in one of the new hotels that the Song family invested in.¡± ¡°can¡¯t even guarantee profitability for the former, the latter is more in his interest.¡± ¡°Yes, he can borrow your name to upgrade his new hotel.¡± ¡°His motive is too obvious, a world of difference from his brother.¡± Mayer laughed. Lin Ke Song searched for a very long time, but there was no vase at her uncle¡¯s, she could only make do with a glass cup, fill it with water, and place the climbing rose in it, and bring it back to her room. Song Yi Ran was still napping, Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t disturb him, but quietly sit at her small table to flip through her note book. Everything was quiet, like she¡¯d returned to the library during her university days. It was until dusk, when Song Yi Ran¡¯s phone rang. He lazily sat up from the bed and answered the call. ¡°Hello¡­¡­ you¡¯ve reached New York? I¡¯m still sleeping¡­¡­¡± ¡°Sleeping? Isn¡¯t it already 5 plus?¡± ¡°drank a couple with friends.¡± ¡°Alright ba, no matter where you are, hurry come to the restaurant I¡¯m staying. I¡¯ve already sent the address to you.¡± With the phone hung, Song Yi Ran¡¯s elbow went on his thigh, his palm holding his chin and looked at his phone¡¯s screen in amusement. ¡°Your big bro¡¯s here to see you?¡± Lin Ke Song asked tilting her head. ¡°¡¯See me¡¯ is only an on the way thing. I¡¯m leaving.¡± He went to Lin Ke Song, and flicked her forehead with his finger, ¡°good luck for the next round of competition.¡± ¡°Luck isn¡¯t enough, you need to have the ability.¡± Lin Ke Song raised her head in answer. Song Yi Ran laughed, his gaze falling on the glass cup at the edge of the table when he was leaving. That pure white rose was blooming arrogantly in front of his eyes. Suddenly, his gaze went dark. ¡°Hey, wanna eat dinner tonight? I¡¯m cooking oh!¡± Lin Ke Song wagged her eyebrows said smiling. ¡°I¡¯m meeting my brother. He¡¯ll probably act like a big brother and nag at me till daylight. Another time ba.¡± Song Yi Ran stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked out. That night, Lin Ke Song used her Uncle¡¯s kitchen and made a plate of tomato scrambled eggs. Lin Ke Song smelled the flavours from the other room, and came to the kitchen, and watched Lin Ke Song skilfully beating the eggs, cutting tomatoes, pouring the oil, stir fry, the fragrance was overflowing. She pursed her lips, and was caught by Lin Ke Song who was just turning around. ¡°Hungry? Wanna eat together?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it just tomato scrambled eggs? Cousin, you eat it ba. It¡¯s only four thirty, I¡¯m not hungry yet.¡± Lin Xiao Xue turned around and went back to the house. Lin Ke Song knew that that was how she would reply. She had prepared the portion to send to Uncle and the rest. The kitchen chefs and worked tend to eat earlier than normal people. Tomato scrambled eggs are definitely not enough. Lin Ke Song made another portion of lightly fried potato strips, and fried a plate of fishy sliced pork. The fragrance was too strong, and Lin Xiao Xue finally could not endure staying in her room, she wriggled out from the house, and saw Lin Ke Song carrying the plate to the floor below. ¡°Xiao Xue, I¡¯ve left dinner for you and me in the kitchen. Uncle is busy these couple of days, and may not come up to make you dinner. If you¡¯re hungry then eat ba!¡± Lin Ke Song said as she was walking down the stairs. ¡°Oh, I got it.¡± Lin Xiao Xue stood at the top of the stairs, and only turned around when she couldn¡¯t see Lin Ke Song anymore. The food that Lin Ke Song had sent down saw the base of the plate in 3 minutes. Uncle rubbed his chin and said happily: ¡°Ke Song ah! your cooking standard is better than your uncle¡¯s now ah! looks like this Lin¡¯s restaurant has to change chef!¡± The others were eating with their heads lowered, even the sauces in the veggie dish were cleared clean, then simultaneously heads were raised saying: ¡°Remember to come back tomorrow ah!¡± To let everyone feel that the food was delicious, made Ke Song feel very happy. She brought the plates back upstairs, and returned to the kitchen, but realised that there wasn¡¯t much of the dishes she¡¯d left in the kitchen, you could see the base of the plates. The fishy pork slices were left with only a few greens, the tomato scrambled eggs had only 2 lonely tomato pieces, Lin Ke Song really couldn¡¯t tell what was originally on the plate. She looked towards Lin Xiao Xue¡¯s room, that girl had her door dead shut, not a sound being produced, probably feeling embarrassed ba. Lin Ke Song at the rest of the dishes, cleaned the kitchen, and returned to her room to recharge. Wonder what the main theme of the next round of competitions would be? After the feast tasting, will it be time to test the knife skills? That night, Master¡¯s show¡¯s first episode was broadcasted on tv. At 10 plus at night, Uncle and Lin Ke Song sat in front of the computer to watch the replay online. Lin Ke song looked calm on the outside, but she was actually nervous to death inside. The other competitors, had obviously modified their appearances, the ladies had all properly put on makeup. Only she looked very ordinary. Their popularity was ranked online. The first was Viktor. After all, there was no one who could beat his smile. Even the stern Goto Nozomi was 3 in the popularity ranking. But Ke Song, was actually ranked second from the last. Because there was pretty much no screen time given to her, and her appearance also didn¡¯t have anything outstanding. If it weren¡¯t for her placing second in the tasting, and the camera man giving her several closeups, no need to say who¡¯s popularity would be the lowest. ¡°You think, did those competitors hire stylists ah? do you want to get your hair done, and let Xiao Xue put some makeup on you?¡± Uncle Lin said worriedly, ¡°don¡¯t let the judges give you a low score because you aren¡¯t popular.¡± ¡°It won¡¯t happen, this isn¡¯t even some beauty contest.¡± Even though that was how she thought, Lin Ke Song was considering dressing herself up slightly. ¡°Ai, that host even said that this was a competition of professionality. Since it¡¯s about the professionals, then talk about ability, what¡¯s up with the popularity poll ah?¡± ¡°to allow audience¡¯s involvement, to increase ratings ba.¡± Lin Ke Song returned to her room, she opened her closet and had a look, there¡¯s no clothing that will look nice through the camera¡¯s lens. She even felt that the 2 contestants who wore stilettos were simply too amazing, if they really were to start cooking, will they really be able to guarantee that they wouldn¡¯t fall in front of the work counter? Sitting at the edge of the bed thinking, Lin Ke Song gave up the idea of dressing herself up in the end. She didn¡¯t have the talent to wear heels, makeup would make her feel uncomfortable too. Like the false lashes that Xiao Xue stuck to her eyelids, will they really not disrupt her vision? Wednesday came in a blink of an eye. The competition committee specially sent her a car to fetch her to Leidewensen Hotel. She entered the lift. This lift was especially for the participants¡¯ use. She met a few participants in front of the lift. And one of them was Viktor. He wore a simple t-shirt, and denim overalls, heartily smiling, and chatting with other participants, there was totally no sense of competition in the atmosphere. Lin Ke Song stood behind them, and quietly listened to their talk. ¡°Hey, you are Ke Song ba? I¡¯m ShanSha! You¡¯re really amazing, to be able to get 9 points in the feast tasting!¡± That was a girl similar to her age who had freckles, a fair face, curly brown hair, she looked like a doll. Lin Ke Song suddenly remembered her: ¡°You¡¯re the participants from Denmark! You¡¯re number 2 on the popularity polls!¡± ShanSha rubbed the tips of her nose, and said a little sheepishly: ¡°there¡¯s no need to bother about those kinds of polls lah! It¡¯s more important to showcase ability! You actually managed to get 2nd in the feast tasting, the other participants are starting to take notice of you now oh! Good luck!¡± Lin Ke Song only then realised that the other participants had turned towards her. Even Viktor was walking towards her, curiously studying Lin Ke Song. ¡°Hey, who¡¯s your mentor? If you tell me yours, I¡¯ll tell you mine too!¡± Viktor looked at Lin Ke Song with his pretty eyes, his expression serious. At this time, the constantly silent Goto Nozomi suddenly said: ¡°Don¡¯t tell him. If you say, he will only blink his innocent eyes and say, ¡®didn¡¯t you know that without your mentor¡¯s permission, you cannot reveal your Mentor¡¯s information?¡¯ then he will tell his mentor about your mentor, then develop a series of plans that target your mentor¡¯s cooking style.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡± Lin KE Song never thought that with Viktor¡¯s young age, he could actually have this kind of heart? ¡°So pointless. Goto, if you don¡¯t mind your own business, the first person I¡¯ll target will be you oh!¡± Viktor shrugged his shoulder, then showed a smiling face, ¡°Goto, you say it like you were tricked by me!¡± At this time, the lift doors opened, and when the other participants were looking to see what was going on, Goto Nozomi had coldly walked in. The atmosphere went cold in a moment, and everyone entered the lift. Lin Ke Song stood nearest o the door. When the lift went up, someone tapped her shoulder. Lin Ke Song turned around, and saw Viktor. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to that Goto¡¯s provocation, I¡¯m not that bad.¡± The lift doors opened, they had reached the floor where the competition will be held, Lin Ke Song quietly replied the other party: ¡°We are only here for the competition, other¡¯s opinions aren¡¯t all that important.¡± A line of people had walked out of the lift, the staff led them to the entrance. When the doors opened again, Lin Ke Song¡¯s mood was more uneasy than before. Because she knew that this round of the competition will be harder than the previous. Returning to her work counter, and lifting her head, she realised that the area was filled with as many audiences as yesterday. Uncle was still there with his friend to support her. But she didn¡¯t see Song Yi Ran. Probably with his brother ba. But there was another unexpected person who had come to support her, it was Doctor Xie. He wore a suit, and had on frameless glasses, lifting his hand slightly to wave at Lin Ke Song. Even with the slightly far distance, Lin Ke Song could still feel that smile that he held on his face that made people feel at ease. She knew who Dr Xie was representing to watch the competition. Just before she left Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa, he had told her, that he will be watching out for her. ¡°I¡¯m very happy to be able to see everyone again. Of course, I also enjoy being able to once again be surrounded by so many audiences.¡± Annalise held her had at her heart, and did an exaggerated but cute action. ¡°Today, the judges are already locked in the black room! So no matter the harsh evaluation, it will all not be face to face. And, more or less, I believe that every participant will be able to receive points. Unless your cooking skills have not improved at all the past 3 months.¡± Lin Ke Song looked at her work counter, compared to before, there was an extra square frying pan. Is today¡¯s theme French fries? Or fried chicken wings? Fried chicken chop? ¡°Haha, looks like everyone has already noticed the frying pan in front of you.¡± Annalise walked to the centre of all the competitors, her eyes full of deep laughter, ¡°so everyone should know, that whatever we¡¯re making today, will definitely need a frying pan.¡± At this time, the staff pushed a pushcart among them, and one by one placed a box in front of each person. ¡°Everyone, don¡¯t be shy, you can open the boxes. The thing inside is the main and most important ingredient for today.¡± Lin Ke Song was very curious too, she and all the participants, opened the box slowly. The things that were inside were actually a few potatoes! Heavens ah, does this mean that they really gotta make French fries? Indeed, French fries can test knife skills, and the control of fire¡­¡­ good thing, she had secretly made French fries multiple times when she was in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s back kitchen. ¡°Today¡¯s test, was decided upon together by the 12 judges. Does everyone think that you have to cook French fries today? If it were French fries ¡ª¡ª then that¡¯d absolutely be no fun! This is our question today!¡± At that time, a staff pushed a cart in front of Annalise, it was a dining plate that was covered by a metal cover. Everyone stretched their necks, wanting to know what was under the cover. Annalise slowly lifted it, and a strong smell of potatoes and shrimp wafted from the gap. The camera man gave the plate a close up, a golden brown was shown on the screen behind Annalise, dotted with tender parsley leaves, a few cherry tomatoes cut in half beside the potato cake. There wasn¡¯t anything special, but it looked very attractive. Many of the audience started swallowing. ¡°This is a potato pancake tower! Don¡¯t think that this is just a common family dish, a lot of skill and thought needs to be out in this. Remember, your potato pancake tower isn¡¯t made for your family and friends to eat, but for 12 extremely harsh food critics. To pass their tastes, you need to put your skills to the test. Not only can you not make a single mistake, you need to surprise the taste buds!¡± Lin Ke Song took a breath. Potato pancake tower, oh my god ah! she had never made that before! Don¡¯t talk about making, she¡¯d hadn¡¯t even tasted it before! Even though this was a common family dish, this wasn¡¯t a dish she¡¯d commonly cook ah! this looked like some ¡°boxed¡± thing, but it was made by potatoes! ¡°Ah, Viktor, I see you smiling.¡± ¡°Yeah ah, since I was young, I¡¯ve seen her make this kind of potato pancake tower very often! And every time she made it, the flavours were different! So I too wish to let the judges taste a different flavour!¡± Viktor showed his trademark dimples. ¡°Ah, What about Goto?¡± ¡°It reminds me of tempura.¡± Goto replied calmly. ¡°So it seems like Goto is a frying pan expert too.¡± Annalise went round to Lin Ke Song, ¡°But Ke Song, you look very nervous oh! Have you used a frying pan before?¡± ¡°I have.¡± Lin Ke Song nodded. ¡°does that mean you have never made potato pancake towers?¡± Annalise asked smiling. Lin Ke Song laughed sheepishly, and considered it a confirmation that she¡¯d indeed never tried that kind of thing before. Even in China, she¡¯d had seen more of pancakes made from shredded potatoes, and the potato pancake tower that Annalise had shown, looked like the potatoes were cubed. CH 50 Potato Pancake Tower (II) It was like the surrounding competitors all heaved a sigh of relief. It was probably because Lin Ke Song had gotten 9 points in the previous competition and made every feel the pressure. Since she¡¯d never made potato pancake towers before, there was a high probability that she will make mistakes, and thus give the others a chance to up their ranking. At this time, Dr Xie who was in the audience made a call to someone. ¡°I¡¯m very curious, why would the judges choose potato pancake towers as the test? What¡¯s so special about this dish?¡± ¡°If it were potato pancakes, then there¡¯s only the need for potatoes to be shredded, then easily fried in the frying pan. But if it were potato pancake towers, potato cubes are used instead, and not shredded potatoes.¡± ¡°So¡­¡­ if the timing isn¡¯t controlled well, the potato pancake tower will end up raw?¡± ¡°Yes. The other thing is the seasoning. It isn¡¯t as easy to marinate potato cubes compared to potato shreds, so one has to be more careful with the seasonings too.¡± Dr Xie rubbed his forehead: ¡°Sounds like a real headache. It seems like Ke Song has never made potato pancake towers before, aren¡¯t you worried?¡± ¡°she knows all the skills that are needed for this dish.¡± At this time, Annalise used a dining knife to cut the potato cake open, and let everyone have a clear to what was inside the potato tower. There was a thin layer of starch coating the potato, and in between the potato cubes were soft white shrimp. Lin Ke Song took a deep breath, the time for the potato cubes and shrimps to be cooked were different. The shrimps need to be cooked earlier than the potato cubes, which means that the two ingredients have to be prepared separately, if you¡¯re not careful, the shrimps could be over fried till they lost their texture, while the potato cubes are still raw ah! The other participants too were starting to think. Lin Ke Song stared hard at the screen, furrowing her eyebrows. Not only that, but she had to be careful about the seasoning too. The shrimp need to add a layer of deliciousness to the pancake tower, but the problem is to make the flavours of the shrimp and potato shocking, to let this shock put people in wonder, she has to be extremely careful. ¡°everyone has received the main of this dish, following, please get your other spices and ingredients from the food warehouse that the organizers have prepared for you. Everyone has to carefully consider, and give it thought before leaving. Do not leave the area and then one of you tell me, that you¡¯ve forgotten salt!¡± Everyone laughed. This is a really kind reminder. Indeed, the most easily forgotten ingredients are the simplest. ¡°everyone, please remember, that before the start of the competition, everyone has 10 minutes to choose anything that you might need. But when the competition starts, if any of you plans to enter the food warehouse, it will use your competition time.¡± When Lin Ke Song entered the food warehouse, she was stunned. The number of ingredients here was comparable to the kitchen in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa. It¡¯s only that the placement of the ingredients was a little more complicated, like it was made so just to make the participants flustered. Lin Ke Song found the flour to coat the potatoes, and found the shrimp she needed, but she couldn¡¯t find the particular spice she wanted. ¡°Ke Song, what are you looking for ah? I¡¯ve already collected the things I want, I can help you look oh!¡± Viktor¡¯s voice sounded at her ear. ¡°Ah? thank you. I need dill¡­¡­ but I can¡¯t seem to find it anywhere¡­¡­¡± ¡°Dill? Ke Song, you¡¯re really smart ah. you can grind it up and scatter it on the seafood to chase the fishy smell away and add fragrance! The smell will be gentle and soft!¡± Once Viktor finished saying so, the ones who were about to leave the food warehouse turned around to look for dill. When Lin Ke Song finally found the shelf that held dill, she realised that it had all been taken away. ¡°Aiya, Ke Song, really sorry, I shouldn¡¯t have said it out. They must have purposely taken it all so that none is left for you. It¡¯s a pity I don¡¯t use dill, otherwise I would give some to you.¡± Viktor smiled, and left. At this time, in the food warehouse, Lin Ke Song and the Goto Nozomi who was choosing onions were left. Lin Ke Song thought that this was only a competition, and there was no need to plan and plot against each other, that everyone only needed to showcase to the best of their abilities. But now she understood that she was na?ve to the point of foolishness. This was a competition, and everyone was an opponent. Only when others make a blunder, will you be able to win. Calm down, Lin Ke Song, even though there¡¯s no dill, you can replace it with other ingredients. She walked to the place that held the spices, and just passed Goto Nozomi, when Goto suddenly stood up, and threw a bunch of dill in her basket. ¡°Goto¡­¡­ you¡­¡­¡± ¡°The next time, you will not be this lucky.¡± Goto dumped the onions into his basket and walked off. Lin Ke Song could not help asking: ¡°Why did you help me? Aren¡¯t we opponents?¡± He was the one who had warned her not to trust Viktor in front of the lift. ¡°Because someone hired me to watch you. Of course, it¡¯s only to look at you. Probably because that person knows how stupid you are ba.¡± ¡°Who?¡± Goto Nozomi hmphed: ¡°whoever you think will look after you. Furthermore, don¡¯t trust me too much. Because I too am your opponent.¡± After that, Goto Nozomi turned around without looking back and walked out. Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t have much time left to waste, she made sure that she wasn¡¯t missing anything, and left the area too. But she couldn¡¯t help thinking, just who on earth was that person? No, Ke Song, now is not the time to get distracted. You have to focus and complete this round of competitions! When she walked out, a few competitors realised that she had dill in her basket and they each showed an expression of regret and even disbelief. Lin Ke Song remembered them, and told herself to be more cautious of those people. When they returned to their areas, they realised that there was raised frosted glass surrounding every work counter. Every corner of the glass was fitted with a camera, that was able to capture the process of their cooking. ¡°This is a competition and the most important thing in a competition is to prevent ¡®learning¡¯ from each other. When everyone is unable to see each other¡¯s cooking process, every creation will belong to your thoughts and not another¡¯s thing.¡± It looked like, ¡°Master¡¯s show¡± really wasn¡¯t only a tv programme, the competition committee really is for real! ¡°may everyone not forget, you need to prepare 12 portions of potato pancake towers, every portion needs to perfectly flawless. You have an hour to prepare, now ¡ª¡ª let the competition begin!¡± In this enclosed space, Lin Ke Song felt freer. All sorts of sounds sounded in the surroundings. Lin Ke Song too started to busy. She first peeled the potatoes, cut them, every piece around the same size, then she pressed them to feel their density, then put them in the over. Then she shelled the shrimp, and put the yellow tomalley aside, no matter the kind of ingredient, you need to taste its flavour, and feel it¡¯s texture. When the batter was done, she carefully tasted it, then imagined whether the saltiness would be sufficient when it coated the potatoes. And at this time, the screen was broadcasting the image of the judges sitting and chatting together. ¡°Hey, I say, Winston, so far which contestant has caught your eye?¡± Winston rubbed the tip of his brow: ¡°obviously, it¡¯s Timothy Viktor. He¡¯s young, and the young tend to have lots of ideas. And his taste discernment ability really surprises me. The taste discernment determines the ability of a chef¡¯s taste deconstruction ability. Like the one who has the most outstanding sense of taste, Jiang Qian Fan, he is able to layer by layer deconstruct then make reality any taste he is able to imagine.¡± ¡°Now that we¡¯re talking about this, I¡¯m very curious, as to whether any of the 10 contestants have Jiang Qian Fan as their mentor?¡± the barbecue master from Australia asked curiously. ¡°That is a secret.¡± Winston blinked, ¡°but our mentor line up is absolutely strong. But being a chef doesn¡¯t mean that he¡¯s equipped to teach. So maybe the results of the competition, will surprise everyone.¡± The moment Lin Ke Song who was adjusting the sauce for the pancake tower, heard the name ¡°Jiang Qian Fan¡±, her heart suddenly tightened. Calm down, Ke Song. Calm down. You can do well, definitely can do well! She carefully took the baked potatoes out, and mixed them with the marinated fresh shrimps. When she fried the first potato pancake tower, she didn¡¯t forget to taste the flavour, no matter the potato or the shrimp, who cared whether it was the slightest taste experience, only until she was satisfied, did she then start to plate. At this time, they had already entered the countdown. She put the sauce in little saucers, and one by one arranged them properly. She used an oil absorbing towel and carefully absorbed the excess oil from the potato pancake tower, and plated with the mint leaves. 12 portions of food preparation to her was an activity that needed time and focus. On the other side of the glass, there were already scolding shout of other participants flipping plates over. If the plate and food were flipped to the ground, then they definitely cannot present it to the judges, and the judges can probably only give zero points. Annalise started to count down. Lin Ke Song used a paper towel to wipe the perspiration are her temples, made sure all the plates were flawlessly perfect, then heaved a sigh. ¡°Time¡¯s up!¡± Following Annalise¡¯s sound, when the glass separating the contestants was slowly lowered, they could again see each other. At this time, Annalise suddenly covered her mouth and cried out: ¡°Oh, my god! My god! My idol is actually here!¡± The camera man turned the camera towards the audience without a word. All the participants could not help lifting their heads up too. That was a man with an elegant disposition, being guided to an empty seat. He took a seat, and when the camera captured his features, with that deep eye socket and solemn expression, a mysterious atmosphere started to spread, the originally murmuring audience settled down like dust. Among so many people, even if he didn¡¯t say a single word, he had the charisma to be the centre of attention. Lin KE Song was totally stunned silly. Why was he here? No other contestant¡¯s mentor came, why did he come to the scene? ¡°Heavens ah¡­¡­ is that Jiang Qian Fan? He is the head chef and operator of quite a few Michelin star restaurants!¡± ¡°is he a guest that was invited¡­¡­ or is he interested in picking a few of us to groom?¡± ¡°Or maybe, one among us has had his guidance?¡± ¡°Impossible ba¡­¡­ Jiang Qian Fan has always been reclusive, and never joins any activity and hardly appears in the media¡­¡­ the probability of him joining this competition is too low ba!¡± Only Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t say a thing. Jiang Qian Fan is here¡­¡­ if her own potato pancake tower is unable to get the judges¡¯ favour, will he be disappointed? At this time, Annalise could not endure anymore, and took her mic to Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°Mr Jiang, are you especially here to watch the competition? Maybe many in the audience are not familiar with you, but I know that the fact that you are in this kind of public setting is an unbelievable thing! Oh my god ah¡­¡­ oh my god¡­¡­¡± ¡°You should continue hosting the programme, I am only an audience, Annalise.¡± His voice had a special charm, like a clean wine, with the passage of time, having thickness and texture. Everyone turned their heads, wanting to have a clearer look at the person Annalise called her ¡°Idol¡±. There were already some participants who had their potato pancake tower sent to the judges. On the screen, was the image of the judges giving scores to the potato pancake towers. The originally common family dish of potato pancake tower really stumped many people. ¡°my god ah! the potato is undercooked! Is there anything more unappetizing than eating raw potatoes?¡± The first creation that was scored already had very fatal problems, and in the end only ended up with a score of 2.5. Contestant Tanya from Mexico was already holding her face, showing a dispirited expression. 2.5 points, this kind of disadvantage might not even be able to be made up for later in the competition. The second contestant¡¯s creation got only 4 points because they put too much salt in the shrimp marinate and the sauce was to the sour side. The rest of the contestants, didn¡¯t get higher than 6 points. ShanSha¡¯s pancake tower got 6.5 points, because the seasoning wasn¡¯t bad, and the sauce wasn¡¯t bad either, she too had thought sufficiently about the difference in cooking times for the potato and prawns, and had fried the potatoes in low heat first. This solution seemed reasonable, but the 2 rounds of frying made the pancake tower very oily. Goto Nozomi, Lin Ke Song and Viktor were the only ones left who hadn¡¯t had their towers tasted by the judges. Viktor kept calm, occasionally flashing a mischievous smile to the audience. Goto Nozomi¡¯s expression was constantly strained, not allowing people to tell whether he was confident with his creation or not. As for Lin Ke Song, all her feelings were focused on Jiang Qian Fan who was in the audience. She was very nervous, even her palms were subconsciously perspiring. Finally, Goto¡¯s creation was sent to the judges. ¡°En! This is the most perfect pancake tower I¡¯ve tried so far! The batter is thin and crispy, the seasoning done just right! The shredded onions combined the flavours of the potato and shrimp! My tongue is finally saved! The plating is very pleasant too!¡± Food Association chairman David commented. And the other judges shared his opinion, and pointed out that the only flaw was that the layers of flavours weren¡¯t rich enough. This was a competition, the common potato pancake tower should have its uniqueness. Goto got 7.8 points, this was the highest score that any of the contestants had gotten so far. And the next person, was Lin Ke Song. Her palms were drenched with perspiration, her heart beating very quickly, her blood shooting through the blood vessels so quickly it felt like they were going to burst. At this time, the screen showed that Winston had already cut a piece out and put it in his mouth. His brows lifted slightly, like he was organizing his thoughts, that expression was like the first time she¡¯s made the ¡°Devil¡¯s soup¡±. Finished, finished, did she make a mistake? ¡°Really a rarity. I don¡¯t know which contestant made this pancake tower, but before the potatoes were battered and fried, they put it in the oven to bake, then brushed a thin layer of butter to lock in the fragrance of the potatoes. The shrimp too was delicately marinated. Different from the previous contestants and added sill to the shrimp, with just the right amount of dill. I always think that one shouldn¡¯t anyhow use a spice that one isn¡¯t familiar with, because if you use the wrong amount, it can be worse than using the wrong ingredient! So I¡¯m willing to give this pancake tower an 8.5 points.¡± Lin KE Song widened her eyes, that was Winston ah! he was a central figure among the judges, even though the score he gave now was unable to influence the other judges¡¯ opinions, his standard of a good and bad dish can¡¯t be too off from the others. Next, the screen showed Food Association chairman David. He tightened a hand around his fat neck, and tilted his head like he was distinguishing the flavours within: ¡°En! The flavour is stunning! I tasted some saffron, thyme and a little pepper and clove! The effect of lifting the taste is very obvious! Wait, there is the tomalley in the batter! This contestant is very smart, and has locked the most exquisite part of the Shrimp firmly in! a full flavour! This is the delicious flavour that we food judges want to taste! But I hope that this contestant can take note of the plating, you must know, that the plating can let the taster feel good, and whet their appetites! So I¡¯ll give 8 points.¡± Lin Ke Song released a breath out. And the food critic Luke was full of praises to Lin Ke Song¡¯s creation: ¡°the seasoning is just right, can totally use the word ¡®accurate¡¯ to describe it. The only thing to take note of and change, is the thickness of the batter, if it could be a little thinner, it will make the pancake tower crispier. I hope that this contestant can improve more, I¡¯m willing to give them 7.5 points.¡± Even though Luke didn¡¯t give a score as high as the other judges, he gave a suggestion, and this let Lin Ke Song realise that her batter was indeed a little too thick. After the other judges gave their scores, Lin Ke Song got 8.2 points, and jumped to the top of the ranks. The other contestants looked towards the girl that looked ordinary without anything outstanding. And Viktor turned around, and blinked his eyes at Lin Ke Song, one of the corners of his lip lifted, he was full of confidence. Lin Ke Song finally understood, this chap not only almost made it impossible for her to use dill, the most important thing was that he led the other contestants who weren¡¯t even planning to use dill in the first place incorporate it in their dish and spoil their original process. This rascal may be young, but he wasn¡¯t easy. The last person to get scored, was Viktor. When his pancake tower was shown on screen, the audience let out a gasped. His plating was beautiful, the original common family dish had become a piece of art from a high-class restaurant. Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t know when he had time to make 12 caramel nests. The pancake tower was placed on top of the nests, the crevices of the nest dotted with tender mint leaves. Just looking at it, Lin Ke Song would¡¯ve wonder which great chef designed and plated it. When Winston tasted it, his eyes lighted up: ¡°the potatoes were baked just right, soft on the inside, crispy on the outside! The shrimp maintained its bounciness! The curry and turmeric bring about an impact, the quick cheese flavour quickly returns the balanced of the stimulated taste buds, and makes the texture smooth! This is a creation that deserves 9 points!¡± Judge David too was totally conquered: ¡°the basil and coconut powder that was sprinkled at the roof of the tower is really the finishing touch. I never thought that such a simple pancake tower could have such a rich flavour. And these flavours aren¡¯t unthinking accumulation, but a fusion!¡± ¡°I wish to say that this is the most perfect potato pancake tower that I have ever eaten. But there is no such thing as perfect in this world. If pepper powder was added, not a lot, just a little, it would give more of a kick, and I think it will be more perfect.¡± When Lin Ke Song looked at Viktor¡¯s plating, she knew that he would inevitably have great confidence in this dish. Only a certain level of confidence and practice will one be able to do such a complicated plating in this kind of tense competition. It was a pity, that she didn¡¯t have a chance to taste Viktor¡¯s pancake tower. But just listening to the Judges¡¯ comments, she was able to imagine how outstanding Viktor¡¯s pancake tower is. When Viktor placed first in the ranks with 9 points, many food journalists on set couldn¡¯t wait to get a picture of him. Viktor had already become the centre of ¡°Master¡¯s show¡±. At this time, Li Ke Song could finally look in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s direction. She wondered if her not winning Viktor would make him feel a little disappointed? His expression didn¡¯t have any change, quietly sitting in the audience, like he had no intention to leave the scene. Lin Ke song suddenly had a strong urge to hear his speaking voice. No matter if it were a short word. The competition rankings were once again announced, Lin KE Song was still in second place. If this were her 3 months ago, she would be very satisfied and even feel fortunate. But now, don¡¯t know why, but she actually had a feeling of complete dissatisfaction. Goto Nozomi was third, and the fourth place was Shansha. ¡°The next competition will be more arduous, the contestant¡¯s real standard will be tested. The competition will be this Friday, everyone, don¡¯t be late ah!¡± Annalise¡¯s gaze brushed each participant¡¯s face, ¡°no matter if you¡¯re satisfied with the results today, they all belong to the past. Moderate your emotion, and face a new challenge ba!¡± When Lin Ke Song left the competition venue, she hurried to the washroom. A hand on the basin, splashing cold water on her face repeatedly, her nervous emotions can be considered back to normal. Her phone in her pocket started vibrating. When she saw the name ¡°Jiang Qian Fan¡±, her nerves jumped to the highest. Uneasy yet anticipating. CH 51 Word count: 3533 Branded Kiss Lin Ke Song connected the phone and answered in her heartiest voice, ¡°Thank you for coming and watching the competition!¡± ¡°You say ¡®thank you¡¯, but that may not be necessary. Mayer told me that before I came, you were very calm. However, after I arrived, you were very nervous.¡± His voice was cold, yet it didn¡¯t sound heartless. Instead, it seemed to be a force that stabled others. Lin Ke Song wanted to fall sleep listening to his voice and never wake up. ¡°If I make you feel pressured, then I¡¯ll¡­¡± ¡°I want you to come! If you look at me, I will¡­I will be more calm!¡± This was the first time Lin Ke Song had ever interrupted Jiang Qian Fan. She knew that if he looked at her, then she would not feel helpless or confused. No matter what happened, as long as Jiang Qian Fan was at a place where she could see him, then she would know what she should do in the end. ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for you on the Yue Jiang floor.¡± Then, the phone disconnected. His voice was very light, but his words ¡®waiting for you¡¯ was like a curse which lingered in her ear, climbing into her thoughts. Lin Ke Song ran out into the corridor. ¡°Hey, Ke Song! Where are you going?¡± Her Uncle shouted out at her receding back. ¡°I¡¯m going to go and eat with my friend!¡± ¡°Oh, this kid!¡± As Lin Ke Song arrived at the front door of Leidewensen hotel, she saw the black car waiting for her. Once again returning to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa, Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t know how to describe her feelings. Mayer stood at the door and smiled at her, ¡°Welcome back little bun.¡± As if it was her home. He brought her to the terrace of the balcony, where the cutlery had already been placed on a table. A newly picked climbing rose was placed in a simple yet elegant glass vase, swaying gently. Jiang Qian Fan leaned on the balcony, a wine cup of red wine in his hands. When Lin Ke Song walked out into the sun, Jiang Qian Fan fluidly placed the wine cup behind him. He took a step forward and reached out in the air, trying to find Lin Ke Song¡¯s location. His face looked towards her and he walked closer, step by step, until he nearly touched her brow. Holding her breath, she even forgot to turn her head to the side. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s hand gently covered her face. His palm was very warm and she subconsciously leaned into it. ¡°What do you want to eat today?¡± ¡°Can I choose anything?¡± ¡°Anything.¡± ¡°Then I want to eat your potato pancake tower.¡± ¡°Why the potato pancake tower?¡± ¡°Because in today¡¯s competition, Viktor¡¯s potato pancake tower won the praise of the judges yet I couldn¡¯t taste his work. But if it is you, I know that you will make one even more delicious than Viktor¡¯s. I can learn from you where exactly I am lacking.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Jiang Qian Fan walked past her side. That ¡®alright¡¯, was just like as if he was pampering her. No matter what she wanted, he would do it for her. Lin Ke Song sat at the table, the sun causing the shadows of her fingers to appear on the table. She is just like a child, playing with her own shadow, yet her heart could not help but anticipate it. What would Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s potato pancake tower taste like? Lin Ke Song desperately imagined, but could not imagine it. She could only be sure, that is his pancake tower must be unforgettably delicious. Unknowingly, within the air came a breeze of fragrance belonging to the potatoes, causing people to unconsciously swallow saliva. As she turned around, Lin Ke Song saw Mayer standing there, carrying her plate courteously in front of her before placing it down without a sound. It did not reflect the complex decoration of Viktor¡¯s work, as it lied lazily in the middle of the plate, covered by small pieces of tomatoes. It looked quite ordinary, yet exuded a seductive scent. Jiang Qian Fan sat down across from her, his hands folded underneath his chin, ¡°Taste it.¡± His voice is very light, stroking her nerves. Even without eating the pancake tower, she had a wonderful feeling. The shell of the potato pancake tower is more golden than what she saw in the competition, and when the knife touched it, a crisp feeling like ice could be felt. As Lin Ke Song tried it, she understood that Jiang Qian Fan had added egg into the batter, only after frying could the batter be so crisp. The potatoes were baked, and the inner layers were soft while the outer layers crisp, causing a rich but not messy taste to form. Lin Ke Song guessed that Jiang Qian Fan not only baked the potato pieces, but also wrapped the potatoes in tin foil and added spices. She tasted the scent of garlic, fresh cream, sage and nutmeg. The salt and pepper were also just right. With this baking method, the taste will lock firmly so that the potatoes fully absorb the fragrance of the spices. As for the shrimps in the cracks of the potatoes, Lin Ke Song tried to deconstruct the way Jiang Qian Fan dealt with it. He had marinated them with white wine, basil, turmeric and rosemary, then used the smoked salmon to bake the shrimp until half cooked. Next he mixed it with the potatoes into the flour paste, and finally blew them into the potato pancake tower. All this about the strength of the fire and the timing were very clever. If the shrimp was roasted and overcooked, then the fried potatoes will grow old and cause a loss of taste. If the baking time was not enough, then the pan with the fried shrimp would have been cooked, but the potato tower was likely to be raw. The most inconceivable of the overall taste was the potato and shrimp flavor, as well as crisp shell. Al of this did not use many spices, but because of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s mastery for every degree of detail, it turned this little tips into something very stunning. ¡°Do you like it?¡± He asked. ¡°Of course I like it!¡± Lin Ke Song loudly answered. The Jiang Qian Fan in front of her smiled, sunlight playing across the lines on his face and his eyes slowly lifted the moment, as if setting off a silent tide. ¡°I also made you vanilla ice cream. When you finish the pancake tower, I¡¯ll give it to you.¡± ¡°En!¡± Lin Ke Song suddenly felt that even the world¡¯s most enviable things were only so-so. ¡°Is one potato pancake tower enough for you to eat? Every time you have finished your dinner, you have to eat snacks in your room or find something in the kitchen.¡± ¡°How did you know?¡± She knew that going to the kitchen to find something to eat was seen by Jiang Qian Fan, but how did he know she ate snacks in her room? ¡°When Nina cleans your room, she says there are biscuit crumbs on your blanket,¡± Jiang Qian fan answered lightly. Lin Ke Song was shocked, how come Nina even told these things to Jiang Qian Fan! ¡°After¡­I will not sit on the bed to eat.¡± Lin Ke Song mumbled. ¡°Do not easily promise such things.¡± Once again, she was stabbed. It seemed that in this life, some of her bad habits could not be changed. Only Jiang Qian Fan understood her even more than what she would have thought. Lin Ke Song raised her eyes and quickly glanced over Jiang Qian Fan. He is a very self-disciplined person and almost had no bad habits. So why was his tolerance for her bad habits more than she thought? Like now, there is not coldness between his brows and even his lips seemed to be curved up in a smile. It was as if no matter what kind of problems Lin Ke Song had, he still viewed them as very ¡®cute¡¯. She was finished. This could no longer be continued. Lin Ke Song wanted to shoot the back of her head to stop the infinite expansion of the hole in her brain. Sitting on the opposite of her, Jiang Qian Fan got up. Lin Ke Song¡¯s line of sight followed him, and Jiang Qian Fan slightly tilted down, close to her, ¡°wait for me.¡± Two minutes later, he carried the icecream and came to stand in front of her. The dessert is not overly decorated, with a little white ball lying obediently on the egg pudding. At first glance, it is like a dessert from a regular fast food store. Although simple to the point there was not much that could be described, save for the little bit of jam and seasonings used, Lin Ke Song could clearly taste the pure vanilla fragrance of the ice cream. ¡°You aren¡¯t going to eat anything?¡± Lin Ke Song faced across her, and only now realised that Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s eyes were slightly closed, as if he was using his heart to listen to Lin Ke Song¡¯s voice as she ate. ¡°Can I order?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked indifferently. ¡°Of course you can! However, I¡¯m worried that you will only take a bite and then refuse to have anymore.¡± ¡°Tomatoes and scrambled eggs.¡± Jiang Qian Fan said. Lin Ke Song was slightly stunned, ¡°Tomatoes and scrambles eggs?¡± ¡°It was because of this dish that you first participated in the competition, and it is also the first dish yo made for me. Since everything started from the tomatoes and scrambled eggs, then I want to know what they taste like now.¡± ¡°Okay! It will definitely taste better than the first time.¡± Lin Ke Song cheerfully left the table and walked towards the very familiar kitchen. For tomatoes and scrambled eggs, there is no complicated process, nor is it rich in ingredients. It¡¯s deliciousness depended entirely on Lin Ke Song¡¯s control over the heat. The first time she came her to make this dish, she stumbled. And now, she feels that she has some rhythm from her brain to her fingers that let her feel more at ease. When the tomatoes and scrambled eggs were done, she bowed her head to sniff at it, before revealing a touch of a smile. While carrying the plate back to the terrace, Jiang Qian Fan was still sitting there, his cane in hand. ¡°You waited for a long time!¡± Lin Ke Song put the plate in front of him, along with a bowl of hot rice. ¡°Your voice sounds very happy.¡± Lin Ke Song smiled. Because to make something for you to eat, has always been a happy thing. ¡°I should make out a strict front and eat it seriously.¡± You are already very serious, you don¡¯t need to be more serious. ¡°Then you will show an expression of anxiety and then I can say, Ke Song, you are not being confident again.¡¯ At that moment, it was as if tens of millions of climbing roses in her heart and blood frantically bloomed, to this piece of heaven and earth completely broken open. He said before, that is she was not confident, then he would kiss her. ¡°It will be delicious, I have tasted.¡± Lin Ke Song was very confident. Jiang Qian Fan poured the tomato soup on the rice, and added a spoonful into his mouth. ¡°Delicious?¡± Lin Ke Song asked. ¡°En, it¡¯s delicious.¡± ¡°Then you can you remember, you said that if I make something that you feel is delicious, then you would promise me a condition.¡± Lin Ke Song said happily. ¡°Speak.¡± Jiang Qian Fan gently leaned the spoon against the edge of the bow and unhurriedly wiped his mouth, his every gesture conserved. ¡°Mr Jiang¡¯s promises are very valuable, so of course I can¡¯t wish randomly. My wish must be used for something important!¡± ¡°Then, before that, can you do one thing for me?¡± Jiang Qian Fan said. ¡°What is it?¡± Lin Ke Song was curious, was there anything she could do for him? ¡°I would really like to ride a bicycle.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes widened, this made her suddenly recall the memory of her riding a bicycle and taking him along the streets to enjoy the snacks. ¡°I can take you around this area for a ride, but you probably don¡¯t have a bicycle¡­¡± ¡°I do. Let¡¯s go.¡± Jiang Qian Fan got up and reached out in the direction of Lin Ke Song, who thought that he was going to take her shoulders. She had just touched his hand when he in turn, clasped her fingers. His fingers were very long, and afterwards he held her hand in a relaxed grip. They arrived at the front of the villa, where Nina had already pushed a bike. ¡°Oh? Is this not¡­.¡± ¡°This is the bicycle.¡± Jiang Qian Fan answered lightly, ¡°Come on.¡± Lin Ke Song has a reminder of the feeling, and she is suddenly curious about how Jiang Qian Fan felt about their meeting in his heart. He made a vanilla ice cream filled with sugar-coated haws and he kept the bicycle that they had both used together. It was as if all the memories which Lin Ke Song had almost forgotten, he remembered very clearly. He sat on the back of the bicycle, and feeling that weight, she was filled with an inexplicable sense of accomplishment. ¡°Mr Jiang, am I the first person to use your bicycle?¡± ¡°You are the only one.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice came from behind, clear and sure. For Jiang Qian Fan, the existence of ¡°only¡± was more absolute than ¡°first¡±. Lin Ke Song¡¯s lips pulled a smile and the wheels spun as they left the villa. Through the climbing rose iron gate, Lin Ke Song¡¯s nose detected the fragrant but not rich smell. ¡°Mr. Jiang, the climbing roses of your villa is the most beautiful among all the villas in this community.¡± ¡°What kind of beautiful?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked. How can this be described? Beauty was a feeling¡­ ¡°When you were a child, have you seem the fairy tale ¡®The Beauty and the Beast? The climbing roses in your yard are just like as if they have been painted from the fairy tale, the roses from the beast¡¯s castle!¡± ¡°When I was young, I went to her friend¡¯s house with my mother, and someone took me as a girl and showed me.¡± ¡°What? You were treated as a girl?¡± Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t help but turn back, but couldn¡¯t see Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s face. Jiang Qian Fan no longer spoke, but the smile on Lin Ke Song¡¯s lips became bigger and bigger. Without focusing on the cold indifference Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s face, his facial features were elegant. He must have been very beautiful when he was a child, being mistaken for a girl was not surprising. Ah, she really want to see his childhood photos! ¡°You are laughing.¡± ¡°Ah, yes¡­because you and I were the opposite as children since I was always thought of as a boy. At New Year, the neighbour¡¯s children would buy a lot of firecrackers, and since there was a ditch outside the district, I would throw the firecrackers into the ditch and tell the child next to me to quickly look. Then when the firecrackers exploded, their faces would be splashed with water. Hahaha!¡± Jiang Qian Fan did not say anything, but Lin Ke Song knew he was listening. The landscape of this community was beautiful. Lin Ke Song has been in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s neighbourhood, and did not even know there was a community park. The water was quiet as a breeze blew, and a few birds glided down, falling onto the edge of the grass near the water. Jiang Qian Fan did not know when his hands came to be wrapped around Lin Ke Song¡¯s waist, not loose or tight, and did not feel bound, but only a feeling of closeness. As if no matter where she went, she was inseparable from the embrace of Jiang Qian Fan. All of her feelings become acute, and even when he breathed, the breath passing through her back ridge became clear. Then she felt something leaning lightly on her back. Warm and soft, even the farthest distance in this world was shortened in an instant. Lin Ke Song¡¯s blood in that moment enthusiastically stopped, and she lost balance, the bicycle falling down. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s legs were long so it was easy to tiptoe on the ground, but for Lin Ke Song, the bicycle fell into the side of a bush. ¡°Oh ¨C my mother!¡± Her chin was knocked, but fortunately did not bite the tongue. And Jiang Qian Fan is not far away from the place, slightly turning his head from side to side, trying to determine the direction of Lin Ke Song. ¡°How are you doing?¡± ¡°If you do not¡­¡± If you do not suddenly kiss my back, then nothing would have happened! ¡°If I do not, what?¡± Jiang Qian Fan slowly came down to Lin Ke Song¡¯s die, and squatted down. Lin Ke Song was not so foolish that she would say it out loud. She knew that Jiang Qian fan was waiting for her to ask ¡®did you kiss me¡¯ and then he would answer seriously with a ¡®yes, ah.¡¯ It was too shameless. Lin Ke Song did not speak, only picked up the bicycle back to the road and patted the seat, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± She rode the bicycle back to the villa, and would then be sent to the restaurant. Alone, Jiang Qian Fan walked in the courtyard. He reached out and touched the flowers on the fence. Mayer stood beside him and smiled, ¡°Sir, this year¡¯s climbing roses are especially beautiful.¡± ¡°Mayer, have you read the fairy tale ¡®Beauty and the Beast¡¯?¡± ¡°My daughter once liked it.¡± ¡°Sadly¡­I can no longer remember the picture books I once read.¡± Jiang Qian Fan glanced up slightly, his fingers touching a budding rose. Mayer couldn¡¯t read the emotions in his eyes. Then his cell phone rang. ¡°Hello, this is Jiang Qian Fan.¡± ¡°Mr Jiang, I was told that today you went to the competition?¡± Iris¡¯ voice sounded out. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°No other mentor visited, were you so worried about Lin Ke song that you had to go? Currently, you do not even know if Lin Ke Song will enter the top three, if other people find out that you are her mentor, the consequences will be disastrous!¡± ¡°Is your mother upset?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Iris¡¯ voice said. ¡°Viktor is your mother¡¯s student. He started learning from your mother at the age of six, and his level is completely at the level of a professional. Although he has no chef license, nor work in the kitchen of restaurants, how can it be possible for him to make food that the judges find difficult to eat?¡± ¡°Are you saying that Viktor is not qualified, or are you finally worried that Lin Ke song may lose?¡± ¡°Whether Ke Song wins or loses in the end is not important, the reason I went to the competition is to let some ill-intentioned people know that they should not use such tricks again.¡± ¡°Jiang Qian Fan! Are you saying that in order to win the competition, my mother used Viktor to cause harm to Lin Ke Song?¡± Iris asked with a trace of coldness. ¡°Since Viktor is your mother¡¯s student, please keep him well. If you really have confidence in your ability, then you should not need to use other means at all.¡± ¡°Jiang Qian Fan¡­you¡­¡± ¡°Do you need me to say it more clearly? Then tell Viktor that I know exactly what he did in the storeroom during the competition.¡± After two seconds of pause, Iris said, ¡°I will personally find Viktor to discuss with him. But I¡¯m still going to say this again, she is only your student of three months, the effort you spend on her is way more than what is needed.¡± The call disconnected. Mayer sighed, ¡°Iris is angry again, right?¡± ¡°Are you worried?¡± ¡°I am worried that the Quentin Group will one day be against us.¡± ¡°Every industry is a battlefield, there are no friends forever, and the opponent will not disappear.¡± That night, when the water flowed over her head and warmly stroked her back, Lin Ke Song seems to still feel the kiss Jiang Qian Fan gave on her skin. Like a branded mark. Lin Ke Song knew that it was not only a kiss, but Jiang Qian Fan silently telling her that he would always be behind her. When she finished showering, she did not expect to receive a message from Song Yi Ran: Tomorrow night at five o¡¯clock, Audrey Hotel invited you to come and eat dinner. Lin Ke Song suddenly realises that tomorrow is Song Yi Ran¡¯s birthday! She had long thrown those thoughts to the back of her mind. CH 52 Word count: 3931 Birthday Banquet According to Song Yi Ran¡¯s character, he should have invited a pack of rogues to some entertainment place and play wildly until the next day. So wasn¡¯t this Audrey Hotel too formal? Lin Ke Song made a phone call to confirm, however, the call was ignored. Lin Ke Song was immediately angry, just because it was his birthday didn¡¯t mean he could pull something like this and just ignore her call! A short while later, she received a text from Song Yi Ran: I was together with my elder brother. What¡¯s wrong, you can¡¯t come anymore? This guy, it was 80% likely that he had been listening to his elder brother¡¯s sincere instructions. Fine, in order to express heartfelt sympathy, she wouldn¡¯t bicker about the matter of the ignored phone call. Lin Ke Song replied: Okay. Got it. Song Yi Ran: If you arrive and can¡¯t find the place, just give me a call. Lin Ke Song: Received. Ah, Song Yi Ran¡¯s birthday¡­he never had any shortages of gifts. But the parties held by his friends, Lin Ke Song hardly participated in. The reason was, when his group of hedonistic sons of rich parents gathered together, Lin Ke Song and their painting styles were very distant to each other. Only Song Yi Ran seemed to change a lot after arriving in New York. This time he invited her to his birthday party, it was perhaps because Song Yi Ran¡¯s friends are no longer the ones from before. At previous birthdays, Song Yi ran would always invite Lin Ke Song out to eat in advance. Sometimes they would barbecue, and other times hot pot- it was almost as if the birthday was an excuse to ask her to eat her favourite things. This guy would also shamelessly ask her for a birthday present each time. She remembered that the first time her invited her to eat seafood, as soon as they sat down he stretched out a hand towards Lin Ke Song and asked, ¡°Ah, it¡¯s my birthday. Where is my present?¡± At that time, Lin Ke Song had thought Song Yi Ran was just joking with her. And then that guy had really searched Lin Ke Song¡¯s pocket a dozen times and even dumped her backpack across the entire table. His manner was just like a child who had not been given candy, and he had said sorrowfully, ¡°No way, I thought you would have prepared something for me!¡± At that time, Lin Ke Song was merely a junior high student, and she had little pocket money. Yet Song Yi Ran¡¯s living standards were already like that of nobility. She simply couldn¡¯t give any present that was up to par to his living standards. In the end, Song Yi Ran lifted Lin Ke Song¡¯s sleeve, and removed her red beads bracelet which she had taken form the temple. To this day, Song Yi ran still wore the red beads bracelet on his wrist. He had replaced watches many times, only the bracelet did not change. Last year, this guy went to Hong Kong to burn his money and bought a retro-style Chopard watch. The reason was, because the watch and the red beads bracelet were very compatible. Lin Ke Song really wanted to hit his head. Just where was it compatible? Later, at Song Yi Ran¡¯s birthdays, Lin Ke Song remained stingy, free-loading from him. Song Yi Ran could always find a few things hidden on her body. For example, the keychain of Astro Boy and a frog wallet used for storing money. Even though they were things he didn¡¯t even need, he would still find them and take them away. This time, Lin Ke Song decided to bake him a birthday cake. Her uncle¡¯s kitchen had all the cooking utensils, including an oven. Lin Ke Song bought her own fresh milk and made her own cream. The second day, she spent an entire morning¡¯s time and finally finished her champagne and liquor cake with sugar frosting. Looking at her own completed product, Lin Ke song was very satisfied. After checking the address of the hotel online, she carried the cake to the top floor of the hotel. As soon as the elevator doors opened, Lin Ke Song felt as if something was not right. All the people her were upper class figures wearing formal attires suitable for a banquet, so the T-shirt and jeans clad Lin Ke Song felt very inharmonious with the atmosphere. Did she come to the wrong place? Even the waiters who stood in front of the banquet floor stopped her and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss. It will be fine for couriers to just send things to the side lounge.¡± Did she look like a courier? Was she wearing a courier company¡¯s hat or a courier company¡¯s uniform? Ah, not happy! Not happy! Lin Ke Song pulled out her phone and made a call to Song Yi Ran. ¡°Hey, I¡¯ve arrived at the top of Audrey Hotel¡­but why does it seem like a banquet?¡± If it was a banquet, you should¡¯ve told me. Then I wouldn¡¯t have come! ¡°You¡¯re at the Audrey Hotel?¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s voice sounded very surprised. ¡°Yeah, didn¡¯t you send a test message inviting me to come?¡± It was just at this moment that a young woman wearing a champagne-coloured long dress walked out. Showing a sweet smile to Lin Ke Song, a familiar yet strange voice spoke out, ¡°Long time no see, Ke Song.¡± The other wore a smile appropriate for the occasion, and had an elegant hairstyle. Lin Ke Song stared for half a day before realising: ¡°Chu Ting?¡± It was Song Yi Ran¡¯s last girlfriend form before he came to New York! Why was she here? ¡°Ah, yes. It¡¯s been a long time. Today is Song Yi Ran¡¯s birthday, his eldest brother Mr Song Yi Fan also came. Actually, compared to your surprised expression, I am even more surprised. I didn¡¯t think that both you and Song Yi ran would come to New York together! Your friendship is really deep.¡± Compared to the delicate older sister she was half a year ago, Chu Ting appeared to be even more magnanimous now. If it was before, she would definitely complain disgustingly, accusing that Lin Ke Song and Song Yi Ran coming to New York together was ¡°conspiring errantly¡± or even ¡°harbouring unfathomable motives¡± and so on. Now, she has learned to hide her emotions and use a more metaphorical way of expressing her ridicule of Lin Ke Song. ¡°Do not use the word ¡®follow¡¯, my uncle¡¯s restaurant in New York.¡± ¡°Oh, so you are here to help out with your uncle¡¯s restaurant and Song Yi Ran is here to study. Even if it is foreign lands and places, the two of you can still be together. It must really be fate.¡± Chu Ting glances at the cake in Lin Ke Song¡¯s hands then took it with a smile, handing it over to a waiter by the side, ¡°I didn¡¯t think you would even bring a cake. But there may be no way to blow the candles and cut the cake here, since there are too many guests and your cake is too small.¡± Looking through the open door of the banquet hall, a massive birthday cake can be seen, as well as many laughing guests holding wine glasses. ¡°So it¡¯s like this. Then I¡¯ll go back, he didn¡¯t clearly tell me about the occasion for tonight¡¯s banquet.¡± Lin Ke Song turned to leave. At this moment, a figure dressed in a suit and bow tie hurried out. ¡°Ke Song!¡± Lin Ke Song paused and turned to look at Song Yi ran. His expression was very shocked, as if he didn¡¯t even think she would come. ¡°I was planning to come and eat at your uncle¡¯s restaurant tomorrow after your competition¡¯s finished¡­how did you know I would be here?¡± Lin Ke Song suddenly guessed that the person she had been texting last night, may not have been Song Yi Ran at all. He knows what kind of occasions she does not like, and never forced her into is world. He wouldn¡¯t have not old her that this was going to be banquet. He made a lot of jokes about her, but he never did anything to embarrass her. There have also been many guests in the banquet hall casting Song Yi ran and Lin Ke Song with strange and inquiring glances. Chu Ting walked forward, tugging at Song Yi ran¡¯s hand and smiled, ¡°Ke Song has already come, isn¡¯t she your good friend? Aren¡¯t you going to invite her inside to eat?¡± Song Yi Ran politely pulled away from Chu Ting and glanced at the cake held by the waiter, ¡°Is this what you are giving me?¡± ¡°Never mind, I¡¯ll take it back and cut it tomorrow night.¡± Lin Ke Song wasn¡¯t angry. How this misunderstanding came about, she could discuss with Song Yi Ran later and slowly figure it out, there was no need to make a scene here. She was about to take the cake back from the waiter¡¯s hand, but Song Yi Ran personally took the cake back. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡± Song Yi ran grasped Lin Ke Song¡¯s hand and led her towards the opposite direction, away from the banquet hall. His expression was solemn, and even held a touch of anger. He clutched Lin Ke Song¡¯s wrist to the point she felt pain, ¡°Song Yi Ran, be lighter¡­it hurts!¡± Lin Ke song glanced up, she didn¡¯t understand why Song Yi ran was suddenly angry. Today he appears mature and steady, and even cold and sharp. Hearing her shout in pain, Song Yi Ran¡¯s grip lessened slightly, but still held her tightly. Chu Ting followed after him in two or three steps, attempting to discourage him, ¡°It is a matter of fact that today is your birthday party and all the guests her are very important people for the Song family to open up new businesses in New York. Therefore¡­¡± Song Yi Ran paused, raising an eyebrow as his lips curved into a sneer, ¡°You¡¯re really getting better and better Chu Ting. The you before never even knew how to use the Song family as an excuse.¡± Just then, a burst of implied anger came from the front of the banquet hall. ¡°What¡¯s happening here?¡± It was a middle-aged man dressed in a suit that seemed a bit old-fashioned. He wore a pair of fine gold-rimmed glasses, but they did not succeed in making him look more cultured, but rather gave him an appearance of a nouveau riche¡­ His outline seemed somewhat similar to Song Yi ran, but his facial expression were far less refined. If Lin Ke Song did not guess wrong, then he was Song Yi Ran¡¯s eldest brother, Song Yi Fan. ¡°Oh, eldest brother.¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s eyes filled with a bit of ridicule, his shoulders raising slightly, seemingly in a rude and lazy manner. ¡°I won¡¯t play with you, you can continue performing your own personal show here. There¡¯s so many people here, so there won¡¯t be any shortage of my supporting role.¡± ¡°What are you trying to stir up? Today is very important¡­¡± ¡°Brother Song, Song Yi Ran¡¯s friend Lin Ke Song jie came. But it seems Miss Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t know that tonight was a banquet, so did not wear any suitable clothing. Yi Ran had only wanted to accompany Miss Lin to find a pair of suitable clothing, that¡¯s all. They¡¯ll be back soon, right?¡± Chu Ting ¡°kindly¡± explained for the sake of Song Yi Ran. But Lin Ke Song was completely shocked. This girl was really Chu Ting? A few months ago, while Chu Ting was arrogant, she was still quite simple, so what was the saying for this change? While many men would appreciate her ¡°generosity¡± and ¡°ability to respond at the scene¡±, Song Yi Ran regrettably was not one of them. He slowly walked to Chu Ting¡¯s side, then spoke near her ear at a level only the two of them could hear, ¡°Your acting is quite good. How about I order an Oscar to give to you tomorrow?¡± When Song Yi Ran intentionally took a step back, Chu Ting¡¯s eyes reddened. Song Yi Fan glanced at Chu Ting, and raised his eyebrow. Then he stood in front of Lin Ke Song and said in a polite but unable to be rejected manner, ¡°Miss Lin, today is Yi Ran¡¯s birthday. The guests present are very important to the development of the Song family in New York. I thank you for your careful concern of Yi Ran. Wait until today¡¯s banquet has finished, then I will allow Yi Ran to invite you out for a good meal.¡± The underlying message was clear: This is not a place where you should be, quickly leave. Lin Ke Song did not explain or even express any politeness or respect to him, because she knew Song Yi Fan despised her. ¡°Good bye.¡± Lin Ke Song tried to pick up the cake from the hands of Song Yi Ran, but Song Yi Ran did not let go. ¡°You keep it to eat, I¡¯m not angry with you.¡± Lin Ke Song simply did not want the cake anymore, and went straight towards the elevator. Just as she stepped into the elevator and the door was about to close, Song Yi Ran deliberately reached out and grabbed the elevator door. The voice of Song Yi Fan travelled through the air and sounded out, ¡°Song Yi Ran, what are you trying to do?¡± It was at this time that a cold voice broke apart the tension and poured into Lin Ke Song¡¯s ears. ¡°What happened?¡± All the people turned around, only to see a slander figure standing with a cane by the door. ¡°Mr Jiang, how did you come?¡± The Song Yi Fan who had just been frowning now showed a very natural and kind smile. ¡°My younger brother¡¯s friend just came to send him a present, but nothing has happened. We¡¯ll go back soon.¡± Lin Ke Song was stunned. Standing straight with an aristocratic temperament, stern expression and deep facial features- if this wasn¡¯t Jiang Qian Fan, then who else could it be? Was he also a guest of Song Yi Ran¡¯s surprise birthday banquet? This was completely beyond the expectations of Lin Ke Song. No, this was actually reasonable. Lin Ke Song has long heard of Song Yi ran¡¯s remarks mentioning that the Song family wished to invest in hotels in New York. While the Jiang family was the leader of the Chinese catering industry, the Song family wishing to maintain a cooperative relationship with the Jiang family was for granted. This occasion was too embarrassing, Lin Ke Song really did not want Jiang Qian fan to know that she was here. Yet, every time that Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s cane touched the ground as he walked to the elevator door, each ¡®da¡¯ sound rang through Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart. Lin Ke Song swallowed her saliva, taking half a step back. ¡°Mr Jiang, what happened?¡± Song Yi fan spoke up. ¡°Ke Song, is that you?¡± His voice was light, as if he was worried that Lin Ke Song was going to be shocked. Song Yi Fan was stunned. In his eyes, the head of the Jiang family did not know how to get along with others. He was indifferent, as if there was nothing in the world that could impress him in general. But at the moment, though his voice is still cold, there is a subtle softness. Song Yi Ran did not intend to let them speak, and stepped into the elevator, wanting to take Lin Ke Song and leave. However, he did not expect Jiang Qian Fan to stretch out his arm and pull Lin Ke Song past the elevator door. She almost crashed into his arms, but he stabilised her at the right time. ¡°I could smell your taste.¡± ¡°My taste?¡± Lin Ke Song did not understand what taste she had on her body. Sweat? Taste of shower gel? Or left over taste from cooking? ¡°What happened?¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned his head and leaned into her, his manner as if her was almost kissing her. Although, to outsiders it seemed as if it was only because Jiang Qian Fan could not see, and he wanted to move closer to the other but did not control the distance. But Lin Ke Song knew very clearly, that he just wanted to be close to her. ¡°I¡­today is Yi Ran¡¯s birthday, I only found out after coming that it was a banquet, so I was planning to go home for a set of clothes¡­¡± She had unexpectedly borrowed Chu Ting¡¯s excuse. She knew that Jiang Qian Fan would definitely hear her lie, but she also knew that he would not expose her. ¡°Then I¡¯ll send you back.¡± Jiang Qian Fan raised Lin Ke Song¡¯s hand and placed it on her own arm, preparing to walk into the elevator. At this time, Song Yi Fan realised that the situation was not good. He quickly stepped forward in front of the elevator, incidentally fiercely staring into the indifferent face of Song Yi Ran. ¡°Mr Jiang, it turned out that you and Miss Lin seem to know each other? Miss Lin is also Yi Ran¡¯s friend. Since we¡¯re all here to celebrate Yi Ran¡¯s birthday, how about we go in and eat something.¡± Let her in? No mistake right? Even if it was an big sedan lifted by eight people, she still didn¡¯t want to go! ¡°That¡­I¡¯m not wearing appropriate clothes, I shouldn¡¯t go. Mr Jiang, I can go back by myself, you should just¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s already time for lunch, I¡¯ll accompany you to eat something.¡± Jiang Qian Fan did not have any meaning of going back to the banquet. Song Yi Fan was a bit anxious, and he kept glancing towards Song Yi Ran who was in the elevator. Yet Song Yi Ran didn¡¯t move, and even seemed to be quite frosty. In desperation, Song Yi fan directly clasped his hand on Lin Ke Song¡¯s other arm and led her towards the direction of the banquet hall. ¡°Miss Lin, since it is Yi Ran¡¯s birthday, then don¡¯t sweep aside everyone¡¯s interest. If you don¡¯t have a dress, I will invite people to send you a¡­¡± ¡°Ke Song, what kind of shoes do you wear?¡± Jiang Qian Fan suddenly spoke. ¡°Shoes¡­¡± ¡°Shoes, I will also¡­¡± Song Yi Fan had already decided that he wouldn¡¯t just let Jiang Qian Fan leave like this. If a guest who had already arrived suddenly left, it would cause the other guests to gossip about it! ¡°Ke Song, can you wear high heels?¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned his head and asked Lin Ke Song. To be honest, she did not know why Jiang Qian fan was asking her these questions, but she had a feeling of being completely trusted by each other. ¡°I¡¯ve never worn them before.¡± ¡°Ah, so it¡¯s like this. Don¡¯t wear high heels then, they¡¯re not comfortable anyway. Just wearing sports shoes, the evening dress will be too long and it will be easy to trip.¡± Song Yi Fan¡¯s eyelids trembles slightly, he was angry yet didn¡¯t dare do anything. He now completely did not understand what Jiang Qian Fan meant in the end. Give Lin Ke Song a dress, yet he felt that Lin Ke Song had no high heels. Give her high heels, yet her said she couldn¡¯t wear them. ¡°Either we just go in and eat something like this, or I send you home.¡± Jiang Qian Fan finally said his final answer. Let Lin Ke Song wear a T-shirt and jeans into a high class banquet? Song Yi Fan suspected that his own ears were not working. However, Song Yi Ran was staring at Jiang Qian Fan even more surprised. From the beginning, he did not understand what the other man was thinking, even now. He never thought of following the plot in a drama and creating a Cinderella dream for the heroine. In his heart, Lin Ke Song is not a Christmas tree and did not require any extra decoration. Just looking up and proudly appearing in front of other people is fine. To go or to stay, the decision lay in Lin Ke Song¡¯s hands. This what the power which he gave to her, even more than what was given to Cinderella. If Lin Ke Song was willing to go in, then Jiang Qian Fan would stay. If Lin Ke Song was willing to go, then Jiang Qian Fan will also leave. Song Yi Fan covered his own eyes, his head hurting. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s request was simply too headstrong! But he indeed did have a wilful capital. Song Yi Fan could only soften his voice, speaking in a manner far more polite than previously to Lin Ke Song, ¡°Miss Lin, let¡¯s go in together. Yi Ran also wishes that you stay.¡± It seemed that if she didn¡¯t go in, then she, Lin Ke Song, would have swept away everyone¡¯s refined and elegant attitude of mind and destroyed it. Everything would be a very serious crime, in general. Lin Ke Song opened her mouth, and could only say, ¡°En¡­alright¡­¡± Song Yi Fan sighed in relief. Lin Ke Song could only tug Jiang Qian Fan and enter the banquet with him. The entire hall was immersed with soothing music. Elegant ladies wearing long dresses holding wine glasses were laughing together, when they coincidentally saw Lin Ke Song entering on Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s arm and revealed a surprised expression. The Lin Ke Song at the moment only wished to find a scarf and wrap her entire face with it, save for her eyes. When she tried to withdraw her hand from Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s arm, he held her hand directly, ¡°Ke Song, the people here, do you think you will meet them for a second time?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked. ¡°Probably not.¡± ¡°Then why do you care about what they think? Adding together all the people present here, are they more important to you than me?¡± ¡°Of course not¡­¡± After speaking, Lin Ke Song suddenly felt that this question was a bit odd? ¡°Since I am the most important person here to you, why do you care about what other people think if I don¡¯t even care?¡± In Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart, Jiang Qian Fan was absolutely concerned regarding etiquette and conservation, and his own clothes were always very methodical. But this time, her behaved in such a ¡®continue with one¡¯s own way¡¯ manner. ¡°Every woman here, in order to make her look flawless, would have begun preparations a few days ago. What kind of hairstyles, what kind of dresses to wear, what kind of jewellery to wear, and even what kind of perfume to use. But they do not know, that in the eyes of others, it is just like fleeting moment. No one will remember how they dressed up tomorrow.¡± ¡°But tomorrow someone would definitely remember what I am wearing.¡± Nonetheless, Lin Ke Song¡¯s mood suddenly got better. Other people¡¯s gazes no longer made her feel embarrassed. They could only look at her, curiosity in the eyes more evident than accusations. They all wanted to know what charm that this seemingly ordinary girl had in the end, to make Jiang Qian Fan to disregard the stares of everyone and bring her around, leisurely strolling. CH 53 Word count: 3717 Phone Booth Kiss ¡°They will only say that you are very independent, and there¡¯ll probably be some people who will admire you secretly. After all, among all the women here, you are the only one who has the courage to show what you really look like.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was light and calm. Let her think that they were not a dinner banquet right now, but walking in a garden full of fragrant roses instead. Lin Ke Song laughed. She suddenly didn¡¯t feel as restrained and in a relaxed mood, took the waiter¡¯s champagne. At this time, Song Yi Ran had come to face Jiang Qian Fan and Jiang Qian Fan stopped. ¡°Mr Song.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s even voice became cold. Lin Ke Song opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but Song Yi Ran raised his hand and Lin Ke Song had nothing to say. ¡°What exactly do you want to do?¡± This is the first time she has heard Song Yi Ran speak in such a tone. It was if the snow and ice at the top of a mountain suddenly in a flash dropped to the ground. ¡°I¡¯m doing what you want to do, but can¡¯t do.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s eyes were quiet, and his facial features held no joy. Lin Ke Song could feel that there was some kind of tense atmosphere threatening to burst between them. She could clearly sense that they were both opposing each other with equal harshness. The reason for their hostility, she could only guess that it was because of her. Although this idea is quite narcissistic, there was no other possibility at all. If Song Yi Ran worked together with Jiang Qian Fan, then their future cooperation would very strong. Coupling Song Yi Ran¡¯s intention and determination as well as Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s steady and solid strength, then the Song family¡¯s hotel business in New York would achieve extraordinary results. At the moment, she could only step forward and whisper to Song Yi Ran, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to destroy your birthday banquet. I¡¯ll leave in a while, you should go to your brother¡­¡± ¡°Why are you apologising to me?¡± Song Yi Ran finally moved his gaze away from Jiang Qian Fan. He looked at Lin Ke Song, ¡°I let you come to a place you don¡¯t like.¡± Lin Ke Song shook her head, ¡°I know, it wasn¡¯t you.¡± Someone must have used Song Yi Ran¡¯s phone to send the text messages to her. It was probably not Song Yi Ran¡¯s elder brother, Song Yi Fan, since men have always felt doing such things were disdainful. On the other hand, from Chu Ting¡¯s attitude towards her, she was sure that Chu Ting must¡¯ve taken advantage of when Song Yi Ran was not paying attention and sent her that text message. Song Yi Fan, who had always hoped to establish a good relationship with Jiang Qian Fan, came to them with a gentle and polite expression, ¡°Mr Jiang, the food for today had been specially prepared with Chinese flavours, I wonder what you think?¡± His arrival defused the tension between Jiang Qian Fan and Song Yi Ran, causing Lin Ke Song to exhale in her heart. ¡°Average.¡± Ah, indeed it was Jiang Qian Fan. When other people said ¡®not bad¡¯ politely, he instead removed even any sense of politeness. Lin Ke Song thought that Song Yi Fan¡¯s expression would be very ugly, but he just smiled indifferently and said, ¡°I have long heard the it is not an easy thing to satisfy Mr Jiang¡¯s taste buds. That must be why all the restaurants under the Jiang family have superior taste and are famous in the western food industry.¡± It seemed that he had done some research on Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s character. ¡°Jiang¡¯s success stems from harsh self-expectations and demands.¡± The Jiang Qian Fan seemed to have a pattern of terminating conversations, such that Song Yi Fan already did not how to further continue their talk. ¡°Therefore, in order to gain a foothold in New York city, our Song family will be more harsh on the hotel facilities, personnel quality and internal management requirements so that we will never be inferior to how the Jiang family manages their restaurants. We will make people unable to find fault in the smallest detail.¡± Song Yi Ran opened his mouth and broke the deadlock. Compared to Song Yi Fan who always talked a lot in front of Jiang Qian Fan, Song Yi Ran seemed far more assertive. ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait and see how far the Song family can reach.¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned his head to face Song Yi Ran¡¯s direction. It was if from the beginning, the war had always been between the two of them. Chu Ting walked over, standing in a position not far from Song Yi Ran. She wanted to stay closer to him, but she was discouraged by the cold atmosphere around his body. Only Song Yi Fan didn¡¯t give up, he believed that there was always a way to narrow the distance between him and Jiang Qian Fan. In the end, he shifted his attention to Lin Ke song. ¡°Miss Lin, at the front of the banquet hall just then, I was too rude. I did not think that you had also met Mr Jiang. Song Yi Ran was really too immature, if he invited you then he should¡¯ve made it clear. Then such an embarrassing misunderstanding wouldn¡¯t have appeared.¡± Lin Ke Song knew that Song Yi Fan wanted to probe into her relationship with Jiang Qian Fan, but she was not willing to allow Song Yi Fan to approach Jiang Qian Fan through her. It was at this moment that Montgomery approached with Monica. The latter faced Lin Ke Song and kissed her, then said with a smile, ¡°Oh, my Ke Song, it¡¯s wonderful that you came! I was just complaining to Jiang Qian Fan. Asking why he didn¡¯t bring you!¡± ¡°Ms Bell!¡± Lin Ke Song embraced the other, and two started chatting enthusiastically. ¡°Little bun, you shouldn¡¯t call Monica ¡®Ms Bell¡¯ anymore, she is now Mrs Montgomery.¡± With a face full of pride, Montgomery corrected Lin Ke Song. The atmosphere relaxed again. Monica brought Lin Ke Song away from Jiang Qian Fan, making her feel more grateful. To Lin Ke Song, it was as if she was freeing herself in relief. ¡°Let¡¯s go and talk in another place. There are some chinese dishes here which are quite interesting!¡± Jiang Qian Fan loosened Lin Ke Song¡¯s hand and he seemed relieved to hand her over to Monica. Chu Ting stared at the figure of Lin Ke Song and felt very puzzled. This girl had not the slightest background, so how could she even know Jiang Qian Fan such a person, and even the Montgomery couple? And Montgomery remained beside Jiang Qian Fan. He smiled, then asked, ¡°Jiang Qian Fan, you brought Lin Ke Song to my birthday party, and now even took her to Song family¡¯s banquet. The people invited to my party were discreet, but there are many business people here and their imaginations are very rich.¡± ¡°And?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t give Lin Ke Song too much pressure, she is a talented and lovable child.¡± ¡°Thank you for your concern. If you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯d like to talk with Mr Song alone.¡± Hearing this, Song Yi Fan beamed. ¡°I mean Mr Song Yi Ran.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s supplementary explanations for Song Yi Fan embarrassed him again. He can only give a glance to Song Yi Ran, suggesting that he should be careful not to offend Jiang Qian Fan in any way. As a result, Jiang Qian Fan and Song Yi Ran leaned against the wall. Yet, even if they were standing in the most inconspicuous place in the banquet hall, it still became an eye-catching picture. Many ladies who were present couldn¡¯t help but look over. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s eyes were distant, making people unable to discern anything. Song Yi Ran took a sip of wine, his sight chasing Lin Ke Song¡¯s figure amongst all the guests. She already didn¡¯t have any of her original cautiousness. In her hands were a tray of some snacks and she was happily talking to Monica. ¡°What did you want to talk to me about, Mr Jiang?¡± ¡°Although it has nothing to do with winning or losing, you are bound to lose to me.¡± ¡°Lose what to you?¡± Song Yi Ran spat. ¡°I can pursue Ke Song without second thoughts, but you cannot.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was like an ice cone firmly leaving marks on an ice cube again and again. ¡°Sometimes, it¡¯s not that pursuing without second thoughts will guarantee justice. Just as Mr Jiang said, it has nothing to do with winning or losing.¡± ¡°Is that right? If she is harmed at this dinner. I¡¯ll take her right away.¡± At that moment, the pupils of Song Yi Ran¡¯s opened up slightly and he seemed to realise something. The sound of a drinking glass being hit sounded and the entire hall quietened down. Standing in the middle of the banquet hall was Song Yi Fan and Chu Ting¡¯s uncle. Chu Ting was holding onto her uncle¡¯s hand with a shy smile. Song Yi Ran walked in the direction of Lin Ke Song and grabbed her shoulder. He apologised to Monica then took Lin Ke Song to the banquet door. ¡°What happened? Song Yi Ran?¡± For the first time, is expression made her feel a bit scared. ¡°Let¡¯s go. If you still haven¡¯t eaten enough, I¡¯ll take you to eat something else in a while.¡± They had only gone a two steps, when two security guards wearing dark suits stopped them under the order of Song Yi Fan. ¡°Move.¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s low voice drew the attention of the guests around him. One of the guards lowered his voice and sent a note to Song Yi Ran¡¯s hand. Song Yi Ran opened it and glanced at it, then clenched his fist, the note tightly clutched in hand. He turned away and stared fiercely in the direction of Song Yi Fan. But Song Yi Fan¡¯s face always maintained a smile. ¡°Thank you distinguished guests for coming. For many of the friends here, it is my, Song Yi fan¡¯s first time meeting with you.¡± Although he spoke the passage in English, it sounded fairly fluent. He had clearly prepared in advance, though his accent was quite heavy. ¡°Today is my younger brother, Song Yi Ran¡¯s birthday. It is also the day of his engagement with his childhood sweetheart, Chu Ting.¡± At the end of his sentence, applause sounded out. Stunned, Lin Ke Song stared up at Song Yi Ran who was clenching his teeth, boiling anger coursing through his body. His palm still clutched Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulder, and the force was as if he was trying to crush her bones. Song Yi Fan began to introduce the touching story of how is younger brother and Chu Ting met, and listening it made it seem as if it was youth romance film. Chu Ting bowed her head, cheeks already red. Although Lin Ke Song had known for a long time that Song Yi Ran who was born in such a family would certainly choose a well-deserved woman in the future, and that it had nothing to do with love. Even if that woman was not Chu Ting, there would always be others. It would only be impossible for her. But it all came too fast. She was caught off guard. She hadn¡¯t mentally prepared herself yet. One of the security guards pressed down on Song Yi Ran¡¯s wrist and whispered, ¡°Mr Song, you should let go of the lady.¡± Song Yi Ran then lowered his head and seemed to want to say something, but ultimately didn¡¯t say it. The expression in his eyes, Lin Ke Song seemed to understand, yet also did not understand. At the moment that his hand was gone, she retreated as though she has lost focus. There seemed to be an invisible force crushing her. Song Yi Ran intended to stabilise her, but his finger just slid over her fingertips. Lin Ke Song fell down. She thought that she would end up sitting on the floor in an unsightly manner, but someone firmly grasped her waist and held her up. She turned blankly and faced Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°Yi Ran! Come! Didn¡¯t you say you wanted to cut your birthday cake with Chu Ting?¡± Song Yi Fan¡¯s voice was very loud. At that moment, Lin Ke Song¡¯s mood stabilised. However, Song Yi Ran stood in his original spot and stared at Lin Ke Song. He didn¡¯t move for a long time. She looked into his eyes and instantly understood his thoughts. He never wanted to be bound to anyone, no one could direct him or decide what he did. ¡°Yi Ran, now¡¯s not the right time.¡± Lin Ke Song forcefully pushed out those words from her body. Regardless of the consequences, to resist would cause all of Song Yi Ran¡¯s previous seclusion and silent endurance fizzle out. Song Yi Ran slowly turned his body and clenched his fists, walking in the direction of Chu Ting. ¡°It¡¯s no big deal, let¡¯s go.¡± Jiang Qian Fan voice came from behind, ¡°Or do you want to see Song Yi Ran sentimentally holding that girl¡¯s hands and cut the cake?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡± Everything here has nothing to do with her, she wasn¡¯t interested in watching the self-made drama directed by Song Yi Fan. Turning around, she pulled Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s hand and following his pace, walked out. As they walked out the door, all the noise and applause we left behind. Jiang Qian Fan did not say a word, and only led Lin Ke Song into the elevator. He was clearly the one who was blind, yet he became the source of direction to Lin Ke Song. They arrived at the first floor of the hotel, where Miller had already stopped at door and was waiting for them. The wind was at night, and the air was humid and hot with a hint of oppressiveness. This was a precursor to rain. Miller opened the door, but Lin Ke Song said, ¡°You send Mr Jiang back first, I want to go for a walk.¡± Without any more superfluous words, Lin Ke Song cradled her arm and walked under the streetlight and into the night wind. She knew that she had never been one to be emotional, but her eyes were sore yet she did not dare to let the tears flow. Due to her fear, all the happiness she had with Song Yi Ran in the past would disappear with her tears if they left her body. She asked herself, if the happiness she had with him in the last ten years exceeded the sadness of that moment. She knew she should have bravely dragged Song Yi Ran and pulled him in an unbridled manner into their own world, regardless of what other people thought and no matter what the consequences. But she did not know if such freedom was really wanted by Song Yi Ran. If it was, even if she was badly beaten, she did not mind being his knight just once. Thin rain fell from the darkness of the sky, dropping on her eyelashes and skin. It was cold to the point of making people feel dazed. Then she heard the sound of a cane striking the ground behind her. Suddenly, she found that Jiang Qian Fan had actually been walking not far behind her. ¡°Mr¡­Mr Jiang¡­aren¡¯t you already supposed to be in the car?¡± There was no bright lights, and Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s shadow under the streetlight was long. Under the light, his facial features intertwined with the shadows and created a breathtaking mood. The top of the bag of a passer-by running by hit the shoulder of Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song gasped, quickly stepping forward to help him. ¡°Do you think I can get on the car with a peace of mind?¡± Moving closer to him, she could feel his breath and body temperature. ¡°I¡¯m fine, there¡¯s nothing wrong. I¡¯ll take you back to Miller¡¯ car.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve let Miller go back already.¡± His expression was indifferent yet persistent. ¡°Why, are you not willing to take my hand and take a walk down this road?¡± ¡°It¡¯s going to rain, Mr Jiang!¡± ¡°Do you mind whether or not it will rain?¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned his head, although he couldn¡¯t see, Lin Ke Song always felt as if he was looking at her. He knew everything about her. He knew that at the moment, she would rather stand underneath the shower of rain. In the sky, there was thunder and lightning. Then, a rumbling sound shook the city. Lin Ke Song pulled Jiang Qian Fan and bolted away. The rain crashing down became harder and harder. Lin Ke Song involuntarily opened the glass door of a phone booth on the road side and pushed Jiang Qian Fan into it. The two crouched in the narrow space, with Lin Ke Song¡¯s arms leaning against Jiang Qian Fan. Rain splashed water on the ground, and bursts of wind blew past the phone booth. He silently put away the cane. ¡°Now you really have to call have Miller to pick you up,¡± said Lin Ke Song reluctantly. ¡°If I told him to come, will you go with me?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked, turning to face her, His face was too close, everything was blurred except for his obsidian eyes. ¡°Okay¡­¡± The next second Jiang Qian Fan had leaned towards her and kissed her without warning. The question he asked was only to make her open her mouth and speak. He pressed against her mouth and his tongue slipped inside along her lips, wrapping around her warmly. In that one kiss, Lin Ke Song could feel that everything had softened all at once. He was full of tolerance, almost to the point of eternal patience. Lin Ke Song tried to avoid his tongue, but that was exchanged with a more intense feeling which lingered. She had thought he was only cold. Even kisses had a kind of presumptuous feeling, as if he was saying ¡®if not me, then who?¡¯ But this time, he didn¡¯t want to receive anything from her, but only wanted to tell her. When Lin Ke Song reacted, Jiang Qian Fan had already covered her. He held her hands and pressed them against the glass wall, just as if he was holding her in his arms. Yet, she did not feel scared. His kiss became more forceful and pressed Lin Ke Song into the wall. His kiss held a certain confidence which didn¡¯t surprise her. He turned his face, as if he could not get enough affirmation from her and wanted to move closer. She only felt that her trance had finally settled down. As he left her lips, the temperature in the phone booth plummeted. He sighed and said in her ear, ¡°Ke Song, did you know that crushing on someone for ten years has no difference to loving someone for a few months.¡± His voice was light, but clearer than the lingering sound of rain and thunderstorm outside the glass wall. ¡°So when you feel sad because of Song Yi Ran, I will be more sad than you.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes widened, did she make Jiang Qian Fan sad? In his heart, did she really hold such weight? ¡°Because I don¡¯t know how to show you that I love you much, much more than what you feel for Song Yi Ran.¡¯ Jiang Qian Fan had always been indifferent to fame and fortune, and he disdained comparing himself to anyone else. But originally, he would do so. ¡°You are so generous to Song Yi Ran as he walks towards other women in order to fulfill his countless pursuits. You think that if you cannot walk hand-in-hand with him, then at least you can be his most important friend forever. However, I don¡¯t think the same.¡± Lin Ke Song started to feel a bit afraid. In front of Jiang Qian Fan, she was like a set up script, and he knew everything about her. ¡°I will not let you look at other men and will tolerate you going after other men. I will also not be willing for other men to give you happiness.¡± His was cold, colder than hate. ¡°I will not be kind enough to watch you fulfill your feelings for Song Yi Ran, that¡¯s why I took you to the banquet.¡± He was forcing her to clearly see the outcome of her and Song Yi Ran. ¡°If one day, you really go to other men, I will get yo back at any cost, even by using unscrupulous means.¡± This was the most straightforward statement Jiang Qian Fan had told her. ¡°Do you understand?¡± he asked her. ¡°I¡­understand.¡¯ ¡°Very good.¡± Jiang Qian fan released her hand which he had held tightly, and parted her wet hair, kissing her eyebrows. That was very serious. He pushed her into his arms, not using too much force, but enough to make her feel as if she couldn¡¯t escape. He kissed her forehead, her brows and her chin. His tongue slid down to her chin, and sucked hard as if wanting to suck out blood. He didn¡¯t do anything over the border, but the attitude of his embrace was immovable. Lin Ke Song had an illusion, and felt as if she really belonged to him. He hugged her, then covering her ear, said, ¡°Ke Song, in actuality, I really like rain.¡± ¡°En.¡± Lin Ke Song rested her head on his shoulder. She found that she very much liked listening to him. Other than cooking, she seldom heard him talking about other topics. ¡°Because the rain is falling, there is a hierarchy. As the rain falls, I can imagine the look of the city, every building, every tree, and every pedestrian.¡± ¡°En.¡± ¡°And how you look.¡± ¡°En.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s tears slid down from her eyes, falling onto his shoulder. He had these delicate and soft feelings, but she didn¡¯t know before. CH 54 Word count: 3746 Sleeping in your arms Did she really like this man? ¡°Ke Song, do you know if you have fallen in love with me?¡± His voice was always steady, so when the sentence was finished, Lin Ke Song expression was still stuck. ¡°Although I have said many times that I don¡¯t care about the success or failure of you in the competition, I don¡¯t want you to become another me. But I want you to think in your heart, ¡®if it was Jiang Qian Fan¡¯, what would he do?¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart trembled. She tried to push Jiang Qian Fan off and leave his arms, but didn¡¯t expect him to hug her harder. ¡°When I¡¯m not around you, you will feel uncomfortable. You will think in your heart, I¡¯m looking at you and accompanying by your side.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyebrows wrinkled up, in the end, what had Jiang Qian Fan found? Even the things she deliberately neglected, he saw it clearly. ¡°If I said to you very seriously that I need you very much and that I want you to be with me, ask yourself if you would resolutely stay by my side. Is it because of sympathy, respect, or because you simply cannot do without me? What do you wish me to say from the bottom of your heart?¡± His voice was calm and always lacking in fluctuation, yet there was a kind of enlightenment and warmth. Those which she had deliberately flattened, and had strived to evade, were uncovered by him and Lin Ke Song¡¯s throat choked. She subconsciously clenched her fist and grasped Jiang Qian fan¡¯s clothes. ¡°In fact, when I attended tonight¡¯s banquet, I had heard that Song Yi Ran intended to marry Chu Ting, so I brought you there to hear it personally, not because I wanted you to be let down because of him.¡± Yes, Jiang Qian Fan had his own pride, even though he said he would not easily allow other men to give her happiness. ¡°I just want you to know that even if one day you lose Song Yi Ran, and are unable to place your own longing on him, you are not as heartbroken as what you think deep inside. But if the person you were to lose was me? Would you be unable to keep in your tears in front of all those other people? Would you still have the energy to leave that place?¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes were wide as she stared hard at the other. Her heart swelled, there was too much she wanted to say, yet it was stuck in her throat. It was as she had lost the ability to speak, limp and languid. But her realisation at this moment far exceeded that time ten years prior. Jiang Qian Fan slowly released her from his embrace and she suddenly felt empty at the loss. It was as if all the cold had come, and she urgently needed his warmth. His fingers threaded through her hair, gently combing it. ¡°Ke Song, I used to say that your tomato and scrambled eggs is delicious, and promised you that as long as you made delicious food, I would answer your one condition. Are you sure that you have nothing you want me to do for you, or have no questions you want to ask?¡± ¡°I have. I always have.¡± Lin Ke Song squeezed out her voice forcefully from her throat, afraid that in fear of being too cowardly, she would miss the rare desire and courage which had been evoked. She had once had to restrain herself at the banquet because she wanted to keep Song Yi Ran calm. Yet at this moment, her forceful silence was because she was full of expectations. She was like a moth who was drawn to light, and Jiang Qian Fan was the most beautiful and warm flame in the world. ¡°Then say it now.¡± The rain outside the phone booth was like mere water, and the light of the lightning stuck Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s face. His eyes were even more profound. ¡°Do you love me? Jiang Qian Fan, I mean, do you understand the difference between like and love?¡± She waited for his answer. It was like being in a vacant church, waiting for the moment the bell was hit. ¡°Of course I understand the difference between like and love. The question is, Ke Song, do you understand the difference between looking forward to seeing a person and falling in love with someone?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was light, and seemed to be submerged by the rain. She had to listen very carefully in order to distinguish it. ¡°If the me right now doesn¡¯t count as loving you, then I don¡¯t know how else I can show that I love you. I care about your footsteps and your voice. When you come near me, I look forward to smelling your taste. What you ate, where you went, what kind of scent has been left on your body. The reason you lie, the song you hum in the shower, the voice you use to speak to Song Yi Ran as you squat under the tree, and your breath as I purposely approach you. I¡¯ve never tried to understand someone so carefully. If you can, please also feel for me seriously¡­¡± Lin Ke Song suddenly understood that on that first day at Montgomery¡¯s birthday party, Jiang Qian fan came to her side not because of Mrs Smith¡¯s orange blossom, but because he always remembered her taste. Jiang Qian Fan cared about her thousands more times than she had thought in her imagination. There was a force driving her, as if her entire body¡¯s bones were being re-opened and she was growing once again. She raised her face and kissed Jiang Qian fan on the lips. It was a feeling of surprise like falling from a cliff, and obviously having been prepared for a collision with the ground. She knew that that it was not because she had been moved by the other, but because she had accumulated her feelings in her heart again and again and it had become her strength. Jiang Qian Fan leaned back against the glass. This time she seriously felt him, and he suddenly rose in temperature. His shoulders tightened, and in his amazement, he kissed her back in the same intensity. It turned out that Jiang Qian Fan was not a big ice-block. Just a little spark could start a prairie fire. He held onto the back of her head in fear that she would leave him and her spine couldn¡¯t hold against his strength so his other hand steadied her back. They didn¡¯t know how much time had passed, when a black car parked outside the phone booth. Miller came to the door holding an umbrella. Lin Ke Song that her brain did not seem to belong to her, she only knew that when Jiang Qian fan opened the glass door of the phone booth, she shivered. He took off his half-wet suit jacket and draped it over her, then holding Miller¡¯s umbrella, sent them into the car. The car started up, and the windows were hazy from the rain. Lin Ke Song leaned back in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s arms, her eyes closed as she felt him embracing her tightly. He wanted to hold her tighter, but he had a fear that she would dislike him for keeping her restrained. His fingers rubbed over her ears again and again and then said to Miller, ¡°the temperature is a little high again.¡± He brought her back to the villa. The rain didn¡¯t know when to stop. The moon revealed a glimmer of itself through the crevices of the clouds. As she walked out the door and say Mayer and Nina waiting outside, she had a feeling as if it had been a lifetime ago. ¡°The hot water is ready, sir.¡± Jiang Qian fan grasped her hand and took her to his own room, opening the bathroom door. This was the first time Lin Ke Song had come to his bathroom. It was very bright, clean and tidy just like Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°Take a good shower then sleep.¡± It was only now that Lin Ke Song was reminded that she had the competition tomorrow. And here was Jiang Qian fan¡¯s bathroom, she was in his bathroom¡­Lin Ke Song had a sort of distressed feeling. ¡°I¡­I should just use my own bathroom!¡± ¡°What nonsense are you thinking?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s lips rose, a hint of a smile that he only let her see. ¡°I didn¡¯t think anything¡­¡± ¡°If you really want it, I can give it to you.¡± Jiang Qian Fan bowed his head slightly. His pair of eyes reflected the light and they were very charming, Lin Ke Song could only subconsciously take a half step back. ¡°You don¡¯t have to give it now.¡± Lin Ke Song replied, this guy obviously had to twist her meaning. Was this really Jiang Qian Fan? ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait for you outside.¡± Jiang Qian Fan left the bathroom, leaving the space for Lin Ke Song. She took off her damp outer coat and got into the bath. As the warm water wrapped around her, she suddenly though of herself in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s arms at the telephone booth. She remembered clearly every word he had said to her. Mixed with the taste of rain and the cold air, his voice seemed to vaporise all the mist. Everything was like a dream, it was as if just poking it would break it. When a knock came at the door, Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart suddenly responded to the beat. ¡°Why is there no sound?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice came through the door. Had he always been paying attention to her? ¡°Didn¡¯t you like to hum? Hum then.¡± Lin Ke Song was embarrassed. ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to, I¡¯m afraid of making too much noise¡­¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t say anything, I won¡¯t know where you are.¡± It was obviously a very simple sentence, yet it made her eyes heat up. She hummed an old English song, ¡®You¡¯. She couldn¡¯t remember the English lyrics so she just hummed a random tune. She knew Jiang Qian Fan was listening, which made her mood unexpectedly good. When she left the bathroom, she noticed Jiang Qian Fan by the door. His arms were crossed and his long legs overlapping, and there was not a hint of impatience on his face. His wet shirt was slightly clinging to him, so his shoulders full of vigour and the contours of his waist were exposed to her slightly, and she subconsciously turned her head. ¡°My turn.¡± He gently said something. The sound of water came through, but Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t know where to go. ¡°Dry your hair and wait for me.¡± His tone was calm, except the bathroom door was closed and Lin Ke song felt an urge to escape. What did ¡®dry your hair and wait for me¡¯ mean? This could easily produce fanciful thoughts, alright? Jiang Qian Fan said she was ¡®thinking nonsense¡¯ and so he wouldn¡¯t do anything to her. But he obviously wanted her to ¡®think nonsense¡¯! Lin Ke Song did not wonder took long, and Jiang Qian Fan came out form the bathroom. She sat on the sofa, holding her breath as she watched Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s slender figure walk past her side. He was wearing regular leisure clothes worn at home. Sitting down on the bed, he patted the quilt. ¡°Where did you go again? Still not coming to sleep? Tomorrow I still have to send you to the Leidewensen hotel.¡± Lin Ke Song stood up, this was not the first time she had slept by Jiang Qian fan¡¯s side. Only last time, she was asleep with a tablet and this time she was awake. Jiang Qian Fan stretched out his hand, seeming to be searching for Lin Ke Song in the air. ¡°I want to hug you.¡± His voice always had a cold temperament and was without the slightest tenderness, as if to state his feelings. Yet, she had an impulse to rush into his arms. She clutched his finger and was taken into his arms. He kissed her forehead, ¡°Sleep.¡± Everything seemed to be melting. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s steady heartbeat was at Lin Ke Song¡¯s ear and her nose was haunted by his fresh, gentle scent. Her world seemed to be wrapped by him, and her mind settled comfortably. * Song Yi Ran¡¯s birthday banquet had also drawn to a close at that moment. Guests left one after the other. Song Yi Fan¡¯s face was full f smiles, and Chu Ting and her uncle continued to laugh. ¡°Yi Ran, I think Chu Ting should also apply to your school. Then you can both be together!¡± ¡°Since you like Chu ting so much, then you should marry her,¡± he said, opening his mouth. ¡°What nonsense are you speaking about? Wasn¡¯t everything fine just then?¡± Song Yi Fan frowned at Song Yi Ran. ¡°Eldest brother, you want the trust fund father has left me, I don¡¯t have any qualms about that. The same with the Song family, you never thought of giving me a place in the board of directors. But it doesn¡¯t matter, I don¡¯t have any interest towards everything regarding the Song family. You trust fourth uncle more than your own brother, that doesn¡¯t matter. At least you give me good food to eat and drink and don¡¯t let me go hungry for a day. You have everything, yet you still want to use my marriage for your own gains?¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s hand was in his pocket and his manner was lazy, yet in his eyes were a kind of piercing strength. Stunned, Song Yi Fan gritted his teeth, ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°What I¡¯m saying, how can you be unclear? If you want to use my marriage as potential gain, that doesn¡¯t matter either. But you even have to use someone who has no connections to the Song family. Just what extent does your shamelessness stretch to?¡± The piece of paper which Song Yi Ran had been clutching in his hand the entire time was thrown out, and just landed at the tip of Song Yi Fan¡¯s shoe. Song Yi Fan walked forwards, and forcefully held his brother¡¯s shoulders, ¡°Since you feel that it¡¯s important, then it¡¯s not unrelated. If you don¡¯t want to involve people who are unrelated to the song family, then the best way is to do what you should. Otherwise, the first thing I will do when I acquire Lin Ke Song¡¯s uncle¡¯s business is to cut off the staff!¡± Song Yi Ran snorted an moved away from his brother¡¯s hand. ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll wait and see if can really buy it. I hope that when you fail, your most trusted fourth uncle will be able to give you advice.¡± Finished, Song Yi ran turned and left in an unconcerned manner. ¡°Yi Ran!¡± Chu Ting quickly followed him. When they came to the elevator one after the other, Song Yi Ran deliberately turned his face and looked at the expectant Chu Ting. He shook his head and said, ¡°Don¡¯t follow me, Chu Ting. I did not directly refuse this ridiculous engagement at the banquet tonight only to leave you some face.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t like me, that doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Chu ting shrugged her shoulders, her eyes showing helplessness, ¡°Anyway, my uncle will arrange for me to marry other people I don¡¯t like or even know, so I would rather marry the person I like.¡± ¡°But to me, it does matter. You used my phone and send a text message to my favourite person. Then you manipulated her to come here, listen to my engagement announcement to you, is this your demonstration of revenge?¡± ¡°This is my way of making you wake up. You like Ke Song, I already knew that ages ago. You can enjoy everything, you can arrogantly spend every cent your eldest brother has given you, and you can accept every girl who comes close to you. But there¡¯s one thing, you dislike other people disturbing the time you give to Lin Ke Song. But no matter how much you like her, it¡¯s no use! You can¡¯t resist against your brother! Yo can¡¯t resist against the pressure of the Song family!¡± Song Yi Ran deliberately leaned and stared at Chu Ting¡¯s eyes with a cool stare, ¡°As long as I want to, then there will come a day when I can do whatever I want.¡± Song Yi Ran lifted a hand and waved over a staff member from outside the banquet hall as they delivered to him the birthday cake Lin Ke Song had made. The elevator door opened at this moment, and Song Yi Ran strode inside. When he came to the hotel door, he watched the heavy rain outside then tightened the collar of his trench coat and got into the car. He arrived under the windowsill of Lin Ke Song and looked up to see the draped curtains which withheld any light. Song Yi Ran glanced at his watch. At this time, Lin Ke Song had probably already fell asleep. He removed his cell phone from his pocket, but there wasn¡¯t a single text message or phone call from her. He dialled her phone, only to hear the prompt saying it had already been shut down. Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t use voicemails, so Lin Ke Song could only leave a message in her WeChat. ¡°Where are you? Are you at home? Are you asleep? I have something I need to say to you!¡± Although he knew that she would not give him an answer, Song Yi Ran still waited subconsciously. Lin Xiao Xue who had been playing games and was feeling sleepy prepared to pull the curtains and turn off the lights when she saw the figure standing under the streetlight outside their doorstep. She put out her head to try and distinguish the figure carefully, then grabbed an umbrella in surprise and rushed downstairs. ¡°Song Yi Ran? Why are you here?¡± Lin Xiao Xue then placed the umbrella over the top of Song Yi Ran¡¯s head. His hair was entirely wet and his very person looked a bit awkward. In her eyes, Song Yi Ran had always been a handsome man with an elegant demeanour, as if any problems could be solved by him. He always looked radiant, so how come he revealed such expressions? ¡°Did Ke Song arrive home yet?¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s voice sounded out, as if he already knew the answer. ¡°No, but she called my father to say that she wouldn¡¯t be coming back tonight. Tomorrow, she will go straight to the competition.¡± Although Lin Xiao Xue felt that she shouldn¡¯t ask, she couldn¡¯t help but do so, ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°Nothing, did she say where she would be staying?¡± ¡°No, would you like to come in¡­¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Lin Xiao Xue had not yet finished when Song Yi Ran turned and got back into his car, driving away quickly. Along the way, Song Yi Ran continually dialled Lin Ke song¡¯s phone, but received a systematic response each time. His car drove to the front of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa, where it was already dark. The windshield wipers moved in front of him, but Song Yi Ran looked indifferently at the iron door which had roses clinging to it. After a long time, he left a message in Lin Ke Song¡¯s WeChat. ¡°Are you with Jiang Qian Fan?¡± Still no reply. Song Yi Ran leaned back against the seat and shrugged his shoulders, laughing silently. He turned his face and looked at the cake box next to him then lowered his body until he was lying on the steering wheel. His phone in his pocket rang, but Song Yi Ran did not accept it. But the caller didn¡¯t understand his meaning and after a few minutes of continuous vibration, Song Yi Ran finally accepted the call. Kevin¡¯s cheerful voice came through, ¡°Hey, did you get so high at your birthday banquet that you forgot about me? Even a phone call from an old friend and you won¡¯t accept it?¡± ¡°what¡¯s the matter?¡± Song Yi Ran replied coldly. ¡°Oh ¡ª¡ª I just heard the a piece of news. Your brother listened to your uncle¡¯s advice and mortgaged Ruiheng Hotel to a bank then borrowed money and invested in New York¡¯s Audrey Hotel, but Audrey Hotel¡¯s public reputation in New York has never been able to be established properly, causing others to not think highly of the hotel.¡± Song Yi Ran frowned, ¡°Is he crazy? Ruiheng Hotel represents Song family¡¯s history and position in this industry, why would he take Ruiheng Hotel and mortgage it?¡± ¡°To seek quick success? In order to enter New York¡¯s market, there wasn¡¯t enough preparation done or enough local contacts to establish connections. There weren¡¯t even any stable collaborations, so they decided to mortgage Ruiheng Hotel. Do they really think land in New York is that expensive?¡± Kevin replied with a faint smile, ¡°It¡¯s a pity we don¡¯t have enough money right now, or we could take a bit of this ¡®Audrey Hotel¡¯.¡± ¡°Why would we want Audrey Hotel? The hotel is doomed to be difficult to bring up, it can only be bought by other hotel big shots. Song Yi Fan must want to sell of Audrey Hotel in order to retrieve Ruiheng Hotel. What we¡¯ll do is lower Audrey Hotel¡¯s price, so when their capital is not enough, they¡¯ll transfer a portion of Ruiheng Hotel¡¯s stocks and we will buy it.¡± ¡°Hey¡­I told you such good news, so why is your voice so down?¡± ¡°Because you told me too late.¡± Song Yi Ran cut the call then started the engine and the car left. * The next day, the weather was surprisingly sunny. Sunlight rose above the roses, climbing over the petals before falling to the ground. Lin Ke Song felt that someone was gently stroking the back of her head, as if they wanted to wake her up but were reluctant to. She frowned and opened her eyes, subconsciously raising her head only to be faced with the elegant lines of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s lips. His lips used to always be pursed, warning away strangers. At the moment, they showed a gentle demeanour. CH 55 Word count: 1720 Bad news and Good news Lin Ke Song looked innocently into Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s face. All of this seemed unreal. He had long woken up, yet had not said a single word, only lying quietly next to her. He couldn¡¯t see, and also wasn¡¯t doing anything else, so didn¡¯t he feel bored? ¡°I finally know why you need two pillows.¡± Hearing Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice in the morning, it was slightly hoarse and even had a touch of laziness and pampering. ¡°Ah?¡± Lin Ke Song moved, only to find that one of her legs were around Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s waist. His hand gently slid over the calf of her leg and slowly went up. Feeling an electric shock, Lin Ke Song turned to the side but her ankle was firmly grasped by Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°You basically pressed against me for the entire night.¡± Jiang Qian Fan slowly sat up. His hair was messy, and his eyebrows seemed to hold a more heart-warming flavour. ¡°Ah¡­s-sorry¡­¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s face was completely red. Her sleeping habits were actually not that good, but the last time she fell asleep beside Jiang Qian Fan, everything seemed fine. So how come this time she was so unbridled? But Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s waist, she actually pressed against it for one whole night. ¡°Get up.¡± Jiang Qian Fan finally let go of Lin Ke Song¡¯s ankle and she let out her breath. Who knew, that Lin Ke song would suddenly fall form the bed. Fortunately Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s bedroom floor was covered with carpet, otherwise she would¡¯ve been hurt. Jiang Qian Fan opened the quilt then sat down on the bed, lowering his head as he reached out. The corner of her lips pulled up and Lin Ke Song grasped his hand. That morning for breakfast, they had fresh porridge and tasty side dishes and some dessert. This kind of Chinese style breakfast, Lin Ke Song had eaten for three months and yet still didn¡¯t feel tired of it. Jiang Qian Fan still didn¡¯t speak much, but Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t feel bored. Mayer stood beside Jiang Qian Fan and read the news. Every time Mayer looked in her direction, Lin Ke song subconsciously lowered her head and blushed. Mayer acted like nothing had happened and focused on the tablet, no longer glancing at her. After breakfast, he sent her to the underground parking lot at Leidewensen Hotel. For the entire journey, he basically did not speak. But Lin Ke Song unexpectedly became nervous, she didn¡¯t know what content today¡¯s competition would include. And¡­trying to catch up to Viktor was a difficult task. Turning her head, she faced the handsome man. She knew he really did not care whether she lost or won, but only hoped that she could understand this domain which her loved dearly. This point, he had already accomplished. She not only understood and accepted, she had already become addicted. Because of this, she had the desire to win and do her best. Before opening the door, he grabbed her hand. ¡°Have fun.¡± Lin Ke Song paused, turning her head back to face him. Sitting in the driver¡¯s seat, Mayer faced back as well and looked thoughtfully at Lin Ke song. ¡°I¡¯ll come to watch you¡­¡± Jiang Qian Fan had not yet finished when Mayer said, ¡°Sir, this morning at ten o¡¯clock you have to meet with the seafood suppliers.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, I can participate in the competition myself!¡± Lin Ke Song quickly said. Closing the door, Lin Ke song watched the car leave before entering the elevator. At the moment when she looked back, she was surprised to see Song Yi Ran standing not far from her. His eyes were locked onto her line of sight, making her have the illusion that even if she wanted to evade his gaze, she couldn¡¯t. ¡°Song Yi Ran? How come you came?¡± Today, he had neither a leisurely disposition nor the sharpness he revealed at the dinner hall, but seemed to be somewhat tired. She knows, that every time song Yi Ran faced his own brother he would always feel very frustrated. Needless to say, this time his marriage had even been used by Song Yi Fan like a bargaining chip on the market. Just as she knew that such a day would come, he should have been mentally prepared too. It was just that neither of them had thought that day would come so soon. ¡°Watch your competition, didn¡¯t I already say I would?¡± Song Yi Ran came to stand in front of her, ¡°Jiang Qian Fan didn¡¯t send you back to your uncle¡¯s house, right?¡± Lin Ke Song paused then shook her head, but her heart was suspicious, how did Song Yi Ran know? ¡°I called you several times and sent you a WeChat message.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you came to find me later?¡± Lin Ke Song quickly reached out to her phone, only to realise her phone had disappeared! She was finished! Where did her phone go? Did it fall in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa? Or maybe in the car? Please don¡¯t be lost! She had only bought the phone when she came to New York, it hadn¡¯t even been used for half a year yet! ¡°You left just like that, how could I not come to find you?¡± Song Yi Ran reluctantly pursed his lips and then pulled out Lin Ke Song¡¯s phone out of his pocket then handed it to her, ¡°You dropped it at yesterday¡¯s banquet.¡± ¡°Thank God!¡± Lin Ke Song quickly took the phone and it showed several missed calls, probably those dialled by Song Yi Ran. If she did not guess wrongly, it had probably dropped out of her pocket yesterday when she nearly fell at the banquet. ¡°You¡­didn¡¯t have a falling out with your brother right?¡± Lin Ke Song observed Song Yi Ran¡¯s expression, involuntarily worried. No matter what, his life would belong to that women. Since it wasn¡¯t her, then Lin Ke Song wished that he would enjoy the long journey. ¡°This isn¡¯t something you need to worry about, I¡¯ll handle it.¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s hand stretched out and rubbed Lin Ke Song¡¯s head, ¡°Go to the competition. Once the competition is over, let¡¯s go and eat fried chicken and beer.¡± ¡°Ah¡­I¡­¡± Jiang Qian Fan just said he would pick her up! ¡°I have something I need to tell you.¡± Song Yi ran¡¯s lips pulled into a shallow smile that was slightly cool. She knew that what he wanted to tell her must be quite important. ¡°¡­Okay.¡± Lin Ke Song nodded. What he wanted to say, most probably had to do with Chu Ting. ¡°For today¡¯s competition, good luck.¡± Song Yi Ran finally revealed a little smile. ¡°Of course!¡± Lin Ke Song returned to the competition. Compared to the previous competition, her mood seemed to much calmer when facing the audience and the dazzling lights. Uncle Lin sat in the audience with his friends, and Song Yi Ran would talk to them occasionally. Although she was curious as to what Song Yi Ran wanted to tell her, she switched her mind to the competition. ¡°The rules of today¡¯s competition is very simple! Please welcome the contestants to go to the ingredients warehouse to choose ingredients and prepare your best dishes! It can be marinated and fried steak, or could be an appetizer. Dessert that will move our hearts is also a good option! However¡­you will all only have one chance to go into the ingredients warehouse once! So don¡¯t forget anything!¡± That meant, this competition turned out to be a free-for-all? Compared to previously when the theme was limited to the potato pancake tower, the participants had more room to experiment here. Everyone¡¯s expression were eager. What was the best dish? In Lin Ke Song¡¯s mind, appeared the raspberry charcoal grilled pork chop. Towards this dish, she had practised it the countless times by Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s side. This time Lin Ke Song wasn¡¯t as na?ve as last time to speak out her ingredients of choice. Instead, she selected everything in the warehouse silently. When she tasted the raspberried to determine its sourness and sweetness, Viktor looked over with a smile. Lin Ke Song ignored him, when she was sure all the ingredients were completely gathered, she carried them back to the competition stage. Everyone¡¯s table had a variety of different kinds of food placed upon it. For example, Shan Sha¡¯s basket had lamb chops and some flour, so Lin Ke Song guessed she was planning to make crispy lamb chops. On the other hand, Bruce¡¯s table was placed with flour, eggs and met. If he wasn¡¯t planning to make Italian-style dumplings, then maybe it was pasta. As for Goto, he had prepared rice, seafood and seaweed. Sure enough, sushi was his favourite dish! As for Viktor, she couldn¡¯t see what was in his basket since he was in the front row. Annalise clapped her hands. Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t know why, but she always felt that her smile was bad, and had a gloating flavour. ¡°If this competition is just to see who can make their best dish, then it¡¯s too boring!¡± As soon as this sentence was finished, everyone became nervous and stared at her. ¡°I have good news and bad news to tell you, but I know we all like to hear the bad news.¡± Annalise nodded her chin, seeming to be looking forward to everyone¡¯s disappointed expressions. ¡°That is, everyone cannot do their own cooking! The ingredients which you have chosen will be given to other contestants!¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°No way?¡± Some of the contestants were surprised, and others complained. Even the audience were in discussion. Lin Ke Song looked towards Uncle Lin and Song Yi Ran. Uncle Lin seemed a bit nervous, but Song Yi Ran just stared at her without expression. ¡°I know everyone is disappointed, but being good at winning the judge¡¯s praise is not the most remarkable skill. Real culinary skill is being able to create something at any given moment, regardless of the ingredients are changed. Next, I¡¯m going to announce the good news! After hearing the good news, I hope that contestants will think carefully and cautiously, and be sure to grasp this chance to baffle their opponents!¡± CH 56 Word count: 1731 The Hopeless Combination Of Berries And Eggs Everyone waited, wanting to know what was the opportunity to make things difficult for the opponent. ¡°That is, according to the rankings from the previous round, every participant can pick one ingredient from their ingredients, then give the rest to the person they think will need it most or to someone who you especially want to mess with! Of course, this ingredient cannot be the main ingredient.¡± After Annalise announced the rule, the participants¡¯ eyes widened subconsciously. Lin Ke Song furrowed her brows, it is a difficult task to use another participant¡¯s ingredient to cook to please the judges, now an ingredient was going to be removed? If it were a key seasoning, it will affect the taste of the whole dish. Like the tomato fried egg that she made for Song Yi Ran, no matter how good the cooking skill, no matter how fresh the ingredient, it will be impossible to make up for the loss of balance from the saltiness. Lin Ke Song lowered her head to look at her basket, inexplicably getting uneasy. Which ingredient should she remove? And what ingredient will she be getting? ¡°According to the rankings, let¡¯s have a look at Viktor who is in the first place!¡± Annalise came to Viktor¡¯s work counter, ¡°Viktor, what were you originally planning on making?¡± ¡°En¡­¡­ I actually wanted to make a dessert.¡± ¡°Let me guess. There¡¯s raspberries, berries, flour, eggs and all sorts of spices¡­¡­ah! you want to make berry pie? So the main ingredient is flour?¡± Viktor laughed: ¡°haha, my idea is more creative. It¡¯s berry egg soup. So the main ingredients are eggs and berries.¡± The majority of the people on set had a suspicious expression. Viktor could have very well purposely said that he was going to make berry egg soup instead of berry pie when he heard the competition rules so that he would be able to justify taking flour away. ¡°If you were to take away an ingredient, what will you choose?¡± Annalise asked scrunching her eyes. All the participants looked over, tiptoeing able to guess that the thing Viktor will remove is definitely flour. After removing the flour, there was only some fruits, eggs and spices that were used in desserts, you couldn¡¯t possibly imagine what kind of food could be produced from these ingredients. No matter if it were sweet fruit soup or egg custard, it is simply impossible to meet the standard of the food critics. ¡°the thing I want to remove is ¡ª¡ª¡± Viktor reached his hand out, and as expected, removed the bag of flour, ¡°is flour!¡± ¡°Then, Viktor, who will you give the remaining ingredients?¡± The whole scene quietened down, the tense atmosphere spreading among the participants. ShanSha shut her eyes as if in prayer. Bruce looked fine, but he was crossing his fingers at his thighs, he was praying to the heavens for luck. And Goto Nozomi was as always. The other participants were swallowing, fearing that Viktor would pick them. Viktor turned back, his eyes glancing at the expressions of every participant, and finally landing on Lin Ke Song. A bad feeling crept through. Ever since the dill incident in the food warehouse, Lin Ke Song had always felt that Viktor harboured bad intentions towards her. ¡°Ke Song, I¡¯ll hand my favourite berries and raspberries to you la!¡± Lin Ke Song eyebrow spasmed, ten thousand your mother curses flying over. The other participants heaved a sigh of relief and looked at Lin Ke Song with hope in their eyes. Annalise arranged the ingredients in the basket and brought them to Lin Ke Song. ¡°Ke Song, although I have no expert chef, but with my knowledge, I can tell that these things¡­¡­ aren¡¯t easy to control But you don¡¯t have to be angry. You are in second place, and you too can take away a key ingredient, like salt, then hand them to another participant, you can choose Viktor too oh!¡± Annalise fluttered her eyes. Everyone had the expression that they were there to watch a good show, they all thought that Lin Ke Song would take revenge on Viktor. Lin Ke Song wanted to make charcoal grilled pork chop, and the ingredients were very complicated. What she¡¯d thought of was to remove salt, to increase the difficulty of controlling the ingredients. But one of the ingredients she¡¯d chosen was black pepper sauce, and it contained salt. She couldn¡¯t take both the ingredients out and naturally wasn¡¯t able to properly stump Viktor. And as for the other ingredients, no matter what was taken out, whether it was the spices, eggs or fruits, as long as they were seasoned properly, they wouldn¡¯t have an impact on the cooking of the pork chop. So instead of targeting Viktor, Lin KE Song would rather take this chance to repay Goto Nozomi. ¡°I choose to remove the raspberries. Then give my ingredients to Goto Nozomi.¡± Annalise lifted her brows, and put Lin Ke Song¡¯s ingredients in the basket, ¡°indeed, your ingredient selection is sumptuous, you may not be able to be a threat to your opponent, no matter what you take out. But why did you choose to give your ingredients to Goto Nozomi and not the other participants?¡± ¡°Only curious, as to what Goto Nozomi will create from these complicated ingredients.¡± ¡°I hope that when Goto¡¯s pork chops get the judges favour, you will not regret your decision. After all, he is ranked right behind you.¡± After Annalise handed Lin Ke Song¡¯s ingredients to Goto Nozomi, he received envious looks from the other participants. ¡°It¡¯s such a coincidence, Goto, you are ranked third. What choice and decision will you make?¡± Goto Nozomi¡¯s work counter had rice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, mustard, seaweed and other seafood. Obviously, he was going to make sushi. His ingredients were very simple, Japanese sushi tested one¡¯s subtle skills that brought out the freshness of the ingredients. Goto Nozomi lifted his hand, bending it to remove the soy sauce. Annalise smiled: ¡°your ingredients aren¡¯t many in the first place, and now even soy sauce is taken away, it will be greatly difficult to make delicious food from the remaining ingredients ah! don¡¯t know who you are planning to pass your ingredients to?¡± ¡°Viktor.¡± Goto Nozomi said calmly. Viktor turned around, looking at Goto Nozomi with widened eyes, sucking in the ends of his mouth. Annalise placed the ingredients in front of Viktor, the audiences obviously liked this youth who looked very cute when he smiled and yet was a little sly, one after another showing pity for the ingredients that he received. Lin Ke Song looked towards Goto Nozomi, and instead felt very grateful. At least someone was able to teach Viktor a lesson. But this youth was very talented, who knows, he might be able to think of a solution to make seafood, rice, mustard, seaweed and the other simple ingredients into delicious food. And now, it was hard for Lin Ke Song to save herself ah! Annalise was still exchanging the remaining contestants¡¯ ingredients, and Lin Ke Song was already thinking about what she should do. Berries and eggs¡­¡­ berries and eggs¡­¡­ No matter how you think about it, they don¡¯t complement each other ah! Lin Ke Song really wanted to just do as Viktor said, and make some berry egg soup! These are the steps to failure ah! ¡°Dearest people! Everyone, please take note of all your ingredients, you don¡¯t have to use every ingredient, but you can only use these ingredients! The competition is for an hour ¡ª¡ª now, let the competition begin!¡± The surrounding participants were already beginning to get busy, but Lin Ke Song was stoning at the work counter. What should she do? Give up? No can do, there has to be a way¡­¡­ calm down, don¡¯t panic. Lin Ke Song gaze fell on a bottle of alcohol that was on the dried herbs. This was a liqueur, Viktor must have wanted to use it to make the sweetness more flavourful. A thick layer of dried herbs was tied outside the liqueur bottle. This was probably the supplier¡¯s design of protecting the bottle from breakage and at the same time adding to the aesthetics of the packaging. Lin Ke Song took them off the bottle, and had a sniff, the fragrance was pretty pure, it looked like the quality of the dried herbs the suppliers used was not bad ah! She suddenly felt like there was hope. As time passed little by little, some participants let out a sigh, probably because the ingredients weren¡¯t working right ba! Lin Ke Song only started plating in the last 10 minutes. You need to know, that plating has always been her weakness, but her product looked very ordinary, if there wasn¡¯t any highlight in the plating, the judges will probably lose interest in her dish. In the end, Annalise knocked the wine glass, signalling that the competition had ended. Lin Ke Song heaved a sigh and looked towards the audience. Uncle¡¯s expression was very nervous, and Song Yi Ran was looking at her with a straight back. He smiled slightly at her, even if they were so far away, she was still able to feel it. Lin Ke song looked around the audience, intentionally looking for Jiang Qian Fan. Even though Mayer said that he had something on today, she still wished to see him on set. This dish that she made, would he think it interesting, will he like it? But it¡¯s a pity, Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t see Jiang Qian Fan, but unexpectedly found Iris in the audience! Lin Ke Song suddenly had some regrets, she should have been treated her ingredients with more caution, and done it to perfection. Because she didn¡¯t want to be looked down upon by Iris at all! The participants¡¯ dishes were brought to the judges from the lowest to the highest ranked. Pretty much every dish had flaws pointed out by the judges, and even criticised to death, having nothing good to say. The whole scene was like they had returned to the auditions. The cruel words of the judges lasted till Goto Nozomi¡¯s juicy grilled pork chops, before finally toning down. Goto Nozomi¡¯s way of preparation was of a totally different style compared to Lin Ke Song¡¯s original thought of charcoal grilled pork chops. CH 57 Word Count: 1901 Hay Smoked Eggs When the judges on the screen used a knife to slice the pork chops, even Lin Ke Song who could not taste the flavours could see that the pork chops were tender and tasty, the reddish-brown appearance, the thick gravy, had a shine that whetted an appetite. After Chief editor Winston took a bite, he said with an expression of enjoyment: ¡°my tongue has finally been saved! After tasting so many dishes that were missing fillings and so flawed you can¡¯t ignore them, I¡¯ve finally tasted something delicious! The control of heat while cooking the pork chops can be described as perfect, the sauce has seeped into the grooves of the pork chop, the sweet and salty flavour complementing each other well! This participant may have received many ingredients, but is able to make such delicious pork chops, this means that he has the ability!¡± The other judges too had praises for this juicy grilled pork chop. Goto Nozomi got 8.8 points in this round, leaping to the top of the rankings. Lin Ke Song pursed her lips, feeling a little greedy. She really wanted to know what Goto Nozomi¡¯s pork chops tasted like. And the next dish that the judges were going to sample, was Lin Ke Song¡¯s. Lin Ke Song swallowed, clenching her fists, looking at her food being brought to the judges through the screen. Winston lifted his knife and fork but wrinkled his brow. This made Lin Ke Song¡¯s uneasiness increase. Was there a problem with her plating? Or was it a weird thing to use the egg shell to present the dish? She had indeed seen a similar plating in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s restaurant, looking exquisite with a countryside feel. Did she not have enough of an artistic gene and so it looked terrible instead of the majesty she was going for? At that time, Winston lowered his fork and knife, finger touching the edge of the plate, and looked to the camera, saying seriously: ¡°May the cameraman record this dish meticulously, I hope that the participants and the audience can see the plating of this dish, when you look at this plating would you still have the mood to eat?¡± The plate on screen was enlarged, pretty much taking up the whole screen. The audience stretched their necks to look over. Lin Ke Song lowered her head, looks like she¡¯s done for, to have Winston be so negative. ¡°whoa¡­¡­ so pretty ah¡­¡­¡± Bruce who wasn¡¯t far from Lin Ke Song sighed. Pretty? Someone thought it was pretty? Lin Ke Song looked towards Bruce. And ShanSha too clutched her counter and leaned forward like she was trying to get a clearer look: ¡°Look like precious stones in a seashell oh!¡± ¡°What a real pity, my magazine journalist didn¡¯t come along with me, otherwise I would let him take pictures of this dish, to put it on¡¶Gourmet¡·! Let¡¯s not talk about the taste of this dish first, I hope that the participants will be able to experience this.¡± The base of this plate was covered in dried hay, and raspberry fruit piled on the dried hay, the colours of yellow and red were very contrasting. And under the raspberries, was an eggshell that was cut about 30 degrees along, it looked like a small cradle. And this ¡°cradle¡± was filled with jam that was made of berries, the jam gave off a special shine. And within the jam, you could faintly see a few pieces of purely white egg white. A single mint leaf was dotted in the middle of the jam, the leaf leaning lazily on the edge of the eggshell, becoming the finishing touch in this plating. ¡°It¡¯s so pretty. It makes it unbearable to spoil it. Even so, as a food critic, I will not be easily bewitched by its appearance, the most important thing is still its taste. If this is only egg white mixed with jam, even if I appreciate its plating, I will still be unable to give it a high score.¡± Winston lifted his spoon, left hand holding the eggshell, the right hand scooping a spoonful of the jam, and sending it into his mouth. Lin Ke Song felt like her breath was trapped in her lungs, would Winston be able to taste all the effort and thought that went into what looked like a simple dish? This was the most balanced taste that she could maintain with only the ingredients and her imagination available. Will he acknowledge her? Winston held the jam in his mouth, closed his eyes, and didn¡¯t hurry to swallow, but gently move the tip of his tongue. Following a few moments of silence, everyone on set was filled with curiosity. Was it just a well-plated jam with egg white, or was it an appetiser or dessert that was innovative? ¡°¡­¡­this flavour is so unique! The egg doesn¡¯t seem to be simply cooked, but it was smoked¡­¡­ the faint smoky flavour and sweet and sour flavour of the jam blending together¡­¡­ reminds me of lazier times when I was younger and in my grandma¡¯s courtyard, tanning from the warm sun, small fruits on the grass, that you can randomly pick to stuff in your mouth!¡­¡­ and the jam! To have such a smooth texture¡­¡­is due to the addition of the egg yolk!¡± Winston had an enlightened expression. Winston ate the rest of the jam meticulously, this was the first time in the competition where he finished the whole dish of any participant¡¯s. He deciphered every slight process Lin Ke Song made in this dish in detail, having endless praises for her idea and her handling of the ingredients, finally giving a score of 9.5 points. This made Lin Ke Song pinch her thigh in disbelief. She wasn¡¯t dreaming ah! Good thing she got inspiration when she saw the hay, and put the hay on the oven shelf, to smoke the eggs! And there needed to be careful technique when smoking eggs, if there wasn¡¯t enough time, the egg white would be too soft, if it were smoked too long, the egg yolk will coagulate and not be able to be mixed with the jam. David too expressed that there was just too little, there wasn¡¯t enough to eat till they felt satisfied before the shell became empty! Foodie Luke almost turned the shell over. ¡°This combination of this faint smoky fragrance and jam flavour is simple amazing! The egg yolk increased the smoothness of the jam, and totally blended well with the hay smoked egg white! And that trace of chamomile freshness is a little spicy jump at the tip of the tongue, like a harp that has been strung! I don¡¯t know if it should be an appetiser or a dessert, but after eating the juicy grilled pork chops, to be able to eat this hay smoked egg white with jam, is simply amazing! This is the epitome of how ingredients should be used!¡± To add some spiciness or whatever, is one of the inspirations that Lin Ke Song got from Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s spicy chocolates. Sometimes when you add a little spice to something sweet, no need too much, and it will be able to whet people¡¯s appetite, and weaken the sickening sweetness at the same time. The idea of adding the chili powder got her the acknowledgement of the judges, and Lin Ke Song felt happy, because she felt that this is an acknowledgement she got as Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s student! Lin Ke Song got 9.2 points in this round of competition, taking over Goto Nozomi, topping the ranks. When she saw the points and rankings showing on the screen, she raised her hands over her face. She really never thought that her risky combination would succeed! She lifted her head towards her Uncle. Uncle Lin was very happily hugging Song Yi Ran, and was so happy he forgot himself. And Song Yi Ran was looking at Lin Ke Song, waving at her with a grin. Lin Ke Song once again looked around the area, and still didn¡¯t see Jiang Qian Fan. And Iris¡¯ expression looked very cold. Lin Ke Song rubbed the tip of her nose, wondering what kind of comment Jiang Qian Fan would give her if he saw her cooking. Annalise clapped, arriving in front of Viktor, and smiled saying: ¡°Viktor, you¡¯d actually wanted to attack Lin Ke Song, but who¡¯d have thought that you¡¯d actually given her a ride, and helped her stand out ah!¡± Viktor shrugged his shoulders indifferently: ¡°It¡¯s great like that ah! proves that I have a good eye! I have always thought that Lin Ke Song was really good, and will be my greatest rival to being the champion!¡± But intuition told Lin Ke Song, that Viktor didn¡¯t simply treat her as a rival. Just what had she done to make him hate her so much? Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t have further thoughts, when the next food review arrived. This was a seafood stew rice. Just looking at the ingredients used, rice and seafood, Lin Ke Song could guess that this was what Viktor had made using Goto Nozomi¡¯s ingredients. The only salty thing in Goto Nozomi¡¯s ingredients was the soy sauce. But he took the soy sauce away. Without soy sauce, how will Viktor make up for the lack of saltiness? The seafood stew rice looked exquisite, the red prawn head leaning against the edge of the deep mouth plate, it looked like a cruising shrimp was having a rest on the beach. The seaweed was tied around the fish, and soaking in rice. Although it was simple, Lin Ke Song could tell from the colour of the various ingredients that those seafood were not overcooked, and still maintained the fresh and delicious taste. Winston cheerfully said: ¡°it¡¯s really rare for someone to choose to stew during a competition, and it¡¯s even seafood stewed rice. Stewed rice is a common family dish, everyone can make it, it looks like there¡¯s no need for skills to stew properly, but it is not easy to make it delicious. Choice of the right rice will allow the proper absorption of the soup that is boiled from the seafood. And the seafood, like the shrimp and fish meat, will lose their protein taste if they¡¯re overcooked.¡± Winston elegantly scooped a spoonful of stew rice, blew on the food, sniffed through his nose, and showed an expression of enjoyment, then sent the food into his mouth. While tasting, Winston gave a nod. ¡°En ¡ª¡ªif I didn¡¯t guess wrong, the soup is stewed through the boiling of the shrimp head, fish bones and seaweed, very delicious! The tomalley was separated, and baked in the oven before adding to the stewed rice, and added the richness of the sea. This idea is very skillful. The taste of the stewed rice is also excellent. But it¡¯s a pity¡­¡­ that there¡¯s no salty taste.¡± Winston shook his head regretfully. Overall, Winston¡¯s reviews don¡¯t have much of a difference compared to the other judges. Which is to say, Goto Nozomi really stumped Viktor ah! Lin Ke Song heaved a breath and looked at Viktor¡¯s back, his posture was a little stubborn, his head raised slightly like he was very dissatisfied with this kind of ending. Actually, even though Goto Nozomi took the only salty ingredient away, it didn¡¯t mean that nothing could be done ah. CH 59 Word count: 2491 Today Onwards Without a sound, time passed quietly. A few minutes later, Song Yi Ran released the brake, and the car continued forward. The same scenery flowed by. It was only when they reached the city, and they were surrounded by busy traffic, and the noisy noise reached the ears, did Lin Ke Song take the eye mask off, and opened her eyes. ¡°Eh? We¡¯ve reached?¡± ¡°Yeah ah, we¡¯ve reached.¡± Song Yi Ran laughed, ¡°remember to carefully consider the thing I talked about with you.¡± ¡°You¡¯re really not planning to engage a professional chef?¡± ¡°the restaurant I wish to open isn¡¯t any big hotel restaurant, the people who will be eating there will probably be my friends, I only wish to give everyone a place to quietly enjoy their time. Like their own kitchen, got it? If you¡¯re free, you can be a guest chef, if you wish, you can be the head chef there too, if you don¡¯t wish to do any of these, and only want to eat there, it¡¯s fine too.¡± ¡°Okay ah, I will consider!¡± ¡°Bye.¡± Song Yi Ran waved and drove away. Lin Ke Song looked at his car getting further and further away, she remembered Song Yi Ran¡¯s last smile. It was different from every one of his previous smiles. So genuine and sad. She suddenly remembered that time when he and she had finished playing games and were lying on the carpet, he asked her, if they¡¯d be together forever. She walked into the light of the lamppost. She remembered that when she¡¯d first arrived in New York, he stood right here waiting for her. She had a crush on him for 10 years. She thought that if she could have this feeling for 10 years, she¡¯d be able to sustain it longer. ¡°Are you having regrets.¡± The cool voice sounded, Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart seemed to be lifted, she turned around and saw Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s quiet and handsome face. ¡°You¡­¡­ what are you doing here?¡± Jiang Qian Fan was holding his cane, leaning on the lamppost, that posture totally different from Song Yi Ran¡¯s. His introversion contained a kind of patient strength. ¡°I¡¯m waiting for you to return home.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ do you mean you¡¯ve been here the whole time?¡± Lin Ke Song asked. ¡°If not here, where else would I wait for you?¡± The calm voice was like cool wine, it carried a tipsy feel. ¡°You haven¡¯t answered my question. Are you regretting?¡± ¡°Regretting what?¡± Lin Ke Song was totally lost. ¡°regretting getting together with me. If you are regretting, it¡¯s still not too late to agree to Song Yi Ran.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s expression was pretty much the same as all his other expressions. Not a movement of his eyes, all expressions well controlled. But looking at him hold onto the cane, it suddenly dawned on Lin Ke Song. He wasn¡¯t always self-assured all the time, there is bound to be something that was out of his control, like his heart, like her now. The corners of Lin Ke Song¡¯s lips lifted, and purposely leaned towards him, and stared into his eyes and asked: ¡°Oh, what to agree with him about?¡± Jiang Qian Fan was acuter than Lin Ke Song could imagine. It was only today where she understood Song Yi Ran. But she and he had always had a time difference. When she was looking at Song Yi Ran, he had hidden all his intentions. When she finally started flying out, he started chasing. Lin Ke Song felt that her heart was very small, it could only contain one person at a time. Jiang Qian Fan had already successfully squeeze in, and filled her heart to the brim, letting her let go of Song Yi Ran obscurely. She knew, that if Song Yi Ran never said those words, they would be able to forever be friends that understood each other the best. This relieving was definitely not easy. This was something Lin Ke Song had never thought of. And the most important thing was, the reason for the inexplicable tension between Jiang Qian Fan and Song Yi Ran was finally clear to Lin Ke Song. ¡°Agree to his confession.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡­ Song Yi Ran did confess. We¡¯ve known each other for so many years, and have lots of trust between us. I must carefully consider his confession. Actually, when I think about it, he wouldn¡¯t give me much pressure, why not I agree!¡± ¡°So, I give you pressure. Then I¡¯ll simply give you more pressure.¡± ¡°What pressure?¡± Jiang Qian Fan cupped the back of Lin Ke Song¡¯s head, and pressed her to be in front of him, then kissed her hard. At the start, he only kissed her corner of her lips, Lin Ke Song felt a little pain when she knocked into him, just as she grabbed his shoulder, the tip of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s tongue squeezed in along Lin Ke Song¡¯s lips. Everything was caught off guard, the offence easily getting past the defence. Lin Ke Song¡¯s back was pressed against the lamppost, Jiang Qian Fan tilted his face to kiss her completely. The air went crackling dry in a moment, it felt like there were sounds of firewood being lighted at Lin Ke Song¡¯s ear, everything bursting into flames uncontrollably. His kiss suppressed her totally, there was no room for movement. Both her wrists were screwed to the sides of the lamppost by the other party, deadbolted, her bones hurt to death. This was the first time she understood the meaning of ¡°playing with fire¡±. Lin Ke Song tried to turn her face away, to get away from Jiang Qian Fan, who cared whether it was only a crack, to let her understand her own intentions, but Jiang Qian Fan didn¡¯t give her half a chance. It was only when Lin Ke Song¡¯s legs were both turning jelly, that Jiang Qian Fan left her lips. ¡°You can try.¡± His voice was very cold, her wrists were still being locked. ¡°¡­¡­ he¡¯s only planning to open a small restaurant and hire me to help out in the back kitchen only!¡± Lin Ke Song took this chance to quickly talk. She thought that Jiang Qian Fan would let her go, but this cold-faced man had already seen through her, he leaned against the side of her face, gently sticking to her skin, and used the gentlest gesture to cover her ears and said: ¡°Actually you know what he really meant. You just didn¡¯t let him say it.¡± ¡°So you knew¡­¡­¡± ¡°Of course I knew. Your heart can¡¯t bear for him to leave, and you almost heard the answer that you¡¯d been waiting 10 years to hear.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes teared up, she had always wanted to cry, but she knew she couldn¡¯t cry for Song Yi Ran in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s arms. ¡°If the tears wish to fall, let them flow. You can miss and like the times spent with him, you can be nostalgic for his back view, you can remember the hopes you had towards him. Because to have you have a clean cut with your past is an unrealistic thing. If you knew obviously what he wanted to really say to you, and are still indifferent, it is not you. I only want you to understand this, your ¡®today onwards¡¯ is in my hands.¡± This was Jiang Qian Fan, he always used the simplest method to give up all intentions to turn back. He never thought of making her onto another person or even changing her past, he accepted the original her. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s kiss landed on the tip of her brow, a loving soft strength. Suddenly, something was knocked from the window, and crashed to the ground. Lin Ke Song lifted her head and saw Xiao Xue standing in front of the window. ¡°Xiao Xue¡­¡­¡± ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned his face over, ¡°Is Xiao Xue your cousin?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­ Yes¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song was a little worried and wondered whether Lin Xiao Xue would tell Uncle anything. ¡°Let¡¯s go ba, I¡¯ve never been to the place you stay.¡± Jiang Qian Fan calmly straightened his cane, took Lin Ke Song¡¯s hand, and walked towards the small flight of stairs at Uncle¡¯s house. But Lin Xiao Xue continued to glare daggers at Jiang Qian Fan. She didn¡¯t understand what kind of flowery fortune her cousin had! For example, a handsome man like Song Yi Ran, every time he visited was to look for Lin Ke Song, totally treated Lin Xiao Xue like air. And this man now had an unforgettable disposition. When he looked up, it seemed like the world had stopped silently in his eyes. Lin Xiao Xue suddenly had a thought and took out a huge stack of¡¶Gourmet¡· magazines. These magazines were bought by her father Lin Feng, there was no other place to put them, so they were piled here, there was already a layer of dust accumulated. She had not a shred of interest in these magazines, only flipping through occasionally for high-class restaurants recommendations. But she remembered that she had seen a picture of a Chinese chef, that made her unable to believe her eyes, because in her impression, head chefs were either fat as the Caucasian men on tv or people like her father who perspired like it was raining in the back kitchen, but this Chinese head chef disposition like a noble. Lin Xiao Xue had once obsessively looked up news about this chef. Apart from news of being the heir to some Chinese corporation, it was news of his restaurant getting Michelin stars and praise, but there were no photos. He was so low profile that she was disappointed. His name was ¡°Jiang Qian Fan¡±. If her father Lin Feng spoke of this name, he could talk endlessly for 3 days and 3 nights. Sounds of footsteps sounded in the hallway, Lin Xiao Xue opened the door, and saw Lin Ke Song bringing Jiang Qian Fan to her room. ¡°slowly, it¡¯s small in here, very tight, you must be careful.¡± Lin KE Song pulled him into the house, and honestly, bringing Jiang Qian Fan to visit her own room was a little embarrassing. Good thing he couldn¡¯t see. There was a jacket that she hadn¡¯t had the time to put away on the study chair, Lin Ke Song could only invite him to sit on her bed. But quilt wasn¡¯t arranged properly on the bed, so messy that it made her ashamed. He didn¡¯t know, he didn¡¯t know, he won¡¯t know¡­¡­ Lin Ke Song really regretted bringing him to her room. Accidentally, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s leg hit the luggage Lin Ke Song placed at the head of the bed. ¡°Aiya! Sorry! Sorry!¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± Jiang Qian Fan had just sat down, and a hand on her blanket, and lifted his head, ¡°still the same old habits, never make your bed.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Just as Lin Ke Song was thinking about her reply, Jiang Qian Fan slowly laid down, and leaned on her pillow, ¡°this place smells like you.¡± ¡°it¡¯s not a stink ba¡­¡­ I shower everyday¡­¡­¡± ¡°I want to sleep for a while. You promised to make hay smoked eggs.¡± ¡°Alright! You sleep for a bit! When I¡¯m done I¡¯ll call you!¡± ¡°En.¡± Lin Ke Song lifted the edge of her blanket and covered Jiang Qian Fan. There were eggs in the kitchen, but there were not dried herbs and jam ah! she needs to buy them. Reaching the door, and seeing Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s sleeping form, she knew that he had a habit of taking an afternoon nap. Was he always waiting for her since she told him that she was going to have lunch with Song Yi Ran? Lin Ke Song smiled, and quietly closed the door. She had an illusion, that that small room was a box where she hid Jiang Qian Fan. No matter how cold he was, no matter how unattainable he seemed to the outside world but when he closed his eyes to sleep, he was like her exclusive collection. Lin Ke Song reached the front of the stairs and saw that Lin Xiao Xue had opened the door. ¡°Hey, how is he related to you?¡± Lin Xiao Xue asked straightforwardly. ¡°Friend.¡± Lin Ke Song replied. ¡°Friend? He¡¯s your friend?¡± Lin Xiao Xue laughed lightly in some contempt, ¡°Is every friend of yours allowed to sleep in your bed?¡± ¡°Fine ba, he¡¯s my boyfriend.¡± Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t know how to explain Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s identity to Lin Xiao Xue, but since Jiang Qian Fan had visited, it¡¯s probably with intention to get to know her family. Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t care what Lin Xiao Xue thought, but she didn¡¯t know if Uncle and Jiang Qian Fan would be able to get along. ¡°Continue being proud ba!¡± Lin Xiao Xue just went back to the house and shut the door. Lin Ke Song shook her head exasperatedly and walked towards the closest supermarket. When Lin Ke Song came back with the ingredients, she realised that the door of her room was opened. Did Lin Xiao Xue disturb Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s rest? She hurriedly rushed into the room and realised that her Uncle was actually holding a notebook like a primary school student and taking notes seriously. And Jiang Qian Fan was leaning against the head of the bed leisurely, both hands on Lin Ke Song¡¯s blanket. From the sweet and sour pork to the steamed pork with glutinous rice then the stir-fried waist flower, Uncle had countless questions, like he was worried that after this day had passed, he¡¯d never ever be able to see Jiang Qian Fan again. And unexpectedly, Jiang Qian Fan was patiently answering all of Uncle¡¯s questions, even answering and explaining the littlest detail. He even slowed his speech to match the speed of Uncle¡¯s notetaking. ¡°Thank you so much! Mr Jiang! I still have another question¡­¡­¡± ¡°No need to rush, Uncle Lin, I will be having dinner here. Ke Song is back.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s hearing was so acute, who knew, maybe when she¡¯d arrived downstairs, he¡¯d already known that she was back. ¡°Ke Song! You¡¯re back! Why didn¡¯t you tell me that Mr Jiang has visited! Let me prepare prepare ah! did you know that your uncle dreams of meeting Mr Jiang! He is your mentor and you actually didn¡¯t say a word, you¡¯re really capable ah! if I didn¡¯t come up to pick things up, and Xiao Xue telling me that you have a guest, I wonder how long this secret will be kept!¡± ¡°Haha¡­¡­ doesn¡¯t Uncle know now?¡± Lin Ke Song laughed towards Jiang Qian Fan, it looked like he could get along well with her family, there wasn¡¯t anything for her to worry about ma. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you won¡¯t eat snacks at your bed again? I can smell crackers on your pillow.¡± Jiang Qian Fan calmly said. CH 60 Word count: 1986 Stir-fried Waist Flower ¡°That¡­¡­That¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song wanted to say that those were crumbs that had accidentally fallen from the biscuit bag when she¡¯d accidentally ripped them open. But with the kind of person that was Jiang Qian Fan, there was no point in lying to him ah! Jiang Qian Fan pushed the blanket away, and stood up, ¡°today you¡¯ll oversee the hay smoked eggs, I¡¯ll make the stir-fried waist flowers.¡± ¡°You¡¯re going to make stir-fried waist flowers!¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes lighted up, her cheeks started to salivate, her mouth feeling greedy. ¡°Yeah.¡± Jiang Qian Fan lifted his hand, reaching out towards the direction of where Lin Ke Song spoke from, giving a direct hit to her forehead. Lin Ke Song closed her eyes and smiled, ¡°I¡¯ll help you!¡± After all, Jiang Qian Fan wasn¡¯t familiar with the kitchen here. Lin Ke Song stood behind him, took his hands, and slowly got him familiar with all the things in the kitchen. ¡°this is the stove, the knife stand is here, the cooking wine is next to the soy sauce, followed by the fish sauce and vinegar¡­¡­¡± This kitchen was very small, totally incomparable to the kitchen in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa. But it wasn¡¯t all that easy to get used to this place. Jiang Qian Fan gave all the ingredients, even the sesame oil a taste. Most of these ingredients were bought from the supermarket, totally unable to be on par with those fresh and costly ingredients in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s food library. Lin Ke Song was a little worried that Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s perfectionism would work up and didn¡¯t think that he wouldn¡¯t even bat an eyelid. ¡°Let¡¯s start ba.¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned towards Lin Ke Song, lifting his sleeves. She was stunned for a couple of seconds and finally understood. She got a relatively clean apron, tiptoed and hung it around his neck, Lin Ke Song was a little ‡å. She could smell the oil stains on the apron. The chef uniform and apron he usually wore were so white they were fluorescent¡­¡­ Jiang Qian Fan didn¡¯t say anything and only leaned towards Lin Ke Song. His lips were so close they were about to touch her forehead. Lin Ke Song¡¯s arms were wrapped around his waist, this hugging position made her feel inexplicably warm. She could feel his breath, and for no reason was anticipating him kissing her. ¡°did you have ice cream on the way back from buying the things?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice winded into her ears. She lifted her eyes to look into the other party¡¯s, ¡°Ah¡­¡­ yeah ah¡­¡­¡± He even knew what she ate, in the future, will she really not be able to have any tiny secrets anymore ah! ¡°Hazelnut cream flavour.¡± ¡°Yeah ah.¡± ¡°Greedy cat.¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned around, to face the stove. What did he call her? Greedy cat? ¡°Is the rice wine prepared?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°Turmeric?¡± ¡°Prepared too!¡± Lin Ke Song had to do all prior preparations for him. Like cleaning the pork waist, slicing, and seasoning according to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s directions. After all, he couldn¡¯t see, and the places where he was really at ease was limited to places that had the same layout as his kitchen. When Lin Ke Song put on a big fire and when she saw that Jiang Qian Fan was circling his hands in the pot of hot oil, she got very nervous. And looking at Jiang Qian Fan extending his palm over the oil to measure its temperature made her more anxious than ever before, afraid that he would scald himself accidentally. But Jiang Qian Fan adaptive ability was far greater than Lin Ke Song¡¯s expectations. Stir-frying, flipping, his posture was elegant as if he were playing golf, a totally different style from this small and narrow kitchen. A few minutes later, the waist flowers were ladled into a plate, there wasn¡¯t any plating, but with only the fragrant smell and vibrant colour, one can know that it is definitely delicious and well-seasoned. Lin Ke Song¡¯s hay smoked eggs were done too. And Uncle Lin and Xiao Xue were standing at the door. Lin Xiao Xue wanted to go in to have a look, because Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s back was really tall and straight, every time he made the action of flipping the pan wasn¡¯t rough, and instead the muscles on his back tightened, his hair lightly lifted off, that demeanour made it impossible to turn your gaze away. Lin Xiao Xue wanted to go forward to get a clearer look, but Uncle Lin stopped her, indicating that Lin Xiao Xue shouldn¡¯t make a mess. After all, the kitchen was tiny, and if Lin Xiao Xue were to go in, there wouldn¡¯t even be space to turn. Even though Lin Xiao Xue wasn¡¯t happy, she didn¡¯t go back to her room in indignance but took out her phone to record the view Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s back. Quickly, the stir-fried waist flowers, chives fried eggs and arugula soup were done. The atmosphere at the table wasn¡¯t all that lively, but it was obvious that everyone was happy. Lin Xiao Xue had only had her first bite of the waist flower, when her eye lighted up, wishing that she could pour the whole plate into her mouth, but she couldn¡¯t help that Uncle Lin was there, and could only eat small bites at a time. As she ate, she assessed Jiang Qian Fan curiously, she found it unbelievable, and wondered how could a blind person cook such delicious foods? And Uncle Lin had only tasted a mouthful and could feel the skill that was out of the ordinary. No matter if it were the seasoning, the texture of the waist flowered or the feeling that was left on the tip of the tongue, there was no stink, and in fact, the tenderness of the waist flower was totally presented. All the seasoning that Jiang Qian Fan had used was obviously what he normally had, but the end results were worlds apart. Uncle Lin couldn¡¯t help but start investigating on the spot. But these things depended on feeling and the control one had on what was happening, these things, even if Jian Qian Fan told Uncle, Uncle Lin wouldn¡¯t be able to understand them in a moment. After dinner, Miller picked Jiang Qian Fan up. Lin Ke Song hummed while washing up, Jiang Qian Fan made her feel like he peeked of his world today. The norm doesn¡¯t mean a fall from up high, instead, it will help him expand his world. While drying her hair, she walked to the table, and she picked up her phone realising that there were countless notifications. And they were all calls from Mayer. What happened? Did something happen to Jiang Qian Fan? Lin Ke Song hurriedly called back, ¡°Mr Mayer, I¡¯m Ke Song! Did something happen?¡± ¡°go online now and enter your cousin¡¯s social media.¡± Lin Ke Song suddenly had a bad feeling, when she saw Lin Xiao Xue¡¯s Facebook, she realised that Lin Xiao Xue had snapped the scene of Jiang Qian Fan giving her a kiss under the lamppost, and put it on her feed. There was even the video of Jiang Qian Fan cooking in the kitchen. And, the views had already reached the thousands. ¡°I¡¯ll get her to immediately take the pictures down!¡± ¡°It¡¯s already too late, take a look at ¡®stroll to mars¡¯.¡± ¡°I see it.¡± ¡°She is a reporter for ¡¶Diner in New York¡·. This magazine doesn¡¯t simply introduce fine foods, they frequently use stars and gimmick for coverage, to attract readers to those restaurants, and receive high reporting fees. All in all, the essence of this magazine isn¡¯t in the fine foods, but the soft advertising. Many restaurants will advertise in this magazine. And their speciality is to advertise like it¡¯s not an advertisement, full of ¡®professionalism¡¯.¡± ¡°Then¡­¡­ what do we do now?¡± ¡°I will try to follow ¡¶Diner in New York¡·to make sure that they won¡¯t freely put the picture up. But I think¡­¡­ that no matter what happens, when you compete in the following day, everyone might know the relationship between you and Jiang Qian Fan, you need to be prepared.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart froze a little. Hanging up, she moved quickly to Lin Xiao Xue¡¯s door, and knocked: ¡°Xiao Xue, are you in there?¡± ¡°I¡¯m here ah, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Lin Xiao Xue opened the door a little annoyedly, with her headphones, the music playing loudly. ¡°I know you posted some pictures on Facebook, including¡­¡­ me and Jiang Qian Fan in front of the house¡­¡­¡± ¡°what?¡± Lin Xiao Xue had an expression that she hadn¡¯t heard properly. Lin Ke Song knew that she was doing this on purpose, and directly plucked off the headphones, ¡°Do you know what is called personality rights? What is personality rights ah?¡± Lin Xiao Xue saw Lin Ke Song¡¯s angry expression, and even though she knew obviously that she had done wrong, she still lifted her chin: ¡°What personality rights?¡± Lin Ke Song felt that she had been too polite to this girl, but at this critical moment, she still needed to get tough. ¡°It¡¯s fine that you took photos of me. But do you think that after posting photos of Jiang Qian Fan online, no one would come after you?¡± ¡°What will he do? He isn¡¯t even some celebrity¡­¡­¡± ¡°He is my ¡®Master show¡¯ mentor. According to the rules of ¡®Master show¡¯, the top 3 participants will have the competition committee announce the mentor¡¯s names. But at this point, without the mentor¡¯s approval, you cannot share news of your mentor.¡± ¡°Then you guys shouldn¡¯t have kissed on the streets ah!¡± ¡°Then you too shouldn¡¯t have posted the pictures ah.¡± Lin Ke Song shrugged, she knew that continuing to talk will only make Lin Xiao Xue lose face. She turned around to return to her room, sat on the bed, the internet page paused at the image of her and Jiang Qian Fan kissing. She knew that once this gossip was caught on by the media, it will be quickly spread to all of Master show. Jiang Qian Fan was still Jiang Qian Fan, he could calmly ignore everyone¡¯s gaze. The crucial thing was, whether she had the strength to take this on. At this time, the music at some party was noisy and thick, Kevin carried beer to the window, leaning on his good friend¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Hey¡­¡­ looking at your expression, failed at your confession?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t confess.¡± Song Yi Ran leaned on the window, looking at the cars moving. ¡°what this is your style ah! it should be, confess in the afternoon, kiss in the late afternoon, roll around in bed at night¡­¡­¡± Song Yi Ran closed his eyes and laughed helplessly: ¡°this isn¡¯t even some game¡­¡­¡± Kevin paused and leaned against the window with Song Yi Ran, ¡°I¡¯m not curious about your failed confession. Remember the saying you Chinese have, ¡®how can you not get your shoes wet if you walk by the river (T/N: be affected by your environment)¡¯. Maybe she is your river.¡± ¡°this isn¡¯t how you use that saying.¡± Song Yi Ran gave him a push, ¡°Go have fun ba.¡± ¡°I¡¯m curious about why you didn¡¯t say anything. This isn¡¯t like you. Your personality¡­¡­ no matter, if it were a loss, would be vigorous.¡± ¡°Because I can lose to my brother, and can lose to anyone. But in front of her, there¡¯s no win or loss. I knew that it wasn¡¯t the right time to say the words I wanted to say then. I would have given her a burden. And she wouldn¡¯t have been soft-hearted just because of the past 10 years because I understand how she thinks better than anyone.¡± ¡°Do you regret it? Letting me arrange for her to follow you to New York.¡± CH 61 Word count: 2713 Don¡¯t Take Advantage of my Jealousy ¡°If I say I have no regrets, will you believe it?¡± Song Yi Ran used the wine bottle to tap his friend¡¯s head. ¡°I was afraid that during the period I was in New York, another man would break into a life. Hence why I brought her here. When I want to see her, I can. When I want to hear her talk, she would be by my side. Should I have told her that I liked her earlier?¡± Kevin shook his head, ¡°That ending may be worse than now. The younger one is, the less they understand how to exercise patience; especially those who know that the one they love also love them. Other than blind courage, they have nothing else. What can you and Lin Ke Song do? Your elder brother and fourth uncle are using her family and future to threaten you. If she was the kind of person who could leave her family, you could take her away to settle down and start from scratch again. Maye a few years later, she would take you to see her parents who had suffered for many years under the suppression of the Song family. If she wasn¡¯t heartless enough to abandon her parents, then you can only be forced to get married with another well-bred young woman from a prestigious family. You and Lin Ke Song will only be able to separate, but never be able to forget about each other.¡± ¡°Ha ha ha¡­¡­¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s shoulders shook as he held himself against the window, unable to stop laughing. ¡°If it was even more tragic than that, then you two could play Romeo and Juliet.¡± Kevin¡¯s expression seemed very sincere.¡¯ ¡°¡­¡­Hey, you should go and invest in a movie! You can even write the script yourself!¡± ¡°What are you saying, I was only telling you all the possible number of outcomes.¡± ¡°Unexpectedly, not a single one of your possible outcomes has a happy ending though?¡± Song Yi Ran raised his head and asked seriously. ¡°En, there is. You brought her to America, and you both study at the same school. You go to school with each other, and also graduate together. While studying, you accumulate your capital. During this period of time, her life is still very simple. No other man appears, and there is nothing that changes her life. Finally, there is a day when you fiercely counterattack against your brother. You can pull out the brotherly feeling hid far inside you and ruthlessly beat it up. Once you see the defeat and regret in your elder brother¡¯s eyes, you will coolly turn around and leave since you don¡¯t care about the Song family at all. Then, you take flowers and rings to confess to the girl who has always been by your side. After that, there is nothing that you need to fear or worry. Song Yi Ran and Lin Ke Song are finally able to lead a beautiful and blessed life.¡± ¡°¡­¡­So my mistake was thinking that everything would be done according to my imagination.¡± Song Yi Ran looked into the distance, his eyes brightly reflecting indistinct colours. ¡°A story with no twists or turns is merely a fairy-tale. You should just regard that man who stole the woman you cherished like those twists and turns. Not confessing this time was correct. If you did confess, it will only add to her burden and not be able to change her decision at all. Since it¡¯s like this, it is better to wait quietly for the moment when you can bring her back to your side,¡± said Kevin, as he patted Song Yi Ran¡¯s shoulder. At this moment, someone yelled towards them, ¡°Kevin! There¡¯s a person looking for Song!¡± ¡°Looking for me?¡± Song Yi Ran threw the bottle to Kevin and walked out. He saw a blonde, white woman holding her elbow, and he strode towards where she stood under the dim light. ¡°I remember you. I remember that the first time I met Jiang Qian Fan, you were there next to him. What is it that you¡¯re here for, Chef Quentin?¡± Although Song Yi Ran appreciated confident women, he didn¡¯t like those arrogant and proud ones. It was obvious that the woman in front of him had pride which far exceeded mere confidence. ¡°It¡¯s good that you remember me. You haven¡¯t seen that picture yet? I thought that you were very familiar with Lin Ke Song, so should have already seen it.¡± She took out her phone from a pocket, inside was a photo of Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song kissing under the streetlight. From the angle, a clear image of the two with their eyes closed was shot. It was a matter of course that such a photo made others feel enviable. Song Yi Ran¡¯s eyes dulled momentarily. ¡°What do you think? Believing that you can endure it in your heart is different to actually seeing it, am I right?¡± ¡°What are you trying to do, showing me this?¡± ¡°Take a seat, and let¡¯s have a talk.¡± Iris turned around and walked out. Song Yi Ran nodded to Kevin then followed her. They went to a caf¨¦ across the street and found a corner to sit down in. This was just an ordinary caf¨¦, so although they both ordered a cup of coffee, neither intended to actually have a taste. ¡°I think you can guess the reason I came to find you.¡± Song Yi Ran laughed, ¡°If you¡¯re here to represent the Quentin group, you should go and find my elder brother, Song Yi Fan, not me. In the Song family, my words hold no power.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Iris leaned back in her seat and curled up a strand of the hair near her ear. ¡°Actually, you became a shareholder of SNS and didn¡¯t tell your elder brother, right? My father and I have automatically ignored this matter and not told your family, isn¡¯t this considered our goodwill towards you?¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡­it¡¯s not too late even if you tell them now.¡± Song Yi Ran said indifferently. ¡°It seems that you have already bought enough shares of Ruiheng Hotel. In fact, if you want to push down your elder brother and fourth uncle, having a friend is better than having an enemy. You should know that the Jiang family are planning to build a street for Chinese food. But in that area of land, our Quentin Group are also very interested in building a resort hotel, as well as restaurants, casinos and an entertainment and shopping central there. You can consider joining us, I¡¯ve heard the chairman of SNR say that you are a someone who has a vision and is very thoughtful. I believe that your way of thinking will make us stand out against the competition in the hospitality industry.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­I understand now. This is why you showed me a picture of Jiang Qian Fan and Link Ke Song kissing. You wanted me to become angry and jealous, so I would have the desire to deal with Jiang Qian Fan, and help your group with your plans. Do you know the reason why I can reach the place I am now?¡± Song Yi Ran tilted his head and asked. Iris only stared back at him, waiting for his answer. ¡°It¡¯s because I know how to endure. I can even tolerate the loss of Ke Song, who I¡¯ve liked for ten years. Since I have tolerated to this point, I can still keep enduring. According to your plan of dealing with Jiang Qian Fan, what exactly would I be able to receive? Would she come back to my side? Or would I just feel refreshed for defeating my rival?¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s words caused Iris¡¯ face which originally held triumph to change. ¡°If we consider the business philosophy, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s steady advancement is more to my appetite compared to the quick success of your Quentin Group. I might as well cooperate with the Jiang family, and help them with their project of building a street for Chinese food. At least, that¡¯s something I would actually like. It¡¯s better than making a hotel resort. Is that place really suitable for a hotel resort? How long would it take for the manufacturing and production costs of the shopping and entertainment centre to be returned? If someone were to take a vacation, why not go to the Maldives rather than in New York? If you want to make me a partner of the Quentin Group, give me a better project. Don¡¯t take advantage of a man¡¯s jealousy.¡± Song Yi Ran took out a dollar from his wallet then pressed in onto the table before turning around and departing. ¡°You really don¡¯t want to win against him?¡± Iris raised her voice and asked. ¡°Of course I do. However, what can hiding in the shadows and winning against him prove? Chef Quentin, you already know that you can¡¯t have him back, so you want to hurt him to make yourself feel better. But it won¡¯t make you feel better. It¡¯s better to prove your ability in the areas you both belong to than depending on those lousy hotel plans.¡± Song Yi Ran pushed open the door, then headed into the darkness of the night. Iris sat quietly at the table for a long time, until the coffee became completely cool. *** At this moment, Li Ke Song was sitting in front of her laptop, sending a few webpage links to Lin Xiao Xue¡¯s MSN. Not even a few minutes had passes before Lin Xiao Xue pushed open Lin Ke Song¡¯s door in anger. Lowering her voice, she asked furiously, ¡°What is the meaning of you sending all that to me?¡± Lin Ke Song deliberately crooked her head and said, ¡°You grew up in New York, don¡¯t you understand English? I gave you the quotes of every major law firm!¡± ¡°Why are you giving that to me?¡± ¡°Oh, don¡¯t you know that there is a reporter from <> under your Facebook page who is an expert in concocting up stories? Wait until they compile a completely shocking and surprising story, do you think the Jiang family won¡¯t send out a lawyer to defend his reputation? Haven¡¯t you seen those TV shows? <>, <> and the <>?¡± Lin Xiao Xue didn¡¯t speak. Lin Ke Song turned around and propped up her head. ¡°Oh, I also have to find a house!¡± ¡°Are you finally going to move out?¡± Lin Xiao Xue¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Do you think that lawsuits won¡¯t require any money? Nevertheless, you¡¯ll be confronting a group of lawyers. It¡¯s estimated that uncle will have to sell the restaurant and house in order to pay for the lawyer¡¯s fee. Would there still be a place for me to live? Oh, lawsuits are lost half the time anyway. At that time, you¡¯ll have to pay others fees for damage to their reputation and so on.¡± ¡°You¡­¡­didn¡¯t you just want me to delete that photo? Isn¡¯t it fine if I just delete it?¡± Lin Xiao Xue prepared to go back, when Lin Ke Song suddenly lowered her voice and said coldly, ¡°Slow down.¡± ¡°What are you in a hurry for?¡± Lin Ke Song stood up and walked to the door. Holding the frame of the door, she stared at Lin Xiao Xue. ¡°I know that you don¡¯t like me, because I¡¯m living in a room at your house. For you, I am and outsider. I¡¯m unfashionable and I don¡¯t speak English as well as you. I¡¯m boring, and also don¡¯t know how to dress up properly. Yet, despite this, the person you like, Song Yi Ran, is my best friend. You¡¯re a person who thinks the world should revolve around you, right?¡± ¡°You¡¯re crazy!¡± ¡°Oh, of course I¡¯m crazy. At least I still help your father at his restaurant since I eat at your house. And after participating in the competition, I¡¯m planning to leave part of it to your father if there is award money. But what have you done for him? If you like Song Yi Ran and want him to like you too, then rather than troubling me, you should be trying to make yourself better and become a person worthy of being liked by him. Everyone wouldn¡¯t like you for putting other people¡¯s photos on the internet. This ¡®everyone¡¯ includes your classmates, friends, your father, me and even Song Yi Ran.¡± There was a sense of oppression in Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes. They were cold and indifferent like Jiang Qian Fan, whom Lin Xiao Xue had seen in gourmet magazines. ¡°S-sorry¡­¡­I¡¯ll go and delete it¡­¡­¡± Lin Xiao Xue practically escaped from the room. In less than five seconds, all the photos concerning Jiang Qian Fan had disappeared when Lin Ke Song looked at her Facebook page again. She lay on her bed and pulled on a blanket, then gazed at the picture she had downloaded onto her phone of Jiang Qian Fan kissing her. In fact, she felt gratitude to Lin Xiao Xue from deep inside her heart. If it wasn¡¯t for Xiao Xue, she would have never known what she looked like when kissing Jiang Qian Fan. At this time, her phone rang. The caller was ¡®Jiang Qian Fan¡¯. It was nearly one o¡¯clock in the morning, why was he still not asleep? ¡°Hello, Mr Jiang!¡± The other side was silent and didn¡¯t answer. Holding her phone, Lin Ke Song couldn¡¯t help but wonder whether the other had accidentally knocked the screen of his phone. But when Jiang Qian Fan slept, his phone was placed on the nightstand. ¡°I already said I love you, hugged you, and even kissed you. Yet in your heart, I¡¯m still just ¡®Mr Jiang¡¯?¡± The sound of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was as cool as the night. As she glanced out of her window at the colour neon lights and listened to his voice, she felt as if time was as fleeting as water. Lin Ke Song knew that Mayer must have told Qian Fan about what had happened with the photo, but he wasn¡¯t angry with her. What he cared about was his position in her heart. ¡°Qian Fan.¡± Lin Ke Song felt somewhat embarrassed as she spoke his name. ¡°En. I called you to let you know that I¡¯ll send you to Leidewensen Hotel the day after tomorrow.¡± Lin Ke Song held her phone and understood the Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s intentions a few seconds later. She knew that the audience and participants of the Master¡¯s Show would all know her relationship with Jiang Qian Fan. They would definitely ask her many questions, whether they be out of goodwill, or to mock her. Since it was like this, Jiang Qian Fan wanted them all to know that he was her mentor, but also her lover. That way, they could cut off all speculation and doubt. ¡°Are you not willing? Being together with me, will it give you a lot of pressure?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was light, causing her state of mind to echo around this empty room. This was him. Instead of hiding her, he would rather bear the pressure of the world with her. ¡°It won¡¯t,¡± replied Lin Ke Song with a smile. Because, you have always been my strength. Lin Ke Song nestled into her blanket. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s breathing transferred over to her side; it was as if he was lying next to her, accompanying her to sleep safely. She slept until it was late the next morning, and only got up then. The doorbell rang and Lin Xiao Xue wasn¡¯t at home so Lin Ke Song quickly pulled on a coat. She opened the door, and it unexpectedly turned out to be Mayer. She thought that Jiang Qian Fan had come too, but there was no one behind Mayer. ¡°I came alone. It seems you just woke up, would you be willing to go on a walk with me?¡± ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll be back down soon!¡± Lin Ke Song hurried back into the house and showered before putting on her clothes. When she went downstairs, Mayer was still waiting patiently for her. CH 62 The Problem with the Gift Box After getting on the car, Mayer took her to a street that was still under construction. There were traditional chinese-styled buildings on either side, with cornices, gray brick walls, and stone-paved paths. ¡°Is this Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s Chinese food street?¡± ¡°Yes. It is only that Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s requirements for the stores to be settled have not yet been reached. The project¡¯s been dragged on for a long time, and even the mayor is considering whether or not to continue it.¡± Mayer invited Lin Ke Song to step down the car and the two walked around as they conversed. ¡°In fact, once this project is successful, it will become another popular attraction sit in New York not only for Chinese people, but also for everyone else in the United States who are interested in Chinese food culture. For the government to cooperate with the Jiang family in preparation for this project, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s influence in America¡¯s culinary community could be seen.¡± ¡°I understand!¡± Lin Ke Song could understand Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s thoughts regarding this, and why he had such harsh demands for the food that were to be settled here. He hoped that everyone who steps into this place will all end up falling in love with Chinese food. No matter whether it was French, Italian, Mexican or Chinese food, there was not a single country¡¯s cuisine which could be labelled as the ¡®best food¡¯. It was only that the people who made the dishes were different, and the effort they put in were different. When the food was finally sent into the mouth, what the tongue tasted was the varying degrees of deliciousness. Jiang Qian Fan wished that all the people who came here to make food would be the same as him, pursuing the same ideal. ¡°Due to the mayor¡¯s hesitation and the fact that the Quentin Group are also very interested in this land, it is likely that the project will be abandoned. All of his efforts will then be completely wasted. I know that he has always said to you that he doesn¡¯t need you to win, and only need to enjoy the experience.¡± Lin Ke Song paused in her steps and gazed carefully at Mayer, ¡°Mr Mayer, what are you trying to say?¡± ¡°What I want to say is very simple. Since you have decided to stand next to him, then you must be prepared to bear the same pressure as him. This competition is not just a game. If you win, Jiang Qian Fan can campaign and attract the pubic. If you lose, I believe that the Quentin Group will take it as an opportunity to attack Mr Jiang.¡± Mayer had always been gentle, carrying the calm style of an elder. But for the first time, his eyes were deep and oppressed Lin Ke Song. She could understand his concern for Jiang Qian Fan, as well as the real meaning behind the competition. ¡°I know, I will take it seriously and try my best.¡± Mayer shook his head and lifted his hand, placing it on Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Rather than just trying and doing your best, you must win.¡± Lin Ke Song clenched her fist as her heart beat rapidly, as if it was ability to leave her body. ¡°I will win.¡± *** On the day of the competition, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s car parked outside her house very early in the morning. For her breakfast, Lin Ke Song only ate a bowl of porridge and a few dishes prepared by her uncle. Everything was simple, so that it would not affect her sense of taste. Jiang Qian Fan accompanied her to outside the door of Leidewensen Hotel. In front, there were many reporters from media companies who had come over and were taking pictures of them both constantly. They wanted to move closer and surround the two, but unfortunately, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s aura was too powerful and no one dared to stand before him. They walked inside and headed to the elevator dedicated to the competition¡¯s contestants and staff. Jiang Qian Fan placed both of his hands on Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulders, and fixed her collar with dedicated carefulness. At that moment, she felt as if she was wearing the clothes of a chef, rather than just a plain checkered shirt. Jiang Qian Fan was about to send her off. The other contestants in front of the elevator stared at them quietly. Everyone knew that Jiang Qian Fan couldn¡¯t see. Yet, inexplicably, everyone could sense the attentiveness in his eyes towards Lin Ke Song. Lin Ke Song nearly even forgot to breathe. ¡°Go.¡± He used Chinese to only speak that word, but Lin Ke Song knew that what he didn¡¯t say was ¡®I will always look at you¡¯. Annalise also arrived, followed by the makeup artist and her assistant. The moment she saw Jiang Qian Fan, she smiled meaningfully. ¡°It was only yesterday that everyone saw those photos, yet today Mr Jiang personally accompanied Ke Song here. It seems that Mr Jiang is very certain about Ke Song winning the competition?¡± Her words caught everyone¡¯s attention, including Viktor who had been pretending that he didn¡¯t see Lin Ke Song. ¡°Just because she doesn¡¯t win the competition, would it mean she won¡¯t be my partner anymore? The tone of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s statement was like a rhetorical question. Just as Annalise was in shock, Jiang Qian had already turned around and departed. The elevator doors opened and everyone walked in. Even if she didn¡¯t look around, Lin Ke Song knew that she was being stared at by the others. Then, Annalise leaned towards Lin Ke Song and whispered, ¡°Ke Song, what is Mr Jiang¡¯ kiss like?¡± Once again, she fell into everyone¡¯s line of sight. ¡°Annalise, have you ever tasted spicy chocolates?¡± Lin Ke Song squinted and asked with a smile. ¡°Ah, of course I have.¡± When the elevator door opened, Lin Ke Song walked and answered quietly, ¡°That¡¯s what it tastes like.¡± All the contestants were here together in the lounge, waiting for the competition to begin. As the camera was currently being repaired, the competition was expected to be delayed for half an hour longer than what had been originally scheduled. Shan Sha patted the seat next to her, motioning for Lin Ke Song to sit beside her. The staff of the competition came and gave drinks out to the contestants, asking them to watch patiently for the start of the competition. ¡°Coffee, milk, milk tea, or mineral water?¡± Other contestants had ordered coffee, Shan Sha had asked for milk tea, and Lin Ke Song had wanted just bottled mineral water. Just as Shan Sha was about to say something, Lin Ke Song opened her mouth and spoke first. ¡°If you wanted to ask about the matter between Jiang Qian fan and I, then I can only tell you that his is my mentor, but also my lover. There is nothing else that I can say further.¡± ¡°Ah, no¡­.I¡¯m so nervous. It¡¯s already been so many rounds since I¡¯ve entered the top three! Ah, I¡¯m going to quickly go to the bathroom!¡± Shan Sha went to the bathroom, she really was very nervous. In a short ten minutes, she had already gone to the bathroom three times, causing Lin Ke Song to feel somewhat anxious. When Lin Ke Song went to the bathroom and came back, the competition committee told everyone that the competition was about to begin, and asked them to please head over to the stadium. ¡°Ke Song, let¡¯s go!¡± ¡°I¡¯m coming!¡± Lin Ke Song unscrewed the cap on the bottle and drank a sip of water, only to spit it back out. ¡°What happened? Ke Song?¡± Shan Sha turned her head back. ¡°Did you choke?¡± ¡°No! It¡¯s so salty! It¡¯s really salty!¡± Lin Ke Song searched around everywhere for water, but it was already time to begin the competition. Her mouth still tasted of sea salt. Other contestants looked towards Viktor¡¯s direction. Viktor only raised his eyebrows and smiled, with his hands in his pockets, ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Ke Song? Don¡¯t tell me you drank a mouthful of sea water?¡± At that moment, Lin Ke Song wished to beat that guy for a bit. He must have changed her mineral water when she went to the bathroom with Sasha. ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s very boring to do such a prank? ¡°I solemnly declare that your water was not tampered by me. If you don¡¯t have evidence, don¡¯t randomly be suspicious of others.¡± Viktor left and Shan Sha frowned. ¡°What is he on about, everyone knows it¡¯s done by him. It must be because he still bears grudges about the matter last time when you spoke about boiling salt in seawater? Is there any point in doing this though?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s to temporarily disturb my sense of taste.¡± Lin Ke Song could only continue to gather her saliva and hope to weaken the saltiness. She walked to her workbench, and all the contestants were surrounded by an audience full of expectation. Light shone down from the top, and everything was so bright it made one unable to open their eyes. A new journey was about to begin. Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t scan around, she knew that Jiang Quan was looking at her from somewhere. ¡°I¡¯m very happy to meet you all again. In our last competition, everyone fought fiercely in the round and a big difference was created in the rankings. Whether it is the audience, or the contestants, I¡¯m sure everyone wants to know what new rules and regulations there will be for today¡¯s round.¡± At this moment, staff members pushed a cart onto the stage. The cart held a variety of different gift boxes in exquisite packaging. They included heart-shaped, rectangular, square and even triangular shaped boxes. Lin Ke felt somewhat doubtful in her heart. She had just broached the topic of chocolate to Annalise in the elevator, could it be that today¡¯s competition was about that? Other contestants also guessed that it was likely to be cookies or candies. ¡°Contestants, please all choose one of these presents from the cart! This is what the competition committee has prepared for you, and I hope everyone who receives these mysterious gifts can enjoy them!¡± Viktor chose a triangular-shaped gift box, Goto took a rectangular one, and Shan Sha chose a heart-shaped box. Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t have much requirements for the packaging of the gifts, so she took a black and square one. It was tied with a silver ribbon, and seemed have a tactile quality. The box was heavy, and felt quite cold to touch. It was if it had just bene taken out of the freezer. Could it be that everyone had guessed wrongly, and they needed to make something with frozen dessert or ice cream? ¡°Everyone know has a gift box in front of them, so please pray sincerely because the object inside the box will be what you have to make today. You must a delicious dish out of the ingredients in the box. It can be an appetizer, soup, or a main dish. Of course, if you want to make a dessert as well¡­I have no complaints!¡± Hearing the meaning in Annalise¡¯s words, they knew that the content in the boxes were no suitable for dessert. ¡°Now, everyone can open the box!¡± Annalise snapped her fingers, and the sound of the gifts being unwrapped could be heard. ¡°Ah? How could it be this?¡± A Mexican contestant standing not far away complained. It turned out that his box contained pig liver! ¡°No way! It smells so bad!¡± Shan Sha covered her nose and backed up, she had unexpectedly received the heart of a chicken. Goto¡¯s box contained beef heart, and Viktor¡¯s had sheep loin. The theme of this round was clear; they had to use the internal organs of animals to cook a dish. In Europe and America, the viscera of animals were practically abandoned, and was rarely used for cooking. For other contestants, this held a degree of extreme difficulty. However, this was not surprising for those who specialised in Chinese cuisine, as basically everything was used to be cooked. Even so, Lin Ke Song was not completely sure that she could grasp control of her ingredients. She untied the ribbon and opened her own gift box¡­¡­inside, there was chicken liver Lin Ke Song kneaded her forehead, this truly was a difficult problem. If it were sheep loin, pig heart, pig lungs or even pig intestines, she could think of a way to deal with it. But for chicken liver¡­once it¡¯s cooked, the texture will be quite dry and the flavour hard to taste. Ah, it really was difficult. Lin Ke Song could only continue to think of various ways of cooking it in her mind. Could she make some kind of batter to fry the chicken liver? But how could she make sure the chicken liver was cooked well, and not over-done after frying? The time was limited and the number of chicken livers were also limited. There was no time for her to experiment. Steamed chicken liver? The fishy smell aspect of it was a problem! The taste may not be very good. Then she should roast it, making the outside burnt and the inside tender. But, she guessed that many other contestants would use this method to handle the internal organs too. It would be very difficult for her to stand out if she did so, as the taste of grilled chicken liver would not be better than roasted sheep loin or teppanyaki fried duck liver. There was no way to win with such a method, so she couldn¡¯t use it. Annalise clapped her hands and said loudly, ¡°Contestants, have you thought about what you want to make? If you have, you can come with me to gather the rest of your ingredients! I hope that everyone will be careful as you will not be able to go to the ingredients warehouse for a second time!¡± Lin Ke Song raised her eyes and saw Jiang Qian Fan in the audience. He was sitting indifferently, while Mayer was beside him, continuing to explain the situation on stage. He raised his hand slightly, as if telling her that he was here. Although she had no idea what to do, Lin Ke Song could only enter the ingredients warehouse with everyone. Just as she had expected, the majority of contestants chose charcoal, burning coals and other seasonings used for barbecuing. Like an outsider, Lin Ke Song only stood there without moving. Viktor walked passed her with his ingredients, and looked at her empty basket. He snapped his fingers and said, ¡°You don¡¯t even know what you¡¯re doing? It seems you¡¯re doomed to lose to me.¡± Between Viktor¡¯s fingers, Lin Ke Song caught a glimpse of sliced bread on a shelf. A nerve in her brain was stimulated and Lin Ke Song quickly rushed past with her basket. She promptly added bread, garlic, rice wine, sake, butter, thyme, and other spice and seasonings into the basket. At the last minute, she came out from the warehouse. When Annalise knocked against the wine glass, signalling the start of the competition, Lin Ke Song immediately dealt with the chicken liver. She washed the plasma, mixed a variety of spice to marinate it, and then fried the chicken liver with butter. She chopped the garlic and fried it with chicken liver, then added in shiitake mushrooms and parsley. She constantly reminded herself to be careful of the heat and cook attentively, making sure her seasoning was accurate. Her nerves were highly strained as she stared at the color of the chicken liver, shovelling it up at the most critical moment and placing it in a foil to keep warm. Then she tasted the bread she had chosen, and decided to slice the bread. She fried it with butter and garlic, then sprinkled the crumbs with basil. Then she placed the fried chicken liver and diced mushrooms onto the bread, and Lin Ke Song proceeded to meticulously adorn the plating. Time was pressing, and she had to complete twelve plates. Her back was plastered with sweat, and some slipped down her forehead. When the sound prompting the end of the competition rang, Lin Ke Song had just completed them. The staff pushed a cart over and brought the twelve plates prepared by Lin Ke Song away. On the screen, the scene of the judges tasting the dishes prepared by the contestants could be seen. The first dish was teppan-fried pig intestines. However, the intestines were not washed clean, and the judges spat it out after having tasted it for less than two seconds. No matter who received the intestines, Lin Ke Song felt very sympathetic as it was difficult to deal with. It was thrown away as waste in most countries, as there was too much dirt and the fishy smell made people want to vomit. Cleaning up was also very troublesome, as one not only had to clean the intestines, but also remove the oil inside by scrubbing repeatedly with salt, vinegar and even starch. The next person made roasted pig loins. Although they used a lot of heavy seasoning, it still didn¡¯t cover the smell of the pig loin so many judges frowned. This round in the competition was not very optimistic. Even after the fourth and fifth dishes were tasted, there was basically no one who scored more than six points. Finally, it came to Shan Sha¡¯s chicken heart dish. She used the method for roasting ducks, and stuffed blocks of apples and cherries into the heart of the chicken. The fragrance of the fruit reduced the fishy smell and even somewhat incited a sweet scent. The seasonings which were added were also quite good, it was only that it had been roasted for too long, and the chicken heart became slightly over-cooked. She received an average of 7.8 points, which placed her at a rank before Bruce. The difference between the top three were getting smaller. After her was Goto, whose method of cooking the beef heart. He first roasted the beef heart until it was half-cooked, then diced it and fried it with sweet corn kernels. The final taste conquered many of the judges, and he scored 8.3 points in one swoop. Viktor went next after Goto. Today, Viktor seemed to be very at ease. This caused Lin Ke Song to become very curious as to how he dealt with the sheep loin. Although, in China, carbon-roasted sheep loin added with a lot of seasoning was very common. When the whole piece was placed into the mouth, the flavour was heavy, yet fresh and tender. When the taste of the sheep loin was melted together with cumin pepper and other spices, it provoked a sense of nostalgic fragrance. However, Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t think that Viktor had eaten Chinese styled roasted lamb loin. When his plate appeared on the screen, everyone froze in shock. The plating was very exquisite, causing people to unable to believe that it was arranged with the lamb loin. The lamb loin was cut into thin slices and paired with times, saffron. Turmeric and other spices. They were all fried until slightly crisp, and mixed together with asparagus that had been cooked in soup. At the bottom of the plate, there was also a layer of sauce that looked quite rich and heavy. CH 63 Coconut and Milk Candy The audience who were watching the screen swallowed their saliva subconsciously. Chief editor Winston of the judging panel closed his eyes, sending the sheep loin wrapped in asparagus into his mouth. His frown which had originally appeared because of the terrible food he had previously sampled, now slowly relaxed and smoothed out. ¡°This is truly a pleasure. The outside of the sheep loin is very crisp, but still quite fresh inside. The amount of rosemary and oregano used is also very clever. Asparagus is the crowning touch; it neither steals the aroma of the sliced sheep loin, and is instead very refreshing and adds to the overall taste. This has indeed been matched together perfectly.¡± Winston gave a mark of 9.5. From this, it could be seen how satisfied he was with Viktor¡¯s dish. As for David, the Food Association¡¯s Chairman, had already finished the plate of sheep loin with asparagus in less than a minute. Scooping up the sauce at the bottom with a spoon, he said, ¡°En, the sage has been used to get rid of the fishy smell of the sheep, and the vanilla brings a smoky sweetness to the sauce. There are also a small number of cloves, to break up the odour of the sheep loin. The use of the spices is ingenious, but the most important part is the appropriate dosage.¡± David also gave 9.5. This dish was given to 12 judges, and they could all barely find any flaws in it. Viktor, who had fallen behind in the previous round, now passed the 9.4 mark and once again returned to the throne. This undoubtedly gave Lin Ke Song a lot of pressure. Her cuisine had not yet been tasted by the judges. However, with the genius Viktor before her, Lin Ke Song¡¯s score would be more or less affected. Lin Ke Song released a breath, then looked into the audience at Jiang Qian Fan. His expression had not changed in the least, as if Viktor¡¯s success did not affect him. On the screen, her dishes were shown being placed in front of the judges. Winston¡¯s fingers moved slightly across the edge of the plate, as if he was carefully appreciating Lin Ke Song¡¯s cuisine. He laughed, ¡°This is only one of the dishes I have seen throughout this competition, but it is the most cleverly handled.¡± He bowed his head slightly, then fanning his fingers, sniffed the food. ¡°Hm¡­this is chicken liver. Before, many of the contestants chose to cover the odour of offal, but this dish allows me to smell the delicious aroma of chicken liver. The liver has been chopped and stir fried with mushrooms, then placed onto the bread. This method is based on the practice of fried foie gras, but at the same time, has been improved with innovation.¡± For Winston to affirm the idea behind her cooking, Lin Ke Song felt slightly relieved. Winston used a knife to gently slice the chicken liver into pieces, then nodded in satisfaction. ¡°The chicken liver has been chopped, but it has been cooked carefully in the heat so it hasn¡¯t been overdone and turned white. The smell of the liver is also very fresh. The originally fishy smell of the chicken liver has now been changed into a coveted fragrance.¡± Winston lifted up a slice of the baked bread. Everyone waited, wanting to see if mixing chicken liver with fried mushrooms was really delicious. Winston slightly raised his chin, then nibbles slowly while chewing. ¡°The chicken liver was first marinated in rice wine and turmeric, along with thyme and basil. The fishy smell has been solved, and the fragrance is now more fresh. After carefully frying with butter, the scent of the gravy was successfully locked in. The frying is quite perfect. This contestant has thought quite carefully about adding the sauce to the chopped chicken liver and stir frying it with mushrooms. Therefore, the liver is not completely mature yet. The mushroom are fried first, then the chicken is added at the most suitable time. That¡¯s why the chicken liver on this plate is tender and the mushrooms are very fresh. With such delicate control of the temperature, I find it hard to believe that this was not cooked by a professional chef.¡± Winston praised the dish with everyone was curious about unreservedly. Only after Winston had eaten the whole slice of bread did he sigh, ¡°Unfortunately, this dish has a fatal mistake.¡± Mistake? What mistake? Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart tightened, what did she do wrong? Obviously she had been so cautious about each step that she couldn¡¯t be more careful! ¡°If the perfect saltiness is rated at ten, then the dish is a twelve. The rest of the dish has been prepared so carefully, so I don¡¯t know if the taste of the contestant is not in the optimum state today, or whether they didn¡¯t have to taste it themselves. It really is a pity¡­no, it must be said that it truly is a pity. If the level of salinity could be controlled, then it could be said that this dish would have completely exceeded the level of the sheep slice with asparagus just then.¡± Lin Ke Song was at a loss. Exactly how did this happen? Ah, she had tasted the sauce of the chicken liver and mushroom dish herself! The salt was just right! Her taste had always been quite accurate in line with normal standards, so how could it suddenly be so salty¡­ At that moment, everything suddenly became clear. Because she had drank that extra salty water, her sensitivity to salt had been reduced. The other eleven judges gave a high rating to the details of the dish, and even thought that it could be placed in a star restaurant as a signature appetizer. However, the imbalance of the salinity had become its biggest failure. The chef of Yue Jiang, Han Bin, even held his forehead as if he completely didn¡¯t understand, ¡°Such an excellent grasp of detail, how could there be a mistake in the salinity?¡± The dish had become the most disappointing once for the judges. In the end, Lin Ke Song only received 8 points. This caused her ranking to once again drop to second place, with Viktor placing ahead at first with a 0.9 point difference. This 0.9 points could not be underestimated, as it was two completely different grades. If she wanted to chase up, then Viktor would have to lose in the next round for that to happen. Otherwise, even if Lin Ke Song received a perfect 10 points, she would not be able to catch up to him as long as Viktor managed to maintain an average of 9 points. Lin Ke Song closed her eyes, knowing that she had failed and had to bear it. Viktor¡¯s face regained a sunny smile, and the audience rose to applaud him. She didn¡¯t envy him, neither did she need the recognition of the whole world. It was only that this was the first time she had failed in front of Jiang Qian Fan. She wanted to shut herself in, so that no one would see her while she cheered herself up quietly. At the end of the competition, the contestants returned to the lounge to retrieve their bags and other belongings. Shan Sha clung to Lin Ke Song and said in an envious tone, Ke Song, you¡¯re really amazing! All the judges liked your cooking method!¡± ¡°But I made a mistake. Shan Sha, congratulations to you too. You scored high in the round.¡± ¡°Ah, but the top three are you, Goto and Viktor.¡± Shan Sha glanced at the happy Viktor then whispered, ¡°Is it the salt water that caused the problem with your perception of taste? Just like it people eat chocolate first, they will no taste the sweetness of food.¡± Lin Ke Song knew that was the problem, but didn¡¯t know what had replaced her mineral water. ¡°It must be Viktor! He lost the last round to you, so he must¡¯ve been upset!¡± A Mexican contestant couldn¡¯t help but speak after hearing the conversation between Shan Sha and Lin Ke Song. ¡°Who else would do it other than him? Isn¡¯t he always being catered for?¡± Another Canadian contestant couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°I¡¯m not interested in what others say, but I think you should be careful about Viktor. After all, the last round is the final.¡± Viktor had obviously heard everyone¡¯s argument as he walked towards the door with his backpack. He raised his head, beared it for two seconds, then finally turned to face Lin Ke Song and said, ¡°It¡¯s true that I dislike you, but my skills are better than yours so I don¡¯t need to borrow such methods to beat you.¡± When he finished speaking, Viktor left. Although everyone still thought Viktor was suspicious, Lin Ke Song had always thought that Viktor was just a very proud and arrogant man. If he wanted to beat her, Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t believe that using the salt water was something a child like him could think up. ¡°Viktor has never walked near your seat.¡± Goto threw this sentence from where he passed next to Lin Ke Song before leaving. Lin Ke Song¡¯s nerves seemed to be shocked for a second. That¡¯s right, there was no problem when she first drank from the bottle of water. However, when she came back from the bathroom, the ordinary mineral water had changed to salt water. No matter how she thought about it, that had to be have been done by someone near her. Lin Ke Song walked out of the lounge, and saw Jiang Qian Fan holding his cane. He seemed to have waited a long time for her. Only when she had arrived with a lowered head in front of him, did he open his mouth and speak, ¡°Although I wanted to wait for you in the car, I still wished to be together with you more.¡± ¡°Qian Fan¡­..¡± His hand stretched in her direction, grasping in the air. Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t move, wanting very much to just pull him over. She had thought that she would avoid him because of failure, but she realised that what she wanted the most was his presence by her side. Jiang Qian Fan took a candy from his pocket and said, ¡°For you to eat.¡± ¡°What is this?¡± ¡°My favourite candy when I was a child.¡± ¡°Are you comforting me?¡± Lin Ke Song laughed and opened the wrapping paper, placing the candy into her mouth. The feeling of sweetness caused her to momentarily forget her disappointment. ¡°If you want to take it as comforting you, that¡¯s also fine. I just think that there¡¯s another taste on your tongue.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was very smooth, but gave an impression of understanding everything. ¡°Why¡­why do you want there to be another taste on my tongue?¡± Did he know? How did her know? ¡°You don¡¯t have a cold, and you said that you only ate ordinary white porridge with a few side dishes this morning. Your voice also doesn¡¯t have any problems. If the dish you made had a mistake regarding the control of heat, then that would be normal. After all, you started studying cooking not long ago, so your level is not stable. However, all of the twelves judges said that it was too salty. That means it had to be your sense of taste that was the problem. So I thought, it was either you drank something too hot or you ate things that were too salty and hurt your taste buds.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s footsteps were unhurried. His words didn¡¯t carry any meaning of blaming Lin Ke Song, but neither did he place the blame of her defeat completely on her loss of taste. Everything in front of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s eyes was considered. ¡°I drank really salty mineral water.¡± ¡°Since it¡¯s salty, it¡¯s not mineral water.¡± ¡°Someone changed my mineral water into salt water when I went to the bathroom. Although everyone said that it was Viktor, but I don¡¯t think it¡¯s him. If anything¡­I doubt Shan Sha who has always shown goodwill to me. She was the one next to my seat when I wasn¡¯t there, but I don¡¯t want to doubt others¡­¡­¡± ¡°Being suspicious of others is originally something negative. Since it¡¯s like this, just let this pass. After all, the next round is the finals. Your interaction with her will end there in anyway. As it is now, itt¡¯s better to focus your attention on your tongue.¡± ¡°My tongue?¡± ¡°Did you taste anything sweet?¡± ¡°Ah, of course!¡± ¡°Coconut?¡± ¡°There¡¯s also a hint of vanilla.¡± Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t know why her mood suddenly relaxed. It was as if the door which had always been closed had finally opened. ¡°Yes, the most important reason why I gave you this candy is because the sweetness can cheer people up. I want you to be happy.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s lips lifted up. Actually, what else could make me more happy then having you by my side? CH 64 Word count: 2698 Scream Zone Lin Ke Song pulled Jiang Qian Fan into the car. Miller turned his head back and asked Jiang Qian Fan, ¡°Sir, where will we go now? ¡°Coney Island.¡± ¡°Pardon?¡± ¡°Ah?¡± Miller and Lin Ke Song were taken aback. What would they do on Coney Island? Were there any fine dining restaurants there? Or had Jiang Qian Fan invested in a new restaurant property? ¡°Scream Zone.¡± Jiang Qian Fan heard the question in Lin Ke Song¡¯s voice and answered. ¡°Scream¡­Zone¡­¡± Lin Ke Song wasn¡¯t sure whether the Scream Zone she thought of was the same as Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s. The ¡®Scream Zone¡¯ Lin Ke Song knew of was a large-scale amusement park, and the Soarin¡¯ Eagle inside was extremely famous. There were many tourists who rode this rollercoaster and ended up losing their voices from screaming. ¡°Are you scared?¡± Jiang Qian fan asked. ¡°I¡¯m¡­I¡¯m not scared at all!¡± Who was she kidding¡­was there any rollercoaster she hadn¡¯t ridden before? Although she always ended up with a pale face and trembling legs from the fright and had even once directly puked into a trash can and was mocked by that guy Song Yi Ran, she still really enjoyed the rotating and swooping experience. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid.¡± Jiang Qian Fan lightly replied. Lin Ke Song was stunned. ¡­¡­Sir, of course you¡¯re not afraid. Isn¡¯t it because you can¡¯t see?! But upon thinking about how Jiang Qian Fan wanted to take her to an amusement park, Lin Ke Song was inexplicably happy. In the past, she had thought he did not pursue anything other than food in his life. Yet, in fact, Jiang Qian Fan was also a person who knew how to live. They didn¡¯t hold hands and watch those romance movies, nor did he buy any expensive jewellery and dress her up like a Christmas tree. The words passed between them both was also not many. However, every sentence that he spoke, everything that he did, would always cause her heart to jump. Today, there were quite a lot of people at the Scream Zone. Colourful balloons floated around the place, and there were many clowns and staff dressed up as cartoon characters performing. The air was filled with the aroma of popcorn and cotton candy, and the screams of those in the rollercoaster as it rushed towards the sky made people glance up every time. ¡°What do you want to eat? Popcorn, cotton candy, fries, or hot dogs?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked. ¡°You would let me eat these?¡± Weren¡¯t these junk food in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s eyes? ¡°Well, you¡¯ll end up vomiting it all out when you come down from the rollercoaster anyway.¡± Jiang Qian Fan held his cane and walked towards the direction of the screams. ¡°I won¡¯t vomit! Just wait and see!¡± Lin Ke Song stepped forward and wound her arm around his elbow. But when her line of sight fell upon the corner of his lips, she couldn¡¯t help but cry out, ¡°Where you smiling just then?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°I saw it clearly! Even though your lips only tilted up a tiny bit!¡± ¡°When you really do vomit, then I will smile.¡± When they were sitting on the rollercoaster with their legs hanging in the air, Lin Ke Song¡¯s lingering fear from the past arose. She could imagine the feeling of herself being thrown out. She grasped the safety levers tightly with her hands, but Jiang Qian Fan next to her was calm, as if he was merely sitting on a sight-seeing cable car. He touched Lin Ke Song¡¯s wrist and said coolly, ¡°Your heartbeat is very fast.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because a male god is sitting next to me.¡± Lin Ke Song openly lied with her eyes wide open. ¡°Oh, my pleasure.¡± Their legs lightly shook for a while as the rollercoaster slowly climbed up. When they reached the highest point, Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart felt pinched and her breath was suppressed is her chest. It was that kind of feeling where one lost complete control and didn¡¯t know where the heaven and earth were. Other than the screams, the whistling sound of the wind was also present by their ears. Her entire body was spread out, and even though Lin Ke Song knew that she would not fall out, she held onto the safety rode with all her strength. She didn¡¯t even dare to open her eyes, and only screamed wildly. Beside her, Jiang Qian fan was calm. Lin Ke Song was simply unable to bear it. Reaching out her hand, she grasped his fingers and clenched them firmly. Even though he wasn¡¯t scared at all, she still wanted him to feel this pain! When they finally came to the end, most of the people¡¯s faces were dead white. Lin Ke Song clambered down from the rollercoaster and felt that the world was spinning. She knew that she would definitely not be able to walk in a straight line. And she really wanted to vomit¡­ She had to endure, she had to endure¡­ After all, Jiang Qian Fan, that guy, was listening. He opened his cane and using his ears, recognised Lin Ke Song¡¯s footsteps among the other tourists who had come and went. He followed her at a distance that was neither close nor far. ¡°If you want to vomit, you should. Get it out of your stomach, and then you can eat something delicious.¡± Lin Ke Song was unable to endure anyway and rushed to the bin, holding it as she vomited everything out. Jiang Qian Fan stood behind her and touched her shoulder. He stroked her back lightly, then handed her a paper towel. Lin Ke Song wiped her mouth then sat on a bench, waiting for the dizziness to pass. Jiang Qian Fan sat next to her and said, ¡°I seem to smell hot dogs.¡± ¡°It¡¯s about ten meters to your six o¡¯clock.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll go and buy a hot dog while you rest here.¡± ¡°Ah? There are too many tourists here! I¡¯ll go instead.¡± Jiang Qian Fan stood up, and headed over to the direction Lin Ke Song had said. She was feeling extremely faint, but Jiang Qian fan¡¯s figure was like a frozen landscape. Even if the world was turned upside down, he was still there. Occasionally, there would be tourists passing by and her sight would be blocked. She would then get up nervously, worried she would lose him. A child scampered by him, and she worried that he would accidentally be knocked. But Jiang Qian had long heard it, and he avoided it and stood to the side. Lin Ke Song exhaled. She had never gazed at someone¡¯s back this way, worried that he would be hurt, afraid that she would lose him. When Jiang Qian Fan walked towards her with a hotdog in a paper box in his left hand and a coke hanging in the bag on his arm, Lin Ke Song felt a joy as if she had just retrieved something she lost. He handed the paper box to her, and she opened it. Then she deliberately lifted the hot dog towards him, ¡°I¡¯ll let you have the first bite!¡± He opened his mouth, and even though it was merely common food, there was a kind of aristocratic elegance. As she expected, the sauce in the hotdog was squeezed out form both sides and stuck to his cheeks. Lin Ke Song smiled then took out her phone, taking a few pictures. ¡°Are you going to post that on Facebook?¡± ¡°I won¡¯t! This is a private collection!¡± Lin Ke Song answered in a solemn manner. The truth was¡­..she didn¡¯t have Facebook. ¡°Can I wipe the sauce off my face now?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s expression reflected his seriousness towards this question. Lin Ke Song grinned then carefully wiped his face. If was only when her fingers touched Jiang Qian fan¡¯s cheek over the paper towel that she realised this man actually knew everything, whether that was her thoughts or her ideas of creating mischief. But he didn¡¯t care, and even used himself to make her happy. They had fun at the amusement park until both their backs were drenched with sweat before finally leaving. Although she didn¡¯t speak, there was a constant smile on Lin Ke Song¡¯s face. ¡°You had a lot of fun today.¡± ¡°Yes. The Soarin¡¯ Eagle rollercoaster in the Scream Zone was really amazing!¡± ¡°So it turns out that you like rollercoasters. Then let¡¯s go to Dubai together next time. There is a Ferrari themed park there, where the rollercoaster will rush out at the high speed of a Ferrari. It¡¯s known as the ¡°body flying out in front, and the soul chasing from behind.¡± Lin Ke Song glanced over at Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s face, confirming whether that guy was actually being serious. He must really love seeing her vomit! Jiang Qian Fan then proceeded to send her home. He kissed her forehead then said ¡®good night¡¯. Lin Ke Song touched her forehead, and only then realised that Jiang Qian Fan did not mention anything about cooking or comment on the competition and her unexpected failure. In fact, during the time when she was on the rollercoaster and it had abruptly dropped, Lin Ke Song suddenly realised that understanding the art of cooking not only required one to have a balanced taste, they also had to have that kind of surprise which could break open the restrictions on people¡¯s taste buds. Just like how he had suddenly appeared in her life. *** That night, Jiang Qian Fan sat on the terrace as a cool breeze blew past. Mayer proceeded to read several documents to him for Jiang Qian Fan to sign. ¡°Mayer.¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong, sir? Is there a problem with the document?¡± ¡°Thank you for your care towards me and the Jiang Group. You are the one I trust the most.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the matter, sir? Why are you saying such words to me all of a sudden?¡± ¡°I know that you are worried Ke Song losing in the ¡®Master¡¯s Competition¡¯ against Viktor will impact me. However, I don¡¯t want to give her pressure because I don¡¯t want to pull her into the fight between the Jiang and Quentin group. I hope you can trust me, and I have prepared for this for a long time.¡± Mayer bowed slightly, then answered calmly, ¡°I understand, sir.¡± *** Lin Ke Song sat down at the dinner table with her uncle and Lin Xiao Xue. Her uncle deliberately gave Lin Ke Song white porridge with some fresh fried vegetables. He also said specifically, ¡°This porridge should be cooled down then eaten!¡± Lin Xiao Xue grinned and said, ¡°She didn¡¯t win the competition round again¡­¡­Didn¡¯t we say that unless Viktor made a mistake in the next round, she wouldn¡¯t have the chance to become the champion?¡± ¡°This has nothing to do with winning the round in the competition! Receiving second is also very amazing already. What about you? You can¡¯t even fry an egg. Before mocking other people, take a couple of looks at yourself.¡± Her uncle shook his head helplessly. Lin Xiao Xue felt gloomy, and ended up returning to her room after eating only a few bites. As for Lin Ke Song, she had climbed into her quilt earlier than usual, deciding to have a good night¡¯s sleep. Not long after, she received a WeChat message on her phone from Song Yi Ran: I have been very busy these couple of days and was not able to go and cheer for you at the competition. I will go and watch the final competition. Attached was an emoji with an ominous expression. Lin Ke Song smiled and said: When I win, I will wear and cloak and red leather pants like Superman, then go to your restaurant to be the Head chef. Song Yi Ran quickly replied: I look forward to it. *** At this time, Lin Xiao Xue was playing games in her room and wanted to drink coke, but found that there wasn¡¯t any at home. She took the key and planned to go to the convenience store across the street. Lin Xiao Xue had just walked out, when she saw a figure standing under the streetlights, texting on his mobile phone. He had a nose with a high bridge, and his eyelids were half shuttered. Under the dim light, he appeared soft and fragile. ¡°You¡­did you come to find my cousin? Why aren¡¯t you going up¡­¡­¡± Lin Xiao Xue didn¡¯t want to disturb this kind of Song Yi Ran, but she had already unconsciously asked him. The man standing under the streetlight slowly raised his head and smiled slightly, ¡°I¡¯m only passing by.¡± ¡°I can see that you¡¯re sending a text message.¡± Song Yi Ran approached Lin Xiao Xue in an unpredictable manner then knocked the cell phone on her head. ¡°You should learn when to pretend that you¡¯re unaware.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Do you still like Lin Ke Song? Don¡¯t you know that she¡¯s with Jiang Qian Fan?¡± ¡°Then why do you hate Ke Song? Why did you post that picture of her kissing Jiang Qian fan on your Facebook page?¡± Song Yi Ran asked with a smile. ¡°Because¡­¡­I wanted you to see¡­¡­¡± The last part of the sentence, Lin Xiao Xue said quietly. ¡°So? Were you trying to make me give up on her, or trying to make me feel bad?¡± Song Yi Ran¡¯s tone of voice was as if he was speaking to an ignorant child. His expression right now was one that Lin Xiao Xue hated the most. ¡°I just don¡¯t understand why you, my dad, and even Jiang Qian Fan all like her so much. Those who don¡¯t know would think that she was goddess of a church or something!¡± After restraining herself for so long, Lin Xiao Xue finally blurted out these words. ¡°Ah¡­¡­you ask why? I don¡¯t know why others like her, but I also know that not everyone likes her the way I do¡­¡­I only remember that during the time I was in middle school, one of the classes organised a camp. My appendicitis suddenly flared up in the middle of the night, and the pain was nearly unbearable. The driver of the school bus was absent, and it would¡¯ve taken time for the ambulance to arrive. Furthermore, it was difficult to describe our exact location. The only solution was to take a bicycle and send me to the nearest hospital. At that time, my class teacher was female, and she rode very slowly. Lin Ke Song followed the bicycle and speed walked beside us. She could have continued to sleep like the other students, but she chose to come along even though she ended up drenched in sweat. Finally, the teacher was unable to ride the bicycle any longer. And she, as a girl, continued instead, all the way to the hospital. My body was curled up from the pain, but I still gazed at her back determinedly. Exactly where did her strength and willpower come from?¡± Lin Xiao Xue swallowed and stared blankly at Song Yi Ran. ¡°Later, many of my classmates learnt of my family background and became close to me. I had a lot more friends who would have fun together with me, but I knew very clearly that they deliberately became my friends. Not a single one of them would have been able to do what Ke Song did for me.¡± ¡°So you feel extremely grateful to Ke Song?¡± Song Yi Ran smiled. ¡°This isn¡¯t gratitude, it¡¯s understanding. If you want others to understand the good part of you and love you sincerely, then you must treat others with sincerity. Not every one of your efforts will be rewarded, and you won¡¯t be able to get what you want each time. Once you accept this, then you will really have grown up.¡± After saying this, Song Yi Ran turned around and left. Lin Xiao Xue stared at his back under the dim lights and suddenly felt sad. ¡°Do you want me to be better towards her?¡± ¡°I just want you to become a little more likeable.¡± CH 65 Word count: 2021 Provocation Lin Xiao Xue watched as Song Yi Ran walked away. Although a puzzled expression was on her face, she felt as if had understood something in her heart. *** Lin Ke Song, who had been lying in her quilt, slept until noon of the next day. Days without having to wake up to an alarm were truly too beautiful. To her, everything seemed to be gentle and relaxed. Even though it was the final round tomorrow, she did not feel anything much. Lin Ke Song pulled on a T-shirt then cooked herself a bowl of noodles. After she finished eating, she went to her uncle¡¯s restaurant and found it completely filled with customers. She knew that the kitchen would be extremely busy, and rolled up her sleeves in preparation to help. ¡°Don¡¯t! Don¡¯t! The finals are tomorrow! You must take a good break and relax! It¡¯s very chaotic here right now, what if you accidentally hurt yourself?¡± ¡°Just take it as me practicing my skills to get into the right state of mind!¡± Lin Ke Song smiled then glanced at the orders posted above her uncle¡¯s head. Onions and green peppers were the ones most commonly used in side dishes. The assistants who were cutting the vegetables were already sweating, so Lin Ke Song hurried over to assist them. As her uncle continuously cooked for an hour, he would often use the towel around his neck to wipe of his sweat. Lin Ke Song would also rush over to help. ¡°This wok is too large! You won¡¯t be able to handle it!¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay! Tomato and scrambled eggs are my strength. Even without lifting the wok, I can create something that isn¡¯t unpleasant to eat!¡± Uncle Lin shook his head reluctantly. ¡°How could your tomatoes and scrambled eggs taste bad? They¡¯re obviously delicious! I¡¯m just afraid that after the guests eat your tomatoes and scrambled eggs, they won¡¯t want to eat mine anymore!¡± Laughter rang out across the kitchen. At this time, a waiter stopped by the window and called out, ¡°Ke Song, there¡¯s someone looking for you!¡± ¡°Looking for me? Now?¡± The only person Lin Ke Song could think of was Song Yi Ran coming to eat and drink. Only after wiping her hands on her apron and entering out into the restaurant did she realise that the person who came to see her was Iris Quentin. Rather than sitting down, she was standing by the door while holding onto an elbow. Iris swept a glance at the dishes on each table, her slightly raised brow hinting at her dissatisfaction with them. However, this was just a normal restaurant. How could it be on par with one with a Michelin star? As soon as Iris appeared, Lin Ke Song knew that the other woman was going to say something unpleasant to her. ¡°Chef Quentin? Are you here to¡­try the Chinese dishes?¡± ¡°If I wanted to eat Chinese food, I would choose Yuejiang Tower.¡± Iris raised her chin. ¡°Come out, I¡¯d like to speak a few words to you. It won¡¯t take up much of your time.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Although Lin Ke Song did not like her, she would at least appreciate what the other had to say. Her discontent was expressed clearly on her face. That was much better than a villain who spoke honeyed words. The two of them walked towards a tree outside the restaurant. Iris did not employ any roundabout tactics. She just directly states her thoughts. ¡°You know that I have always liked Jiang Qian Fan. Furthermore, in my heart, I believe that I am much better than you in both cooking skills and understanding of his ideas.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why he chose you as his business partner. He appreciates your ability.¡± Iris chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t act like you understand everything. I really hate you. I hate you to the point that I would even pit myself against Jiang Qian Fan just so that he will be unable to advance.¡± Lin Ke Song became nervous. She knew that in regards to the China street cuisine project, the Quentin Group would be the largest obstacle. ¡°However, someone told me that if I want to win, the battlefield should be at a place where we are both experts and acknowledge each other in. The finals are tomorrow. The only competitors who will have a real impact on the championships are Viktor, Goto and you. But you also know that unless Viktor makes a mistake, your chances of winning are minuscule.¡± ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Iris leaned forward slightly. The intensity of her stare created a strong sense of oppression towards Lin Ke Song. ¡°If you win, then you can be together with Jiang Qian Fan until he tires of you. I won¡¯t interfere with your lives. However, if you lose, please leave his life.¡± Lin Ke Song frowned then wordlessly shook her head. ¡°Chef Quentin, what is Jiang Qian Fan in your heart? A person or an object? Who he will be with and who he will fall in love with cannot be decided upon by a mere competition. Even if I lose, he will still love me. Even if I go to a place where he will be unable to find me, he will still search the whole world for me. Would betting on this kind of thing even have any meaning? To me, he is the most important person in my life, no matter what happens. I won¡¯t use him as a betting chip between the two of us.¡± ¡°Ah, you¡¯re really confident. Since it¡¯s like this, then let¡¯s take another approach. If you win, I¡¯ll still completely leave your lives. If you lose, then I will take over the Chinese street cuisine project. Since you believe that the cooking competition will be unable to determine the victor between us, then I can only use my own way of making it difficult for you.¡± Iris left as soon as she finished speaking. Lin Ke Sing took in a breath. She knew that Iris would mention this. Mayer had once said that the China street cuisine project was of great significance to Jiang Qian Fan. He had devoted too much effort and expenditure to it. It was imperative that she won. She couldn¡¯t let Jiang Qian Fan comfort and solve everything for her. Lin Ke Song turned around and went back into the kitchen, continuing to help the others. ¡°Ke Song, who was looking for you?¡± Her uncle asked. ¡°Oh, a friend of mine was going to come and see me at the final round. She suddenly had a matter come up and couldn¡¯t attend anymore, so she was here to encourage me.¡± Lin Ke Song continued cutting the onions and cooking. Amidst the bustle of the kitchen. Lin Ke Son slowly foregut about everything for a while. The burdens were redundant because the result would always end up appearing. *** In the early morning of the next day, there was a light rain falling from the sky. Jiang Qian Fan picked up Lin Ke Song and they headed towards Leidewensen Hotel. ¡°What do you think the theme of today will be?¡± Lin Ke Song asked. ¡°The representative dish of one¡¯s master.¡± Lin Ke Song had not expected him to answer because Jiang Qian Fan rarely made any unfounded predictions. ¡°Why is it the representative dish of the master?¡± ¡°That¡¯s because this is the ¡®Master¡¯s Show¡¯. You represent your respective mentors.¡± In this case, it seemed that Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s predictions were quite appropriate. ¡°You know my cooking style very well, so this kind of theme should not be hard for you.¡± There was a sense of calm in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice. ¡°Your most famous dish is foie gras. However, I haven¡¯t completely mastered this yet.¡± ¡°It is impossible to copy another¡¯s dish perfectly, even if it¡¯s by using the exact same process and method. However, your mentor is me. When the judges taste your dish, they will definitely be able to feel that.¡± Lin Ke Song turned her head away and glanced out the window with a smile. *** As she walked into the lounge arranged by the committee, Lin Ke Song saw her strongest opponent, Viktor. At this moment, the usual na?ve expression which he wore was pulled off. Instead, his eyes were closed and he had his hands folded over his forehead. Viktor was deep in his own thoughts and trying to make himself more focused. Lin Ke Song did not deliberately avoid Shan Sha, but sat down beside her. In fact, she also wanted to know how well Shan Sha would perform during this final round. ¡°Ke Song¡­¡­what do you think the theme will be for today?¡± Shan Sha whispered by Lin Ke Song¡¯s ear. ¡°I¡¯m not a member of the committee.¡± Lin Ke Song laughed and shrugged her shoulder, ¡°And it is difficult for us to guess the thoughts of the judges. Maybe they¡¯ll make us cook, then halfway during the process, have us exchange ingredients?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­it can¡¯t be¡­¡­¡± Shan Sha said with an anxious expression. She pulled on Lin Ke Song¡¯s sleeve and continued to ask, ¡°Did Mr Jiang not give you any hints?¡± ¡°He only gave me one hint.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Maintain your usual state of mind, and be yourself.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡± Shan Sha looked suspiciously at Lin Ke Song. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it said that the relationship between Mr Jiang and Winston¡¯s editor-in-chief was quite good? Didn¡¯t he disclose any information to Mr Jiang?¡± At this time, an announcement asking for the competitors to enter the stage was broadcasted. Lin Ke Song rose and headed towards the door. ¡°Ke Song¡­.how about you just tell me? Besides, it¡¯s not like I would pose any threat to you anyway¡­¡­¡± ¡°I can randomly make up an answer for you, do you want that?¡± Lin Ke Song replied as she turned her head back. Shan Sha grinned. As they were passing through the door, Lin Ke Song glimpsed Shan Sha staring at her from the reflection in the glass. The gaze with which the other girl was directing towards her was not as friendly as usual. Lin Ke Song suddenly stopped and turned around to face Shan Sha. Shan Sha was completely unable to predict that, and it was too late for her to hide the expression on her face. ¡°I suddenly thought of something.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Even though you pose no threat to me, I pose a threat to you. Right?¡± Shan Sha stumbled for a second, then displayed an angry and hurt expression. ¡°You¡­what exactly are you trying to say?¡± A large smile appeared on Lin Ke Song¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯m just joking with you! Relax! Look how tense you are!¡± Without waiting for Shan Sha¡¯s reply, Lin Ke Song quickly stepped onto the stage. As each competitor entered, thunderous applause could be heard. For Lin Ke Song, the brightness of the light was no longer blinding. Even amongst so many people, she could still find Jiang Qian fan easily. If this competition was that wild roller coaster, Jiang Qian Fan would always be her object of reference even if the heavens and earth were reversed. ¡°Thank you very much for all attending this feast. The upcoming round today will be the most normal one we¡¯ve had so far. Of course, this competition is merely the prelude to the delicious journey that will be ahead of use for the rest of our lives. Although the competition rules for today will be simple, it is also the most demanding. It will test the competitors¡¯ skills, the amount of knowledge they¡¯ve learnt from your mentor and whether they have the ability to perform independently. What the competitors will have to do today is reproduce the representative dish of their mentor!¡± All of the competitors exhaled when they heard Annalise¡¯s words. If it was the representative dish of their mentor, then even if it wasn¡¯t a thousand times, they would have at least practise for nine hundred. ¡°However, if it¡¯s just one dish, then that would be too boring!¡± All of a sudden, everyone was nervous again. CH 66 Word count: 1897 Final Contest ¡°You will make an appetiser that will whet appetites, an amazing main dish and a dessert that will make people reminisce over and over.¡± 3 dishes? And for 12 judges? What kind of workload is this ah! ¡°the time allocated to you is 3 whole hours! Every dish will be scored by the judges, and the score you will get will be the average of the scores of the dishes! So, don¡¯t think less of the importance of the appetiser or the dessert! Your appetiser, will set the opening stage of your standard of cooking! And the most important thing for the main dish is the experience! As for the appetiser at the end, it will be the lasting impression that you leave the judges! Any part that is messed up will affect your final score, maybe even putting you at the last rank! So please be cautious, and tread carefully!¡± Annalise¡¯s gaze swept past all the contestants, she revealed a secretive smile: ¡°of course¡­¡­ even though the stipulated time is 3 hours. Everyone should have guessed, that if the judges tasted all 3 dishes of every contestant, the amount of food consumed will be 3 times more than usual. So, the first person to finish preparing all 3 dishes will have their food sent to the judges first. Which is to say, the later you finish making your dishes, the wearier the judges¡¯ taste buds will be. When a person is full, no matter what delicious food they taste, it will be scored a lot lower.¡± Suddenly, no matter if it were the contestants or the audience, all their expressions turned nervous. To make 12 portions of 3 different dishes of appetiser, main dish and dessert is already a very tense situation, on top of that, you need speed¡­¡­ Lin Ke Song to a breath, and looked towards Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s direction. His expression was very calm, like the rough cliffs in the winds. Lin Ke Song¡¯s mind too, gradually calmed. The prompt to finish the competition early is actually the competing committee¡¯s obstacle to every contestant. She had seen it before in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s restaurant, that no matter the dish, they all probably went through hours of preparation. Some things, without time and effort, would not let one achieve the original result. A little change in the heat, will make a world of a difference to these judges who had countless experience in the fine dining industry. Annalise lifted her hand and had a look at her watch: ¡°Now, contestants, you have 40 minutes to visit the food warehouse, to pock all the ingredients you need! No matter if it¡¯s the simplest salt, you must pick carefully. Because once the competition begins, going back to the food warehouse will waste your precious cooking time!¡± In Lin Ke Song¡¯s impression, Jiang Qian Fan had no dish that was more of a signature than the quail foie gras. That day in the back kitchen of polarlight, Lin Ke Song saw with her own eyes Jiang Qian Fan and Brody working together to produce the appetiser of jellied peas and shrimp, the main dish of quail foie gras and the final dessert of hawthorn ice cream. She closed her eyes and listed each and every ingredient in her head. She knew that she definitely couldn¡¯t get flustered, no matter how tense the situation got, being methodical is the way of Jiang Qian Fan. 40 minutes was still nerve wrecking to the contestants. When all the contestants rushed to the food warehouse, Lin Ke Song experienced what turmoil and chaos of war was. A contestant from Mexico toppled a whole row of salad dressing, incurring complains from others. It was obviously not the first time entering the food warehouse, the layout of the shelves didn¡¯t even change, and there were still people who could not find what they wanted. Even ShanSha, almost took someone else¡¯s cart. On the contrary, for Goto Nozomi, he only calmly and even unbothered gathered the things he needed. And Viktor was very intentionally clear about what he needed, occasionally furrowing his eyebrows, looking at the labels on the sauce bottles. He was very clear that he couldn¡¯t bring a pile of useless things back. Because when the competition starts, sifting through a pile of seasoning for a particular one would waste a lot of time. Lin Ke Song arrived at the fresh meat section, seriously making sure of the texture of the pork, estimating the amount. Looking for fresh and lively shrimp. Using her finger to press the peas to make sure of their texture and freshness, even putting one in her mouth to confirm its flavour. She found foie gras that had already been cleaned and prepared, and placed an appropriately sized one in her basket, of course, she didn¡¯t forget to prepare a few more. She meticulously discerned the colour of the liver, looking for the appropriate thickness. At first, she was a little worried that she wouldn¡¯t be able to find hawthorn, but she didn¡¯t think that she¡¯d actually be able to find them in the fruit shelves. She took one and placed it in her mouth, it was very fresh, the sour taste made her cheeks salivate, but there was a sweet aftertaste. After making sure that all the ingredients were chosen, Lin Ke Song then pushed her cart out. Following the clink of Annalise on the wine glass, all the contestants started moving like they were all part of a clockwork. Lin Ke Song cleaned the pork skin and cut them into blocks of pieces, placing them in water, to season, and stew. Because there was a time constraint, she could do a slow cook, and could only use the pressure cooker. Because there was a time constraint, she could not make stock on the spot, but she clearly remembered what the stock that was used at polarlights tasted like. She carefully performed taste correction on the stock, then adjusted the fire, and placed the quail into the stock to stew. She started preparing the side dishes, and at the same time kept an eye on the quail in the stock. The preparation for the hawthorn too, was a whole other process. She needed to carefully dig a hole in the middle of the hawthorn. And the creaminess of the ice cream was a part that needed great skill. Because there was no freezing done before in the freezer, Lin Ke Song could only depend on her experience and feeling to imagine the result after freezing. If the ice cream was diluted, when the hawthorn gets coated in a coat of red sugar, the ice cream will flow out. But if the ice cream was too thick, the judges will feel like they were biting on a piece of rock, and not a dessert that was unforgettable. She needed to have everything covered, her thoughts clearer than ever before, a little wrong would negate everything. ¡°Oh¡­¡­ heavens!¡± there was already a contestant who had messed up some part, cradling their head thinking about making up for it. The contestant from Canada even cut their own finger, Annalise had to have a medic confirm if they were fit to continue in the competition. There were even all sorts of oohs and ahs, slaps and bangs and sounds of something dropping on the floor or flipping over. Even with all the chaos, Lin Ke Song did not register a single sound. ¡°she¡¯s really organised, calculating every move and getting through every procedure well organised. It¡¯s like she¡¯s possessed by you.¡± Mayer said to Jiang Qian Fan from the side. ¡°En.¡± Jiang Qian Fan calmly responded. Mayer laughed: ¡°the contestant who cut themselves made you worried for a bit ba?¡± ¡°Worried about what?¡± ¡°Worried that they were Lin Ke Song.¡± ¡°I have no worries now, she is enjoying this process.¡± When an hour of the competition had passed, Lin Ke Song put the ice cream filled hawthorn into the refrigerator for quick freezing. Now, there were contestants who had finished making the appetiser and were plating. This made the other contestants feel greatly pressured, there was even someone who dropped an almost done dish onto the floor. The audience was affected by the tense atmosphere, many people clutching their fists for the contestant they were rooting for. Uncle Lin too was gritting his teeth, both hands pressing into his thighs, afraid that Lin Ke Song too would make that kind of mistake. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ke Song is very stable.¡± Song Yi Ran who was beside him patted the back of his hand. ¡°It feels like¡­¡­ I¡¯m the one who¡¯s competing¡­¡­¡± And Lin Xiao Xue who was sitting beside Uncle Lin didn¡¯t even dare to breathe. She¡¯d never thought of watching Lin Ke Song compete in the finals, but the words that Song Yi Ran had spoked to her made her very curious. Just what about the charm her cousin, Lin Ke Song, had, that made so many people support her? And in this moment, she realised that her mood was actually pulled along by each and every move that Lin Ke Song made. She could feel the seriousness of Lin Ke Song, even when she used a knife to split the peas, the sophistication and thought and the effort that she¡¯d put in for the past few months. She was different from most of the flustered contestants, for Lin Ke Song, even the littlest lift of her hand flowed with a kind of calm that embodied serenity. She had no other excess movements, even the turns her body made were sleek and without lag. Lin Xiao Xue stretched her neck, her heart was filled with a kind of anticipation. She hoped Lin Ke Song would win, and receive the final honours. And many of the audience who had previously been enraptured by Viktor, were putting their attention on Lin Ke Song. This girl seemed ordinary, but could always bring about some surprise. She conquered the difficult obstacle Viktor made for her, and even after going through the loss of the previous round, she was still unruffled. No matter if it were the action of slicing butter, or the dexterous calm pan frying of the foie gras, Lin Ke Song made people experience an inexplicable elegance. She stuffed the foie gras into the quail, and lightly pan fried the quail and wrapped it up in tin foil before placing it in the oven. Then, like she hadn¡¯t given it any thought, she started to formulate a sauce. But the watching audience understood, that it wasn¡¯t because she hadn¡¯t given it thought, but it was because she had previously given serious deep thought, and she was now totally clear, knowing clearly what she was doing and what she needed to do. Now, there was already a contestant who had finished making the main dish, and Lin Ke Song had only started making the red sugar that was to coat the hawthorn. When Lin Ke Song retrieved the jellied shrimp from the fridge, there were already contestants who had risen their hands to indicate that they¡¯d finished cooking the third dish. At this time, 2 and a half hours of the competition had passed. ¡°really too impatient.¡± Mayer shook his head, ¡°this could be a trap that the competition committee had set, to see if there were competitors who could not keep their cool.¡± CH 67 Word count: 1966 Viktor¡¯s mistake That was the contestant from Canada. On the screen, the judges were arranging their napkins on their chests, already ready to taste the first dish. That was a mini Italian pizza dumpling. On the surface, it looked fried to a golden brown, the small crescent, looked very exquisite, the sauce at the base of the plate looked very well proportioned. ¡°En¡­¡­¡± editor Winston nodded his head, like he was full of anticipation, when he used a knife to cut the dumpling open, he gave a sigh, ¡°on average, only a little oil is needed to fry the pizza dumpling. Even though it¡¯s ¡®a little¡¯, there still needs to be an appropriate amount. When cutting the dumpling open, the skin wasn¡¯t crispy enough, this will greatly affect the taste.¡± The pizza dumpling only got 5 points. This wasn¡¯t a great start. The Canadian contestant grabbed his forehead with his hand, and gave a forceful sigh, only being able to put his hopes on his main dish of Italian beef ham roll. The presentation of the main dish was pretty good, it¡¯s only a pity that in a rush, the veal didn¡¯t receive enough of a pounding and the flavours could not sink in. the comments weren¡¯t great, only 6 points. At this time, no matter how good the dessert was, there was no chance of a recovering the gap, and the judges had already lost interest. The fruit flesh in the passion fruit mousse wasn¡¯t stewed to sufficient thickness, the taste was disappointing. The final score the Canadian contestant got was only 5.8 points. This made the audience hum, and gave the other contestants on set lingering fear right into the palms of their hands, and start to worry about whether the preparations they had made before were sufficient. ¡°All the ingredients have to be prepared meticulously, and precision takes time.¡± Jiang Qian Fan said. ¡°Yes, Sir. So I¡¯m very pleased, because according to Lin Ke Song¡¯s current state, everything that she is doing is done meticulously, everything is in her control.¡± At this time, Lin Ke Song was peeling the apples. Her actions were very quick, she was using the fruit knife and not the blade for peeling. The fruit peel twirled down in rounds, without a slight trace of breaking off. All of the audience was attracted. Uncle Lin asked Song Yi Ran who was beside him: ¡°What are they curious about? That¡¯s the way we all peel fruits!¡± Lin Ke Song pretty much only needed 10 plus seconds to finish peeling an apple, then juice it. Even if it were a fully juiced apple, she didn¡¯t forget to make sure of its taste. ¡°Is she going to give the judges apple juice? What¡¯s the point in that?¡± Lin Xiao Xue was nervous at that point of time, because she could see that there were contestants who were done with the competition already, ¡°What the judges want is an appetiser, a main dish and a dessert, nothing to do with drinks at all ah!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be agitated. The pulp can be used to make dessert, and the juice can be used to make the seasoning.¡± Song Yi Ran explained while laughing at Lin Xiao Xue. ¡°Is that so ah¡­¡­¡± Lin Xiao Xue had never thought that fruits could be used to season things. The Mexican contestant¡¯s food was sent to the front of the judges. His appetiser was Cabbacio raw beef. When the judges saw the appetiser, they guessed who his mentor was. ¡°Oh¡­¡­ I really wonder if this raw beef would have the standard of Chef Morris¡¯?¡± Winston¡¯s expression was full of anticipation. But this raw beef dish only received a score of 7 points. ¡°the Italian vinaigrette should have been simmered over a small fire to a syrup, but it¡¯s obvious that you were rushing for results, the fire was too great. Even though the sauce was cooked faster than normal, it has lost its rich flavour.¡± His main dish and dessert too, had pretty much the same scoring as the appetiser. After that, there were a few contestants who¡¯d also finished the competition, but all their scores didn¡¯t go past 7.5 points. The audience started murmuring again. They all thought that the dishes had pretty presentations, that whetted people¡¯s appetites, but the scores that the judges gave all weren¡¯t high, was it because it was a competition, so they were harsher than before? ¡°It¡¯s not because they are too harsh, but the contestants are hurried¡­¡­ for many things, the heat wasn¡¯t enough, too many mistakes were made on the details.¡± Uncle Lin exhaled a breath. Looking at Lin Ke Song who was currently stir-frying the sauce, he suddenly felt greatly at peace. It looked like at least up to now, these mistakes won¡¯t be happening on Lin Ke Song. At this time, Viktor raised his hand up, to announce that he was done with his own cooking. The cameraman panned the view to Viktor¡¯s food. The appetiser looked intricate and beautiful, the colour of the main dish, the chicken cooked by the beam method made people covet it, the dessert was Italian sorbet, but it was a little different from the average sorbet. Everything was so perfect it was like the dishes of a 3 starred Michelin restaurant. Lin Ke Song continued busying like she hadn¡¯t heard anything. And in the hearts of each of the audience, this competition had arrived at its climax. Viktor lifted the sides of his lips in confidence, and let everyone in the audience believe that he will be giving the judges the best experience. This was a dish of Mediterranean basil tomatoes. Every tomato that was only slightly bigger than the thumb had had the pulp in the middle removed, then stuffed with stuffing. Winston inhaled a breath, used a spoon to carefully scoop up a tomato, and sent it into his mouth, the ends of his lips revealing a smile: ¡°After having my taste buds go through such long devastating periods, I have finally been saved. Even though I don¡¯t know who this contestant is, I know that their mentor is head chef Jessica Quentin, the evergreen tree in the fine dining industry. This is an appetiser that is very refreshing, soft and full of surprise. The amount of garlic is just right, letting the aroma of the basil come through, the tomato sauce wasn¡¯t overcooked to tartness, and on the contrary, totally brings out the freshness of the parmesan cheese and the little sweet shrimp. Without a doubt, this is the work of a great chef.¡± Viktor¡¯s appetiser got a high score of 9.6 points, his eyes carried a confident and proud smile. The colour of the main dish of beam cooked chicken was so light, almost to the point of whiteness, the transparent sauce slowly flowing on the surface was like a stream, and with only a whiff of the fragrance, the judges were already starting to swallow their saliva. ¡°The main point of this dish is in the tartification of the cream sauce, the fire used for the meat and the freshness of the liver stuffed inside the chicken meat. Any little mistake will make this dish lose its flavour.¡± Winston lifted his fork and knife to cut open the muscle, everyone was in anticipation, as he brought the chicken meat to eh camera, to let everyone see the insides of this dish clearly, the liver didn¡¯t have any signs of greyness to indicate that it was overcooked, on the contrary, it looked very smooth and tender. ¡°But, it looks like, this contestant hasn¡¯t made any mistake.¡± Winston smiled as he cut a piece, and sent it into his mouth, ¡°En ¡ª¡ª the chicken bones were remover very meticulously, there is no texture of the meat being cut. The celery and onion did not snatch the spotlight from the lemongrass and cumin, instead they added layers of flavour to this dish. The most most important thing is the slight curry flavour from the liver that is left jumping on the tongue, like mischievous little fish in a quiet and peaceful lake. This is incredible¡­¡­ incredible¡­¡­¡± Because this dish was so flavourful, some of the judges could not help themselves and ate half of the dish. For the sake of allowing the judges to continue, the staff on site couldn¡¯t not give reminders. This attractiveness, didn¡¯t even appear in the previous competitors. Viktor¡¯s main dish got a high score of 9.7 points. Mayer who was in the audience let out a sigh: ¡°it looks like, it¡¯s almost impossible for Ke Song to win him. Even if his dessert has a mess up, his score will still be over 9 points.¡± ¡°Forget the past competition, whatever that¡¯s happening now is the most important.¡± Jiang Qian Fan tilted his face slightly, ¡°Tell me, what does she look like now?¡± ¡°¡±She¡¯s just reached the fridge, and taken out a bowl of peas and shrimp jelly. It looks like the shrimp jelly has taken shape, the colour and transparency is similar to the one that Mr Jiang made. Oh, she is cutting the shrimp jelly apart, it looks very bouncy¡­¡­ I believe her appetiser was made successfully!¡± ¡°But of course. She¡¯s always liked to eat that dish. So she remembers that dish¡¯s texture and flavour, as long as they are remembered by her, she will definitely be able to reproduce.¡± Mayer nodded, and continued watching the competition. The judges had already started tasting Viktor¡¯s dessert. It was matcha opera cake. Even though this was only an average cake, people in the fine dining industry knew, Jessica Quentin¡¯s matcha opera cake was one of a kind. Cake that was fluffy yet bouncy, soft buttercream, the light freshness of matcha and the richness of the chocolate sauce, these all came together to make a delightful taste at the tip of a person¡¯s tongue. Winston took the first bite, and exclaimed: ¡°As expected, no matter if it were the tongue or the teeth, they are all able to feel the bounciness and softness of the cake embryo¡­¡­ I really want to know what the secret is to create this result!¡± Even after he slowly swallowed the cake, he still had his eyes closed to deeply relive the taste. Then Winston gave a sigh: ¡°Everything is close to perfection, but there is an extremely minute flaw¡­¡­¡± The audience all stretched their necks, really wanting to know what this flaw was. ¡°I know that this competition gives the competitors a lot of pressure. Everyone has to do a few things at the same time. Hands cutting ingredients, while keeping an eye on 2 or 3 pots cooking, everything is done busily. But it¡¯s just that the appetiser and main dish were so perfect, I couldn¡¯t help but harshly expect that the dessert would become a wonderful memory. It is expected ot use vanilla beans and white sugar to make a sweet syrup. I¡¯m guessing, at the first round of simmering the sugar water, the pot was close to drying up, this contestant couldn¡¯t help but add more water, and fish out the vanilla beans to save it. But¡­¡­ even though the slightly burnt taste was covered well in the 2nd layer of the cake¡­¡­ my sense of taste is not like an average persons¡¯¡­¡­¡± Viktor gripped his fist tightly. He had already carefully made adjustments for this mistake, but he didn¡¯t think that Winston would be able to taste it. As expected¡­¡­ when facing Winston, one shouldn¡¯t take any chances¡­¡­ Winston lifted his hand to look at his watch, and said regretfully: ¡°Actually, this contestant had the time to remake the sugar syrup, but I understand that once a step is messed up, it is possible to mess up what was once easily done¡­¡­ but this syrup was too important to this dessert¡­¡­¡± CH 68 The standard of Jiang Qian Fan And judge David was an even harsher critic of the dessert. He had only one mouth, and furrowed his eyebrows: ¡°Everything was done perfectly, but precisely because it was done to the T, the burnt taste of the syrup is even more obvious¡­¡­ I was prepared to be fully conquered¡­¡­ but my whole heart feels empty now¡­¡­¡± Yes, Viktor made a mistake. This mistake may be nothing to average chefs, afterall, only few customers would be able to taste it, but to these judges with sensitive taste buds, it was impossible to close an eye. Viktor¡¯s matcha opera cake received a score of 6.8 points, his final score was still 8.7 points. The audience exhaled, as long as it were above 8.7 points, Viktor¡¯s placing would still be very obvious. Unless the 2nd place Lin Ke Song got 10 points, it would be impossible to beat him. It looked like, Viktor was going to be the champion of this competition. ¡°Actually, the second place is not oo bad too ba¡­¡­ I¡¯m saying that you managed to meet a competitor like Viktor¡­¡­ so as long as Ke Song is able to get a 2nd place, and not be overtaken by that Goto Nozomi then it¡¯ll be all fine¡­¡­ im saying, that even if she were taken over, she¡¯d still be able to get a 3rd place right?¡± Uncle Lin got nervous, and incoherent. ¡°Dad, what are you talking about! It isn¡¯t even the last moment yet!¡± Lin Xiao Xue used her arm to give Uncle Lin a knock. Song Yi Ran gave a little smile saying: ¡°yeah ah, it isn¡¯t even the last moment yet.¡± At this time, ShanSha too, raised her hand to indicate that she was done. Her cooking, from the appetiser to the main dish and even the dessert, were all vegetarian. In New York, the most prominent vegetarian chef was the ¡°Witch¡± Lilith. ShanSha¡¯s appetiser used various kinds of beans to make a puree, to place in the middle of mushrooms and sent to get baked, when the richness of the bean puree and the freshness of the mushrooms fused together, shove everything into your mouth at once, bite down on it, and the juices of the bean puree in the mushroom will flow out¡­¡­ Winston let out a long long sigh. On the plate of every judge, there were 3 mushrooms, and David couldn¡¯t resist the temptation, and actually ate all 3 of the mushrooms at once. ¡°Judge David, you have to stop, you must know that there are still a few more contestants whose dishes you have to taste!¡± Annalise couldn¡¯t help but voice out. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my appetite has always been large. These 3 small mushrooms are small fry to me¡­¡­¡± All the audience guffawed, the competitive atmosphere became more relaxed. And ShanSha¡¯s main dish was stir-fried tofu with spinach and mushroom sauce. The expression of each judge when they cut the tofu open was like they were cutting into the tender fresh steak, and their expressions when the food entered their mouths were delightful too. ¡°I have never thought that food without any trace of meat would be able to whet my appetite greatly!¡± the way David licked his lips was like a fat cat, making the audience unable to help but laugh. Winston, Kevin and the other judges had high praises for this main dish, the only flaw was that the tofu should have been fried on the other side too, to all every mouthful to be able to get the crunchy feeling. As for ShanSha¡¯s dessert, it was golden ganmani cake. Tiny embellishments of mint leaves on the cake was scattered throughout, carrying flavours of orange, liqueurs and chocolate almonds, the cake was soft and moist, the only lacking thing was that in the process of making the cake, the cake hadn¡¯t fully frozen before the chocolate candy seal was applied. ShanSha¡¯s cooking got a final score of 8 points, she looked obviously not satisfied with the score, because this score didn¡¯t allow her the absolute advantage to enter the top 3 places. After ShanSha, Goto Nozomi too raised his hand to indicate that he¡¯d finished cooking. ¡°why is everyone done and only left with Ke Song and a Russian competitor ah! So anxiety-inducing!¡± Lin Xiao Xue who was in the audience covered her eyes. Uncle Lin turned around to pat the back of her hands saying: ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous! Don¡¯t be nervous! Maybe Goto Nozomi will make a mistake!¡± Lin Xiao Xue took a look at Goto Nozomi¡¯s calm expression, and shook her head saying: ¡°no matter how you look at him, he doesn¡¯t look like he¡¯ll make any mistake ah¡­¡­¡± What Goto Nozomi presented was Japanese cuisine with a French twist. His appetiser was fennel octopus salad. ¡°Oh, fennel octopus salad is the most popular appetiser in French cuisine. The octopus itself doesn¡¯t have any flavour, whether the salad can be delicious, will depend on the balance of the ratio of the octopus and fennel. Too much fennel, the original taste of the octopus will be lost. Too little fennel, the freshness of the octopus will be unable to take off and be lifted.¡± Winston took a mouthful, then put down the utensils, this made everyone tense up was there a problem with the salad? ¡°A perfect creation, if this were an opera, I would give it a standing ovation. In this salad, once the octopus and fennel meet, it¡¯s like experiencing an intensely passionate kiss¡­¡­ this dish has definitely shown the standard of seafood master Huggins!¡± Winston rarely used analogies to describe a contestant¡¯s creation, this showed that he was really satisfied with Goto Nozomi¡¯s cooking. And Goto Nozomi¡¯s main dish conquered the taste buds of the judges strongly: Spicy squid. The ingredients used were very simple, apart from squid, there was only onions, garlic, red pepper, rosemary, sea salt and black pepper. But the control of fire for this dish made the judges shout praise, all the ratios of the ingredients done to perfection, making people uncontrollably send the whole piece of squid into their mouth. ¡°tender fresh and full of flavour, the tingling sensation fo the pepper spreads on the tongue the moment the squid opens, a surprise hidden in the balance of flavours¡­¡­ this is the taste that we judges want ot taste the most! No complicated cooking process, no hard to pronounce ingredients, everything depending on technique.¡± Winston said his heartfelt and most important expectation that he had for the contestants from the start. A pity that compared to Goto Nozomi¡¯s appetiser and main dish, his dessert was lacking: Royal bittersweet chocolate cake. The sweetness of the sugar cream gum was a little lacking, this was due to Goto Nozomi himself not fancying sweet foods. No matter, Goto Nozomi got a high average score of 9.4 points. If the dessert were a little more perfect, his score for this round would have reached 9.6 points. But this kind of excellence could not let him chase up to Viktor¡¯s overall score. After all, the advantage that Viktor had gained for the previous 2 rounds was too much, and even though there was a huge mistake for the third round, the fourth round and the finale brought him back many points. Annalise looked at the scoreboard, she smiled towards Lin Ke Song and the remaining Russian contestant: ¡°Darlings, there are 3 minutes left to the end of the competition! Are you all ready?¡± Both the Russian contestant and Lin Ke Song enter the plating phase. The Russian contestant accidentally knocked a portion of the main dish to the bottom of the work island, he looked at the dish on the floor stupidly, and couldn¡¯t help but grab his forehead as he retreated. The audience let out a gasp, and this unintentionally gave him more pressure. Annalise couldn¡¯t help but give a reminder: ¡°Please take note, even if you lose a plate of the main dish, there are 12 judges, your score will not be affected by more than 0.5 points! My suggestion is that you calmly finish doing what you need to do, and hold on to the end!¡± The Russian contestant gave an exhale, and continued to finish his plating. And at this time, Lin Ke Song raised her hands, indicating that she¡¯d finished all her cooking. ¡°Ah¡­¡­ Lin Ke Song! You must know that I myself have very high expectations for you! The judges have already tried Viktor¡¯s perfect appetiser and main dish, ShanSha¡¯s surprising vegetarian cooking and Goto Nozomi¡¯s subduing spicy squid, Ke Song, if you wish to remain in the top 3 positions, you mustn¡¯t¡¯ve made any mistake, or have any flaws. You understand? ¡± Lin KE Song lowered her head to look at the cooking that she herself had prepared, and nodded: ¡°They are perfect.¡± The audience who were watching Lin Ke Song from below the stage were surprised at her confidence. Even though they thought that this was the brave front of a young lady who persisted to the end, these 3 hours of her calm and methodical ways couldn¡¯t help but make them believe in her confidence. When her cooking was placed on the food cart, and sent to the judges room, she didn¡¯t feel any of the uneasiness or nervousness from before, on the contrary¡­¡­ she felt that everything was a lot lighter. She turned her head, and looked towards Jiang Qian Fan, it was like he knew where she was, his eyes were looking in her direction. The appetiser of the pea shrimp jelly was placed in front of the judges. Annalise smiled and asked: ¡°judges, are you sure that you are still able to continue eating?¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡­ heavens ah! Pea shrimp jelly¡­¡­ all I know is that in this country, the only 2 people who are able to make this dish to peak standard are Michelin 3 stars restaurant polarlight¡¯s head chef Brody ¡­¡­ and Jiang Qian Fan. If it weren¡¯t for the gossip news, I definitely have not believed that head chef Jiang Qian Fan would mentor an amateur level student! So I firmly believe that this student definitely has some extraordinary talent! This dish combines the cooking methods of French and Chinese cooking, and presents the richness of the French cuisine and the uniqueness of Chinese cuisine to the tastebuds! I really want to know now, just how much of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s skill set did this dish inherit!¡± David picked up his fork and knife in great anticipation, but he couldn¡¯t bear to fork the shrimp jelly, ¡°oh, heavens ah, I¡¯m really nervous. This dish is beautifully plated. The green transparency of the shrimp jelly us like lying at the base of an emerald lake. With this refractiveness, it¡¯s texture will definitely be amazing! But I¡¯m worried¡­¡­ if it doesn¡¯t match up to the deliciousness of my imagination¡­¡­ I will be so devastated ah¡­¡­¡± Mayer who was in the audience gave a sigh, and whispered in complain to Jiang Qian Fan beside him: ¡°this god damn fat David, can¡¯t he just talk less rubbish, and put the shrimp jelly into his mouth, then tell everyone if it¡¯s good or not! ¡± And Winston too lifted his hand to press against his brows: ¡°If I hadn¡¯t known¡­¡­ that all the participants of the competition were under the witness of the audience¡­¡­ the plating of this appetiser, colour, every detail¡­¡­ will make me think that this was Jiang Qian Fan¡­¡­ but the appearance doesn¡¯t matter. Only the perfection and exquisiteness of the layers of flavours, will really represent Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s standard.¡± CH 69 Word Count: 2098 Boiling While all the judges were shocked at the 3 Michelin star standard of presentation, Winston was the first person to break that beautiful feeling, cutting the first piece of shrimp jelly. ¡°From the feeling I get when I cut the shrimp jelly, the springiness is pretty good. I do not smell any fishy smell, so this texture most probably from the collagen boiled from pigskin.¡± Winston was like a meticulous analyser, not a single clue could escape his eyes. When he placed the first piece of shrimp jelly into his mouth, Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes were fixed on his eyes on the screen, not a shred of nervousness could be seen from her expression, like she already knew the end results. Winston slowly swallowed the first piece of the shrimp jelly, but he was silent, not saying anything. He quietly finished the rest of the shrimp jelly, then gripped his fork and stared at the sauce at the base of the plate, then he did an unexpected move, which was to lift the spoon, and scoop up all the sauce from the base of the plate, and send it into his mouth. All the audience, even Annalise were curious as to why Winston would do that. ¡°I have tasted for a very long time, wanting to find a flaw in this dish. No matter if it were an imbalance in the flavours or a mistake in the process. Like the viscosity of the shrimp jelly, like the chewiness of the shrimp meat, the delicateness of the peas, or a mistake in the other seasoning¡­¡­ even if it were just a small flaw! Because I know this cannot be Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s work, this was from an amateur cook that had given me such terrible cooking that made me feel like I was in hell only a few months ago! But I realised that i couldn¡¯t find¡­¡­ am totally unable to find¡­¡­ the shrimp jelly isn¡¯t sticky, but it¡¯s smooth and bouncy. The shrimp meat wasn¡¯t overcooked, the unique seafood flavour and the texture of the pigskin boiled come together perfectly. The delicateness and freshness of the peas and the sea freshness of the shrimp are blended together. The control and integration of the taste of the different spices, are integrated¡­¡­ delighting my senses, making me feel like I¡¯m still able to eat many more things!¡± Winston exhaled, he looked like he was worrying, but his expression let everyone know that he¡¯d made up his mind. ¡°I will give this appetiser, 10 points. Because I am unable to find its flaw.¡± The atmosphere heated up. Annalise had a surprised expression, even doubting her hearing. ¡°Judge Winston, what did you just say?¡± ¡°I said, that I¡¯d give this appetiser 10 points. But this is only the appetiser. If this contestant does not make the main dish and dessert as perfectly, he will not be able to persuade everyone based on just this appetiser.¡± The audience was in discussion, while Viktor looked in LIn Ke Song¡¯s direction in shock. Her pupils were not shining like stars with happiness but were instead calm as a river. ¡°God ah, Winston is the harshest among the 12 judges, if he can give Lin Ke Song 10 points, that means this appetiser is really perfect!¡± Uncle Lin agitatedly grabbed onto Song Yi Ran and Lin Xiao Xue hands, ¡°the chance has arrived! Arrived! Maybe Ke Song can really overtake Viktor!¡± Lin Xiao Xue exhaled: ¡°It¡¯s only the appetiser! There¡¯s still the main and the dessert! To expect that cousin gets full marks for the main dish and appetiser, don¡¯t you think¡­¡­ that it¡¯s impossible?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ right ah¡­¡­ no matter what, this is a great start! As long as the main dish and the dessert doesn¡¯t have any great mistake, it won¡¯t be a problem to place in the first three spots!¡± Just as Winston had evaluated, David, Luke and the judges were all ¡°frightened¡± by this appetiser. ¡°My god¡­¡­ are you sure that this appetiser wasn¡¯t personally made by Jiang Qian Fan? This texture, this flavour¡­¡­ is totally like time turned back to the first time that i tasted this appetiser at polarlight. It¡¯s like my tastebuds are gently moved, slowly blooming, waiting to accept the surprise that is to follow¡­¡­¡± The Australian baing master let out a long long exhale. ¡°This is Jiang Qian Fan¡­¡­ this is definitely Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s signature¡­¡­. Precise, coordinated, like they know how to whet others¡¯ appetites from birth!¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s appetiser received a score of 9.9 points, this was a score that shook the whole grounds. Everyone held their breaths in anticipation, they wanted to know whether her main dish and dessert were able to repeat the legendariness of Jiang Qian Fan. The competition staff took the plates of the appetiser away, clearing the table in front of the judges. When they say the quail foie gras being delivered, they couldn¡¯t help but reveal a shocked expression. And the audience was dazed. Because when the camera panned to the dish, showing the image on the screen, it was like entering a food documentary. Annalise couldn¡¯t help but clarify: ¡°I swear to everyone, there are no special effects added to the cameras of the competition. What you see on the screen now, is the original look of this dish!¡± At this time, Winston glided a knife across the surface of the quail, he spoke: ¡°this shine, is due to the precise control when baking. Many contestants think that colour and rawness of the food after it comes out of the oven will stay like so throughout. But the truth us, the inside of the food will continue to be hot. This contestant had taken note of this, or I should say that their mentor has already long imparted to them this important knowledge. So that when the quail is taken out of the oven, there will be a layer of sauce that coagulates when it touches the cool air, while the insides are still producing heat, which produces this kind of traces of lava melting. It is indeed beautiful.¡± All the audience had an expression of understanding dawn on their faces. ¡°But the most important thing is the quail and the foie gras that is wrapped in it. Because the foie gras is inside the quail, if not enough time was allocated, it will be raw. No one wants to eat raw foie gras¡­¡­ and once it takes too long, the quail meat will be overcooked and the texture will be lost. So for the quail and the foie gras, the most important thing is the stewing of the quail and the preparation of the foie gras. These 2 processes need only the good control of heat, to be able to bake them to synchronisation.¡± Food critic Luke made a comment on the cooking technicalities of this dish, making more people worried about the taste of this dish. ¡°It is precisely because the level of control needed for this dish is so high, that this dish has become Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s signature dish, that no one has been able to rise above it.¡± David lifted his glasses, and shook his head, ¡° I am very sure of the diligence of this contestant, but why did they choose this dish? It is just too difficult to make, and even if it were a Michelin chef with a lot of experience, they are not able to guarantee that every attempt would be successful. No matter, I will still carefully taste.¡± Uncle Lin in the audience heart was beating so fast it was about to jump out of his chest: ¡°Why did Ke Song choose such a difficult dish? Even if she chose to make a simple dish, as long as there isn¡¯t any mistake, the judges will give her the same high score, right?¡± Song Yi Ran only looked at Lin Ke Song¡¯s calm side profile, and said meaningfully: ¡°because Jiang Qian Fan is too important to her. She wishes to reflect his essence ¡ª¡ª of grasping the degree. No matter if it were the seasoning or the heat, it¡¯s all the degree of control.¡± Lin Xiao Xue heard Song Yi Ran¡¯s words, and couldn¡¯t help but shake her head: ¡°This is a competition! The most important thing is to win! To choose such a dish that is so difficult to control, is just too unwise¡­¡­¡± ¡°Even though it¡¯s unwise, you are already starting to have admiration for your cousin, right ba?¡± Song Yi Ran chuckled. Lin Xiao Xue pursed her lips and said coldly: ¡°see what kind of comments this dish get her first ba!¡± Winston who was shown on the screen, slowly cut the quail open, his eyebrows lifted, then shook his head. Humming started up among the audience. Did Lin Ke Song indeed make a mistake for this dish? ¡°I really can¡¯t believe my eyes¡­¡­ is this just a coincidence? Or is this ability?¡± Winston carefully slid the cut quail outwards, to let everyone have a careful look. The tender quail meat was wrapped around a foie gras that looked like butter. Even though the teeth and the tip of the tongue hadn¡¯t touched the dish, the dish allowed people to feel intoxicated with the texture. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to taste this dish!¡± David swallowed, and cut a large piece into his mouth. The other judges too had a cherishing and serious attitude towards tasting the dish. ¡°Mmh¡­¡­ mmh¡­¡­ ¡± Winston lifted his head upwards, like he wanted to keep all the delicious flavours in his body, he didn¡¯t say a word, and instead was like he was sitting in a high-class restaurant and enjoying the food thoroughly. The other judges were like that so too, apart from letting out meaningless sighs, there were no comments. The audience all stretched their necks, waiting for the judges in anticipation to say something. Annalise couldn¡¯t not remind them saying: ¡°Ladies! Gentleman! I can see that this dish is very delicious! But¡­¡­ say something at least! What about it is so delicious?¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡­ Annalise, must you be such a mood killer¡­¡­ it is really really really like Jiang Qian Fan made it! Are you sure that the contestant of this dish did not cheat?¡± Luke squeezed out a sentence with much difficulty. ¡°I am very sure! The great master chef Jiang Qian Fan that you talk about has been sitting in the audience from the start to the end, without a smile, without expression, without even any movement. All the audience present can be witnesses to it!¡± When the audience heard that that great master chef was on set, they couldn¡¯t help but start searching. Lin Ke Song exhaled, and as she heard Luke¡¯s words, she smiled in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s direction. ¡°In the tender and fresh quail meat, there is a kind of soft aroma, the foie gras that was cocooned by the quail kept its lithe texture, like that of butter. The integration of the 2 different kinds of meat, elegant¡­¡­ different from the rest. The aftertaste of the spices are jumping and dancing in my mouth, and that slightly fresh sourness at the end, brings the whole feeling to another level¡­¡­ I am still unable to find a flaw¡­¡­ and I have already finished the whole portion of quail foie gras.¡± Winston just couldn¡¯t dare to believe the flavours that he was tasting in his mouth. ¡°Ah¡­¡­ I must be drunk¡­¡­ fallen into the wine of the longest time¡­¡­ ¡± David shook his head, ¡°Never willing to wake up. But how is this possible! Why is the quail foie gras given to me so minute?¡± ¡°Mr David, I am sure that the quail foie gras that the contestant prepared for each of you is of similar size¡­¡­ you can make a reservation at polarlight after the competition¡­¡­ ¡± Annalise said in comfort. ¡°Make a reservation? Don¡¯t you know that there is a 3 months waiting time?¡± David pretty much was glaring at Annalise when he talked. ¡°¡­¡­ then you can invite this contestant to make it for you! I am pretty sure that you will not need to wait!¡± ¡°Do you think that after this competition, no one will make a reservation with them? Maybe his friends and family, and all the audience on set have already tried!¡± ¡°The quail meat is tender as silk, and the foie gras is like mousse, it¡¯s like I have travelled all around the sky and returned to the ground, while my heart is left in the sky¡­¡­ ¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s main dish received a score if 9.9 points. The whole atmosphere on set heated up. CH 70 Word count: 1776 The Perfect Regret This let everyone see the possibility of another ending to this competition. ¡°Maybe KE SOng really has a chance of making a comeback this time around! I can¡¯t wait to see Jessica Quentin¡¯s disappointed expression!¡± Mayer who had always been calm was unable to contain himself too. He crossed his fingers, and prayed to the heavens: ¡°Oh god ah! Her dessert must not have any mistake! It must be a success!¡± But Jiang Qian Fan who was beside him was as calm as always, like he was waiting for an ending that he already expected to happen. ¡°It is the time for the dessert that will determine a win and loss!¡± Annalise too inhaled, looking at Viktor. Viktor¡¯s brow trembled slightly, he was very nervous. Because he thought that even with all the ability he had, it would all be for naught after Lin Ke Song¡¯s dessert. ¡°Now, who aspires to be the ¡®Master¡¯s show¡¯? Not only is there a prize of 30 000 USD! There is the honour you get for your own mentor! All judges, please meticulously and sincerely taste this vanilla ice cream hawthorn, no matter if it is the slightest difference in points, they all have the power to change the result of this competition!¡± The staff of the competition carefully placed the dessert in front of every judge. The baking master from Australia exhaled, looking at golden pyramid piled in the middle of the plate, and saw the dessert caged in a bird¡¯s nest made of caramel, he couldn¡¯t help but exclaim: ¡°I really can¡¯t bear to break it this time!¡± ¡°Oh, this is really the vanilla ice cream hawthorn! You must know, that this is the dish that became the signature dessert of pht! Even though not many people have tasted it, those who have are unable to forget it!¡± David lifted his fork, and seemed to be hesitant about where to start. Luke lowered his head, and gently sniffed the sweet fragrance that the caramel emitted: ¡°En¡­¡­. I can smell vanilla in the caramel and the vanilla carries the fragrance of tropical fruits, even the decorative materials were seasoned well¡­¡­ I am only curious about how this contestant still had so much time to make this dessert after making such intricate appetisers and main dish?¡± But Winston sighed instead, ¡°Actually I was looking forward to a simple dessert, because I don¡¯t think that any amateur chef would be able to make a dessert properly after making such intricate appetizers and mains. You must know, it holds great meaning to Jiang Qian Fan, the chef has put a lot of thought and effort into making this dish. To reach the results that he expects, is not an easy task.¡± Annalise turned to look at Lin Ke Song: ¡°Did you hear the judges¡¯ thoughts? They think that your dessert has only the appearance, and no substance. Because they don¡¯t think that you had enough time to make it perfect.¡± Lin Ke Song looked at Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s direction, and slowly opened her mouth to answer: ¡°Then let them have a taste. I believe, this dessert not only shows his thoughts and cooking skills, but also the feeling that he has towards this dessert.¡± These words were passed on by Annalise. Winston laughed, lifted a spoon and gently shattered the thin layer of caramel nest that was caging the hawthorn. When the caramel shattered to the base, its beauty moved everyone on set. He scooped up one of the berries, and placed it into his mouth, gently holding it there, then bit down on it. A soft crunching sound was broadcasted, sounding bright and sharp in the silent atmosphere of the competition. He closed his eyes, and pursed his lips, then he opened his mouth slightly. The audience all thought that he was going to say something, but he only scooped the second berry into his mouth. It was only when there was only one hawthorn left in the plate, that he gave a sigh. ¡°Someone told me, that when Jiang Qian Fan was making this dessert, it was because he heard someone say that the flavour of having a one-sided love was like china¡¯s candied hawthorn, liking someone is like carrying a thin coat of sugar, but when you bite down, you will taste the sour and tart flavour. But having a one-sided love is also a form of love to another, just loving another is a sweet and beautiful happiness. So he designed this dessert. The fragrant sweet sugar coat breaks between your teeth, and when your tongue touched the sour tartness, the smooth softness of the vanilla in the ice cream will crack open. This is indeed the effect that Jiang Qian Fan wanted to have¡­¡­ the unity sour and sweet, is implemented beautifully.¡± Winston pressed his forehead, then lifted his head, ¡°Annalise, you¡¯re sure this isn¡¯t a finished product? This isn¡¯t something that Jiang Qian FAn made that was put somewhere then placed in front of us?¡± Annalise laughed: ¡°Sir, do you think that¡¯s possible?¡± ¡°That¡­¡­ is indeed impossible¡­¡­¡± Winston gently forked the last berry, ¡° I am a little reluctant to eat this¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t finish that, the ice cream will melt, it¡¯s flavour may not be as perfect.¡± Annalise smiled slightly, ¡°Mr Jiang Qian Fan had said before too, that all beautiful flavours have an expiry date.¡± ¡°Thank you for your reminder.¡± Winston nodded his head, then sent the last vanilla ice cream hawthorn into his mouth. And David had pretty much hugged the plate to pour the rest of the sugar sprinkles into his mouth. ¡°It is not only delicious¡­¡­ but explosively delicious. It made me think about the tablemate is had a crush on in primary school. From that time onwards, I was a fatty, no one wanted to play with me, except for her, after school, she bought an ice cream, and stood in front of the school to wait for her parents, and I was standing beside her. My heart was tingling with sourness, because it was always me looking at her, she would never turn around to look at me. There was only a waiting period of a few seconds, before her parents arrived. She smiled at me, then gave me that ice cream, and without turning around, left with her parents.¡± David¡¯s shoulders sagged, then continued saying, ¡°she hadn¡¯t even eaten that ice cream. So whenever I think about it, I would wonder if she bought that ice cream especially for me? It was only later, that when she went away with her parents, that I never had the chance to ask her this question. This dessert made me think about that ice cream. I carry an apprehensive and tingling mood, but it¡¯s all sweet ice cream in my mouth¡­¡­. Absolutely incredible¡­¡­. Absolutely incredible dessert¡­¡­.¡± The judges were about to announce the scores for the dessert. This did not only concern Lin Ke Song, it also could affect Viktor¡¯s ranking. Viktor clutched his hands into fists, even though he wasn¡¯t totally satisfied with his performance in the competition, he really didn¡¯t think that his ranking could be threatened by Lin Ke Song. it was obvious that she was falling behind, but from the look of things that were happening right in front of his eyes, it looked like he was going to be plucked from the peak of the clouds. How did not believe that all 3 of her dishes could be that perfect. But without knowing why, thinking about the previous rounds of competition, her performance was above expectations, and this round of competitions was like doing well after many preparations, finally able to show her full ability. He was really terrified. This kind of failure was totally not in his calculations! ¡°Oh¡­¡­ this dessert too received a score of 9.8 points! Which is to say, Lin Ke Song receives a final score of 9.8 points for this competition! It is just too surprising!¡± Annalise started clapping, and the audience too, joined in the applause. ¡°This is totally a miracle¡­¡­. Ah¡­¡­ ¡± Uncle Lin exhaled, ¡°She is our pride! Really¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°Her performance was really so perfect. Even though there wasn¡¯t a chance to taste her food, the judges¡¯ expressions were surprised and convinced. You were right, sir. She really much talent¡­¡­ ¡± Mayer looked at Jiang Qian Fan who was beside him. ¡°Her talent isn¡¯t because it is an innate talent, it is only that she is more meticulous in tasting and feeling flavours compared to others.¡± At this time, the number score was shuffling, everyone held their breaths as they waited to see the final results. The first place had a final score of 44.5 points ¡ª¡ª which still belonged to Viktor! And the final score had 44.4 points was for Lin Ke Song. The audience applauded as they sighed. Afterall having such a perfect performance ending in failure, gave everyone regrets. LIn Ke Song didn¡¯t actually look at the scoreboards, because when Annalise announced her scores earlier, she¡¯d known that she lost. This was all within her expectations. She knew that in order to win Viktor, she needed a perfect 10. But, on the road to flavours, no one can really achieve that perfection. ¡°Congratulations, Viktor, for being the champion of this round¡¯s ¡®Master¡¯s show¡¯! You not only receive the prize of 30 000 USD, you have also won honour for your mentor Jessica Quentin! You must know, it is more difficult to mentor another than to do it yourself! Viktor, you are still young, and have far and wide roads to travel in the future, don¡¯t forget to keep moving forward oh!¡± Annalise smiled. Viktor¡¯s face did not have any smiling expression, he only stiffly shook hands with Annalise, then received the champion¡¯s crystal trophy. Applause surrounded him, even Jessica Quentin went forward. She was a conservative lady, with blonde hair like Iris, and even though she was of age, her elegance was as clear. Lin Ke Song applauded with everyone, even though the thing she wanted to do the most at this moment wan to run into Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s arms. But right at this moment, someone tapped her back, when she turned around, it was to face that pair of deep eyes. ¡°You¡­¡­ why are you here?¡± ¡°Because you received the 2nd place, Annalise is going to reveal your mentor¡¯s name.¡± ¡°Sorry¡­¡­ sorry¡­¡­ ¡±LIn Ke SOng didn¡¯t know why, but the initial calmness she had suddenly left her, the liquid accumulated at the base of her eyes burst out. ¡°You did perfectly, they all thought you were me.¡± Jiang Qian Fan wrapped her in his arms, not caring about the stares from everyone else. CH 71 Word Count: 1850 Glorious Defeat The applause of the audience sounded, that was their most heartfelt acknowledgement towards Lin Ke Song. ¡°You were really great.¡± Annalise went forward to hug Lin Ke Song. At this time, the 12 judges walked out from backstage, when they received news of the end results, they couldn¡¯t help but sigh simultaneously. They were all feeling pity for Lin Ke Song. And this also made Viktor grip his trophy with so much strength till his knuckles went white. ¡°Viktor, you were great. You have outperformed all expectations and hopes that people had for you. No one around us has reached your standard at this age. But this is only the start¡­¡­ you still have a long road to travel.¡± Winston reached his hand out to Viktor, ¡°with time, your outlook will be a lot wider, and you will¡­¡­ not need to wallow in this moment¡¯s victory.¡± Viktor lifted his face, and stared hard into Winston¡¯s eyes: ¡°Sir, what are you hinting? That I¡¯m not fit to hold this trophy?¡± Winston smiled, his eyes had a kind of wisdom that came with time: ¡°if you¡¯d acknowledged yourself, you wouldn¡¯t need to say these words to me.¡± Viktor wanted to say something more, but Winston¡¯s laid his hand gently on his chest: ¡°Child, the best way to know yourself is to understand your opponent, measure the standard of your opponent, and see whether you stand in front or behind them, not from the critic of others, but according to your own standards.¡± Now, David was shaking hands with Lin Ke Song: ¡°you were splendid, even the failed chicken liver paste from the previous round was splendid too. When i found out that Mr Jiang was the mentor for this round of competition, i was surprised and wondered what kind of student he would be able to mentor¡­¡­ but looking at you today, i must say, are indeed a student that Jiang Qian Fan taught.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s eyes were teary, she had thought at first that whatever David said was just to comfort her, but he looked so sincere. At this time, Jessica Quentin walked over, elegant and confident, it was a beauty stronger and more innate than Iris. She reached her hand out to Jiang Qian Fan: ¡°it¡¯s been a long time, i have never been able to forget your quail foie gras. Never thought that your student would be able to have this kind of standard too. But its a pity, that Viktor was more stable in showcasing his abilities.¡± ¡°Yeah ah. I hope that Viktor can go further.¡± ¡°Of course Viktor will go farther. But i don¡¯t know about Ke Song, what plans do you have for the future? Did Mr Jiang plan for your future? Or was your performance today beyond expectations and burnt out like shooting stars?¡± Of course Lin Ke Song could read between the lines of Jessica Quentin¡¯s words. She thought that Lin Ke Song¡¯s future won¡¯t go as far as Viktor¡¯s. ¡°Thank you for your concern. I will walk my own path, and have no need for another¡¯s plan.¡± Past Jessica Quentin¡¯s shoulder, Lin Ke Sogn could see Iris who was leaving, whatever she had said to her before, Lin Ke Song remembered it clearly. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m Luke, you remember me, right ba!¡± Luke reached his hand out to Lin Ke Song, to shake her hands. ¡°Of course i remember¡­¡­ very sorry that you had to taste it on the day of the auditions¡­¡­ my red hell soup¡­¡­ ¡± every time Lin Ke Song thought about that prank, she would feel sorry. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I wanted to say that i have a restaurant in new york, of course it has only just received a fork and spoon review, but if you are willing, and Mr Jiang has no objections, i look forward to you being able to come to my restaurant.¡± Luke took out a name card, and passed it to LIn Ke Song. This really shocked Lin Ke Song, even though Luke wasn¡¯t a master chef, he was really famous as a gourmet. The selection of his back kitchen crew for his restaurants are naturally incredibly strict, but he was now¡­¡­ recruiting her? Lin Ke Song swallowed, the media who were constantly photographing Jessica Quentin and Viktor all couldn¡¯t help but turn their attention towards her direction. At first, they had some suspicion that the final counterattack was because the judges wanted some ups and downs in the competition, but Luke actually reached out to Lin Ke Song to recruit her? Such strict and rigorous food gourmet like Luke will never treat his career as a joke. Lin KE Song looked at Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s direction, she didn¡¯t know whether accepting Luke¡¯s name card would make her seem like she was overestimating herself. ¡°Ke Song, why haven¡¯t you accepted Mr Luke¡¯s name card? That is very impolite.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was ice cold, but his tone seemed to carry some warmth. Lin Ke Song hurriedly accepted Luke¡¯s name card. Luke blinked, then lowered his head to say softly: ¡°i know Mr Jiang is very strict, but i think that with only a little more training, you will be able to stand your own ground.¡± At this time, chief editor Winston too came over to Luke¡¯s side, he reached his hands out, then reached his hands out, and gave Lin KE Song a look. ¡°Mr Jiang, chief editor Winston is in front of you, and wants to shake your hands!¡± Lin Ke Song hurriedly reminded. Jiang Qian FAn reached out his own hand, chief editor Winston laughed: ¡°honestly, at the start, i had already prepared myself that you would reject joining the competition, so when you agreed, i was overjoyed. Your cooking skills are excellent, that is known throughout the industry. But the more excellent the standard, the more difficult it is to express the understanding of cooking. To be able to have your student match up to you, is an extremely difficult thing. So¡­¡­ for Ke Song to be able to reach this stage, really surprised me.¡± ¡°Thank you, i will take your acknowledgement towards Ke Song as a compliment.¡± ¡°My compliment has a price. It is already too late to make reservations at phtfor my daughter¡¯s coming of age party, so i can only earnestly request Ke Song to come to my house, to prepare this birthday dinner. Pea shrimp jelly, quail foie gras and vanilla hawthorn ice cream, is the menu of our dreams. I¡¯m thinking¡­¡­ you won¡¯t mind ba?¡± ¡°Sounds like it is a very formal invitation.¡± Jiang Qian Fan said. The media on set couldn¡¯t help but be surprised. Winston¡¯s ¡¶Gourmet ¡·magazine had always maintained rigorous, fair and meticulous style. The other judges may give compliments in front of these great chefs, but Winston was definitely not that kind of person. ¡°I¡­¡­ Chief editor Winston, do you really think i can?¡± Lin Ke Song looked at him seriously. She knew that she had made growth, even grown to the point that she¡¯d never thought possible before, she had entered a field she never thought she¡¯d step into. ¡°En¡­¡­ ¡±chief editor Winston raised his brow, then laughed, ¡°you three months ago will definitely not be able to. But you now, i believe will make my daughter¡¯s birthday party very perfect.¡± ¡°Thank you so much!¡± Lin Ke Song never thought that even after losing to Viktor, there would still be so many people putting their attention on her. ¡°Then, i will take your ¡®thank you¡¯ as confirmation.¡± Winston smiled towards the media, answering their questions. Some media were about to interview Jiang Qian Fan, but Mayer hurriedly led them away. At the door outside the resting room, Song Yi Ran had a hand in his pocket, and was leaning against the wall, waiting for Lin Ke Song. he pressed a bouquet of baby¡¯s breath and daisies into Lin Ke Song¡¯s arms. ¡°There were so many people wanting to invite you, compared to them, my restaurant isn¡¯t worth mentioning.¡± He tilted his head, his gaze passing across Lin Ke Song¡¯s hand that was held onto by Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°Of course your restaurant isn¡¯t the same! As long as you aren¡¯t afraid that i will bomb your kitchen away, i ¡­¡­ ¡± LIn Ke Song felt like Jiang Qian Fan was pulling her backwards slightly. Song Yi Ran laughed, he walked forward, lowered his head, and purposely blew at Lin Ke Song: ¡°you try to see whether you can bomb it ah!¡± Lin KE Song rubbed her nose, hearing the sounds of her uncle coming from behind. He and his friends were here. When Li Ke Song saw Lin Xiao Xue who had her head lowered behind her uncle, she couldn¡¯t help but be shocked. ¡°Xiao Xue? Why are you here?¡± Lin Xiao Xue pouted: ¡°it¡¯s already the finals, if i don¡¯t come to cheer for you¡­¡­ am i that bad of a person?¡± ¡°Go go go! Ke SOng got such a good result, let¡¯s go celebrate!¡± After the competition, Lin Ke Song had some feelings of loneliness, but with this boisterous and loud noise, everything became peaceful again. A large group of people were surrounding a table, they kept asking Jiang Qian Fan all sorts of questions regarding cooking, a few chefs in their 40s and 50s were like primary school students, with a notebook to record every word that Jiang Qian Fan said. It was Lin Xiao Xue who couldn¡¯t tolerate it anymore, and said loudly: ¡°can¡¯t we just eat properly ya!¡± Song Yi Ran stood up, and confiscated all the notebooks and pens. ¡°That¡­¡­ Mr Jiang, are you really with Ke Song?¡± one of Uncle Lin¡¯s friends asked. ¡°If there¡¯s a need to put on a ring to count, then i can go make an order for one now.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s answer made everyone around him go silent, his posture didn¡¯t even change, but Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart started beating furiously. That night, Lin Ke Song accompanied Jiang Qian Fan for a walk through the long long street. The streetlamp light fell on him, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s profile was serene and beautiful. Her heart was uneasy, because she didn¡¯t know what would happen tomorrow. Her mind was filled with thoughts rushing back and forth about the things that Iris had said to her, she kept assessing the effects of her loss to Viktor. At the same time, in a moving car, Viktor sat unsmiling in the back, Mrs Questing was beside him. ¡°Viktor, where is your trophy? Why don¡¯t i see it with you? There¡¯s a magazine interview tomorrow, you need it to take pictures.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve left it with chief editor Winston.¡± Viktor answered blandly. ¡°What? You¡¯ve left it with Winston? why?¡± ¡°Because i am indeed not as good as Lin Ke Song.¡± ¡°What?¡± Mrs Quentin had an expression of incomprehension, ¡°just because Winston said those words to you? He is that kind of person!¡± ¡°I think that i¡¯m not as good compared to her because i tasted her food!¡± Viktor furiously whipped his face towards Mrs Quentin. CH 72 ¡°What did you say? Why would you try her food?¡± ¡°Because i want to understand her! What was it that made Winston and the other judges be so familiar with her! I¡¯ve lost, no matter the number of rounds i¡¯ve won before, i¡¯ve lost.¡± Viktor took a deep breath, and turned his face around. ¡°Win or loss isn¡¯t determined by you, but by external evaluation. Soon, you will understand this principle.¡± The second day, when Lin Ke Song was planning to sleep till she woke naturally, the door was almost knocked down by Lin Xiao Xue. ¡°Ke Song! Ke SOng wake up! Look at this ya!¡± ¡°En¡­¡­ look at what¡­¡­ ¡± LIn Ke Song sleepily arose from her bed, to open the door. Lin Xiao Xue placed her laptop in front of her, it was a news article online, the title was Quentin vs Jiang Qian Fan, Jiang Qian Fan loses! ¡°Ha? What is this?¡± LIn Ke Song suddenly was wide awake, and brought the computer towards her to read the article properly. The general spotlight of this article online about the results of the ¡° master¡¯s show¡± was shone on the 2 mentors, meaning that this was actually a competition between 2 great chefs in the industry, and Jessica Quentin was the final winner. And it was only because Jiang Qian Fan was blind that he was given clout with so many accolades given out by the fine dining industry. ¡°This was totally not the original intention of the ¡®master¡¯s show¡¯! And the ability Jiang Qian Fan has isn¡¯t clout!¡± ¡°Obviously ah! There must be someone hyping this, trying to use the results of this competition to attack Mr Jiang!¡± Lin Xiao Xue too out her phone, and started searching, ¡°it¡¯s still fine! Look at the front page of ¡¶Gourmet¡·, it is positive evaluation towards you! in chief editor Winston¡¯s column, he is saying that your cooking has exquisite delicateness, you are clear about what you need to do, and have the ability to produce the flavour in your head! He hopes that you stay in the food industry, losing you will be a great loss!¡± LIn Ke Song exhaled slightly. ¡°Ah, and the food critic Luke¡¯s online article said that Jiang Qian FAn once again showed that he wasn¡¯t only a great chef at cooking, but he also had a unique vision!¡± Lin Xiao Xue patted Lin Ke Song¡¯s shoulder saying: ¡°good thing, that those negative reports are an individual occurrence. The mainstream figures in the food industry still acknowledge your ability and Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s vision!¡± Lin Ke Song quirked an eyebrow, the things that Iris said to her were getting clearer, she couldn¡¯t help but start worrying. It was the afternoon, when she was watching the afternoon news with Lin Xiao Xue and having spring rolls in spicy sauce, when the female newscaster broadcasted a news. That the street that was originally for the Chinese delicacy, was taken over by the Quentin corporation, planning to be built into a resort centre for leisure, entertainment and shopping. When Lin Ke Song saw that street with that familiar architecture on both sides, she was totally stunned. ¡°¡­¡­ that looks like the Chinese food street project from Jiang Co. ba? I remember my dad totally looking forward to this¡­¡­ in the end it¡¯s still given to a project with more of business atmosphere ah¡­¡­ ¡± Lin Xiao Xue¡¯s words made Lin Ke Song understand that she didn¡¯t hear wrongly. She fiercely put the things in her hand down, and dashed out of the door. The sun was really shining today, so glaring. There were too many pedestrians around, Lin Ke Song knocked all of them away like she had no feeling. She was naively persuaded by Jiang Qian Fan, thinking that her failure really wouldn¡¯t have too much of an impact on him But that was no so in reality. That news of Jiang Qian Fan losing to Mrs Quentin was not a coincidence, it was probably a way of Mrs Quentin pressuring Jiang Qian FAn. or maybe this was a fight between the 2 corporations, Lin Ke Song was only an insignificant ant. But like what Iris said, she really became a flaw of Jiang Qian Fan. This project was too important to Jiang Qian Fan. he spent so many years, going to many places in China, just to find the best flavours, and bring them to the other side of the globe, but she because of her he had to give it up. Lin Ke Song wanted to burst out crying, but she felt that she had no reason to be weak. She wanted to see him right now, immediately. Wanted to look at his eyes, wanted to know what he was thinking right now. She reached Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa, Mayer opened the door for her. ¡°You came here in a rush, looks like you¡¯ve heard the news.¡± Mayer lifted his hands, to smooth out Lin Ke SOng¡¯s collar., ¡°Listen here, don¡¯t say things like ¡®sorry¡¯ to him, because, you haven¡¯t done anything to warrant an apology. And don¡¯t cry in front of him, because he doesn¡¯t like weak people. To Mr Jiang, failure is but a small thing.¡± Yes, Jiang Qian Fan was always calm, like nothing could make him suspicious or shake him. Lin Ke Song closed her eyes, and took a deep deep breath. Mayer looked at his watch face: ¡°you still have time to think carefully, think calmly, what you wish to say to him.¡± That impetuous and guilty heart settled down. Her nose filled up with a slight rose fragrance, all the overwhelmed feelings gradually went away. ¡°I¡¯m done with thinking.¡± Lin Ke Song said to Mayer. ¡°Then go ba. Sir is waiting in the room for you.¡± She didn¡¯t actually go to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s room immediately, but went to the kitchen. At this time, both her hands were steady, her thoughts clear. She spent a whole afternoon, cooking a dinner for Jiang Qian Fan. She pushed the pushcart, into Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s room. The whole room was empty, the wind was constantly blowing in from the patio, lifting up the European style curtains, like waves, one after another. And Jiang Qian Fan was sitting there, the orange sunlight moving with the waves of the curtains, light and shadows gliding across his face, becoming the focus of the view. ¡°Qian Fan, I am Ke Song.¡± ¡°I know. I can smell the fragrance of food, you made something for me.¡± Jiang Qian Fan tilted his face towards her. Elegant and meticulous eyebrows, soft contours of his features, everything looked unreal. His hand held onto that cane, he held it out of habit, but didn¡¯t press his body weight against it. After losing his sight, Jiang Qian Fan lost all pursuit of everything, except for cooking. He was immersed in the empire of taste, standing on high ground that no one could hope to reach, indifferently watching those who were in the pursuit of fame and fortune in the food empire. The Jiang Qian Fan now, seemed to have his sight on Lin Ke Song, and at the same time looked like he saw through her, looking at a faraway and wide place. ¡°I have prepared an appetiser, main dish and dessert. Make sure to tell me if its delicious or not.¡± Lin Ke Song placed the first dish in front of him on the table. He lowered his head, and gave a gentle sniff: ¡°it¡¯ll definitely be very delicious, because it has a nice fragrance.¡± ¡°This doesn¡¯t look like it¡¯s a comment from Mr Jiang. Shouldn¡¯t you analyse it from the taste, heat control and technique?¡± LIn Ke Song stepped back to a distance neither far nor near, looking at Jiang Qian Fan elegantly lifting the fork and knife, putting the shrimp pea jelly between his lips. He finished the appetiser seriously, and after putting his fork and knife down, gently stroked the edge of the plate, but to Lin Ke Song, he was finger was touching her heart. ¡°It¡¯s delicious, Ke Song.¡± Lin Ke Song gaped, but didn¡¯t say anything. She placed the main dish, the quail foie gras in front of him. ¡°What about my main dish? Mr Jiang, is it like your style as much as the judges said?¡± Jiang Qian Fan cut the quail foie gras, and leisurely put piece by piece into his mouth. His soft and focused expression made Lin Ke Song believe, that he really was enjoying the main dish she¡¯d prepared. ¡°I don¡¯t know what my style is, i only know that this is the most delicious quail foie gras that i¡¯ve ever eaten.¡± Lin Ke SOng laughed, her eyes were tearing, ¡°if you say that the flavour of this dish that i cooked is really like yours, then is this considered narcissism?¡± The corners of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s lips nudged lightly, ¡°i wish to eat the dessert now.¡± The sugar coating split open at his mouth, he gently closed his eyes, like he was feeling the soft and beautiful sweetness of the vanilla ice cream melting the tartness of the hawthorn, a taste that penetrates the taste buds at the tip of the tongue. ¡°Hows my dessert?¡± ¡°Very delicious.¡± Lin Ke Song endured with all her might, even if she didn¡¯t know what she was enduring, but don¡¯t know why there¡¯s a need for the voice to use much strength to be rid of the shackles around her throat. ¡°Do you still remember what you promised me? If i made something that made you feel is delicious, you will promise to do something for me.¡± ¡°I remember. Today i¡¯ve said 3 ¡®delicious¡¯. So do you want me to do 3 things?¡± ¡°No, i only want you to do 1 thing for me.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s voice was very steady. ¡°Tell me ba.¡± ¡°I want to stay by your side. No matter how many problems i bring, even if i become the reason that other people attack you, even if people threaten me to hurt you, i want to be by your side. I will work harder than other people, i will become stronger, there will come a day where i¡¯m not your weakness anymore, i¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°Ke SOng, ¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s body was tilted forward, to be closer to her, ¡°if you are asking me for you to stay by my side, why are you so far away from me now?¡± Lin KE Song took a step forward strongly, her vision was already blurry, Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s figure looked like it was immersed in water. ¡°Closer.¡± Lin Ke Song pursed her lips and gripped her hands into fists, taking another step forward, her knee was about to lean on Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s knee, that small, tiny distance, was like a distant divide in her heart. ¡°Is it that no matter who threatens you, no matter what failure you go through, and no matter what other people say to you, you will stay by my side?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Lin Ke Song answered with certainty. ¡°Then, you are not my weakness. Losing you will instead be my weakness.¡± LIn Ke SOng eyelashes trembled slightly. Jiang Qian Fan pulled on her arm, and brought her into his arms. When her face touched his warm skin, something couldn¡¯t help but gush out. ¡°Ke Song, why are you crying?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not crying.¡± ¡°But i smell the scent of tears.¡± CH 73 Word count: 2013 Song Yi Ran¡¯s and Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s Collaboration The whole world was coming at her, becoming a power that was unopposable. She hurriedly wiped away her own tears. You must know, Jiang Qian Fan did not like tears, because tears are a sign of weakness. But she never thought that, Jiang Qian Fan would instead kiss her face, gently taking her tears away. The temperature of his lips was like a sun that had sunk into the ocean, floating and soft, wrapping all of her. She hugged his shoulders tightly, finally understanding what it means to not turn back. ¡°Silly.¡± his fingers didn¡¯t go through her hair, gently caressing, ¡°i am actually really happy that you cried.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°When you cry, it means that you are concerned about me.¡± Lin Ke Song lifted her head, and realised that Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s lips held a slight smile, like a quiet ripple. ¡°¡­¡­ What to do about your Chinese food street?¡± ¡°Do you think, that because you lost it gave Quentin co. an opportunity to attack me?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s hand was resting on LIn Ke Song¡¯s face, whispering to her forehead. ¡°Isn¡¯t that why?¡± ¡°Of course not. Even if you won, this project will still not be mine. And, there isn¡¯t only this street in new york, as long as i really want to do so, anywhere will do.¡± Hearing Jiang Qian Fan say this, seems quite logical. Without that street, there will still be other places to realised his long-cherished wish. ¡°So stay by my side, do the things you want to do, live the life you want to live, and most importantly is to not anyhow imagine things.¡± ¡°En.¡± Lin Ke Song laughed. Then she embarrassedly realised that she¡¯d unknowingly sat in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s lap. She¡¯d only seen this position in movies, her face suddenly started heating up, clutching Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s shoulders to stand up, she didn¡¯t think that the other party would easily latch onto her waist. ¡°My legs aren¡¯t numb.¡± He lifted his face, and kissed her jaw, that feeling that would make all the pores open made Lin Ke Song shrug her shoulders upwards. The tip of his tongue gently brushed against her lips, occupying her lips, her heart sank into the night with the setting sun. Like Jiang Qian Fan said, she had to live her life properly, do the things she wished to do. She applied for the New York University that Song Yi Ran was at, then successfully passed the interview. When she walked out of the interview room, Song Yi Ran was sitting on a seat waiting for her. There was another nervous looking student waiting beside him, while he was carrying a computer keeping an eye on the financial news. Lin Ke Song tucked her hand in her pocket, and looked at his side profile, and thought of the times when she was younger and ignorant. ¡°Hey, let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll treat you today!¡± Lin Ke Song slapped Song Yi Ran on the shoulder. ¡°Is that so? There¡¯s another person giving me a treat today, and you are the chef for today too.¡± Song Yi Ran looked up, raising his beautiful brow. ¡°Who ah? Uncle?¡± ¡°Nope, Jiang Qian Fan.¡± ¡°Qian Fan? He¡¯s giving you a treat? Not possible ba? What¡¯s up with you guys again?¡± ¡°Most likely because he¡¯s worried that we¡¯re in the same university and the same faculty, staying close to the source ah!¡± Song Yi Ran leisurely kept his tablet, chicly hanging his coat on his shoulder, then got up to leave. ¡°What? Can¡¯t be ba! What is up with you guys!¡± This is something that gave Lin Ke Song the greatest headache: her lover and her childhood love battling against each other ah! So, when Song Yi Ran lazily sat at the dining table at the patio in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s room drinking freshly brewed Longjing tea in front of the rain, and there was Jiang Qian Fan holding onto his cane with a calm expression, Lin Ke Song felt weird no matter how she thought or felt. ¡°Ke Song, i want to eat tomato omelette! I want that kind that have a thick sauce oh!¡± Song Yi Ran revealed a heartless smile, being obvious that he wanted her to leave. Lin Ke Song looked towards Jiang Qian Fan, the words the other party said almost made her choke on herself. ¡°Don¡¯t worry ba, i won¡¯t use my cane beat him to death.¡± How do you expect me to not worry when you say things like that ah! But even with a thousand and 10 thousand worries and curiosity, Lin Ke SOng still had to go to the kitchen. She knew, that these 2 chaps definitely had really important things to talk about. When Lin Ke Song left, Song Yi Ran¡¯s finger circled around the edge of the teacup, and when it returned to the starting point, he put away the smile on his lips. ¡°I know Mr Jiang has always been straightforward, so i shall get to the point. You have something i want.¡± ¡°You have something i want too.¡± ¡°Oh? What is it?¡± SOng Yi Ran scratched his chin, a curious look, ¡°I actually have something you want?¡± ¡°You and your partners are planning to make a theme park, aren¡¯t you?¡± Jiang Qian FAn¡¯s face didn¡¯t have any change of expression. ¡°Oh¡­¡­ you want to have a Chinese food street in it, this idea is indeed not bad.¡± ¡°It¡¯s advantageous to you too. Don¡¯t have to worry that the food will have a problem in the theme park, and it will be unique. You must know, for the management of food and beverages, Jiang Co. has the most experience and needs the least of your worries.¡± ¡°And this theme park will give your chinese food street foot traffic. This is indeed a win-win idea. Your mind isn¡¯t as old fashion as it seems.¡± the corners of SOng Yi Ran¡¯s lips lifted, his finger tapping on the table lightly, ¡°but, if you really want me to join hands with Mr JIang, please at least show a little sincerity.¡± ¡°Alright ba, i¡¯m willing to sell the 50% of stock i have on RuiHeng hotel. With this 50 per cent, it¡¯s enough to win your brother, right ba.¡± ¡°What about the remaining 50 per cent?¡± ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t need management of Jiang Co. for the food and beverages of RuiHeng Hotel?¡± SOng Yi Ran turned away, and a few seconds later, he asked: ¡°did you expect this day to come a long time ago?¡± ¡°You should say, i have been planning for this day.¡± ¡°Ah ha, this is the reason why i hate you. You plan for everything, meticulously, step by step.¡± the corners of Song Yi Ran¡¯s lips lifted, ¡°but even if I¡¯m willing to work with you, the Chinese food street continuing its operations at the theme park i invested in, can you guarantee that Quentin Co. will not continue to attack you? This is like 2 food industry giants contesting with each other, you sing and i stand on your stage, there¡¯s no end to it.¡± ¡°The tricks Jessica Quentin can use, i too can definitely use.¡± ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to it.¡± At this time, Lin Ke Song pushed the pushcart to them, and looked at Jiang Qian FAn with some apprehension, then she looked at Song Yi Ran, and saw that these 2 people were safe and sound, Song Yi Ran had drunk a huge half of the tea from his teacup, and most importantly, that atmosphere that made people nervous was not felt anymore, so Lin Ke Song could finally heave a sigh of relief. Lin Ke SOng placed the tomato omelette, hometown tofu and braised pork on the table. SOng Yi Ran smiled happily and rubbed his palms together: ¡°it¡¯s been a long time since i¡¯ve had home cooked food!¡± Lin Ke SOng hadn¡¯t even said anything, when this chap scooped a huge spoonful of tomato omelette into his mouth. ¡°Hey! I haven¡¯t eaten yet! How could you start first!¡± ¡°What does it matter?¡± Song Yi Ran lifted his chopsticks, and picked up a piece of braised pork, ¡°En! En! So smooth and tender, the juices of the meat is so fresh, i definitely want to eat 2 bowls of rice!¡± If it weren¡¯t for Jiang Qian FAn at the side, she really would have used her chopsticks to hit this chap¡¯s head. ¡°What did you guys talk about?¡± LIn Ke Song still couldn¡¯t help but ask. She knew that asking SOng Yi Ran would not give her an answer, so she asked the question towards Jiang Qian Fan. But Jiang Qian Fan didn¡¯t answer her question, ¡°if you have to go against Jessica Quentin, will you be afraid?¡± ¡°Jessica Quentin? Isn¡¯t she Viktor¡¯s mentor?¡± The most important thing was, that she was a top chef in the industry¡­¡­ how would she have an opportunity to battle against her? ¡°If it¡¯s about having a match with Jessica Quentin, what do i have to be afraid of? Will she eat me? Furthermore, even if i lost to her, i don¡¯t have anything to lose face ah.¡± ¡°En.¡± Jiang Qian FAn¡¯s finger was on the edge of the bowl, LIn Ke SOng got him a piece of the braised pork. Don¡¯t know when it started, when Jiang Qian FAn stopped critiquing her dishes? ¡°Is it delicious?¡± Lin Ke Song ask him tentatively. ¡°En, very delicious.¡± SOng Yi Ran looked between them, and pursed his lips, a mischievous thought surfaced, he purposely lifted his legs, toes touching Lin Ke Song¡¯s calf occasionally. Then, every time he touched her, Lin Ke Song would glare over, indicating that the other party should stop playing. But the more Song Yi Ran played, the happier he became, looking at eating the hometown tofu, while smirking, this chap was just waiting for her to blow up. But Lin Ke SOng purposely ignored him, and while helping Jiang Qian Fan with the dishes, she silently avoided Song Yi Ran. A few rounds later, SOng Yi Ran this rascal, was having more fun the more he played. Jiang QIna Fan took his folded cane from his pocket, and opened it. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Lin Ke Song asked. ¡°Nothing.¡± Jiang Qian Fan suddenly harshly jabbed his cane under the table towards Song Yi Ran¡¯s direction. Everything was too sudden, Jiang Qian FAn¡¯s actions were swift and accurate, Song Yi Ran¡¯s belly was hit, he almost spat out all the food in his mouth. Lin Ke SOng was stunned, she knew that Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s sense of hearing was really good, and Song Yi Ran¡¯s little actions would definitely not be able to be hidden from him. But who would have thought that Jiang Qian Fan would think to carry out such a trick? SOng Yi Ran¡¯s face turned red, one hand clutching his stomach to face the side, the other hand clenched into a fist pressing onto the table. ¡°Hey¡­¡­ you¡¯re okay ba?¡± Lin Ke Song worriedly looked over to him. ¡°He¡¯s fine, eat.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s pretty fingers were interlaced on the table. Even though Lin Ke Song really wanted to say that he deserved it, ¡­¡­. There was still that little bit of pity. 2 days after that dinner, Jiang Qian Fan attended a charity dinner, and Lin Ke Song was sitting side by side with Song Yi Ran at the library of New York University doing reading together. After all she was about to choose her subjects, she had to have some form of understanding towards the curriculum. And that chap SOng Yi Ran was at the side using the school¡¯s unlimited wifi to check the news. ¡°What are you looking at?¡± ¡°I¡¯m looking at ¡¶Gourmet¡·magazine¡¯s official website.¡± ¡°Ah? Official website? What news has made you so interested?¡± Lin Ke Song reached her head over. ¡°Oh, Jiang Qian Fan declared war on Jessica Quentin already.¡± Song Yi Ran had an expression of being ready for the show to start. And Lin Ke Song was almost choked to death by her saliva. CH 74 The Chemistry Between You And I The Jiang Qian Fan in the video was wearing a western suit of elegant black, a bow tie at his neck, his left leg leisurely placed on the right leg. His hands held a folded cane, gently placed at his knee. There was not a slight bit of stress seen in his expression. The white light fell on his face, there was a calm and restrained manner. And the one interviewing his was ¡¶Gourmet¡·¡®s chief editor, Winston. He had a shocked expression, and looked at Jiang Qian Fan: ¡°i didn¡¯t hear wrongly ba? The words you just said¡­¡­ could you repeat them?¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s facial expression had no change at all. ¡°Sure. s&c currently wants to invest in building a theme park, and this theme park will start it¡¯s construction in 3 months. The proceeds from the first month of operation of the theme park will be donated to the red cross foundation. As s&c¡¯s partner, Jiang co. restaurant will enter the theme park, we will also donate the proceeds from the first month. At the same time, we are planning to hold a culinary competition in the theme park, we encourage newcomers to challenge each other and make and study new dishes. Chefs from all restaurants may come to give pointers. I believe that the collision of all sorts of thoughts and ideas will produce new inspiration.¡± Winston laughed: ¡°i believe that there will be many rising stars of the industry will want to show off themselves at this theme park, this will also help the theme park draw many tourists.¡± Jiang Qian Fan nodded: ¡°yes, to widen the exposure of this event, i have decided to personally participate in the first cooking competition for the opening of the theme park.¡± Winston didn¡¯t have facial expression, but his eyes showed that he was shocked. ¡°You¡­¡­ what did you say? You are going to personally participate? Then¡­¡­ who will be your opponent?¡± ¡°Chef Jessica Quentin. I¡¯m sure, that everyone will want to see her and i cooking on the same stage.¡± Jiang QIna FAn just expressionlessly dropped this bomb. Winston gaped widely: ¡°have you discussed your idea with chef Quentin? Maybe she doesn¡¯t have the time¡­¡­ ¡± Winston knew that Jiang Qian Fan wasn¡¯t that kind of person who cared about fame, even though everyone knew that Chef Quentin used the results of the ¡°Master¡¯s show¡± to generate hype, but no one would really think that Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s standard wasn¡¯t as good as Jessica Quentin. He knew what kind of person Jiang Qian Fan was, he will not dispute with Jessica Quentin. Which means this challenge is really for the opening of the theme park ¡°Chief editor Winston, this is only my idea. I will ask Chef Quentin for her opinion, if other chefs are willing to join this event, the theme park will welcome them very much too.¡± ¡°As for this cooking pk, are there rules?¡± ¡°Since the competition is for the opening of the park, then the tourists on that day will be the audience. Have the 12 judges who were on the ¡®master¡¯s show¡¯ to choose 5 non- professionals to form a group of 60 judges to taste the food on the spot.¡± ¡°Wait¡­¡­ this means that you and chef Quentin will have to prepare 60 portions? I ¡­¡­ didn¡¯t hear wrongly ba?¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t, so each of us can bring along an assistant.¡± Jiang Qian Fan opened his cane, stood up and looked towards Winston who was still in shock, ¡°this is only an idea of mine. If Chef Quentin isn¡¯t willing, and there is no other chef who will agree to this event, i think i can only think about other more interesting events.¡± Jiang Qian Fan emphasised that this wasn¡¯t a ¡°competition¡±, but an ¡°event¡±. But Winston knew that once this news was posted on the official website of ¡¶Gourmet¡·, it will inevitably set off an uproar. To Jessica Quentin, this is an absolute dilemma. After watching this video, Li Ke song returned the tablet to Song Yi Ran, and lowered her head to continue reading the book in her hand, taking notes like everything was as per normal. ¡°Hey, this reaction is to calm already ba.¡± Song Yi Ran nudged LIn Ke Song with her elbow. Lin Ke Song gave a sigh, put down her pen, and suddenly grabbed Song Yi Ran¡¯s neck: ¡°tell me, what did you and Jiang Qian Fan talk about secretly that day? Don¡¯t think i don¡¯t know that s&c is an investment group that you and that hooligan friend partnered up to do!¡± ¡°How did you know?¡± SOng Yi Ran asked tilting his head. ¡°How obvious can it get ah! s&c jest happens to be the combination of the first letters of yours and Kevin¡¯s name!¡± ¡°¡­¡­ ¡± SOng Yi Ran leaned towards Lin Ke Song, the pair of puppy eyes starting to lure people in, ¡°then are you having regrets now?¡± ¡°Regret what?¡± ¡°Regret that i, Song Yi Ran who used to be a salted fish has flipped over ah, but you are with Jiang Qian Fan already. You could¡¯ve been Mrs Song.¡± ¡°You aren¡¯t even a salted fish, and i¡¯m not Mrs Song! Don¡¯t change the subject! What on earth is up with you and Jiang Qian Fan?¡± ¡°We are partnering up ah! Jiang Co. will manage all the food and beverages in the theme park, solving a huge problem of s&c¡¯s. You must know, that interesting food and beverages can become a source of attraction to tourists.¡± ¡°Only that?¡± ¡°Really only that!¡± Lin Ke Song released her hand that was strangling Song Yi Ran, and continued reading her book. And at this time, Jessica Quentin who had seen the news online was clenching her fist, lips pursed. ¡°Mama? Did something happen?¡± Iris brought some fruit, and knocked on her mother¡¯s door. ¡°Have you seen the challenge Jiang Qian Fan sent out to me?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve seen it,¡± Iris went to her mother¡¯s side and sat down, ¡°if you¡¯re not willing, you can find a random reason and decline. Competition and what not, Jiang Qian Fan has never bothered with these things.¡± ¡°This time, he is targeting me, don¡¯t you understand?¡± Mrs Quentin furrowed her brows, ¡°If i don¡¯t agree, then those who have been eyeing the Quentin family will use this article to mock us, more and more intensely. Don¡¯t forget, it¡¯s us who stopped the street food project between Jiang Qian Fan and New York City, and it was also me who used the results of the master¡¯s show competition for publicity, this time¡­¡­ we might have crossed his limits. But if i accept his challenge¡­¡­ Iris¡­¡­¡± Mrs Quentin interlocked her fingers, her brows resting on her fingertips like she was very troubled. ¡°I understand, anyone who faces Jiang Qian Fan, has no guarantee of winning him. If you lost to him under the eyes of the public, maybe it¡¯d be better to not start the fight in the first place. And Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s pk is different from ¡®Master¡¯s show¡¯ after all. Viktor¡¯s participation is within the rules of the competition. But if you do anything during the competition between you and Jiang Qian FAn, there won¡¯t be any walls on earth that are impenetrable, the loss of Quentin¡¯s reputation will be worst than your loss. So¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°So if you agree to the challenge, you must be upright. Even though i really wish that it were only a trick that s&c did, we all know, that Jiang Qian Fan would never speak lightly.¡± After self-studying at night, Lin Ke Song was fetched to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa by Mayer. When she reached Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s room, and saw him quietly sitting on the patio, the night wind dialling the strands of his hair, it also dialled on LIn Ke Song¡¯s heartstrings. He looked like he could disappear into the night at any time. When he twisted his wrist slightly, the red wine in the wineglass swished half a turn along the walls of the glass, everything became sexy. Lin Ke Song gulped as she swallowed. ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± Jiang Qian FAn reached his hand out towards her direction. ¡°En.¡± Jiang Qian Fan gently held Lin Ke Song¡¯s wrist, and brought the back of her hand to his lips, giving it a kiss. Then, he flipped her hand around and kissed her palm. These all made her heart beat erratically. ¡°How was night studying.¡± He gave her a pull, gently leading her into his arms, and embraced her. ¡°At first i made a lot of useful notes, then later, not a single word was absorbed.¡± ¡°What happened?¡± Jiang Qian Fan lifted his face, Lin Ke Song could see herself clearly in that pair of glassy black eyes. ¡°I heard that you challenged Jessica Quentin to a competition.¡± ¡°En.¡± ¡°The judges will be professionals from all kinds of fields?¡± ¡°En.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s expression looked like he didn¡¯t see that it was an important point. He kissed the tip of her nose, then peppered kisses on her cheek. ¡°Hey! You haven¡¯t told me who you¡¯d choose as your assistant? I¡¯m guessing Jessica Quentin will definitely partner up with her daughter! They are mother and daughter, definitely will have a lot of chemistry! Furthermore, Iris¡¯s standard does not have a cap!¡± ¡°Who do you think I¡¯ll choose?¡± ¡°Chef Brody? I think you guys have much chemistry, he knows very well about your cooking and the foods that you have researched!¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Jiang Qian Fan held his head, turning to the side. She¡¯s seldom seen him with this kind of a lazy look. ¡°Otherwise¡­¡­. Chef HanBin of YueJiang tower? The cuisine you want to heavily showcase must be Chinese! If that¡¯s so, HanBin will definitely be a good assistant!¡± ¡°Not a bad idea.¡± Jiang Qian FAn¡¯s fingers cover Lin Ke Song¡¯s face, gliding to her ears, gently tucking away the stray hairs. ¡°Hey! Be a little more serious ah! Just who do you want to choose as your assistant ah! Or is this a secret, that you only plan to reveal 3 months later?¡± ¡°Come a little closer, and I¡¯ll tell you.¡± Lin Ke Song furrowed her eyebrows, how close is closer ah? She¡¯s already in his embrace, isn¡¯t that close enough? And, no one would eavesdrop on their talking when they are here ah! But she was just too curious, who was the person Jiang Qian Fan thought he had the most chemistry with? She had just put her ear in front of Jiang Qian FAn, when the other party gave her face a kiss. ¡°You.¡± That word had movement in the clearness. Lin Ke Song was stunned, only opening her mouth to confirm a few seconds later: ¡°What did you just say?¡± ¡°I said, i choose you. You and i have a lot of chemistry.¡± ¡°Chemistry?¡± where did that chemistry come from? ¡°Any questions? I really want to kiss you, bring your face here. I think Brody or HanBin and i won¡¯t have this kind of chemistry.¡± CH 75 Word count: 1851 HaveFun Lin Ke Song only then understood why Jiang Qian Fan had asked her that day whether she¡¯d be afraid of going against Jessica Quentin. He had already had plans. Lin Ke Song stared at Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s eyebrows for a long time. She understood him. This man is not bothered by fame or fortune, and doesn¡¯t mind failures or success, that he would use his name this time to challenge Jessica Quentin for a pk at this ¡°event¡± , was still for her. ¡°Did you know the words that Iris had said to me?¡± Lin Ke Song asked. ¡°En.¡± Jiang Qian Fan replied lightly. ¡°How did you know? Iris told you?¡± ¡°Because you were very upset at the results of the competition. If it were the usual for you, the result of totally defeating Viktor and getting 2nd place, would have fulfilled and gone way beyond the expectations you had for yourself, but you were tearing in front of me, and still said that you wanted to always stay by my side, that means someone must have definitely given you pressure. This person must have said to you, that if you¡¯d lost you will affect me greatly, and even shouldn¡¯t stay by my side. This person will not be Mayer. He understands how important you are to me, he will give you pressure, but he will definitely be reluctant to let you leave me.¡± ¡°So you think that person is Iris.¡± ¡°Yes. also, Goto Nozomi told me, about the incident when you were paralysed by salt water in the waiting room. I requested the security committee to check the security camera footage, the one who secretly put salt in your bottle of water was ShanSha.¡± A disappointed expression showed up on her face. The person who did that thing was indeed her. ¡°So i personally looked for ShanSha. I was very curious, because according to ShanSha¡¯s past, she would not think of such a clever method. So i told her, if she didn¡¯t come clean, i would let the competition committee see the footage. So she talked. She told me that she occasionally heard Jessica Quentin and Iris talk in the restroom. Jessica asked Iris, ¡®if there was a way to paralyse a contestant¡¯s sense of taste without a trace, to be able to let them lose her footing in the competition¡¯. And Iris replied Jessica saying ¡®then just let their tongues taste overly sweet or salty foods¡¯.¡± ¡°ShanSha remembered this point.¡± Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart was numb, this was only a competition, ShanSha wanted 3rd place so badly? If she didn¡¯t harbour evilness in her heart, it wouldn¡¯t have mattered what she¡¯d heard. ¡°Yes, but nobody knows if Jessica and Iris purposely or accidentally exchanged those words in the bathroom.¡± ¡°So, you want to use this pk to establish my confidence? I am already very confident, you can rest totally assured. And i know my win and loss had nothing to do with the Quentin Co. taking away this food street project, i can now sleep peacefully.¡± ¡°Silly. I only want to do a good deed with you.¡± At that moment, Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart opened with happiness. ¡°Do you dare? Are you willing?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked. ¡°Of course I¡¯m willing!¡± Lin Ke Song suddenly felt that this pk was starting to get meaningful. ¡°And even if we lose, it¡¯s no big deal.¡± Jiang Qian Fan supplemented. ¡°I know! I wish to give Jessica Quentin a run for her money! If she were to accept the pk, she¡¯ll definitely give her all. She will be like me and think that you will have brody or HanBin for your partner, and to win, she will definitely have Iris as her assistant. When the time comes, and you bring a student with no reputation or experience and lose to the 2 3 star restaurant head chefs, others will only say that you are training your student.¡± ¡°Yeah ah.¡± ¡°Wait, as Jiang Qian Fan, you have always done things in a way that things ¡®must be accomplished¡¯, never leaving an exit for yourself. Why did you have so many considerations this time?¡± Lin Ke Song asked tilting her head. ¡°Because I hope that you can feel like usual. And havefun with me.¡± Lin Ke Song looked away, smiling even more happily. The second day, Jessica Quentin agreed to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s pk suggestion through the official website of ¡¶Gourmet¡·magazine. ¡°I am delighted to do this event with chef Jiang Qian FAn. i find it really meaningful to be able to play a part for charity through my cooking. This time, my daughter Iris is also planning to join this event with me. This mother and daughter pair has not cooked together for a long time, we are very grateful to Mr Jiang and s&c for giving us this opportunity to reconnect our feelings.¡± Lin Ke Song watched the video on her phone, while thinking to herself. Jessica Quentin is indeed an old vixen ah, purposely emphasizing that accepting this pk was for fundraising for charity, even using the excuse of reconnecting feelings with her daughter. Even if she really lost, no one would easily attack her. Afterall, attacking a person who was contributing to charity, is not virtuous at all. ¡°Ke Song! Hurry come over! Make another Wellington steak!¡± Pepper¡¯s voice sounded. ¡°Coming!¡± Lin Ke Song returned to the back kitchen quickly, and saw the back view of Jiang Qian Fan making meringue, and suddenly felt that life couldn¡¯t be anymore wonderful. That¡¯s right, the back kitchen of phts was handled by Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song. This kind of a busy back kitchen was the best for training a person¡¯s adaptation and organisation abilities. In the past, she was looked on at Brody and Jiang Qian FAn¡¯s partnership enviously, but now, she had become Jiang Qian FAn¡¯s partner. Even though it was busy and messy at the start, even having some dishes totally wasted, unable to serve, with every failure, Lin Ke Song understood her own shortcomings better, and even learned many things from Jiang Qian Fan. In the back kitchen, she was like a clockwork. After leaving phts, she would lean on the car window and go into deep sleep. And every time she woke up, she would find herself leaning in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s arms steadily, that kind of feeling of being surrounded but the other party, made her feel unparalleled safety. With school reopening, Lin Ke Song¡¯s time became a precious commodity. And half her classes were the same as Song Yi Ran, this chap could always easily help her, even groupwork was handled by this chap, allowing Lin Ke Song to ease up greatly. The time of 3 months passed quickly, in a blink of an eye, it was the opening day of the s&c theme park. The name of this theme park was called ¡°Age of Innocence¡±, there were all kinds of entertainment with the main theme coming from fairy tales, legends and myths from different countries. It was different from the ¡°scream zone¡±, apart from the rides like roller coasters and carousels, there were also all sorts of activities that one could partake. Like the small theatre that had Chinese legends as the theme, and the role-playing of fairy tale characters in themed backgrounds for children and their parents, there were even obstacle courses. And in this theme park, there was a piece of construction that had a very ancient and traditional feel. The most eye-catching thing was an octagonal pavilion that had a plaque on it that read yuejianghotel. As the most well-known branch of Chinese cuisine restaurants in New York, the centre of YueJiangHotel was a hall that could contain 100 people. The big hall held a 3 storey building above it. These floors could be used to entertain guests, but today, they were filled fully with many media and reporters. In the centre of the big hall, was 60 guests of all sorts of skin colours. Some wore exquisite outfits, coming from the middle class and above, while some wore ordinary blue collared outfits, there were even students. Their eyes were all full of anticipation because this could be the only time in their lives that they¡¯d be able to see the top chefs of the fine dining industries and to be able to taste the food that they have made. This cooking pk¡¯s host was chief editor Winston of the ¡¶Gourmet¡·magazine. The people who had come to watch included other chefs like Montgomery, Brody, HanBin and more, their students sat behind them and so did other people who were important figures in the back kitchen, those who know, all know that this charity fundraiser pk had already become a big event in the world of fine dining. And many tourists were allowed to watch at the side, totally a moving crowd. ¡°Have you heard? That chef Jiang Qian Fan can¡¯t see ah! How on earth will he cook?¡± ¡°The Quentin mother and daughter pair are both 3 starred chefs ah! Totally looking forward to it!¡± ¡°My friend had tasted Jiang Qian FAn¡¯s cooking before at phts, from that day on, he couldn¡¯t forget that taste. But reservations for phts have to be made 3 months in advance! And i can taste it right here today!¡± ¡°The Quentin mother and daughter pair are going to pair up, then who will be Jiang Qian FAn¡¯s partner?¡± Winston who was donning an exquisite black suit walked to the centre of the hall of YueJiangHotel, and smiled at everyone, lifting his hand to signal everyone to silence. ¡°Today, you are all god. No matter whether you will be tasting the food, or just seeing with your eyes, you will all be able to experience the highest standard of skill of fine cooking. Let me introduce the categories of today¡¯s competition.¡± Winston rubbed his chin, very excitedly happy to see all the people who were present, ¡°there are 60 judges present, you will be the determiners of this pkcompetition. Every judge may pick an appetiser, a main dish and a dessert. And the competing parties will present the dishes as requested by each person. Which is to say, each judge will eat the same dish twice. Judges, please take note of the decoration on the plates, and give your vote to the one you support.¡± Winston patted the 2 transparent voting boxes beside him. ¡°now, here are the participants for today¡¯s pk competition! Ladies and gentlemen, let¡¯s please welcome chef Jessica Quentin and chef Iris Quentin!¡± Applause sounded, and the mother and daughter pair appeared in front of the people in white. Jessica¡¯s gaze slid through the audience, when she realised that Brody and HanBin were among the audience too, she couldn¡¯t help but wrinkle her brows. Apart from them, who else could Jiang Qian Fan choose as his partner? After a few words, Winston announced: ¡°now lets welcome chef Jiang Qian Fan and the one who performed shockingly in ¡®master¡¯s show¡¯, Ms Lin Ke Song!¡± When the words fell, Jessica¡¯s and Iris¡¯ smiles totally froze on their faces. CH 76 Chemistry At this time, Lin Ke Song walked with Jiang Qian Fan slowly towards Winston¡¯s direction. Jiang Qian Fan wore the white shirt of a head chef, the lines of his shoulders and back were perfectly outlined, accompanied with his stride, a pleasing beauty was brought out. His right hand held a cane, tapping on the floor rhythmically. He wasn¡¯t like many blind people who moved their heads, like they were searching for a light source. His gaze was steady, to the point that it made people feel like he was looking at Winston. His hair was tucked elegantly behind his ears, revealing a high forehead and an elegant nose. This man, even though he was silent, could become the focus of other¡¯s view. And Lin Ke Song too wore a chef¡¯s white shirt, but compared to Jiang Qian Fan, she looked a lot more casual. LIn Ke SOng was indeed very nervous, so the hand she used to hold onto Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s arm was using a lot of strength. The look that Iris gave towards her looked like it could crush people. ¡°Ke Song, you look very lively today ah!¡± Winston winked at Lin Ke Song, ¡°Mr Jiang really dares to take risks on choosing a person as your partner ah, at a place where so many people have gathered.¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t a risk.¡± Jiang Qian Fan said conversationally. Winston was stunned, then laughed: ¡°of course ah, how could I have forgotten, on the master¡¯s show, Ke SOng had perfectly presented your signature dish. Her capabilities isn¡¯t any less than any professional chef.¡± The tourists surrounding and the media present were all wanting the competition to start officially. ¡°Today, the 60 guests we have seated are the judging panel, and I will be the waiter. In front of every judge, there is a copy of today¡¯s menu, every menu has 3 kinds of appetisers, 3 kinds of main dishes, and 3 kinds of desserts for you to choose from. But this menu has only the name of the dish, as for what ingredients are in the dishes, you will have to look at the performances of the chefs today! So, judges, seriously think carefully about what you want to choose, and when you want to eat them, you must eat seriously, and taste meticulously, then with the choice from your heart, give your vote to the dish that you love the most. Now, let¡¯s invite the judges to read the menu of today, choose your dishes, then pass it to me. As for our 4 participants, you may start your preparations.¡± YueJiangHotel had a very unique kitchen, it was U-shaped. The most important thing was, that it didn¡¯t have a wall to separate, but a total floor to ceiling glass pane, to let the dining guests be able to see clearly into all the happenings in the kitchen. Jessica and Iris used the left of the back kitchen, and Lin Ke Song guided Jiang Qian Fan to the right. This kitchen¡¯s layout was pretty much the same as the kitchen in Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s villa. Lin Ke Song had a look along the counter, and saw that there was indeed a thin line of straight lines, as long as all the seasonings were placed according to the sequence that Jiang Qian Fan was used to at these lines, Jiang Qian Fan would be able to accurately take charge of the condition in the kitchen. LIn Ke Song started to line up all sorts of sauces and spices. Her movements were very nimble like she didn¡¯t need much time to think. When she took Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s hand to make sure of all the styles of the cookware, the sizes and their edges in the kitchen, Iris from the opposite looked over. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Jessica realised that her daughter wasn¡¯t really focusing, and knocked on the counter as a reminder. ¡°In such a short time, she can¡¯t possibly have partnered with Jiang Qian Fan¡­¡­ the average person will not be able to match up to his speed.¡± ¡°Since that¡¯s so, for Jiang Qian FAn to choose a nameless and inexperienced girl to partner with is digging his own grave.¡± With that, Jessica started on her preparations. And it was only when the time for the judges to pick their dishes had ended, and Winston had collected all their menus, did Lin Ke Song bring Jiang Qian Fan around the kitchen to understand all the things in it. She stood behind Jiang Qian Fan, and took his hand to touch the depth of the frying pan. But Jiang Qian Fan held her hand and lifted it to his lips, even though it was only a short touch, that warmth and strength that steadied her heart travelled from her fingertips. ¡°Like cooking with me?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked. ¡°Like it very much.¡± Like it more than anything in this world. Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart started to overflow, all the nervousness and fear became insignificant. ¡°I like it very much too. Ke Song, this is like closing my eyes and riding a roller coaster.¡± ¡°Rollercoaster?¡± ¡°Yes, at the start, there isn¡¯t any anticipation. Because I can¡¯t see, so I thought I wouldn¡¯t be afraid. Until my heart is thrown from high up, the blood in my whole body rushing to the top of my head, but when the rider rides down, it like everything has left the body. Until the end, when I hear your voice, I feel that all the ups and downs were for this moment.¡± LIn Ke Song¡¯s heart felt like it was squeezed tightly by him. ¡°I thought you weren¡¯t afraid at all.¡± At this time, Winston had already noted down all the orders, his fingers were pointing in the air, ¡°both parties, please listen well! The dish you will need to make today is ¡ª¡ª 22 portions of Chinese spring roll, 17 portions of fragrant scallops, and 21 portions of Italian style bacon veal roll! You must know, that these 3 dishes seem simple, but it is extremely complicated to make. Like the Chinese style spring roll, looks like a common dish in Chinese restaurants, but it is not easy to make this dish. Of course, the most commonly known and most delicious spring roll in new york comes from YueJiangHotel¡¯s chef HanBin!¡± At this time, the media and audience all turned their gaze to HanBin. ¡°Chef HanBin, what do you think makes a delicious spring roll?¡± Winston asked with a smile. HanBIn replied generously: ¡°First, the crispy layer outside must not be oily. Secondly, the filling inside must be proportionate to the thickness of the outer layer, it doesn¡¯t mean that the more filling you have, the tastier it¡¯ll be. Thirdly, the flavour of the filling must pack a punch to the taste buds, if it¡¯s too bland, it loses its use of being the appetiser. But if an overuse of seasonings like chilli or a vegetable like the strong tasting leek is used, not every guest will be able to accept the taste.¡± ¡°Which means, you need to actually pay attention to many things to make a good spring roll ah!¡± Winston nodded, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the fragrant scallops, this too is a common appetizer in restaurants. I wish to ask the witch of the fine dining world, chef Lilith, what do you think about this dish?¡± Lilith¡¯s lips curled at the ends: ¡°fragrant scallops ah¡­¡­ there¡¯s actually only 2 points. First, the scallops cannot be overcooked, if it¡¯s overcooked it will lose it¡¯s bouncy texture and juice, if it¡¯s too raw, it will taste too fishy. Secondly, you must be careful of the concoction of the sauce, it must not snatch away the freshness of the scallops, but needs to lift the flavours of the scallops too. All those who know how to cook will know these 2 points, but these 2 points are very very difficult to master.¡± Winston nodded, then looked at Montgomery, ¡°Haha, Chef Montgomery is the master that everyone knows in this industry who makes the unforgettable Italian bacon veal roll. As for this dish, is there any explanation you¡¯d like to give?¡± Montgomery wrinkled his brow in thought: ¡°¡­¡­ actually a really good chef, will take note of their own feelings while they are cooking. I have always gone along with my mood. But going along with your feelings is the most delicate and best this. But now, I am only concerned about 1 thing.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Winston asked curiously. ¡°Why did you invite me to be a judge? You actually didn¡¯t give me the chance to taste, and let me stand by the side to watch, this is too cruel!¡± YueJiangTower was suddenly filled with laughter, this elt the originally nervous atmosphere relax. ¡°He, Winston, talk about the main course ba!¡± Montgomery lifted his hand. ¡°Oh, the main dishes for today are very sumptuous, i guarantee that everyone will be undecided! The first dish is pan-fried bass. This is a commonly seen dish in many big restaurants, all because the bass meat has flexibility and is able to transform and accept many flavours. The second main dish, is charcoal lamb chops! We all know, that it is more difficult to control the fire and heat for lamb chops compared to steak, all in addition to its smell. How we make this gamey stink into a mouthwatering and delicious taste, is also a skill necessary for culinary masters. The last dish is, turkey.¡± ¡°Turkey? ¡± Montgomery had a shocked expression. ¡°Yes, turkey. Is there a problem? Chef Montgomery?¡± Winston suddenly laughed asking. ¡°There is a problem, of course there is a problem. Today isn¡¯t even Christmas, why the need to eat turkey?¡± Montgomery threw his hands up, an expression of dissatisfaction. ¡°Only because today isn¡¯t Christmas?¡± Winston asked. ¡°It¡¯s because he doesn¡¯t like turkey.¡± Monica who was beside Montgomery laughed, ¡°the meat of turkey is rough, very hard for the flavours to soak in. there is a difficulty in cooking it, this kind of meat lacks moisture, the texture will be dry.¡± ¡°Oh, if it were chef Montgomery, how would you make this dish?¡± Winston asked. Montgomery rubbed his chin in thought: ¡°Secret, won¡¯t tell you.¡± Everyone laughed again. But at this time, Lin Ke Song started to get nervous. ¡°Qian Fan, there is turkey in the main dish¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song had tried countless times in the kitchen before to roast turkey, but no matter what, the perfect texture and flavour could not be achieved. Jiang Qian Fan followed her voice, and tugged her ear saying: ¡°Winston had only said that turkey was the last dish, and didn¡¯t ask for it to be pan-fried or charcoal roasted. Which is to say, we have more freedom in our cooking method.¡± Lin Ke Song suddenly exhaled, her brain immediately going into imagination overdrive. Will chopping the turkey into cubes allow the flavours to soak in more conveniently, and make a Chinese style dish? Or tap the turkey meat, and make it into a turkey roll? Or chop the chicken till it becomes mud like? Winston started speaking again: ¡°I wonder if there are any chefs here who have any tips for the 3 main dishes we have today?¡± Montgomery said: ¡°No opinions. The most important things have already been said by you, what else do we have to say? Hurry and introduce the desserts ba!¡± Brody, Lilith and the other chefs all pursed their lips in laughter. ¡°Alright ba, alright ba, don¡¯t be impatient. Lets first have a look at the choices of the judges. Ooh, there are 16 who chose pan-fried bass, 22 people who chose charcoal lambs chops. And then those who chose turkey, are also 22. En¡­¡­ I am also regretting a little at being the host instead of being a judge already.¡± Winston pouted, and continues introducing the deserts for today: ¡°Today¡¯s desserts, the first is Jessica Quentin¡¯s signature dessert, matcha opera cake. Perfect combinations for the tastes buds, fluffy texture, definitely a delicious flavour that makes people uncontrollably want to swallow everything in a mouthful. And the second dish, is a common dessert blueberry pie! I know that many housewives are experts at this kind of pie, but a great master¡¯s standard of blueberry pie, definitely has its uniqueness. And the last dessert, is the recently popular dessert at phts, vanilla ice cream hawthorn!¡± When his voice sounded, all the media and chefs started applauding. Winston went to Brody, and ask smiling: ¡°what do you think about the desserts?¡± ¡°I personally think that this competition is organised fairly. The matcha opera can and vanilla ice cream hawthorn are the signature dishes of the participating parties, but there are also fresh items that are the most common yet difficult to make. This way, there is an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of both parties, and also add uncertainty, it¡¯s great ah.¡± ¡°Then in your opinion, chef Brody, will Jiang Qian Fan win or is Jessica Quentin more popular for the desserts?¡± Brody smiled and said: ¡°If you let me be the judge, I will tell you.¡± ¡°Haha, Brody, you have been led astray by Montgomery ah.¡± Winston received the cards that the staff passed to him, ¡°Ah, for dessert, there are a total of 25 orders for the match opera cake, and also 25 orders for the vanilla ice cream hawthorn. Additionally, there are 10 judges who are interested in the blueberry pie. It looks like, the majority are still leaning towards the signature desserts of the chefs ah!¡± Winston lifted his wrist to confirm the time: ¡°the time now, is nine thirty in the morning, both parties of participants each have 2 and a half hours. When it is 12pm, both parties please serve the appetizers for all guests. Before 1220, the main dish must be prepared, otherwise you will lose your scores. And at 1pm sharp, I hope to see every a dessert in front of every judge.¡± Winston lifted his finger high, and lifted his voice: ¡°the competition¡ª¡ª starts now!¡± Both parties started their discussion about how to make the few dishes. Just as Jiang Qian FAn and Lin Ke Song were discussing about the fillings of the blueberry pie, Jessica and Iris had already begun choosing ingredients. ¡°Don¡¯t get frantic, thinking carefully about what you want to do, is far more important than going after the speed of things.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s knuckles glided across Lin Ke Song¡¯s face gently. ¡°I know! Make sure of your goal, and you only need to move towards it bravely!¡± ¡°Do you know what you need to take note of in a blueberry pie?¡± ¡°I know! When you cut it open, it must have a crispy fluffy feeling! The fillings must be together, definitely cannot separate! It can¡¯t be too sweet and it can¡¯t be too sour either, so we must pay more attention to the ratio of fruits in the filling, and we also need to think about the change in tartness of the fruits after it has been baked!¡± ¡°Good. I will be in charge of all the crust, you must take care of the baking and take note of all the heat controls of the meats.¡± ¡°Yes, chef!¡± Lin Ke Song immediately got to work. She and Jiang Qian Fan had long listed out all the ingredients needed for every dish when Winston and the other chefs were discussing about the menu. When she held Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s arm to enter the food warehouse, she met Iris¡¯ gaze that glanced past her and focused on Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°You will regret provoking my mother and me today. ¡±Iris¡¯ eyes were full of absolute confidence in herself. ¡°I will not regret, on the contrary, I am very grateful that you both are battling together.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Iris asked. ¡°Thank you for giving Ke Song such a wonderful opportunity to train.¡± After those words, Jiang Qian Fan patted the back of Li Ke Song¡¯s hand, and brought her to the meat section. Jessica warned in a low voice: ¡°Iris, don¡¯t let Jiang Qian Fan affect your mood.¡± Lin Ke Song cooperated with Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s selection of the size and thickness of the most suitable lamb chop and bass meat, and selecting the turkey breasts in the end. Then it was the ingredients for the appetizers and desserts. When Lin Ke Song walked past a coffee machine shelves, she yelled in surprise: ¡°I want that! That little pressure cooker!¡± When her voice sounded, Jessica¡¯s light laughter floated by. Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t bother about Jessica, but took the pressure cooker down, and put it in the pushcart. ¡°Since you took the pressure cooker, get a little more vanilla, sage and thyme.¡± Jiang Qian Fan said softly at Lin Ke Song¡¯s ear. The warm breath passed by her earlobe, thoughts floating by like they were in a warm ocean, Lin Ke Song smiled. Even when she didn¡¯t say anything, Jiang Qian Fan could guess what she wanted to do. Jiang Qian Fan pushed the pushcart, while Lin Ke Song gave directions at the front. When they returned to the counter station, Jessica had already started preparations for the skin of the spring roll, while Lin Ke Song was still nimbly and methodically placing all the ingredients at places that Jiang Qian Fan was familiar with. LIn Ke Song opened the bag of flour, beat the eggs, all her movements were very professional. Then she let the position to Jiang Qian Fan. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s kneading action was full of strength, along with the extension of his arm, and the coordination of his wrists and fingers, the flour and eggs quickly melded together. His unique technique actually made him complete the crust earlier than Jessica and Iris. Pretty much, without Jiang Qian Fan saying anything, Lin KE Song only went forward to make sure of the texture of the dough, then used plastic wrap to wrap the dough up, then pushed the cut up cheese blocks to the front of Jiang Qian Fan. then Jiang Qian Fan started preparing for the sauce for the Italian style veal bacon roll. While Lin Ke Song started preparing the fruits at the side. Compared to the cheerful and talkative atmosphere between Jessica and Iris, you could pretty much count the number of times words were exchanged between Lin Ke Song and Jiang Qian FAn. But when Jiang Qian Fan used a spoon to dip into the sauce that he created, and Lin Ke SOng automatically moved her face to taste, that chemistry feeling let the judges who were watching through the glass smile. ¡°En!¡± Lin Ke Song closed her eyes to distinguish the layers of flavours in the sauce, thinking about the amount to smear to make the bacon rolls, and suddenly felt that it was absolutely delicious. CH 77 PK Of The Appetisers LIn Ke Song too scooped a little spoonful of the sauce she made, and sent it into Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s mouth. ¡°How is it? How is it?¡± she widened her eyes at him, her head was like a squirrel waiting for pine nuts to drop. ¡°En, take care of the veal bacon.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice was as cold and clear as always, it was just that his lip line was more gentle than usual, letting Lin Ke Song know that at this point of time, he was in a very good mood. ¡°Got it!¡± LIn Ke Song neatly sliced the veal bacon into uniform sizes according to the lines on the meat. Her expression looked focused and calm, not at all inferior to Jessica and Iris. And Jiang Qian Fan had already begun prepping the turkey breasts at the side. He chopped the breast meat into cubes, and mixed it with olive oil and other seasonings, and wrapped it up in plastic wrap for use later. Each of the steps that they did made people puzzled about what was happening, it was like every single step had no connection to each other, but it was all done in an orderly manner. Time passed, and the pressure came along with it. There was still half an hour left, and both parties had to be done with all their appetisers. 60 portions of appetisers, with 3 varieties, and the main dish and dessert had to be taken care of too, this to an average chef was ¡°an impossible task¡±. But Jessica and Iris had already started plating. Their gestures were to everyone¡¯s liking, allowing the judges on the other side of the glass will be filled with anticipation. But Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song were still in ¡°Progress¡±. Jiang Qian Fan was pouring the sauce for the scallops, even when the time was catching up, his actions were still calm and steady. Lin Ke Song plated the scallops, and sent them to the dining cart. Then it was the little veal bacon, she took the veal bacon rolls out of the oven, and seared them on the frying pan with Jiang Qian Fan. Jiang Qian Fan was in charge of the seasoning, and Lin Ke Song was in charge of the heat. Lin Ke Song only need to say ¡°En¡± softly, and Jiang Qian Fan knew that she had already flipped the rolls. Lin Ke Song had 20 plus portions of veal bacon rolls to sear, and Jiang Qian Fan needed to more than 1 kind of ingredient for seasoning. This situation made the audience very nervous for them. After all, one was blind and the other was a newbie, will they crash under the pressure of time? But 10 plus seconds passed, and the audience and the judges realised, Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song weren¡¯t in chaos, but were like a duet playing the piano, even though the rhythm was fast, every note was played at the right time, and most importantly, this song was harmoniously happy. Before plating, Lin Ke Song and Jiang Qian Fan both as usual gave the little veal bacon rolls and even all the side dishes a taste. When Lin Ke Song cut the veal bacon rolls with a knife and was about to put it into her mouth, Jiang Qian Fan hooked her wrist, ¡°don¡¯t want your tongue anymore.¡± ¡°Ah! Oh!¡± Lin Ke Song blew on the veal bacon roll, and as she was about to send it into her mouth, Jiang Qian Fan stopped her again by giving her a knock on her head. ¡°Who is the head chef here?¡± ¡°You are!¡± Lin Ke Song hurriedly stuffed the little veal bacon roll into his mouth. ¡°En.¡± Jiang Qian Fan nodded. Lin Ke song then immediately presented the spring roll over. Jiang Qian Fan was in charge of frying the spring roll, while Lin Ke Song started plating. Finally at 12 sharp, the appetisers were all ready and were sent to the judges¡¯ dining table. The plating of every dish was exquisite. Different from ¡°the master¡¯s show¡±, these dishes looked beautiful, attracting looks from eyes, whetting appetites greatly. The judges all had expressions of cherishing, arranging their napkins, lifting their knife and forks, starting their tasting very seriously. At this time, Winston moved to the audience seats. He smiled as he looked at Montgomery: ¡°Dear chef Montgomery, do you too wish to taste these appetisers?¡± Montgomery gave Winston a look: ¡°if I said that I do wish so, would you let me eat?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Winston smiled as he hummed, the staff pushed a cart to Montgomery, ¡°I am very honoured to invite you to be today¡¯s guest reviewer, to give comments of these 3 appetisers.¡± Montgomery¡¯s eyes lit up, he thrusted out his big belly, suddenly laughing out loud. The first dish, was the Chinese spring rolls. Montgomery first picked up Jessica¡¯s and Iris¡¯ spring rolls, and had a look: ¡°En ¡ª¡ª the overall plating looks like that of a high-class French restaurant. Very delicately shaped, only slightly thicker than my finger only. But this small spring roll has 2 problems. The first, the skin is too thin, even though it is easily fried crispy, it is also easily over fried. The second is whether there is sufficient filling. No one wishes that when they bite down, they will only be able to eat the crispy skin without enough flavour to agitate the taste buds. But as it is now, the first point shouldn¡¯t be a problem. Because the whole spring roll gives off a cheerful bright golden colour, not a single part of it is burnt.¡± With that, Montgomery took a bite that produced the sound of a crunch. He half tilted his head, and gave an expression: ¡°Oh, it¡¯s is too delicious! The freshness of the tender cucumber strips, the smoothness of the mushroom, and the fragrance of the shrimp, make people full of anticipation for the upcoming main dishes and appetisers. 3 kinds of sauces, the flavours of the vanilla cheese sauce, miso chilli sauce and lime liqueur seafood sauce are all really incredible! You must know, that the Chinese spring roll is Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s signature dish, but Jessica and Iris have brought this dish to this point, you are in grave danger, Qian Fan!¡± Everyone looked towards the other side of the glass wall. But it was as if Jiang Qian FAn hadn¡¯t heard anything and was stir frying something, while Lin Ke Song was beside adjusting the seasoning. ¡°How does the colour look?¡± ¡°Should be 80% cooked!¡± Montgomery disappointedly shrugged his shoulders: ¡°Forget it, forever never able to let them have a sense of urgency. Let me just try the spring roll he and Lin Ke Song made ba!¡± The spring roll Jiang Qian FAn and Lin Ke Song made was normal sized, it didn¡¯t look as exquisite as the one Jessica and Iris made, there was even one sauce only. Montgomery picked the spring roll up, and held it to his eye to meticulously look at: ¡°egg was put within the skin of the spring roll, so that when it¡¯s fried, it will be this kind of eye-catching gold, even though this can increase the flavour of the skin, it is also a risky move. Once there is too much egg, it will make the skin very soft, and lose its flavour. But from this colour, no matter the heat of the frying or the ratio of the flour to the eggs, it is all very perfect. As expected of Jiang Qian Fan, forever ¡®precise¡¯. But, I hope that apart from precision, there will also be some surprises.¡± With that, Montgomery took a bite, he started chewing, furrowing his brows as he chewed. There were a total of 3 spring rolls on the plate, Montgomery dipped into a little sauce, and in front of the eyes of everyone, finished all three rolls. ¡°Hey, Chef Montgomery, don¡¯t only eat, it¡¯s about time you said something.¡± ¡°Alright ba, at times, the so-called ¡®legendary¡¯ fragrance, is because it has already been experienced by many people. Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke SOng¡¯s spring roll is this kind of ¡®legend¡¯. The filling is fine slices of green bamboo shoots, mushrooms and pork, paired with the rich aroma of stir-fried garlic, the smooth freshness of the mushrooms, the crisp freshness of the green bamboo shoots and pork floss flavours are lifted, all the ratios of are just right. And there is a little vanilla flavour! The tartness and sweetness of this sauce, is controlled well, it is appetising and doesn¡¯t make people feel sick. And there is also a green plum fragrance. Wait a minute, what is this slight numbing fragrance?¡± Montgomery closed his eyes to meticulously taste the flavour, and smiled: ¡°Ah, it¡¯s pepper oil! It¡¯s really a pure and rich chinese flavour ah! If we call the skin and filling of the spring roll ¡®precision¡¯, then this little but of pepper oil and sour plum sauce flavour is the surprise. Don¡¯t know whose idea it was to put the pepper oil in? Qian Fan¡¯s? Or Ke Song¡¯s?¡± Hearing this, Lin Ke Song who was plating the lamb chops smiled. Winston laughed: ¡°from Ke Song¡¯s expression, the pepper oil should be her idea.¡± ¡°At times, us so called ¡®great chefs¡¯ are bound by our past experiences, and don¡¯t know how to find a ¡®surprise¡¯ anymore.¡± ¡°Which is to say¡­¡­ for the both parties spring roll, you, chef Montgomery favour¡­¡­ Jiang Qian FAn¡¯s and Lin Ke Song¡¯s one?¡± ¡°Yes, even though i don¡¯t know what the audience would think.¡± ¡°Alright ba, let us see the voting situation of the 22 judges of the spring roll. There are 9 who chose the 2 quentin chefs, and 13 who chose Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song. which means, for this spring roll dish, Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song are temporarily in the lead!¡± Hearing this news, Lin Ke Song exhaled in relief. She was now fighting for the pan-fried striped bass. But Lilth raised a brow. Jessica lowered her voice saying: ¡°focus. The spring roll originally wasn¡¯t our sighnature. There¡¯s only a difference of 4 votes. Do you think that a little girl who hasnt even enter this field for a year will be able to do beeter than the italian veal bacon roll and pan fried scallops? That will be real western cuisine!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mother. She may be have little tricks, but based on this point, it will be impossible to be the last one laughing!¡± The back kitchen behind the glass wass was as busy and frantic as ever. ¡°Lilith, do you mind tasting the next appetizers, italian bacon veal roll?¡± Winston asked Lilith. Lilith tucked her hair behind her ear, and smiled saying: ¡°with pleasure.¡± 2 of the dishes were placed in front of her, Lilith lifted her fork and knife. ¡°The plating from both parties are very exquisite, like a piece of art in the glass window, i really can¡¯t bear to spoil this beautiful feel. But, food only has meaning when it is eaten.¡± Lilith first cut the bacon veal roll from Jessica and Iris, and tilted her head to have a closer look, ¡°mmh, just one look and you can tell that the texture will be a delicious three-fifth medium rare, the fragrance of the fillings is very aromatic, when the knife cut down, it felt very tender. This makes me anticipate its flavour!¡± Lilith put the bacon veal roll into her mouth, and tasted seriously, then said: ¡°soft and balanced flavour, exactly as i anticipated! The aroma of the cheese, and the gin helps to up the flavour! The crispiness of the asparagus and that little heat from jalapeno! It¡¯s like my taste buds were stroked gently then greatly shaken up! This far exceeds my expectations! Oh, Jessica or Iris, you guys are really awesome!¡± Hearing her comments, Iris and Jessica raised their hands together. Jessica said as she was plating the sea bass: ¡°see that, i¡¯ve said it before, no matter if it were french or italian cuisin, they are both our territory. If Jiang Qian Fan had chosen Brody or HanBin, they would be tough competition. But that lass, she can only hope to have tasted black truffle foie gras.¡± Iris lifted her gaze to look at the other side. LIn Ke Song was holding some sauce in her left hand, with a wine in her right hand, going around and behind, to Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s side. She liiked like she wasn¡¯t even a tiny bit affected by the words Lilith had said, it looked like she was in a very good mood. And Jiang Qian Fan who was making some kind of sauce only had to lift his hand a little and she had already placed the wine bottle into his hand. Since when did Lin KE Song become so familiar with Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s cooking process? ¡°Lilith, even though you have given the 2 Quentin chef high praise. You still have to taste the italian bacon veal roll that Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song have made.¡± ¡°I know.¡± Lilith drank a mouth of water, ¡°Now, let me see, what kind of feeling to my tastes will Chef Jiang Qian Fan and his¡­¡­ student being me?¡± When Lilith cut the roll, she let out a gentle sigh. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Lilith?¡± Winston asked. ¡°¡­¡­ it felt like my knife was cutting through butter.¡± Lilith moved the veal roll towards herself, ¡°very beautifully medium rare! As expected of Jiang Qian Fan¡­¡­ fragrance¡­¡­ apart from the beef, there is also a fresh and clean flavour.¡± Lilith slowly out the roll into her mouth, and closed her eyes to distinguish the flavours: ¡°the control over the pounding and seasoning process is astonishing. Salt, thyme, basil¡­¡­ and a little awe-inspiring taste, the richness didn¡¯t snatch away the savoury flavour of the veal. Was the veal seasoning done by Chef Jiang Qian Fan?¡± Winston shook his head saying: ¡°it was Lin Ke Song.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ it can¡¯t be ba?¡± Lilith revealed a suspicious expression. Winston pointed to his eyes and said: ¡°i saw it with my own eyes. Lin Ke Song made the sauce for the veal.¡± Lilith¡¯s gaze slid across winston to Lin Ke Song, she was making some kind of rice paste, and it looked easy. And Jiang Qian Fan who was beside her didn¡¯t give any orders, totally trusting her. Lilith put the rest of the veal into her mouth, and closed her eyes to continue feeling: ¡°En, this dish didn¡¯t use asparagus but bamboo shoots. Before the bamboo shoots were wrapped, a little stir fried garlic and broth was added, combined with padano cheese, brings out a totally different flavour of veal. And green apple! This is really an amazing idea! Its tartness and crispiness are like crackling stars in my mouth, it is the finishing touch to this dish!¡± ¡°So, Lilith, are you praising Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song now?¡± Winston showed a speechless expression. ¡°I am praising the work that is full of imagination and enjoyable.¡± Lilith replied. ¡°Then which of these 2 dishes will you choose as your preferred?¡± Lilith sighed: ¡°it¡¯s better if you kill me ba¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°Haha, then i won¡¯t make it difficult for you anymore. Afterall, we have a real team of judges!¡± Winston received the count slip from the staff, and cocked his brow, ¡°En¡­¡­ the opinions of the judges are very similar to Lilith¡¯s.¡± Lilith asked: ¡°do you mean that it¡¯s a tie?¡± Winston smiled, ¡°we have 21 judges who chose this dish, so how is it possible for it to be a tie?¡± ¡°So, one party got a weak advantage?¡± ¡°Yes. congratulations to Jessica and Iris, you have received a precious 10 votes!¡± Iris¡¯ hand trembled a little, had she heard wrongly? 10 votes? Does that mean that Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song got 11 votes? She and her mother had lost to Jiang Qian Fan and a newbie who hadn¡¯t even entered the industry for a year over the dish of italian bacon veal rolls? ¡°Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song received 11 votes. This means you already have an advantage of 6 votes. But the competition is not over, there are another appetizers, 3 main dishes and 3 more desserts that are still to come. This advantage can be lost anytime.¡± No matter, Lin Ke Song still clenched her fist in encouragement to herself. Because the green apple was a sudden inspiration of hers. At this moment, she felt something kiss her fist. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s strands of hair glided across her skin, when she reacted, the other party had already expressionlessly embellish the lamb chops with mint leaves. ¡°Next plate, Ke Song.¡± ¡°Ah! Yes!¡± It was finally time for the third appetizers, pan-fried scallops. Winston nodded to HanBin: ¡°Chef HanBin, the leader of chinese food is YueJiang Hotel. And YueJiang Hotel is very familiar with the cooking method of all kinds of seafood. I wish to invite you to comment on the pan fried scallops from both parties.¡± ¡°No problem. But i am not as humorous as Chef Montgomery, or as good as Lilith at creating an atmosphere.¡± ¡°Oh, you only need tell everyone which of the dishes suits your tastes.¡± HanBin nodded, and observed the plating of the 2 appetisers: ¡°From the appearance and colour, both parties had good control over the heat for the pan fried scallops, if there are no accidents, the texture of the scallops will definitely be tender and juicy.¡± HanBin cut the scallops from Jessica and Iris, after a bite, he nodded saying: ¡°even though the combination garlic broccoli and pineapple sauce was unexpected, it unexpectedly matches with the scallops. There is the tartness and sweetness of the pineapple, whetting my appetite, there is also garlic to lift the deliciousness of the scallops, all combined with the soft taste of coloured clay, as expected of a master¡¯s level.¡± ¡°En, i have no doubt about that.¡± Winston nodded. HanBin then tasted Lin Ke Song and Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s scallops. He pursed his lips: ¡°buttered jam combined with mango to make the sauce, this kind of combination has the same surprising effect as the broccoli puree. The flavours have seeped into the scallops very will, there is no need for any extra seasoning. The advantage of the the fruit jam is the it help the scallops taste fresher.¡± ¡°So, which do you prefer?¡± ¡°I enjoyed the combination of butter jam and mango as a sauce, but from flavours, i prefer the work of Jessica and Iris. there is more of a kick in the flavour.¡± ¡°I understand. Let us see the votes of the judges. Ah ha! Iris and Jessica received 10 votes, and Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song received 7 votes! Which means, at this point of the pk competition, Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song are leading with 31 votes, and Jessica and Iris are behind with 29 votes! This makes the competition for the main course even more exciting ah!¡± CH 78 Pan Fried Sea Bass And Charcoal Grilled Lamb Chops Iris looked at Ke Song who was on the other side, she was currently concentrating on plating. At that moment, Iris couldn¡¯t help but reevaluate this girl. No one could innocently just depend on luck, or depend on Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s shadow to come this far. Taste is a very intuitive feeling. Even though these chefs always talked about cooking in terms of theory and experience, the ones who can really judge a chef¡¯s skills, are the taste buds of the customers. Delicious means delicious, not delicious means not delicious. Winston looked at the antique clock in the great hall, and counted down with the judges and media. When the second hand reached 1220, the participating parties had to have their main dishes ready. At this time, YueJiangHotel¡¯s waiters were serving up the dishes. And Winston walked to the media. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time, Madam LinYing!¡± Winston asked after a lady who looked about 40 years of age. LInYing was from Vietnam, and when she was 12, she followed her parents to New York, she was a freelance writer, her facebook and column introduced all sorts of unique restaurants and signature dishes, and they were very popular. ¡°Hello, Mr Winston. Greeting me among many of my peers, may i guess that, i will be like the 3 chefs before me, to have the honour to be a special commentator for the main dish? ¡± ¡°Yes. I¡¯m inviting Madam LinYing to comment of the first main dish from both parties, the pan fried sea bass.¡± Winston waved a hand, 2 portions of pan fried sea bass were placed in front of LinYing. LinYing smiled, ¡°because of the constraints of the theme of ¡®pan fried sea bass¡¯, both parties used similar methods of cooking the sea bass. As we all know, the meat of a fish is different from pork, beef, chicken and other meats, it has the unique trait of falling apart easily, and absorbing flavour easily. In the process of pan frying, once you lose control of the heat, the meat will become dry. If time and heat are controlled well, not only will you be able to maintain the fullness of the texture, you can also maintain the juices between the flesh.¡± LinYing cut the sea basses of both parties for observation, and came to a conclusion, ¡°As expected of the work of a master. The colour of the fish is very pretty, the meat looks like it was pan fried till there was a thin layer of golden yellow, really puts people in anticipation.¡± ¡°Which means, the pan fried sea bass of both parties, have done similarly well in terms of heat control. So all that¡¯s left is the taste?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± LinYing tasted a piece of Jessica and Iris¡¯ sea bass, and slowly nodded her head, ¡°really very delicious! The sea bass was marinated very well! The flavour of the special butter sauce is just incredible. The smashed tarragon with the scallions, minced garlic, coconut milk and cumin, make a fulfilling layered feeling, but it is also like the tongue was hooked, making people want to swallow quickly, to allow the tongue to taste that flavour repeatedly!¡± ¡°Looks like you really like this dish?¡± ¡°Of course!¡± ¡°But I suggest you taste the other dish.¡± LinYing nodded. When her fork forked the sea bass that Jiang Qian Fan and Lin KE Song cooked, she wasn¡¯t in a hurry to put it in her mouth, but waved it in front of her nose for a bit, like a scent had caught her attention. ¡°I smell a unique fragrance¡­¡­ this fragrance whets appetites¡­¡­¡± LinYing swallowed obviously. Winston laughed, while the other media looked over. LInYing out that piece of meat into her mouth, then gently chewed, until she had eaten a big half of the sea bass, Winston finally couldn¡¯t stay still but remind: ¡°Madam LinYing¡­¡­ after your comment, you may continue to finish the dish you like.¡± LinYing couldn¡¯t help but shake her head: ¡°I totally can¡¯t stop! The flavour of this dish is incredible! No matter the saltiness or the pairing of other seasonings to form a whole body. Its like if there were any of it missing, or a change in any of the proportions, it will lose this perfect flavour. The thing that is most worth the mentioning is where on earth did this kind of unique aroma and smoked roast fragrance come from?¡± Winston looked back to Jiang Qian FAn and Lin Ke Song: ¡°Hey! The both of you! Anyone able to explain this?¡± ¡°It¡¯s the minced garlic and green onions.¡± Jiang Qian Fan only simply said those words. Everyone on set was still confused. Winston coughed, and looked towards LIn Ke Song who was plating the dessert, and said helplessly: ¡°Ke Song, even though we are already used to the style of Chef Jiang Qian FAn saying these kinds of words, our friends here are unable to catch up with his thought process.¡± Lin Ke Song methodically cut the blueberry pie, and smiled while saying: ¡°until now, there are still times that I don¡¯t understand what he is thinking la! But speaking of the minced garlic and green onions on the seabass¡­¡­ after the green onions are cut and pan fried, the fragrance of the green onions will stay in the pan, which is followed by red wine. The minced garlic is actually placed on the sea bass when it is almost fully cooked! But, I did put the garlic cloves on the hay in advance to smoke them oh! Isn¡¯t it very fragrant?¡± ¡°Oh!¡± LinYing had the expression of sudden enlightenment. Lin Ke Song laughed as she rubbed her nose. ¡°Then Madam LinYing, of these 2 pan fried sea bass, which do you prefer?¡± Winston didn¡¯t forget the most blinking question. ¡°Ah¡­¡­ this is a really difficult choice to make¡­¡­ both the dishes have their unique points! The heat control and flavour are outstanding, this is the most delicious sea bass I have ever tasted. But if I don¡¯t give an answer, you will not let me go.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Alright ba, I choose Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song¡¯s dish. I have to admit that under circumstances where the texture and flavour are so rated closely, the smoked garlic fragrance gave me more of an appetite.¡± LinYing made a choice solemnly. ¡°Alright ba, let us see the votes of the judges! Ah ha! Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song take the lead once again, receiving 9 votes. And Jessica and Iris received 7 votes!¡± Hearing that, Lin Ke Song loosened her shoulders in a sigh of relief. ¡°Well done.¡± Jiang Qian Fan lowered his head, and said gently at her ear. She vividly felt the other party¡¯s lip brushing past her earlobe. Even though it could probably be due to Jiang Qian Fan not being able to see and unable to gauge distance, Lin Ke Song knew 100 per cent that this lad was doing it on purpose. ¡°I wonder how long Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song are able to continue this lead? The Jessica and Iris that I know are not mediocre, they are able to spring a surprise anytime and anywhere. And as for Jiang Qian FAn and Lin Ke Song, 4 votes isn¡¯t much of a lead, there can be a turn of events at any time! Next¡­¡­ ¡± Winston went to stand in front of Luke, ¡°Let¡¯s invite my old friend, food critic Luke to critic the second main dish, charcoal grilled lamb chops!¡± Luke looked happy: ¡°Winston, I have been waiting! If you hadn¡¯t chosen me to be one of the special tasters, I would really have severed all ties with you!¡± 2 portions of lamb chops were placed in front of Luke. Jessica and Iris¡¯ lamb chops were arranged on a wooden pallet, the lamb chops cut open, with all sorts of side dishes on top of it, it was a feast for the eyes. And Jiang Qian FAn and Lin Ke Song¡¯s charcoal grilled lamb chops were plated on a long disc like plate. The lamb chops were lying in a shallow pool of yellow sauce, the surface covered with a creamy vanilla crab salad. Luke carefully observed the appearance of the meats in the 2 dishes. ¡°En, both parties controlled the heat to a medium well. For Jessica and Iris to cook it to this point is no surprise to me, but Chef Jiang Qian Fan¡­¡­ his control of heat is always so precise, I find it hard to believe. I wish to know whether you have any technique to be able to determine how well done the meat is without using sight?¡± Everyone looked towards Jiang Qian Fan who was behind the glass wall. He was boiling caramel, no indication of lifting his head. ¡°Ke SOng, do you know?¡± Luke asked with a laugh. ¡°Ah? Me?¡± Lin Ke SOng tilted her head, and looked towards Jiang Qian FAn¡¯s side profile, ¡°thousands of times of practice forming experience and feeling¡­¡­ and having a feel for the flavour and temperature?¡± ¡°Ha ha!¡± Luke laughed, ¡°just let me taste the charcoal grilled lamb chops from both parties ba!¡± Luke first placed a piece of lamb from Jessica and Iris into his mouth, he carefully chewed, tilting his head while closing his eyes, and letting out a long long sigh through his nose: ¡°Ooh ¡ª¡ª used pear, carrot, sweet pepper, thyme, lemongrass, ginger, minced garlic, fish sauce, cumin, salt and pepper to marinate the ;lamb chops. Because it was cut open to grill, the lamb chops are evenly grilled, every surface is crispy, fantastic texture! Especially the fresh sweetness of the pear and carrots give this dish an aftertaste apart from the kick. During the plating, I¡¯m guessing that Jessica and Iris sprinkled a little lemon mint. This whole dish has a sumptuous flavour, and the jalapeno adds a strength to this dish. The goat¡¯s milk fried in kimchi sauce matches with this dish very well. Overall¡­¡­ no matter if it were 3 months later, I will not be able to forget its taste!¡± Even though Luke praises were overflowing, Iris did not relax at all. Of course, their dish would give people an unforgettable taste, but this wasn¡¯t enough, it has to have more of a punch than Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s dish. The goat¡¯s milk and kimchi sauce was something she decided to use last minute. She understood now, if she wanted to win Jiang Qian FAn, she couldn¡¯t go according to the rules. She had to take risks, she had to try things she¡¯d never tried before. ¡°You did very well.¡± Jessica gave a thin smile, she was very satisfied with her daughter¡¯s performance on this dish. ¡°Next, I will taste chef Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song¡¯s dish.¡± When Luke cut into the lamb, Lin Ke Song who was plating was so nervous her hands started perspiring. ¡°En ¡ª¡ª thyme, ginger, garlic, cumin, pepper, salt, these seasonings are the same as the ones Jessica and Iris used. But I taste pepper powder, white sesame, it¡¯s really fragrant. It feels like the sesame seeds were cracked at the tip of the tongue!¡± CH 79 Word count: 1905 The Most Dazzling Chinese Style ¡°And?¡± Winston asked. ¡°The fresh softness of the butter vanilla crab salad and the flavour from the charcoal grilled lamb chops form a sharp contrast, after the kick from the rich aroma of the lamb chops, the taste buds are comforted by the softness of the salad! It is really a wonderful pairing!¡± ¡°Looks like this will be a very difficult choice again. But as a special commentator for this dish, I still need you to tell everyone, which of the charcoal grilled lamb chops is your favourite?¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡­ ¡± Luke gave a long sigh, and pressed against his head, ¡°being able to taste such delicious lamb chop is obviously the happiest thing to happen to mankind, but you just want me to make a choice!¡± With that, Luke lowered his head and continued eating the lamb chops. And Winston patted his shoulders saying: ¡°friend, don¡¯t be like that, the competition has to continue.¡± ¡°Please let me enjoy it for a bit ba! I have already commented, the choice of choosing the more delicious dish is the judges¡¯, not mine!¡± ¡°Your words make sense¡­¡­ ¡± Winston could only receive the vote summary from the staff, and rubbed his chin, ¡°I can only say that the votes are very close. And Jessica and Iris are both experienced and innovative chefs, but they can¡¯t always have someone else in the lead! With the mother and daughter pair working together, this main dish has received 12 votes! And Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song have received 10 votes! Chef Jiang Qian Fan, you gotta be careful! You must know, that Jessica and Iris are only 2 votes away from you. With only 2 votes, it may be totally taken over by the next main dish, or the following 3 desserts!¡± Jessica furrowed her brows, even though they had won Jiang Qian FAn and Lin Ke Song over this dish, things are still way below her expectations. She had originally thought that she could have a big win with the secret recipe for the charcoal lamb chops that she¡¯d experimented and ruminate about countless times, but the outcome was less than ideal. ¡°White sesame was indeed a good idea.¡± Iris said blandly. ¡°The ¡®good idea¡¯ you are talking about may not have been Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s, there¡¯s a huge probability that it was Lin Ke Song¡¯s.¡± Jessica raised her brows. ¡°I only acknowledged that it was a good idea, not everything.¡± At this time, Lin Ke Song was pursing her lips. She was a little disappointed. Adding white sesame into the charcoal grilled lamb chops was her idea, and even though this idea was acknowledged by luke, it didn¡¯t allow their charcoal grilled lamb chops to receive the majority of the votes. ¡°There are a thousand Hamlets in the eyes of a thousand readers.¡± Jiang Qian Fan lowered his body to speak at her ear. Don¡¯t know when it started, but Jiang Qian FAn especially liked to speak at her ear. Maybe because he could be closer to her this way, or maybe this chap has found out that she had zero defences against his whispers. ¡°I know. We can¡¯t possibly win forever.¡± Lin Ke Song lifted her face to smile. And the pk of the 3 main dishes had finally reached the most difficult and most suspenseful turkey. ¡°Just as Montgomery had said, the turkey is actually a very difficult meat to tackle. Its difficulty lies in the lack of water content in the meat, if you¡¯re not careful the texture will be like chewing wax. Also, it is not easy to let the flavour seep in. but I believe, these will not be a problem to both parties of competitors, because they are masters of chefs! But for this last dish, I do not plan to invite a professional food critic or a chef to critic, but I wish to hear what the judges think! Without their opinions, this pk competition will be meaningless!¡± The guests and media all had a disappointed expression. They had carried the hope that maybe they¡¯d be able to taste the turkey prepared by both parties! Winston walked to the middle of the group of judges, and found a lady who was wearing a checkered shirt and black-rimmed glasses. ¡°Hey, what is your name? Where are you from?¡± ¡°I¡¯m Martha, a student from NYU.¡± ¡°Oh, NYU!¡± Winston pointed in Lin Ke SOng¡¯s direction, ¡°you guys are schoolmates ah!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will follow my feelings, and not have any bias because a participant and I are schoolmates.¡± ¡°Alright, Martha. Could you describe from your point of view the turkey from both parties?¡± ¡°Sure! Even though I¡¯m not as great as the other chef or gourmets, to be able to easily distinguish the different ingredients and even the cooking methods, I think my description abilities are still pretty good! Firstly, let¡¯s talk about the turkey roulade from the 2 Quentin chefs. The centre of the roll is king oyster mushrooms, the meat is more tender than i expected, and after it has absorbed the moisture and flavour from the mushroom, it has become really tasty.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­ ¡± Winston lowered his head to have a better look, ¡°from my observations from before, the 2 Quentin chefs have probably chosen to use breast meat of the turkey, and after pounding, it has made the meat firmer. They chose to put the turkey meat into a special soup to stew, and take it out before it is fully cooked, and mix with ingredients, and rolled with the king oyster mushrooms, and baked on a buttered pan, then seasoned. The side dishes are white asparagus and crab salad, it should be very refreshing. Martha, how do you think this dish tastes?¡± ¡°There¡¯s probably a crush of soy sauce and mustard between the turkey meat and mushroom, I can also taste a slight jam flavour. Tastes like oranges and bananas! Very refreshing, much aftertaste! The turkey meat is tender on the inside, but it¡¯s crispy and flavourful on the outside! This tastes awesome!¡± ¡°Mm-hmm, then what about chef Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song¡¯s turkey dish? What do you think about it?¡± ¡°This is a unique cornmeal turkey burrito!¡± Martha paused, like she didn¡¯t know how else to carry on describing. Winston laughed: ¡°Martha, I remember you saying before, that your description abilities are pretty good! So for this dish¡­¡­ the description shouldn¡¯t only be ¡®unique cornmeal turkey burrito¡¯ ba? you must know, this description won¡¯t whet people¡¯s¡¯ appetites¡­¡­ and on the contrary, make people think about the burger and hotdogs that are sold on the streets instead¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°Oh my god ah! This is of a totally different plane of a standard from burgers and hotdogs, alright! This dish was plated very brightly! Even though it is a burrito, it is very intricate, and you can see the pretty layers. Look, here is the turkey cubes, this layer is the avocado, here is the arugula and this layer is the sauce! But they are all placed evenly, and when I bite down, everything is in my bite, the more you chew, the tastier it becomes, it¡¯s so good its like¡­¡­ the big bang!¡± Martha furrowed her brows in thought, ¡°I only wish to know how this turkey was made! Very tender! Full of flavour, making my tongue keep wanting to have a repeat of that feeling! And that sauce¡­¡­ I wish to bring a big container home, I can use a little when I stew turkey, brush a little on when I roast turkey, or make myself a turkey burrito!¡± the more Martha described the more agitated she became. ¡°So it¡¯s obvious, Martha you prefer Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song¡¯s turkey dish, right?¡± Winston asked. ¡°Yes. I think I will never get sick of it even after eating it a hundred times!¡± ¡°Alright, let¡¯s hear what the other judges feel.¡± Winston walked to a middle-aged man who was in a suit and tie, ¡°Hello, sir, mind sharing your name and occupation?¡± ¡°My name is Donald, I am a lawyer.¡± ¡°Oh! Donald, I think you probably frequent some high-class restaurants to meet with your clients ba?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Alright, I¡¯m sure you will have some insights if you would comment on these 2 turkey dishes.¡± Donald smiled saying: ¡°these 2 turkey dishes are the best I¡¯ve ever had, it¡¯s my pleasure to comment on them. First, let¡¯s start with the turkey roulade with king oyster mushrooms that the 2 Quentin chefs cooked. Even though this dish looks simple, the method of cooking is actually very complicated. Chief editor Winston had also introduced before, so I won¡¯t say much about it. The meat of the turkey isn¡¯t as easy to roast as any roast chicken, I¡¯m guessing that there were 2 motives to stew the turkey at first, the first is to keep the water content of the meat and the second is to let the flavours seep in. and the king oyster mushrooms and turkey pairing together is quite harmonious, and helps eat other to lift the flavours. The orange and banana jam is a highlight of this dish. The sweetness of the fruits allows the thick aromatic flavour of the turkey roulade to have more of a flavour. And it tastes like turmeric, curry powder, black pepper, salt, the combination of cinnamon and celery seeds is also perfect!¡± Winston clapped: ¡°Mr Donald, your quality of comments far exceeds that of my friend, Luke¡¯s! Could you also similarly make comments about the turkey dish that chef Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song cooked?¡± ¡°Talking about this cornmeal turkey burrito, I can only say one phrase, which is most dazzling Chinese style! The cornmeal wrap is full of chewy texture, but it won¡¯t make people tired of chewing! I really want to know how this was achieved! And the turkey cubes that are mixed inside! This made me think of this dish that I had in China years ago, the locals called it ¡®spicy chicken cubes¡¯! The taste of the turkey cubes inside is similar to that dish, but not as dry, on the contrary, when I bite through the turkey cubes the juice is still in it! How good of a cooking standard must you have to reach this level! A rich Chinese style, this fragrance and spiciness agitates the taste buds, making people want to have another and another bite and never stop eating! There is also the sauce, I tasted dill, sage and bay leaf, with the right amounts of mustard and mayonnaise, oh my god ah, it¡¯s like the ancient east and the passionate west crashed into each other! This is a delicious taste that people won¡¯t even forget in their dreams!¡± Winston understood Donald¡¯s choice and walked to an old lady. The old lady smiled saying to Winston: ¡°I don¡¯t have the flowery fluency of words to praise these 2 dishes, but there is something I¡¯m very sure of, these are flavours that I will never be able to taste again in my lifetime. I hope that the turkey roulade will be able to be on the menu of my granddaughter¡¯s wedding, this will be the food that makes people feel the happiest.¡± ¡°So which turkey dish do you prefer?¡± ¡°Haha, but as for the cornmeal turkey burrito¡­¡­ when I¡¯m on my last breath, I think my greatest wish will be to have a bite of this cornmeal turkey burrito again!¡± CH 80 Word count: 1860 Matcha Opera Cake ¡°Now, who will be the winner for this turkey dish?¡± Winston clapped, and received the card that the staff passed him, rubbed his chin, and didn¡¯t say anything for a few seconds. This made everyone who was there be filled with curiosity. ¡°Stop kidding around Winston! Hurry reveal the results ba!¡± ¡°Be careful that people don¡¯t throw a plate at you!¡± Winston coughed, and slowly said: ¡°this is a turkey dish, and honestly, there is a large disparity between the number of votes! I¡¯m not sure is the lacking party will have a chance to catch up. The total number of judges who chose the turkey main dish is 22 people. Among them, a total of 13 people chose the same dish, which is Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song¡¯s cornmeal turkey burrito!¡± The sound of applause rang through the crowd. Lin Ke Song blinked at Jiang Qian Fan: ¡°we received 15 votes? I didn¡¯t hear wrongly right?¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t hear wrongly.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s words were just spoken, when Lin Ke Song jumped to wrap her arms around his neck: ¡°That¡¯s wonderful! That¡¯s wonderful! I knew everyone would like it!¡± Jiang Qian Fan opened his arms, letting Lin Ke Song hug him tightly, a few seconds later, he tightened his arms, and patted her back saying: ¡°this isn¡¯t the final results. Don¡¯t forget, we still have 3 more desserts.¡± His expression was calm as the water, couldn¡¯t see great sadness or happiness. Lin Ke Song¡¯s heart too followed and calmed down. ¡°Yes, there are still 3 desserts¡­¡­ and the winner will only win for a moment! And happiness is only for a moment!¡± The nervousness that she had before the pk competition dissipated, leaving a sense of satisfaction. Whether the votes that she and Jiang Qian Fan receive later will be able to surpass Jessica and Iris, she will not stick the label of a failure on herself easily. And Jessica had her brows furrowed, leaning on the edge of the counter, gritting her teeth: ¡°that can¡¯t be¡­¡­ how can it be? This dish of ours, no matter the heat, seasoning or combination is flawless! How could it have lost so easily? Was there covert planning? These judges must have been prepared by Jiang Qian Fan beforehand! To continue this competition, will only be self-inflicted injury! We ¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Are we going to withdraw from the competition?¡± Iris methodically placed the plates with desserts on the pushcart, compared to her impulsivity from before, she now seemed very calm, ¡°then let every laugh at the Quentin family for being sore losers? Mother, don¡¯t forget, that the 60 judges were chosen by Winston and the well-known people of the industry. If you say that they were arranged by Jiang Qian Fan beforehand, then it¡¯ll mean that the entire industry is trying to mess with the Quentin family? Even if the response to us isn¡¯t great, so what? Even if we lose, we have to lose with dignity.¡± Jessica exhaled: ¡°alright ba, if this competition is fair, and not a show that Jiang Qian Fan has made with you and I, then with the difference of 6 votes, we will be able to get them back with the matcha opera cake and blueberry pie!¡± At this time, Winston reminded everyone that the time had come. The desserts were pushed out of the back kitchen, and placed in front of each judge. Iris lowered her head towards the loudspeaker, and looked towards Winston saying: ¡°Mr Winston, this pk has already reached its final round. I have a little request.¡± ¡°Oh, what request?¡± Winston had on a slightly interested expression. Iris seemed stern and serious: ¡°from the start of the competition, from the appetisers to the main dish, there was always a specially invited critic to comment about out dishes, resulting in us participants having an understanding for the other party¡¯s dishes based on the views of another. This isn¡¯t helpful at all to the exchange and learning of both parties. If editor Winston doesn¡¯t mind, I hope that the last round of competitions will allow us to comment on the other party¡¯s dishes.¡± Jessica was very pleased with the suggestion her daughter made. Commenting on the other party¡¯s dishes from their perspectives with the taste buds of head chefs, and finding the flaw in the other party, is way better than leaving the results of the competition to these judges who had close to no understanding of cooking techniques. Even with a loss, as long as they are able to understand, win or loss can only represent the sovereignty of the tastes of the judges, and not the professionalism of the chefs. ¡°En! I like this suggestion!¡± Winston looked towards Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song saying, ¡°how do you think about this suggestion?¡± Lin KE Song gave a big wide grin, this was exactly as she wanted. Just how did Jessica Quentin¡¯s matcha opera cake taste like, without waiting for Jiang Qian Fan, she¡¯d already nodded. Winston couldn¡¯t help but laugh, he said to Jiang Qian Fan: ¡°I believe you too will not reject this opportunity to let Ke Song learn and grow.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± So the 3 of them left the back kitchen, and went to the dining table, and sat with the judges. The opposite of Lin Ke Song sat Iris. Iris¡¯ gaze was as cold as ever. Jessica¡¯s sitting posture looked very elegant, a kind of rich person¡¯s aura flowing out of her, compared to Lin Ke Song who found everything fascinating, she was very calm and mature. ¡°Qian Fan, I think you understand, that conquering your opponent is much more difficult than conquering the 60 judges.¡± ¡°Of course. The capturing ability of your sense of taste is far better than the average person. So I look forward very much to the important suggestion that chef Quentin has made.¡± For the conversation that these 2 made, Lin Ke Song didn¡¯t even register a single sentence. Her eyes were fixed on the plate in the waiter¡¯s hands. Matcha opera cake was placed on the table. A rectangular cake, with a diagonal line in the middle, one half showing the green of the matcha, while the other side was a deep and rich chocolate black. From the chocolate side, the thick and even crumbs curled on the cake, a crystal clear plum jelly leaned gently on the cake. Lin Ke Song suddenly had an image about a young lady leaning on the opera house, having a bath under the sunlight. ¡°Eat ba.¡± Jiang Qian FAn turned his head in Lin Ke Song¡¯s direction. Like they were not tasting the works of the opponent, but like they were leisurely having afternoon tea in some cafe. ¡°En!¡± Lin Ke Song lifted her little fork, and gently scooped up an edge of the cake. ¡°Say what you think.¡± Jiang Qian Fan turned his body, holding his head, even though he couldn¡¯t see, his gaze had fallen on Lin KE Song¡¯s pursed lips. His elegance and calmness, to him, was that everything was relaxed and at ease, really having nothing to do with winning or losing. ¡°The matcha cake layer is really amazing! Especially the cake layer¡­¡­ to be able to achieve this fluffiness yet not lose the texture, eggs, egg white, flour and butter proportions must be very precise! As long as there¡¯s a loss of balance this happiness of the mouth having a massage will be gone! Even though matcha powder was also added into the cake, the powder was very fine, naturally blending with the flour, not a little bit of astringent feeling! The chocolate is also prepared amazingly! I have never eaten such delicious chocolate in the market before! Soft and smooth but maintaining the integrity of the chocolate, the slightly bitter taste and the fresh fragrance of the matcha powder blending together, is impeccable ah!¡± Without knowing, Lin Ke Song had already finished a whole piece of cake. Jessica¡¯s lips curled at the edge slightly, she¡¯d already known long before that her cake was perfect, Lin Ke Song would never be able to find any flaw. ¡°Chef Qian Fan, I am looking forward to your comments too.¡± Jiang Qian Fan lifted his fork, his fingers feeling the edge of the plate. Because of the placement, he could not be sure of where the cake was placed. Lin Ke Song covered the back of his hand, and helped him move the fork, to the edge of the matcha cake, and gently cut down. Jiang Qian Fan then put the cake into his mouth, he only had a bite, then placed the fork down. ¡°Perfect combination, no matter if it¡¯s the control of the amount of vanilla bean used or the sweetness, i believe that even if guests who are adverse to sweet foods will be unable to resist this kind of cake, like the melodious voice echoing from the opera house under the warm sun of a winter¡¯s day. The food critics place the matcha opera cake as Chef Quentin¡¯s signature dish, it is indeed a well-deserved title.¡± ¡°I believe Chef Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s matcha opera cake will also be perfect without argument. After all, you have absolute taste, and today will not be the first time you have tasted this kind of cake that I make, so I believe it will be a breeze for you to copy.¡± Even though the mouth said those words, Jessica didn¡¯t think that her cake could be presented by the other party. After all, this wasn¡¯t the work of Jiang Qian FAn alone, there was still Lin Ke Song. Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s eyes were inconvenienced, the process of making the cream, including the melting of the chocolate and more all needed Lin Ke Song¡¯s judgement. Lin Ke song was the variable of this dessert. Jessica took up the utensils, and took a look at matcha cake in front of her, from the top part of the cake to the bottom layer, this let her clearly observe the layers of the cake. When the fork cut open the chocolate, and squeezed into the embryo of the cake, grazing past the matcha cream, it was obvious that the texture was very soft, she had to use almost no strength, but the cake didn¡¯t change shape due to the softness, the most important part was the distinction between the layers of cake, even the cream and chocolate ganache thickness and texture were just perfect. Even without putting it in her mouth, Jessica knew that its texture was very perfect. All that was left was the difference in flavour. But Jiang Qian Fan was confident and precise in adjusting the flavour, Jessica knew that picking out a flaw in the flavours would be very difficult. And Iris who was beside her had already spoken: ¡°I wish to know just how this vanilla syrup was made. The aroma of the vanilla is thick and pure, according to logic, the amount of vanilla used shouldn¡¯t be little. But if too much vanilla was used, and the cooking time too long, a residue will be left in the syrup, destroying the original fragrance.¡± CH 81 Word count: 1920 The Chance Encounter Of Fragrance And Taste ¡°It¡¯s through the mini pressure cooker.¡± Lin Ke Song felt a burst of happiness, it was rare for Iris to take an interest in her thoughts. ¡°Mini pressure cooker?¡± Iris was stunned for 2 seconds before she reacted, ¡°you added water and vanilla, then stewed them.¡± ¡°Yes, but the timing is very important, if its too long, the pressure will spoil the smell and taste of the vanilla, so when the water boils, I cut the heat off, and slowly wait for the pressure in the pressure cooker to return to normal. And in this period of time, the vanilla will blend sufficiently into the water.¡± Lin Ke Song explained. The corners of Iris¡¯ lips lifted, laughing to herself. ¡°Jessica, so you have any other thoughts or opinions?¡± Winston asked. Jessica shook her head saying: ¡°No matter if it¡¯s the cake or the chocolate ganache, even the amount of matcha powder is just right. The texture if fluffy and not crumbly, and the level of sweetness is intricate too, you can say that this dessert was reproduced perfectly.¡± Since things have come to this point, it would be better to take on an open mind to praise the other party than to look for bones in an egg. And the word she used was ¡°reproduce¡±. Which was to say that no matter how great Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song made the matcha opera cake, it was but an imitation of her work. ¡°Alright! Both parties are praising each other, not allowing me to see any sparks of a fight, is just so disappointing. When it¡¯s time for the next set of dessert, please don¡¯t be so ¡®lovey-dovey¡¯ anymore!¡± With that, Winston received the card that a staff passed to him, and lifted his eyebrows saying: ¡°Ah ha, this round of voting is very close! There are a total of 13 judges who have voted for Jessica and Iris, and Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song have received the remaining 12 votes! Let us look now at the total number of votes! The 2 Quentin chefs have a total of 70 votes! And Chef Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song have received 75 votes! There are still 2 more desserts, there is still a chance of a twist! No one knows if one party will suddenly make a mistake, or do something beyond expectations!¡± At this time, the staff had served the second dessert, vanilla ice cream hawthorn. LIn Ke Song looked at the work that Jessica and Iris had completed in front of her. They had a uniquely feminine and detailed beauty and elegant concept presented on the plate. This kind of dessert, no matter the taste, will give people a wonderment of enjoyment just through the visuals. They had dug a little slit in the middle of the carrot, a creamy mash potato pad holding the carrot in place, a red wine glass leaning on the indented slit if the carrot, and inside it were a few balls of hawthorn that had on a sugar coat. A few tender pieces of mint leaves and chamomile petals dotted the top, it looked astounding. ¡°Try it.¡± Iris¡¯ gaze was locked on Lin Ke Song. Instead of talking about the pressure from Iris, why not just say that it is a form of a test. She wanted to test if Lin Ke Song¡¯s tongue was really that sensitive, whether she was Jiang Qian FAn¡¯s shadow in cooking, or had her own opinion. Lin Ke Song swallowed, she lifted her spoon up a little nervously, and scooped up a ball of hawthorn to put into her mouth. With a bite down, a crisp sound of a crunch sounded, the sugar coat shattered into pieces in her mouth, then the sourness and tartness of the hawthorn came through, but this tartness did not last for long, the softness and sweetness of the vanilla ice cream quickly coated her tongue. ¡°How is it, any thoughts?¡± Iris asked with her arms folded. She never shifted her gaze to Jiang Qian Fan, keeping her stare on Lin Ke Song. ¡°Very delicious, the thickness of the sugar coat is just perfect, and it is sufficiently frozen. You guys have added a tiny amount of lemon zest in the sugar coating, this freshness and slight sourness blending with the sweetness of the sugar coat, gives a liveliness to the original flavour of plain sugarcoat. The hawthorn chosen is also very perfect, the middle of the hawthorn was hollowed intricately. The texture of the vanilla ice cream is very smooth, the milk and vanilla flavour did not in fact totally snatch away the sourness of the hawthorn, instead blending together well, to whet an appetite. The most important thing is, that I can taste passion fruit in the ice cream¡­ ¡­ very refreshing!¡± Lin Ke Song commented seriously. ¡°It is ground passionfruit. Because the middle of the hawthorn is already not big, if the whole seed of the passion fruit is squeezed in, there will not be enough space, and the ice cream will not be able to be evenly combined with the passionfruit.¡± Iris explained in a smooth voice, ¡°But Ms Lin, what I want to hear is not only the praise and acknowledgement. We have changed or upgraded this dessert, don¡¯t know what other suggestions you have towards this upgrade?¡± after all, for now, LIn Ke Song was only Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s student, can she really give Iris, a well-known head chef suggestions? Jiang Qian Fan too had a piece. ¡°Chef Jiang Qian Fan, you probably won¡¯t be like Lin Ke Song and give comments this way ba.¡± ¡°She and I have the same sense of taste and opinion, let her say it ba.¡± Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s gaze held a kind of calm, he was very sure Lin Ke Song could say the words he wished. ¡°Alright ba, chef Quentin, I¡¯ll be straightforward.¡± LIn Ke Song¡¯s gaze became firm, today, she was a chef, no more need to be so-called timid in the face of authority, ¡°even though it is a pretty good idea to add lemon zest, I think the time when it was added is a little off.¡± ¡°What?¡± Jessica squinted her eyes. ¡°When the lemon peel meets heat, its sourness will higher than normal temperature ones, and it will also carry a hint of bitterness. To let every hawthorn ball be coated with the lemon zest, you guys have sprinkled the lemon zest into just boiled sugar coating, while it is still in its liquid state, right? But at this time, the temperature of the sugar is not low, and the lemon peel gives off a sour taste stronger than normal, and it will also lose its original texture¡­¡­ so when I bit into the sugar coat then tasted the lemon peel, I felt¡­¡­ that it was such a waste¡­¡­ ¡± Lin KE Song did not continue, because Jessica¡¯s face had changed. ¡°Do you think that too? Chef Jiang Qian Fan?¡± ¡°You can give it a taste now.¡± Jiang Qian Fan pushed his plate towards Jessica who was opposite him. Jessica scooped up a piece too, and when she bit open the sugar coating, her eyebrow lifted slowly. She had indeed miscounted. Even though the change in the sourness isn¡¯t that great, the average person will probably not even mind, but she didn¡¯t think that this little lady would actually be able to taste it. ¡°Ke Song has already mentioned my opinion, Chef Quentin, have a taste of the vanilla hawthorn ice cream that we have made too ba.¡± The was no inflexion in the tone of Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s voice, but it revealed a kind of certainty that victory was in his hands. Jessica took a look at the leaf shaped plate, this plating for this dessert was very concise, just like Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s character. It was a crispy egg cone laid on its side, with a few slices of strawberry, paired with crumbs of mint, like light flowers that were blooming out of the soil. Jessica lifted up a hawthorn, and just as she was about to put it in her mouth, she had a whiff of a fresh fragrance. ¡°Osmanthus?¡± Jessica was stunned. ¡°It is osmanthus. We were like you, wanting to let the plain sugar coating have more dimension, so we chose to use osmanthus to add an aroma. But we only added a little, because we did not wish for the osmanthus to become the lead, and overwhelm the vanilla flavour of the ice cream.¡± ¡°And rum.¡± Iris said, ¡°adding rum to give the sugarcoating an extra aftertaste, is indeed a pretty sophisticated idea.¡± ¡°Rum was Ke SOng¡¯s idea.¡± Jiang Qian Fan tilted his head. Iris lifted her lips in laughter, she did not think that she would once again acknowledge Lin Ke Song: ¡°what made you think about adding rum to the sugar coating? Did your inspiration come from wine chocolate?¡± Lin Ke Song pursed her lips and shook her head: ¡°not from chocolate, and not from any other food, but the feeling of falling in love with another.¡± ¡°The feeling of falling in love with another?¡± Iris found it hard to understand. ¡°I believe you have loved another before, even if they are far from you, you will do your best to get close. Even if the person they are looking at is not you, you will not be able to resist constantly looking at them. Even if you know that all your efforts may not be reciprocated, you still want to be by their side and moving forward beside them. This is like falling into wine that carries a sweet taste, you¡¯re obviously going to get so drunk that you forget who you are, but you still aren¡¯t willing to be sober.¡± Iris looked long at Lin Ke SOng, then she turned to look at Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s direction. He would forever not know what kind of gaze she used to look at him, all the hopes and anticipation she had towards him was like a drop of rum in the sugar sauce, never able to take back, never to separate. ¡°This is indeed a very sophisticated, wonderful idea.¡± Iris¡¯ gaze slowly returned to Lin Ke Song. The lines of her lips were rounded and uplifted, her smile carried a relaxed feeling. It was happiness from the heart. ¡°What about Jessica? What are your opinions?¡± Jiang Qian Fan asked. Even if the face was calm, Jessica had to admit that she wasn¡¯t willing. No matter the ratio of the sugar coating, the sourness of the hawthorn and the temperature of the mouth-melting the vanilla ice cream to make a gush of sweetness like magma rushing out of a volcano, and even that slight osmanthus fragrance and vanilla flavour pairing with rum to create an aftertaste, it was totally like a chance encounter of fragrance and taste. She could find no flaw. ¡°It is very perfect.¡± Jessica squeezed out a smile. If there were no other comparison, the average person would definitely think that Jessica and Iris¡¯ vanilla hawthorn ice cream was the most delicious, but Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song used a more intoxicating taste to cover everything. This round, Jessica knew that the gap will be made even bigger. She did not, in fact, underestimate Jiang Qian Fan, but she knew that she had underestimated Jiang Qian Fan¡¯s choice. Not everyone is able to be his student, not to mention partner. CH 82 From a Grain of Sand to the World (I) ¡°Thank you.¡± Jiang Qian Fan replied. It was once again Winston¡¯s turn to announce the results of the vote. He looked at the card in his hand; the results were as expected. ¡°There are fifteen people who voted for Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song, while ten people expressed their preference for the desserts made by the Quentin chefs.¡± Winston glanced around. By now, almost everyone could guess what the result of this round was. ¡°Presently, Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song are in the lead. However, we still have one last dessert dish that has not been tasted. A good chef will not place focus on whether the end result is a victory or defeat, but rather, will single-mindedly prioritise making the perfect dish. The same is true today. Therefore, could everyone please be patient and await the most common and important dessert¡ª¡ªblueberry pie!¡± As soon as his voice fell, applause sounded out. This round¡¯s level of excitement had already exceeded many people¡¯s expectations. All kinds of skills and delicate compositions had been presented. Compared to simply sitting in an expensive restaurant and listening to an elegant violin, everything at this moment was an unforgettable experience. While the applause petered out, the staff brought out the blueberry pie. ¡°Ke Song, you are the youngest contestant among us today. Can you tell us what you think of this blueberry pie?¡± Winston personally set the plate in front of Lin Ke Song. This made her feel somewhat flattered. ¡°Blueberry pie¡­¡­When watching American shows in China, people who have just moved into the neighbourhood would often greet their surrounding neighbours with a personally made blueberry pie. So, I think that blueberry pie is a type of desert that relays warmth and makes people feel very close. It is an extremely common dessert, and anyone can make it as long as there is a kitchen with an oven. However, just like most of the common snacks in the streets of China, it is possible to make this ordinary dessert different and stand out in the crowd with just a little adjustment, whether it is the heat, condiments, or technique. Hence, no matter whether it¡¯s French, Italian, German, Mexican or Chinese, there has never been only one particularly outstanding cuisine. There are only the most attentive cooking and those who taste it and feel its heart,¡± Lin Ke Song responded seriously. This was what Jiang Qian Fan had always taught her. ¡°Okay. Now, let¡¯s have everyone taste the blueberry pie that is the most mundane and yet most likely to exceed people¡¯s expectations.¡± Normally, people used a tray to bake the completed blueberry pie then cut it; however, Jessica and Iris made a mini blueberry pie the size of a palm. This kind of difficulty was very high since the pie was quite small and so more attention needed to be paid to the thickness of the dough. If the dough was as thick as a normal blueberry pie, then the fruit in the center would be cooked but the dough would not be. If the dough was too thin, then the outer layer might have burnt, but the heat would not have retched the blueberries inside. Lin Ke Song¡¯s knife touched the surface of the blueberry pie and she could cut it effortlessly. The crisp sound made her clearly that this pie had been completely successful. When she separated the blueberry pie, the filling inside was still tightly attached to the dough and did not spread. A rich, fruity aroma that made people want to bite down on it hard wafted past their noses. Lin Ke Song glanced at Iris. Her lips were pulled into a faint smile, as if telling Lin Ke Song that this pie was successful to the point that she would not be able to find a single flaw. Lin Ke Song took a gentle bite. The scent of blueberries was carried by a warm feeling, and its sweet taste spread across the tip of her tongue. The crispness of the outer skin contrasted sharply with the inner softness, and the perfect amount of acidity and sweetness made her reluctant to part. ¡°What do you think?¡± Iris turned her head. ¡°Even if you give me a larger plate, I would still be able to finish it!¡± Lin Ke Song took another bite and carefully chewed it. She could not bear to swallow it. ¡°I like your direct way of speaking more compared to the extravagantly embellished praises of those critics. Chef Jiang Qian Fan has the most accurate taste in the industry. As his student, could you please tell me what you have tasted in this blueberry pie?¡± Lin Ke Song carefully distinguished each taste within her mind. She did not rush to answer, but thought about it for a dozen seconds. ¡°Butter was added to the dough, and the water used for kneading was socked in mint leaves, so there¡¯s a hint of mint in the dough. Ah! There were also pandan leaves and coconut milk! That¡¯s why the dough is so fragrant and complements well with the scent of blueberries. It¡¯s not sudden or abrupt at all!¡± ¡°Not bad, you could distinguish the taste of the pandan and mint leaves. We didn¡¯t put in much. What about the filling?¡± Iris continued asking. ¡°There¡¯s ginger in the filling! Cinnamon powder! Lime peelings! Liquor! And¡­¡­¡± Lin Ke Song squinted. ¡°And what else?¡± Iris leaned forward slightly and seemed to be determining something. Lin Ke Song¡¯s lips curled up and she answered Iris in a clear voice, ¡°There¡¯s also a little pumpkin puree. It made the blueberry pie¡¯s filling more sticky and softened its sweetness.¡± Iris closed her eyes, then smiled and said to Jiang Qian Fan. ¡°She has a gift similar to yours.¡± ¡°I only needed one second to distinguish all of the ingredients, but she used nearly half a minute. She is still far from me.¡± Jiang Qian Fan replied calmly. ¡°Alright, let me try the blueberry pie you two made now.¡± Iris looked down at the triangular dessert on the plate. Jiang Qian Fan had used the traditional way to make a blueberry pie. Iris lifted her fork and tapped the edge of the pie. The ca ca sound indicated that the dough of this pie was not inferior to theirs. She turned her head and scanned the side of the pie which had been cut. Nodding, she said, ¡°From the cut surface, it can be seen that the thickness and firmness of the pie filling are perfect. The skin of the pie is not too thick or too thin. Of course, these are the basics, so it¡¯s impossible for Chef Jiang Qian Fan to have made a mistake.¡± Iris cut a small piece and lifted it into her mouth. She closed her eyes, and nodded her head slightly with every chew. ¡°Although it appears ordinary, I have to admit that the taste is not only perfect but also amazing. Just like we added mint to the dough, you added vanilla¡­¡± Iris tilted her head, ¡°There¡¯s also a bit of ginger powder¡­and corn flour?¡± ¡°Is it very sweet?¡± Lin Ke Song smiled. ¡°It¡¯s indeed very fragrant. The acidity and sweetness of the filling are also quite balanced. Other than the blueberries, I also tasted oranges. However, I didn¡¯t see any oranges in the filling so you should¡¯ve used orange juice. There¡¯s also a hint of brandy, which adds flavour to the blueberry and further enhances the sweetness of the orange. The orange peels were sprinkled at the very end to retain their originally fresh taste. I wish to know, who was keeping time when baking the blueberry pie?¡± ¡°Is there a problem with the time?¡± Lin Ke Song suddenly became nervous. Iris looked at Lin Ke Song¡¯s expression and couldn¡¯t help but laugh. ¡°It¡¯s because the baking time was very accurate. I thought it was Chef Jiang Qian Fan, but seeing your expression, it must be you. You¡¯ve done well, Lin Ke Song.¡± Once she finished speaking, Iris extended her hand out to Lin Ke Song. Lin Ke Song was in disbelief. Iris always had a bad impression of her, and even constantly vetoed her. Yet, today, Iris unexpectedly extended her hand out to her! Lin Ke Song grasped her hand. She understood from the strength of Iris¡¯ fingers that she had gained the other chef¡¯s approval. ¡°Mom, do you have any comments?¡± Jessica shook her head. There was no point in saying anything now. At least, Iris¡¯ generosity could gain the respects of those at the venue. ¡°Chief Editor Winston, it¡¯s time the results are announced.¡± Iris smiled and reminded Winston. ¡°Oh, I detected the dense feeling of talented people appreciating one another in the air and forgot about this!¡± Winston glanced at the card in his hand and licked his lips, ¡°I suppose this is the best conclusion to today. Both sides received five votes! The blueberry pie was actually the most simple and most difficult dish today. Both groups on this round used the most ordinary cuisine to show the highest level of cooking. Please allow me to pay respect to them.¡± Finishing speaking, Winston saluted in their direction. The audience erupted into thunderous applause. ¡°Today, I would like the congratulate Jiang Qian Fan and Lin Ke Song for winning today¡¯s round with ninety-three votes. However, in the cooking industry, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is no winner forever, only higher requirements. Moreover, today¡¯s achievements only represent today. They can only represent these nine dishes, not everything.¡± Winston walked over to Lin Ke Song and patted her on the shoulder, ¡°Ke Song, I know that you have a gift that other people don¡¯t have in this industry. But regardless of what area, or what you do, in order to be a master, it is necessary to understand how to see the world form a grain of sand. You had the privilege of meeting Jiang Qian Fan, a teacher who is superb in both concept and skill, and had the opportunity to compete with Jessica and other experts like Iris. Maybe you¡¯ll feel that you¡¯re quite lucky, and understand that you have higher talent than others. However, everything from today is just a grain of sand. It is not enough to understand the world from a grain of sand simply by relying on your talent.¡± ¡°I understand. Thank you, Chief Editor Winston!¡± Lin Ke Song moved forwards and hugged him. Montgomery and the other chefs at the honoured guests table all began to applaud. In a flash, she suddenly recalled the scene of her participating in the pre-selections of the Master¡¯s Show. At that time, she not only did not know how to cook tomato and scrambled eggs well, she did not even know what exactly she wanted to do. As for now, she had discovered a field she loved and also found her own path.