"We meet again, Brother Dylan! You've truly raised a fine apprentice. I haven't seen such a talented young person in a long time."
The newcomer was precisely Lansi. At this moment, his expression as he looked at Nakiri Alice was filled with admiration, as if gazing upon a rare, uncut jade.
To be able to create Special Grade cuisine at this age... her future potential was truly limitless!
"Just an unworthy, mischievous disciple," Dylan replied calmly. "You wouldn't visit without a reason. Is there something you need?"
Looking at the man before him, Dylan's expression remained placid. He showed no fear due to Lansi's status, merely interacting with him calmly.
For those from the Dark Cuisine world, even the highest status was no different from dirt. What truly determined one's influence was the skill in their hands!
"I wanted to ask this young lady if she would be willing to join the Northern Europe Gourmet Research Association? If she joins, we can grant her Special Grade status directly."
Faced with Dylan's attitude, Lansi didn't find anything amiss. Skilled chefs indeed had certain privileges, let alone someone outstanding among them like Dylan.
"Master, what do you think?"
Hearing Lansi's offer, Nakiri Alice couldn't help but feel tempted. She turned to look at Dylan.
Because in her world, a Special Grade Chef was already an incredibly formidable existence. Her current goal was merely to become one.
"Decide for yourself. Master can't make decisions for you your whole life."
Dylan shrugged, his face unreadable. Nakiri Alice, however, pondered for a moment before looking up and saying seriously, "I'm sorry. Rather than joining the Northern Europe Gourmet Research Association, I'd prefer to stay with Master."
"The two aren't mutually exclusive. You could simply hold a nominal position, without actually needing to do anything, just occasionally represent the Northern Europe Gourmet Research Association in regional exchange competitions."
Lansi wasn't angered or discouraged by Nakiri Alice's refusal, but tempted her further. If I can't recruit the master, can't I at least get the apprentice? As long as I secure the apprentice, won't the master naturally lend his support?
"I'm sorry, I still refuse."
Glancing at Dylan's expression and considering her own situation, Nakiri Alice firmly stated her refusal to Lansi.
"Could you tell me the reason?"
Lansi was puzzled. Logically, such favorable conditions should be irresistible, yet this master-apprentice pair had refused without batting an eye!
"Because I plan to return to Japan to develop my career in the future, I can't join the Northern Europe association. Otherwise, my grandfather wouldn't be happy."
After a little thought, Nakiri Alice skillfully shifted the blame entirely onto Nakiri Senzaemon, putting on a regretful expression.
Poor old man, sitting at home while blame fell from the sky.
"That Nakiri fellow?!"
"Oh, right! I almost forgot you're that old codger's granddaughter. If that's the case, then it is indeed difficult. Never mind, just pretend this old man never said anything."
Lansi shook his head, then turned his gaze back to Dylan. "Is there really no room for negotiation? If you're willing, this position of Branch Director could be yours in the future!"
The deliciousness from that day was still fresh in his memory. Every night when he closed his eyes, the taste would come back, lingering like an unforgettable melody.
Therefore, even if it meant betting the very seat he sat on, he had to keep Dylan here. As long as he stayed in Northern Europe and represented them in future competitions, their branch's ranking would surely soar!
"I'm sorry. Everyone has their own aspirations. I plan to return to China in the future to continue honing my culinary skills. I cannot possibly serve as the director of another region's gourmet research association."
Dylan shook his head. Never mind Northern Europe; even if China invited him to be the head of their gourmet association, he would still refuse.
The reason was simple: such a position was too restrictive.
Just thinking about it felt incredibly troublesome. He only wanted to be a free spirit, experiencing the flavors of the world, occasionally participating in competitions when the mood struck, winning some championships, and enjoying the utterly shocked gazes of the onlookers.
"True enough. In terms of cuisine, this place indeed cannot compare to your homeland. However, compared to the fiercely competitive landscape of China, here you would be number one."
"As the old saying goes, 'Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix.' If you change your mind, you can come find me anytime."
Dylan smiled faintly. "It's not about fearing strong opponents, but the lack of challenge can be dull."
Hearing Dylan's explanation, Lansi sighed helplessly. The reason given was too compelling; he really couldn't press the invitation further.
Asking once, twice, thrice... pushing too hard would be counterproductive.
With this thought, Lansi spoke again. "Alright then. I wish you both a bright future. May we meet again at the summit. I shall take my leave first."
Saying this, Lansi cupped his fists towards the two in a traditional Chinese salute, a gesture he had specifically learned online these past two days.
"May you also enjoy boundless blessings and longevity, living to a hundred years."
"Thank you for your kind words."
After a few simple pleasantries, Lansi left. Dylan then turned his gaze to Nakiri Alice, asking curiously, "Why didn't you agree earlier? The benefits they offered were quite generous."
"Because I just want to be with Master. I don't want any other commitments. Even if he said there wasn't much to do usually, it still felt unreliable."
Nakiri Alice stated her thoughts. There was no special reason, just a feeling that joining the Northern Europe association would mean less time with Dylan, which wasn't what she wanted.
"Let's head straight back. I just called Qiao'na to buy fresh ingredients, so we don't need to make a detour to the market."
Seeing Nakiri Alice and Dylan chatting away on the main road, Nakiri Leonora couldn't help but remind them. These two were really quite spontaneous.
"Let's head back first then."
"Mm. By the way, Dylan-nii, you mentioned earlier you're going back to China in the future. Is that true?"
On the way home, remembering Dylan's refusal to Lansi, Nakiri Alice finally couldn't hold back her question, looking somewhat nervous.
"...It's true. It should be sometime soon. I have things I need to go back to China for."
Hearing Nakiri Alice's question, Dylan paused for a few seconds. Thinking this might be a good time to just state things clearly, he revealed his plans.
Instantly, Nakiri Alice stopped walking. Disbelief flickered across her face, her mouth opening and closing as if wanting to say something. But before words could come out, tears started streaming down her cheeks.
Seeing this, Dylan immediately felt a pang in his heart. He stepped forward, wanting to wipe away Alice's tears, but she slapped his hand away.
"Why so suddenly? Leaving so suddenly... If I hadn't asked today, were you only going to tell me the day before you left?!"
Nakiri Alice's voice trembled, tears glistening in her eyes, her face full of hurt. She didn't want to be separated from Dylan.
"A brief separation is only for a better reunion. So you don't need to be sad, because the time until we meet again won't be long."
Although his hand had been pushed away, Dylan wasn't angry.
Only now did he realize that although Nakiri Alice acted very mature, surpassing her peers in appearance and mentality, she was still actually a young girl.
For girls of this age, saying goodbye took time. The process would surely be painful; it involved a very awkward, complex psychology.
Especially girls, who are naturally more emotional. When someone who has been with them for many years suddenly has to leave, it's hard to accept immediately. Tears are unavoidable; it doesn't mean they're being overly dramatic.
"I won't cry. I've grown up."
Watching Dylan gently wipe the tears from her face with his fingers, Nakiri Alice spoke stubbornly, sniffling as she did. Her appearance, however, lacked conviction.
"It's okay. You're still a kid in my eyes. If you want to cry, just cry. Letting it out will make you feel better."
Looking at Nakiri Alice, Dylan also felt a tightness in his chest. He gently stroked her head. An inexplicable feeling welled up from deep within, making him unable to resist pulling the girl before him into a tight embrace.
"Waaaah... Dylan-nii, I love you! I don't want you to leave just like this! I want you to stay and be with me! Waaaah..."
His strong arms provided an indescribable sense of security. A familiar scent reached her nose.
Nakiri Alice finally couldn't hold back her tears any longer, crying while pouring out her true feelings. Any previous reservations vanished as words tumbled out like beans from a bamboo tube.
"I like you too, Alice."
Holding Nakiri Alice tightly, feeling her small body tremble, Dylan suddenly whispered softly in her ear.
"Really?! Dylan-nii!"
"Of course. Alice is so cute, how could anyone possibly dislike you?"
Dylan said sincerely.
"Not that kind of like! That kind is too unreliable! I want the kind of love between a man and a woman!"
"That is the kind of love I'm talking about!"
"..."
After saying this, Dylan let out a long breath, his face visibly flushing red as realization dawned belatedly.
What had he done?! He had just confessed to a girl six years younger than him!
Damn it! Pervert!!
"Then... can you be my boyfriend?"
Perhaps due to excitement, Nakiri Alice even stopped crying, looking at Dylan with teary eyes, asking expectantly.
"Let's wait a few more years. It's a bit too early right now. I don't want to end up facing jail time." Dylan waved his hands quickly.
Saying those words earlier was already embarrassing enough. Now, declaring he wanted to be her daughter's boyfriend right in front of her mother... even with his steel-thick skin, he couldn't bring himself to say it.
"Wait? Why are you standing there with that knowing 'auntie' smile, hey!"
Perhaps remembering something, Dylan glanced sideways behind him and saw Nakiri Leonora watching them with a knowing, slightly amused 'auntie' smile.
Seeing him look over, she even mouthed the words: "Don't mind me~"
"Ehh... Okay then. But when I grow up, Dylan-nii has to become my boyfriend!"
Hearing Dylan's answer, Nakiri Alice deliberately drew out the last syllable, clearly a little dissatisfied.
However, receiving Dylan's sincere confession today was already a rare gift, so she didn't dare ask for more.
Thus, the sadness in her heart was mostly washed away by joy.
Although Dylan was leaving soon, the thought that he would become her boyfriend when they reunited made her feel she could wait no matter how long it took!
"That goes without saying."
He was already in a bit of a bind, but looking at the girl's sincere face, Dylan still nodded seriously, expressing his feelings.
After spending so many years together, he couldn't imagine handing Nakiri Alice over to someone else. Since that was the case, it was better to make his intentions clear sooner rather than later.
"Also, Dylan-nii, you're so amazing, lots of people will definitely like you in the future. I won't stop that; I can't stop that anyway."
"I just hope you'll... philander a little less. Think about me waiting at home sometimes. If you have... those kinds of needs... I can also... Mmph..."
"Let's head back first! I'm hungry and feel like eating some barbecue skewers!"
Dylan clamped his hand over Nakiri Alice's mouth, stopping the words she was about to utter. He then quickly changed the subject, stealing a glance towards Nakiri Leonora and sighing in relief when he saw she wasn't listening.
This little minx really dared to say anything! Wasn't she afraid Nakiri Leonora would hear? Or were the two of them already so open that discussing such topics face-to-face wasn't an issue?
Wait, maybe his thinking was too Chinese. Western education regarding these matters was more open; some mothers even personally instructed their daughters...
Turning his head again, his gaze inadvertently swept over Nakiri Leonora's impressive figure. Moving slightly upwards, he saw her looking at him with an ambiguous smile. He quickly averted his eyes, looking somewhat embarrassed.
See no evil, see no evil!
•
It was already 8:00 PM when they got home. However, thanks to the burgers Nakiri Alice had specifically saved, they weren't very hungry now, leaving plenty of time to prepare for the late-night barbecue.
"One piece of meat paired with one piece of fruit – thread the skewers in that order! Tonight, our goal is to eat meat and make special fruit barbecue!"
"Understood! Basically, just mix and match according to our mood, right? Keep the tasty ones, discard the bad ones."
"Sounds interesting! Fruit with barbecue... at first listen, it sounds a bit like dark cuisine."
"But the refreshing sweetness and juiciness of fruit actually pair well with grilled meat. Grilled fruit often becomes sweeter and helps cut through richness. The taste should be quite good!"
In the courtyard, the charcoal grill burned brightly. Dylan sat between Nakiri Alice and Nakiri Leonora, holding a handful of metal skewers. Before them was a large platter of marinated meat and various cut fruits.
The so-called fruit barbecue was simply a combination of fruit and grilled meat.
Juicy Longan Snowflake Beef Rolls.
Pineapple Beef Ribs.
Crispy Chicken Skin and Black Tiger Prawns with Passion Fruit.
Any combination they could think of, Dylan tried making.
Young chefs needed to dare to think and dare to act. Even if you suspected the taste might be bad, you had to try it first. Blindly following rules only limited your own potential.
And so, the three experimented in the small courtyard, skewering any combination they could imagine. Every fruit skewer Dylan made was delicious, while those made by Nakiri Alice and Nakiri Leonora were a mixed bag, completely random in quality.
"Mmm... Dylan-nii, why is every skewer you make so delicious, while at least a third of mine turn out like dark cuisine..."
Spitting out the piece of meat in her mouth, Nakiri Alice stuck out her tongue, looking at the skewer in her hand with disgust. This tastes awful! Like... like her feet after not washing them for three days...
"Because I understand the basic characteristics of the ingredients and know which pairings will taste good, so even when experimenting, I lean towards delicious combinations. Also, since you've already made it, don't waste it."
Seeing Nakiri Alice toss the skewer aside after just one bite, Dylan's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. He picked up the discarded skewer and started eating it.
Yoho, it's even the soy-sauce flavored kind.
"But it's disgusting! It's basically inedible!"
Watching Dylan pick up her skewer, Nakiri Alice pouted. If it tasted bad, shouldn't you just throw it away? It wasn't like they couldn't afford it.
But thinking carefully, Dylan seemed to have never wasted food. Ever since she was little, he had always eaten her failed dishes too.
Even though he constantly complained about the taste, it seemed Dylan was always cleaning up her messes...
"You need to taste this bitterness to remind yourself not to make such a dish again. Besides, every grain of food is hard-won. Only by learning to cherish food can you make good cuisine."
Seeing Nakiri Alice's nonchalant expression, Dylan tapped her head lightly and stated a principle from the Dark Cuisine world.
In the Dark Cuisine world, if anyone dared to waste food, they would first be seized and whipped. Repeat offenders would be killed directly!
Although many things about the Dark Cuisine world were bad, Dylan felt this point was worth inheriting.
Taste the bitterness of failed dishes to pave the way for the success of the next one. At the same time, food is hard to come by; to avoid waste, one should cook seriously with a heart full of reverence, thereby creating true delicacies!
"I understand! Leave the last bite to me!"
Looking at the skewer in Dylan's hand, Nakiri Alice suddenly spoke up. Then, without waiting for his agreement, she snatched it away, her face showing some excitement as she took a happy bite.
"Ah!"
Meanwhile, Nakiri Leonora was trying to use beer to enhance the flavor of the fruit barbecue. But she accidentally spilled some onto the charcoal, causing flames to flare up suddenly, startling her.
Startled, her body stumbled uncontrollably forward, falling into Dylan's arms. Then, as if realizing something, she quickly got up, her face flushed red.
"Ahem, sorry about that! I suddenly thought of this, acted on impulse... Did I cause you trouble?"
Nakiri Leonora was already slightly tipsy at this point, slurring her words a bit, her mind quite fuzzy, which led to such a foolish action.
"It's fine. Beer barbecue is a great idea. Now, just watch me~"
Saying this, Dylan rolled up his sleeves. A handful of metal skewers appeared in his hand, and various ingredients were threaded onto them at lightning speed before being placed over the charcoal fire.
Night descended, the charcoal fire reflecting rosy smiles. Amidst laughter and cheerful voices, every bite of barbecue tasted like happiness, warming the entire evening.
________
Exciting News! 🎉 We've got a new goal! If we hit 50 SUPPORTERS on Patreon, you'll unlock a fantastic 10 BONUS CHAPTERS! 🤩📖
But that's not all! We're also running a Power Stone & Review Campaign!
For every 100 Power Stones OR 5 Reviews we receive, we'll release 1 EXTRA CHAPTER! ✍️💎 Your support helps unlock even more content!
Ready to join the adventure and help us reach these awesome goals?
Head over to: patreon.com/Walnutchan ✨ Every bit of support makes a huge difference! Thank you! ❤️