CH 100.4

Without her disturbance, the work in the kitchen concluded quickly.

Four dishes, a pot of soup and two translucent bowls of rice were quickly served and arranged on the table by Chen Yunsheng. In terms of appearance and aroma, the dishes had passed the test.

… But that is to be expected. How else could he justify a six month cooking course? One look at the dishes and Ji Fanyin could tell how in-depth the teaching had been.

Even though he had to juggle the cooking classes in his free time outside of work, six months was sufficient for him to pick up a multitude of cooking skills.

Ji Fanyin picked up her chopsticks and went for the nearest dish, a plate of stir-fried potato slices with green pepper.

That was an affordable commonplace dish that boasted of an easy preparation process. However, perfecting it was a whole different ball game. As such, it was often used by restaurants to determine the skill levels of chefs.

Ji Fanyin looked at Chen Yunsheng as she brought the sliced potato to her mouth.

He was staring at her intensely, like a high school student waiting for his exam results.

“... I have never worried about my exam scores before,” Chen Yunsheng said resignedly.

It was then did Ji Fanyin realize she had spoken her thoughts out loud.

She chuckled while chewing on the potato slices. After a short pause, she let out a deep sigh.

The hairs on Chen Yunsheng’s body stood at its end as alarm bells rang in him.

Ji Fanyin said in a low voice. “If you keep this up, I’m afraid our studio will soon be overrun by restaurant owners wanting to poach you.”

Chen Yunsheng was stunned. He slowly asked, “Does the food taste ok?”

Ji Fanyin laughed and praised him generously, “It tastes fabulous.”

Chen Yunsheng let out a long sigh of relief as the weight lifted from his shoulders. Cupping his forehead, he resembled someone who had just been through war.

After a few seconds, he murmured, “They won’t be able to get me to leave.”

“Mm?” Ji Fanyin looked at him.

Chen Yunsheng looked up at her and pressed his lips together. “It’s nothing. Try something else, tell me how they fare. This way, I’ll be able to adjust them to your taste next time.”

Ji Fanyin’s eyebrows shot up.

If there is a next time.

She picked out a piece of braised beef brisket and placed it in her bowl. The beef brisket was both tender and succulent. However, to soothe Chen Yunsheng’s nerves, she had decided to change the topic and started to talk about work.

“... Movie soundtracks are really interesting! It’s something a movie cannot do without and even breathes life to it! If not for you, I wouldn’t have known there’s this career path after graduating with a degree in music.”

“Does that mean you are satisfied with the internship?”

“Of course,” Chen Yunsheng said firmly. “Even when you’re not there, I am still happy because I get to learn many new and interesting things. I am not stepping into this industry merely for your sake.”

“That’s great. I am happy there’s new blood joining the industry I love.” Ji Fanyin took a sip of tea before adding, “Especially one who is so talented at it.”

Chen Yunsheng cleared his throat softly out of awkwardness. He asked, “Talented, are you referring to me?”

“Of course I am.” Ji Fanyin laughed, “Your mentor had been praising you to the heavens in front of me.”

“I’m not referring to Mr. Jiang. Do you think I am talented?” Chen Yunsheng shook his head and rephrased his question.

Ji Fanyin looked at him through her peripheral vision.

Even though the youngster was blushing, his gaze was firm and exuded courage.

This was not a question she could avert with a dismissive answer.

Therefore, she decided to adopt a straight approach. She straightened her posture and looked at him squarely in the eye. In a clear tone, she said, “Regardless of whether it’s basketball, cooking, music, upbringing or anything else, I have always believed you possess more talent than any average person. The most important thing is that you did not choose to waste these talents. That is something worth celebrating.”