222 Paladin of the Kitchen

The new students of the Silver Leaf Academy had been given a chance to change to their official Silver Leaf uniform before the mandatory press conference. The press at the main hallways of the stadium gathered and was snapping pictures while interviewing the judges and Director Han.

The sponsors had decided not to steal the spotlight and patiently waited for the media to interview them. On the far right side of the table sat Shen Xue. The corner of his eye twitched as he realized Shen Yi had tricked him again to face the media in his stead. If it wasn't for Lu Xinyi's one week supply of desserts, he wouldn't agree to help his brother. Oh, but well, who could say no to those sweet truffles waiting at him at home?

"Director Han, what can you say about the newest students of Silver Leaf Academy?" One of the reporters asked Han Zhiling.

Han Zhiling inclined her head towards the reporter and gave her a small smile.

"I'm very pleased that students with potentials are joining our academy. Silver Leaf has produced talented and well-known professional chef not only within the country but also around the whole world. I'm excited to see how they would develop their talents and skills over the two years of their stay in here."

"What about this year's 'Cream of the Crop'? She was quite fiery back then with her declaration. What can you say about her?"

"I expect that with her statement earlier, our students will be motivated enough to give their best. Healthy competition is what we welcome here at Silver Leaf. Nurturing their talents and improving their skills by competing with each other is another way to teach them how to face the professional world of cooking. Those who cannot adapt and cannot move forward from setbacks will fail. Passion isn't enough to make one successful; hard work is also needed."

Han Zhiling wouldn't dare to reveal Lu Xinyi's identity to the public. The public didn't need to know that Lu Xinyi was Lu Sibai's daughter. Lu Sibai was already considered as a legendary chef of Silver Leaf despite the fact that he chose not to had his official certificate as a professional chef. He was known as the 'Paladin of the Kitchen', that could make miracles and produce quality meals with the use of simple ingredients. An exceptional cook with the skills that could be on par or above with any professional chef in the country.

She would never understand why he chose to abandon a career. Not only would it bring him money and fame but would also advance his career as a chef.

Also, she didn't think that Shen Yi would appreciate if she leaked his relationship to Lu Xinyi in public. If she hadn't heard straight from his mouth, she wouldn't have believed that Lu Xinyi was his wife. Then again, she didn't see the point while the couple chose not to reveal their marriage to everyone.

---

Meanwhile, Lu Xinyi had already changed her attire and had been catching up with her friends. She didn't have a single reason to join the press conference and decided to ditch them. She was sure as hell that her husband had escaped somewhere to evade the press. Maybe she should give him a call so they could slip away together.

"Xinxin, you were so cool! I was so worried that they will disqualify you!" Xiao Lan cried on Lu Xinyi's shoulder as soon as she saw her friend.

Lu Xinyi sweatdropped. She could guess that all these mood swings of Xiao Lan were associated with her pregnancy.

"Shh… don't cry," she patted Xiao Lan's back. "Don't cry. You don't want to stress your baby."

Xiao Lan released Lu Xinyi and wiped her tears. "I know. I'm sorry, but I'm really happy for you."

Behind Lu Xinyi, Yuan Jin came out from nowhere and gave her a bear hug.

"Xinxin! Those dishes look so good! Can you cook it for us some other time?" he asked before pinching her cheeks.

Lu Xinyi struggled to free herself from Yuan Jin's hold. "Yuan Jin, let me go. I can't breathe…"

"Hey! Release Xinxin! And I should be the one to have a taste on those dishes first! Family comes first!" Lu Xiulan complained.

"Don't delude yourself, Lu Xiulan! Hubby wouldn't allow you to take the first bite!" Yuan Jin corrected her, "And besides, I'm waiting for some juicy news! Don't dare to deny you weren't talking with the younger Shen earlier!"

Lu Xiulan frowned, not liking how Yuan Jin teased her with Shen Xue. It was just a coincidence that she met the younger Shen earlier. "You think too much, Yuan Jin."

They were so busy talking to each other that they hadn't noticed another presence joining them.

"That was a spectacular performance, Xinxin," she spoke, followed with a clap. Her cool and sweet voice made Lu Xinyi shudder. She would know that voice from anywhere.

Yuan Jin and Lu Xiulan stepped forward and shielded her from the outsider daring to interrupt their moments while Xiao Lan held Lu Xinyi's arm.

"What do you want, Sun Feiyan?" Lu Xiulan asked the intruder.

Sun Feiyan cackled and folded her arms. "Why, Miss Lu? Am I not allowed to talk to my cousin?"

"The only cousin I see here is Lu Xiulan," Lu Xinyi retorted. She didn't like how this cousin of hers always ruined her mood whenever she's around.

"Now, now, Xinxin. Don't say that. Don't forget that your mother made me responsible for your welfare."

Yuan Jin and Lu Xiulan did a double take between Lu Xinyi and Sun Feiyan. What was Sun Feiyan talking about?