Chapter 128 - Chapter 128: Too Salty

Chapter 128: Too Salty

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

She couldn’t determine if it was a figment of her imagination, but as soon as Lin Wan uttered those words, she noticed a flicker of hope in the little girl’s eyes, as if she had suddenly found something to look forward to.

Wei Xin’s heart indeed swelled with anticipation upon hearing Lin Wan’s statement. She yearned to grow up swiftly and become the most valuable aid to both Lin Wan and her half-brother, Wei Xuan.

Witnessing the growing brightness in the young girl’s eyes, Lin Wan believed it was necessary to clarify the situation. “Even though I’ve sought custody, I’m not your biological mother. I won’t be able to care for you as tenderly as she could. However, until you come of age, I’ll ensure your well-being, providing for your daily needs. You’ll have everything others have, but I cannot give you a mother’s love.”

“I understand, but compared to staying with Father, I would rather be with Mother!”

Wei Xin’s sudden radiant smile left Lin Wan momentarily bewildered. She couldn’t comprehend why Wei Xin would prefer her over Wei Nan, her own biological father.

However, Lin Wan swiftly brushed aside her confusion as they arrived at their destination. The flying car landed in front of a three-story building designed to resemble ancient architecture. This was where Lin Wan handled her affairs and also the first hotel she collaborated on with Liao Ning. Although the hotel was still in the preparation stage, the location served as a temporary space for Yu Ni to train chefs and housed Lin Wan’s office.

“Miss Lin, Elder Jiang has arrived today.” The manager approached Lin Wan as soon as she stepped out of the car, informing her that Elder Jiang was currently in the kitchen, overseeing the results of Yu Ni’s recent training.

Lin Wan nodded in acknowledgement, then held Wei Xin’s hand and proceeded towards the kitchen.

Before Lin Wan could guide Wei Xin into the kitchen, she overheard Elder Jiang’s irate voice resonating through the vacant corridor, seeping through the thick walls. “Do you even know how to cook? The recipe is right here. The proportions for each ingredient and seasoning are clearly written. How can you make it so repulsive?!”

“If you don’t want to learn, then don’t. No one is forcing you!”

Subsequently, a young lady, tearfully berated, darted out and accidentally collided with Lin Wan and Wei Xin, who had just reached the doorway.

“I’m sorry,” the little girl said as she ran away without looking up.

Lin Wan furrowed her brow and entered the kitchen, where she found Yu Ni wearing a similar expression. Curious, she inquired, “What’s wrong?”

Yu Ni replied, still frowning, “The young lady accidentally added an excessive amount of salt to the vegetables, making them too salty. Elder Jiang questioned her about it, but she refused to admit her mistake. Elder Jiang felt she lacked attentiveness and displayed an improper attitude.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Wan found herself at a loss for words. The young lady in question would often practice in the hotel until late at night before returning home. Sometimes, Lin Wan would still be working on documents when she arrived. Logically, she didn’t seem like someone who would disregard the art of ancient delicacies, as Elder Jiang had claimed.

“This young lady is extremely diligent. She’s always the last one to leave among her peers. I believe there must be a misunderstanding,” Yu Ni chimed in, concerned about the young lady’s excessive efforts. She didn’t want her to toil so hard if she had lost her passion for ancient delicacies, so she planned to clarify the situation.

“I agree, but it’s challenging to ascertain whether she truly added too much salt without surveillance footage capturing the amount,” Lin Wan responded, unwilling to simply deceive Elder Jiang.

Inspired, Yu Ni clapped her hands and proposed, “Then let’s check the surveillance room!”

“That might be a good idea.”

With Elder Jiang present, the remaining students would undoubtedly be more cautious, allowing Yu Ni to examine the surveillance footage without worry.

“So, what does the video show? Did she add too much or too little?” Lin Wan, lacking knowledge of the recipe and cooking expertise, could only rely on Yu Ni’s experience after reviewing the footage.

Yu Ni frowned as she watched. “Based on the video, she followed the recipe’s instructions accurately. She neither added too much nor too little. Yet, why did the dish turn out excessively salty?”

Lin Wan couldn’t comprehend why the dishes still lacked flavor despite adhering to the recipe’s standards.

Lin Wan turned to Yu Ni, her gaze searching. “Is it possible that there’s an issue with another aspect of the process?”

“I carefully reviewed the other steps, and I didn’t find any mistakes,” Yu Ni replied, shaking her head and dismissing Lin Wan’s speculation.

Receiving a discouraging response, Lin Wan’s eyes drifted downward as she immersed herself in deep contemplation.

Wei Xin, who was standing by her side, noticed her furrowed brow and began recalling any suspicious details she could think of, eager to share her concerns.. If the seasoning and ingredient preparation were not at fault, then could it be…