274 Hard Work Is Also A Type Of Talen

Was the first comment and Ashley was anticipating when they have finally tasted it.

Their chefs were complimenting her in this dish that is why she chose this instead of other simpler ones.

"We understood that this dish is for breakfast and best served during this time."

"Thank y-"

"But, that was all."

She looked up at them in confusion.

"The apple and lemon were not blended properly that the sweetness and sourness were contradicting one another."

"The bacon was not crisped enough and the salt and pepper were lacking."

"If we are to grade this with people who just cook within a household, this is indeed already good enough but if this were to be served in a restaurant, this is nothing but a failed dish. You came here serving us with such dish."

They shook their head as they placed down the spoon after taking a little bite of what she had cooked.

"I..."

Being faced with such words, Ashley was lost for words. She was always complimented at home that being brutally critiqued by seasoned chefs was a big blow to her.

"You should try and start from the beginning before coming back here, then maybe we would be able to take you in."

"There are a lot of small restaurants out there that are looking for a personnel to help in the kitchen. You can start by learning from them."

Ashley bit her lower lip and without speaking she bowed towards them and left the restaurant.

'I was truly conceited,' she thought as she looked up at the sky.

'Just because our chefs complimented me doesn't mean that I'm already good enough in cooking. Even serving my trademark in the house,' she shook her head as she started walking back to her apartment.

She didn't want to cry in the street again, not when she just did yesterday.

'Maybe, Amber was right, I am but a brat.'

As Ashley slowly walked back to her apartment, two people were watching from behind.

"Are you sure about that, she seemed to have been broken with those brutal remarks," the head chef who was not present a while ago in the kitchen was standing outside, watching Ashley walking away dejectedly.

"That is much better than lies, if she gives up with all those then she is not for the culinary world. Just how many food critics are out there up to date? If she were to go out with what she had served then she would be even more crushed by those people."

Jackson looked up at the head chef.

This person was someone who became a friend to him while in the culinary university. He was a temporary teacher back then and somehow, he and Jackson became quite close.

This person was of the same age as Timothy, 28 years old. But was already a head chef in a three star restaurant.

"Well, if you introduce me to that young lady then I would accept your thanks," Hans replied with a playful smile.

"In your dreams, I am just a baby sitter. If I introduce her to you who is a playboy. I would surely be killed by two people. I treasure my life so no thanks."

Hans laughed, "I was just joking, I have no plans of being with such a young person. If I am not mistaken, you are of the same age aren't you?"

"We are but look how far apart our mental fortitude is," Jackson answered looking back at the road that Ashley had just walked.

"Says the one who was caught crying behind a building by me," Hans teased.

Yes, that's how they started. Hans who was having a walk around campus for some fresh air, chanced upon Jackson who just came out from another bullying session.

It was during his second year and the bullying was too much, he could only cry on his own.

Jackson stared at him back then when a few students were about to pass and Hans who didn't speak to him turned around and led those students to another path.

He may just be temporary but he was well received by the students.

He could become a chef of a higher star restaurant but he didn't want such hassles that is why he chose a not too high but not too low restaurant.

From that day, Hans would suddenly appear in front of Jackson and would walk with him. Giving some bullies no chance to bully him for the day.

After that came Simon and the bullying have finally stopped.

So there are three people whom Jackson was truly grateful of.

Amber who gave him the chance to pursue his dream.

Hans who in his own way helped him out of the bullying.

And Simon who appeared and ended the bullying.

"Stop remembering that embarrassing day," Jackson instantly complained.

Hans laughed, "Anyway, I really am glad that you became the person you are today. It is truly a whole different person from that day."

Jackson might be harsh on his words at times and would sometimes even be cold towards people but he also knew how to take care of others.

Hans who back then was in a slump with his cooking was influenced by the enthusiasm of Jackson towards cooking and new dishes.

He who didn't know how to move forward was pulled forward by Jackson, allowing him to see more things that he can do with his cooking.

Jackson actually suffered a lot with his experiments on spices but he still helped no matter how many times he would cry because of the awful tastes.

Jackson may be grateful to him because of the bullying but he was also grateful to Jackson for the inspiration to move forward.

"So, who could it be? The one who would make the high and mighty Jackson Philipps get out of the kitchen and walk around town."

Jackson scoffs and Hans knew very well what this scoff means, he scoffs but his eyes would brighten up. A complete contrast to what he is trying to show and there is only one person who makes him acts this way.

"Could it be that other sister of yours? You could introduce us to one another you know," he teased.

"She's a married woman so there's no point," was his reply with a roll of his eyes.

Hans laughed, "Don't worry, the way you act. I will never touch any of your sisters, I just want to see the person whom you rely on sometimes."

"Some other time, I still need to tail that brat before she do anything stupid after such a brutal experience. Thank you for going with my whim," Jackson waved him goodbye and followed the path that Ashley took.

Hans watched him till he disappears before returning inside, he approached the dish and gave it a taste.

"It was truly rough on the edges but I can see that this was practiced over and over again for the other parts to taste like this," he commented to which the other three agreed.

Though it was Jackson who asked them to just say what it was lacking and barely say anything in what's good about it.

"Who was that by the way? He looks familiar but I couldn't put a finger into it," one couldn't help but ask.

"Well, he loves staying away from the lime light and all but he was the person who saved me during my lowest," was his reply.

The other three were appreciative towards him, they know his talent was enough to land him on a better place but he decided to stay here and even help them.

There a few who was helped by him and now they are on a higher restaurant having a better life.

So hearing him say that it was that young man who saved him, they finally understood why he accepted such request of making a teenager who only knows to cook a bit to have a test here.

"Shall we go back to work now then?" he then said.

"But, if that girl develops, would you really take her in?" another asked.

This was one of Jackson's request.

~"We can't take her to Natan, it is still a hatchling so for her who wants to devote her life in culinary then a long standing restaurant will what help her develop even more."~

Hans chuckled, "It is not that bad to take in a young student. But that depends on her resolve, just as what that young man said."

"You who loves playing around with girls, aren't thinking of playing with her are you?" one teased.

"Shut it, this is his request. I have no plans on making him angry at me. This is pure business, plus with her perseverance she will surely bloom. Hard work is also a type of talent after all."