Chapter 356: Chapter 354: Leonora Shows Off Her Son-in-law
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Chefs like Eishi no longer chase sales numbers; instead, they focus on perfecting their craft. Though his restaurant's yearly revenue doesn't top the Mountain area, for connoisseurs, it remains one of the most worthwhile dining experiences.
But now, as Eishi watched the diners in his restaurant, he couldn't help but feel disheartened. Though they were enjoying his food, the conversation at nearly every table was about another restaurant—Sui's. Once again, Eishi found himself outshined.
With a sigh, he made his way over to where Sui and the others were seated.
"Ah, Sui, Miss Erina—you're here as well?" Eishi greeted them with a smile. But then, a sudden wave of anxiety washed over him.
"How was everything? Were you satisfied with the food? Was the piano too loud? Or perhaps the air conditioning was too cold?" he asked nervously.
"No, everything was perfect," Megumi assured him, feeling a bit flattered by his concern.
"Well, that's just how he is," Rindō said, casually crossing her legs. "He's confident about nothing but his cooking."
Sui chuckled. "Rindō-senpai is always so carefree," he commented.
Rindō narrowed her eyes at him. "Hey, Kohai, are you making fun of me?" she teased, pinching Sui's cheek playfully.
Sui could only sigh in response.
"But Sui," Eishi said suddenly, looking a bit dejected, "it seems I've lost to you again."
"Not at all. The food today was amazing," Sui replied sincerely.
"Yes, senpai, your cooking was truly delicious," Megumi chimed in.
"Indeed," added Miyoko, equally impressed.
"Maybe," Eishi said with a wry smile, "but the guests clearly prefer your cooking, Sui-kun."
"That's just because I have access to ingredients you don't," Sui responded with a modest smile. "Thank you for hosting us today, senpai. Let me treat you to dinner tomorrow."
Eishi's eyes lit up. "I'd love that," he said eagerly. He had long been curious about the food at Sui's restaurant.
On the fifth day of the school festival, the theme ingredient at Sui's restaurant was beef, prepared with a Western twist.
Eishi, for once, set aside his own work to dine at Sui's restaurant.
"I wonder what I'll get to eat today," he said, a little nervous. Although he had tasted Sui's cooking before, he was eager to try something that might even surpass his own creations.
"Relax," Rindō said as she lounged in her chair. "You won't be disappointed. It's not every day you get to eat at a place where a table can go for a million yen."
"A million yen?" Eishi blinked in disbelief. He was so focused on his cooking that he had no idea such a market existed.
"Won't this cause trouble for Sui?" he asked, concerned.
"Of course not," Rindō reassured him, patting his shoulder. "Just enjoy your meal."
"But," Eishi said, looking around the table, "do you all come here every day? Even Lady Leonora and Miss Alice?"
"Of course!" Rindō replied confidently. "As his senpai, it's my duty to support my kohai's restaurant. That's why I'm here every day."
Eishi felt a pang of sympathy for Sui. Not everyone could shamelessly indulge in free meals with such confidence.
Leonora sighed dramatically. "Ah, I feel so torn. The seats are always packed, and yet I come here daily. But what can I do? Sui-kun insists! Such a filial and considerate child."
Though her tone was laced with faux regret, it was clear she was proudly boasting about her son-in-law, leaving Eishi speechless.
Soon, the food arrived.
The main course was fried beef with apples. The beef was perfectly cooked—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. Each bite released rich, flavorful fat that melted in the mouth, while the sweet and tangy apples complemented the dish beautifully. As the flavors lingered on the tongue, it felt like walking through an orchard.
"This dish..." Eishi's eyes widened in surprise, leaving him momentarily speechless.
"How is it? Not bad, right?" Rindō asked with a smirk.
"It's... amazing," Eishi admitted. "It's even better than what I make."
The flavor of the dish far surpassed the food at his own restaurant. Even if he had access to the same high-quality ingredients, Eishi wasn't sure he could achieve such a result. Previously, he had believed that Sui's success was due to the rare ingredients he used, but now, after tasting it himself, he realized that Sui's culinary skills were just as formidable—perhaps even superior to his own.
"Of course!" Alice said proudly. "Sui's cooking is always top-notch."
"That's right," Leonora chimed in, nodding with a smug smile. "My son-in-law's cooking is always delicious."
Both mother and daughter looked at Sui with starry-eyed admiration, like his most devoted fans.
Eishi couldn't help but chuckle. "It seems Lady Leonora and Miss Alice have been thoroughly won over by Sui."
Before long, the food was all but devoured.
"It was truly delicious," Eishi said, though he sighed wistfully. "But alas, I've already finished my portion."
"Just ask for more," Rindō said nonchalantly, as though it was the most natural thing in the world.
Watching her laid-back attitude, Eishi worried for Sui once again.
"Isn't that a bit excessive?" Eishi asked hesitantly. "This kind of premium beef must be incredibly rare."
"It's fine," Leonora said with a knowing smile. "My son-in-law is always so generous. We get extra portions that most guests can only dream of."
She spoke like a doting mother-in-law, making it clear how much she cherished Sui.
After a while, Sui was called over.
"I want more beef," Rindō demanded.
"Me too," Alice chimed in, her eyes sparkling.
Sui sighed, looking helpless as he faced their requests.