MTLNOVEL Chapter 183: Duan Mu's Inexperience
Regarding the System's solution to the problem at hand, Lucian was more than satisfied with it.
After all, if he could make Duan Mu his disciple, it would not just be a convenient solution — it would be an opportunity that could reshape the way Lucian cooked entirely. For example, time manipulation could open many doors — his efficiency in the kitchen would increase, two-fold, three-fold, and so on.
However, that was not all time manipulation could bring him. He would have more time to experiment with new recipes, more time to tend to his Spatial Farm, and, most importantly, more time to spend with his wives.
As Lucian pondered the gains he would receive by taking Duan Mu as his disciple, his left hand holding a Siren's Melody Poached Egg paused slightly above the countertop, while his right hand continued its trajectory.
*Crack*
The shell parted cleanly, and the delicate pink membrane and the blue egg yolk within was then slid into the pot.
Two hundred Siren's Melody Eggs encased in swirling vortexes floated within the pot.
After that, Lucian tossed the egg in his left hand up and took a deep breath of the Mana-rich air.
The pot was now full, and not even one more egg could fit in it. Otherwise, the delicate membranes of each egg would burst, and the deliciously aromatic and tasty Siren's Melody Eggs would turn into scrambled eggs.
"Miss Mei," Lucian called out to the dazed, unconsciously salivating head attendant, who was only three feet to his right.
It was only then that Mei came back to her senses. But reluctance flickered in her eyes as she tore her eyes away from the poaching eggs.
"Yes, Chef Lucian?" Mei blushed, realizing at some point in time, she had closed the distance between the two. 'Haah. It's good he didn't mention it. How embarrassing.'
"Can you bring Duan Mu here?" Lucian asked without turning his head around.
Mei was instantly confused. Duan Mu? The crippled chef? She had no idea why Lucian would want him in the kitchen, but she did not question Lucian, instead, she gave her assent. "Okay. I'll be right back with him."
After respectfully saying that, Mei activated her Mana Sense, so she could monitor Lucian, just in case he tried to do something that could potentially harm the guests, attendants, and guards at the Dragon Phoenix Auction House. Only then, she left the kitchen.
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A few minutes before Mei left the kitchen, within the dining area, two pools of saliva could be seen on a certain table occupied by Duan Mu and Carlton.
Of course, the pools of saliva belonged to none other than the two dazed, hungrily sniffing individuals. Discover more stories at empire
"Sir Carlton, what dish is Senior preparing? From the fragrance leaking out through the cracks of the kitchen door, it should be a sweet, salty, and fishy dish… But is that even possible? And what kind of fish is Senior using? It has a unique smell I'm not familiar with." Duan Mu looked at Carlton and asked.
This was the first time he had smelled the combination of sweet and fish, even with his years of knowledge as a chef.
Carlton did not immediately reply. He licked his lips with a yearning expression. It was obvious where his mind was at. He wanted to taste Lucian's dish.
"The aroma you're smelling isn't from a fish." Carlton finally said after licking his lips. "The aroma belongs to a dish you would not find in common restaurants… Siren's Melody Poached Egg is what it's called. Actually, you might not find it anywhere because I believe it is Senior's creation.
Furthermore, the combination of sweet, salty, and fishy may seem odd, but it's entirely possible to balance those flavors if you have adequate skill. Miso-Glazed Black Cod, Mango Salsa over Grilled Salmon, and Teriyaki-Glazed Tuna Steak are a few examples. You are simply still too inexperienced."
Duan Mu felt ashamed but knew Carlton's words were true. Compared to most chefs, who attended culinary schools, taught by master chefs, or learned from their parents, he had taught himself.
Trial and error had brought him to where he was today.
"I see… I have much to learn." Duan Mu said quietly before he remembered. "Haah. Though… without a restaurant, it's probably useless."
"We all do, lad. Not a single person knows everything. The world and what lies beyond it is boundless. Though… I must say Senior is on a different level. The aroma from the Siren's Melody Poached Egg is simply Divine.
If you get the chance, pay close attention, and you might learn a thing or two that you will never find in any book." Carlton ignored Duan Mu's comment about his restaurant since that was not part of their deal. According to the deal, he was only responsible for attempting to save his parents.
However, Duan Mu did not have a different agenda when he spoke about his restaurant. He was merely reminded of the impending crisis, his restaurant would soon be under — something, which, he had hoped would never occur but had always known in the back of his head would come to fruition one day.
The Dragon's Feast Restaurant Owner, Su Kuan was a tyrant. He was known for his ruthless approach to eliminating competitors, especially those who showed even a hint of promise or garnered attention.
However, what set him apart from other tyrants was his ability to stay within the boundaries of the law. Either the restaurant owner would be forced into subservience, having to pay a large amount of Mana Stones monthly until they were forced to declare bankruptcy, or they would be forced to the brink of destruction.
The way he did this was simply remarkable. He was always a step ahead in acquiring new and rare ingredients because of his unparalleled connections and deep pockets, which would leave his competitors scrambling for inferior products. This would then cause his competitors to lose the favor of their dedicated customers. At the same time, it would increase his restaurant's customers.
It was a win-win situation.