56 Furious (2/2)

Listening to her story, Zhong Xiang gradually calmed down. No wonder this chap is so good! He's from a family of chefs!

”Knowing Li Erniang is purely coincidental. I came to Jin Ling and stayed at her motel. She found out that I am a chef looking for a job, and since you guys have an opening, she brought me here to apply. Brother Xiang, I admit that in terms of skills, you might not be worse than me. You have to know, though, that cooking is not a rigid process of strictly sticking to the recipe. Cooking is like completing a unique work of art, incorporating the feelings of the cook to give it its unique flavour. A lot of people do not understand this that's why they don't progress to anything more than a chef.”

”With regards to this, I am better than you, Brother Xiang, you have to admit,” Ye Jiayao said in a matter-of-fact way, looking straight at Zhong Xiang confidently.

Zhong Xiang wanted to say something but hesitated. This was the first time he has heard such a novel idea, and after mulling it over, he realized that it was logical. He treated every dish as a mission to be completed. Being a chef was only a way to earn a living, he has never thought of it as something so profound.

”Perhaps you feel that by sharing my reward, I am boasting and trying to win everyone over. I assure you, I don't have any intentions of boasting. I personally know the sufferings of a chef, especially those at the very bottom, because I experienced it as well. I shared my reward purely in the hopes of appropriately reciprocating everyone for their hard work.”

”As for winning everyone over, I admit, it was part of my reason. However, I wasn't trying to form cliques. It is not easy for everyone to work together, so I just wanted to get everyone in high spirits to work more harmoniously together. Also, I'm new. I don't want you to just see me as someone 'higher' than you guys. I wanted for you to see me as a part of the team.”

Zhong Xiang couldn't find the words to refute her explanation.

”From the moment I felt your hostility, I asked around the brothers privately as to what kind of person you are. The answer I got was surprisingly unanimous; they say you are a good person. Let me ask you, brother Xiang, if you were the one in that situation who has received the tips, would you share it with everyone?”

Zhong Xiang thought about it and was a bit ashamed knowing that there was a big chance that he would not be able to do it.

Ye Jiayao smiled. ”I heard that you do pastry well. With my ideas and your skills, perhaps pastry will become Heavenly Residence's yet another signature dish. As long as we work together with sincerity, I think Shopkeeper Li would not need to hire a head chef. This is my chance as well as yours. Whether we pit ourselves against each other, or work together, is up to you, brother Xiang.”

Zhong Xiang was a little moved. Li Yao has spoken to him so frankly and sincerely that he opened his mind, making him see the error of his ways. For a moment, he felt hope stir in his heart.

Can he really be trusted?

With her work done, Ye Jiayao took out the four and a half taels that he returned to her and placed it on the grindstone. ”If you choose to go against me all the way, then you can smack this right in front of me again. If you think that I am not that bad and is worthy of being your friend, then accept this money.”

Ye Jiayao looked at him one last time before returning to the kitchen. When she turned around, she saw more than 10 heads sticking out of the kitchen door. When they saw her turn around, all of them scattered away, acting as if nothing happened.

These people. Were they afraid that she would exchange blows with Zhong Xiang? Ye Jiayao shook her head in amused disbelief.

She has never been the type of person to give in and suffer in silence. If people were nice to her, then she would reciprocate. If they didn't want anything to do with her, then she shall send them on their way. Simple.

However, she trusted Zhong Xiang to make the right decision. If their fight gets ugly, it should already be clear to Zhong Xiang who Shopkeeper Li will choose to keep.

Everyone was busy in the kitchen yet all of them were not working with a peace of mind, constantly looking out towards the door. They were wondering why brother Xiang hasn't returned yet.

”Brother Yao, why do you think brother Xiang has not returned? Should I go...” Deng Haichuan chose to stand by Li Yao but he still wished that both brother Yao and brother Xiang coexist peacefully.

”No need. Let him think it through,” Ye Jiayao said plainly.

Only when Zhong Xiang has sorted it out by himself could this issue be settled.

After another cup of tea, Zhong Xiang returned.

Everyone fixed their eyes on Zhong Xiang's figure, tracking his movement as he walked across the kitchen. Zhong Xiang took his apron and tied it on before turning to his chopping board and started chopping.

Everyone silently heaved a sigh of relief. The kitchen was finally at peace.

The corner of Ye Jiayao's mouth turned up into a smile. She expected that she and Zhong Xiang wouldn't have any more problems like this in the future. From what everyone said, and what she observed, Zhong Xiang seemed like a very tolerant man. She knew that his patience was what caused him to explode. After all, suppressed emotions never did any good for anyone.

”Brother Yao, Brother Yao, Young Prince Jing is here again to see you.” Little Lu ran excitedly to the kitchen.

Ye Jiayao frowned. Didn't she tell him yesterday not to come so frequently? It was not even lunchtime yet!

”I am busy, let him wait.” Ye Jiayao said.

Everyone gasped, finding brother Yao so imposing that he dared to give the prince the cold shoulder.