With some help coming from the academy staff, Lu Xinyi and Ye Xieren made their way in front of the judges and placed their respective bento boxes at the table.
"Well, isn't this visually appetizing?" Qin Jiahao picked up his chopsticks and scrutinized his apprentice's dish.
Ye Xieren held his breath, trying to figure out if he made a mistake which he failed to notice. His mentor took a piece of battered asparagus from the set of tempura on his bento box, lifted it up on eye level, and checked both sides.
"Let me try this before I taste your sushi," Qin Jiahao bit on it and chewed it slowly. Lifting his gaze, the end of his mouth curled into a small smile.
"That tastes awesome. Finally, you learned how to put flavor on your tempura."
Ye Xieren threw his head back and ran both of his hands on his face, sighing in relief. Since he started his tutelage under Chef Qin, the man rarely complimented him on his cooking.
