The majority of people would pick summer as the best season out there. But people living in the tropical regions and places with less than 3 seasons might argue with that fact. Though ultimately, people will choose summer 5 out of 7 times.
Not necessarily summer the season, but generally sunny days and clear skies make them go out there and frolic like a bunch of animals. As for the other 29% of the population, they either hate or double hate summer. And Ye Han is a member of the population who hates summer. Though he is a part of the 29%, he also belonged to the rarest group, the ones who not just double hate summer but triple hate it.
That idea might be exaggerated by 300% but the fact still remains that he doesn't like summer. And it's not just summer he hates, an item from his mile-long list of hates is PEOPLE WHO ORDER PARFAITS IN WINTER.
It's not the idea of parfait and winter. He loves both of them. His second favorite season is winter and parfait sounds like a dessert he could not afford, which makes it even better as a food. His only problem is the combination of the two. Parfaits are delicious and winter is comfortable, but how can someone eat a cold dish when it is an almost 0 degree Celsius of frozen hell outside?
"Another 3 orders of a parfait."
"Goddammit!" He exclaimed as he almost threw his apron on the floor. "What type is it this time?!"
"Chocolate, strawberry and… umm, peach?" The waiter did a double-take at the order. "And I almost forgot."
"Tell me it's not parfait."
"It is not."
"Yes!"
"It's a banana split."
"Oh come on!"
Ye Han sighed as he begrudgingly made the orders. It's already Sunday and he's starting his second day as a cook. A part-time, professional cook. Even before he started, the manager is already full of praises for him. Still clueless with her overpraising attitude, he would be doing his job diligently of course.
Sadly, he left Lily back at their apartment. But worrying would do no benefit, Lily is a strong girl. She could manage, and he'll be buying treats for her after his shift.
***
Inside the apartment.
The figure of a translucent woman can be seen floating. Though her features are indiscernible but the general outline of her body could still be distinguished. But despite the blurry face, one could make out the seriousness of her expression.
Some may question their sanity with the scene happening in front of them, though fantasy and the supernatural are prevalent. But her existence is fully proven by the equally somber girl staring right back at her.
"Are you willing to receive my inheritance, to become the direct disciple of the supreme Blood Ancestor? With my teachings, you will receive power beyond measure. Are you willing to take responsibility?"
Nod.
"That's hell you're walking into."
"…"
"You really care for that bum- okay I'll stop insulting him. Lucky guy. So, are you ready to take on the mantle of the Blood Ancestor? It's a dangerous endeavor and countless enemies will aim at your life and his life. It's not just about you, it's about everyone you care about."
"…"
"You're not the only one who came across my legacy. Countless others have encountered me and all of them are much powerful than you. Yet in the end, none of them succeeded in inheriting my full capabilities. What makes you think that you'll be the one to inherit my powers? To protect your brother are you prepared to sacrifice yourself?"
"Yes."
"I knew you could talk. Very well, drink this." A vial full of red liquid silently floated in between the two. And without hesitation, Lily downed the contents of the container. "I like that decisiveness. Now chant with me."
"…"
***
"I hope she's having fun even though I'm not there." The white-haired cook said out loud.
"Are the parfaits ready?!"
"It's done. Come pick it up." Ye Han replied as he continued to stir fry the vegetables in the flaming wok.
"Benefactor, I require the dumplings." The voice of one of the quartet echoed from a speaker inside the kitchen.
"Wait a minute." He said right at the microphone attached to his collar. Slowly, he lowered the temperature of the stove. From the corner, he carried a bamboo steamer to the counter near the entrance. "Here you go."
"Thank you."
"Are the steaks done?"
"Tell the one who ordered that they are disgusting for ordering a raw steak. And I'm about to finish it any minute."
"Ewwww. I'll update you with that."
Spending a couple of times working in this particular kitchen made our dear hero fall in love with the place. His first astonishment came courtesy with the kitchen's modern and complete setup. They have everything a cook like Ye Han wished for. Knives, pots, stove with multiple burners and most importantly, a can opener. The kitchen is well equipped but not over-equipped to the point of disgusting. Just enough to cook a proper meal.
One may require state of the art equipment to create the best dish, but the food is not food without ingredients. The wide array of fresh and unique ingredients stored in the kitchen still leaves him completely baffled. To think his weird manager can manage to procure those things is unbelievable. If he did not know fully well the restaurant, he might have thought he was working in a 3-star establishment.
*ding*
"Oh, the cookies are done." As soon as he heard the ding, he knelt down the oven to open it. What came out is a breathtaking display of aromatic smoke coming from those delicious cookies. "I'm glad it's not overcooked."
The next part is to decorate the cookies according to the customer's specifications. "Let's see, a cute bear… how do I draw a bear? Let me ask the kidnapping quartet."
"Can I ask someone to draw a bear design on these cookies." He said at his microphone.
The response came in no time as a figure dashed away from the counter bringing with him the freshly baked cookies.
"Those guys are very eager."