Gradually, the Director and Gin entered a wonderful state of mind.
In a mystical and dreamlike setting, the magnificent palace seemed to be adorned with ethereal colors bestowed by the heavens.
Observing the regal phoenix gracefully perched on the palace's roof, its finely carved feathers swayed gently in the breeze, emitting a mesmerizing beauty and natural grace.
Suddenly, the divine bird spread its magnificent wings, shimmering with golden radiance under the colorful hues, captivating the hearts and souls.
This unseen and enchanting sight left both the Director and Gin slightly intoxicated.
Fluttering its wings, the phoenix let out a few melodious calls, displaying its throat as if showcasing its vocal glory. Finally, with a flutter, it soared into the sky.
Witnessing this, anyone, no matter how empty inside, would be filled with the grandeur of the "Soaring Phoenix"!
---
"Chirp chirp!"
When the Director returned to his senses, his clothes finally burst open.
Following that, his eyes, full of experience, remained fixed on the phoenix in front of him that had a few feathers missing.
Finally, unable to resist any longer, he picked up his chopsticks and began to frantically pick up bean sprouts and stuff them into his mouth.
"Director."
"You need to let me have some too, don't eat everything alone."
Watching the Director not only burst his clothes but also reveal such an embarrassing eating appearance, Gin felt a mixture of surprise and anxiety.
He did not expect that this dish could instantly win over the Director to the point of bursting his clothes.
In a sudden realization, the plate of bean sprout dish in front of him was visibly decreasing at an alarming rate! Without hesitation, Gin quickly grabbed chopsticks and started competing with the Director to eat the bean sprouts.
Thus, in this tavern, two physically strong men appeared like three-year-olds.
Fighting over a small tasty snack and engaging in a comical scuffle!
---
After a while passed.
The whole plate of Crystal Phoenix dish was devoured by these two without a single crumb left.
"Phew!"
"I never expected."
"I would end up eating greedily like you, Director, fighting over bean sprouts."
Taking a deep breath, with a sense of unfinished enjoyment, Gin looked at the empty plate on the table, feeling a bit sentimental.
This Crystal Phoenix dish, with main ingredients like bean sprouts, potatoes, carrots, minced meat, and more, contained hidden mysteries that couldn't be fully understood just by finishing it.
Firstly, this dish surely required impeccable knife skills and the chef's adept carving abilities.
Then, it involved weaving and artistic talent, especially when sculpting and weaving a standing phoenix using bean sprouts, potatoes, and more. It was genuinely challenging!
"True masters."
"Often found among the common people."
"Shop owner, your Crystal Phoenix dish is exceptionally well-made."
"I never expected someone of your age to possess such superb culinary skills and abilities. It truly amazes me!"
At this moment, looking deeply at Zane, Gin couldn't help but praise him with a particularly admiring tone.
"A simple bean sprout dish at best, but to earn praise from someone like you, the head chef, is also an honor for me, Zane."
Zane smiled lightly.
Despite his seemingly indifferent exterior, his heart was still a bit buoyant at this moment.
After all, being able to create a dish using bean sprouts, potatoes, minced meat, and more that could surprise even the strongest figure of Totsuki was quite interesting to ponder.
---
"I too am a chef."
"So, I deeply understand the value of this kind of dish in today's era."
"I also know that achieving the utmost in the simplest of cuisines, making them visually stunning, is quite difficult!"
"As a shop owner of a tavern, your meticulous approach to each dish is commendable. Especially in presenting the best aspect of the dish to the diners, this spirit is worthy of my admiration!"
Upon hearing this, Gin did not conceal his thoughts and truthfully spoke to Zane.
Later, he turned slightly towards the Director again and said, "Director, I must admit I was a bit clumsy just now, so let me apologize to you here."
"Mm!"
"Gin."
"It cannot be denied that you are the highest-scoring graduate in Totsuki's history."
"However, the times are constantly advancing, and it will be the stage for the younger generation."
"People like you and me hold significant positions and influence in today's culinary world. But the old era will eventually fade, and the new era is destined to sail past us, taking us forward!"
At this moment, the Director, now dressed again, spoke with profound significance.
---
Over twenty years ago.
At that time, with figures like Gin, Joichiro Yukihira, and Azami Nakiri leading the way, they directly ushered in Totsuki's "Golden Age."
Initially, they were full of vigor and vitality in Totsuki.
As if the entire future of the culinary era would undergo a complete transformation because of them, they were like bright stars illuminating the dark sky!
Yet, life is unpredictable, and looking back now.
The experience and outcomes of this group of people later made others feel heartbroken and regretful!
"Yes! Director, what you said is indeed correct."
"The current culinary world has long decayed and has lost its former glory, and our generation finds it challenging to make a change."
Savoring the taste of the Crystal Phoenix, Gin also sighed.
When Joichiro was forced to make the decision to drop out, it was destined that the entire culinary world had lost hope.
As his close friend, Gin often felt deeply regretful when thinking about that time.
The tragedy of Joichiro was, of course, partly due to his personal reasons, but more so due to the overall influence of the culinary world.
Therefore, he understood very well that the culinary world now must be at a time for innovation.
But currently, when looking at any chef in the world, who can really take on this responsibility? Who can lead everyone in creating a better culinary era?
Thinking back to the time when he declined invitations from 800 renowned culinary establishments nationwide and chose to work at Totsuki Resort, the reason was that he believed in the strength of the Totsuki Group. He thought that the person who could lead the new era would definitely emerge from Totsuki Academy!
However, it was only today that he fully realized that such a figure actually isn't at Totsuki, but right here in this tavern!
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I have a new fanfic named HP: Arms Dealer, here's the synopsis: "As long as it can be used in battle or war, everything counts as arms. Be it magic, ninjutsu, or even Devil Fruits, they are all considered arms. And as long as it's arms, you can buy it all from me." — Gemini.
"Ron! This thing is much more useful than a wand!" — Dual-Wielding Harry.
"Gemini, where the hell is my alchemical magic cannon? Bring it up for me!" — Iron Girl Hermione.
"Captain Seamus is on standby!" — Explosives Maniac Seamus.
In 1991, Gemini brought his weapons shop to Hogwarts.
He is a merchant, and he is a badass.
For 10 advance chapters: patreon.com/angelictranslating