"Zane."
"Are you still running this place alone? Haven't you hired any assistant chefs?"
As they conversed, the Director glanced around the tavern with his peripheral vision.
Recalling that the last time he came with his granddaughter Erina, everything inside and outside the tavern was handled by Zane alone.
From start to finish, he didn't see anyone helping him.
Well!
It just opened recently!
And with the business hours only from 7 pm to 12 am.
So, solely based on Zane's abilities, he can indeed manage all the work in the entire tavern!
However, times have changed, and now the tavern's business is clearly much better than last time.
Although during this period Zane is still capable of managing, operating a tavern isn't easy. It's not just about cutting with a knife and cooking with a spoon.
Preparing ingredients before opening, arranging tables and chairs... cleaning and reconciling bills after closing — these scattered tasks are truly numerous.
And from what he can see now, it's still just Zane working hard!
Therefore, the curious Director couldn't help but ask.
"Yes."
"I haven't hired assistant chefs yet."
Zane directly nodded, admitting it in front of the Director.
"Do you need help?" The Director's gaze glittered as he continued to inquire.
"Of course."
"Who wouldn't be happy to have more hands to help?"
Zane responded with a smile.
"Good!"
"Operating a tavern."
"If you need more help, that's a good thing!"
"If you intend to recruit some assistant chefs, I can help you by arranging a few experienced chefs from the culinary department at Totsuki Resort to assist you!"
The Director stroked his beard with an indulgent attitude towards the younger generation as he spoke openly.
Deep down, he certainly hoped that Zane would go to Totsuki Academy and serve the Nakiri Family!
However, since being rejected by Zane last time, the Director completely dismissed this idea.
But even so, he still hoped that Totsuki Academy as a whole and even the Nakiri Family could be connected with Zane. Even if they couldn't win him over, they should look for opportunities to collaborate with him!
In the end, he cannot predict the future situation.
Therefore, he wanted to take another chance, to stake the entire future of Totsuki on Zane!
"Director!"
"You can rest assured about this matter."
"When I go back, I will carefully select a few suitable candidates and have them come to the tavern to assist Zane!"
Beside him, Gin instantly understood the Director's intentions and hurriedly made his stance.
---
Unexpectedly.
The Director and the Head Chef.
These two prominent figures in the culinary world, despite their synchronized "performance," still couldn't impress Zane.
Upon hearing them out, he shook his head like last time when declining to go to Totsuki, softly replied, "No need, I get your intentions!"
"Huh?"
"You turned it down...?"
"Didn't you just mention needing some assistant chefs?"
Totsuki Resort, affiliated with Totsuki Culinary Academy.
It's said that around ten hotels are operated under the Totsuki Resort brand.
Nestled in the beautifully scenic resort, there is even a luxurious five-star hot!
The chefs in the hotel's culinary department are all world-class chefs, each with a significant influence in the culinary world!
So, bringing out these talents directly for Zane to use.
This "wonderful" opportunity — who wouldn't want to reject it?
Thus, Gin found it hard to understand for a while and couldn't guess Zane's thoughts.
On the contrary, the Director remained calm, seemingly unsurprised about Zane's rejection.
---
"Yes!"
"I do want some assistant chefs."
"And the chefs coming out from Totsuki Resort must be talented!"
"Perhaps with their help, the business of my tavern can thrive further, while also relying on the resources of Totsuki and the Nakiri Family."
"But here's the thing, I have my own principles."
"I have certain standards for the type of assistant chefs I want to recruit and the kind of help I seek."
"To be honest, those chefs from Totsuki Resort, while undoubtedly talented, probably wouldn't meet my requirements!"
"So, let's end this topic for now; there's no need to continue!"
"I understand."
"Perhaps I was too eager myself."
"I was urgently seeking an opportunity to work with you, overlooking some objective conditions."
The tone of Zane's words sounded somewhat gentle. However, from his words, it could be detected that he seemed to look down on the group of chefs from the resort.
Nonetheless, the Director did not get angry; instead, he showed appreciation.
Eventually, no one continued to discuss this topic.
Totsuki Academy and the tavern missed a chance to collaborate!
But whether it's Zane, the Director, or Gin, they all understand deep down that future circumstances may force them to collaborate!
---
Time.
Finally, it reached midnight.
The Director and Gin had no choice but to leave, not lingering at the tavern any longer.
"Gin!"
"What do you think?"
"In the future, can he handle this heavy responsibility?"
On their way back, the Director suddenly asked Gin with a somewhat distracted tone, as his thoughts turned back to that night when he issued the decree to expel Joichiro, driving him out of Totsuki!
"His culinary skills can match, even surpass Joichiro."
"However, there's one difference: if Joichiro had his kind of determination back then, it wouldn't have resulted in tragedy."
"So, to some extent, I believe that he probably has the highest probability of truly leading the new era of cooking!" After thinking for a while, Gin honestly shared his thoughts.
"No!"
"He can definitely carry the banner of the new era."
"I've believed this since the last visit to the tavern."
Upon hearing this, the Director sighed deeply. "What I mean is, can he assume the heavy responsibility of leading and governing Totsuki Academy?"
"Lead?"
"Totsuki Academy?"
"How is that possible? He's not part of the Nakiri family, so how can he, or rather, how is he qualified to lead Totsuki?"
"Could it be, Director, you mean to..."
At this, Gin was almost startled, but eventually, he understood something, looking at the Director in amazement.
----------
For 10 advance chapters: patreon.com/angelictranslating