These words undoubtedly stirred up a thousand waves and angered many.
After all, who among the customers at Erina's stall isn't a renowned figure in the culinary world? Normally, they receive immense respect from the public and hold a high status. When have they ever been offended by such a "rude person"?
Bang!
After a loud noise, a diner slapped the table and stood up, glaring at Azami, and said, "What on earth are you talking about?"
"You dared to barge in here without an appointment. It's already very kind of us not to have security throw you out, and yet you dare to act wild here!"
"Apologize now."
"Yes!"
"Do you know who we are?"
"Or do you know our identities and still dare to speak like this?"
At this moment, the food critic Shingo Ando echoed.
Sitting next to him, Osaji remained indifferent. After glancing at Azami, he was initially a bit surprised, but then he showed a meaningful smile.
"Why, not speaking?"
"Hey, if you've done it, apologize quickly!"
Feeling ignored by Azami, Shingo Ando became even angrier and walked up to him, reprimanding.
However.
At first, perhaps because of the distance.
Even though he was wearing glasses, he still couldn't see the man's face clearly.
When Shingo Ando stood in front of Azami, he found this face somewhat familiar!
"Hmm?"
"You... you look familiar."
Shingo Ando said, puzzled.
"He is Miss Erina's father and the current Director's son-in-law, Azami!"
Osaji, who knew everything, said calmly.
"What?"
"It's really him?"
Hearing this, Shingo Ando was shocked.
...
On the other side.
Erina was trembling all over, shaking like a leaf.
She felt that every part of her body was out of control, almost shaking, and her hands and feet were as cold as ice.
Looking closely, her eyes were filled with fear, not daring to look up at her father.
"What's going on? Why is he here?"
Shingo Ando was scared, and everyone present was shocked. The entire restaurant was in an uproar.
Until this moment, Hisako finally understood that the very rude man in front of them was indeed Miss Erina's biological father!
At the same time, Erina seemed to be frightened by something, her face turning even paler. Her eyes, once filled with fear but still somewhat bright, now looked completely lifeless.
"Miss, are you alright?"
"Is your body feeling unwell?"
Hisako, always attentive, quickly comforted her. But she noticed Erina's hands and feet were shaking even more.
Just a moment ago, a glance at Azami made her so fearful.
This completely overturned Hisako's understanding.
...
One must know.
The previous Erina Nakiri gave people the impression of being an extremely arrogant young lady.
After her interactions with Zane and under his "guidance," she slowly began to change!
However, even so, Hisako had never seen her so timid in her life.
Until now.
This man, Erina's father.
What exactly did he do before being expelled from Totsuki that left such severe psychological scars on Erina?
Moreover, why did he suddenly appear at the school festival event?
At this moment, the entire bustling restaurant, with Azami's sudden visit, was shrouded in a cloud, leaving a shadow over everyone.
...
"Hmph, what a disappointment."
"Shingo Ando, weren't you just scolding enthusiastically?"
"How come just hearing Azami's name scared you like this? What's there to be afraid of this person?"
Full of youthful vitality and new beauty, like wine splashing in a cup. Whether in clothing, decoration, or posture, her hand movements and neck turns all overflowed with the exuberant youth and beauty surrounding her!
At this moment, Natsume felt extremely bored.
She was enjoying her meal here, but it was disrupted by these trivial matters, naturally making her uncomfortable.
So, she made a few sarcastic remarks.
"Rushing in without an appointment, and with such remarks, you seem to lack taste and manners."
Feeling unsatisfied, Natsume couldn't help but speak again.
"Well said, sister."
Her younger sister, Orie, quickly gave her a thumbs-up, praising her sister in public.
"You must be Natsume and Orie, right?"
"Forgive me, but your fast-food curry that only fools three-year-olds, I wonder if it has gained fame worldwide in recent years?"
"From what I know, your Haubi Foods Company hasn't been doing well in America!"
Azami still had a faint smile, neither happy nor angry, as he retorted.
"What did you say?"
"You bastard, don't you know we are official partners of Totsuki Academy? Insulting us is insulting Totsuki Academy!"
Exposed on the spot, Natsume instantly became furious.
She lost her composure, like an immature girl, angrily retorting.
If looks could kill, Azami would have been killed by Natsume at least a thousand times.
"Sister, mind your manners."
"Manners are the most important cultivation. As Curry Queens, why get so angry over others' words?"
Orie, seeing her sister so angry, was naturally also a bit upset.
However, she stopped Natsume, indicating she should calm down.
...
The scene was chaotic.
Some people were deeply puzzled, not understanding why the long-missing Azami appeared here.
Some started plotting, like Osaji, who had already met Azami and began calculating how to maximize his benefits.
Some people couldn't stand Azami and planned to confront him, like Shingo Ando and the Curry Queen sisters.
Meanwhile, Erina remained terrified!
"The current situation is quite pathetic!"
"A grand culinary academy has fallen to collaborating with such food companies, it's laughable."
"So, I returned to restore Totsuki Academy to its former glory."
With that, Azami changed his previous casual and rude demeanor, staring coldly at everyone. These words left the Curry sisters speechless, stunned.
"What did you say?"
"What... what do you want?"
Everyone finally sensed that the entire Totsuki Academy was about to change!
"Alright, Erina, it's been ten years since I first taught you about 'cooking.'"
"Now, as we reunite, why don't you cook a dish for me? I want to see how your God's Tongue has developed."
Ignoring everyone's reactions, Azami walked up to the terrified Erina and whispered.
...
No!
I... I don't want to!
But at this moment, who can take me away?
Erina, like a zombie who had lost consciousness, continued to shrink and tremble, feeling that everything around her would swallow her, with endless darkness and a bottomless abyss approaching!
What should I do?
What should I do?
Seeing this, Hisako felt very distressed and very rude.
She realized she had to do something, so she mustered up the courage and said to Azami: "I... I said, we have the right to refuse service to customers without an appointment, even if you are... are Miss's father... also..."
Her voice became weak and stuttered at the end.
"You are Hisako, right?"
"After ten years, you've grown up a lot."
"These years, you've taken good care of Erina on my behalf, and I'm grateful, but it's no longer needed."
"From now on, you're fired. You're no longer Erina's secretary. I'll take care of her daily life."
With that, Azami chose the empty table in the center to sit down.
This table's details were exquisite, with a European countryside, elegant and noble decorative style, matching Erina's taste and requirements.
It was clear this table was carefully prepared by Erina for someone special.
Who could this person be?
Currently, Azami had no interest in knowing.
"I... I'm fired?"
Hisako was dumbfounded.
After much effort to restore her relationship with Erina post-autumn election, she now had to part from her.
This news was naturally devastating for her!
"Father, that table is..."
Erina wanted to resist, but Azami gave her no chance to speak.
He crossed his legs, an elegant aura subtly exuding, smiling as if he wasn't the rude person from moments ago, but rather a refined gentleman.
"Let's start with kaiseki cuisine."
"Daddy is hungry now and wants to eat something here. Erina, don't keep me waiting too long."
Run!
I must run!
But I'm so scared!
Feeling the darkness surrounding her, about to engulf her, Erina panicked.
She wanted to run but couldn't muster the strength to move her legs!
"Miss, you... you can't..."
Hisako said loudly.
"I understand, Father. Kaiseki cuisine, right? I'll prepare it now."
Erina's response was weak and hopeless.
...
Vroom!
Bright headlights converged, shining at the restaurant's entrance.
With several black cars stopping, dozens of bodyguards in black suits and sunglasses got out.
Then, the Director also got out.
His arrival pushed the atmosphere to a climax.
"I thought it was time to visit you, as a junior should take the initiative, but I didn't expect you to come and meet me, I'm truly honored!"
Hearing the commotion outside, Azami realized something and quickly walked out.
He cooperated appropriately, both elegant and simple, with a tall figure, a relaxed and leisurely demeanor, looking unlike the rude person from before, but rather cultured.
"Grandfather."
Walking out, Erina still looked pale.
She glanced at Senzaemon and weakly greeted him.
"Long time no see, Father."
Azami extended a hand politely.
"You
are no longer qualified to step into Totsuki Academy. I told you, you are not allowed to claim to be a Nakiri anymore."
The elderly Senzaemon, still competent and spirited, would not hesitate on big matters. Azami's appearance made him wary.
So, he immediately issued an expulsion order, indicating for Azami to leave.
"Yes, you're right. You've been expelled from Totsuki Academy. Your words change nothing."
Next to him, Shingo Ando also said smugly.
The Director is here. Let's see how long you can be arrogant!
...
"Haha!"
"Don't you know? Most of the Elite Ten have defected."
Azami produced the latest Totsuki Elite Ten Council's decision, shocking everyone.
As long as the majority of the Elite Ten agree, it represents the academy's will.
The Totsuki Elite Ten Council's urgent notice appeared in Azami's hands.
The council's decisions are always significant, influencing greatly.
So, Azami's black and white paper made everyone present look grim.
Seeing Azami's confidence, Senzaemon remained silent, then read the council's decision.
"What? What is this?"
Senzaemon was astonished.
"This... this is... the new Director's recommendation?"
"They think the academy needs reform. The council decided to appoint Azami as the new Director. This proposal was initiated by the following six Elite Ten members..."
"9th Seat Etsuya Eizan, 6th Seat Nene Kinokuni, 5th Seat Somei Saito, 4th Seat Momo, 2nd Seat Rindo, 1st Seat Tsukasa."
"This can't be serious?"
"The strongest group in Totsuki, the Elite Ten, collectively defected?"
Senzaemon's face changed drastically, and he fell silent. The atmosphere turned icy.
He looked around, frowning as if under a dark cloud but couldn't say a word.
He could only stand there, glaring at Azami.
The atmosphere was as cold as ice.
And everything was so silent and quiet.
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