"The chef from Songhelou is here to visit," announced a tall, thin middle-aged man dressed in a Chinese chef's uniform as he entered with a slight smile.
"What? Songhelou?"
"Have they really come to challenge us?"
The chefs of Hōjō Building were immediately alarmed, their expressions tense as they eyed the newcomer with suspicion.
Sui noticed the serious look on Miyoko's face and asked, "Miyoko, who are they?"
"Songhelou is a new restaurant in town that serves authentic Chinese cuisine. It's quickly gained popularity among customers. I've heard that ever since they opened, they've been challenging other restaurants in town. A few have even closed down because of them," Miyoko explained, frowning.
Sui nodded, then studied the chef who had entered. Although the man wasn't particularly muscular, his veined hands, visible beneath his sleeves, indicated considerable strength—something vital for Chinese cuisine, which requires skill in handling heavy iron woks and cleavers.
"I am the head chef of Hōjō House," Chef Hōjō stepped forward and spoke gravely. "You must be from that new restaurant. Why have you come here today?"
"My name is Miyazaki Ryui," the man replied with a polite smile. "I trained under a culinary master in China for ten years. I've heard that Hōjō House is a prominent restaurant in town, so I wanted to taste your signature dishes."
Chef Hōjō was taken aback; this was not what he had expected.
"Don't worry, I'll pay for the meal," Miyazaki Ryui continued with a courteous tone, but then his expression hardened. "However, if the food isn't up to standard, I won't hesitate to criticize it."
Chef Hōjō frowned, his voice deep as he asked, "Are you here to test us?"
"I wouldn't dare," Miyazaki Ryui said with a smile before taking a seat.
"What should we do, Chef? Are we really going to cook for him?" one of the chefs asked anxiously, the others chiming in with similar concerns.
Chef Hōjō, despite sensing the ill intent behind Miyazaki's visit, responded with a calm smile. "Since he's willing to pay, he's a customer like anyone else. There's no reason to back down. Let him taste our food—he's come to the right place for it."
Although the other chefs were wary of the challenge, refusing to serve would be a sign of defeat before the contest had even begun.
Sui couldn't help but admire Chef Hōjō. He carried himself with poise and grace, qualities his daughter shared.
The head chef turned to Sui and asked with a smile, "Are you in a hurry to leave, young man?"
"No, not at all," Sui replied. Apart from his food-tasting duties at Hōjō Building, he had no other pressing tasks.
"Good! Then stay a while longer and keep Miyoko company," Chef Hōjō suggested with a knowing smile. "She's grown up now, so I won't object if she wants to date."
"Father!" Miyoko's cheeks turned red with embarrassment as she glared at her father in frustration.
Sui, also slightly exasperated, sat back down in his chair. Just then, a waiter served him a cup of tea while Miyoko returned to the kitchen to help prepare the dishes with the other chefs.
Despite her youth, Miyoko's culinary skills had surpassed many of the other chefs at Hōjō House, earning her their respect.
As Sui sipped his tea, his phone rang. It was Alice calling.
"Hey, Sui, where are you?" Alice asked cheerfully.
"I'm at Hōjō House in Yokohama," Sui replied.
"Really? I'll come over right now!" Alice said excitedly.
"You want to come here?" Sui asked, surprised.
"Of course! You have to go shopping with me and try delicious food!" Alice exclaimed. "I hardly ever get the chance to go out while at school, so you have to keep me company!"
Sui imagined Alice pouting in frustration and felt a slight headache coming on. Still, considering how little time they had together at school, he agreed. "Alright."
"Great!" Alice responded happily before hanging up.
About an hour later, Alice arrived at Hōjō Building. Her silver hair shimmered as she entered, dressed in her school uniform and looking as refined as ever.
"Sui!" she called out as soon as she saw him, her eyes lighting up. She quickly rushed over and clung to his arm.
"Isn't that Miss Miyoko's boyfriend? Why is he getting so close to another girl?" one of the chefs murmured.
"Don't jump to conclusions! Miss Miyoko never confirmed they were dating, right?" another chef responded.
Nevertheless, many of the staff at Hōjō Building exchanged uneasy glances, some even glaring at Alice, as they had hoped Sui might end up with their beloved eldest miss.
Chef Hōjō's eyes glimmered with amusement. He shook his head, chuckling softly to himself. "It seems Miyoko has some competition. While she's bold and decisive in the kitchen, she hesitates when it comes to matters like this."
As her father, he had noticed his daughter's demeanor around Sui, which led him to believe that she harbored some affection for the young man.
"Alice, everyone's watching," Sui said, slightly flustered as Alice clung to him.
"What's the big deal?" Alice retorted, clearly unbothered. "We're not at school right now, are we?"
Just then, Miyoko and the other chefs emerged from the kitchen, having completed their preparations.