"No, Grandpa's health is too fragile to handle such greasy and heavy food," Airi spoke sternly, her voice filled with concern. Her sharp black eyes locked onto Sui, and she added coldly, "Isn't it a chef's most basic skill to consider a customer's health and preferences when selecting a dish?"
She glanced accusingly at the principal and others. "Now I'm beginning to doubt everything you've said. Were you just fabricating this 'outstanding student' to cover up your own negligence?"
The principal and his staff stood frozen, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads. They had pinned their hopes on Sui, only for him to commit such an error. Not only had he failed to impress, but now he had even drawn dissatisfaction from the Takahashi family—a serious blow to their efforts.
The vice principal, previously confident in Sui's abilities, now questioned it all. Could Yuzuki have exaggerated Sui's skills? After all, no chef in their right mind would serve such a spicy and greasy dish to a ninety-year-old man.
Sui himself was troubled. He had intended for the dish to provide nourishment and energy, not realizing that for someone as elderly as Fumio Takahashi, lighter meals were more appropriate. But he remained calm.
"Don't worry," Sui said, his voice steady. "You'll understand once you taste it."
A personal doctor standing nearby adjusted his glasses and interjected, "As a physician, I don't recommend consuming something so greasy, especially for someone in Mr. Takahashi's condition."
"Did you hear that?" Airi snapped. "What if my grandfather's health worsens after eating something so spicy and rich? I'll personally evaluate your so-called 'skills' before we trust your reputation."
But before Airi could continue, her grandfather, Fumio, chuckled warmly. "Now, now, Airi, it's a dish prepared by one of my students. It would be rude not to try it," he said, his eyes twinkling. "Besides, I haven't had such flavorful food in years. I do miss it."
Since his health had declined, Fumio had been on a strict diet of light, bland meals as prescribed by his doctor. Healthy as they were, they lacked the bold flavors he had once enjoyed. Seeing the glistening, aromatic Stir-Fried Pork with Garlic before him now stirred an appetite he hadn't felt in a long time.
"But, Grandpa, it's not good for your health. Mom will be furious if she finds out," Airi hesitated, clearly torn between her concern and her grandfather's desire.
"Indeed, Mr. Takahashi, this food could aggravate your condition," the doctor agreed.
Fumio grinned mischievously. "Then we just won't tell your mother, right?"
Airi blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her grandfather's playful remark. After a brief pause, she relented, albeit reluctantly. "Fine, but only one bite, Grandpa. Just one."
Seeing Airi give in, the doctor chose not to argue further. Fumio smiled victoriously and picked up his chopsticks, carefully selecting a piece of the shiny Stir-Fried Pork with Garlic. He placed it in his mouth and chewed slowly.
The spicy, succulent pork melted in his mouth, the flavors perfectly balanced between crispy and tender, savory yet not overwhelmingly greasy. Fumio's eyes widened in delight as he savored each bite.
"Delicious. Absolutely delicious," he said, a look of pure bliss on his face.
"Grandpa!" Airi gasped as she noticed a sudden change. Her grandfather's face was flushing, not from discomfort, but from a burst of energy. He looked invigorated, far more lively than he had moments before.
"What's happening?" The principal and others stared in disbelief.
The man who had needed a wheelchair to get around, whose frail appearance had worried everyone, now seemed to radiate vitality. His skin glowed, his face was rosy, and he appeared rejuvenated, as if the years had suddenly melted away.
"Could there be stimulants in the food?" the doctor asked, panic creeping into his voice.
"Stimulants?" Airi's eyes widened as she looked at Sui, suspicion rising. Serving an old man something like that could be dangerous!
"Grandpa, how do you feel? Are you okay?" Airi asked urgently, leaning in close.
"I feel great!" Fumio responded, a joyful smile on his face. "In fact, I feel like I'm ten years younger!"
The room fell silent. No one could believe what they were seeing. Takahashi Fumio, who had been weak and ailing moments before, now looked as if he had regained his youth.
"How is this possible?" Airi whispered in disbelief.
The doctor, who had been examining Fumio the whole time, looked just as baffled. "His health is perfectly normal," he confirmed. "In fact, it's better than ever!"
Airi, still reeling from shock, turned her gaze to Sui's dish. Picking up a piece of the Stir-Fried Pork with Garlic, she hesitantly put it in her mouth.
The spicy flavor hit her instantly, like a rush of energy coursing through her veins. Her fatigue from the long car ride evaporated, and she felt revitalized.
"Could it be… medicinal cuisine?" Airi wondered aloud. That was the only explanation she could think of. Sui must have infused the dish with special medicinal ingredients.
Her eyes shifted back to Sui, who now seemed to embody the very legend the principal had described. At first, she had been skeptical, but now, she could see the truth in their words.
"Boya, have you cast some sort of spell on this dish?" Fumio asked, laughing heartily. "It's incredible! I feel so much better after eating it. Are you a practitioner of medicinal cuisine?"
Fumio's question made sense. He had eaten many dishes prepared by chefs specializing in medicinal cuisine, but none had ever made him feel this good.
The principal, hearing Fumio's remarks, also began to understand. "Ah, medicinal cuisine! That explains everything," he said with a sigh of relief. "We were all worried for nothing."
The doctor nodded in agreement. "I've seen many medicinal meals used to aid in recovery, but I've never seen one as potent as this."
Yuzuki, standing quietly beside them, felt a pang of loss. She had been working hard to close the gap between herself and Sui, but today, that gap seemed wider than ever.