Sui was left speechless, feeling that Sonoka was still too innocent.
"Though her words left me at a loss, I believe she was simply inviting me to be her food consultant."
He explained.
"Is… is that so?"
Sonoka's face flushed a deep red, and her voice grew softer. She was utterly embarrassed, having almost lost face due to her misunderstanding.
"Of course."
Sui replied. However, he knew this was typical of the Sendawara sisters. People who were unaware of their behavior might misinterpret it, let alone the more naive Sonoka.
"..."
Sonoka blushed even more, lowering her head and speaking in a barely audible voice.
After that, Sui garnered even more attention than Sonoka herself.
Although he was just a freshman, his demonstrated strength was on par with the elite ten of the previous year. This proved his immense potential, indicating that his future achievements would likely surpass those of Sonoka. No one would pass up the opportunity to build a good relationship with such a promising young chef.
Thus, in the following hours, many sought to collaborate with him. This time, however, the focus was not on the Shunkatei restaurant but on Sui himself.
Yet, Sui turned them all down, one by one.
An hour later, the party finally came to an end.
At this event, Shunkatei had undeniably stolen the spotlight, becoming the most dazzling star of the evening, drawing even more attention than Taki's restaurant.
Aside from being one of the Elite Ten graduates of Totsuki Academy, the primary reason for this was Sui.
Whether it was the exquisite dishes he crafted or the invitation extended by Orie Sendawara, all of it showcased his potential.
"Phew, it's finally over."
Sonoka let out a long sigh, beads of sweat glistening on her fair face.
She wiped the sweat away, and as she moved, her large chest heaved noticeably once again.
Sui couldn't help but glance her way again. It wasn't entirely his fault; Sonoka's chest was simply too eye-catching.
"But we've gained so much from this."
A sweet smile appeared on Sonoka's face as she thought about today's successes.
They had received over ten offers for cooperation. More importantly, Shunkatei's popularity had surged, and there was even a mention in Anton Shingo's column to look forward to.
"I really have to thank you this time, Sui-kun."
She tilted her head and smiled at him.
"It's nothing."
Sui smiled modestly. Without Sonoka's excellence, none of this would have been possible.
Later, Sui and the others returned to Shunkatei. The restaurant had been closed all morning and afternoon, so they needed to prepare for the evening's business.
By the evening, there were noticeably more guests. Sui recognized many of them as attendees from the party earlier, including Anton Shingo, who must have come specifically to gather material for his next column.
This delighted Sonoka, as it signified that Shunkatei was officially on the right track.
As the restaurant was about to close for the night, Sui was suddenly called outside.
"You have successfully completed your second field training."
Alyana Imperial from the Academic Affairs Department took off her sunglasses and praised him, "The previous assessment was about showcasing your abilities in a renowned restaurant. This time, it was about helping a struggling restaurant find its footing."
"Your performance was outstanding, far beyond my expectations. You transformed a poorly reputed restaurant into a star establishment, showcasing your remarkable talent. So congratulations, you've passed the test. You can return to Totsuki tomorrow."
"Thank you, examiner."
Sui responded promptly.
"There's no need to thank me. Just continue to perform well in the future."
Alyana smiled, put her sunglasses back on, and got into her car.
When Sui returned to the restaurant, he found that all the staff were waiting for him.
"Sui-kun, are you leaving tomorrow?"
Sonoka asked reluctantly.
The others looked at him expectantly. After a few days together, Sui had earned their respect through his abilities, even winning over the once-skeptical Fabre.
Seeing their restaurant being praised by customers gave them a sense of pride.
"Yes, that's the plan. The field training has concluded."
Sui nodded.
"That's true."
Sonoka sighed. Although she really hoped Sui would stay on as her sous-chef, she knew it wasn't possible.
"But Sui-kun, even though you're leaving, I will keep the position of sous-chef open for you! You can return whenever you like!"
She looked at Sui with a serious expression.
Touched by her sincerity, Sui's heart warmed. He smiled and nodded, "I understand."
"Then, let's have a farewell party for Sui-kun."
An innocent smile lit up Sonoka's face.
After the party, Sui returned to the hotel.
However, Hinako didn't come by to chat that night, possibly due to what had happened the previous day.
Sui felt a bit regretful. Hinako had a gentle temperament, making her company comforting, like a kind sister from next door. Sometimes, she would reveal a cute side, which was quite endearing. It was a completely different feeling from what he experienced with the Nakiri sisters or Tohru.
He had come to enjoy being around her.
The next day, Sui woke up early, packed his belongings, and prepared to return to Totsuki.
Just as he reached the hotel entrance, his phone rang. It was Sonoka.
"Sui-kun, are you heading back to Totsuki now?"
She asked.
"Yes."
Sui replied.
"Wait for me. I'll take you back."
Sonoka said firmly.
"What? You're going to give me a ride?"
Sui was momentarily stunned.
"Mm!"
Sonoka confirmed with determination.
Since she insisted, Sui couldn't refuse.
At that moment, a car pulled up in front of him. It was a vehicle Erina had specifically sent to pick him up.
"You can go back first. I'll return on my own."
Sui said to the driver.
"But Miss Erina asked me to pick you up."
The driver hesitated.
"It's fine. I have something to take care of."
Sui reassured him.
Not long after the Totsuki car left, Sonoka arrived.
"Sui-kun, I'll take you back."
She said, a sweet smile gracing her lips.
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