Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
She couldnât determine if it was a figment of her imagination, but as soon as Lin Wan uttered those words, she noticed a flicker of hope in the little girlâs eyes, as if she had suddenly found something to look forward to.
Wei Xinâs heart indeed swelled with anticipation upon hearing Lin Wanâs statement. She yearned to grow up swiftly and become the most valuable aid to both Lin Wan and her half-brother, Wei Xuan.
Witnessing the growing brightness in the young girlâs eyes, Lin Wan believed it was necessary to clarify the situation. âEven though Iâve sought custody, Iâm not your biological mother. I wonât be able to care for you as tenderly as she could. However, until you come of age, Iâll ensure your well-being, providing for your daily needs. Youâll have everything others have, but I cannot give you a motherâs love.â
âI understand, but compared to staying with Father, I would rather be with Mother!â
Wei Xinâs sudden radiant smile left Lin Wan momentarily bewildered. She couldnât comprehend why Wei Xin would prefer her over Wei Nan, her own biological father.
However, Lin Wan swiftly brushed aside her confusion as they arrived at their destination. The flying car landed in front of a three-story building designed to resemble ancient architecture. This was where Lin Wan handled her affairs and also the first hotel she collaborated on with Liao Ning. Although the hotel was still in the preparation stage, the location served as a temporary space for Yu Ni to train chefs and housed Lin Wanâs office.
âMiss Lin, Elder Jiang has arrived today.â The manager approached Lin Wan as soon as she stepped out of the car, informing her that Elder Jiang was currently in the kitchen, overseeing the results of Yu Niâs recent training.
Lin Wan nodded in acknowledgement, then held Wei Xinâs hand and proceeded towards the kitchen.
Before Lin Wan could guide Wei Xin into the kitchen, she overheard Elder Jiangâs irate voice resonating through the vacant corridor, seeping through the thick walls. âDo you even know how to cook? The recipe is right here. The proportions for each ingredient and seasoning are clearly written. How can you make it so repulsive?!â
âIf you donât want to learn, then donât. No one is forcing you!â
Subsequently, a young lady, tearfully berated, darted out and accidentally collided with Lin Wan and Wei Xin, who had just reached the doorway.
âIâm sorry,â the little girl said as she ran away without looking up.
Lin Wan furrowed her brow and entered the kitchen, where she found Yu Ni wearing a similar expression. Curious, she inquired, âWhatâs wrong?â
Yu Ni replied, still frowning, âThe young lady accidentally added an excessive amount of salt to the vegetables, making them too salty. Elder Jiang questioned her about it, but she refused to admit her mistake. Elder Jiang felt she lacked attentiveness and displayed an improper attitude.â
Upon hearing this, Lin Wan found herself at a loss for words. The young lady in question would often practice in the hotel until late at night before returning home. Sometimes, Lin Wan would still be working on documents when she arrived. Logically, she didnât seem like someone who would disregard the art of ancient delicacies, as Elder Jiang had claimed.
âThis young lady is extremely diligent. Sheâs always the last one to leave among her peers. I believe there must be a misunderstanding,â Yu Ni chimed in, concerned about the young ladyâs excessive efforts. She didnât want her to toil so hard if she had lost her passion for ancient delicacies, so she planned to clarify the situation.
âI agree, but itâs challenging to ascertain whether she truly added too much salt without surveillance footage capturing the amount,â Lin Wan responded, unwilling to simply deceive Elder Jiang.
Inspired, Yu Ni clapped her hands and proposed, âThen letâs check the surveillance room!â
âThat might be a good idea.â
With Elder Jiang present, the remaining students would undoubtedly be more cautious, allowing Yu Ni to examine the surveillance footage without worry. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
âSo, what does the video show? Did she add too much or too little?â Lin Wan, lacking knowledge of the recipe and cooking expertise, could only rely on Yu Niâs experience after reviewing the footage.
Yu Ni frowned as she watched. âBased on the video, she followed the recipeâs instructions accurately. She neither added too much nor too little. Yet, why did the dish turn out excessively salty?â
Lin Wan couldnât comprehend why the dishes still lacked flavor despite adhering to the recipeâs standards.
Lin Wan turned to Yu Ni, her gaze searching. âIs it possible that thereâs an issue with another aspect of the process?â
âI carefully reviewed the other steps, and I didnât find any mistakes,â Yu Ni replied, shaking her head and dismissing Lin Wanâs speculation.
Receiving a discouraging response, Lin Wanâs eyes drifted downward as she immersed herself in deep contemplation.
Wei Xin, who was standing by her side, noticed her furrowed brow and began recalling any suspicious details she could think of, eager to share her concerns.. If the seasoning and ingredient preparation were not at fault, then could it beâ¦