"The food here is really delicious, especially these fried dough sticks. They're so crispy and fragrant, much better than the ones I had at the mall. And the price is cheap too!"
Sitting in a corner of the shop, an office worker with a briefcase praised the food. Yesterday, he heard from a colleague that a new, incredibly delicious and affordable small shop had opened here, so he made a special detour today.
"You should try dipping the fried dough stick in soy milk. Those two are a match made in heaven! The soft soy milk softens the crispy fried dough stick, and the clash of sweet and savory is like a symphony playing in your mouth!"
Wutian Qinghai occupied two seats by himself, enthusiastically explaining the restaurant's dishes to Igarashi Futaba, whom he had coincidentally met on the Commercial Street. Since they met there, he naturally pulled her into this shop.
"So hot..."
Igarashi Futaba took a sip of soy milk after listening, and the next moment, she stuck out her tongue, gasping for air. Her small hand fanned herself continuously, clearly stung by the bowl of soy milk.
"Hahaha, blow on it first before eating."
"Senior, I'm not a child."
"Awesome! It was worth the detour. Young lady, pack two fried dough sticks and four fried dough pancakes to go."
"One order of Spicy Potato Strips, boss, hurry up, I'm going to be late for school!"
Looking at the orders coming from the front desk, Hoshino Sora was bustling with activity, fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead at some point, a side effect of high-intensity labor.
However, due to the training during this period, Hoshino Sora's physical strength had greatly improved. At least he wouldn't experience backaches and leg pains from slightly higher intensity work, unlike at the very beginning.
"Ten fried dough sticks, and Spicy Potato Strips, serving."
The entire restaurant was bustling in an organized chaos. It wasn't until after ten o'clock that the customers gradually began to decrease, but in an hour at most, a new peak of customers would arrive!
Looking at the bubbling braised broth, Hoshino Sora's gaze was a bit distant. He wondered if he should hire an assistant, as the number of servers was also insufficient.
Asaka-nee and Rika-nee were already sweating profusely from being so busy. If this continued, they would surely break down.
Hoshino Sora considered that since the turnover task was complete, he no longer needed to desperately earn money. Having a bit more rest time would also be a good option.
"One pork hock rice, one spicy potato strips, one soup of the day."
As he pondered this, another order came from the front. The first customer for lunch had already arrived. Fortunately, pork hock rice was not difficult to prepare, but one person was a bit too busy.
Sigh, sometimes having too much business is also a headache.
——————
As night fell, Hoshino Sora put up the "Closed" sign early. Ya Xiang and Rika went out to buy flour that had run out, while he cleaned the restaurant. However, at this moment, the doorbell at the shop entrance rang.
"We're closed. Please come back tomorrow."
"Closed so early? Commoner cuisine must not be doing well."
The person who arrived was Erina Nakiri. At this moment, her face held a hint of displeasure. Beside her was a spirited young woman with pink-purple hair, brown eyes, a blue-purple top, and a plaid pleated skirt. She was a very recognizable beautiful girl.
Hisako Arato, Hoshino Sora recognized this person. She specialized in medicinal cuisine and was also known as "Secretary-ko." She was Erina Nakiri's only friend, or more accurately, her close female friend, the kind with strong female bonding.
"Miss Eri Nai, what brings you here? Are you just here to mock me, or is it because you find me too handsome and can't help but be smitten, coming to my door to get my attention?"
Looking at Erina Nakiri and Hisako Arato who appeared at the shop entrance, Hoshino Sora naturally wouldn't think they came to mock him, but that didn't stop him from running his mouth.
Who was Erina Nakiri? The leader of the younger generation at Far Moon Academy, the youngest Elite Ten member in history, the object of admiration and respect for many male students, a true figure on a pedestal.
Being able to tease someone else's high and mighty goddess, there was an inexplicable sense of inner satisfaction, especially seeing her flustered with shyness (chuckles).
"Do you think I want to come! I don't know what my grandfather saw in you to make me personally invite you to Far Moon Academy's transfer exam, but with your rustic cooking, you definitely won't pass the assessment even if you go."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's words, Erina Nakiri bit her lower lip slightly and said indignantly. This guy was truly sharp-tongued, daring to say such disgusting things to her!
If it weren't for her grandfather insisting she come personally, and she couldn't possibly refuse, she would never have come to invite this guy!
"How rude! Do you know who this person is?!"
Her expression turned ugly. Hisako Arato immediately stepped forward upon hearing Hoshino Sora's flippant remarks, blocking Erina Nakiri, looking like a loyal protector.
"I know, Erina Nakiri, what about it?"
Hoshino Sora said indifferently. Respect was mutual. Since the other party didn't respect him, he didn't need to speak kindly. Although he knew she was influenced by her father, knowing was one thing, and being displeased was another.
Who walks in and starts mocking? This girl just has a problematic mindset and needs to be properly disciplined.
"How dare you call Erina-sama by her full name! Don't you know Erina-sama's standing in the culinary world?!"
Seeing Hoshino Sora's cynical and indifferent expression, Hisako immediately grew anxious. She wondered why this guy didn't follow the script; everyone else was respectful when they met Erina-sama.
"Isn't it just that your taste buds are more developed, so you're invited by major restaurants to evaluate dishes? Anyone can do that, really. Don't think you have such great influence; it's just because you're the Far Moon Academy Director's granddaughter that everyone is wary."
Looking at the somewhat annoyed Hisako Arato, a brilliant idea popped into Hoshino Sora's mind. He looked arrogant, his words full of mockery, which was also his most direct counterattack against the other party.
"It's not as you say, Erina-sama..."
"Enough, Hisako! It's normal for him not to know my worth, just like a stray dog on the street doesn't know the value of a jewel."
Suppressing the anger in her heart, Erina Nakiri mocked him pointedly, but her slightly clenched fists showed that her inner emotions were far from calm.
Where had she ever gone without being praised? Where had she ever suffered such an insult? Hoshino Sora, she remembered that name!
"It seems you're very unhappy. Since you keep saying my cooking is commoner food, why don't you make a high-class dish? Let me see how difficult high-class cuisine is?
Commoner food is simple, tastes good, and has no technical content. Your high-class cuisine shouldn't be like my commoner food, where someone can watch the process and immediately replicate it perfectly, right?"
"What do you mean?"
Erina Nakiri frowned slightly, somewhat confused by Hoshino Sora's meaning. Well, actually, she understood, she just couldn't quite believe what she had heard...
"What I mean is, no matter what dish you make next, I can easily replicate it—the appearance, taste, and texture will all be identical, thus proving that your cooking isn't that high-class."
"Replicate a dish, and a full-range replication at that? How is that possible?!"
Hisako Arato exclaimed in surprise, her brows furrowing as well. To truly perfectly replicate a dish, every single detail must be identical, yet not entirely identical, because there will be subtle differences between ingredients. How could that be possible? No one could do such a thing!