A month passed quickly. During this time, Hoshino Sora had been honing his skills in the shop, climbing towards the peak of culinary arts, and the number of customers in the shop also increased.
So much so that if you came late now, you had to queue for a long time, which forced some people to reluctantly choose other shops.
"Hayama, another plate of Yu Zan Chicken Wing Ball! This stuff is truly addictive!"
"Alright, please wait twenty minutes then. Chef, another order of chicken wing balls."
Kitagawa Marin responded energetically, a warm smile on her face. The work of serving dishes was not actually tiring. She wanted to earn her salary, so she had to give customers a good experience.
"I'd like a Fire Burnt Duck Heart, a garlic shrimp, and a bowl of rice, please."
"Okay, here's your number tag. Please wait a moment."
Holding the sub-menu, she quickly jotted down the diner's request. After a month of practice, Yui Yuigahama had adapted to the fast pace of the restaurant. After recording the orders, she went to the kitchen.
At this time, Hoshino Sora was simultaneously using two stoves, handling dishes with a dual focus. Ya Xiang, meanwhile, was cutting vegetables with sharp knife skills. Already a good cook, she became even more adept after working for a period, her efficiency even comparable to the professional chef Hisako.
"Three portions of chicken wing balls."
Rich sauce, reduced over high heat, dish after dish was brought to the table. The entire shop was filled with fragrant aromas, but these scents did not intermingle; instead, each occupied its own space, composing a magnificent symphony.
After several hours of busy work, by the time the last customer was sent off, it was already half past eight. Hoshino Sora brought the visually appealing, fragrant, and delicious dishes to the dining table.
"Everyone worked hard today. Let's eat."
"I'm eating."
At Hoshino Sora's command, the four girls at the table could no longer resist. They picked up their chopsticks, put their hands together for a moment, then picked up their bowls and began to feast.
"As expected, no matter how many times I eat it, Chef, your cooking is the best!
Especially this Yu Zan Chicken Wing Ball, it's really super delicious! No wonder so many people order it every day, but thanks to you, I've gained a few pounds recently."
With a blissful expression, she covered her face with her hands, her cheeks rhythmically chewing. Kitagawa Marin said this, then lifted her clothes and pinched her belly. After working here for a month, she had indeed gained a lot of weight.
"Of course! Sora is the champion of the Sanhe Street Cooking Competition! His cooking skills completely outclass all the chefs on this street."
Ya Xiang said proudly. She had said these words countless times, but she never tired of it. As long as someone praised Hoshino Sora, she would talk endlessly.
"I know, Asaka-nee, you've said this many times. But this food is so delicious, I won't be able to eat my mom's cooking when I go home anymore."
Sighing softly, because of her part-time job, Yui Yuigahama no longer ate at home. And now, the thing she looked forward to most every day was being able to eat Hoshino Sora's cooking.
Because she left home happily every day, her father even followed her once. In her father's words, how could a part-timer be so happy? Shouldn't they be looking miserable? As a result, he almost became a regular customer of Hoshino Restaurant.
Why 'almost'? Mainly because a married man doesn't have much money. Although Hoshino Restaurant's food isn't expensive, he couldn't afford to eat there every day.
Plus, his wife worked hard to cook a table full of food, yet he ate out every day. No matter how he thought about it, it seemed like a provocation. For the sake of harmonious marital life, he could only reluctantly give it up.
"Oh, by the way, Chef, have you heard? A new restaurant opened nearby, it seems it opened today. They sell things very similar to ours, and they have a grand opening sale, 30% off everything. They've taken quite a few of our customers."
"That Ruishan Restaurant? It doesn't matter. If there are fewer customers, we can relax a bit. It pains me to see so many customers queuing outside and starving every day."
Ever since he won the Sanhe Street Chef King Competition, the golden signboard had been hung at his restaurant's entrance. Coupled with the popularity generated by live broadcasts and TV shows, during peak dining hours, many people queued outside Hoshino Restaurant, waiting for a number tag, just to have a taste of his cooking.
For this, Hoshino Sora could only try his best to speed up. To ensure every customer didn't go hungry, he was now more than happy to have someone help him share the burden.
After all, his purpose in opening a restaurant wasn't to make money. Initially, it was to hone his cooking skills, and now it was more about serving his loyal customers.
Because when he saw customers showing happy expressions due to his cooking, he would also feel very happy. This was probably the only reason he persisted.
"Chef, you're so laid-back! Won't the shop go out of business if this continues? It's so hard to find such a good job; I don't want to leave here!"
Hearing the Chef's indifferent words, Kitagawa Marin couldn't help but feel a little anxious. It was so hard to find a part-time job in Tokyo that could support her hobby expenses; she didn't want Hoshino Sora to go bankrupt.
"It won't go bankrupt, but I'll be going to a professional school soon, and the shop might close temporarily for a while."
"Ah? Chef, with your cooking skills, do you still need to go to a culinary school? Does that mean we won't be able to eat your cooking anymore..."
After hearing Hoshino Sora's words, Yui Yuigahama asked curiously, her voice subtly revealing a hint of reluctance. Especially when she thought about not being able to eat this food again, her mood became irritable.
"May I ask, Chef, how old are you? Are you twenty yet?"
"What? I'm fifteen this year. Do I look that old?"
"What?! Chef, you're the same age as me?! What's your birthday?"
She raised her hand to cover her mouth, her expression showing disbelief. The tall, handsome, and perfectly skilled Chef was actually her peer. Sorry, she had prejudged, assuming all shop owners were adults.
"January 24th. Why?"
"Eh, never mind. I thought I could make you call me 'older sister'."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's birthday, Kitagawa Marin, who had been somewhat excited, suddenly deflated. Because she was born later than him, she felt a slight regret.
"The title 'older sister' belongs only to us!"
Hearing Kitagawa Marin's words, Rika, who had been quietly eating, suddenly spoke excitedly. As she spoke, she reached out and hugged Hoshino Sora's arm, her eyes showing possessiveness over food.
"Ah, Rika, you're sneaking ahead again!"
Seeing Rika completely pressing her body against him, Ya Xiang, who was eating, put down her chopsticks, then hugged Hoshino Sora's other arm, vying for his affection in front of outsiders.
"Asaka-nee, Rika-nee! That's enough, it's still eating time."
"Your sibling relationship is really good."
Watching the three of them immediately start bickering, Yui Yuigahama genuinely sighed. She had no siblings, and honestly, she envied such a relationship.
"Yeah, it's a bit like the plot in Akiiro no Sora."
Looking at the trio's behavior, Kitagawa Marin subconsciously murmured.
"What's Akiiro no Sora?"
"Ahaha, what Akiiro no Sora? You must have misheard."
Looking at Yui Yuigahama, who had a pure expression, Kitagawa Marin, realizing something was amiss, waved her hand feigning ignorance, then awkwardly scratched her head.
Damn it, I accidentally spoke my mind. Good thing the person in front of me doesn't understand what I'm saying.
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