"Shop Owner, please accept me as your disciple and teach me how to cook," Tadokoro Megumi said, looking at Liu Ming with a serious expression.
Liu Ming's first reaction was to refuse because teaching a disciple was too troublesome.
Moreover, his cooking skills were suddenly acquired, and he always felt it wasn't quite real.
More importantly, he only knew Chinese Cuisine right now. He only had a superficial understanding of other cuisines, and taking a disciple might mislead her.
"Shop Owner, please, I really want to improve my cooking skills. I don't want to see my mother disappointed," Tadokoro Megumi said, her spirits sinking when Liu Ming didn't respond for a long time.
"Do you know what 'Shifu' means in China?" Liu Ming asked.
Tadokoro Megumi blinked blankly.
"We Chinese place great importance on inheritance. If you simply want me to guide you in your cooking skills, that's easy.
But if you want to receive the inheritance of my cooking skills, then it's a bit more serious.
As the saying goes, 'Once a teacher, always a father.' A Shifu is not just a title."
Tadokoro Megumi nodded with a serious expression.
Of course, she knew these things. After all, even in Japan, becoming a disciple was a sacred matter.
She had also given it careful consideration before deciding to speak up.
Tadokoro Megumi had practically grown up in the kitchen, spending almost all of her past decade doing things related to cooking.
Now, she had actually encountered someone with such superb cooking skills.
If she didn't cherish this opportunity, she felt she would regret it for the rest of her life.
Moreover, she urgently needed to improve her cooking skills to avoid expulsion.
At first, Liu Ming really didn't want to take a disciple.
After all, for a slacker like him, it was a bit too much trouble.
But after thinking about it carefully, he found it quite interesting.
Tadokoro Megumi's talent was indeed very good; as long as she gained more confidence, coupled with his guidance, her future achievements could indeed make her a first-class, or even a super-class chef.
Having such a disciple would also bring him a lot of prestige.
And he couldn't go to Totsuki Academy to have some fun, which he always felt was a pity.
Since that was the case, why not train an Elite Ten member to cause a stir at Totsuki Academy?
Just imagining it made him feel great.
Moreover, Tadokoro Megumi's personality was also very suitable for a disciple, and she was pretty.
Isn't it natural for a disciple to serve her master?
"I want to learn how to cook too, so I can make delicious food for Xiao Ming later," Tohru said, walking over and hugging Liu Ming's arm.
"If you want to learn, then learn," Liu Ming said, reaching out to stroke her head.
Tohru purred like a cat, showing an expression of enjoyment.
"Shop Owner," Tadokoro Megumi asked, full of anticipation.
"Even if I only know Chinese Cuisine, you don't mind, do you?"
"As a world-renowned cuisine, I feel very honored to have the opportunity to learn Chinese Cuisine, so why would I mind?" Tadokoro Megumi said with a serious expression.
"In that case, pour the tea," Liu Ming said softly.
"Yes," Tadokoro Megumi's eyes lit up, and she immediately ran to the kitchen to find the tea set.
Ten minutes later, Tadokoro Megumi brought a cup of hot tea to Liu Ming.
She respectfully held it with both hands, "Shifu, please drink the tea."
"Indeed, today I accept you as my disciple. I will impart all my knowledge and skills to you, hoping you will surpass your master," Liu Ming said, serious for once.
"Yes, Shifu, I will work hard," Tadokoro Megumi said with a solemn expression.
"Don't be so serious. Cooking is about bringing happiness to people. Likewise, learning to cook should be an enjoyable experience. Don't treat it as a task, and don't treat it as a difficult thing. Just put your heart into it. That kind of consideration for the customer, they will definitely receive it," Liu Ming said earnestly.
"Understood, Shifu," Tadokoro Megumi nodded seriously.
"You're currently on Summer Vacation, right? Go back tomorrow, pack your luggage, and move in here. I'll put you through special training until school starts."
"I understand," Tadokoro Megumi nodded, not refusing.
"For the apprenticeship gift, I'll give it to you in a couple of days. I'll give you a surprise then," Liu Ming said with a mysterious expression.
"Thank you, Shifu," Tadokoro Megumi did not refuse.
Now Liu Ming was her Shifu, and she simply had to accept what her Shifu gave her.
"Alright, that's enough for today. Go upstairs yourself, choose an empty room, and stay here for the night. If you need to make a call, the phone is over there, feel free to use it. Oh, and you'll make breakfast tomorrow. I'll taste your cooking."
"Yes, Shifu, what would you like to eat tomorrow?" Tadokoro Megumi asked, feeling a little nervous.
"I'll eat whatever you make. Make your own decision," Liu Ming shook his head inwardly. This personality had to change; how could a chef be so lacking in confidence?
Tadokoro Megumi nodded and walked towards the second floor.
"Xiao Ming, what about me? Do I have to serve tea too?" Tohru asked excitedly.
"You don't have to. Even if you're not my disciple, I'll still teach you. In my eyes, you're special," Liu Ming said.
"Hehe, I knew Xiao Ming was the best to me," Tohru became even happier, hugging Liu Ming and not letting go.
Liu Ming was speechless. Could he say it was because he was afraid of being beaten by her father?
Once a teacher, always a father.
But that depends on whose father.
Tohru's father was The Emperor of the End, and he didn't want to be killed.