The restaurant wasn"t meant to run for 24hours. Once it was 12am, the whole family left for home. But most times, Jianjun stayed back in the kitchen practicing.
His parents loved each other dearly but they were each other"s kitchen rival. They always wanted to out do the other to show who the boss was. And a better way to show that was in the ability and performance of their apparentice to adapt and perform well within a specific period before a contest would be held against both sides to determine who the best chef and coach was. Mr Kang or Mrs Kang?
Jianjun"s partner was obviously Changyu since she was also his mother"s apprentice just like he was.
He knew she liked the kitchen to an extent and didn"t want her to stress herself too much when it was time for the contest. So he had to properly learn everything for the both of them. And when she had the time, he would put her through thoroughly.
His Father"s side had Mr Park and Helene. Helene was also a diligent young lady. One reason why his father liked her so much. Mr Park was also too serious. Jianjun was surprised he wasn"t in the kitchen tonight also.
"You"re still here?" He asked in surprise when he saw Helene walk inside the kitchen. It was past 12 in the morning already and everyone had left the restaurant. He thought he was the only one left but what was she still doing here?
"I just returned from the orphanage. Knew you were going to be in here. You"re not the only one who wants to win" She said accusingly.
He chortled and continued chopping vegetables.
"I don"t know why they allow this" she said referring to the fact that he could still practice when the restaurant was closed. "It"s cheating. Don"t you think so?"
She flashed her beautiful dent.i.tion at him.
She was pet.i.te. Had a long black hair. Her black round eyes twinkled as she smiled at him. Her nose, lips, everything suited her. Nothing was too big or too small. It was all in the right proportion. She was wearing a black knee length gown whose bottom flared about. And a black jean jacket with a black boot.
"It isn"t." He answered. "Weren"t you told that we could all practice all we want and whenever we want? If you"re lazy, then it"s fine. Gives me a upper hand you know." He winked at her.
She took off her jacket and neatly placed it on a chair before moving closer to where he was.
"Let"s see..." She looked at the vegetables he was chopping. "What are you making this time? Let me guess, stir fried tofu?"
He have her a thumbs up in response.
"You really meant it when you said you were going to make it just like Mr w.a.n.g" it was more of a statement than a question.
He nodded. "How are the kids at the orphanage?" He changed the topic to ask.
A smile spread across Helene"s face.
"They are good. Too lovely" she said.
"You must have perched in your little corner to watch the orphanage from afar like you usually do before coming here. Right? You like the building that much?" He asked. He had always been curious since the first time she took him there to show him her little hideout opposite the orphanage. There were many trees and flowers that blocked others from seeing her but she on the other hand, could easily see the building. The location of the orphanage was also a bit isolated. So he always wondered why she went there frequently and sometimes, just sit in her hideout to watch from afar.
She exhaled sharply with a smile still on. "I haven"t told you this before.. But, you know, I grew up there." She paused to gauge his reaction but saw nothing strange except slight surprise so she continued.
"Your parents are aware of it. I didn"t know who my parents were or how I got there when I was a baby. The place was like my home. A home with many siblings and elders."
He looked at her sadly "I thought you only went there because you liked the children" It was what he had always thought. He hadn"t bothered to ask her since he liked to mind his business.
"Nah. There was more to it. You know, my health was never the best right from when I was a baby so it was difficult for me to get adopted. And at a point, it became impossible. I had to live with that— The fact that my family was always going to change. Have a friend today and tomorrow, she gets adopted leaving you there. It was an endless circle of torture for a younger me" She forced a smile and stretched her limbs. "But I"m all grown up now."
"You are only still twenty." He reminded her sadly.
"I"ve gone past all of those struggles. Thanks to Mr Kang. I can now do something I love. It"s a debt I will repay for the rest of my life." She said.
"So you really feel better now?" He asked.
"Of course" She smiled widely. "Now, it gives me strength. Going there to see beautiful kids. There"s this girl I love so much. Her name is Esther. She"s 5. So smart and adorable. When you agree to go with me to the orphanage, I"ll show her to you." She said.
She had been trying to get him to go with her to visit at least once whenever she did but he always gave an excuse. She was able to deduce from it that he didn"t like kids that much.
"I"ll follow one day. I"m just scared of having a migraine after paying a visit. Kids are too noisy." He complained.
"So you don"t wish to ever have one?" She asked curiously.
"Ermm.." He thought about if it for a while. "I do not know. If I want to have at all, then just one. I"ll love to have a daughter. Sons are too stubborn and disobedient. Girls are adorable and always listen to their parents. I don"t know where my sister came from though."
He really didn"t want a daughter like his sister. "I want a nice, pretty and delicate obedient daughter."
(Future Sar-> Sorry papa ??)