As to why Lu Xinyi chose such a reward, it was for a simple reason. She remembered Yang Liqing mentioning once that the Mo siblings inherited Blue Haven Restaurant from their deceased uncle who raised the two of them.
All their life, they depended on Blue Haven for a living and hadn’t tried looking for experiences outside of their small town. If Lu Xinyi won today, not only would she prove that Grace Palace was in good hands, but the Mo siblings would surely have a hard time finding another profession aside from cooking.
For this reason, Lu Xinyi had experienced to do jobs like bartending, serving as a waitress, and doing part-time store attendant before she met and married Shen Yi. Having skills and experience aside from cooking had given her the advantage to adjust to challenges life thrown on her way.
Would Mo Lihui do the same thing if she lost her job and could never cook again? She was just a young woman who didn’t know the difference between love and infatuation.
“I agree. If only we’re able to witness that you really have the ability to cook!” Mo Lihui replied without hesitation, much to her older brother’s chagrin.
Immediately, the place was filled with more people wanting to see what the result of this bet would be. Aside from the locals and tourists that heard the news, the town officials also paid a visit to witness the compet.i.tion between two popular restaurants.
Because of Lu Xinyi and Mo Lihui, the cooking compet.i.tion for this year’s autumn festival had become the talk of the town.
Lu Xinyi, while checking the account records of the Grace Palace for the past week, hadn’t touched any cooking utensils except for the time she thought Young Master Shen how to use the knife properly.
If Yang Liqing hadn’t seen one of Lu Xinyi’s dishes earlier, she might also doubt if her mistress can cook. She was rendered speechless when she and her brother saw Lu Xinyi removing her wedding ring and a gold band from her hand.
A golden ring that Yang Liqing would recognize for it bore the insignia of the Silver Leaf Academy. As far as she knew, only those who pa.s.sed Silver Leaf Academy could obtain such jewelry.
As for how did Young Madam Shen obtain it, she could only a.s.sume that the Shen Matriarch clearly knew what she was doing when she sent Lu Xinyi to this small town.
“Then we should make this an official bet, how about we ask the town councilors to be our witness?” Mo Lihui taunted. Competing with Lu Xinyi was a child’s play. Was there even a need to compete to know who the real winner was? Was the result of this compet.i.tion not clear yet?
Her gaze then landed at Shen Yi. His perfect features made her heart ache. She didn’t see any concern on his face. Instead, there was a hint of gentleness and warmth as he looked at Lu Xinyi.
“Then do so, I don’t mind.” Lu Xinyi shrugged. She’d let Mo Lihui dig her own grave deeper than she intended.
The town councilors didn’t object the sudden proposal and agreed to be their witness to their bet. They couldn’t believe that Mo Lihui and Lu Xinyi would enter such a dangerous bet with their restaurants at the stake.
If Mo Lihui won this year again, Lu Xinyi would have to cut her relations.h.i.+p with this dangerously handsome man and work at Blue Haven without earning a cent. Meanwhile, if Lu Xinyi won, Mo Lihui had to give up her family restaurant and would be demoted as a kitchen staff working under Lu Xinyi’s command.
Whoever loses today would have to face such humiliation that could never be forgotten by the witnesses. As the partic.i.p.ants filled the kitchen counters, the emcee of the compet.i.tion stepped up for the opening ceremony and read the rules.
“The theme for today’s compet.i.tion has been given to you yesterday. Each restaurant should produce three different kinds of dumplings using chicken, beef, and pork as the main ingredient. You should also infuse your knowledge and give your dumplings representation of our town’s culture and tradition. You only have three hours to prepare fifty servings of each dish. Use your time wisely!”
While waiting for the emcee to finish talking, Lu Xinyi braided her hair neatly; but with her hair tie keeping on slipping from her hand, she grunted. Shen Yi let out a low chuckle before s.n.a.t.c.hing her hair tie from her hand and securing the end of her braid.
“Make sure you wash your hands before touching anything!” Lu Xinyi reminded him.
“Yes, chef! What else should I do, chef?” Shen Yi sighed. Why couldn’t he say no to his wife? Maybe he should ask Kang Wei, but remembering how Zhao Xi bullied his friend, Shen Yi decided to forget it.
“Shen Yi, if we won today, what reward do you want to receive?” His little wife suddenly asked, stopping Shen Yi from his movements.
After a few seconds, he grinned back to her.
“Wife, do you really want to know the answer to that question?”
Lu Xinyi blushed. c.r.a.p, maybe she really did ask the wrong question. She should have known that Shen Yi would give it a double meaning, but anyway, it was too late for her to correct herself.
“You pervert,” she muttered to herself.
“Whatever did my wife meant by that?” Shen Yi feigned innocence, but his mischievous grin said otherwise.
“Nothing. I’m just wondering how I could test your endurance.” Lu Xinyi gave him a flirty smile which piqued up his interest.
“Oh? Does my wife think I’m fragile and delicate? Don’t worry, dear. I can handle anything you want, I wouldn’t mind.”
“I didn’t know you have a m.a.s.o.c.h.i.s.tic streak in you.” Lu Xinyi laughed.
“Only if you have a s.a.d.i.s.tic one.”