Emperor Of The Culinary World [Part 2]

"You are?" Kenneth asked with a frown. The man in front of him was a bit chubby, but had gentle features. He had short brown hair that was elegantly trimmed. Kenneth could vaguely feel that this person was someone who has a passion for food.

"Oh, sorry. I forgot to introduce myself." The man slightly bowed his head in apology. "My name is Gordon…"

"Ramsay?" Kenneth asked with a teasing smile.

"I wish!" Gordon chuckled and shook his head. "My name is Gordon Flay. I am also the owner of this restaurant. Hails Kitchen."

Kenneth nodded his head in understanding. Since the person was the owner of this restaurant, it was only normal for him to know who he was.

"To think that my restaurant would be graced by your esteemed presence, I am very honored," Gordon said with a beaming smile. "Although the skills of my chefs are not as profound as yours, I hope that you will enjoy the dishes on our menu. Order anything you like, it's on the house!"

"Thank you." Kenneth nodded his head in understanding. "Before I leave I'll give you the recipe of one of my favorite dishes."

Gordon's eyes lit up when he heard Kenneth's promise. A recipe that came from the Emperor of the cooking world himself may not be a priceless treasure to others. However, to those who were seeking perfection in the culinary art, Kenneth's recipe was something that every food aficionado would fight for!

"I will no longer get in the way of your dinner," Gordon excused himself with a smile. "Please, enjoy your meal."

Mary watched the owner of the restaurant go away with a smile on her face. She knew how popular Kenneth was, but she didn't know that he was popular to this extent! For the owner of the best high-class restaurant in the city to respect him this much just proved how amazing Kenneth was.

Yue watched the scene with an indifferent face. Although the man in front of her seemed popular, so what? The only thought in her mind was whether Alex would like the cake that she planned to bake when he returned from his vacation.

Kenneth observed Yue and was pleasantly surprised when she seemed unconcerned about the discussion that transpired a few minutes ago.

'This girl sure is something,' Kenneth thought. 'I'm liking her more and more.'

Their orders arrived with a few extra add-ons that the owner of "Hails Kitchen" had prepared for them. Since Kenneth would be giving him one of his recipes, the least he could do was make sure that his stay would be a memorable one.

The best wines and best dishes of the restaurant were served on their table. Yue ate elegantly and tasted every cuisine that was laid out on their table. Although she was used to fine cuisine, she had to admit that the food here in Hails Kitchen was some of the best she ever had in her life.

"Say, Yue," Kenneth decided to take the initiative and test the waters. "Do you want to learn how to cook?"

"I know how to cook," Yue said dismissively.

Kenneth laughed lightly as he eyed the cold and aloof lady in front of him. "I know that you can cook. However, I can teach you how to cook in a way that will conquer the hearts of everyone who tastes it."

When Yue heard the word "conquer" her ears perked up a bit. She raised her head to glance at her Aunt's old friend and observed his demeanor.

"What do you mean by 'conquer the hearts of everyone who tastes it?"' Yue asked.

"It's just as I said," Kenneth continued. "Anyone who eats your cooking will look at you in a different light. If a boy were to eat it then they would fall in love with you on the spot."

'Fall in love with me on the spot…'

These words repeated inside Yue's head. The smile of the cute boy who had been inside her mind for the past few days flashed inside her head.

'Will he be conquered if he eats my cooking?' Yue pondered. 'Will he fall in love with me if he eats my cooking?'

Kenneth eyed Yue with a smile. He could see the internal struggle on her face. There had been plenty of talented individuals who had sought him out to beg to be accepted as his apprentice. However, he turned all of them down.

He decided long ago that the only one whom he would impart his skills would be a single person. This was why he didn't just casually accept anyone to become his disciple. However, the moment he saw Yue, he felt that she was the person he was looking for.

The Emperor of the Culinary World waited patiently for his chosen candidate to give a reply. If Yue decided to become his disciple, he would also make her his chosen candidate for the world of Edea.

"You don't need to give me an answer right away." Kenneth knew that this was not an easy decision to make for Yue. If it were anyone else they would instantly jump at the chance to become his disciple. But, the girl in front of him was different. She had a certain spark that was waiting to be nurtured into full bloom.

Kenneth was willing to wait. For the first time in his life, he felt anxious. If Yue didn't accept his proposal then he would have to find another candidate before the world of Edea opened. He was running out of time!

"I have made a decision," Yue said in a firm manner.

"Oh? Are you sure that you don't want to think things through?"

"There's no need for that."

"And your answer is?" Kenneth asked. He was waiting with baited breath for Yue's answer. His palms, which were hidden under the table, started to sweat. He stared at Yue with a serious expression not daring to blink. He was afraid that he might miss her answer if he lost focus for even a second.

"My answer is…"

----

Somewhere in the Sea Horizon Resort…

A certain red-haired teenager sneezed.

"Did you catch a cold?" Abbie asked. "Do heroes even get sick?"

"Good question." Alex frowned while deep in thought. "I don't know if we can get sick, but I'm guessing that our resistance is higher compared to the average person."

The two of them were seated on a viewing platform overlooking the resort's garden and the beach. The sound of the crashing waves combined with a clear sky littered with stars made snuggling with Alex that much better. It was the most beautiful moment Abbie had experienced today.

She and Alex had spent the morning playing on the beach. Since they were connected with a strong bond, Alex could feel that Abbie wanted to stay away from the crowds as much as possible.

The handsome red head then suggested renting a pedicab to tour the island which gained Abbie's seal of approval. They visited the various attractions that the resort has to offer. After a day filled with happiness, the two decided to come to this viewing platform after having dinner with Alice and Aiden.

The rumors about Abbie's rejection died down with the help of Britney and her lackeys. Alex asked Britney to spread the word that Alex was Abbie's fiance and the two of them were madly in love with each other.

They had already appeared in various places to publicly display their Affection. Alex felt that it was enough and he didn't have to go overboard. There was only one more day remaining to Abbie's vacation, and he planned to save the best for last.

"Tomorrow there is going to be a ball at the hotel." Alex kissed Abbie's forehead. "This was an activity sponsored by your university. Make sure that you come."

"Are you going to come with me?" Abbie asked. Her heart felt warm as she leaned on Alex's shoulder.

"I will be there," Alex said with a devilish smile. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

The two of them stayed together until late at night nestled in each other's embrace. Both of their hearts were feeling bliss, and yet, they were also feeling anxious at the same time. One more day. Just one more day and this vacation would come to an end.

Alex hugged Abbie a little tighter, afraid to let her go. The duration of the potion was also nearing its end. Just like Cinderella, he had to leave when the clock struck twelve. The only difference was that no glass slippers would be left behind in his wake.