Chapter 425: Festival (5)

Sui had just sat down in the lounge to rest, sipping on the tea Miyoko had prepared, when the head chefs from several major Yokohama Town restaurants hurried in. Among them was Hiroshi Tomita of Tomita-ro and Chef Hōjo.

"Father, what are you up to now? Can't you let Sui rest for a bit?" Miyoko frowned, clearly displeased as she glanced at her father.

Sui had just expended a great deal of energy on his ice sculpture and needed time to recuperate.

Chef Hojō could only smile bitterly. "I tried to stop them, but they insisted on barging in. There wasn't much I could do."

Before he could finish his explanation, the group of chefs rushed forward, speaking in unison. "Brother, what are you planning to do with that ice sculpture?"

"Yes, if you haven't decided yet, why not sell it to me?"

"Sell it to me! I've been friends with your father-in-law for years."

Their eyes sparkled with eagerness. Sui's phoenix ice sculpture was a stunning, lifelike work of art with symbolic meaning, causing a sensation at the festival. If they could display it in their own restaurants, it would undoubtedly draw crowds.

"Sui, Hojō and I go way back. I even watched Miyoko grow up. How about selling the sculpture to me for a million yen?" Hiroshi Tomita said with a bright smile, trying to appeal to emotions.

"Haha, but I don't recall any friendship between you and me," Chef Hojō chuckled calmly.

Tomita Hiroshi was left momentarily speechless and laughed awkwardly. "Hojō, you don't have to be like that."

Watching Tomita's flustered expression, Chef Hojō inwardly reveled. 'You're the one who always teased me about not having a son!'

Though Tomita Hiroshi fumed inwardly, he couldn't deny his envy of the powerful son-in-law that had seemingly fallen into Hojō's lap.

"Tomita, you're being too cheap. Only a million? I'll offer five million!" another chef chimed in.

"Exactly, Tomita's always been stingy. Hojō, don't pay attention to him. You've raised a daughter who's far better than having three sons!" said another.

"You don't say!" others agreed, joining in the teasing.

Hiroshi Tomita could only grit his teeth in frustration while Chef Hojō basked in the compliments, feeling prouder than he had in years. Indeed, having a stellar son-in-law had its perks! Now, if only Miyoko could make it official...

"Miyoko, I held you in my arms when you were little. Can't you convince your boyfriend to sell me the sculpture?" one chef pleaded.

"Miyoko, remember all the candy I gave you as a child?" another added, trying to win her over.

Miyoko's cheeks burned with embarrassment. She quickly clarified, "Please don't misunderstand. Sui and I are just ordinary friends. This decision should be up to him."

Everyone immediately turned their attention to Sui.

Even Chef Hojō, despite his personal desire to keep the sculpture for Hojō House, couldn't say much since Sui wasn't technically his son-in-law yet. He, too, waited for Sui's decision.

Sui, surrounded by eager faces, sighed inwardly, unsure how to resolve the situation. Then, noticing Miyoko standing nearby, an idea struck him.

"Miyoko, do you like this ice sculpture?" Sui asked.

He recalled that last time, she had admired his butterfly creation, but he hadn't given it to her. This might be a good chance to make up for that.

"Eh? I suppose I do like it," Miyoko answered, momentarily caught off guard. "It's beautiful, after all."

The sculpture was indeed exquisite—crystal clear and lifelike, a natural object of admiration.

"Well then, I'll give it to you," Sui said with a smile.

"Eh? You're really giving it to me?" Miyoko was stunned, both delighted and flustered. She hesitated. "But it's so valuable… Are you sure?"

Several of the chefs had just offered large sums of money for the sculpture.

"It's no big deal. If you like it, it's yours," Sui replied casually. While others saw the sculpture as a treasure, to him, it was simply another piece—something he could easily recreate.

Miyoko was still reluctant to accept, but her father quickly urged her, "Miyoko, say yes already!"

"Well… thank you, Sui," she finally agreed, her heart fluttering with warmth.

The other chefs sighed in disappointment, realizing they had lost their chance. But in their eyes, it was only natural for Sui to give the sculpture to Miyoko, given their close relationship.

Chef Hojō, on the other hand, could hardly contain his glee. 'Now you know the benefits of having a daughter!' he thought, relishing the envious looks from his peers. Without wasting any time, he decided to commission a custom freezer to display the phoenix ice sculpture prominently in Hojō Restaurant's lobby.

When they exited the lounge, Sui's ice sculpture was already surrounded by tourists. It had become the highlight of the knife skills demonstration, attracting a growing crowd. Visitors marveled at its beauty, many even seeking out the creator, eager to purchase the piece.

Because of the sculpture's popularity, staff members had to step in to prevent people from touching it.

As soon as the organizers appeared, several individuals rushed over.

"Hello, I'm a reporter from a TV station. Is this sculpture part of the food festival? Could we interview the artist?" one asked.

"I'm a representative from the Zero Chamber of Commerce. Our president is interested in purchasing this piece," another said.

Before they could say more, Chef Hojō stepped forward with a calm smile. "I'm sorry, but the creator has officially donated the ice sculpture to Hojō Restaurant. If you'd like to admire it in the future, please visit us at Hojō Building."