Abnormal Gourmet Chronicle-Chapter 885 - 439: Then Let Me See What You’ve Comprehended

Qin Huai: ...Listening to this, it really doesn't seem like a good thing for a Mayfly to succeed in their ascension trial.

"So I asked if you want to help Zhao Cheng'an succeed in his trial. If you really make him succeed, the first thing he might do after waking up is to find a way to fail again." Luo Jun said expressionlessly.

Qin Huai sighed, truly feeling that the matter of ascension is a case of the haves and have-nots. Some spirits struggle to succeed no matter what, while others can't fail despite all their efforts.

"Let's just leave it to nature." Qin Huai said, "From what I see, Zhao Cheng'an has two dreams left. I don't know if I can figure out Zhao Cheng'an's inner conflict after watching all the dreams. If there's a hint that suggests a special dish I could make for him as a surprise, I'll hold off on making it, given that Mayflies are indeed... a bit unique."

With Qin Huai saying this, Chen Huihong felt relieved: "Xiao Qin, having this mindset is good. You can't force these things like ascension trials. Of course, I really want to succeed in my trial, but if I don't, it's no big deal. After all, I'm going to spend my life with Huihui."

"I want to succeed too." Qu Jing said softly, "I'm happy to remember my grandpa; at least I haven't forgotten him. I'm also glad to be able to find my mom and dad again. At least I have a chance to make up for any regrets. If I were to fail the ascension trial and died without waking up, I'd feel it was a pity."

Chen Huihong wildly gestured to Qu Jing to indicate that these words should be said privately, in a small gathering, not here.

Qin Huai: ...Sister Hong, we're on a video call. Do you think I can't see you making faces at the camera?

Ignoring all the little gestures in each chat window, Cheng Gong shared his thoughts as if giving a work report: "I also think you don't have to forcefully succeed in the trial. Even in the final life, as long as you live comfortably and without regrets, that's good enough. Of course, that's just my irresponsible opinion as a spirit who's succeeded in the trial. For those who haven't succeeded, I still hope they can succeed."

After Cheng Gong finished, he stared straight at his phone.

Luo Jun's defense broke immediately, and he angrily cursed: "Wenyao Fish, what do you mean? You also failed in your first life. What qualifies you to speak to me so sarcastically? This is just my first life, how do you know I won't succeed on my own next time? Let me tell you, if you can succeed on your own, so can I. I don't need to rely on Qin Huai at all!"

Having said that, Luo Jun hung up and angrily left the group chat.

Qin Huai: ...

Everyone chatted casually for a few more lines, then finally ended the conversation. Qin Huai put down the phone and looked at Shi Dadan, who hadn't said a word and silently played on his phone the entire time, and asked:

"Old Shi, what do you think?"

"Me?" Shi Dadan looked up, confused, "I think it's great now. Leave things to nature. Xiao Qin, are you making egg tarts tomorrow?"

"I can make them. I'll make plain steamed buns in the morning and egg tarts in the afternoon. Is there anything else you'd like to eat?"

Shi Dadan smacked his lips: "If possible, could you make some rice cakes? I haven't had them in a while and suddenly crave them after hearing you mention it today."

"Sure." Qin Huai agreed readily.

.

At nine the next morning, Qin Huai went to work at Zhiwei Restaurant as usual with two books in hand. No one is surprised by Qin Huai's behavior of carrying books into the kitchen anymore. Master Zhou was waiting at Qin Huai's cooking station with a smile, and Qin Huai's breakfast was noticeably placed on the station.

Beef noodle soup made by Master Hua, soup dumplings by Master Zhou, and a soft-boiled egg fried by Master Zhang. While the items didn't exactly go together, it was still quite an all-star lineup.

Qin Huai placed the books down as usual, watching Master Zhou knead dough while eating breakfast.

It could be because he watched too many of Jiang Chengde's smooth tutorial videos the previous night, but even though Jiang Chengde didn't knead dough in the rice cake video, Qin Huai thought Master Zhou's kneading technique was lacking today.

It was missing quite a few points.

Not fluid enough, not vigorous enough, lacking the beauty of maxed-out stats.

"I heard from Lao San that you took a liking to a painting yesterday. Did you have any insights from the exhibition?" Master Zhou asked with a grin.

"Yes." Qin Huai nodded sincerely, "Master Zhou, I think I've started to understand why the snacks I make aren't visually appealing, why the snacks Zhao Cheng'an and I make lack personal flair."

Master Zhou looked at Qin Huai with some surprise, not expecting him to have gained some insights from viewing the exhibit.

With Qin Huai's words, Zhao Cheng'an also paused, his face saying 'What does this have to do with me?' 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

"Why?" Master Zhou asked.

"Because our techniques aren't good enough yet." Qin Huai said powerfully, "To put it bluntly, Zhao Cheng'an and I have similar styles and aesthetics when making snacks. We both like those textbook-perfect snacks and enjoy imitating them."

"It's just that Zhao Cheng'an's technique is a bit stronger, and my talent is a bit higher, so we each have our strengths and weaknesses."

Master Zhou nodded, satisfied, with a look that said, "This kid can be taught."

"So what do you think you should do now?" Master Zhou asked.

"Practice." Qin Huai said, "Our direction is correct; we do have our personal styles. But we're just not skilled enough."

"Blindly imitating the textbook won't work, but if we become the textbook, there won't be any problems."

Master Zhou: ?

Zhao Cheng'an: ??

Tan Wei'an, who came by with snacks: ???