"Megumi, do you mean the same 'God's Tongue' talent possessed by Miss Nakiri from Totsuki?" Kenro Ono couldn't help but ask.
After spending more than a day together, the chefs at Kirinoya had become well-acquainted with the two interns.
"Yes," Megumi replied with a smile, nodding.
"So it's that kind of legendary talent!" The chefs looked at Sui with a mixture of envy and amazement.
For a chef, the ability to possess such a talent was akin to a dream come true.
"No wonder you're so remarkable. You really deserve the title of 'God's Tongue,'" Hoshino Miyuki said with a look of understanding. Upon reflection, it made sense—only someone with the 'God's Tongue' could improve a dish with just a single taste.
Hinako, though initially surprised, then laughed. "It seems like I've struck gold, haven't I?"
The eyes of the other chefs brightened as well. Normally, if anyone wanted to invite Totsuki's God's Tongue to taste their food, they would not only need to apply well in advance but also pay a hefty fee. Who would have thought that an ordinary intern would turn out to be in possession of such a rare gift? This was a golden opportunity!
"Sui, I'm working on a new dish and could use your help tasting it."
"Me too!"
"Same here!"
Everyone crowded around Sui, speaking all at once.
"Alright, alright. But let's go one at a time," Sui said, feeling momentarily overwhelmed but agreeing to help them out.
"Let's set that aside for now," Hinako interjected with a smile. "Miyuki, prepare another improved dish and send it to that guest."
She then turned to the waiter, "Tell the customer that if they're still unsatisfied with the dish, we'll refund their order."
"Understood," the waiter responded with a respectful bow.
Shortly after, Miyuki prepared the improved version of the tofu tempura and handed it to the waiter. The kitchen staff anxiously awaited the customer's feedback.
Although everyone had tasted the dish and felt it was an improvement, the final test would be the customer's approval.
After some time, the waiter returned.
"Well?" Miyuki asked eagerly, since this was his dish on the line.
The waiter smiled brightly. "The customer was very satisfied! They said it tasted like a completely different dish, and they no longer wish to return it."
"That's great!" Miyuki let out a relieved sigh, clearly happy with the outcome.
The rest of the kitchen staff turned their gazes toward Sui once again. With just a single bite, he had transformed a struggling dish into something delightful and new.
"Sui, thank you so much." Miyuki bowed deeply. Without him, his dish would likely have been pulled from the menu.
"It's nothing, really," Sui replied humbly.
"I've made up my mind!" Hinako said with a gentle smile. "Sui-kun, from now on, I'd like you to help us discuss and create new menus."
The kitchen staff was taken aback. Although they knew Sui had a special talent, he had only been at the restaurant for two days! And yet, he was already being entrusted with such responsibility.
"Sui, you're incredible!" Megumi exclaimed in awe. While she was still busy washing dishes, Sui had already been asked to help decide the restaurant's new menu. Inspired, she clenched her fists in determination—she, too, would work harder!
"Congratulations," Miyuki said, though his eyes held a hint of complexity. He had worked at Kirinoya for five years before he earned the right to introduce his own dishes, while Sui was already making his mark after just two days.
Sui, on the other hand, was thrilled. This opportunity meant he could soon contribute his own dishes to Kirinoya's menu. However, he needed to carefully consider what type of dish to create. Kirinoya was a Japanese restaurant—so the dish needed to fit within that style.
"By the way, Sui, come help me taste my food."
"Me too!"
Everyone quickly recalled their earlier requests.
"Let's save this for the afternoon," Hinako raised a finger, signaling for everyone to return to their tasks. "Lunch service isn't over yet."
Realizing she was right, the chefs dispersed and resumed their duties.
"Sui-kun, come with me," Hinako suddenly said, gently tugging at his arm.
"Hinako-senpai, what's going on?" Sui asked curiously.
"I've been thinking of new dish ideas and would love for you to try them. Come on, now's our chance, while no one is paying attention," she said playfully, sneaking glances around.
Sui felt a bit exasperated but followed her.
Though Hinako had once been known as the 'Empress of the Mist' during her time at Totsuki, feared by many, she was actually quite gentle—almost childlike in moments like these.
After a long and busy day, Sui and Megumi returned to their hotel.
"Today was exhausting," Sui sighed, collapsing into a chair.
Megumi, sitting next to him, couldn't help but laugh. Sui had spent much of the day being pulled from one chef to another, tasting their dishes. After all, having the 'God's Tongue' taste your food was an incredibly rare opportunity.
Back in his room, Sui checked his phone, but to his disappointment, there were no missed calls from Alice. Yesterday, she had called him over ten times by this time.
Perhaps her restaurant was exceptionally busy today, he thought.
Just then, a knock came at the door.
"Hmm? Could it be Megumi?" Sui wondered aloud as he opened the door.
To his surprise, standing there was a silver-haired girl in a restaurant uniform, smiling brightly at him.
"Alice? What are you doing here?" Sui asked, genuinely shocked.
"Of course, I came to see you! What, are you not happy to see me?" Alice pouted, looking upset.
"Of course not," Sui said with a laugh. He recalled that Alice had mentioned coming by yesterday, but he hadn't taken her seriously at the time. Yet here she was.
Even though the restaurant she was interning at was about an hour away, she had come straight after work, still in her uniform.
Sui was deeply touched by her effort.