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20% I Will Become the Greatest Chef / Chapter 9: You’re either really brave or really stupid

Chương 9: You’re either really brave or really stupid

The woman's sharp gaze fixed on the plate I had just set before her. For a moment, she said nothing, her eyes scanning the arrangement of lobster and salad with a level of scrutiny that could have pierced steel.

I tried to suppress the nervous energy bubbling in my chest, but the longer she stared, the harder it became to keep my composure.

"It looks far better than the slop those fools attempted earlier," she finally said, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

She leaned in closer, inhaling deeply. "The smell is enticing as well. Light, but distinct. And the cooking…" She picked up a fork and knife, her sharp nails clicking against the cutlery. "The cooking appears perfect."

Her words sent a ripple of satisfaction through me, but I kept my expression neutral. Instead, I clasped my hands behind my back, focusing on keeping my breathing even as she picked up a piece of lobster.

The seconds dragged as her fork hovered in the air, and I swore time itself slowed to a crawl when she finally placed the morsel into her mouth.

The woman's face was a fortress of neutrality, a mask that revealed nothing. She chewed slowly, methodically, her eyes darting briefly to the plate before returning to her fork for another bite.

I could feel my pulse pounding in my ears, my confidence from earlier replaced by a gnawing uncertainty. Does she like it? Hate it? Why isn't she saying anything?

She went in for a third bite. Then a fourth. The motion of her hand was precise, unhurried, as if she were dissecting each flavor and texture with scientific precision.

I couldn't help but notice the faintest flicker of something—approval? enjoyment?—in her eyes, though her expression remained as severe as ever. Finally, she set the fork down and cleared her throat, a gesture so abrupt I nearly jumped.

"It's…decent," she said, her tone clipped but laced with something akin to grudging respect. She straightened her posture, folding her hands in her lap as if the plate of food before her no longer existed. "You've passed the test."

The weight of her words hit me like a tidal wave, and for a moment, I could only blink in stunned relief. I wanted to laugh, to shout, to throw my arms in the air like I'd just won a championship, but I forced myself to settle for a small, satisfied smile.

"Thank you," I managed, my voice steady despite the excitement coursing through me.

The woman waved a dismissive hand, already turning her attention to something else. "Leave now. You'll be notified of your acceptance officially in a few days."

I didn't need to be told twice. Spinning on my heel, I headed for the door, my heart racing with a mix of triumph and exhilaration.

The moment I stepped outside, the cool air of the hallway hit me, and I couldn't stop the grin that spread across my face. I did it. I actually did it.

Rowena's car was still parked in the same spot where I'd left it, her familiar figure slouched in the driver's seat.

As I approached, I noticed her tapping furiously at the screen of her phone, a determined frown etched into her face.

She was still in her pajamas baggy gray sweats and an oversized hoodie and the sight of her so casually absorbed in whatever game she was playing made me laugh out loud.

Rowena looked up, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing," I said, opening the passenger door and sliding in. The interior smelled faintly of cereal and lavender air freshener.

"I just forgot how ridiculous you look in your pajamas. Did you seriously not change before driving me here?"

"Why would I? It's not like I was planning on getting out of the car." She glanced back down at her phone, furiously swiping at the screen.

"Besides, if I'd taken the time to change, you'd have been late, and then you'd be crying in this car instead of laughing."

She had a point. "Fair enough."

"So?" she asked without looking up. "How did it go?"

"Oh, it was…" I let the sentence trail off dramatically, savoring the anticipation that flickered across her face. When she finally looked at me, clearly impatient, I couldn't hold back any longer.

"I passed! She said I passed! Well even if the woman was super mean and even made a woman cry" I said while telling her the others things that had happened.

Rowena arched an eyebrow, setting her phone down in the cupholder. "You passed? With that kind of person?"

"Yes. With an angry woman who looked like she was ready to murder someone with her bare hands."

"That's impressive," Rowena said, her tone grudging but sincere. "She doesn't let just anyone through. What did you make?"

"Lobster," I said proudly.

"Lobster?" Her eyebrows shot up. "Seriously? Weren't you just ranting about how terrible everyone else's lobster was?"

"Exactly," I said, crossing my arms. "I needed to prove it could be done properly."

Rowena let out a low whistle, leaning back in her seat. "You're either really brave or really stupid."

"Maybe both." I grinned. "But it worked, didn't it?"

She rolled her eyes, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Alright, alright, I'll give you credit for this one. Good job."

"Thanks," I said, leaning back in my seat and letting out a long, satisfied breath. For the first time all day, I felt truly at ease.

The nerves, the stress, the doubts all of it had melted away, leaving behind nothing but pride and anticipation for what came next.

Rowena picked up her phone again, resuming her game with a half-hearted mutter. "Let's go home now."


Chương 10: The Demon Realm had truly changed

The car rumbled quietly as Rowena drove, her hand lazily resting on the steering wheel while her other tapped rhythmically against the door in time with the beat of the music playing softly from the radio.

I leaned against the window, watching the scenery blur by, my mind wandering.

The Demon Realm had truly changed.

Growing up, Leora's stories had painted a vivid picture of what the realm used to be a place steeped in tradition, where magic and mysticism ruled everything.

The streets were once filled with carriages drawn by monstrous creatures, merchants called out their wares in cobblestone markets, and towering, gothic spires dominated the skyline.

Back then, technology was seen as an unnecessary human novelty, something demons had no need for.

But now? It was as if the Demon Realm had embraced modernization wholeheartedly.

Cars zipped through the streets, sleek and modern, their engines purring like content beasts. Towering skyscrapers lined the horizon, their glossy facades shimmering under the afternoon sun.

Billboards and holographic advertisements hovered above the streets, their colorful displays flashing promotions for everything from magical potions to the latest tech gadgets.

Some even featured familiar human products like soda brands and video games.

I spotted a group of humans walking together, laughing as they navigated the bustling sidewalk. It wasn't uncommon to see them here anymore.

Ever since Lydia and Aurelia had became queens of humans, more and more humans had begun migrating to the Demon Realm. At first, it had been strange humans living among us but now it was simply part of life.

Even the tournaments had changed. Once, they were brutal and bloody affairs meant to determine dominance and enforce power structures.

Now, they were events held for sport, entertainment, and bragging rights. I'd never paid much attention to them; they didn't interest me. But I knew others Rowena especially loved the spectacle.

For her, it was a chance to prove strength and skill, even if it was all for show now.

My thoughts were interrupted by a loud growl from my stomach.

Rowena glanced at me, one eyebrow raised. "Hungry much?"

I rolled my eyes. "Can you blame me? I just survived a cooking trial from hell. I didn't even get to eat my own dish."

"You could've packed some of it for later, you know," Rowena teased, a smirk tugging at her lips. "But no, Miss Perfect had to make it flawless for the angry cooking queen."

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up." I crossed my arms, my cheeks flushing slightly. "So are you going to feed me or what?"

Rowena sighed dramatically, making a show of looking around. "Alright, fast food it is. There's a place nearby."

We pulled into the parking lot of a popular fast-food chain. The smell of fried food and grease hit me the moment I stepped out of the car, and my stomach growled louder in anticipation.

Rowena was already heading for the entrance, her pajama-clad figure earning a few curious stares, but she didn't seem to care.

Inside, the place was buzzing with activity. Demons and humans alike filled the booths and tables, chatting, eating, and occasionally shouting over the noise.

The menu screens above the counter flashed with images of oversized burgers, crispy fries, and colorful milkshakes.

"Alright," Rowena said, scanning the menu. "What do you want?"

I tapped my chin thoughtfully, pretending to deliberate. "A burger, fries, and a shake. Oh, and don't forget the extra sauce. You're paying."

"Of course I am," she muttered, rolling her eyes as she pulled out her wallet. "You know, for someone who insists on becoming a chef, you sure don't mind eating junk."

"Hey, chefs are allowed to indulge," I shot back, grinning.

As Rowena placed the order, I found a booth by the window. The seat was sticky, and the table wobbled slightly when I leaned on it, but I didn't mind. It was part of the charm of places like this imperfect but comforting.

Rowena returned with a tray of food, setting it down with a flourish. "Bon appétit, princess."

I ignored her sarcasm, grabbing a fry and popping it into my mouth. The salty, greasy flavor was exactly what I needed. "You're not eating?"

"Nah, I'm good," she said, sipping on a soda. "I had my cereal, remember?"

I was about to respond when a shadow fell over our table. I looked up to see a tall, elegant demon woman standing there, her crimson eyes fixed on Rowena with an intensity that made me suppress a laugh.

"Excuse me," the woman said, her voice smooth and confident. "I couldn't help but notice you from across the room."

Rowena blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Uh, hi?"

"You have such a strong presence," the woman continued, leaning slightly closer. "And I must say, those pajamas? Bold choice. It's refreshing to see someone so unapologetically themselves."

I bit my lip to keep from laughing as Rowena's expression shifted from confusion to mild horror.

"Uh, thanks?" Rowena said, her voice rising slightly at the end. "I just… didn't feel like changing today."

The woman's smile widened. "It suits you. Confidence is attractive."

I couldn't hold it in any longer. A snort of laughter escaped me, and I quickly covered my mouth with a napkin, pretending to cough. Rowena shot me a glare before turning back to the woman.

"Thanks," she said awkwardly, clearly unsure how to respond.

"If you ever want to grab a coffee sometime," the woman said, pulling out a card and placing it on the table, "let me know."

Rowena stared at the card like it might explode. "Sure… I'll, uh, think about it."

The woman winked before walking away, her heels clicking against the tiled floor. The moment she was out of earshot, I burst out laughing.

"Oh my god, Rowena," I said, clutching my sides. "That was priceless. She was totally hitting on you!"

Rowena groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Why does this always happen? I'm not even trying!"

"It's the pajamas," I said, wiping tears of laughter from my eyes. "Apparently, they scream 'date me.'"

"Shut up," she muttered, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "Let's just eat and get out of here."

As we finished our meal and headed back to the car, I couldn't stop teasing Rowena about her new admirer. By the time we pulled out of the parking lot, she was threatening to leave me by the side of the road if I didn't stop.

"You wouldn't dare," I said, grinning.

"Try me," she shot back, though the corners of her mouth twitched upward in amusement.

The rest of the drive was filled with playful banter, the kind that only siblings could share. As I gazed out the window again, the world outside seemed a little brighter, a little more alive. The future felt full of possibilities, and for the first time in a long time, I felt truly excited about what was to come.


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