Knife skills are actually the most important aspect of Eastern cuisine, directly affecting both the taste and appearance of a dish. Brian Carter's knife skills were truly exceptional. In just a moment, the napa cabbage was already sliced. Brian Carter immediately said, “Tofu.”

At that moment, several pieces of tofu had already landed on Brian Carter’s knife. With a twist of his wrist, the knife seemed to dance in midair. In the next instant, the tofu was carved into round balls the size of marbles, each one perfectly intact without a single fragment or break—an astonishing sight.

Brian Carter was in no hurry to put the tofu into the pot. By now, the pot was already boiling with hot water. He scooped up the napa cabbage and poured it into the pot, then picked up a bowl with a reverse motion and placed the tofu inside. He drizzled oil over the tofu, sprinkled it with fine salt, and chopped a scallion to scatter on top.

When Abigail Grant saw this, she couldn’t help but ask, “Why not put the tofu in the pot?”

Hearing Abigail Grant’s question, Brian Carter glanced sideways at her and said, “Silence. This is not your place to speak.”

How domineering!

Abigail Grant was indignant, her delicate shoulders trembling with anger.

At this moment, Brian Carter held a long ladle, watching the heat as if every moment of temperature and timing was under his control. He seemed completely unaware of Abigail Grant’s resentment.

A moment later, the napa cabbage in the pot was cooked.

Brian Carter poured the steaming napa cabbage soup directly into the bowl of tofu. As the boiling soup met the tofu, it immediately sizzled, sending up a plume of white steam.

Instantly, the rich aroma of tofu and napa cabbage filled the kitchen. Not only that, but the pearl-like tofu and the emerald-green napa cabbage mixed together—just the appearance alone made Abigail Grant’s mouth water.

Brian Carter said calmly, “This is Jade Pearl Soup. What do you think, Miss?”

“……” Abigail Grant did not answer.

Brian Carter smiled faintly, unconcerned, and finally instructed David Carter, “Bring that white porcelain bottle.”

Without a word, David Carter brought over a small white porcelain bottle to Brian Carter. Brian Carter took it, opened the lid, and inside was a dark powder.

Brian Carter used a small spoon to scoop out some powder and sprinkled it over the Jade Pearl Soup…

A rich fragrance suddenly wafted out. This aroma was no longer just the scent of the vegetables, but a strange and enticing smell that completely awakened Abigail Grant’s appetite.

What Brian Carter had added to the Jade Pearl Soup was chicken essence. In later generations, chicken essence was widely used, but in the Great Zhou Dynasty’s culinary world, it was completely unknown. The process of making chicken essence was simple: Brian Carter used available ingredients, cooking and roasting mushrooms, chicken, dried shrimp, and pork until dry, then grinding them into powder, mixing in scallion and ginger powder, and stirring it all together—done.

Don’t underestimate this stuff just because it’s unremarkable in modern times. In the Great Zhou Dynasty, it was undoubtedly the ultimate secret weapon. In this era, seasonings were nothing more than oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar—worlds apart from later generations.

Abigail Grant was already tempted.

Brian Carter pushed the bowl of “Jade Pearl Soup” in front of her, the overwhelming aroma making her mouth water even more.

Brian Carter said bluntly, “Eat!”

“……” Abigail Grant hesitated. She really wanted to try it, because the soup, with its color and fragrance, seemed to tempt her very soul and whet her appetite. But she was still annoyed at Brian Carter’s rudeness, so with a bit of stubbornness, she was about to retort, “How dare you!”

At this moment, Abigail Grant calmed down and recalled all the rumors about Brian Carter. She thought, if this guy’s cooking was really so good, why was his business so poor? Did he really think she would be fooled by his flashy tricks?

So Abigail Grant couldn’t help but take a step back.

But Brian Carter saw the disdain in her eyes and couldn’t help but sneer coldly. The next moment, he picked up the kitchen knife and slammed it onto the chopping board. With a loud bang, the blade sank into the wood, trembling. He glared fiercely at Abigail Grant, “Are you going to eat or not?”

Abigail Grant was so startled that she blurted out, “I’ll eat.”

In this world, who ever heard of someone being forced to eat soup at knifepoint?

But seeing Brian Carter’s fierce expression, Abigail Grant had no choice but to swallow her humiliation. She glanced nervously at Brian Carter, afraid this “fool” might suddenly lash out. With her delicate hands, she dared not delay, scooping up a spoonful of soup, blowing on it carefully to cool it, and putting it in her mouth.

“……”

Delicious…

A unique umami flavor instantly filled her senses, accompanied by the rich taste of tofu and napa cabbage. This flavor…

Chapter 9: Integrity Is Truly Precious

Abigail Grant’s body trembled.

She had tasted the world’s finest foods, but even the best soups made from the finest ingredients could not compare to the deliciousness of this Jade Pearl Soup.

Especially this freshness—it seemed to penetrate straight to her soul. Even though she hated Brian Carter to the core, she couldn’t help but say, “Delicious…”

Unconsciously, Abigail Grant revealed a silly look, her eyes filled with intoxication.