Kevin Thompson smiled slightly and said, “It just so happens to be mealtime now. I suppose the other restaurants are already full, and even if there are seats left, you’d probably have to wait a while. How about this: since you’ve graced my humble shop with your presence, it must be fate. If you don’t mind, I can whip up a few simple dishes for you to go with your wine. What do you think?”

　　Liam Foster was shocked. He had long since noticed that this young man in the purple robe was no ordinary person. If they accidentally offended him, they couldn’t afford the consequences. He kept winking at Kevin Thompson, but Kevin Thompson pretended not to see.

　　The young man in the purple robe was taken aback and asked, “And you are?”

　　“I’m a guest staying at this inn, but making a few dishes is no problem.” Kevin Thompson replied with a confident smile.

　　The young man in the purple robe stared at Kevin Thompson for a moment. What he said made sense, so he smiled slightly and cupped his hands, saying, “Alright, then I’ll trouble you, brother.”

　　“No trouble at all!” Kevin Thompson cupped his hands in return, then leaned toward Liam Foster and whispered, “Aren’t you going to serve the guests?”

　　At this point, Liam Foster had no choice but to accept his fate. He hurried forward and said with a smile, “Gentlemen, please head upstairs.”

　　After a while, Liam Foster came down from upstairs and saw Kevin Thompson still standing where he was. He exclaimed in surprise, “Oh my, Young Master Thompson, why are you still standing here?”

　　Kevin Thompson blushed and chuckled awkwardly, “Heh, I just don’t know where the kitchen is yet.”

　　Liam Foster was half driven mad by Kevin Thompson, and said anxiously, “Come on, come on, I’ll take you. Oh, you’re going to be the death of me.”

　　Kevin Thompson followed behind Liam Foster and asked, “By the way, what dishes did the guest order?”

　　This was what Kevin Thompson cared about most at the moment. Although he was very confident in his cooking skills and had a good understanding of ancient cuisine, he had only studied some famous dishes. As for the everyday food of common people, he basically knew nothing.

　　Liam Foster replied, “The guest didn’t specify any dishes, just said for you to make a few of your specialties.”

　　Kevin Thompson immediately breathed a sigh of relief and said, “That’s even better.”

　　Liam Foster asked suspiciously, “What do you mean, even better? By the way, Young Master Thompson, can you really cook?”

　　Kevin Thompson laughed, “You’re the first person to ever ask me that.”

　　Kevin Thompson had started learning to cook from his father at the age of six, and became a master at fifteen. While in college, he was already the head chef at a high-end business club. After graduating, he joined the ultra five-star hotel founded by his father-in-law, and at the age of 23, he won the title of China’s King of Chefs.

　　He couldn’t cook? Then no one could.

　　Liam Foster led Kevin Thompson to a room at the back, pointed, and said, “There, that’s the kitchen.” With that, he pushed open the door.

　　As soon as the kitchen door opened, an extremely foul smell hit them in the face. Kevin Thompson quickly covered his nose and said, “Wow! What’s that smell?”

　　“Aren’t all kitchens like this?” Liam Foster replied irritably.

　　Kevin Thompson widened his eyes in horror, “You mean—all your kitchens smell like this?”

　　Seeing his reaction, Liam Foster grew worried, “Of course! Don’t tell me you’ve never even been in a kitchen before. Seriously, Young Master Thompson, can you really cook?”

　　Is this ever going to end? Kevin Thompson shot him a sideways glare and said impatiently, “Why don’t you do it, then?”

　　Liam Foster was speechless. If I could cook, why would I be asking you?

　　Seeing Liam Foster looking so anxious, Kevin Thompson patted him on the shoulder and smiled, “Alright, I’m just messing with you. Just get the fire going, and leave the rest to me.”

Chapter 0007: A Small Test of Skill

　　Damn! You call this a kitchen? It’s more like an outhouse.

　　This was by far the worst, dirtiest, and most rundown kitchen Kevin Thompson had ever seen.

　　In the middle of the room stood a large rectangular wooden table, with some bowls and chopsticks on it, a chopping board, and a piece of pork on the board. Scattered nearby were some bamboo shoots and a few other ingredients like garlic. On the left, against the wall, were two large brick stoves; one had a big iron wok on top, while the other looked like it hadn’t been used in ages. Next to the stoves was a small table holding various containers of different sizes and shapes, presumably for seasonings. Beside the small table was a large wooden bucket filled with water. At the very back of the room, there was a small pile of chopped firewood.

　　Kevin Thompson had no interest in looking around anymore—he just wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. He asked directly, “Hey, Six, what ingredients do you have here?”

　　“Aren’t they all on the table? Can’t you see for yourself? Oh, right, there’s also a carp under the table.” Liam Foster hugged a bundle of firewood and tossed it in front of the stove, speaking impatiently.

　　“Uh…!”

　　Kevin Thompson walked over to the table and saw that, aside from a piece of pork, there were only some bamboo shoots left. He immediately broke out in a cold sweat and asked in surprise, “That’s all?” As he spoke, he picked up the piece of pork, which weighed about a pound, and sniffed it. Thank goodness, it hadn’t gone bad.

　　“That was actually meant for us to eat ourselves,” Liam Foster replied irritably.

　　Damn! Seriously? Such a big restaurant, and that’s all the ingredients? This is ridiculous.