Satou was speechless, feeling that Kikuchi Sonoka was still too innocent.
"Although her words were baffling, she probably just invited me to be her gourmet consultant," he explained.
"Is… is that so?"
Kikuchi Sonoka's face instantly turned crimson, and her voice became softer. Thinking of her misunderstanding, she was so embarrassed she almost wished the ground would swallow her whole.
"Of course."
Satou said. However, this is just the style of the Chihyaku Sisters. Anyone who didn't know them might misunderstand, let alone the relatively innocent Kikuchi Sonoka.
"Is that so?"
Kikuchi Sonoka's face was flushed with embarrassment, and she said softly, head bowed.
Next, Satou received even more attention than Kikuchi Sonoka.
Although he was still a first-year student, he had displayed strength not inferior to the previous second seat, which proved his immense potential. His future achievements would surely surpass Kikuchi Sonoka's. No one would want to avoid establishing a good relationship with such a young chef.
So, in the time that followed, many more people came to seek cooperation, but this time the target was not Chunguo Pavilion, but Satou.
However, Satou rejected them all.
An hour later, the gathering finally ended.
At this gathering, Chunguo Pavilion could be said to have stolen the show, becoming the most dazzling star of the event, receiving even more attention than Karasaki Taki's restaurant.
Aside from Kikuchi Sonoka's identity as an Elite Ten graduate, the most important reason was Satou.
Both the delicious dishes he made and Chihyaku Orie's invitation proved his potential.
"Phew, it's finally over," Kikuchi Sonoka let out a long breath, crystal beads of sweat visible on her fair face.
She wiped the sweat from her face, and with her movements, her ample chest swelled and swayed.
Satou couldn't help but glance again; he couldn't be blamed, as Kikuchi Sonoka's chest was truly too attention-grabbing.
"But we still gained a lot this time."
Kikuchi Sonoka thought of today's gains, and a sweet smile appeared on her face.
This time, they received more than ten cooperation invitations alone, and more importantly, Chunguo Pavilion's reputation was boosted. Furthermore, there was Anton Shingo's upcoming column.
"I really have to thank you this time, Satou."
She tilted her head and smiled faintly at Satou.
"It's nothing," Satou smiled humbly. If Kikuchi Sonoka herself wasn't outstanding enough, it wouldn't have been successful.
Next, Satou and the others returned to Chunguo Pavilion. Chunguo Pavilion hadn't opened in the morning or at noon today, so they still needed to prepare for the evening's business.
By evening, there were noticeably more customers. Satou recognized many of them as guests he had seen at noon today, and even Anton Shingo was there, likely to gather material specifically for his next column.
This made Kikuchi Sonoka very happy, as Chunguo Pavilion was officially on the right track.
As it was nearing closing time, Satou was suddenly called out of the restaurant.
"Your second practical training has passed."
Saionji Tomone of the Education Department took off her sunglasses and praised, "Last time's assessment was to survive in a famous restaurant and demonstrate your abilities. This time's assessment was to help a poorly managed restaurant overcome its difficulties."
"You performed very well, far exceeding my expectations, transforming a poorly-rated restaurant into a star restaurant, showcasing your excellent talent. So, congratulations, you passed. You can return to Far Moon tomorrow."
"Thank you, auditor," Satou quickly said.
"You don't need to thank me. Please continue to do well in the future."
Saionji Tomone smiled, then put on her sunglasses and got into the car.
When Satou returned to the restaurant, he found all the staff waiting for him.
"Satou, are you going back tomorrow?" Kikuchi Sonoka asked with great reluctance.
The others also looked at him. After spending these past few days together, Satou had already earned their respect with his skills, even Fabre.
Seeing their restaurant praised by customers made them feel a sense of pride.
"Yes, that's right. The practical training has ended," Satou nodded and said.
"As expected."
Kikuchi Sonoka sighed. Although she really hoped Satou would stay and continue to be her sous chef, she knew it was impossible.
"However, Satou, even if you leave, I will always keep the sous chef position for you! You can come back anytime you want!"
She stared at Satou, her small face full of earnestness.
Feeling the other party's sincerity, Satou's heart also warmed, and he smiled and nodded, "Okay, I understand."
"Then let's hold a farewell party for Satou!"
A pure smile appeared on Kikuchi Sonoka's face.
After the celebration party, Satou returned to the hotel.
However, Hinako Inui didn't come to chat with him today, possibly still affected by yesterday.
Satou also felt a bit regretful. Hinako Inui had a very gentle demeanor, and spending time with her was very comfortable, like a kind older sister next door. And sometimes she would show a cute side, which was very interesting, completely different from the Nakiri Sisters or Thor. He actually quite enjoyed spending time with her.
The next day, Satou woke up early, packed his luggage, and prepared to return to Far Moon.
However, as soon as he reached the hotel entrance, he received a call. It was Kikuchi Sonoka.
"Satou, are you going back to Far Moon now?" she asked.
"Yes," Satou said.
"Wait for me, I'll take you back," Kikuchi Sonoka said.
"Eh? You're taking me?" Satou was slightly startled.
"Yes!" Kikuchi Sonoka said with a firm tone.
Since she said so, Satou naturally couldn't refuse.
Just then, a car pulled up in front of him. This was Erina Nakiri's special arrangement to pick him up.
"You can leave first. I'll go back by myself," Satou told the driver.
"But Miss Erina asked me to pick up Mr. Satou," the driver hesitated and said.
"It's fine, I have something else to do," Satou said.
Not long after Far Moon's car left, Kikuchi Sonoka arrived.
"Satou, I'm here to take you back." A sweet smile appeared on her face.
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