The delicacies of the heavens begin with obtaining gem meat.

Chapter 173 Mu Jiuzhiyuan Guo

In the rest area of ​​Chunguo Pavilion, Jiang Yan carefully observed the restaurant's layout, the pace of food preparation, and the diners' dining habits.

After roughly figuring out the operating rules, Jiang Yan turned to Ogawa Emi, who was standing to the side, and asked if he could go into the kitchen for a tour.

Upon hearing this request, Emi Ogawa readily nodded.

"Of course, you can. You will be doing a week-long field study here."

"The kitchen is where you'll be working from now on, so it's good to get familiar with the environment beforehand."

In fact, even if Jiang Yan hadn't brought it up, she would have taken him into the kitchen later anyway.

Jiang Yan then followed behind Ogawa Emi, passing through the partition door between the front hall and the back kitchen, and entered the back kitchen area of ​​Chunguoting.

In contrast to the warm and elegant atmosphere in the front hall, the kitchen was a scene of busy activity with a tense and orderly atmosphere.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Kikuchi Sonoka was methodically directing all the work.

At this moment, Kikuchi Sonoka was completely different from her usual soft and gentle self. Her clean and tidy chef's uniform accentuated her proud figure, and her brows were serious.

"The signature dessert for table number one must be prepared within five minutes. The guest requested less sugar, please remember!"

"The dressing for the vegetable salad at table number three must be prepared according to the standard proportions —"

"The main course at table number six has been waiting for quite some time. Grilling team, speed things up and pay close attention to the cooking temperature!"

Kikuchi Sonoka's every instruction was clear, concise, and efficient, keeping the entire kitchen in control. All the kitchen staff performed their duties under her guidance, working busily but without chaos.

Of course, while arranging the work, Kikuchi Sonoka also completed her own work in an orderly manner.

Looking at the imposing figure of Kikuchi Sonoka in front of him, Jiang Yan's eyes flashed with surprise.

In his memory, Kikuchi Sonoka had a gentle, soft-spoken personality.

But the decisive and in control chef in front of him was completely different from the image he had in mind.

The stark contrast made it difficult for Jiang Yan to adapt for a while.

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Seemingly noticing the subtle change in Jiang Yan's expression, Ogawa Emi couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle, lowering her voice as she spoke.

"Aren't you surprised? Chef Kichi is completely different from how he is in private, isn't he?"

Jiang Yan nodded very seriously.

"I really didn't expect it; the contrast is even greater than I imagined."

Although the contrast was huge, Jiang Yan quickly understood the reason.

If Kikuchienka continues to maintain her gentle and mild-mannered personality at work, she will likely find it difficult to support the operation of this restaurant, let alone manage the fast-paced and high-pressure work in the kitchen.

A chef's professionalism and responsibility lie in being assertive and capable at work.

"Actually, I feel that Chef Kichi is more admirable when he's working."

"Of course, she's also very cute in private."

Emi Ogawa smiled.

As the two were chatting, Kiki Chienka, who was coordinating her work, caught a glimpse of Jiang Yan at the door. Her originally serious eyes lit up, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly.

After finishing her work, Kikuchi Yoko immediately walked up to Jiang Yan.

"I didn't expect Totsuki Academy to send you this time, Jiang Yan."

"As the champion of the fall selection, having you come to help makes things much easier!"

As she spoke, Kikuchi Yoko waved to Jiang Yan without any hesitation.

"Don't just stand there, come and lend a hand. The kitchen is really busy right now."

Kikuchi Sonoka had a high opinion of Jiang Yan's abilities.

After all, with Jiang Yan's talent and strength, he will definitely secure a place among the Elite Ten of Totsuki Academy once he enters the second year of the senior division.

Such students coming to Chunguoting for study are still very useful to her.

"it is good."

Jiang Yan readily agreed, his gaze quickly sweeping across the kitchen, finding an empty stove, and washing his hands...

He immediately threw himself into his work after finishing.

Thanks to his earlier observation, Jiang Yan had already figured out the kitchen's workflow, the placement of ingredients, and the basic requirements for serving food, so he felt completely at ease when he started.

She performs basic tasks such as cutting, plating, and assisting with cooking with ease and skill.

This drew surprised glances from the other chefs in the kitchen. They had initially thought he was just a student from Totsuki Academy who had come to learn, but he had unexpectedly demonstrated solid skills right away.

However, due to their busy work, the chefs could only suppress their surprise and focus on completing their tasks.

Time slipped away quietly amidst the hectic pace of life, and as the sun set and night gradually enveloped the city.

As the last table of guests at Chun Guo Ting left satisfied, the lights in the front hall dimmed, and the busy pace in the kitchen finally slowed down.

After a long day of tension, Kikuchi Sonoka finally relaxed, shed her chef's domineering demeanor, and returned to her usual gentle and soft-spoken self.

She raised her hand to rub her slightly tired brow, then turned around, pointed to Jiang Yan beside her, and introduced him to all the chefs in the kitchen.

"Everyone, let me formally introduce you. This is Jiang Yan, a student specially sent by the Far Moon Academy to our Chunguo Pavilion for on-site study."

"I look forward to your continued guidance in the future."

Jiang Yan nodded to everyone.

The kitchen staff responded warmly, all with friendly smiles on their faces.

In the kitchen, culinary skills are always the measure of success; ability is the best proof of qualification.

Jiang Yan's abilities, which he had demonstrated before, had already convinced everyone of his strength, so they naturally accepted him without any reservations.

After greeting everyone, Jiang Yan looked at Kikuchi Sonoka and asked her earnestly.

"Chef Kikoku, what would you like me to make?"

"After all, for on-site training, I need to complete some tasks before I can pass."

The field study at Totsuki Academy isn't something you can pass by simply helping out with odd jobs; you have to demonstrate real achievements.

Only by achieving the desired results can one successfully pass the assessment.

Upon hearing this, Kikuchi Sonoka gently tapped her soft cheek with her index finger, tilted her head, and began to think seriously. After a moment, her eyes lit up.

"By the way, you can help out in the kitchen during the week and get familiar with the cooking style and operating model of our Chunguoting restaurant."

"Before the seventh day of training ends, you need to create your own dish, and this dish must meet the standards to be included in the official menu of Chun Guo Ting."

After a pause, Kikuchi Sonoka continued with a somewhat solemn tone.

"Chun Guo Ting has applied to participate in the WG0 star upgrade review. Every new dish is crucial. If your cooking can contribute to Chun Guo Ting's star upgrade, that would be great."

Jiang Yan nodded, feeling that Kikuchi Enka was quite good, at least it gave a clear direction for success.

Moreover, creating a dish that fits the style of Chunguo Pavilion and can be included in the official menu is not difficult for Jiang Yan.

However, helping Chun Guo Ting to upgrade its star rating is obviously not that easy, which makes Jiang Yan more interested in taking on the challenge.

Over the next few days, Jiang Yan devoted himself to helping out during the day, doing everything meticulously, from basic ingredient processing to assisting with cooking.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yan silently observed and learned from Chun Guo Ting's culinary philosophy, flavor combinations, and dish style.

Jiang Yan quickly determined that Chun Guo Ting was a Western restaurant that focused on a fresh, vibrant, and youthful atmosphere.

Therefore, the dishes he creates must fit this positioning.

If you bring out a dish that doesn't fit the menu, even if it's delicious, it's unlikely to be included.

So Jiang Yan worked diligently while repeatedly refining the initial design of the dish in his mind, from ingredient selection to flavor combinations —

On the sixth day of the field study, after seeing off the last group of guests, Jiang Yan found Kikuchi Enka and said very seriously.

"Chef Kikuchi, I have an idea. Please prepare to taste my dish."

"In that case, the kitchen will be yours to use from now on."

Kikuchienka smiled.

She was really looking forward to seeing what kind of dish Jiang Yan, the champion of the Totsuki Academy Autumn Selection, would bring out.