SFS Chapter 124 Unwilling to Stay
Chapter 124 Unwilling to Stay
She paused briefly to collect her thoughts and continued.
"Although everyone's life is better than in the past, we, the lower-class people, have all experienced the hardship of hunger and cold. This wild vegetable nest uses the most common wild vegetables. In the past, when there was a shortage of food, wild vegetables were life-saving food. The taste was bitter and astringent, but eating them gave me hope for survival."
"Nowadays, life is more affluent and food ingredients are more abundant and varied, but when I try this wild vegetable nest again, I taste a different kind of sweetness. This sweetness is the sweetness that comes after suffering, and it is also a comfort for the perseverance in the past." Cheng Yuntao's voice was not loud, but every word was clear as she explained the reason.
"Remember the bitterness and think of the sweetness..." Ji Yanchuan murmured softly, as if savoring the deep meaning behind these four words.
After a moment, his voice came from behind the screen again, with a hint of inquiry: "Why are everyone around us scrambling for rare ingredients today, but you are the only one who chose this unremarkable wild vegetable?"
"Boss Ji, I made this choice based on several considerations," Cheng Yuntao said, bowing slightly. "First, since the kitchen has wild vegetables, it means they must be useful. Even if they seem ordinary, they are part of the kitchen's food reserves. Since they are included, they should not be ignored."
"Secondly, in my mind, there is no distinction between high and low ingredients. Whether it's abalone, shark's fin, or wild vegetables in the field, as long as the cook uses his heart and ingenuity, he can bring out their unique deliciousness. Precious ingredients have their inherent luxurious taste, but wild vegetables also have a simple and authentic flavor. Each has its own merits, and it all depends on how they are cooked." Cheng Yuntao's voice was crisp, echoing softly in the house, revealing a sense of confidence.
"Thirdly," Cheng Yuntao raised her chin slightly, a glint of shrewdness in her eyes, and her tone added a touch of bold speculation. "I heard that Boss Ji has been in the business world for a long time and is knowledgeable. He must be accustomed to eating all kinds of delicacies from land and sea on a daily basis. I'm afraid ordinary delicacies are not appealing to him. So I thought of taking a different approach and giving Boss Ji a unique taste experience with this wild vegetable wok. Now it seems that my guess was right."
Ji Yanchuan behind the screen was silent for a moment, and then a low laugh was heard, and the laughter was full of praise: "What a smart girl you are, your insights are quite unique." Upon hearing this, Cheng Yuntao felt relieved, knowing that she had passed this hurdle, and hurriedly bowed to thank him.
The room fell silent for a moment. After a moment, Ji Yanchuan spoke again, "I intend to keep you in the Ji Mansion as my personal cook. The salary is generous, and you will have no worries about food and clothing. I will also take good care of your family. But since you have taken my money, you must work for me wholeheartedly and not have any second thoughts. Are you willing?"
Cheng Yuntao knew perfectly well that Ji Yanchuan's seemingly solicitation of her opinion was actually a hidden agenda. How could someone like him, someone who had long held a high position and controlled everything, truly care about the opinions of an ordinary cook? His promises to help take care of his family sounded heartwarming, but in reality, they were veiled threats.
She knew that if she refused, with Ji Yanchuan's means and strength, it would be easy for him to cause trouble for her family. But Cheng Yuntao longed for the vast world outside, not to be trapped in this Ji Mansion for the rest of her life, cooking for only one person.
Mu Qingfeng stood aside, with beads of sweat on his forehead. He looked back and forth eagerly between Cheng Yuntao and the screen. Seeing Cheng Yuntao's hesitation, he winked at her hurriedly.
"Miss Cheng, don't be confused. This is such a great opportunity! Being able to work with Boss Ji is something that many people would break their heads over. What are you hesitating about? Once you catch Boss Ji's eye, wealth and glory will be within your grasp. If you benefit, your whole family will benefit as well."
He knew very well that since his master had asked for someone, it was most likely that the matter was settled. He didn't want Cheng Yuntao to ruin the good thing because of her stubbornness. If the master blamed her, he would also be the target of the anger and would suffer the consequences.
Ji Yanchuan, who was behind the screen, seemed to sense her embarrassment and asked at the right moment, "Why? Are you unwilling? Or is there something hidden? Why don't you speak frankly?"
Mu Qingfeng stood aside, secretly marveling at Cheng Yuntao's good fortune. His master was usually decisive in the business world, and while he wasn't harsh towards his servants, he always had an aura of authority without even getting angry. When had he ever been so kind and gentle?
This scene was enough to prove that Miss Cheng's craftsmanship was indeed quite pleasing to the master, which was why he made such an exception. He looked at Cheng Yuntao with a look of anxiety and a hint of envy. He wanted to accept this job for her, but he also knew that the decision would ultimately be hers.
Cheng Yuntao's heart was filled with anxiety. He gritted his teeth, looked directly at the screen, and mustered up the courage to say, "Boss Ji, I don't want to stay in the mansion for the rest of my life."
As soon as these words were spoken, the air in the room seemed to freeze instantly, and the temperature seemed to drop sharply.
Mu Qingfeng felt his scalp tingling and his heart skipped a beat. He widened his eyes, staring at Cheng Yuntao, winking at her frantically, and wailing in his heart: This honest girl, please stop talking nonsense. The master always says what he means, and many people want to curry favor with him but have no way. But she rejected him in person. Isn't this equivalent to rubbing the master's face on the ground!
He knew in his heart that his master usually looked calm, but once he got angry, the consequences would be disastrous.
Ji Yanchuan, who had been sitting behind the screen, leaning back in his chair with ease, suddenly stiffened. His fingers unconsciously tightened, and his knuckles turned white. The smile on his face instantly disappeared, and a subtle glint of anger flashed in his eyes. "Oh? It seems that Miss Cheng has other ambitions and feels that my Ji Mansion is too small to accommodate a giant like you?" The voice came through the screen, shaking his heart.
Cheng Yuntao explained earnestly, "That's not the case. I'm naturally grateful for Boss Ji's appreciation, but while it's nice to be recognized by just one person, it can't compare to the smiles I'll see on the faces of more diners when they enjoy my delicious food."
Ji Yanchuan snorted coldly, his tone full of doubt: "If you don't want to stay and do anything, why are you going to all the trouble to take the test? Are you here to tease me?"
Cheng Yuntao shook her head slightly and responded calmly, "Boss Ji misunderstood. I took the test for an opportunity."
Ji Yanchuan frowned, becoming more curious. The coldness in his voice faded a little, and he asked, "Oh? What opportunity is it? Tell me about it."
Cheng Yuntao took another deep breath, her hands unconsciously clenching the corners of her clothes. A hint of determination flashed in her eyes. "Boss Ji, rumors about you are pouring in from the outside world, but there are very few people who have actually seen your true face and can have a few words with you. I have something to ask of you, but only if I pass the assessment first and attract your attention can I have the opportunity to talk to you."
Her heart was in her throat. She was afraid of completely angering Ji Yanchuan, but she also hoped that he would listen to her finish her words.