"You are strong," Nene admitted sincerely, looking at the empty bowl in front of her.
"I was originally planning to take the exam to become a top chef. I have been honing my skills in the kitchen since I was five years old. You can't imagine the way my grandfather trained me — I even secretly cried in the kitchen for a long time. But I was able to hold on" Kazami Nana chuckled as she said, while also usind Chinese in between because she was not proficient in Japanese.
Nene Kinokuni looked at her in confusion, not understanding some of her words.
The woman in professional attire quickly translated.
After hearing the translation, Nene recalled the other party's knife skills and immediately understood.
Then her thoughts returned to her mission.
"Do you know about the food competition?" Nene asked.
"Food competition? Competing for the title of God of Cooking?" Kazami asked back, confused.
Nene shook her head, as she replied, "No. It's just that it's for young chefs. If you participate and get first place, you'll gain a lot of attention and a bonus,"
"Can I join?" Kazami Nana asked after thinking for a moment.
'Isn't this the competition my grandfather mentioned? It seems specifically aimed at the younger generation, and I've heard it might be broadcast live online.'
But if she participate—wouldn't it be simply bullying the children?
"Of course you can. As long as you haven't taken the exam to become a top chef, you're eligible. We can sign a contract. After signing, you will immediately own a restaurant in Chiba, allowing more people to taste your dishes," Nene said seriously.
"Are there any additional conditions for signing the contract?"
Kazami Nana was sharp; she instantly understood Nene Kinokuni purpose for coming.
"There are no conditions. My boss is also from Chiba. He is the vice president of Totsuki Academy and truly wants to taste cuisine from his hometown," Nene Kinokuni said, though internally, she didn't believe the reason at all.
"Your boss? The vice-president of Totsuki Academy?" Kazami Nana said before looked at the woman in professional attire in slight surprise.
The woman quickly began introducing Akira Fujimiya. As she spoke, she found herself quietly surprised—Nene Kinokuni was actually Young Master Akira Fujimiya's associate.
Could this change the dynamics within the Ten Elites of Totsuki? If Akira Fujimiya could win over five members, he might effectively control the Totsuki Ten Council.
By the time the introduction ended, Kazami Nana had a general understanding of Akira. Since he had a cooperative relationship with the Nakiri family and also hosting the event in his name, it seemed there were no problem in signing the contract.
She hadn't brought much money with her.
Owning her own restaurant… no, even just half the shares would be enough.
Thinking this, she looked at Nene Kinokuni.
"Please tell your boss that I only want half of the shares. I can't stay in Chiba forever. If he wants he can find me two chefs, and I can train them. After I leave, the restaurant can continue running by them."
"Understood," Nene Kinokuni said as she secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
The task was half-completed; the remaining half depended on the contract. Once Kazami Nana signed it, she wouldn't need to go on a date with Akira.
.....
Ten minutes later, on the way to her room,
Nene Kinokuni called Akira Fujimiya and reported the situation.
After listening, Akira smiled. "Miss Nene, you did your mission well. I'll reward you with a date for a day."
Nene Kinokuni paused.
...
In the afternoon,
Hanada Yui arrived at Totsuki Academy in person.
Kazami Nana asked the legal advisor of Academy to review the contract, got the confirmation.
After which, She signed her name.
Hanada Yui wasn't completely sure of her skill, but since Akira Fujimiya clearly seem to valued her, she didn't question it. She arranged a driver for Kazami Nana, someone from Chiba introduced by Hayama Riko.
Kazami didn't refuse; she had a destination in mind.
After entering the car, she said, "Please take me to Akihabara."
"Ok…?" The female driver blinked, slightly stunned.
The woman in professional attire sitting in the passenger seat didn't look too surprised.
Kazami Nana, in the back, took out a manga and began reading.
Yes, this manga was Non Non Biyori…
{T/N: I mean, I know it is good but damn...how bad were the manga in that world 🤣}
.....
On the private island,
Akira Fujimiya was observing Yumiko Miura and Mai Sakurajima during dance training—he have to say that Yumiko Miura's moves are becoming more and more professional.
Able to match Mai Sakurajima perfectly.
After the music ended, two girls approached.
"Sakurajima-san, the agency have sent me information about your agent. She has already started her work, and I've asked her to begin preparing for your concert. Your sister has also arrived at the agency," Akira Fujimiya said.
"Thank you for your help, Fujimiya-sama," Mai Sakurajima bowed politely.
"It's no trouble. As long as Sakurajima-san has time, I'd be very happy to accompany you to a movie or a candlelight dinner," Akira said jokingly.
"Then wait until we get back. I'll treat you," Mai replied without minding the joke.
"If Sakurajima-san can cook, it'd be fine to hold a dinner party at your house," Akira mused.
"My cooking isn't as good as Megumi-san," Mai said hesitantly.
"The more ordinary the food, the better. Sometimes trying regular dishes is enjoyable," Akira said thoughtfully.
"Okay, then when I move to my new home, I'll invite you over for dinner."
Akira smiled and glanced at Yumiko Miura, who was quietly watching their conversation.
"Yumiko, I'm looking forward to seeing you shine on stage."
"I won't let you down, Akira," Yumiko said quickly, blushing slightly.
"When Sakurajima-san finds a new home, I'll help you find a place nearby, so you can stay close to her," Akira said, reaching out to secretly take Yumiko's hand.
"Okay…" Yumiko blushed harder.
"Sakurajima-san, in addition to Yumiko, you must also take care of your sister. I will allocate more of the firm's resources to you," Akira said to Mai Sakurajima.
"Thank you, Fujimiya-sama," Mai replied, pretending not to notice the small handholding between Akira and Yumiko.
After resting briefly, the two girls continued their training.
Akira Fujimiya did not linger but walked toward the large ship.
.....
Inside the ship,
Erina Nakiri had already started studying cooking, with Hisako Arato assisting by recording her process. Megumi Tadoroko had been assigned with a new task and was experimenting with medicinal foods.
Meanwhile, a trio of tasters—Shizuka Hiratsuka, Yuigahama Yui, and Ebina Hina—were sampling the dishes.
Upon arrival, Akira Fujimiya went straight to the kitchen. The space was substantial, about half the size of a cooking class in Sobu high.
When the kitchen door opened, the three tasters burped audibly.
Their faces turned slightly red upon seeing Akira.
"After eating, go exercise. Don't gain weight. Especially you, Hiratsuka-sensei. If you gain weight, no one will want you," Akira remarked, teasing.
"Why are you targeting me alone?" Shizuka Hiratsuka asked, unconvinced.
"Just look at them yourself," Akira shrugged.
Shizuka glanced at the others.
Ebina Hina was thin, so weight wasn't a concern. Yuigahama Yui… Shizuka looked away to hide the envy creeping into her gaze.
Akira approached Yuigahama Yui, pinched her cheek, and said, "You seem to be gaining weight."
"I'm not fat," Yuigahama puffed out her cheeks.
"Look at Hina," Akira said. "She's thin… now look at your belly."
"I… I just ate a little too much today," Yuigahama protested.
Who can blame her—Erina's dishes were so delicious that she can't get enough of it.
"Really? I thought it was my fault," Akira said playfully.
"Akira-kun, you're such a bad guy!" Yuigahama exclaimed, standing in embarrassment and shame, before pulling Ebina Hina along.
'How can he say that.... I make sure take the pill after that right?', Her thighs pressing against each other as she remember their moment.
Shizuka noticed it and understood the meaning behind Akira's words, a blush appearing on her own face.
Akira then sat next to Shizuka Hiratsuka.
"Hiratsuka-sensei, are you interested in investing?"
"Investing? I'm not short on money," Shizuka said, slightly stunned.
"No, I found a top chef to be head chef for a restaurant. If you invest, I can give you half the shares. This way, even if you stop teaching, you will still have an income," Akira explained.
"Thank you for the offer, but forget it. If I stop being a teacher, I'll just find other work," Shizuka refused without hesitation.
"In addition to helping you earn money, I have another purpose: to have a relationship with you. You don't need to work anymore; my restaurant can support you," Akira added, silently taking Shizuka's hand.
...
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Bonus Chapter:-
4 Bonus chapter at 100 powerstone
6 Bonus Chapter at 150 powerstone
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Word Count — 1,501