Chapter 325: I Want To Become Your Apprentice
Seeing Qi Han's reaction, Ye Lingqing was a bit stunned. It wasn't until Qi Han brought over two glasses of water and placed them in front of them, gesturing for him to continue, that Ye Lingqing finally started speaking, somewhat dazed.
"My parents were the best chefs in Zhilán Village. They ran a restaurant together. Growing up with them, I developed a deep love for food. I dreamed of one day becoming a chef just as skilled as they were."
"But later on..." a trace of sorrow appeared on Ye Lingqing's face, "my parents went to participate in a culinary competition in Nuoding City. On their way back with others, they encountered an accident. One of the survivors—a kind uncle—told me that the convoy was attacked by evil spirit masters. My parents died in that incident."
"It's a pity… I wasn't born with the talent for cultivation. Otherwise, I would have trained hard to avenge them."
Ye Lingqing's hands clenched slightly, his knuckles turning white from the force.
Though it had already been seven or eight years, he still couldn't let go of the memories from back then.
Evil spirit masters, huh…
Qi Han's mind flashed back to the coup in Star Luo City and the venomous voice that had echoed across the skies.
"My condolences," Qi Han said softly after a long pause.
"After that, I became an orphan. I was only seven years old then, had just awakened my martial spirit, and had no innate spirit power—so I couldn't train. I was just an ordinary person. A seven-year-old can barely survive on their own. The village chief heard about my situation and personally came to take me into his home."
"Back then, I was overwhelmed with hatred for the world because of my parents' deaths. I was just a child and constantly lost my temper. I didn't appreciate the village chief's kindness at all. But he never gave up on me—instead, he patiently taught me how to love, how to treat others with respect and courtesy."
"Besides the village chief, other uncles and aunties in the village were very kind to me too. After hearing about what happened to my parents, they would often bring me food—especially Mo Wu Tuan, which they made themselves."
At this point, a look of deep emotion appeared on Ye Lingqing's face.
"Thinking back now, if it weren't for all of them, I probably would've starved to death in my home back then."
"Since I couldn't become a spirit master, my dream stayed the same—I still wanted to become an outstanding chef like my parents. The village chief supported me completely. Every time he tasted something I cooked, he would praise it..."
"One time, he didn't finish his food, so I secretly tasted it myself. Honestly, it was awful—but that day, the village chief still smiled and said, 'I really like your cooking, keep up the good work, little Lingqing.'" Ye Lingqing's voice softened with emotion.
"It was then I realized—no matter how good or bad I cooked, the village chief would always encourage me. He didn't want to crush my confidence."
"Later on, I practiced more and more. My cooking improved, and I really did become the best chef in the village—just like my parents."
Ye Lingqing smiled, "But I started to feel a little unsatisfied."
"I remembered all the kindness I had received from the villagers when I was young. I felt that now that I've grown up, it's time I repay them."
"So, I thought of the Shrek Food Festival. Mo Wu Tuan is extremely popular in Zhilán Village—almost every household makes it—but it's almost unknown outside the village." Ye Lingqing spoke with conviction.
"So I thought, if I could make more people aware of Mo Wu Tuan, then maybe the villagers could earn a better living by selling it."
"But you didn't achieve that goal, did you?"
Qi Han couldn't help but ask.
"You didn't make it into the top ten, so Mo Wu Tuan won't get promoted."
"No, actually... I did achieve my goal." Ye Lingqing smiled. "There was a man named Mr. Pan Kong who was very interested in the Mo Wu Tuan I made. I already told him that everyone in Zhilán Village knows how to make this dish, so by now, he should already be on his way to the village."
Pan Kong…
Qi Han raised an eyebrow, recalling the name.
Back when he first opened his shop, Pan Kong had tried to persuade him to open a branch.
He was a pure businessman through and through—so it wasn't surprising he saw the business potential in Mo Wu Tuan.
Think about how popular stinky tofu became in Qi Han's past life—In nearly every bustling night market across the country, there were stalls selling it.
With the financial power of the Pan Trading Company, Mo Wu Tuan could easily spread across the entire Douluo Continent.
That would mean the villagers of Zhilán Village could earn a decent living too.
But businessmen prioritize profit… Would he leave the villagers behind to profit on his own?
Qi Han frowned slightly, deciding he'd ask Pan Kong his intentions the next time he came by for a meal.
If Pan Kong really was the greedy type, then Qi Han would need to think of another way to help the villagers of Zhilán Village.
Unaware of the change in Qi Han's expression, Ye Lingqing continued, "Originally, I really was planning to return to the village after the food festival. But after staying here for a while, my mind changed."
"Shrek City truly lives up to its name as the biggest city on the continent."
Ye Lingqing's eyes sparkled with admiration.
"From the very first day I arrived, I was awestruck by the city's splendor. Before this, the biggest city I had ever visited was Nuoding City—but compared to here, it's not even close."
"So I want to stay, work hard, earn money, and then bring Grandpa Village Chief here to live with me."
"I remember when I was a child, Grandpa once told me that in his younger days, he traveled a lot—but his greatest regret was never getting to see the grandeur of Shrek City. So I want to use my own efforts to make sure he can retire here and enjoy life."
At this point, a glimmer of light shone in Ye Lingqing's eyes.
"I haven't told Grandpa yet… I think, when the time comes, it'll be a big surprise for him."
As he imagined the look of astonishment on his grandfather's wrinkled face, Ye Lingqing couldn't help but laugh softly.
Qi Han's face also lit up with a faint smile.
Part of the smile came from the system notification: with Ye Lingqing's story finished, Main Quest 5 had finally progressed.
The other part came from admiration.
Qi Han had already liked this sincere and pure-hearted boy, and after hearing his story, his feelings of appreciation grew stronger.
Grateful, filial, and kind-hearted.
What a good kid. It would really be a shame if he didn't end up working at Han Shi.
Originally, if Ye Lingqing had planned to return home, Qi Han wouldn't have pushed further. But now that he wants to stay in Shrek City…
Time to seriously think about how to "trick" this silly kid into becoming an employee.
Before Qi Han could come up with a plan, Ye Lingqing's face flashed with hesitation.
After a moment of inner struggle, he slowly opened his mouth,
"Boss Qi… I… I'd like to make a request that might be a little presumptuous."
"Oh?" Qi Han raised an eyebrow. "Let's hear it."
"I… I want to become your apprentice—to learn cooking from you!"
Ye Lingqing took a deep breath and blurted it out loudly.
Right after speaking, he nervously clenched his hands together, his feet pressed close in anxiety.
In his mind, this request was a bit too much.
A chef's techniques are their greatest secrets and assets—rarely would one teach them to outsiders.
But… Ye Lingqing truly wanted to become as skilled a chef as Qi Han.
He had thought long and hard, hesitating for three whole days before deciding to give it a shot.
Even if Boss Qi refused, it would be fine—he just hoped… that Qi Han wouldn't get angry.
He cautiously glanced at the man sitting across from him—only to find that Qi Han's expression had turned… strangely complicated.
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