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The Principal introduced herself as Nam Ji Hye. She escorted Hao Yun and Joo na to their seats with utmost respect.
"So, Mr. Hao Yun, you want to enroll Joo na into our school, right?"
"Little Joo na, can you tell me your age?"
"I-I... turned 10 just two months ago."
The Principal thought for a while and told Hao Yun that since their school has limited seats, not everyone gets the opportunity to enroll here.
However, considering Joo na's age, she could enroll in their 5th-year international curriculum track, a special course equivalent to elementary grade 5; the students who take it are all prodigies.
Nam Ji Hye calls one of her subordinates and tells him to bring their management tablet.
Around 3 minutes later, the subordinate returns with a tablet. Nam Ji Hye then swipes through it and tells Hao Yun that, like she already told him, Joo na could only enroll in their special curriculum; the regular one is already full.
However, to enroll in the special curriculum, Joo na must pass a test.
Both Hao Yun and Joo na were a bit nervous. Joo na hadn't prepared for the test; all she did after getting adopted by Hao Yun was enjoy her life as she wanted.
Nam Ji Hye realized what both were thinking. She immediately put their heart at ease by telling them that this isn't going to be a regular entrance exam. The special curriculum is tailor-made for prodigies, while they do attend normal classes like other students, but their main focus remains on the subject they choose.
She gave a warm smile to Joo na and asked if there was something that she wanted to do, something that would make her forget about everything.
In a low voice, Joo na said, "Like watching dramas?"
Hao Yun felt a bit embarrassed. This was the first thing that came into her mind? Seriously, watching dramas? His face was visibly red.
However, contrary to him, Nam Ji Hye laughed a bit and said, "Yes, like watching dramas. But, do you love them so much that you want to be a part of one, or try making one from scratch?"
Joo na tilted her head. She told her in a low voice that watching dramas and creating one are different things, and it was too troublesome for her.
Nam Ji Hye again laughed and asked if she had any hobbies or something that was as fun to her as watching dramas.
Joo na began thinking. But, for some reason, Hao Yun wasn't confident at all. He didn't believe Joo na had any hobbies.
"Ah! I have one!" Joo na says in excitement.
Hao Yun looked at her face with a surprised expression.
Nam Ji Hye asks, "What is it?"
"Mmm... It's not my hobby or anything, and it's also not like I forget about everything when doing it, but yeah, I love cooking."
Nam Ji Hye's eyes enlarged, and she said, "That's it!"
She explained to Hao Yun and Joo na that they can use cooking as Joo na's major subject, and if Joo na passed a cooking test, she would be able to join their school.
Hao Yun asks Joo na, "Will you be able to pull it off?"
Joo na says, "I'll show you I can pass this test."
Nam Ji Hye asks Joo na if she needs some time for preparation.
But Joo na said no, she's ready.
Hao Yun was nervous. Even though he had become strong enough to kill large monsters, Joo na's entrance test scared him.
Here, Nam Ji Hye immediately told her aide to call the special course cooking instructor.
The three moved to the home EC classroom, which was basically a luxury kitchen. It had everything any chef could possibly require in their dish. The kitchen marble was shining, the table, the utensil, the tools and appliances, everything looked brand new, not a single speck of dust could be seen.
Joo na was excited; it felt too familiar to her. She remembered Jiwon's kitchen was exactly the same, like he had been inspired by this kitchen.
At that moment, a young woman who looked like she was around 20-21 entered the room.
Nam Ji Hye introduced Hao Yun and Joo na to the women.
"This is our special course's cooking instructor, a cooking prodigy, Miss. Lee Eun Kyung."
"Nice to meet you, sir. I'm Lee Eun Kyung."
"Nice to meet you, young chef."
Lee Eun Kyung crouched, matching Joo na's level, and greeted her with a heartfelt smile. At that point, Hao Yun's sharp intuition hinted to him that this woman would become one of Joo na's strongest allies in the future.
Nam Ji Hye asks, "Joo na, are you ready for the test?"
Hao Yun, Lee Eun Kyung, and Nam Ji Hye's aide's eyes were focused on Joo na. They were worried that she would be nervous about the test.
However, contrary to their expectations, Joo na was full of confidence; there was not a single speck of doubt on her face.
Lee Eun Kyung then explained the rules and regulations for the test.
"Listen well, Joo na, during the test, whatever you are making, you have to speak out loud what you are doing, think of it like you are teaching someone how to make a dish. However, there should be no compromise in the taste, quality, and presentation of the dish."
"Is that clear?"
"Hmm", Joo na nodded her head.
Lee Eun Kyung asked, "So, what are you making today, Joo na?"
Hao Yun was curious. He knew Joo na practiced cooking under Jiwon's tutelage, but he never actually saw her making anything.
At that time, Joo na answered, "Truffle Cream Risotto with Butter-Seared Scallops."
"Truffle what?" Hao Yun didn't understand anything that Joo na said after the truffle.
Lee Eun Kyung's eyes enlarged, and she looked at her surprised eyes. "I can't believe you chose that dish."
Then-
Joo na wrote an ingredient list and gave it to Lee Eun Kyung. Once again, it surprised her, especially one particular ingredient. However, she kept quiet for the time being and gathered the ingredients for her.
"Are you ready, Joo na?"
"Hmm..."
"So, your test starts... now."
Just as she said those words, Joo na began moving her hands like it was her daily routine.
"At first, I'll sauté shallots and garlic in olive oil until they are light brown. Then, I'll toss in the Arborio rice.
HISS...
"Hmm... That sound tells the rice is waking up."
She splashed in some white wine. It steamed like the tale of old dreams. Like she was already an experienced chef.
"Patience," Joo na said, dipping the warm stock in phases, stirring until it's creamy. It took her nearly twenty minutes.
"Then we add a dash of cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper… and finally, a small dab of a secret ingredient."
In a separate pan, she dropped butter, searing the scallops until they formed a golden crust.
Hao Yun couldn't believe his eyes. If he had not seen it live, he would have never assumed his little Joo na had a talent like this.
At last, she put the silky risotto into a white dish, gently set the scallops on top, sprinkled lemon zest and microgreens, and finished with a single drop of truffle oil.
"And with that, our Truffle Cream Risotto with Butter-Seared Scallops is ready."
Lee Eun Kyung walked over. She was impressed by the presentation and aroma of this dish.
Finally, she took a single bite of it.
Suddenly, her eyes glowed. She remembered this taste. Immediately, she tilted her head, put her hands on Joo na's shoulders, and seriously asked, "This taste... It's aged yuzu kosho. Tell me, who taught you this dish?"
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