He looked at the steak on the plate with evaluation in his eyes.
To the naked eye, it appeared no different from an ordinary steak, but it was actually divided into two layers, inner and outer.
The outer layer of meat wrapped around the inner meat, serving as insulation.
However, when Bolun took a bite from the steak he had cut, an unexpected sound occurred—
A crisp sound echoed in his mouth.
That was not a sound that beef should make.
Bolun was astonished; he could feel the characteristic heaviness of beef on the tip of his tongue, but his attention was more fixated on the crispiness.
After tasting carefully, Bolun made his judgment.
"The mashed potatoes were fried to make a 'shell,' like meat, encasing the real steak... impressive," he commented.
Bolun would never skimp on his compliments.
Because it was deserved.
It would show his magnanimity and also win some favor from the person being praised.
Moreover, the dish before him truly deserved praise.
At the very least, he could not imagine how to make mashed potatoes look like beef and mask its own flavor so well that without careful tasting, one simply could not distinguish it.
And there was something else...
Had he been seen through once again?
Although he hadn't expected to fool these 'Mystical Side' individuals, feeling so transparent about his concerns was somewhat disheartening!
Thinking this, Bolun couldn't help but shake his head with a wry smile.
Then, the young man simply decided to focus wholeheartedly on the deliciousness of the food.
Since he had been completely seen through, there was no need for pretense anymore.
It was an insult to him and those around him.
Bolun, having dropped his facade, loosened his collar, rolled up his sleeves, and began to enjoy his dinner.
"Tony, could you bring me one of those special steaks as well?" Jason asked, unable to resist after seeing Bolun's reaction.
"Of course," Tony replied with a smile.
Just five minutes later, a special steak was brought out and placed before Jason.
"I suggest eating it after it cools down to better enjoy its flavor. The mashed potatoes were cooked for over 10 hours in beef broth to thoroughly infuse it with beef's taste before forming the outer 'shell.' The 'shell' of this dish is far more exquisite than the inside," Tony explained.
"Potatoes turned into beef."
"Beef remained beef."
"And when the two come together, they become indistinguishable, sharing the same flavor."
But as his voice faded, Tony gave Bolun a meaningful smile.
It was a smile of goodwill.
And those words just now?
Obviously, they were a friendly reminder.
The astute Bolun almost immediately understood the chef's meaning.
Cool down, signifying calmness.
It probably represented the 'Mystical Side.'
And the potatoes represented him, who had not touched the 'Mystical Side.'
The final words were hinting that the two could live in the same world without distinction, because the 'ordinary' like 'him' showed 'inclusiveness.'
The 'Mystical Side' was built on the foundation of common people.
Of course, it might also mean that the 'Mystical Side' would eventually accept him, advising him not to be impatient or do anything rash.
As for why Tony used this particular dish to 'hint' to him?
Besides those 'Mystical Side' folks outside, Bolun could think of no other reason.
After all, Tony's restaurant was on 'Memory Street' too!
"Chef Tony, your culinary skills are far more impressive than I imagined," Bolun sincerely praised.
"My cooking skills have also been honed day after day. Bolun, when you have a goal, there's no need to rush to give up. Just persist a little longer and the outcome will be different," Tony said openly this time, not hinting but speaking directly.
Bolun responded with a smile.
No words, just a smile.
Seeing such a smile, Tony sighed softly in his heart.
Without any words, that was the most clear response.
Those guys must have provoked some serious trouble!
Tony's gaze shifted to Jason.
In the end, he turned around and went back to the kitchen.
He was just a chef, and doing this much was already the limit.
The food would probably lose its flavor.
Bolun noticed Tony's final glance, and with a calm countenance, he picked up a glass of water and took a sip.
He never had a status for others to 'care' about.
Wasn't this situation normal?
Bolun reminded himself at the bottom of his heart.
But still, the hand holding the water glass trembled ever so slightly.
Sometimes it's just like that.
You know it all, yet you can't quite help yourself.
Bolun was still young enough.
And the nature of youth made it difficult to control the feeling of discontent, even when he knew he shouldn't have it.
Emily, who had been slouching in her chair, sat up and placed her hand on Bolun's other hand, concern in her eyes.
"It's okay," Bolun reassured her with a smile.
"It's not going to be okay," she retorted.
"What do you think happens when you are feared by a group whose power far exceeds yours?" Jason said, having picked up the special steak and bitten into it, chewing as he spoke.
After being treated to so much food,
though he hadn't fully understood the ins and outs of the situation, Jason had a rough idea based on the events of that day, and then, Tony's recent words confirmed his suspicion.