The staff listening to the three women’s conversation was impressed at how smart their new manager was. Although Shen Lingqing was technically a director of finance at SY Holdings, she had been spending most of her time here at Savory Alley, helping them make the restaurant better as if she was a devoted restaurateur.
To think that she knew so much—in terms of cooking and food, it was surprising that she didn’t follow her mother’s footsteps and became a chef herself. If she had chosen the same path, there was no doubt that Shen Lingqing’s name would be known within the Culinary World through her culinary prowess.
Not that she was a bad businesswoman, but many people just thought that having a superior palate but not utilizing it was a loss on Shen Lingqing’s part. The Shen princess, of course, knew how they perceived her. However, she didn’t need to explain why she chose to become a businessman like her father.
As they reached the remaining minutes, Liu Jinfei and Lin Xiao started the finishing touches of their dishes. The two chefs were able to finish their dishes even before the two-hour limit was done. They then waited for Shen Lingqing to make a move to taste it.
As they stood next to each other, waiting for Shen Lingqing to judge their creations; it was only by then did they break into a sweat from nervousness. Liu Jinfei felt like he was more nervous today than when he competed against his fellow students back at Silver Leaf.
As Shen Lingqing stood in front of him, he noticed that she was taller than other women he had met in the past. She didn’t have the same delicateness they had but, instead, a confidence that told him that she was perfectly fine being herself, regardless of what people think of her.
Even the light scent of her perfume reached his nose when she leaned forward and took a spoonful of his Mapo Tofu topped on rice. Shen Lingqing was just too close in his opinion, but he couldn’t just step back to avoid her.
Liu Jinfei held his breath and looked away, suppressing the blush that was threatening to spread throughout his face. He had to remind himself that this was Shen Lingqing, Lu Xinyi and President Shen’s precious daughter… and she was definitely out of his league.
What was he even thinking, being attracted to the Shen princess? Although she was a sight to behold, Shen Lingqing didn’t give two shits about the looks she was receiving, even from the opposite sex.
Shen Lingqing didn’t comment about his dish and, instead, drank a mouthful of water to clean her palate before moving to Lin Xiao’s noodles.
The noodles were stunningly beautiful and no doubt delicious in her opinion. She almost felt bad that she had to ruin it by eating it, but it would be a great disrespect to Lin Xiao if she refused to acknowledge the dish he made today.
She didn’t waste time and mixed everything in her bowl before eating the noodles. Lin Xiao held his breath, his hold on his apron tightening as he waited for Shen Lingqing’s comment about his dish. This was the second time the Shen princess had eaten a dish he made, but he still couldn’t help but worry that the taste wasn’t to her liking.
After all, even Qiao Lian had admitted that Director Shen was a picky eater, and no one would be able to force her to eat something that didn’t meet her standards.
Lin Xiao couldn’t look away, paying attention to the change in her expression. However, Shen Lingqing’s face remained impassive, not giving anyone a chance to know what she even thought of the dishes she tasted today.
“I think you two have enough servings there to share with everyone, don’t you think?” Shen Lingqing eyed the two chefs in front of her.
“Right. Please, everyone, help yourselves and give our dishes a try.” Liu Jinfei agreed with her and took it as a chance to step away from Shen Lingqing. He then helped the others get their servings while clearing his mind. He was ashamed of even finding himself staring at his boss up close. What if Shen Lingqing misunderstood and took him for a lecher?
Shen Lingqing returned to her seat and watched the staff enjoy the dishes their chefs made today. All of them gave Liu Jinfei and Lin Xiao compliments until they finished both dishes clean, leaving the dirty dishes on the sink.
“Are you sure you aren’t hungry, Qingqing? There’s nothing left for you to eat,” Qiao Lian said as she ate her Biang Biang noodles.
“You worry too much, Lian. Are you forgetting that my mother gave me some food packs I could eat here?” Shen Lingqing rested her chin on one hand, looking bored.
As if on cue, Fu Shuren served one of the food packs they brought with them, and her nose was assaulted by the mouthwatering scent of her favorite Chicken with Chopped Chili Sauce. Shen Lingqing opened her eyes and found the chicken dish that made her remember that she hadn’t eaten her lunch yet.
“Miss, Madam said that you shouldn’t miss your meals and eat on time. She told me that I am to report if you start skipping your meals again.” Fu Shuren gave her a pleading look. Ah, she might be Shen Lingqing’s bodyguard, but she was initially working for and had been employed by Madam Shen.
“Whoa, what scent is it? It smelled really good! Please let me have some, too! ” One of their staff members commented as she couldn’t help but turn around to see where the divine scent was coming from.
When she saw it was Director Shen’s lunch, her smile faltered and turned into an awkward one. She wasn’t expecting that it was coming from her boss’s direction.
“Whoa, Qingqing let me have some, too!” Qiao Lian said and didn’t wait for Shen Lingqing’s answer, taking a chicken from the serving bowl.