The sky!
It gradually darkened again.
A large piece of chicken thigh meat was especially tender and smooth, and the grilled Kyoto scallions were not soft at all, occasionally revealing a slight spiciness!
Similar to how beef is segmented, chicken is also meticulously segmented by the people of Japan.
Besides common chicken breast, chicken thighs, and chicken liver, even parts like chicken comb, gizzard skin, and even the chicken sleeve, the part connecting the wing to the breast, are specially separated and used for yakitori.
"Shopkeeper, I am now a third-year student in the advanced division."
"I should be able to graduate successfully in another year, and by then I want... I want to apply to be a kitchen helper at your Izakaya, is that okay?"
Rindo, who continued to eat yakitori, asked with a hint of unnaturalness on her face, a mix of anticipation and pride.
She had always been very confident in her own abilities, but in front of Sosuke, she felt very inferior.
"What?"
"You plan to work at the Izakaya?"
Sosuke was startled, then suddenly he came to his senses and understood what she meant!
...
Cooking!
This matter is influenced by many factors.
Therefore, if a chef's strength is quantified into five dimensions: initial talent, theoretical knowledge, on-the-spot experience, psychological quality, and special skills!
Then Rindo, representing the current Second Seat of the Elite Ten of Totsuki, can be called an all-around genius.
In the original plot, although there was no direct depiction of her struggle with Eishi Tsukasa for the Elite Ten selection, her position as the Second Seat does not necessarily prove that her strength is only second.
Just like in the 69th generation, Gin Dojima, the First Seat, was not necessarily stronger than Joichiro Saiba, the Second Seat!
From Sosuke's perspective, the Izakaya he operates will definitely continue to expand in the future and gradually develop into a place that can completely change the culinary era.
Of course, for now.
This goal is still very distant and cannot be achieved quickly overnight.
But it cannot be denied that throughout the entire process, it would be very difficult to achieve and maintain it with his strength alone.
Not to mention anything else, the continuous booming business of the Izakaya has already started to overwhelm him.
It is estimated that soon, Sosuke will have to hire assistants to help him manage this Izakaya.
"Kobayashi."
"Isn't there still a year?"
"It might be a bit early for you to make this request to me now."
"Who knows, maybe before you even graduate, Totsuki might suddenly have a coup, and you might almost fall from your Elite Ten position, you never know!"
Sosuke looked deeply at Rindo, shrugged his shoulders, and replied softly.
"So, you don't agree?"
Hearing these words, Rindo was inevitably a little disappointed.
Her unusual expression did not escape Sosuke's eyes, which surprised him a little.
After all, with Rindo's own talent and ability, no matter where she applied after graduation, she would be a highly sought-after candidate by various famous restaurants, eateries, and hotels.
Yet she was so persistent about his Izakaya; he didn't understand what kind of charm he possessed that was worth her foolish devotion.
But seeing her determination, Sosuke couldn't help but feel very happy.
"Don't overthink it."
"The Izakaya will definitely need talent like you in the future!"
"So what I mean is, I will always keep a kitchen helper position open, whether it's one year or two years, always waiting for you to come and work here!"
"Eh?"
"Really... Really?"
"Then let's pinky promise, no backing out, Shopkeeper!"
With that, Rindo made a gesture in front of Sosuke as if to make a pinky promise.
"Still a three-year-old child?"
"You don't trust my character, Sosuke, do you?"
Seeing this, Sosuke didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
But in the end, he still extended his pinky finger and made a pinky promise with her, forming an oral agreement.
...
12 AM.
The Izakaya finally closed.
Although she still had many things she wanted to tell Sosuke at this time, the sensible Rindo knew that there would be plenty of opportunities in the future, so she temporarily kept these words in her heart.
Then, she paid her bill and reluctantly left the Izakaya.
At this moment, Sosuke, who was preparing to close, watched her departing back and couldn't help but sigh deeply.
Just imagine if Rindo, Akikubo Momo, Tadokoro Megumi, Yoshino Yuki, Sakaki Ryoko, and all these Far Moon students worked at his Izakaya and earned money for him...
Although wishes are always beautiful, reality might not be as satisfying.
But thinking about it carefully, if he could put in more effort, such a wonderful thing should still be achievable, right?
Finally.
Sosuke, slightly sorted out his complex emotions.
Then he turned around and continued to busy himself, preparing to close!
...
"Shopkeeper."
"Quick, quick... quickly save me!"
Unexpectedly.
Just as he turned around.
Annie, in a hurry, stumbled into the Izakaya, supporting a very weak Mana.
Hearing such anxious voices behind him, Sosuke frowned slightly and quickly turned his head to look back.
He was nearly startled when he saw her!
Mana was trembling all over, her face was flushed, and she was constantly breaking out in hot sweat, appearing extremely weak.
Upon seeing Sosuke, her dim eyes seemed to see hope, instantly brightening.
However, due to her physical weakness, that heavy dizzy sensation began to rush to her head again.
She couldn't help but slump backward, even with Annie's support.
Seeing this, Sosuke flashed to Mana's side with a whoosh, steadily supporting her.
Then, he led her to a seat and couldn't help but reach out to touch her forehead.
Hot!
It was really hot!
It was so hot that he could only quickly withdraw his hand and say, "What's going on?"
"Didn't she eat Comet Fried Rice? Her physical condition should have improved, so why is she like this?"
"I'm not very clear either."
"Perhaps her anorexia has acted up again?"
Annie stammered.
And Mana began rubbing her temples; her head felt as if it contained several stones, rattling when she moved, making her feel incredibly uncomfortable.
Of course, what was even more uncomfortable was the heat all over her body, making her face flush, and all she could think about was the dishes Sosuke made!
"No!"
"I really can't take it anymore!"
"Sosuke, quick... quickly give it to me... quickly give it to me..."
Using the last bit of her strength to barely stand up.
Then, Mana tightly grabbed Sosuke's arm with both hands, and pink "hearts" reappeared in her eyes.
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