Lisa thought Jungkook would refuse, and didn't think that he would walk slowly towards Montgomery's direction instead.
"then I shall taste, what is in this drink."
Jungkook received the glass from Montgomery, and swished the cup a little. His demeanour was indifferent and quiet, his facial features endlessly elegant, even the action of swishing the glass was like he was going to taste vintage wines.
Everyone's gazes consciously followed.
When he nodded to put the glass to his lips, Lisa started getting nervous.
She knew that all the flavours, no matter how slight, would be magnified unlimitedly. She felt that things she thought tasted horrible, to Jungkook, will be disaster.
Jungkook only had a tiny sip, the whole scene of the party was silent, with only an occasional sound of children playing.
Lisa saw his throat move slightly, down the smooth lines, it was beautiful and sexy.
His eyebrows didn't even lift, and his calmly said: "the sourness comes from grapefruit, raspberry, kiwi, the fishy taste comes from kelp, even though Garlic, green onions and leeks were used to attempt to cover the fishy smell, the taste is still obvious. The bitterness comes from bitter gourd and lemon peel. And the spiciness is because of mustard and Artemisia.
Excuse me, are my answers correct, teacher Montgomery?"
This was Jungkook's precise taste deconstruction.
Montgomery touched palmed his forehead regretfully: "only a little sip and you're able to taste all the ingredients? I was looking forward to having you drink this whole cup ne!"
"Very sorry, for disappointing you."
Jungkook's voice was very calm, but the looks from everyone when they gazed over were full of shock and respect.
Here, no one will look down on Jungkook because of his blindness, because they knew Jungkook's true ability and talent far surpasses their imagination.
"your sense of taste seems to be more sensitive that a few years ago. But do you want to know the results of the win and loss between Bruce and Lisa?" Montgomery smiled rubbing his chin.
"Not only did she win Bruce, she also wrote down all the right answers." Jungkook's voice, was neither sad nor happy, steady as a mountain.
"You're so sure?"
"I'm sure." Jungkook's voice calm as always.
Lisa looked at his side profile, and never thought that he would actually have so much faith in her sense of taste.
"Alright ba, Lisa did indeed write all the answers correctly. Even the trickiest ingredients, Houttuynia and Artemisia." Montgomery went to Lisa and patted her shoulder, "I never thought you'd one day undertake a student, but at least now, I know why you've only selected Lisa."
Montgomery had said these words simply, but the gazes of the people surrounding them towards Lisa changed.
They no longer held slight curiosity or indifference to a nobody, their gazes had admiration, observance and even examination towards her.
Even Bruce walked over to shake Lisa's hand: "looks like the 'Masters competition' will have a scary opponent like you. For the remaining 2 months, I will need to work hard!"
Lisa was a little in disbelieve, she had only tasted all the ingredients in the drink, why were the expressions of everyone towards her like they had seen the emperor penguin in Africa?
And Iris' gazes had gotten even colder.
Montgomery went to David, the food association's president, and asked smiling: "Hey, David, what did you think about the food for the party today?"
Lisa saw David and hurriedly look away, you gotta know, she poisoned him with the chaos of the tomato and eggs stew. Wish that he'd already forgotten her!
"En...... even though I know that it's not from you, it tastes pretty good."
"if it were a Michelin gourmet spy, what kind of evaluation will they give the food here?"
"Sorry, I'm not a gourmet spy. But ...... I think the creamy carrot soup can receive at least a knife and fork evaluation. As for the other foods, they too are delicious." David did not purposely give excessive praise to the food at the birthday party just because of Montgomery's status in the industry."
"Ah ha, thank you. Mrs Smith, what do you think?"
"As for me, I thought the 'pig in the blanket' was done really well." Mrs Smith smiled, "Alright, the food at the party can't be what Monica prepared specially for you ba?"
"No, it was prepared by my grandson Bruce! You must know that just a month ago, he had zero knowledge about the thing of the kitchen. But ever since that 'Masters show' his improvement has been amazing!" while talking about Bruce, Montgomery's facial expression was full of pride.
David was extremely shocked: "Oh my god ah, I have a very deep impression of the baked lamb chops Bruce made that time! That flavour was totally from the depths of hell! But to have prepared everything today is too shocking! Bruce, you are indeed Montgomery's grandson, the gene for controlling ingredients flows in your blood!"
Everyone started murmuring. And Iris went up to Bruce, praising him and at the same time exchanging cooking techniques, in a moment, Bruce became the focus of the party. many asked who his mentor for the masters show was, and under everyone's praise, he kept reason, and was sealed as a bottle.
No one noticed Lisa, she too half a step back.
"if the taste in the mouth is unbearable, you can try the baileys cake."
The cool voice was like a wind that passed by slowly.
Lisa looked over, and realised that Jungkook was actually standing beside her.
When everyone was focusing on Bruce, Jungkook had remembered her existence.
At this time, Song Yi Ran came over, he looked at Jungkook, then said to Lisa: "Open your mouth."
"Ah?" Lisa hadn't had time to react, and a jelly bean was thrown into her mouth by Song Yi Ran, the sweet milky fragrance spread all over her tongue.
His laziness and comfort formed a very sharp contrast against Jungkook's introverted cold.
"I never thought I'd see you here." Jungkook calmly said.
"What?" Lisa looked at Song Yi Ran, then looked at Jungkook, "You know each other?"
"I've only had the chance to dine at Mr Jeon's restaurant. The food he cooked, had an unforgettable fragrance."
"You've been to Mr Jeon's restaurant?" Lisa looked at Song Yi Ran, and thought that this rascal had an 80 percent chance that he had a new girlfriend, and went to the high-class dining restaurant to burn money.
Song Yi Ran smiled without answering, Jungkook only held on to the cane, a face of calm.
Even if it was under this kind of quiet atmosphere, Lisa still felt the surging undercurrent between the two of them.
Good thing Montgomery had another plan of a new game for the guests, the atmosphere got lively again. And Iris had found a new reason to bring Jungkook away.
Lisa and Song Yi Ran leaned against the dining table, not bothering about the noisy scene in front of them.
"So, your mysterious teacher is Jungkook?"
"en."
"in the Chinese food industry, he is the leading man, a chef recognised by European and American food sector, is said to be the uncrowned king."
"this is the first time I've heard you give such great acknowledgement to anyone."
"then, you're staying in his villa." Song Yi Ran tilted his head, and used that pair of that inexplicably heart wavering eyes to look at Lisa.
When the light fell on his forehead, his nose, his person looked transparent and clean.
"Right ah. but there are 2 more months, and I'll be moving out."
"didn't you say, that staying with him is tiring?"
"ah...... a little......"
Excessive, eccentric, overachieving silence and what not is indeed really annoying.
But...... she doesn't hate him at all.
"Then do you wanna stay with me?" Song Yi Ran turned and smiled asking.
"You? Aren't you staying at Manhattan? It's so far from Jungkook's villa! If he suddenly feels like teaching me or something, I'd still have to rush over from Manhattan? Forget it ba......" just thinking about it made Lisa feel it's too much toil.
"Then...... wait till Montgomery's party is over, do you wanna go back to New York with me?"
"Mr Jeon has probably already booked a flight back to New York." Lisa shrugged her shoulders.
"Alright ba, I've lost to Jungkook." Song Yi Ran sighed helplessly.
"this makes it sound like you like me." Lisa clicked.
"I've always liked you ah."
Song Yi Ran lifted his head halfway, his voice was a little sad, and a little frustrated.
Lisa's heart felt like it was suddenly given a squeeze.
He always used such a light and calm voice to say such important things.
And now, with such a serious expression, Lisa knew better than to take it seriously.
"Continue acting ba! Life is like a play, a play is like life!" Lisa purposely used a ferocious voice to say.
Montgomery's party ended, Lisa went with Jungkook to the airport, to get ready to board the flight to New York.
Before boarding, Lisa as usual made a trip to the washroom.
While she was washing her hands, Iris walked in too. Lisa had thought at first that Iris wouldn't talk to her, because the women's sixth sense told her, that Iris really hated her right now. But unexpectedly, Iris went up to Lisa.
"Montgomery's party is really exhausting ba?" she said smiling.
"Ah...... yes."
"En, many people wish to and are afraid of going to his party. To be able to be invited by him, means that he recognises the status of the person in the industry. But he is an infamous trickster, teasing and provoking people every year on his birthday."
"Right ah." Lisa wanted to leave.
But Iris spoke again: "Bruce surprised everyone. Even though he's close to his grandfather, he has never been interested in cooking and food. But this time, he was able to plan and entertain a lunch party for over 50 guests of the restaurant industry elites and large figureheads, everyone never gave any negative view, can see that it's evident that he has the ability. No matter who his mentor is, his ability is enough for him to enter the top 5 of the competition. But what about you? Lisa, if it were you, would you have been able to do what Bruce did?"
Lisa was stunned, she frowned: "Chef Quentin, what are you trying to say?"
If you have anything you are displeased with, please be upfront about it, if you hate Lisa then don't get close to her, and even more so, don't say ambiguous words and what not that need people to figure the meaning, her English isn't that good.
"What I want to say is, maybe Mr Jeon didn't bring this up seriously before, but as long as you stand on the competition grounds of 'Masters show', everyone will know that you're Jungkook's student! Your standard does not only represent you, it includes Mr Jeon. Can you cook a complete dish? Can you fulfill the pickiness of every guest today? Maybe, your exceptional sense is the reason that made Mr Jeon notice you and be willing to mentor you, but do you think it's enough to only have this?"
One of Iris' hands adhered to the sink, facing Lisa.
In her eyes was strong oppression that she'd never experienced before, in front of her, it was like she was an ant that could be easily stepped to death.
"do you think that if you work hard now, you'd be able to catch up to Bruce? Bruce is only one of the 10 contestants in the competition, there are other competitors that are mentored by other great chefs. Even though their initial cooking skills is as bad as yours, they have very strong plasticity, the will be like a sponge and absorb all information that has to do with food and improve quickly. You? Compared to where you started, is your improvement enough?"
Lisa didn't answer Iris, because she couldn't answer.
Bruce...... after all, he's Montgomery's grandson, under Montgomery's influence, compared to others he's obviously at more of an advantage.
"you are only dawdling around at Mr Jeon's. your goal has never been to be the top 3 in the competition, you only wish to go as far as you can, you only see those prizes of a few thousand USD. You have no pursuit for the culinary arts, you don't even understand the art of food! You don't have the heart of dedication to winning, with you like this, you've already lost from the start!"
"I know you don't like me, and because of Mr Jeon's tutelage and care it has made you uncomfortable, but...... you don't really understand me, so please don't be in such a hurry to criticise me." Lisa fastened the edge of the basin.
It was the first time she was so peeved, this kind of anger was totally different from when girls who used to like Song Yi Ran bothered her.
Her chest felt really suffocated, to Iris, she was just a clown!
Then what did she study cooking books till late at night for? Then what did it mean when she stayed in the kitchen for a whole night just to make a bowl of mushroom pork noodles that Jungkook would be pleased with? Stay by Jungkook, this ice block's side just for a few thousand USD?
"indeed, I don't understand you, but I understand Jungkook. I understand the hard work he put in to get all he has today, whether it's the recognition from the food industry or the respect from the gourmets. He's perfect, at least he's currently so in the food industry. Every dish he makes is flawless. And you, when you are eliminated from the 'masters show', you will give him his first flaw."
After saying so, Iris used a paper towel to wipe her hands, and walked out of the washroom.
At the moment she brushed past Lisa, for the first time, Lisa felt like she was going to split apart.
She suddenly didn't know how to walk, and could only hold onto the sides of the basin, lowering her head. She shouldn't let her feelings be influenced by Iris.
But Iris was speaking the truth, she knew that.
The perfection of Jungkook, Lisa may not have known in the past, she hated his coldness, his indifference, his pride, his dedication...... but every second she stayed at his side, he gained another point of perfection in her heart.
She couldn't imagine how Jungkook went through the 8 lonely years, she only saw the scars between his slender and elegant fingers.
All the respect and honour that he had won, wasn't easily gained.
And with her like this, how could she represent him?
If she lost, and be eliminated even before entering the top 8, how will people talk about Jungkook?
Maybe everyone will say, Jungkook is a legend, but he too has a limit...... unlike Montgomery who has many outstanding students, Jungkook can't even produce a decent chef? And to correct this flaw, will he need to use many years and much hard work again?
No...... no......
Lisa shook her head. She was only a nobody, how would she be able to cause such a huge impact on Jungkook's life.
Even so, Lisa's eyes inexplicably teared.
She could stay in the same villa as Jungkook, follow him and even walk beside him...... but she will always be so far away from him.
He knew that even if she lost, and no matter how much everyone will talk, he will be immune to fame and fortune, wonderfully alone.
Lisa looked up, and let the tears return to her eyes, she wiped her face clean, forced a smile, and walked out of the washroom.
In the vip hall, Jungkook sat on the sofa, and Iris held the newspaper and read the news to him.
Iris knew all of Jungkook's habits and likes, knew what he needed at what time, and knew how to go about respecting him.
Unlike her, a reckless intruder.
Lisa sat quietly not far away from him, and lowered her head scrolling her phone.
She started searching for specific information pertaining to 'Masters show', like the results of forfeiting the competition.
She knew that she'd signed a contract, and there was a clause, that if she were to withdraw from the competition, she'd have to get the agreement of the mentor, because the mentor would then be faced with 2 options. The first, is to directly abandon the competition; the second choice is to accept another student that the committee arranges, but the time frame will not change. If Lisa were to abandon the competition now, Jungkook will be left with only 2 months to teach the other student.
Lisa exhaled, even though it was only a thought of the moment, but no matter how she thought about it, if she were to withdraw or give up at this point, it'd be irresponsible towards Jungkook.
of course...... if he were willing to withdraw......
originally, he wasn't willing to mentor her ba? It was only because Mayer had brought her to see him, and he discovered that she didn't believe in his ability. With Jungkook's personality, complete disdain for this kind of competition.
"Lisa."
Jungkook's voice sounded at her ear.
"Yes?" all of Lisa's thoughts were captured by the other party's voice, lifting her head up, she saw Jungkook's beautifully handsome face.
When did he walk over?
"they've already started boarding." After saying so, Jungkook then walked slowly towards the tunnel.
"called you many times before, and only saw you staring blankly at your phone."
Iris smiled meaningfully. She obviously knew the reason for Lisa's daydreaming.
She confirmed that she had affected Lisa's mood.
Lisa inhaled, and stood up, following Jungkook.
This time in first class, Lisa's seat was next to Jungkook's, and Iris' seat was on the opposite side.
"I'll swop with Iris ba."
Lisa planned with good grace to give her seat to Iris. She and Jungkook had more in common, and knew how to take care of him.
As Iris was about to agree, Lisa's wrist was steadily held on to.
That kind of feeling and strength, was the same as before that game, when she wanted to move to the other side of Song Yi Ran but was grabbed on by Jungkook.
"Mr Jeon?"
"Just sit here, there's no need to swop."
"Right ah, it's only reading the papers and things like that, you can do it too." Even though Iris said so, her gaze was the kind that gave Lisa an uncomfortable feeling.
Lisa could only take a seat.
The plane took off, the cabin crew checked that everyone had their seat belt on, and started broadcasting the safety instructions.
And all of Lisa's feeling was focused on the Jungkook who was beside her. His indifferent and handsome side profile, made people uncontrollably stare at him.
Her hand rested gently on the armrest, the roar of the engine at her ear, the slight tilt of her body, and the take-off started.
At that moment, something covered the back of her hand, that safe and familiar yet a little unfamiliar warmth made Lisa turn her head. She never thought, that Jungkook too would be facing her direction slightly.
Even though the engine was loud, she could hear clearly, he was asking her: "What's up with you?"
Lisa looked at him, he said it in mandarin, and chose this moment, like it was so that she could understand, and planned that only she could hear.
The world that Iris carved for the both of them, Lisa always felt that she could never enter.
But at this moment, Lisa had a notion that Jungkook had purposely carved a world that belonged only to her.
"Nothing." Lisa replied smiling.