Chapter 28: Chapter 26
After spending the night searching through my fridge and coming up with new concepts, I headed to bed for a few hours of sleep.
My alarm rings at 7AM as usual, and I start my morning routine before heading to the restaurant.
'Last night, I learnt a lot more about how the system concept function operates. One is that it that the recipe concept that I concoct must be really well-defined', whilst heading to the restaurant I reflect on my experiences.
'I found it a lot easier to picture a recipe when I had ingredients in front of me'
'I guess my lack of experience in using different methods and ingredients is holding me back'
I arrive at the restaurant and head straight to Sofia's office *knock* *knock* "Sofia, it's Rin. Can I come in?"
"Ah come in Rin" I hear Sofia's voice and enter the office.
"Good morning Rin. How are you?" Sofia greets me with a smile and then gestures for me to sit down.
I sit down on the seat across from her and say, "I'm good. I know that Roberto's assistant will be back today, so can I ask what are your plans for me?"
"This will be your last week, so I want you to shadow me for the evening shift. I want you to read through this book. I'll test you later this evening, so study diligently."
"The Essentials of Classical Italian Cooking" I murmur as I inspect the front cover of the book.
"I've taught you a lot so far in terms of general cooking methods, but this book goes more into detail for Italian cooking. This book is one that I also used whilst in my teens."
"Because the restaurant is becoming busier of late, I unfortunately can't spare much time to teach you these things. But don't worry, after the evening shift ill test you and give you any pointers if I see any mistakes"
The week flew by and before I knew it, it was already the 31st of July, making it my last day at the restaurant before heading to Europe.
'Is it my last day already?'
'I spent most of the week learning more about Italian cooking techniques. Sophia's lessons really do help, but I feel like I need more practical experience.'
I enter the kitchen at the usual time in the morning and I am greeted like usual before the restaurant opens for business.
*Clap* *clap* "Everybody can I have your attention" Around 9:30AM, Sofia enters the kitchen and claps loud enough to capture the kitchen staff's attention.
"As most of you know, today is the last day that Rin will work in the restaurant so well be holding a little goodbye party after the restaurant closes. I ask that if you can spare some time, then please stay after the evening shift for a little while to say goodbye to him" Sofia says loudly as the kitchen staff looks at her.
The day went relatively quick, with the usual role of helping here and there when things got busier. Before I knew it, it was 9PM, and the restaurant was closing for the night.
"Right! Let's close up" Sofia's voice rings through the kitchen. After cleaning the kitchen, we all gather in the main hall for the goodbye party.
*Clink* *clink* Sofia knocks a knife against her glass in order to get everyone's attention.
"Right! As you all know, Rin will leave for Europe tomorrow, so this was his last day as a member of our restaurant."
"Rin has spent the last couple of months with us and I'm sure that we all agree that it has been a joy to have him around. In a couple months of time, he will take part in a tournament and will represent myself thus also this restaurant."
"Let's wish him luck" She smiles at me whilst saying this.
"The arrogant fella doesn't need our luck. Oi Rin, you better win!" Roberto's loud voice interrupts her speech.
"Haha Rin. Although we all don't doubt you'll win the tournament, don't get too arrogant or I'll personally scold you when you come back" laughter rang out around the restaurant as Emma shouts playfully with a smile on her face.
Hearing Roberto and Emma, I stand up "Alright alight. I'll win the tournament. If I feel like it, I might give you all an autograph when I come back" I smile playfully as I look around at the staff.
"Hahaha" The party went on for a few hours before we called it a night. As the staff continued to leave, I gave them a hug until it was only me and Sofia left in the restaurant.
"Rin" Sofia calls my name out warmly.
"Honestly, watching how much you have grown other the past couple of months I can't help but feel jealous of your talent. I know you don't need it, but I just want to wish you good luck in advance for the tournament."
"But no matter what happens, I'll be proud of you" I see her eyes glaze over as she smiles at me.
"Sofia, thanks for everything over the past couple of months. If I didn't have a chef of your calibre teach me, then I wouldn't have been able to improve anywhere near as much as I have," I respond with a smile and slightly bow as I thank her.
"Rin, I'm sure if your mother and father could see you right now, they would definitely be proud of you."
I look at her warmly and then hug the brunette as a couple of tears run from her eyes.
"Aw, don't cry, I'll be coming back to Japan so it's not like I'm leaving forever" I say whilst hugging her.
After a minute we both separate from the hug "Look at me, I'm supposed to be the adult yet I'm crying like a kid"
"Yup" I agree with her and she gives me a light punch on the arm in retaliation.
We talk for a little longer before I call Ayato and he drives me back to the condo.
"Alfred, is everything organised for the flight tomorrow?" I enter the condo and see the old man sat on the sofa watching TV.
"Hello master Rin" the old man greets me with a warm smile. "Yes, everything is organised on my end, you just need to pack the luggage you need".
"Ah, okay. Well, I'll get started with packing then. What time will our ride to the airport be coming?"
"Around 3PM, so there's still plenty of time to pack your luggage."
"Okay, I'll pack then. Goodnight, Alfred" I say to the old butler before heading back to my room to pack.
I spent the night packing clothes for my trip before heading to sleep.
My alarm rings at 9AM and I start my usual morning routine of having a workout and then showering. The rest of the morning, I relaxed and watch TV.
I see Alfred just before 3PM, and we head down to the private parking area with our luggage. I see a black Mercedes SUV parked in the usual spot and a Japanese man I had become quite familiar with slightly leaning on the car before he heads towards us.
"Good afternoon Yamashita-sama, Alfred-sama. May I take your luggage?"
"Good afternoon Ayato" I smile and let the man take our luggage.
"Ayato, what time are we expected to arrive at the airport?" I ask the man after he enters the car.
Ayato looks at me through the rear-view mirror and says, "I expect it to take around an hour, so we should arrive at 4:20PM".
We arrive at the airport ready to check in, then head towards the VIP lounge to wait for the gates to open.
"Alfred, so what has your experience been like with the current CEO of my father's company?" I ask the old butler as we both sit down.
"Well, his name is Matteo Nägeli. I have seen and talked to him many times. He would often visit your father and have dinner at your manor in Switzerland."
"From what I can tell he's a sincere man, and he deeply cared for your father."
"His responsibilities have increased dramatically since your father died. His relationship with your father was like that of brothers, and I know it hit him hard when your father died."
"He used to call often to see how you were, but as you've been in Japan, he couldn't keep up regular contact and focused on maintaining the business" the old man explains gives his opinion on Matteo and we further talk about our plans in Switzerland.
We continue talking for an hour before the gates open and we get on the plane.
"Flying first class really is something I'm never going to tire of" I admire the first-class section of the airplane before sitting down as I wait for the plane to take flight.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone