Chapter 852

If it weren't for Ning Chen's steadiness, he would likely have drooled.

"You can have a taste."

The sudden words left Ning Chen completely bewildered.

"But they haven't returned yet; this doesn't seem right."

Teacher San Lei continued joking, but seeing Ning Chen's stubbornness, he could do nothing.

"Then find a bag to cover it, otherwise the heat will dissipate."

His professionalism was top-notch; for every word from Teacher San Lei, Ning Chen was ready instantly, without a shred of hesitation.

After covering it, he returned to the kitchen and found Teacher San Lei wasn't cooking anymore; clearly, he was waiting for Ning Chen.

"You're back."

Ning Chen nodded.

"You understood the steps for the pickled fish just now, right? You watched the seasonings carefully too, didn't you?"

Ning Chen continued nodding.

"I watched very carefully just now; there wasn't a single mistake, so rest assured, Teacher San Lei."

Teacher San Lei happily crossed his arms.

"Then you give it a try. I've already cleaned the kitchen; it's time for you to show your skills."

"Ah..."

At that single "Ah," Teacher San Lei finally couldn't hold back his serious expression and burst out laughing.

"What 'ah'? You watched for so long, you must practice. There's still some time before they return."

Only then did Ning Chen understand Teacher San Lei's meaning, and he immediately tied on his apron.

The two stopped chatting and switched places.

Ning Chen became the cook, while Teacher San Lei became the observer.

"Go for it; I believe in you."

"Okay."

He replied to Teacher San Lei with absolute confidence, and Teacher San Lei was equally confident.

Ning Chen held the spatula and thought for a moment, then copied the steps with perfect form; almost every step was just right.

After processing the fish, he threw all the entrails and other items into the trash can.

He then stir-fried the scallion segments and minced garlic; the aroma wafted up, but Ning Chen soon smelled a burnt odor, which was very distinct.

He hadn't expected the wok to heat up so fast; this was something Ning Chen couldn't control.

"Put the fish in quickly!"

Hearing Teacher San Lei's shout, Ning Chen frantically threw in the processed fish without wiping it carefully.

The oil splattered everywhere; what he didn't want to happen ultimately did.

Hot oil splashed into Ning Chen's eyes; he just rubbed them twice and continued working.

Such normal behavior gave Teacher San Lei no reason to suspect anything.

【Brothers and sisters, did you notice the oil splashed into Ning Chen's eyes?】

【Now that you mention it, I noticed it too; Ning Chen's eyes look so red.】

The live stream erupted again, and this action proved Ning Chen's unconventional personality.

However, stubbornness is not advisable; for the final step, he kept rubbing his eyes.

Only then did Teacher San Lei notice the anomaly; stepping closer, he saw the bright red right eye revealed.

"Oh my, how did this happen? Did it splash into your eyes?"

Teacher San Lei was extremely anxious.

"I'm fine, Teacher San Lei; it was just a bit hot, but it's fine now."

He said he was fine, but his body involuntarily showed otherwise.

The body never lies.

"Your actions have betrayed your words; come with me obediently to disinfect and wash."

Turning off the fire, Teacher San Lei approached and found the pickled fish had reached its final step.

The taste was almost no different; only the scent of the minced garlic and scallion segments was slightly burnt.

But this wouldn't affect the food's flavor.

There was no time to worry about that now; after a momentary pause, Teacher San Lei continued supporting Ning Chen.

After washing again and dripping in eye drops, Teacher San Lei helped him into the room.

"Rest well; when everyone returns, they will wake you up."

Ning Chen nodded, showing no sign of resistance.

At that moment, Teacher San Lei left with a relieved heart.

Ning Chen lay on the bed in deep thought, feeling an emptiness in his heart.

He really didn't expect cooking to cause such trouble.

Thinking about it, Ning Chen almost laughed, but due to his eye problem, he closed his eyes and quickly fell asleep.

After an unknown period, Ning Chen was still woken up by Lin Yi.

"Ning Chen, Ning Chen, wake up quickly, it's time to eat."

Hearing his name called, Ning Chen thought he was dreaming and for a moment didn't even recognize Lin Yi.

"Hmm? Who are you? Why are you calling me?"

Lin Yi was bewildered.

"No way, did you sleep so hard you went stupid?"

In a flash, in an instant, consciousness returned.

"I'm Lin Yi, here to call you for a meal, let's go quickly."

He didn't speak much; not yet fully awake, he was dragged away.

Ning Chen's body resisted, yet Lin Yi kept dragging him.

Seeing the two empty seats left on the table, even with his mind unclear, he understood these were his and Lin Yi's seats.

He didn't know when he sat down, but the familiar scent restored his true consciousness.

Or rather, he felt much more energetic.

A large table full of dishes: fried small shrimp, pickled vegetable fish, Kung Pao chicken, and a braised eggplant.

That scent was the pickled vegetable fish taking center stage this time; a traditional dish, nothing rare.

Yet that scent was truly the grand finale.

However, the two plates of pickled vegetable fish left everyone quite puzzled.

"Why two plates of pickled vegetable fish? Could this be about polarization?"

Regarding Li Ying's question, Teacher San Lei and Ning Chen were best qualified to speak.

"This was made by me and Ning Chen; taste and try to guess which one I made and which one Ning Chen made."

Teacher San Lei explained very clearly and received high praise from everyone.

The scent of the pickled vegetable fish wafted up; after tasting both plates of pickled vegetable fish.

They raised their hands, each voicing their deepest opinion.

Opinions varied, yet the majority favored the pickled vegetable fish made by Ning Chen.

"Hurry and announce the answer; I can hardly wait."

Lin Yi's impatience flared up; if the final result wasn't known soon, he might go crazy.

Teacher San Lei looked at the two plates of pickled vegetable fish on the table.

"You chose the one made by Ning Chen."

Everyone was stunned!

Who would have thought Ning Chen actually had such culinary skills?