Chapter 74: The Canteen Commotion

Chapter 74: Cafeteria Turmoil

“I want something delicious!” Akanaara said with a mischievous smile. “Consider it hush money!” Ye Tian was speechless—whoever claimed girls who love books are always bookworms had clearly never met this little devil before him, the kind without wings.

“Fine, just this once!” Ye Tian could only relent, paying the price to keep her quiet. “Let me bandage you up,” the girl offered. “No need, it’ll heal soon enough!” Ye Tian replied with a smile.

The dining hall at Feipuli Academy was vast, as big as a training field; thousands of students could sit inside without feeling crowded at all. “Let’s sit here.” Akanaara cheerfully chose a spot by the window.

“Wait here, I’ll check out the kitchen.” The young nobles here could freely order food, or have their own stewards or maidservants prepare their favorite dishes. Akanaara clearly expected Ye Tian to present her with a grand meal.

“Hey, servants aren’t allowed in here!” A chef stepped in front of Ye Tian. The kitchen staff operated under a different system than Ye Tian and his fellow servants; feeling they catered to future magicians, they looked down on other servants.

“I’m preparing food for Miss Akanaara,” Ye Tian explained with a smile. “Oh, all right, but you can’t touch those ingredients!” The chef pointed to a pile of fresh food. “So which ones am I allowed to use?” Ye Tian asked, resigned. Why did trouble find him everywhere?

“These, and these, but remember—don’t let anyone else take anything, don’t use the knives at random, and don’t touch the stove. Honestly, I doubt you even know how to cook,” the chef said disdainfully.

“That’s not your concern,” Ye Tian replied with a smile, gesturing toward a heap of lamb. “Is anyone using this?” “Yes.” “How about this?” Ye Tian pointed at the offal, which the chef intended to discard. “No.” “And this?” “Yes.” “This?” “No.” After nearly fifteen minutes, Ye Tian finally collected what he needed, stretched his limbs, and got to work under the watching eyes of the kitchen staff.

After washing the ingredients, Ye Tian drew a cleaver from his belt—one he always carried. The surrounding chefs laughed at its small size, but Ye Tian merely smiled and began chopping.

In moments, to everyone’s amazement, the ingredients were diced and sliced perfectly. Once everything was ready, Ye Tian lit the stove and poured in oil. The cooks here used chunky frying pans, but Ye Tian preferred a large iron pot he’d spotted earlier and carried it over easily.

Watching Ye Tian lift the iron pot, which normally took two people, the chef who’d mocked him earlier broke into a cold sweat. Just how strong was this young man?

Humming a cheerful tune, Ye Tian busied himself: stir-fried cabbage, spicy shredded potatoes—mostly vegetarian dishes, with the only meat being stir-fried lamb offal, which nobody else wanted. He finished these dishes and made a seaweed egg soup, then carried everything out together.

Two large platters, trailing a mouthwatering aroma, drew attention as Ye Tian approached Akanaara, smiling, and presented the array of delicacies before her. “It smells wonderful!”

“That’s because I made it,” Ye Tian said with a hint of pride. “Go ahead and eat.” “Why are they all vegetables?” Akanaara complained, disappointed her favorite chicken was missing. “They wouldn’t let me use anything else, so this is all I could make. Make do,” Ye Tian replied casually.

“What? They won’t let me have what I want?” Don’t think Akanaara is a docile girl—when she’s angry, she rivals an ice queen; perhaps all magicians are like this. She sprang up, ready to storm the kitchen!

“Come on, give it a rest,” Ye Tian hurried to block her. “Try it first—food’s best when it’s hot.” He forced her, still struggling, back into her seat. “Taste it, taste it!”

“Hmph, I’ll help you settle the score after I finish eating!” she said angrily. “Sure, sure—eat first.” Ye Tian gave in. The girl carefully speared a piece of stir-fried cauliflower and took a cautious bite.

“Ow! So spicy!” Ye Tian frowned—he’d made it only moderately spicy, enough for most people. Why was she complaining? “Akanaara, can’t you handle spicy food?” Ye Tian suddenly asked. Some people can never tolerate certain foods; apparently, chili was hers.

“No, no,” she protested, reaching for another bite. “Have some soup!” Her hand slipped, and the fork ended up in Ye Tian’s hand. Smiling, he ladled her a bowl of soup. “Hmph, villain!”

“If I’m a villain, so be it!” Ye Tian chuckled, handing her the soup. “Try it.” She sniffed a few times, then snatched the bowl and sipped a spoonful slowly. “Delicious!”

“Then drink more.” Ye Tian placed the bowl in front of her. “I want to eat the dishes!” Akanaara eyed the table full of food, dissatisfied. “Don’t worry, next time I’ll make something more to your taste,” Ye Tian promised.

“Hmph!” she grumbled. Just then, a beautiful girl stood demurely before Ye Tian. “I wanted to ask if you’d be willing to be my steward?” Before she finished, several girls nearby seemed ready to crowd in; the aroma from Ye Tian’s table was intoxicating.

“Sorry...” “No, he’s my exclusive steward,” Akanaara protested. “Oh, never mind then.” The girl glanced longingly at Ye Tian before leaving, evoking sympathy.

“Hmph, what, are you tempted now?” Akanaara complained. “No, just thinking being a steward pays well,” Ye Tian joked. “Fine, then be my exclusive steward.”

“No thanks, I don’t have the time,” Ye Tian laughed. “I’d rather spend it reading.” “Why are you so obsessed with spatial magic? Why must you study miracles?” she pressed again.

“I told you, I’m searching for a way home. Now, the soup will get cold; let’s head back.” “But I’m not full yet!” Akanaara grumbled, eyeing the untouched feast.

“We’ll go back now. Later, I’ll make you a beggar’s chicken and deliver it. How about that?” Ye Tian relented. “Yes, yes!” Akanaara unconsciously licked her lips. “You’re okay with chicken, right? Never mind, I’ll check you later.” Ye Tian decided to take her pulse.

“It’s fine, really—just no chili,” she quickly assured him. “Understood. Let me take you back,” Ye Tian said. “So, you don’t want the beggar’s chicken anymore?”

“Fine.” She cast a lingering glance at the table, but helplessly followed Ye Tian back. After escorting her to the library, Ye Tian returned to the servants’ cafeteria to fetch several chickens. It was nice to be on his own turf—everyone was welcoming, even offering to help, far better than those arrogant chefs.

Digging a pit and mixing mud, Ye Tian squatted inside, blowing on the fire. Thick smoke billowed—someone might think there was a fire. He’d chosen a secluded spot, so there was no worry. “Oh, and this.” He’d noticed some sweet potatoes earlier and grabbed a few—they’d be easy to cook.

He tossed them in, found a stick, and poked at the sweet potatoes. Soon, the aroma wafted out. Suddenly, Ye Tian spotted a small foot—the angry Leila!

“What’s wrong?” Ye Tian was surprised; he’d never seen her upset before. “So you’re making food for Miss Akanaara!” Leila pouted. “Wait a second,” Ye Tian quickly fished out the sweet potatoes. “Want to try one?”

“No!” She turned her gaze away, sulking. “Why is your room such a mess?” “Oh, my enemies blocked my door this morning,” Ye Tian replied cheerfully. “Try it—it’s really good.” He peeled one gently, releasing a sweet fragrance.

“Really not interested?” Ye Tian waved the potato under her nose, grinning. She sniffed, then snatched it. “Why not eat?”

“Careful, it’s hot!” Ye Tian warned, but Leila took a big bite, immediately sticking out her tongue from the heat, tears welling in her eyes. “Honestly, why so rushed?” Ye Tian rummaged through his belongings, pulling out a jade box containing snowy ointment. “Lick this.”

She obeyed, finding it cool and sweet. “What is it?” Leila asked curiously. “A good thing—Snowy Jade Cream, for hemorrhoids!” Ye Tian answered mischievously. With a gulp, he rolled away.

“So this is the roast chicken you’re making for Miss Akanaara?” Leila eyed the mud lumps, asking Ye Tian as he got up. “Yes, want to try?” Ye Tian grinned.

“No, it’s for someone else—I don’t want it.” She nibbled her sweet potato, sulking. “Come on, nobody is as important as you.” Ye Tian checked the fire. “Wait a bit more.”

“Hey, Gray, can I ask you something?” she said, chewing the sweet potato. “Go ahead.” Ye Tian adjusted the flames—just a bit longer, and he’d need to turn the heat down.

“What’s going on between you and Miss Liphier?” she asked, lowering her head. “Ah, she dragged me out shopping, then asked me to deliver her purchases to her room. I got annoyed, tossed the stuff aside, and left,” Ye Tian explained.

Leila’s jaw nearly dropped. Ye Tian had actually left Liphier behind and gone home himself—if her admirers knew, they’d tear him apart! But her doubts were cleared, and she happily munched her sweet potato. Surprisingly, it was quite tasty.